Description

Capsicums are beautifully colored fruits that are named differently according to where it comes from. In Britain, they are called chilli peppers, red or green pepper (by the color) or sweet pepper.

In US and Canada, they are called bell peppers. In Australia and Asia, they are known as capsicum; and in some countries they are even called paprika (where paprika powder is derived from). Cayenne and jalapeno are the “hotter” versions.

Capsicums come in a variety of colors: Green and purple are more pungent and taste slightly bitter. Red, orange and yellow are milder flavored, sweeter, and pleasant to the taste. The red peppers are really green peppers which have been left to ripen on the vine. So green is simply the unripe version of the red.

Botanically, capsicums or bell peppers are fruits as they have seeds. However, they are widely used for cooking, so culinary-wise, they are accepted as a vegetable.

Nutritional Benefits

The stronger the color of the bell peppers, the higher the concentration level of anti-oxidants. A small bell pepper could provide up to three times more of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C, much more than any citrus food.

Each color of the bell peppers have different phytochemicals and provide different nutrients. Consumption of the variety of the colored peppers are recommended in order to benefit from all the nutrients.

• Yellow: lutein, zeaxanthin
• Red: astaxanthin, lycopene
• Orange: alpha, beta and gamma-carotene
• Purple: anthocyanin

Bell peppers have very high content of vitamin A, C and E (all anti-oxidants) that help to effectively neutralize free radicals. Anti-oxidants protects the body from carcinogenic and toxic substances. Just by this virtue alone, it is a good remedy for many health problems.

This fruit also has almost the whole range of vitamin B complex (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9). Other minerals are potassium, manganese, thiamine, molybdenum, trytophan, copper, cobalt and zinc.

Health Benefits

Capsicums have been used for its medicinal values since ancient times but have only recently been documented by medical science. And what research has found are remarkable healing virtues.

Bell pepper, or capsicum, is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available. By itself, capsicum has so many healing properties, but when taken together with other herbs, fruits and vegetables, the nutrients absorption are multiplied hundredfold.



Here are only some of the benefits of taking capsicum, and we have only scratched the surface:

1. Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal:  The anti-septic properties in capsicum makes it effective in fighting food poisoning. Coupled with a good supply of probiotics, yeast and fungal infection problems, like ring-worm, shingles, athlete’s foot, etc. can be easily eliminated.

2. Anti-aging:  We all know that anti-oxidant is highly effective in helping to protect the skin from free radical damage known to cause signs of aging.

3. Blood clots, prevent:  The very high content of vitamin C in capsicum makes it very effective in preventing blood clot, thus preventing strokes.

4. Cancer, prevent:  All the colored capsicums contain very high anti-oxidant and phytonutrients that are especially helpful in preventing cancers of the bladder, cervix, pancreas and prostate.

5. Cholesterol:  These colorful juices can significantly help to reduce cholesterol. The concentrated anti-oxidant fights oxidative stress that is the main culprit in oxidizing the LDLs in our blood. In the process, it also retards the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and lower blood pressure.

6. Cold feet:  During the winter when you have cold feet, cut up capsicum and put them in the socks. The mild “hot” will help keep your feet nicely warm.

7. Digestive system:  Capsicum is a stimulant herb. It helps relieve gastrointestinal problems like indigestion, stomach ulcers, colic, dyspepsia, diarrhea and even help reduce excessive flatulence.

8. Immune system:  The strong content of vitamin C stimulates white cells to fight infection, naturally building a good immune system.

9. Metabolism, enhanced:  Increases our body metabolism by lowering triglycerides which are stored in our body fats. This helps to burn calories more effectively.

10. Nose bleeding:  The rich vitamin C helps to heal, repair, build/strengthen the lining of the mucous membranes to prevent nose bleeds. Mix capsicum juice with lotus root juice for better effect.

11. Optical system:  The high vitamin C and beta-carotene makes capsicums especially beneficial in preventing eye problems like astigmatism, cataracts and macular degeneration.

12. Pain relief:  Capsaicin in capsicum blocks transmission of pain, so it can help relieve pain to a certain degree. It is also effective for eliminating headaches and migraines.

13. Respiratory problems:  The high level of vitamin C coupled with flavonoids make capsicum a very good food that helps prevent respiratory problems like asthma, emphysema, wheezing, lung infections, etc.

14. Sore throat:  Gargle some capsicum juice to help eliminate a sore throat. The anti-septic properties does the work super well.

Consumption Tips

When choosing to buy bell peppers, choose those that have firm, smooth skin without any wrinkles. The stem should be fresh and green. The fruit, even though hollow, should feel heavy for its size. Avoid those that are sunken or have black spots.

Store bell peppers in a plastic bag in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to a week. Wash only when you need to use it. The green peppers being the unripe version of the red, will last longer, though it will not turn color anymore.

Add finely chopped bell peppers generously in your salad, casseroles, and other cooking.

When juicing bell peppers or capsicums for any remedy use as above, squeeze in lemon juice to taste. Capsicum juice by itself can taste rather “sharp”. Lemon juice helps “blunt” the taste and makes it flavorful.

