Archive for the ‘Health & Fitness’ category


 Powered by Max Banner Ads 

Nutritional benefits of lychee fruit – Part 4

September 5th, 2010

3081048579 538903ff7a m Nutritional benefits of lychee fruit Part 4

Lady Yang Kuei Fei, Imperial cocubine to the last emperor of the T’ang dynasty (Hsuan Tsung, 712-756 A.D.), was an early and passionate devotee to the lychee. A red, heart-shaped fruit originally cultivated in China almost 2,000 years ago, this symbol of love and romance reached Hawaii in 1873. It was conveyed to California and Florida by 1897.

A versatile “super fruit,” lychees are used for sweetening juices, meats, salads, and parfaits; there are even lychee skin products and a lychee martini (this and other recipes at http://www.lycheesonline.com). The Lady Yang Kuei Fei enjoyed them fresh, when they’re tastiest. In fact, using a series of guards on fast horses, her emperor ordered that lychees be transported 600 miles for her enjoyment (no mean feat: Lychees don’t ripen after they’re picked, and they spoil quickly).

Lychees are available in health food and specialty stores in many forms, including fresh. The flesh is translucent white, firm, and juicy. It packs 72 mg of the antioxidant vitamin C as well as some fiber and B vitamins.

However, the lychee isn’t without some unusual qualities. Neither the peel nor the single seed are edible; remove both before you eat the fruit. A lychee myth is illustrated by the Cantonese saying, “One lychee equals three torches of fire,” referring to the fruit’s Yang properties. The saying’s accuracy is unsubstantiated, but if you’re concerned, 3 lychees are enough they’ll provide 1/3 of an adult’s daily requirement for vitamin C.

Related Blogs

No comments »

Posted in Health & Fitness

Tags:

The health benefits of cranberry juice – Part 7

August 27th, 2010
1286302637 7f3b9e1c80 m The health benefits of cranberry juice Part 7

Not only is cranberry juice a delicious drink that many of us enjoy drinking, but it also contains many essential vitamins and minerals that provide our bodies with many health benefits. The types of vitamins and minerals that are found in cranberry juice are vitamin C, vitamin A, Beta-carotene, Calcium, Magnesium and even Potassium.

Cranberry juice has been known to fight against bladder infections, urinary track infections and even kidney infections; and not to mention that it helps prevent the development of kidney stones. Studies have also shown that cranberry juice has been linked to the reduction of dental plaque and improving dental health. Cranberry juice is also believed to lower the risk of coronary heart disease, and help prevent and even fix damage to our cells. Cranberry juice has also been known to improve our immune systems functions and even for lowering and preventing our risk for several types of cancer.

Although there are several types of cranberry juice on the market, you will want to make sure that you get the one that contains 100% unsweetened cranberry juice because other juices are mixed with preservatives and contain sugar which loses a lot of the essential vitamins and minerals that can be found in 100% cranberry juice. Although the other cranberry juices that contain about 30% cranberry juice still might provide you with some of the benefits that the 100% cranberry juice does, the percentage would be just about a fraction of what you would otherwise receive because the added preservatives and sweeteners can reduce the potential of receiving the great health benefits.

Cranberry juice is perfect for everyone, including children, adults, and even the elderly.

Some may think that 100% cranberry juice might be too tart and bitter tasting, but you can always mix cranberry juice with another kind of juice like apple or orange juice without sacrificing those essential vitamins and minerals you would otherwise lose in other cranberry juices

Although studies have not found that cranberry juice has any side effect it is expressed that excessive consumption of cranberry juice or any kind of juice can contribute to obesity, cause cavities, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal problems and even abdominal paid. So make sure to drink cranberry juice and other juices moderately and consult with your doctor if you are not sure what the right amount for you is or for your children.

Related Blogs

No comments »

Posted in Health & Fitness

Tags:

The health benefits of cranberry juice – Part 4

August 24th, 2010
1285881488 11a7738f49 m The health benefits of cranberry juice Part 4

Cranberry juice should be on everyone’s shelf and in their refrigerator. The health benefits of cranberry juice was once thought to be beneficial only in the treatment and prevention of kidney and bladder infections; but have now been broadened to include heart disease and cholesterol lowering as well as other health benefits. During my online research looking for the health benefits of cranberry juice, I found two studies that prove how much a difference it could make in our overall health if it was consumed more frequently.

