Food for Health

Health Benefits of Coffee - coffea arabica

2009-08-31T14:00:00.002+10:00

The coffee tree is an evergreen with spear-shaped foliage, which is green and glossy on the upper side. Blossoms appear during the third year and they are white with 5 or 6 flower petals. One tree could produce over 30,000 flowers in a year. The cherry is the name commonly given to the fruit of the coffee tree. Green to start with, the berries mature over many months, getting in turn yellow, then red, garnet red, and at last near black.

While coffee draws a bad rap, it is in reality a medicinal food. In fact, this energizing bean is not nearly as bad as we have all herd.

The coffee tree originated in Ethiopia (Abyssinia) got popular in the Arab world. It was first of all introduced to Western civilization; where Christian priests branded it as the Lucifer's drink was given to Muslims as a replacement for the wine (Christ’s blood) that they were not permitted to consume. The notion at the time was that any coffee-drinking Christian ran a risk of burning up in hell eternally. Yippee, progress!

On one side the bad rap, on the other step aside ACAI BERRY.
Here are a few startling health benefits of coffee.

Have a smile with your morning brew! If you are a caffelover, you do not need this Johns Hopkins report to tell you that a cupful or two a day step-ups your feel of well-being and happiness. You can give thanks to dopamine for that, which as well lends to coffee’s habit-forming nature. But be mindful, the study as well mentioned that more than 2 cups each day step-ups the risk of anxiousness and panic attacks. Some people react more readily than others - if you detect yourself experiencing jitters or nervousness, ease off on the brew

Most Americans draw their antioxidants from coffee. University of Scranton (Pa.). 230th national meeting of the American Chemical Society. This does not imply it is the best source of antioxidants, just that it is the most ingested. But, it is admittedly true; coffee is really high in antioxidants. I will stick for the most part to my fruit.

Coffee reduces muscular tissue pain. Victor Maridakis and colleagues, the University of Georgia. After a grueling workout, a cup or two of coffee has shown up to reduce muscle discomfort (especially in women) more efficaciously than Naprosyn, acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and isobutylphenyl propionic acid (ibuprofen). However, do not substitute your daily water with cups of coffee).

Coffee might assist with short term remembering. Science Daily (Dec. 12, 2005). It is in all likelihood because of caffeine’s stimulating effects, but an Austrian study demonstrated that volunteers given caffeinated coffee had better response time and short-term memory function than those who were given the cup of decaffeinated coffee.

Caffeine might prevent long term memory loss in women. Science Daily (Aug. 7, 2007). Since caffeine is a psycho stimulant, older women who take up to 3 cups of coffee or tea a day have less memory loss and cognitive diminution than their counterparts who drink less or none at all. Regrettably, caffeine consumption does not seem to have any prophylactic outcome against dementia.

A word of cautiousness: Pesticides might be in your brew. Since just about all coffee is grown in third world countries with less stringent laws than those of Europe or the United States, your non-organic cuppa is in all likelihood loaded with chemicals. That is not only bad for you; it is bad for the farmers and the tropic ecosystems in which the coffee is grown. Go organic.

coffe tree, coffee, coffea arabica

Fruit Salad – Food for Health and Enjoyment

2009-08-19T19:38:00.010+10:00

Good as a side dish or dessert, a fruit salad made up from fresh fruit is naturally low in fat, low in sodium and cholesterol free. You could also find out the number of calories in your fruit and, as bonus, have a low calorie fruit salad. For example, an apple has 65 calories while a banana has 180 calories.

However, everything in life is not about calorie counting. With only a little effort you could have a well-balanced combination of fruit types, colors and quantity of each fruit. A fruit salad provides you with a fast to prepare meal; just peel, cut and mix and there, you got it, but also it provides you with a wholesome, enjoyable and colorful meal or side dish.

It is best to prepare your fruit salad from ripe but firm fruit, fruit is best when in season and, you should remove any fruit blemishes. Overall, fruit is a good source of vitamin C, Potassium, Dietary Fiber and phytonutrients. Yellow, orange and red fruit is high in Vitamin A and dark colored fruit is rich source of antioxidants.

In case you are not worried about calories, an occasional addition of a small fistful of nuts such as walnuts will provide some extra health benefits and taste. A real food for health and enjoyment.

fruit salad, food for health

Influence of Digestion on Foods for Health

2009-08-11T10:25:00.004+10:00

The most significant things for good digestion are: consumption of diverse foods including a good range of fruit and vegetables. Avoid or cut down on certain foods and don't eat too heavily . It's also crucial to eat slowly, pause between mouthfuls and don't eat too late at night-time.