You might also read : Health and Nutrition: 10 Health Benefits of Bananas

Source: juicing-for-health.com

Health and Nutrition: Health Benefits of Capsicums

• Eating Tips Health and Nutrition Health Foods Healthy Eating Nutrition
• Leave a Comment

Read More

I’m a green tea drinker.

Not for the love of the taste — no way! I drink it because I’m told it’s good for me…or, to be honest, the real reason I drink it is because I believe it help keeps my weight in check. But recently I decided to look into it a bit deeper and see what are all these other benefits of green tea people talk of.

Why Green Tea?

Green tea has been used as a medicine for thousands of years, originating in China but widely used throughout Asia this beverage has a multitude of uses from lowering blood pressure to preventing cancer. The reason that green tea has more health benefits attached to it than black tea is (apparently) due to the processing. Black tea is processed in a way that allows for fermentation whereas green tea’s processing avoids the fermentation process. As a result, green tea retains maximum amount of antioxidants and poly-phenols the substances that give green tea its many benefits.

Here’s a list of some of its amazing benefits — benefits that you may not have been aware of. Some of these benefits are still being debated, so please do your own research if you want to use green tea for medicinal purposes.

1. Weight Loss. 

Green tea increases the metabolism. The polyphenol found in green tea works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which your body turns food into calories.

2. Diabetes. 

Green tea apparently helps regulate glucose levels slowing the rise of blood sugar after eating. This can prevent high insulin spikes and resulting fat storage.

3. Heart Disease. 

Scientists think, green tea works on the lining of blood vessels, helping keep them stay relaxed and better able to withstand changes in blood pressure. It may also protect against the formation of clots, which are the primary cause of heart attacks.

4. Esophageal Cancer.

It can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer, but it is also widely thought to kill cancer cells in general without damaging the healthy tissue around them.

5. Cholesterol. 

Green tea reduces bad cholesterol in the blood and improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol.

6. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. 

It is said to delay the deterioration caused by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Studies carried out on mice showed that green tea protected brain cells from dying and restored damaged brain cells.

7. Tooth Decay. 

Studies suggests that the chemical antioxidant “catechin” in tea can destroy bacteria and viruses that cause throat infections, dental caries and other dental conditions

8. Blood Pressure. 

Regular consumption of green tea is thought to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.

9. Depression. 

Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in tea leaves. It is this substance that is thought to provide a relaxing and tranquilizing effect and be a great benefit to tea drinkers.

10. Anti-viral and Anti-bacterial. 

Tea catechins are strong antibacterial and antiviral agents which make them effective for treating everything from influenza to cancer. In some studies green tea has been shown to inhibit the spread of many diseases.

11. Skincare. 

Green tea can apparently also help with wrinkles and the signs of aging, This is because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Both animal and human studies have demonstrated that green tea applied topically can reduce sun damage.

How Much?

These are some of the many benefits but the reality is one cup of tea a day will not give you all the abundant gains. The jury is out on how many cups are necessary; some say as little as two cups a day while others five cups — and more still say you can drink up to ten cups a day. If you are thinking of going down this route, you may want to consider taking a green tea supplement instead (it would keep you out of the bathroom).

Another thing to point out is that there is caffeine in green tea — so if you are sensitive to caffeine then one cup should be your limit. Green tea also contains tannins (which can decrease the absorption of iron and folic acid), so if you are pregnant or trying to conceive then green tea may not be ideal for you. You can try mixing green tea with other healthy ingredients such as ginger.

For the rest of us with all these abundant benefits…it’s a wonder we drink anything else.

Top 11 Benefits of Green Tea That You Didn’t Know About

• Eating Tips Health and Nutrition Healthy Eating Nutrition
• Leave a Comment

Read More

What Are Bitter Melons?

The bitter melon is also known as karela, ampalaya, or Momordica charanti. While many people consider it an herb or a vegetable, bitter melons are technically fruits because they contain seeds (the name "melon" makes this easy to remember). Bitter melons have similar nutrients to dandelions and are beneficial for health. They are used in some continents like Asia, South America, and Africa to help control blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy system. Additionally, the Chinese used this fruit as part of their daily diet to “clean” their system.

Both high and low blood sugar can lead to many issues. Diabetes is probably one of the biggest issues from high blood sugar, and the condition can lead to other issues. Diabetes can sometimes be prevented by eating right and exercising; since it is a lifelong condition, every step possible should be taken to prevent it. There are numerous ways to slowly bring your sugar level back to normal, and all it takes is some dedication.

What Makes a Bitter Melon Special?

Bitter melons are an excellent source of nutrients. They have:

• Twice the calcium of spinach
• Twice the potassium of banana
• Twice the beta-carotene of broccoli

As well as more of the following vitamins and minerals than most vegetables or fruits:

• Manganese
• Zinc
• Folic acid
• Alkaloids
• Peptides
• Steroidal saponins
• Fiber
• Phosphorus
• Vitamins C, B1, B2, and B3

Think of it like this: Eating one bitter melon daily along with every meal will vastly improve your nutrition! Keep it up for about two months, and you can potentially decrease your risk of diabetes.