Cranberry juice and cholesterol lowering capacity:

A study by the American Chemical Society has now led to the knowledge of how important this colorful, tart and good tasting juice is. It is not only a palate pleaser, and as such an an additive to our diets, it has far-reaching health benefits. At their 225th national meeting, as reported by Science Daily, they urged everyone to consider drinking it in place of soft drinks. In the past it has been consumed in abundance only by those with urinary tract infections.

After the incremental study with nineteen subject that started out for the first month one glass of the 27 % cranberry juice a day; the second month two glasses of cranberry juice; and the third and final month three glasses of cranberry juice a day, a decrease in the cholesterol level was seen during the third month.

The first hopeful signs that they were on the right tract were when in the first month a small but steady rise in the good type of cholesterol (HDL; high density lipoprotein) levels began to show up in tests. Other telling signs of the health benefit of cranberry juice beyond the urinary tract were a rise in the plasma antioxidant capacity’. This meaning that the body’s defense against a possible heart attack was on the rise.

This is only the beginning in this newer health benefit credited to cranberry juice. What they now want to know is how this change is brought about. They believe but have not proved that a certain potent antioxidant that fruits have, called polyphenols, may be the reason. What they do know is that this chemical agent is higher in cranberries than in other fruits.

Cranberry juice and urinary tract infections:

The report of a study on cranberry juice and urinary tract infections was written up in the British Medical Journal (June 29, 2001). Their conclusions were that regular drinking of this juice’ was probably effective in protecting women form urinary tract infections.

Related Blogs

  • Related Blogs on American Chemical Society

No comments »

Posted in Health & Fitness

Tags:

The health benefits of cranberry juice – Part 10

August 19th, 2010
2272627302 18a28cfbaa m The health benefits of cranberry juice Part 10

Health benefits of cranberries are just not limited to preventing urinary tract infections. Studies around the world have amazed people because of the antioxidant content which helps fight diseases like cancer, heart disease, stomach ulcers and even gum diseases.

Cranberry juice prevents the adhesion of bacteria to urinary tract prevent urinary tract infections. It can reach parts of urinary tract compared to any other juice preventing urinary infections and maintains acidic pH OF urine. The proanthocyanidin in cranberry juice prevents adhesion of gram negative fimbriated E-coli to walls of urinary tract. Recurrence of urinary tract infections can be prevented with cranberry juice.

The antibiotic resistant H.pylori known to cause gastrointestinal ulcers, gastric cancers and gum diseases could be treated with cranberries. H.pylori bacteria in the body survives in acidic conditions. Cranberry juice or supplements of cranberry prevents the adhesion of H.pylori on to intestinal walls. Cranberry juice do not exhibit any bactericidal action but anti adhesive action prevents peptic ulcers and other diseases caused by this bacteria. Overall, it prevents adhesion of this bacteria to urinary, gastrointestinal tract and mouth.

Juice of cranberries have been found to have anticancer properties and inhibitory growth on tumors. Proanthocyanidin compound in cranberry juice has shown inhibitory effect on tumors of breast, lungs, intestines and even on leukemia cells. Cranberry juice prevents further spread of cancer without affecting normal cells within the body. The exact action of

cranberry juice on cancer cells is still under study.

Cardiovascular heart diseases can be combated with cranberry juice. It prevents the rise of cholesterol levels in the body including LDL cholesterol(bad cholesterol). It even prevents atherosclerosis which is the formation of plaque(Cholesterol and lipids) within arterial walls. This way it prevents the future heart attacks and strokes.

Studies have even reported that cranberry juice could prevent dental plaque. It is an effective ingredient in mouth washes to prevent plaque. Kidney stone recurrence can be prevented with cranberry juice. Quinic acid content and high concentration of oxalate in cranberry juice maintains the acidity of urine and prevents kidney stones.

Cranberry juice may be sour. But numerous health benefits of cranberry juice may one day force us to replace our sodas with cranberry juice.

Related Blogs

No comments »

Posted in Health & Fitness

Tags:

Nutritional benefits of cranberries – Part 10

July 28th, 2010
2272627784 7968af0570 m Nutritional benefits of cranberries Part 10

Cranberries are a very versatile fruit. The nutritional benefits of cranberries vary from urinary tracts to teeth and gums. Being able to drink cranberry juice, cook with cranberries, or even bake with them, it won’t be hard to incorporate this powerful fruit into your diet to enjoy it’s benefits.