There are thought numerous foods that aid digestion including mint, ginger (particularly in herbal tea), fish oil, yogurt, unprocessed honey, asparagus, bananas, pineapple and paw paw. These are not just food for health that you should on a regular basis include in your diet but they are as well Natural Remedies for poor digestion. However, don't eat raw vegetables and raw fruits together as they involve a different set of enzymes to be digested.

Digestive disorders might cause serious problems not just to your gut, but might link to other complications such as: bloating, diarrhea, constipation, belching, flatulence, food sensitivities and nutrient malabsorption.

Good quality food and good digestion will also assist in utilizing the numerous antioxidants and phytochemicals found in fruit and vegetables. For example, the phytochemical quercetin, a strong antioxidant that is widely consumed in many fruits and vegetables has potential protective effects against both cancers, including that of breast, colon, and brain and heart condition.

Digestion, healthy foods, foods for healthy digestion

Brain Health | Brain Foods

2009-07-31T22:17:00.003+10:00

A dwindling away memory and reduced concentration are commonly believed to be caused by lessened blood flow to the brain and loss of brain cells.

Research has shown that physical exercise might boost the brain to work at best capacity by stimulating nerve cells to multiply, toning up their interconnections and protecting them from harm.

Additionally a good night's sleep is essential for mental energy since our body revitalizes during sleep. While you feel tired, take a 15-minute power cat sleep.

However, a well-balanced diet plentiful in brain foods such as essential omega oils, amino acids, vitamins and minerals will ensure more than anything else a vivacious and acute memory. Make certain to eat some form of protein with every meal such as nuts, seeds, beans, legumes or animal products.

Fish, particularly deep sea fish, offer a good source for the essential oils that our cells require in order functioning optimally. Additionally, the following brain foods including: apples, bell peppers, bamboo shoots, beets, yams, squash, snow peas, pumpkin, potatoes, mushrooms, parsley, fruit such as goji berries, papaya, pineapples and raspberries, oats, adzuki beans, black beans, chestnuts, walnuts and sesame seeds all boost the brain to work at best capacity.

The 28 May 2005 issue of New Scientist has a cover story on "11 steps to a better brain". From their summary of the research a steadfast supply of glucose throughout the twenty-four hours day is the key and in general fish is the best brain food.

So it appears that all boils down to an adequate diet, positive thinking, lots of both physical and mental exercise and lots of good sleep. Exactly like grandmother said.

brain foods, brain health

Benefits of Apples in the Diet | Flavonoids - Phytochemicals in Apples

2009-07-15T17:06:00.003+10:00

Evidence suggests that a dieting high in fruits, berries and veggies could lessen the danger of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, and phytochemicals including carotenoids phenolics and flavonoids from fruits and veggies might play a central role in cutting down chronic disease risk.

Apples are a widely ingested, rich source of phytochemicals, and epidemiology analysis have associated the consumption of apples with reduced risk of a few cancers, cardiovascular disease, asthma attacks, and type2 diabetes. In the research lab, apples have been determined to have very potent antioxidant activity, suppress cancer cell proliferation, lessen lipid oxidation, and lower cholesterol.

Apples contain an assortment of phytochemicals, including catechin, quercetin, phloridzin and chlorogenic acid all of which are potent antioxidants. In the U.S.A., as well as in most highly-developed countries, cardiovascular disease and cancer are placed as the top two greatest causes of death.

The causes of both diseases have been associated to life-style choices, and one of the most crucial is dieting. It has been estimated that a sound diet could prevent about 30% of all cancers. In addition high cholesterol and obesity are greatly acted upon by diet and life-style.

A great deal of the protective outcome of fruits and vegetables has been ascribed to phytochemicals, which are the non-nutrient plant chemical compounds. A leading class of phytochemicals found generally in fruits and vegetables are the flavonoids. Apples are a very substantial source of flavonoids in people's diet.

Various studies have specifically associated regular apple ingestion in the diet with a decreased risk for cancer, particularly lung cancer. In the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals' Follow-up Study, involving over 77,000 women and 47, 000 men, fruit and vegetable consumption was associated with a 21% reduced risk in lung cancer in women, but this connection wasn't seen in men.

Very few of the case-by-case fruits and vegetables analyzed had a meaningful result on lung cancer risk in women; however apples were one of the individual fruits linked with a reduced risk in lung cancer. Women who ingested at least one serving per day of apples and pears had a cut down risk of lung cancer.