As you can probably guess from the name of this fruit, bitter melons are an acquired taste. Luckily, there are many recipes for cooking bitter melons and reducing their bitterness. One way to make them more palatable is to remove the seeds, cut the remaining fruit thinly, then salt it evenly. Let the salted slices sit for about 30 minutes, then squeeze out the liquid and rinse them out.

Also read: How to Make Bitter Melon Juice Recipe

What Are Benefits of Eating This Fruit?

Since there are way too many benefits of eating bitter melon, let’s take a look at the more important ones such as:

Top 10 Health Benefits of Bitter Melons (There Are More):

1. Reduces the risk of diabetes

One of every 10 adults suffers from this disease, and it’s becoming a bigger problem every day. One way this fruit can help is by regulating blood sugar levels. High blood sugar is not a good sign, and most doctors will prescribe medicine to lower it. And what happens when you are all out of meds? You go and get more. This is only prolonging the problem. Controlling blood sugar level through diet is much less invasive. Also, insulin receptors can become ineffective; when they do, they are called down-regulated insulin receptors. Regular consumption of bitter melons can help reverse the insulin resistance effect. Bitter melon helps diabetics treat insulin resistance without medication. This is an important role in prevention and treatment of Type II diabetes, also known as insulin-independent diabetes. This can also prevent further diabetic complications that are caused by chronically high sugar concentrations, such as blindness, kidney diseases, strokes, heart attacks, and diabetic feet. Eating bitter melons, drinking their extract, or even taking them in pill form can reverse the effectives of diabetes.

2. Reduces the risk of cancer

Eating or drinking the juice from the melon can lower the risk of certain types of cancer. It is also known to decrease and kill leukemic cancer cells, according to the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. It can stop cancer cells from spreading and increase chances of a full recovery. But the diet must be consistent for this to be in an effective way to treat this disease. Otherwise, it will not work.

3. Reduces the risk of AIDS/HIV

This disease is becoming a widespread issue. Bitter melon glycoprotein beta-momorcharin helps inhibit synthesis of macromolecules in splenocytes, embryos, and tumor cells. This protein also retards the effects of HIV by using the protein to deactivate the ribosome function in HIV-infected cells. It stops protein synthesis in those cells and eventually kills the cells which are infected.

4. Provides antioxidants

Antioxidants help protect us from free radical damage. Free radicals can come from common natural environmental toxins as well as pollution, smoking, and normal metabolism byproducts. They have been proven to boost the immune system.

5. Relieves asthma

Positive results have come back from patients suffering from a chronic cough who add bitter melon to their diets. The bitter melon helps release sputum accumulated within the respiratory tract and lungs. Many who have used bitter melon extract or eaten it regularly believe that it helps relieve asthma.

6. Soothes skin

Do you have acne or wrinkled skin? The chemical or serum in bitter melons has been known to be used for acne and wrinkles. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can also aid in acne issues.

7. Aids digestion

Helps with digestion of food by producing digestive enzymes.

8. Aids in weight loss

This low-calorie and low-carbohydrate fruit will help with dieting and also strengthen your immunity.

9. Promotes healing of injuries and wounds

It helps with controlling the blood flow to help heal wounds faster and prevent infection.

10. Relieves constipation

It works wonders on constipation without causing diarrhea.

Potential Side Effects

Bitter melons have many benefits, but they also come with a few side effects. For example:

• When pregnant, it is important not to eat bitter melon nor its supplements. They can cause an unwanted abortion. The chances are low, but why risk something that can be avoided.
• If you are hypoglycemic, do not use bitter melon supplements. Eating the fruit is fine in reasonable portions.
• Too much bitter melon or bitter melon supplement can cause stomach pain and diarrhea.

It's always important to know the potential side effects of any part of your diet. The main risk is with supplements because they are so concentrated, and it is possible to take a much larger dosage than when eating the fruit itself. Bitter melons are widely consumed fruit in some countries, especially in Asia, and do not carry much risk.

You might also like related post: Health Benefit of Capsicums

Source: hubpages.com

Top 10 Health Benefits of Bitter Melons

• Eating Tips Health and Nutrition Health Foods Healthy Eating
• Leave a Comment

Read More

"How To Eat Health" includes Three Parts:

• Choosing a Healthy Diet
• Making Easy but Healthy Decisions
• Changing Your Mindset

Eating healthy is crucial to maintaining good health. Fortunately, it's easier than it sounds. Arm yourself with knowledge and you're halfway there. If you think of eating healthy not as a sacrifice, but more as an opportunity for self-improvement, you're almost at the finish line. You don't need someone to tell you the numerous health benefits that putting away the donuts and hamburgers will get you. You want someone to show you how it's done. Here's a glimpse.