Cranberries help keep your teeth strong by eliminating oral bacteria from attaching to the teeth and gum surfaces. This also helps delay the decaying process and fight against gum disease. The natural anti-oxidants in cranberries also help fight ulcers. It protects your stomach walls so that bacteria cannot attach itself. People suffering from ulcers and H-Pylori enjoy the healing benefits found in this fruit. The anti-oxidants that fight bacteria, help keep the urinary tract from being infected. Both men and women can get urinary tract infections. By consuming one serving of cranberries a day you can decrease your risks.

The heart benefits from us eating cranberries by helping our bodies fight against disease. They inhibit oxidation of low-density cholesterol, which blocks our arteries. This keeps the blood flowing and the heart strong. Cranberries also help the blood to clot and are high in calcium which protect our bones.

New research milestones that have been made concerning the benefits of cranberries is it’s “anti-adhesion” effect on bacteria. With bacteria not being able to adhere itself in our bodies, we will be sick less with common colds, stomach ulcers, urinary tract infections and mouth diseases. With 60 million Americans suffering from some form of heart disease making cranberries a household item would be beneficial to the entire family.

Related Blogs

No comments »

Posted in Health & Fitness

Tags:

The health benefits of cranberry juice – Part 1

July 26th, 2010
Yogurt Covered Cranberries

Most have heard that cranberry juice is a good way to get rid of bladder infections. But that is really just one small aspect of the health benefits of cranberry juice. Cranberry juice isn’t always easy to find as 100% cranberry juice, and when you try it for the first time it may astonish you. Cranberry juice is bitter or tart when you try it by itself. However, many of the cocktails that are very enjoyable, have enough cranberry juice to provide the health benefits of the cranberry juice. You will want to buy a cocktail that is 100% juice. This is usually a mix of grape juice, apple juice, and cranberry juice. Try to find one that has cranberry juice listed as the first or second ingredient. Avoid cocktails that aren’t 100% juice. While they are often tasty they have very little health benefits and are full of artificial sweeteners and sugars.

Urinary Track Health.

Cranberry juice isn’t just good for bladder infections, it is great for urinary track health in general. It helps to keep the whole track including the bladder and kidneys free of bacteria. The chemicals in the juice help to protect the cells from bacteria, effectively letting the bacteria rinse into the urine and stay there as it leaves the body. This can strengthen your urinary track and protect it from infection.

Respiratory Health.

Some research has shown that cranberry juice also helps keep the respiratory system free of bacteria. This prevents respiratory infections and ear infections. This isn’t a cure all, but it does help.

Heart Health.

Cranberry juice has shown to help decrease bad cholesterol, and raise good cholesterol. This is good news for those with cholesterol issues. It has also been shown that it is great for reducing the risk of heart disease and it has anti-clotting effects.

Dental Hygiene.

Cranberry juice has been shown to reduce the risk of gingivitis, and reduce the build up of plaque. It is effective at killing oral bacteria due to the chemical properties of the cranberry. However, too much can lead to tooth decay because of all the sugars. Finding a balance is very important for dental health.

Emulsifies Fat.

Some research has shown that it can help to emulsify fat. This helps those who are eating a balanced diet, consuming a moderate amount of cranberry juice, and participating in an exercise plan.

Nutritious.

In addition to having several health benefits, cranberry juice is nutritious. It offers several vitamins and minerals. As part of a balanced diet it can add a great deal of health benefits to the lives of many.

It is important that you consult your doctor about consuming cranberry juice daily if you are on prescription medications. Some have negative reactions with lots of cranberry. Additionally, you should limit your juice consumption and always drink lots of water. You should consume 4-8 ounces of cranberry juice every day or every other day to receive cranberry juice’s health benefits.

No comments »

Posted in Health & Fitness

Tags:

The health benefits of cranberry juice – Part 6

July 23rd, 2010
1287188648 28ebc7d130 m The health benefits of cranberry juice Part 6

The full range of health benefits associated with cranberries and cranberry juice is not yet known. Researchers are continuing to study the properties of its antioxidative phytochemicals, and their potential as cancer-fighting agents and their ability to boost immunity.Cranberries themselves, although small in size, can pack a wallop of a punch when it comes to its health benefits. A glass or two of cranberry juice on a daily basis is a good way to prevent bladder infections.