A reduced risk of cardiovascular disease has been linked with regular apple ingestion in the diet. The Woman's Health Study surveyed nearly 40,000 women with a 6.9-year follow-up, and examined the connection between flavonoids and cardiovascular disease. Women ingesting the highest amounts of flavonoids had a 35% decrease in risk of cardiovascular events.

apples, phytochemicals, flavonoids, diet

Cranberries | Cranberry Health Benefits

2009-07-05T14:21:00.005+10:00

Cranberries are a group of evergreen dwarf fruit producing plants or trailing vines in the genus Vaccinium. They have small evergreen foliage and dark pink flowers. Fruit is a small berry that is at the start white, but becomes a deep red when full ripe. It is edible, with a sour taste that can overtake its sweetness.

The majority of Medical and other health care providers believe there is a well-defined connection between a diet high in fruits and vegetables and a reduced risk of chronic disease. Phytonutrients (natural plant chemical compounds), in particular antioxidants, are more and more being shown to assist optimize human health.

Cranberries according to long research contain high amounts of proanthocyanidins that can prevent the adhesiveness of certain of bacteria, including E. coli, connected with urinary tract infections to the urinary tract wall. The anti-adhesion attributes of cranberry might also suppress the bacteria linked with gum disease and stomach ulcers.

New scientific research shows that cranberries and cranberry products contain considerable amounts of antioxidants and other phytonutrients that may assist against heart disease, cancer and other diseases. Cranberries is part of the super foods class for their contribution to health

According to Joe Vinson PhD, a Research Chemist from the University of Scranton, "Cranberries contained the most antioxidant phenols compared to other 19 commonly eaten fruits. Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants and should be eaten more often."

cranberries, health benefits of cranberries

Benefits of Walnuts | Omega3 fatty acids in Walnuts

2009-07-03T22:50:00.002+10:00

The Walnuts are the nuts from the walnut tree the genus Juglans, family Juglandaceae, with 21 species world wide. Walnuts are a tasteful way to contribute good nutrition, flavor and crunch to a meal. They are second only to flaxseed in terms of vegetarian sources of Omega 3 essential fatty acids and fortified commercial fruit juices..

A raised intake of Omega 3 essential fatty acids has been evidenced to be very assistive among other health problems in fighting depressive and bipolar disorders. While Omega 3 fatty acids inadequacy can cause numerous chronic health problems, including that of depression, one quarter of a cup of walnuts can offer you 90% of the daily advisable value of Omega-3. For this reason the health benefits of consuming walnuts are obvious.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids in walnuts, will as well benefit the cardiovascular system by preventing erratic heart beats, causing blood less likely to clot within arteries, improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to potentially injurious (LDL) cholesterol and keep down inflammation, which is a key element in the processes that turn cholesterol into artery-clogging plaques.

While the role of the Omega-3 to Omega-6 balance is of critical importance to health, you must keep in mind there are other vital nutrients that might also contribute to health. For example, nuts that do not contain Omega-3s, such as almonds, peanuts, macadamias might be established upon their contribution to health thru other of their nutrients; for example, almonds, macadamias and peanuts are condensed in heart-healthy monounsaturated fat.

Nature's Super Foods | Food for Health

2009-06-11T13:45:00.012+10:00

Super foods have been advertised as the fountain of health and youthfulness. There is no formal definition for the term super foods, but they are broadly identified as being particularly wholesome, with bio-active compounds and exceptional health benefits not accessible from other foods. Super foods are the foods with high levels of phytonutrients, antioxidants, and an excellent nutritional profile.

Adding some of these foods into your dieting is one more method to back up your body’s natural health and beauty. The following is a list of some of these super foods.

Cacao Nibs: Raw organic chocolate is a nutrient dense super-food. It carries natural mild monoamine oxidase enzyme inhibitors (antidepressant effect). It also contains Phenylethylamine (PEA). PEA can step-up centering and alertness and assist us feel linked to others.

Coconut Oil: Extra virgin, raw, unrefined coconut oil boosts healthy brain and body metabolism. It is excellent for fibromyositis, weight loss, and increases metabolic processes as much as 25% additionally, raises immune reaction, radiance of skin, supports the function of the thyroid, liver and pancreas.

Walnuts: Walnuts have the greatest antioxidant activity of all nuts and they are abundant in cholesterol-lowering plant serums. Walnuts are also rich in omega 3 essential oils.

Mushrooms: They are high in antioxidants, selenium, riboflavin and other beneficial substances that protect immune arrangement and fight cancer. For example:

Maitake mushrooms. They are best being recognized for their cancer-fighting attributes. The evidence validating maitake's therapeutic value is impressive. Research lab studies have shown that maitake extract could block off the development and growth of cancer tumors.