Part 1 of 3: Choosing a Healthy Diet

1. Choose the right carbohydrates. 

• Simple carbs, like sugar and flour, are quickly absorbed by the body's digestive system. This causes a kind of carb overload, and your body releases huge amounts of insulin, to combat the overload. Eat these in moderation. Complex carbs, on the other hand, are slowly digested by the body. They include whole-grain flour, hearty vegetables, oats, and unprocessed grains, like brown rice. These foods are usually higher in vitamins and other nutrients that are beneficial for the body, and they are higher in fiber (which keeps your digestive system running smoothly).
• Consider eating leafy greens like kale, collard greens, mustard greens, and Swiss chard. They are packed with nutrients and will fill you up very quickly. Create a simple sauté with olive oil, garlic, a little salt and pepper, which will be surprisingly tasty meal as well as a nutritious one.
• Choose wheat (brown) bread instead of white bread and whole wheat pasta instead of "normal" pasta. Processed carbohydrates, such as those found in white bread are harder to draw nutrients from, and therefore constitute empty calories. Plain oatmeal is also very healthy for you.

Read also: 30 Simple Diet and Fitness Tips for Success

2. Eat lean, mean protein. 

Aim to get between 10% and 35% of your daily calories from protein. Protein helps you to build muscle and gives you the lasting energy throughout the day. Some examples of healthy proteins include:

• Lean fish such as flounder, sole, cod, bass, perch, and halibut.
• Lean poultry such as chicken or duck breast.
• Legumes like beans and soy products (e.g. edamame and tofu).
• Nuts like cashews.

Read also: Healthy Eating Plan: How to Eat Healthy Without Feeling Hungry

3. Know the difference between good fat and bad fat. 

You need to consume fat for your body, to function correctly. However, it's important to choose the right kind of fats. Here's a quick primer.

Monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids are good fats, which you should try to consume regularly. They help lower the "bad cholesterol" in your body by raising "good cholesterol". Foods that are high in fatty acids are olive oil, nuts, fish oil, and various seed oils. Adding these "good" fats to your weekly diet can lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Avoid trans fats and saturated fats. Trans fats are form of unsaturated fat commonly found in processed foods, and consuming them raises your risk of heart disease. Read the labels of what you eat, and look for "hydrogenated" anything on the ingredient list.

4. Stock up on superfoods. 

So-called superfoods may have a misleading title, but some truly are cut above. Superfoods may have the ability to fight heart disease, stave off cancer, lower cholesterol, and even boost your mood. Here are just few of them:

• Blueberries. Blueberries may facilitate brain health. If you don't have access to blueberries, then try fresh berries, raspberries, or cranberries.
• Algae. It may not sound appetizing, but then again when you read the list of health benefits you may think again. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, as well as beneficial in managing natural flora in the gut.
• Salmon. Another creature of the sea makes the list, and for good reason. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a good type of fat. Omega-3 fats are good for blood pressure, brain function, and heart health.
• Cranberries. These red berries contain Quercetin, a natural anti-Carcinogen (anti-cancer), are low in sugar and a decent source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for bone health and prevents Scurvy.

5. Watch your salt intake. 

Although humans need salt in moderation, too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and excessive stomach acid. Use salt sparingly, and always check labels on food for the "reduced sodium" option, if it's available.

Read also: Top 8 Tips For Healthy Eating

6. Practice moderation. 

Don't over-consume any one food or type of food. Instead, try to vary your diet so that you eat a little bit of everything in a moderate amount.

Some people might be great at giving up meat, sugar, alcohol, or other foods. However, most of us are likely to give it up for awhile, then break down and binge. Avoid this deprivation-binge cycle by allowing yourself to have small "cheats". For instance, if you want to eat less sugar, allow yourself to eat one dessert each Friday night and abstain for the rest of the week. Having a break to look forward, which can help you power through the other days.

You might also like:

• Part 2 of 3: How To Eat Healthy: Making Easy but Healthy Decisions
• Part 3 of 3: How To Eat Healthy: Changing Your Mindset

Source: wikihow.com

How To Eat Healthy: Choosing a Healthy Diet

• Eating Tips Health and Nutrition Health Foods Healthy Eating
• Leave a Comment

Read More

"Orange strengthens your emotional body, encouraging a general feeling of joy, well-being, and cheerfulness." – Tae Yun Kim

Who doesn’t love a delicious and juicy orange as a snack? They are popular with athletes because they can be easily eaten for a burst of energy. I enjoy eating one or two oranges a day most of the year for that same energy-boosting effect.

13 Health Benefits of Oranges:

1. Helps Prevent Cancer

Oranges are rich in citrus limonoids, proven to help fight a number of varieties of cancer including that of the skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon.

2. Prevents Kidney Diseases

Drinking orange juice regularly prevents kidney diseases and reduces the risk of kidney stones.

Note: drink juice in moderate amounts. The high sugar content of fruit juices can cause tooth decay and the high acid content can wear away enamel if consumed in excess.

3. Reduces Risk of Liver Cancer 

According to two studies in Japan eating mandarin oranges reduces liver cancer. This may be due in part to vitamin A compounds known as carotenoids.

4. Lowers Cholesterol

Since they’re full of soluble fiber, oranges are helpful in lowering cholesterol.

5. Boosts Heart Health

Oranges are full of potassium, an electrolyte mineral is responsible for helping the heart function well. When potassium levels get too low, you may develop an abnormal heart rhythm, known as an arrhythmia.

