Cranberry Juice can prevent periodontal disease!

Cranberries are among the top foods with proven health benefits, according to Amy Howell, a researcher at Rutgers University.

 

Cranberries are full of antioxidants, which protects cells from damage by unstable molecules called free radicals.

The National Institutes of Health is funding research on the cranberry’s effects on heart disease, yeast infections and other conditions, and other researchers are investigating its potential against cancer, stroke and viral infections.

Here are some of the benefits:

• Drinking cranberry juice can block urinary infections by binding to bacteria so they can’t adhere to cell walls. While women often drink unsweetened cranberry juice to treat an infection, there’s no hard evidence that works.
• A compound Howell discovered in cranberries, proanthocyanidine, prevents plaque formation on teeth; mouthwashes containing it are being developed to prevent periodontal disease.
• In some people, regular cranberry juice consumption for months can kill the H. pylori bacteria, which can cause stomach cancer and ulcers.

Preliminary research also shows:

• Drinking cranberry juice daily may increase levels of HDL, or good cholesterol and reduce levels of LDL, or bad cholesterol.
• Cranberries may prevent tumors from growing rapidly or starting in the first place.
• Extracts of chemicals in cranberries prevent breast cancer cells from multiplying in a test tube; whether that would work in women is unknown.

Here are a few ideas for getting these antioxidant powerhouses into your life:

• Add dried cranberries to your favorite cereal
• Drink 100% fruit juice that includes cranberries
• Sneak cranberries into blueberry muffins for added color and flavor
• Pair cranberries with chicken and pork dishes    

Cranberry Apple Crisp Recipe

INGREDIENTS

For 9 servings

• 5 cups tart apples (about 6 medium apples), pared and sliced
• 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/3 cup sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup butter

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 375ºF. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan.

Layer apples and cranberries in pan, sprinkling with sugar as you layer.

Make topping: Mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Work in butter until light and crumbly. Sprinkle topping evenly over apples and cranberries.

Bake 45 minutes or until apples are tender.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

CALORIES  210 (25% from fat); PROTEIN 1g; FAT 6g; CARBOHYDRATES 39g; CHOLESTEROL 15mg; FIBER 3g; SODIUM 64mg.

Cranberry Spinach Salad

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3/4 cup almonds, blanched and slivered
• 1 pound spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-size pieces
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons minced onion
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Directions

• In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook and stir almonds in butter until lightly toasted. Remove from heat, and let cool.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, onion, paprika, white wine vinegar, cider vinegar, and vegetable oil. Toss with spinach just before serving.
• In a large bowl, combine the spinach with the toasted almonds and cranberries.

Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 338 | Total Fat: 23.5g | Cholesterol: 4mg

To be Continued...

   Tune in later for more food medicine

 

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Coconut- The tree of life

Coconut
(Cocos nucifera)
 The Tree of Life

The scientific name for coconut is Cocos nucifera. Early Spanish explorers called it coco, which means "monkey face" because the three indentations (eyes) on the hairy nut resembles the head and face of a monkey. Nucifera means "nut-bearing."

Coconut In Modern Medicine

Modern medical science is now confirming the use of coconut in treating many of the above conditions. Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of these are summarized below:

• Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses.
• Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.
• Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.
• Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.
• Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.
• Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.
• Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
• Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.
• Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.
• Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.
• Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.
• Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.
• Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.
• Helps protect against osteoporosis.
• Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.
• Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.
• Improves digestion and bowel function.
• Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.
• Reduces inflammation.
• Supports tissue healing and repair.
• Supports and aids immune system function.
• Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.
• Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.
• Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.
• Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.
• Functions as a protective antioxidant.
• Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.
• Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do.
• Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.
• Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).
• Reduces epileptic seizures.
• Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.
• Dissolves kidney stones.
• Helps prevent liver disease.
• Is lower in calories than all other fats.
• Supports thyroid function.
• Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.
• Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.
• Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.
• Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.
• Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
• Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.
• Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.
• Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
• Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.
• Provides protection from damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
• Helps control dandruff.
• Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.
• Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.
• Is completely non-toxic to humans.

Coconut Cream Angel Pie Recipe photo by Taste of Home Coconut Oil

While coconut possesses many health benefits due to its fiber and nutritional content, it's the oil that makes it a truly remarkable food and medicine.

Once mistakenly believed to be unhealthy because of its high saturated fat content, it is now known that the fat in coconut oil is a unique and different from most all other fats and possesses many health giving properties. It is now gaining long overdue recognition as a nutritious health food.

Coconut oil has been described as "the healthiest oil on earth." That's quite a remarkable statement.

Coconut Cream Angel Pie Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups whole milk
• 3 egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup flaked coconut
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 pastry shell (9 inches), baked
• MERINGUE:
• 3 egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup flaked coconut

Directions

• In a small heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt. Add milk; stir until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to low; cook and stir for 2 minutes longer.
• Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of hot filling into egg yolks; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat; stir in the coconut, butter and vanilla. Pour into prepared shell.
• In a small bowl, beat the egg whites, cream of tartar and vanilla on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff peaks form. Spread meringue over hot filling, sealing edges to crust. Sprinkle with coconut.
• Bake at 350° for 17-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator. Yield: 8 servings.

