Strwaberries for Health

Strawberries

Everyone knows that strawberries are delicious. However, did you know just what a nutritional powerhouse they are  ?  Here are eight reasons to include strawberries in your diet.

Diet:

One cup of strawberries contains over 13% of the RDA of dietary fiber, yet only 43 calories. The dietary fiber in strawberries helps to keep digestion regular, as well as lowers blood pressure and curbs overeating.

Antioxidants:

Strawberries contain a chemical compound called phenols. Anthocyanin, a particular phenol abundantly found in strawberries, lends the rich red color to the fruit. Though anthocyanin is known to have antioxidant properties within the fruit, it is debated as to whether the antioxidant agents in anthocyanin-rich foods can be absorbed into the body once digested. Fortunately, however, it is known that when anthocyanin-rich foods are consumed, the body's uric acid levels increase, which serves as an antioxidant agent.

Anti-Inflammatory:

The phenols in strawberries also fight against many inflammatory disorders, such as osteoarthritis, asthma and atherosclerosis, by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) in the same way that the drugs aspirin and ibuprofen do. Strawberries, however, do not carry unwanted side effects like stomach and intestinal bleeding.

Anti-Cancer:

The combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents found in strawberries is well-known to fight against the onset of many different forms of cancer. Thanks to the vitamin C, folate, and the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol that they also contain, strawberries are a delicious defense against potentially cancerous cells.

Healthy Eyes:

The Archives of Opthalmology recently published a study in which three or more servings of strawberries (and other fruits) per day can decrease the possibility of contracting age-related macular degeneration by over one-third.

The Vigorous Vitamin C:

One cup of strawberries contains an incredible 136% of the RDA of vitamin C, an effective antioxidant that can help lower blood pressure, ensure a healthy immune system, and ward off the development of age-related ocular diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

Magnificent Manganese:

One cup of strawberries contains 21% of manganese, an essential nutrient that acts as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. By increasing the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the enzyme responsible for protecting mitochonrdria exposed to oxygen, manganese not only helps to fight the battle against free radicals and oxidative stress, but also lessens cellular inflammation -- another cause of numerous cardiovascular diseases.

Bone Health:

Manganese is also great for the bones, helping in bone building and maintaining proper bone structure. The potassium, vitamin K, and magnesium in strawberries are also important for bone health

Bananas for Health

Banana

Bananas consist mainly of sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose) and fiber, which makes them ideal for an immediate and slightly prolonged source of energy

Reducing Depression

Bananas contain tryptophan, an aminoacid that can be converted to serotonin, leading to improved mood

Anemia

Bananas are relatively high in iron, which helps the body's hemoglobin function

Constipation and Diarrhea

Due to their content in fiber, they help restore a normal bowel function. In addition, diarrhea usually depletes your body of important electrolytes (of which the most important is potassium, contained in high amounts in bananas). They also contain pectin, a soluble fiber (hydrocolloid) that can help normalize movement through the digestive tract.

Eyesight Protection

Research published in the Archives of Ophthalmology has proven that adults consuming at least 3 servings of fruit per day have a reduced risk (by 36%) of developing age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults, compared to persons who consume less than 1.5 servings of fruit daily.

Healthy Bones

Bananas are an exceptionally rich source of fructooligosaccharide, a compound that nourishes probiotic (friendly) bacteria in the colon. These beneficial bacteria produce enzymes that increase our digestive ability and protect us from unhealthy bacteria infections. Thanks to fructooligosaccharides, probiotic bacteria can increase both in number and functionality, increasing our body's ability to absorb calcium. In addition, green bananas contain indigestible short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that are very nutrient to the cells that make up the mucosa of the stomach. These cells, when healthy, absorb calcium much more efficiently

Healthy Kidney

About 190,000 cases of kidney cancer are diagnosed each year. Research published in the International Journal of Cancer has shown that daily consumption of whole fruits and vegetables, especially bananas, is highly protective to kidney health. The results show that, over a long timeframe (13.4 years), women eating more than 2.5 servings of fruits and vegetable per day cut their risk of kidney cancer by 40%. Among the fruits, bananas were especially protective. Women eating bananas four to six times a week halved their risk of developing the disease compared to those who did not eat this fruit. The conclusion of the study is that frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables, especially bananas, cabbage and root vegetables, may reduce risk of kidney cancer. This is because bananas and many root vegetables contain especially high amounts of antioxidant phenolic compounds, while cabbage is rich in sulfur, necessary for effective detoxification of potential carcinogens.

Blood Pressure

Bananas are extremely high in potassium (about 4673mg), yet very low in sodium (1mg), thus having a perfect ratio for preventing high blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Heartburn

Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness

Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood-sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Smoking

Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. They contain vitamins B6 and B12 they contain, as well as potassium and magnesium: these substances help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Ulcers

This is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicle cases. It also helps reduce acidity and reduces irritation. Bananas stimulate the cells on the internal stomach lining to produce a thicker mucus (which protects against acid). Additionally, bananas contain protease inhibitors that help eliminate bacteria in the stomach that have been pinpointed as a primary cause of ulcers.