Cranberry juice is one of the best home remedies for treating a urinary tract infection (cystitis), but its benefit goes well beyond that arena. The acidity of cranberry juice is helpful to the kidneys and bladder because it makes those regions inhospitable to any bacteria that would like to take hold and grow there. Drinking cranberry juice will wash certain bacteria right out of the body. Additionally, a regular regimen of cranberry juice can be useful in preventing the formation of kidney stones.

Cranberry juice contains three powerful phytochemicals (plant nutrients) called bioflavinoids, anthocyanins, and catechins. Bioflavinoids are antioxidants that have the power to inhibit the body’s production hormones that cause cancer. Anthocyanin is good for eye health. It improves the body’s ability to detect the wavelengths that cause purple colors. This is important because it promotes better night vision. Anthocyanin is another type of antioxidant. Catechins, which are also known as tannins, are antioxidants. They also prevent oral bacteria from causing plaque, which may lead to gingivitis. The astringent properties of the tannins found in cranberry juice make it a beneficial coagulant. This is especially helpful for people who are prone to thrombosis or other cardiovascular disease.

Commercially available cranberry juice is mixed with far too much sweetener to really provide the truest benefit. Using a food processor or home juicer to make your own cranberry juice will give you the best chance at reaping its health benefits. To keep it from being too bitter, just dilute it with apple juice. Making your own cranberry juice instead of drinking highly sugared varieties can prevent tooth decay. The acidity of the berry stimulates the mouth to salivate, which helps prevent the formation of plaque.

Related Blogs

No comments »

Posted in Health & Fitness

Tags:

Nutritional benefits of cranberries – Part 8

July 14th, 2010
MonaVie Acai Berry

Mention cranberries and watch lips pucker. But these tart little gems are a top food source for providing nutrients and antioxidants. Now found in several delicious varieties, cranberries pack a healthy punch.

A cousin of the blueberry, cultivated cranberries are grown on low trailing vines in large sandy bogs mostly in the northern United States and southern Canada(www.whfoods.org).

American Indians ate cooked cranberries sweetened with honey or maple syrup. They also used them as a red dye and as a poultice for wounds to help stop bleeding and as an antibiotic. By the 18th century, colonists were exporting cranberries to England.

For hundreds of years, people have used cranberries and its juice to treat urinary tract infections (UTI) and other illness. More recent studies have suggested that cranberries may be a strong contender in the fight against heart disease and cancer.

According to a study published in the November 19, 2001 edition of the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, cranberries have been shown to contain more antioxidant phenols than 19 commonly eaten fruits

“These antioxidants may play a role in helping to prevent heart disease and certain cancers” according to the study’s author Dr. Joe Vinson at the University of Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Filled with flavonoids, studies suggest that cranberries can help fight atherosclerosis, more commonly known as “hardening of the arteries”. Flavonoids help reduce the amount of bad cholesterol that can clog artery walls while increasing levels of good cholesterol.

Preliminary research at the University of Western Ontario also suggests that cranberries are a factor in inhibiting the development of breast cancer cells in animals.

And cranberries offer even more to smile about: they’re found to reduce the production of cavity and plaque producing bacteria in the mouth and may also reduce the bacteria associated with peptic stomach ulcers.

Cranberries may also help prevent kidney stones and bladder infections. Researchers have discovered this amazing berry may be an effective treatment for the herpes virus, as well.

A versatile, inexpensive fruit, today cranberries are popping up in all sorts of delicious ways. Fresh cranberries, which contain the highest levels of beneficial nutrients, are at their peak October through December. To enjoy their health benefits long after the holiday season, look for them in liquid, dried, frozen and canned varieties.

Drinking cranberry juice instead of soda is a great way to incorporate this beneficial fruit in your diet. Try the new lower sugar varieties for an even healthier choice. Toss fresh cranberries in your favorite muffin mix, or add them to marinades and dressings. Not just for the holidays, canned varieties go great with turkey, pork or game dishes all year long. Much like raisins, dried cranberries (with no sugar added) are a natural and nutritious snack or lunch box treat. Dried cranberries are also great on hot and cold cereal.

For sauce, combine sugar and cranberries and cook. In you’re avoiding sugar, use a temperature resistant sugar substitute like Splenda in your fresh cranberry recipe.

Whatever variety you choose, cranberries are more than just a pretty little fruit.

With all its heath benefits, this colorful festive berry might just be the hardest working berry out there.

For more information on this fabulous fruit, visit cranberryinstitute.org.

No comments »

Posted in Health & Fitness

Tags:

The health benefits of cranberry juice – Part 2

July 14th, 2010
MonaVie The Juice that taking the world by storm!

