Sunday, December 28, 2014

Pomegranate fruit – Medicinal value

Pomegranate fruit – Medicinal value




A pomegranate is a fruit that is very rich in nutrients  and popular around the world. The fruit originated in areas of Northern India, Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan. Pomegranates   are filled with more antioxidants like punicalagin . Pomegranates contains   vitamin C and    high amounts of vitamin K that helps to support bone health and vitamin B5 that helps the body metabolize, protein, carbohydrates and fats. Manganese of pomegranates helps to form bone structures during the metabolic process and potassium that helps to maintain cellular functions and balance fluid levels. 



Pomegranates are high in phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, zinc and iron. There is very little fat in a pomegranate and it does not contain cholesterol. Pomegranate protects the epidermis and dermis by encouraging skin cell regeneration, aiding in the repair of tissues, healing wounds and encouraging circulation to skin that is healing. The oil of a pomegranate contains the antioxidant ellagic acid that can help to inhibit skin tumors to protect the body from skin cancer. Slow Aging. Pomegranates can help to prevent hyperpigmentation, age spots, fine lines and wrinkles that are often caused by sun damage. Pomegranates eliminate Free Radicals. 




The high levels of antioxidants like hydrolysable tannins or polyphenols in pomegranates help to minimize the effects of free radicals and remove free radicals from the body. Pomegranate juice can act as a blood thinner and helps to remove plaque from the arteries that will help to minimize the risk of arteriosclerosis. Consuming pomegranate juice can help lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol to improve heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems. Pomegranate juice helps to secrete enzymes with anti-bacterial properties that aid digestion and help to fight off hemorrhoids, nausea, dysentery, intestinal parasites, piles and diarrhea. 



The high amounts of iron in pomegranates will raise hemoglobin levels in your blood to help correct anemia. The anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranates stems from its high vitamin C content that will help to manage asthma, sore throat, cough and wheezing. making it easier to lose weight. pregnancy. It has also been found to increase blood flow to the baby which reduce she risk of brain damage. derives from the French word “pomegranate” or seeded apple. 





They are believed to have originated in Iran and brought to Egypt in 1600 BC, where it was not only revered as an important food source but was also widely used for its medicinal value. It was held in high esteem even during those times, as it is evident by their depiction in Egyptian paintings and tombs. Inspired by the abundance of jewel toned seeds within the bright red rind, pomegranate is considered to be a symbol of fertility and prosperity in some cultures. Pomegranates are also known to reduce high blood pressure. Pomegranate juice has strong anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties which help fight viruses and bacteria and boost our immunity system.





 

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Banana – fruit for healthy digestion

Banana – fruit  for healthy digestion




 Banana is very much a staple fruit and  not only delicious but is also cheap and available throughout the year. Banana is a fruit which is still very casually consumed for its taste, texture and a feeling of fullness.  

The masses definitely prefer it due to its low cost . Bananas are a caloric dense fruit. Consumption of just one banana anytime through the day makes one feel energetic. Bananas  are a good source of potassium and magnesium which aid in maintaining normal blood pressure and are heart protective. 


The high potassium content promotes bone health too. Bananas have an antacid effect and are said to protect against stomach ulcers . Bananas are rich in the soluble fibre pectin. Thereby it assists healthy digestion and eases out constipation. Bananas  are a rich source of fructooligosaccharides which act as a prebiotic and stimulate the growth of friendly bacteria in the intestine.  They protect us from harmful bacteria that cause gastric disturbances. 


Bananas are a good source of carotenoids which are antioxidants and have a protective effect against chronic  disease condition. Bananas help overcome depression due to high levels of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin -- the happy-mood brain neurotransmitter.


Bananas reduce swelling, protect against type II diabetes, aid weight loss, strengthen the nervous system, and help with the production of white blood cells, all due to high levels of vitamin B-6. Bananas are high in antioxidants, providing protection from free radicals and chronic disease.


Chyawanprash – anti aging health benefits


Chyawanprash –  anti aging health benefits




Chyawanprash is one of the anti aging supplements, which is purely herbal in nature. It has Amla as its main ingredient, which is a powerful antioxidant.  Acharya Charaka is the first to mention this herbal medicine. Chyawanprash ingredients: Bilwa (Aegle marmelos), Agnimantha (Premna corymbosa), Shyonaka (oroxylum indicum), Gambhari (Gmelina arborea), Patala (stereospermum suaveolens), bala (sida cordifolia), Mashaparni (Teramnus labialis), Mudgaparni (Vina trilobata), Prishnaparni (Uraria picta), Shalaparni (Desmodium gangeticum), Pippali (Long pepper), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Brihati (solanum indicum), kantakari (solanum xanthocarpum), karkata Shrungi (pistasia integerrima), Taamalaki (phyllanthus fraturnus), Draksha (dry grapes), jeevanti (Leptodenia reticulata), Pushkara(Inula racemosa), Agaru (Aquilaria agallocha), Hareetaki (Terminalia chebula), Ruddhi  (Habenaria intermedia), Jeevaka (Microstylis muscifera), Vrishabhaka (Microstylis wallichi), Shati (Hedychium spicatum), Musta (cyperus rotundus), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Meda (Polygonatum cirrhifolium), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum), Chandana (Santalum album), Utpala (Nymphaea stellata), Vidari (Ipomea digitata), Vrushamula (Adhatoda vasica), kakoli (Lilium poilyphyleum), Kakanasika (Martynia diandra).