6. Lowers Risk of Disease

Oranges are full of vitamin C which protects cells by neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals cause chronic diseases, like cancer and heart disease.

7. Fights Against Viral Infections 

Studies show that the abundance of polyphenols in oranges protects against viral infections.

8. Relieves Constipation

Oranges are full of dietary fiber which stimulates digestive juices and relieves constipation.

9. Helps Create Good Vision

Oranges are rich in carotenoid compounds which are converted to vitamin A and help prevent macular degeneration.

10. Regulates High Blood Pressure

The flavonoid hesperidin found in oranges helps regulate high blood pressure and the magnesium in oranges helps maintain blood pressure.

11. Protects Skin

Oranges are full of beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant protecting the cells from being damage which also protects the skin from free radicals and prevents the signs of aging.

12. Oranges Alkalize the Body

Although oranges are acidic before you digest them, they contain many alkaline minerals that help to balance out the body after they are digested. In this respect, they are similar to lemons which are one of the most alkaline foods available.

13.  Provides Smart Carbs:

Oranges like all fruits have simple sugars in them, but the orange has a glycemic index of 40.

Anything under 55 is considered low. This means as long as you don’t eat a lot of oranges at one time, they won’t spike your blood sugar and cause problems with insulin or weight gain.

You might also like :

• 8 Health Benefits of Raspberries
• 10 Health Benefits of Bananas

Source: care2.com

Health and Nutrition:13 Health Benefits of Oranges

• Eating Tips Health and Nutrition Healthy Eating
• Leave a Comment

Read More

Bananas are one of nature’s great snack foods, but did you know just how good for you they are and how many different and unusual uses they can have? Ahead are 10 banana health benefits for more energy, better health and even improving the way you look and feel.

Let's go! Top 10 Banana Health Benefits :

1. Potassium

Bananas are among the most convenient food sources of potassium. This mineral is essential for maintaining proper heart function and regulating normal blood pressure.

Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of potassium rich foods like bananas in lowering high blood pressure.

So much so that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows the banana industry to make official claims (much like they would a pharmaceutical drug) of their ability to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

Further research by the New England Journal of Medicine suggests eating bananas regularly in your diet can cut your risk of having a stroke by up to 40%.

The potassium in bananas is also beneficial for your kidneys and bones. A good potassium intake suppresses calcium excretion in the urine that can lead to painful kidney stones.

This suppression of calcium loss also reduces your risk of developing osteoporosis and brittle bones. A banana or two a day can have some serious health benefits.banana benefits

2. More Energy

Even with the proliferation of brightly colored ‘sports’ drinks, ‘energy’ bars and ‘electrolyte’ gels (these are loaded with unhealthy chemicals and coloring by the way) you often see athletes eating bananas just before and even during sports.

Watching tennis for instance, it’s not uncommon to see the players snacking on a bit of banana in between games. If a banana can keep a professional tennis player going, it’s got to rank pretty well in the high-quality energy source stakes.

Personally, I find the combination of natural sugars, balanced with the soluble fiber and potassium, to provide a good stable energy when eaten half an hour before gym or a run.
I’ve experimented with this – running or weights with, or without a banana – and seem to consistently do better when I have one before training.

Some people are worried about bananas spiking blood sugar, but tests show they actually have a glycemic index of around 52, with 24 g of available carbs (lower the less ripe they are).

That’s a glycemic load in the vicinity of 12 which isn’t considered that high. These figures will obviously vary depending on variety and ripeness.

Bananas make a great snack at work when your energy is lagging and while they might not be the most obvious weight loss food, they are only about 100 calories and can satisfy those sweet cravings.

So if you can replace candy bars and other junk foods with bananas, you might just have a really important step towards losing weight. As an added bonus your energy will be much more steady and consistent.banana benefits

3. Helps Digestion

Bananas are a great source of dietary fiber that most of us don’t get nearly enough of. Fiber helps the food you eat move smoothly through the digestive tract and improves elimination.

A couple of bananas may be a healthier choice than laxatives to treat occasional constipation.

Turning to another important element of digestion, bananas are rich in fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS for short thankfully). FOS is known as a prebiotic since it feeds the important friendly bacteria in the digestive tract that help us absorb nutrients more efficiently.

Bananas are also known to help relieve the symptoms of heartburn. So once again, try reaching for the natural cure with banana rather than antacids (though if this page gets shared around too much the makers of Metamucil and Mylanta and not going to be happy!).

4. Good for Ulcers

Eating bananas regularly may help protect against stomach ulcers. Compounds in bananas seem to create a thicker protective barrier in the stomach against hydrochloric acid.

Bananas also contain protease inhibitors that work to eliminate certain bacteria in the stomach implicated as a major cause of stomach ulcers.banana benefits

5.  High in Vitamin B6

Bananas are particularly high in vitamin B6. This vitamin is important for creating hemoglobin for healthy blood.

B6 is also involved in maintaining proper blood sugar levels, synthesizing and breaking down amino acids and producing antibodies for a stronger immune response in your body.