Nerves

Bananas are high in B vitamins that have been shows to improve nerve function

Mosquito Bites

Many people report that rubbing the inside of a banana peel on a mosquito bite is very effective in reducing itching and swelling

Stress Relief

Bananas are high in potassium, which helps normalize the heartbeat and regulate the body's water balance. During periods of high stress, our body's potassium levels tend to be rapidly depleted: eating bananas is a healthy way to rebalance them without using drugs

Stroke Risk

According to a study in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can reduce the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%

Orange for Health

Orange

Hera are some benifits of orange

• Nutrients in oranges are plentiful and diverse. The fruit is low in calories, contains no saturated fats or cholesterol, but is rich in dietary fiber, pectin, which is very effective in persons with excess body weight. Pectin, by its action as bulk laxative, helps to protect the mucous membrane of the colon by decreasing its exposure time to toxic substances as well as by binding to cancer causing chemicals in the colon. Pectin has also been shown to reduce blood cholesterol levels by decreasing its re-absorption in the colon by binding to bile acids in the colon.
  
• Oranges, like other citrus fruits, is an excellent source of vitamin C (provides about 60% of DRI); Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and also, scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the blood.
  
• Orange fruit contains a variety of phytochemicals. Hesperetin and Narigenin are flavonoids found in citrus fruits. Naringenin is found to have a bio-active effect on human health as antioxidant, free radical scavenger, anti-inflammatory, and immune system modulator. This substance has also been shown to reduce oxidant injury to DNA in vitro studies.
  
• Oranges also contain very good levels of vitamin A, and other flavonoid antioxidants such as alpha and beta carotenes, beta-cryptoxanthin, zea-xanthin and lutein. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties. Vitamin A also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin and is also essential for vision. Consumption of natural fruits rich in flavonoids helps body to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
  
• It is also a very good source of B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, pyridoxine and folates. These vitamins are essential in the sense that body requires them from external sources to replenish.
  
• Orange fruit also contains a very good amount of minerals like potassium and calcium. Potassium in an important component of cell and body fluids helps control heart rate and blood pressure.
  

Citrus fruits, as such, have long been valued for their wholesome nutritious and antioxidant properties. It is scientifically established that citrus fruits, especially oranges, by virtue of their richness in vitamins and minerals, have many proven health benefits. Moreover, it is now beginning to be appreciated that the other biologically active, non-nutrient compounds found in citrus fruits such as phyto-chemical antioxidants, soluble and insoluble dietary fiber have been found to be helpful in reduction in the risk for cancers, many chronic diseases like arthritis, and from obesity and coronary heart diseases.

Peaches for Health

Peaches

Peaches, especially fruit that has a high color, are high in vitamin A. The peach has a high sugar and water content and is very laxative to the body. Peaches are wonderful in alkalinizing the blood stream, and they help stimulate the digestive juices. They can be used to regulate the bowel and build the blood.

Peaches are an  excellent food for elderly people, because the body assimilates this, food very easily. Because they are easy to digest, very ripe peaches can be eaten in cases of ulcers of the stomach or inflammation of the bowel, and in cases of colitis. For these conditions, peaches should be soaked, cooked, and pureed.

For those who are diet-conscious, peaches are wonderful in helping to eliminate toxins in the body, and they are good to eat on a weight-loss program. They make an ideal food with which to break a fast.

Peach leaves make an excellent tea that is wonderful as a cleanser for the kidneys. The stones of the peach have even been used in years past, broken up in broth, for their calcium content.

Most of the dried peaches sold today are processed in sulfur, and it is better to avoid them if good health is to be maintained. If you eat canned peaches packed in syrup, throw away the syrup and eat only the peach.

Nutrients in one pound

Calories	150	Iron	2.4 mg
Protein	2 g	Vitamin A	5,250 I.U.
Fat	0.4 g	Thiamine	0.08 mg
Carbohydrates	38 g	Riboflavin	0.19 mg
Calcium	36 mg	Niacin	3.6 mg
Phosphorus	75 mg	Ascorbic acid	31 mg

Pineapple for Health

 Pineapple

Pineapple is a favorite dessert of many health conscious individuals.  Its health benefits ranges from protection of a simple flu to fighting off free radicals that causes cancer.  This inexpensive food supplement is a great way to achieve that healthy body and a cleansed internal system.  It has fiber that helps for proper digestion of the foods we eat, easier elimination of body waste and provides the necessary nutrients to our body.

1.)    Pineapple is great as a fresh fruit dessert after every meal.  It is a better choice than having cakes, ice cream and other sweetened desserts.  It helps in proper digestion of the foods we eat and is healthier for our organs.
2.)    Pineapple is also a good source of manganese, and it also contains high amounts of the very essential anti-oxidant vitamin C.
3.)    The fiber in pineapple is a great relief for persons with constipation.  Fiber makes the elimination of your body waste easier and faster.  Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which helps in the digestion of foods by breaking down protein.  In a study conducted by Heinicke, it was found out that high amounts of bromelain can be found in the fruit’s stem.  Bromelain also helps the body in the proper assimilation of herbs, vitamins and other

4.)    Pineapple is a favorite ingredient for marmalades, jams, jellies or candies.  It is a good substitute to your peanut butter spread, cheese spread and other sandwich spreads with higher fat content.

5.)    Pineapple oil or essence is used as a flavoring for confectionery and can be used in baking cakes and other favorite sweet desserts.  The addition of pineapple tidbits, chunks and pineapple juice will also make your favorite dessert tastier and yummy.

6.)    Pineapple has many medicinal uses.  It helps in improving one’s appetite and is also essential in the elimination of intestinal worms.
7.)    The crown or leaves of pineapple is used as a raw material for wallpaper and furnishings.  The leaves result also to a very beautiful fabric woven from the fibers extracted from its leaves.  This fabric is a favorite material in creating the elegant “Barong Tagalog” in the Philippines.  The fibers of pineapple leaf can also be extracted to produce the piña textile