Chyawanprash health benefits: - includes It is useful in cough and cold. It is especially used in pulmonary tuberculosis. It helps in rejuvenation of old aged people and also in proper nourishment of young ones. It is effectively used in the treatments of throat infections, chest infections, Gout, disease conditions involving urine. It improves intelligence (Medha), memory power, Skin luster, age, strength of sense organs, immunity power, appetite. It is a powerful antiaging herbal product. It also cures wrinkles. Wrinkles, grey hairs etc are signs of early aging. Chyawanprash is rich with anti oxidants, and rejuvenative herbs. Delays the aging of cells,  Improves the nutritional levels of body tissues., Improves digestive power and  Improves oxygen supply to the deep tissues. Chyawanprash is a daily tonic that is good for all age groups all the time – except infants and children age 5 and under. The original formula contains ghee, cane sugar, and honey. Please note that the addition of ghee, honey, and sugar is  necessary as they help coat the herbal molecules and deliver them to the deeper tissues. They are added as balancing ingredients because the original formula is very potent with its concentrated content of herbs and amla. They are not flavoring agents. 



And since they are consumed in conjunction with the dozens of herbs that are in the formula, they body is able to process and metabolize them fully. You will not make amla from the ghee, the sugar, or the honey – no one should experience discomfort or imbalance from the sugar and fat content. However, if you have fat and sugar sensitivities or prefer to avoid consuming either or both, I have put together a Chyawanprash Syrup that contains no added fat (ghee) and no added sugar (honey or raw can sugar). For those who have concerns consuming fat and/or sugar, this will be the ideal way to get the rejuvenative benefit of all the rasayana and other herbs that are part of the original formula. Chyawanprash is a  great tonic for the lungs, it can take care of chronic cough, and helps alleviate breathing trouble. It supports and helps older physiologies, helps reverse aging, and it nourishes the growth of children and young adults. Chyawanprash supports the vocal chords; nurtures all seven tissues; nourishes the heart; pacifies Vata dosha;  nourishes the blood; takes care of excessive thirst. 

It helps the urinary tract; nourishes the reproductive fluid, and pacifies the aggravated dosha-s in the urinary tract. It can be consumed as a food item, as a dessert, after your midday meal. Do not eat at night as it can be too energizing and may interfere with sleep. Consuming chyawanprash as part of your daily diet will rejuvenate all age groups, making the old young again, and the young stronger! Increases intelligence; boosts memory; enhances glow and complexion of the skin; keeps the body disease-free; lengthens the life-span; strengthens all five senses. Chyawanprash supports and promotes marital or conjugal bliss, strengthening both male and female physiologies! It also supports the digestive metabolic fire; increases overall radiance; pacifies apana vata.

Friday, December 26, 2014

Apple - "King" of all fruits”

Apple - "King" of all fruits” 




The Apple, "King" of all fruits . It comes in various colors from green to red to gold. In taste an apple is tasty and juicy, and has various tastes from sour to sweet. One can eat an apple raw, cooked, or baked, and it can be used in various dishes. Apples are very good for one's health. An English saying is: "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Delicious and crunchy apple fruit is one of the popular fruits containing an impressive list of antioxidants and essential nutrients required for good health. 



Apple fruit was the king of all fruits originated in the past 4000 years ago. It has the best nutritional facts. Malus domestica fruit of the domesticated tree Malus domestica (family Rosaceae), one of the most widely cultivated tree fruits. it's not fiber alone that explains the cardiovascular benefits of apple, but the interaction of fiber with other phytonutrients in this wonderful fruit. The science of apple growing is called pomology. Apple trees take four to five years to produce their first fruit



Most apples are still picked by hand in the fall. Apples are low in calories; 100 g of fresh fruit slices provide only 50 calories. They, however, contain no saturated fats or cholesterol. Nonetheless, the fruit is rich in dietary fiber, which helps prevent absorption of dietary-LDL or bad cholesterol in the gut. 



The fiber also saves the colon mucous membrane from exposure to toxic substances by binding to cancer-causing chemicals inside the colon. Apple fruit contains good quantities of vitamin-C and beta-carotene. Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body. apple fruit is a good source of B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin, thiamin, and pyridoxine (vitamin B-6). 