Just one banana has a full fifth of your recommended daily intake of vitamin B6. And they taste much better than vitamin pills too!

6. Vitamins and Minerals

Alongside the high levels of potassium and vitamin B6 already mentioned, bananas also have good levels of vitamin C, magnesium and manganese.

They are also a source of most of the other B vitamins and smaller amounts of trace minerals like iodine, iron, selenium and zinc.banana benefits

7.  Skin Conditions

Even the skins of this amazing fruit have their uses. Banana skins have been used externally to treat skin conditions like psoriasis and acne.

The freshly peeled inside of the banana skin is gently rubbed over the affected area and the residue left on. This might be better done on a day indoors or before bed to avoid the banana smell when out and about.

Note too that in the case of psoriasis there apparently may be some further reddening initially, but this should improve after a few days of use. Patch test on a small area first if you have any concerns. It also usually take several weeks to get the full effects from this treatment.

Banana peel treatments are even used to heal warts. You rub a small piece of banana peel over the wart and then tightly tape it there overnight for at least a week, possibly several, changing it to a new one each night.

People in online forums have reported good results with these simple treatments, though results with natural cures can be varied. I’d be really interested to hear from anyone who’s tried any of them for themselves.

8. A Cancer Fighter?

Recent Japanese animal research linked bananas that are fully ripe (with the dark spots) to production of a compound called tumor necrosis factor (TNF–a). This compound is a cytokine which is believed to have the potential to increase white blood cell count, thus enhancing your immunity and combating cancerous cell changes.

Personally, I don’t put too much stock in animal studies. Regardless, increasing overall fruit consumption in your diet has been consistently linked to a lower risk of developing various cancers.banana benefits

9. Improving your Mood and Reducing Stress

Bananas are a good source of the amino acid tryptophan which your body converts to serotonin.

Amongst many other things, proper serotonin levels help improve your mood, reduce stress and enhance your general outlook and happiness levels. It also helps regulate good sleep patterns.

Tryptophan is considered an essential amino acid because the only way your body gets it is through your diet. Bananas, while certainly not the highest source out there, are one of the easiest ways to get a little more tryptophan. Another reason why bananas make such a great snack for those stressed out at work.

10. A Hangover Cure

Bananas are a great hangover food for mornings when you’ve overdone it a bit the night before. A couple of bananas in a blender with ice, some berries and coconut milk or organic cow’s or goat’s milk makes a really good recovery drink.

Just about all the other health benefits already discussed come into play here. Of course the better solution is not to drink so much the night before. But just in case, it’s good to have some bananas around for the next morning.

As I tend to get mine in bulk and don’t always finish them before they get too ripe, I like to chop up any excess ones on their last legs and put them in a container in the freezer. These are great to drop straight from the freezer into the blender instead of ice cubes for brilliant creamy smoothies.banana benefits.

Conclusion

So there you have 10 good reasons to pick up a bunch of bananas the next time you’re out shopping. While pesticides aren’t considered a significant problem with bananas, fair trade fruits are worth looking for if you can find them.

How do you like to eat your bananas? Alone or mixed with other foods like on top of a healthy muesli or blended up in a smoothie? I be interested to hear any ideas or suggestions you might have for more beneficial ways to enjoy bananas.

You might also like: 8 Health Benefits of Raspberries

Source: healthambition.com

Health and Nutrition: 10 Health Benefits of Bananas

• Health and Nutrition Healthy Eating Nutrition
• Leave a Comment

Read More

Raspberry is delicious and lovely looking fruit is from genus Rubus, which comes from Rose family. It blooms throughout the year and is thus perennial in nature.

However, in olden days, it was a summer crop that has now been modified by technology to produce all round the year.

Raspberries are grown in most of the temperate regions of the world and Russia is the largest producer followed by Poland.

Today they are available in many hybrid forms and have numerous varieties that include Red Raspberries, Purple Raspberries, Black Raspberries, blue Raspberries and golden Raspberries.

There are about 15 species of this fruit that are cultivated across many countries and continents of the world.

Raspberries are very popular and are known for their nutritious character. This write up will give you a detailed account of why

Raspberries is recommended and a “must” in your daily fruit intake.

Raspberry Nutritional Value

Raspberries are among the healthiest fruits and are super beneficial for your health. It has dense nutrient content which includes

Antioxidants, Phytonutrients, Fiber, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc, etc.

The following chart enumerates the complete nutritional composition of 100 grams serving of Raspberries:

• Energy 53 Kcal
• Carbohydrates 11.94 gms
• Sugar 4.42 gms
• Dietary Fibre 6.5 gms
• Fats 0.65 gms
• Protein 1.20 gms
• Vitamin B1 0.032 mg
• Vitamin B2 0.038 mg
• Vitamin B3 0.598 mg
• Folate 21 ug
• Vitamin B6 0.055 mg
• Vitamin K 7.8 ug
• Vitamin C 26.2 mg
• Vitamin E 0.87 mg
• Choline 12.3 mg
• Calcium 25 mg
• Magnesium 22 mg
• Iron 0.69 mg
• Phosphorus 29 mg
• Potassium 151 mg
• Manganese 0.67 mg
• Zinc 0.42 mg

Amongst the nutrients, Raspberry has the highest proportion of Vitamin C on the scale of our body’s daily requirement of nutrients. It can provide about 32% of Vitamin C required by us.