The cranberry, just one of nature’s super foods that’s often overlooked and who’s full health benefits are still being discovered. This small red berry, actually grows on a bush, and blooms small pink flowers. Esthetically, the cranberry can add charm to any garden, but the cranberry packs a load of nutrients that are good for you too.

WHAT IS A CRANBERRY

Most people associate the cranberry with our turkey and dressing at holiday time. In fact, according to Wikipedia, “About 95% of cranberries are processed into products such as juice drinks, sauce, and sweetened dried cranberries. The remaining 5% is sold fresh to consumers.” Cranberries are small creeping bushes that first bloom a dark pink flower, and then produce the fruit, first as a white bulb which then ripens into a deep red color. Interestingly, white cranberry products are produced from cranberries that have not fully ripened. This is what gives white cranberry juices their extra tartness.

WHAT’S IN A CRANBERRY

The cranberry is a powerhouse of nutrient value. Just 1 cup (250 ml or 4 oz.) of unsweetened cranberry juice has the following nutrients: 118 calories, a variety of vitamins an minerals including Vitamins A, C and K, potassium, magnesium and lesser known copper and zinc. Cranberries are an excellent source of Anti-oxidants, Beta-carotene, flavonoids, and lutien. Due to cranberries being very low in calories, sodium, and fat and being packed with nutrients, drinking just one 8 oz. glass of juice per day could have a big impact on your overall health.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CRANBERRIES

Besides, keeping you hydrated cranberry juice may keep you healthy and prevent some health problems and boost your immune system to fight back as needed. Some of the benefits of cranberry juice to our overall health that research supports include:

~Urinary Tract Health~

Early research into the effects of cranberry juice on our urinary tract health pointed to the high acidity content as the reason for cranberry juice being helpful in reducing bacteria in out urinary system. However, more recent research according to, The Cranberry Institute, “cranberries contain proanthocyanidins (PACs) that can prevent the adhesion of certain of bacteria, including E. coli, associated with urinary tract infections to the urinary tract wall.”

One eight-ounce glass of cranberry juice cocktail contains just as many PACs as a 1/4 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries, a 1/3 cup of sweetened, dried cranberries,

No comments »

Posted in Health & Fitness

Tags:

The uses and benefits of cranberries

July 9th, 2010
Milk Chocolate Covered Cranberries

There is a tremendous buzz going on about cranberries.

Researchers are astonished in finding out the remarkable and amazing health benefits of this wonder berry. According to researcher, Amy Howell, of Rutgers University’s Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research, cranberry is one of the top foods proven to have health benefits.

The National Institutes of Health is funding new research to delve further into the health benefits of cranberries which are already known for their purifying and cleansing effects on the body. The key to the phenomenal effects of cranberries is its content.

Cranberries contain the powerful nutrients of antioxidants, such as, Vitamin C and flavonoids

which boost your immune system. In addition they contain Pro-anthoc-cyanidins (PAC) which

prevents certain bacteria from sticking inside your mouth, stomach, heart and urinary tract. Cranberries are also a good supplier of calcium which helps to strengthen your bones, calm your nerves and improve the functions of your muscles and heart.

Read on and find out more about how research studies suggest that cranberries benefits your mouth, stomach, heart and urinary tract.

Mouth

Researchers suggest that cranberries can prevent bacteria and plaque from sticking to your teeth and gums therefore decreasing your risk of cavities. Howell has discovered that a compound in the fruit-known as proanthocyanidine (mentioned above) can prevent plaque from forming on teeth. A mouth wash containing proanthocyanidin was developed to prevent periodontal disease.

Stomach

Cranberries can keep your stomach healthy by preventing the H. Pylori bacteria from sticking to the stomach lining, thus preventing ulcers.

Heart

Studies show that cranberries can reduce your low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or

“bad cholesterol” level. There are also studies comparing that a glass of cranberry juice has the same effect on the heart as a similar portion glass of red wine.

Urinary Tract

There is a popular belief that cranberry juice has beneficial effects on the urinary tract. Studies suggest that the PAC in cranberries helps to prevent certain bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall, therefore delivering you from the misery of a bladder infection.

These wonder berries are getting the attention they deserve as they continue to excite researchers and the public becomes aware of their amazing health benefits.

No comments »

Posted in Health & Fitness

Tags:

SEO Powered by Platinum SEO from Techblissonline