To be Continued...

Almond is considered extremely nourishing

While there’s no doubt that the popularity of the almond as a viable source of nutrition is well-known these days, the truth is that this might be due to the fact that the health benefits that it offers are becoming more and more obvious to many.

 

Here are some of Almond's benefits:

More energy
While some of us take the time to eat before heading out to work, some of us have to rush, therein losing out on the best meal of the day. Almonds are an excellent snack to have since they contain a lot of protein that, in turn, fuels the body with energy.

Good for the Blood
Since almonds have a lot of potassium (which is excellent for the blood) and a tiny quantity of sodium (which is not good for the blood), it becomes an excellent snack to have especially in taking care of their health. Potassium ensures that the blood carries the nutrients to all parts of the body much more easily whereas sodium hampers progress.

Develops stronger bones
Snacking on almonds, which has a fair amount of calcium, is good for the bones and teeth in one’s body. Since calcium strengthens these parts of the body, one can prevent osteoporosis.

Lowers bad cholesterol
Since almonds have monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in substantial quantities, this can result in the lowering of bad cholesterol.

Reduces the risk of heart disease
Since most nuts (almonds included) consist of low levels of saturated fat and cholesterol, the U.S Food and Drug Administration have authenticated the fact that these nuts can reduce the risk of heart disease.

Helps one to lose weight
Since almonds are a nutrient-dense food, this results in one feeling full after a pack of almonds. If you feel full, then there are fewer chances that you might not eat as much. And this increases your chances of losing weight.

Almond Oil

Almond oil contains vitamin E in abundance. Vitamin E also known as the food for our skin. Vitamin E is protects our skin from damaging ultraviolet lights. It prevents cell damage and also fights with some skin disorders. Some studies have shown that vitamin E is helpful to reduce stress. Sweet almond oil has refreshing fragrance which has positive impacts on your senses.

Bitter Almonds

Bitter almonds, in their raw state, are not recommended for most home use as they contain traces of prussic acid, which is lethal to mammals. Just one of this type of almond can produce between four and nine milligrams of hydrogen cyanide which, even in small doses, can have very severe effects. However, their toxicity is usually destroyed by heat and they are usually processed to make almond extract or almond flavored liqueurs.

Sweet Almonds

Sweet almonds are edible in their raw state and have many culinary uses. They can be used to make almond mil, almond butter and when pressed, they produce organic sweet almond oil that is usually used as a “carrier oil” or as an emollient in most massage oils and skin oils respectively. Sweet almonds are known to contain phytosterols, which are commonly associated with cholesterol lowering and are therefore recommended for those who wish to watch or lose some weight.

Almond oil vs Sweet Almond Oil

Almond oil has many uses, mostly culinary, as a flavor additive and as a ‘carrier’ oil in aromatherapy. It has most of the same properties as sweet almond oil and can be used in most of the same ways. However, almond oil has been seen to be one of the best natural hair oils that adds luster and greatly improves strength, thickness and length. In addition, consuming almond oil has been known to nourish the brain as well as the nervous system and is known to be an effective and natural painkiller. Application of almond oil to strained muscles is known to provide immense relief.
Organic sweet almond oil is well known for its skin conditioning and softening properties and has been known to treat skin conditions such as eczema, acne, psoriasis and dry, itchy skin. The oil from sweet almonds is known to penetrate skin easily and to have a long ‘life’, which means that it lasts longer on the skin without leaving a greasy, oily feeling. In addition to its skin healing qualities, studies have shown that organic sweet almond oil has very good sun protecting qualities. Not only does the oil protect you from harmful UV rays that cause wrinkling and other signs of skin aging, but also works to reverse the damage already caused by the harmful rays as well as slow down one’s skin aging process. It has been known to improve one’s complexion as well as retain a natural and healthy glow as it nourishes the skin. Sweet almond oil has also been used to lighten the dark circles under one’s eyes as well as cure dry, chapped lips.                                                                       

To Be Continued...

Balckberry is packed with antioxidants!

Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, blackberries make a nutritious treat. Packed with antioxidants, blackberries also help combat damage from free radicals.

When the plant antioxidant story became public a few years ago, one of the first fruits to rise to the top of the ORAC charts was the blackberry

This fruit has multiple macronutrients — high dietary fiber, carbohydrates, heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats (especially in its numerous chewable seeds), low overall fat content (<1%) and protein combined with high micronutrient levels of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. Blackberries are a particularly good source of vitamin A, potassium and calcium.

Phenolics in blackberries include anthocyanins, ellagic acid, rutin, gallic acid, hydrocaffeic acid, p-coumaric acid and cinnamic acid, plus excellent contents of the antioxidant vitamins A and C.
 Due to their rich contents of the phenolics mentioned above, blackberries have an ORAC value (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) of about 5350 per 100 grams, making them near the top of ORAC fruits. Cranberries and wild blueberries have around 9350 ORAC units, black raspberries about 12,000 and apples average 3100

 

Not only do blackberries pack a powerful nutritional punch, they are also low in calories, carbohydrates, and fat, making blackberries one of the most beneficial fruits to include in a balanced diet.