Shiitake mushrooms. Research has exhibited that Shiitake lowers cholesterol and appears to be useful against some of the more serious viruses we are facing today including HIV and hepatitis B and seems to be a formidable cancer combatant.

Garlic: It is rich in a variety of potent phytochemicals including allicin, allin and diallyl sulphide. Garlic could protect against colon and stomach cancer it is a powerful bactericide and antiviral agent and might lower high blood pressure and the injurious LDL-cholesterol.

Beans: They lower unhealthy (LDL) cholesterol levels, fighting heat disease, stabilize blood glucose, reduce obesity, remedy high blood pressure and decrease the risk of cancer.

Fruit-Blueberries: These berry fruits lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Blueberries also assist in the maintenance of healthy skin. Eating regularly this tasteful fruit will help to reduce the droops and bags brought on by old age.

Broccoli: It boosts the immune system, lowers the relative incidence of cataracts, supports cardiovascular health, builds up bones and defends against birth defects. Few foods amount up to broccoli for cancer- fighting potentiality.

Tea: It boosts the immune system, assists prevention of cancer and osteoporosis, lowers the chance of stroke, and boosts cardiovascular health.

Yogurt: It promotes solid bones and a healthy heart, an additional health promoting protein source, and a great source of calcium.

Curcumin (Turmeric): It protects neurons exposed to oxidant stress. Treatment of brain cells named astrocytes, with the Indian curry spice, curcumin (turmeric) has been found to increase expression of the glutathione S-transferase and protect nerve cells exposed to oxidant stress.

super foods, health

The Benefits of Berries

2009-05-20T16:08:00.006+10:00

One of the most liked and healthful fruit worldwide are berries. There are two types of these little eatable fruits available; cultivated and the normally smaller cousin's wild berries. The most common berries grown commercially, here the word "berry" is applied in its less specialized connotation, are strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.

There are numerous other types of cultivated berry fruits that slowly become accessible, in season, largely in some specialty shops or restaurants including currants, blackberries and gooseberries and likewise some of the less common and smaller wild berries including choke cherry, highbush cranberry, saskatoon berry, russet buffaloberry and cloudberries.

The benefits of eating berries are manifold. Cultivated and wild berries contribute variety to our diet and since most are plentiful in vitamins and minerals, they also play a essential role in nutrition. They are ideal food for health. They are low in calories, have no fat or salt and they are rich source of fiber.

Berries are not just likable and nutritional fruits in addition they have significant medicinal properties. Since berries are rich in chemicals called antioxidants they also provide our bodies with resistance to numerous diseases. Some of the berries have been specifically employed for hundreds of years to treat or prevent health conditions including the goji berry, cranberry, saw palmetto, hawthorn, etc.

Lastly, there is a group of wild berries that are poison berries including Holly, Yew, Mistletoe and Pokeweed. A lot of people like to gather wild berries in season to make jams or sauces. Many of the wild berries appear tempting and harmless enough to be picked.

However, when poison berries are eaten, could make you ill while others could be a last meal for anybody foolish enough to try them. Learning to distinguish which are safe it is very important other ways it is better to leave them alone.

Fruit Consumption for Health

2009-04-15T19:57:00.015+10:00

Fruit is an all important food as part of your day-to-day diet. They are naturally good and contain vitamins and minerals that can assist you to maintain a good health. In addition, they contain other compounds called antioxidants or phytochemicals, which help protect the body against cancer, diabetes heart disease and many other maladies. There are a lot of varieties of fruit available. You should eat two to three serves of fruit every day as part of a good health management.

Types of fruit
Fruit is the sweet, fleshy, palatable product of a fruit bearing plant or trees. It is usually eaten raw, although some varieties can be cooked. They come in a extensive mixture of colors, contours and flavors. In general, fruit contain unpalatable seeds. Common types of fruits that are readily accessible include:

· Pome - apples and pears

· Citrus - oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes and mandarins

· Stone fruit - peaches, nectarines, apricots, and plums

· Tropical and exotic - mangoes, bananas and paw-paw

· Berries - strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwifruit and passion fruit

· Melons - watermelons, rock melons and honey dew

· Tomatoes and avocados.

Colors in fruit are a primal key to healthy food for maximal health and protection against disease derives, these become available from eating an extensive variety of fruits. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guideposts advocate that adults consume at minimum two kinds of fruit each day.

Different foods, including fruit, of same colors usually contain related protective chemical compounds so try to consume a rainbow of colorful fruits each day to get the entire range of health benefits.

You can found a large list of fruit trees and relevant information at my Fruit and Nut Trees blog. You could perhaps grow some yourself in your back yard for fresh continues supply of health giving colorful fruit.

fruit and health