Together, these vitamins help as co-factors for enzymes in metabolism as well as in various synthetic functions inside the body. Apples  carry a small amount of minerals like potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure; thus, counters the bad influences of sodium.







Kiwi fruit for healthy life

 Kiwi  fruit for healthy life



Kiwis are a nutrient dense food, meaning they are high in nutrients and low in calories. The possible health benefits of consuming kiwis include maintaining healthy skin tone and texture, reducing blood pressure and preventing heart disease and stroke. The kiwifruit, native to northern China, was first brought to and cultivated in New Zealand at the turn of the 20th century and was then known as the Chinese Gooseberry.  The name was changed to the kiwifruit, or kiwi because of the fruits shared characteristics with New Zealand's national symbol, the kiwi bird, which is also small, brown and fuzzy.
  

Kiwi is very beneficial  skin beauty due to presence of  Collagen, the skins support system, is reliant on vitamin C as an essential nutrient that works in our bodies as an antioxidant to help prevent damage caused by the sun, pollution and smoke, smooth wrinkles and improve overall skin texture. 



The effects of kiwifruit consumption on sleep quality in adults with sleep problems, it was found that kiwi consumption may improve sleep onset, duration, and efficiency in adults with self-reported sleep disturbances.  The fiber and potassium in kiwis support heart health. An increase in potassium intake along with a decrease in sodium intake is the most important dietary change that a person can make to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. 



 High potassium intakes are also associated with a reduced risk of stroke, protection against loss of muscle mass, preservation of bone mineral density and reduction in the formation of kidney stones. Consumption of kiwis lowers the blood pressure, because of their high potassium content, kiwis can help negate the effects of sodium in the body. It is possible that a low potassium intake is just as big of a risk factor in developing high blood pressure as a high sodium intake. 


The kiwi may have a mild laxative effect and could be used as a dietary supplement especially for elderly individuals experiencing constipation. Regular consumption of kiwifruit was shown to promote bulkier, softer and more frequent stool production.


 



Persimmon (Tendu) fruit of winter season – Full of nutrients

Persimmon (Tendu) fruit of winter season – Full of nutrients



Persimmon fruits scientific name is  Diospyros virginiana. Persimmon fruit is a golden yellow, round or oval, flavorful, smooth textured delicacy found in India . Its sweet, delicious flesh contains nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants that are vital for optimum health. 


Persimmons contain flavonoid poly-phenolic anti-oxidants catechins and gallocatechins. Catechins are known to have anti-infective, anti-inflammatory and anti-hemorrhagic (prevents bleeding from small blood vessels) properties. Persimmons contain anti-oxidant compounds like vitamin-A, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zea-xanthin and cryptoxanthin. 



These compounds functions as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease processes. Persimmons are also a very good source of vitamin-C, another powerful antioxidant helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals.



 The fruit is good in many valuable B-complex vitamins such as folic acid, pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), thiamin...etc. These vitamins act as co-factors for numerous metabolic enzymatic functions in the body. Fresh Persimmon fruits also contain healthy amounts of minerals like potassium, manganese, copper and phosphorus. 




Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Guava – cheapest fruit in winter season with many health benefits

  Guava – cheapest fruit in winter season with many health benefits


The Scientific name of Guava is Psidium guajava. Guava helps in reducing the weight. Guava is very high in roughage and rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals. Probably due to its wealth of nutrients, which keep the metabolism regulates and helps to promote the proper absorption of nutrients. Guava can also help those patients who suffer from diabetes

The high level of dietary fiber in guava helps to regulate the absorption of sugar by the body, which decreases the chances of major spikes and drops in insulin and glucose in the body. Studies have shown that consuming guava can help prevent the appearance of type-2 diabetes Guavas are extremely good sources of vitamin-A, which is well known as a booster for vision health. It can help slow down the appearance of cataracts, mascular degeneration, and general health of the eyes. 

 One of the most celebrated and important benefits of adding guava to your diet is its ability to inhibit the growth and metastasis of cancerous cells. Finally, the naturally high levels of vitamin-C in guavas, which are four times higher than the levels found in oranges (the traditional vitamin-C powerhouse), provides the immune system a huge boost in antioxidants. Antioxidants are the major lines of defense against the proliferation of free radicals in the body, which are one of the main causes of serious conditions like cancer and heart disease. Therefore, adding guava to your diet has numerous ways in which it helps you stay health and cancer-free. 

Guava can outdo many other fruits, including orange and other citrus fruits, in terms of its concentration of vitamin-C. In fact, guavas contain 5X more vitamin-C than oranges, which are often heralded as the absolute best source of that beneficial vitamin. Guava helps reduce cholesterol in the blood and prevents it from thickening, thereby maintaining the fluidity of blood and reducing blood pressure. Studies have shown that food lacking fiber (such as refined flour) add to blood pressure, due to its quick conversion to sugar. Guava, being very rich in fiber and hypoglycemic in nature, helps reduce blood pressure.