Antioxidants

Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant in blackberries, and one cup of blackberries contains 50% of the daily recommendation of vitamin C. The body uses vitamin C for protection from immune system deficiencies, and vitamin C may lower the risk of developing heart disease, certain types of cancer, and macular degeneration. Vitamin C aids wound healing, and studies show vitamin C may actually lessen the appearance of wrinkles.
Like all berries, blackberries contain ellagic acid, an antioxidant that has been shown to protect the skin from ultraviolet damage. New research is finding that ellagic acid may not only protect the skin from damage, but also repair skin damaged by the sun. Also, according to the American Cancer Society, laboratory research has shown that ellagic acid may have anti-cancer properties.

Sources:
Suite101: Health Benefits of Blackberries
Emory University


To Be Continued...

Beet is good for heart!

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Beetroot, botanically-known as Beta vulgaris, evolved from wild seabeet, which is a native of coastlines from India to Britain and is the ancestor of all cultivated forms of beet. Sea beet was first domesticated in the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East – although it was only the leaves that were eaten at that time.


’In early times, the medicinal properties of the root were more important than its eating qualities and it was used to treat a range of ailments including fevers, constipation, wounds and various skin problems. At that time, the roots were long and thin like a carrot. The rounded root shape that we are familiar with today was not developed until the sixteenth century and became widely popular in Central and Eastern Europe 200 years later. Many classic beetroot dishes originated in this region including the famous beetroot soup, known as borscht.

After World War II, pickled beetroot in jars was the most widely available form of the vegetable but the vinegars could be strong and harsh - enough to put many people off beetroot for life!




Beets are so bashful they keep their heads in the ground. You don't hear much about them. People rarely serve them. As a matter of fact, in the world of vegetables, beets are seldom even mentioned. However, we revere them so much that we've taken them from their home in the ground to place them "On the Highest Perch" for special recognition. Beets, also known as beetroot, are high in potassium, folacin, and fiber, yet low in calories. Their edible leaves offer protein, calcium, fiber, beta carotene, vitamins A and C, and some B vitamins. They're known in the arena of natural healing for their ability to purify the blood and the liver.

The Scientific name of Beetroot is Beta vulgaris which belongs to the Chenopodiaceae family and the vegetable is also known as beets or garden beet. The intake of beetroot helps in treating the following disorders:
*    Anemia
*    Digestion
*    Constipation
*    Piles
*    Blood circulation
*    Kidney disorders
*    Skin care
*    Dandruff
*    Gall bladder disorders
*    Cancer
*    Heart diseases

Beetroot are rich source of carotenoids and lutein/zeaxanthin and they contain dietary fibers, vitamin C, magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus. Beetroot  is also used to make refined sugar as they very less in calories and have highest sugar content when compared with all other vegetables. It is also a source of beneficial flavonoids called anthycyanins.

Beetroot also serves as a natural coloring agent in cooking. They are also used in salads, soups and pickles..

Beetroot is good for heart : The beetroot fibers help in reducing cholesterol & triglycerides by increasing the level of HDL but high levels of  triglycerides hypes the risk for heart related problems.  Consumption of beetroot helps to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Beetroot avoids birth defects: Beetroot is well known for its vitamin B folate content which helps in the development of infant’s spinal column. Lack of this vitamin b folate will lead to neural tube defect.

Beetroot  also prevent respiratory problems: The vegetable is a source of vitamin C which helps in preventing asthma symptoms.
* Boosts energy
* Prevent cataract
* Capillary fragility
* Macular degeneration
* Beet leaves are also good for curing wounds.
* Prevent certain cancers
* Good for liver

 

To Be Continued...

Banana Reduces Depression

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Bananas are loved by children and adults alike. What’s not to like about a fruit that comes gift-wrapped and is packed with nutrients that lead to good health and fat loss?
Once considered exotic, bananas are so mainstream that we can now enjoy the health benefits year-round.

As an excellent source of potassium, bananas help maintain proper blood pressure and heart health. In addition, the potassium in bananas will give you a much-needed energy boost while minimize muscle cramping.

Adding a banana to your diet each day can help prevent illnesses such as heart disease, while also preventing a thinning of the bones due to a high-salt diet.

Some delicious recipe with banana:

Banana-Blueberry Smoothie: Blend 1 banana, 2.5 ounces fresh blueberries, ¼ cup Greek yogurt and ½ cup of ice until smooth. Add a dash of cinnamon and blend again. 179 calories per smoothie, recipe makes 1 smoothie.
Banana & Honey Oatmeal: Slice ½ cup bananas over ½ cup cooked oatmeal and drizzle with 1 teaspoon of honey. 162 calories per serving, recipe makes 1 serving. 

Other Benefits include:

 

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 hearthbeat 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.

To Be Continue...

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