Raspberries also boast of the high amount of dietary fiber with a reasonable level of sugar in it. Manganese is another component in Raspberry that fulfills about 32% of our daily requirement.

Apart from these three, rest of the nutrients in the form of Vitamins, trace metals and proteins are moderately contained in this fruit constituting 2% to 4% of our daily need.

This juicy fruit is made up of 95% of water, one of the highest water content in fruits.

Raspberry Health Benefits

As evident from the nutrition chart, Raspberries are very healthy.

They are useful in preventing damage to DNA of our cells from free radicals thereby protecting from many health problems like cancer, macular degeneration, cardiovascular health, premature ageing and many more.

It is also known for its positive effects on improving eye vision, immunity,  blood formation and promoting healthy weight loss.

In this section we will introduce all health benefits of this wonderful fruit and why it works to improve your health.

1. Increases Immunity and slows down ageing

Vitamin C are water soluble vitamins that are essential for your body. They need to be restored and replenished regularly as they are not stored in our body cells.

As mentioned earlier, Raspberry is a rich source Vitamin C. Vitamin C increases general immunity to fight cold, flu, infections and such other common diseases and conditions.

Vitamin C is a rich antioxidant agent and highly effective in purifying and cleaning our blood and cells that make the immune function strong.

It gets rid of the free radicals produced in our body by certain molecules on exposure to oxygen. These radicals can damage the cells and our DNA structure if not controlled and cleaned out.

The formation of free radicals is natural and is taken care of by the antioxidants produced in the body by the food that we consume.

Other than Vitamin C, the antioxidant property of Raspberries is owing to phenols and anthocyanins in them.

Organic Raspberries have been found to be particularly effective as an anti-oxidant thereby slowing down the process of ageing as well.

Early ageing is common due to increase in pollution, exposure to UV rays, unhealthy lifestyle and persistent stress. But raspberries are rich in antioxidants that neutralize these free radicals.

Thus, it protects the body from free radicals that cause ageing and gives you a great looking taut skin as well.

2. Protect and arrests Cancerous Growths

The incidences of the Cancer is increasing but now with new advancements and studies on it, this condition may not spell doom for you anymore.

The researchers on food and nutrition for controlling cancer and preventing it are showing a lot of promise. One such elaborate study has been done by Dr. Daniel Nixon of Hollings Cancer Institute.

It has found conclusively the effects of Ellagic acid in Raspberries on Cancer. A cup of Raspberries contains about 40 mg of this acid. When consumed in moderate quantities, it prevents the occurrence of cancers.

If Cancer patients increase the concentration of this acid by increasing the daily intake of raspberries, then they may be able to destroy the cancerous growths through a process called Apoptosis.

Apoptosis in layman’s language means programmed cell death owing to a biochemical reaction. The acid in Raspberries triggers this process.

It has been found to be effective in most of the cancers including that of the breast, colon, pancreas, Esophagus, skin, prostrate amongst others.

The best part is that this process does not hurt or damage normal cells and slow down the cancer growth significantly.

Apart from a big contribution from Ellagic acid, the antioxidant properties of Raspberries also help in aiding cancer prevention and growth.

Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals and protect from cancer. ORAC value (Oxygen Radiance Absorption Capacity) of raspberry is 4900 micromoles per 100 grams.

So it is useful in protecting against cancer and tumor.

Wrap up: The Ellagic acid in particular and Anti-oxidants in general found in Raspberries prevent cancer and slows down its spread in the body.

3. Maintains Eye Health

Eating raspberry improves vision and prevents the eye and retina from infections and other natural damage.

Since raspberry is rich in antioxidants, it protects the eye retina from oxidative stress. So it is effective in preventing the loss of eye vision in the form of cataract or age-related degenerative eye disease macular degeneration.

The combination of anti-oxidants like Vitamin C and phenols ward off disease and safeguard the membranes of the eye that produce the watery fluid thereby cleaning and protecting the eye from “Dry Eye” syndrome.

It reduces the risk of pannus formation that is a layer of granulation tissue which forms on the cornea.

The Ellagic acid has also been found highly effective in the upkeep of eye health and vision.

It reduces the production of active oxygen in the body which has been associated with an increase in the formation of free radicals. These free radicals can damage the vision beyond repairs in more serious and advance cases.

Wrap up: The anti-oxidants and Ellagic acid prevents age related degenerative eye disease and improve vision. They also protect from eye infections and general eye diseases.

4. Controls Inflammation

Raspberry is rich in phytonutrient, antioxidants and tannins that prove effective to prevent inflammation of stomach, intestine, bones and cardiovascular system.

Studies have conclusively associated Red Raspberries with lowered incidents of inflammation in the body.

It controls the degeneration of collagen that is the main protein in the connective tissue of the human body and thus necessary for cell repair and healing.

Other than healing, repairing and reducing pain, Raspberries have been found to contain the severity of arthritis. They control the bone resorption that release the minerals from bone into the bloodstream.

An excessive uncontrolled resorption in arthritis patients make their bones brittle, soft and lowers its density.

It also inhibits the cartilage damage and thereby reduces the inflammation of bones and joints.

Wrap up: The anti-oxidants, tannin and phytonutrients in Raspberry reduce inflammation and aid in healing and repairing cells. It also brings a lot of relief to arthritic patients by reducing pain and maintaining good bone health.

5. Diabetes Management

Raspberries have reasonable sugar content and are high on dietary fiber that makes them a relatively safe addition to the diet of diabetics.

Raspberry stimulates the body to produce an Adiponectin to maintain sugar and insulin level in type 2 Diabetes patients.

Adiponectin is a protein that is responsible for glucose breakdown in our body. The synthesis of glucose leads to its absorption and prevents high levels of undigested sugar being circulated in the blood.

Thus, it prevents the spike of blood sugar level in diabetes patient and prevents complications due to sugar level spike.

Further, the natural sugar in Raspberries called fructose does not need insulin for metabolism. Therefore, diabetics with Type 2 diabetes do not have to worry about the elevated sugar levels in the blood after consuming them.

The Glycemic index of the fruit which reflects its ability to increase the Glucose in blood is below 40 for raspberries making them extremely healthy and ideal for diabetics.

Wrap up: The Fructose, high fiber and low glycemic index of Raspberries does not increase the sugar level of the blood and make for great sweet treat for diabetics.

6. Healthy Weight Loss

First things first, Raspberry has an extremely low-fat content but high fiber that keeps you feeling full for longer.

The water content of Raspberry at 95% protects you from dehydration owing to heavy exercises.

The entire composition of trace metals including manganese, potassium and Phosphorus restore the lost balance of electrolyte in the body.

It is a low-calorie fruit which keeps you light and makes for a good before and after workout snack.

Further, Raspberry Ketones found in the raspberry have been found to be effective in burning the fat stored in the abdominal region by many studies.

These studies showed that it breaks down the lipid within fat cells. Thus, this reduces the fat deposits in the body.

It has also been found that Raspberry Ketones reduces the capacity of the body to absorb excess fat. It burns fat naturally and promotes healthy weight loss.

Wrap up: Raspberry due to its nutritional composition makes for a great snack while on weight loss spree and the Ketones in it breakdown fats reducing the waistline of your body.

7. Blood circulation & cardiovascular health

Raspberry has the anti-coagulant property that makes it a great blood thinner. In critical cases where patients experience fluctuating blood pressure and excessive clotting,

Raspberries are recommended as a part of their regular diet. They not only discourage clotting but also dissolve clots maintaining the fluidity of the blood.

It is the Salicylate content in the Raspberries that makes it an effective blood thinning agent.

An optimum fluidity of blood and regular heartbeat ensure healthy cardiovascular system. The potassium in Raspberries ensures optimum muscle function in the body including the heart muscles.

It reduces the chances of arrhythmia and regulates the contraction and expansion of heart muscles optimizing the blood pumping through the body.

Berries, in general, are also known for increasing the HDL (high-density lipoproteins) aka good cholesterol in the body-bettering the heart function further.

Wrap up: Raspberries act as natural blood thinning agent, promotes healthy cholesterol and optimizes heart function making it excellent for blood pressure and cardiovascular health.

8. Women’s health

Women love raspberries and now they have more than the “tasty” reason to include them in the diet.

Raspberries and particularly raspberry leaf have been found very effective in decreasing menstrual flow and cramps during the menstrual cycle, reducing pain during childbirth, preventing hemorrhage and relieving nausea.

It reduces pain by tightening and strengthening the pelvic muscles that experience cramping during periods. They soothe the body by relaxing muscles and reduce the stress. It also increases the milk flow in lactating mothers.

The leaf and fruit contain Carotenoids, Citric Acid, Fragrine and vitamins that make it a potent agent for menstruation and child birth-related conditions.

As mentioned earlier, it also helps in the treatment of Cervical cancer by kick-starting the process of Apoptosis in the cancerous growth.

Wrap up: Raspberries are helpful in regulating menstrual cycle, reducing cramps and pain during periods and brings down the risk of hemorrhage. It increases the flow of milk in lactating mothers and helps in treatment of cervical cancer.

Words of Caution

People who are taking medicines for blood thinning must speak to their doctor before including Raspberries in their diet. This is because Raspberry also contributes to anti-clot and anti-coagulation in the body and may interfere with the drugs.

Raspberry Ketones tend to react with other weight loss supplements, and therefore, a complete knowledge must be gained before you go on weight loss regimen using Ketones and supplements as well.

Always look for “Natural Ketone” supplements for weight loss. “Blended Ketones” means that it is synthetically prepared and so can be harmful.

You might also like: Health and Nutrition: 10 Health Benefits of Bananas

Source: wiki-fitness.com

Health and Nutrition: 8 Health Benefits of Raspberries

• Health and Nutrition Health Foods Healthy Eating Nutrition
• Leave a Comment

Read More