Health Benefits of Kiwi Fruit

Kiwi fruit, also known as Chinese gooseberry or Macaque peach, is the national fruit of China. The sweet fruit tastes like a combination of pineapple, banana and strawberry. Named after the flightless brown bird kiwi, the fruit is a delight to the taste buds and is loved by all.

Kiwi fruit (Actinidia chinensis) originated in the Chang Kiang valley of China. Botanists renamed the commonly used fruit variety as A. deliciosa in 1984 and reserved the name A. chinensis for the yellow-fleshed kiwifruit.

Since ancient times, Chinese used it as a health tonic, especially, for women after childbirth and for children to enhance immunity. In the early 1900, kiwi fruit was first exported to Asia as an ornamental vine. Americans tasted the fruit in the year 1904 and it reached New Zealand in 1906. The potential nutritional benefits of the exotic fruit were identified by the New Zealanders and they started cultivating it commercially. 

Kiwi fruit has a brown hairy peel with white pulp and green flesh. It has tiny black seeds and green creamy and yummy flesh. Immature fruits are hard while mature ones are softer and yield to little pressure. They are full of vitamin C and act as good appetizers in salads, fish, meat dishes, puddings, cakes and pies. However most of us are unaware about the varied heath benefits of this delicious fruit.  

Nutrient Values in Kiwi Fruit

The kiwi fruit is rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, dietary fiber and magnesium. It contains low amount of sodium, cholesterol and saturated fat.

A serving of 177g of kiwi fruit contains -

 Calories - 108

 Carbohydrate - 26g

 Dietary fiber - 5g

 Vitamin C - 133mg

 Protein - 2g

 Sodium - 5mg 

 Sugar - 16g

 Calcium - 6 percent   

 Vitamin E - 3 percent

 Iron - 3 percent

Health Benefits of Kiwifruit

The fruit plays an important role in facilitating weight loss and promotes general health and wellness. 

Owing to ant-oxidant properties, kiwi fruit is effective in protecting against Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD). 

Kiwi fruit has more vitamin C than equal amount of oranges. Children fed 5-7 portions of kiwi fruit developed 44 percent less chances of being affected by wheezing as compared to those who were fed once a week, according to an Italian study published in the Thorax, an International Journal of Respiratory Medicine (BMJ group).

Another study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that kiwi fruit consumption could significantly improve sleep quality in adults with sleep problems. 

Eat this delicious fruit by peeling and slicing it or add it to a fruit salad. Use it to make chutney or blend it to prepare a chilled soup – whatever way you use it, the nutritional benefits remain the same.

Source : http://www.medindia.net/patients/lifestyleandwellness/health-benefits-of-kiwi-fruit.htm

Best Fat Fighting Foods - Eat These Foods to Burn More Fat

If you can't look in the mirror and feel satisfied with what you see, then you have a problem. Many people think exercise is the answer, but it's not. I know lots of people who exercise 30 minutes or more each day and still have unsightly excess fat hanging on them somewhere. Maybe it's around your middle and you can't see your abs even though you've done thousands of crunches.

 Maybe your butt and thighs jiggle more than they should, or maybe your underarms flap like batwings. Whatever the problem area is, I'm sure it drives you insane and you feel super-frustrated because exercising more doesn't help. If this sounds familiar, guess what? Exercising more isn't going to help. You need to take a hard look at what's going in your mouth at each meal !

The type of food you eat is the #1 cause of not having a body you feel confident enough to show off. Nutriiton is 80% of the weight loss equation. Yeah, it's THAT important! You can't burn fat, build muscle, lose weight or change the way your body looks with exercise if you aren't feeding it properly at every meal. So let's take a look at some of the best fat fighting foods from each food group you should be eating every day.

Best Fat Fighting Foods #1 - Lean Meats
Whether it's beef, chicken, turkey, pork or fish, lean proteins are a dieter's best friend. Why? Because lean protein is metabolically costly. That means the body uses more calories to break complete animal proteins down into a usable form than any other type of nutrient. How lean should your protein be? Buy meats that are at least 95% lean. They may cost a little more, but you aren't wasting what you buy.

Best Fat Fighting Foods #2 - Dairy
If you're going to eat dairy, choose low fat and fat free cottage cheese or whey protein over regular cheeses or milk. Why? Cottage cheese is mainly made of the protein casein. This protein is slow to digest and provides a continuous supply of protein to the body. Cottage cheese is the best bedtime snack for anyone wanting to lose weight or build muscle. Whey protein, on the other hand, is a very fast digesting protein and is the best choice to replenish muscles immediately after exercise.

Best Fat Fighting Foods #3 - Vegetables & Fruits
You're probably going to make a face, but one of the biggest nutritional powerhouses in this food group is kale. Yep, that green stuff that is only considered a garnish to be thrown away. Spinach is another good green and is much milder tasting. Eating more fruits and vegetables is always a good idea and very few of us actually eat enough.

Best Fat fighting Foods #4 - Healthy Fats
Did you know you need to eat fat to burn fat? The problem is that we eat the wrong kinds of fat. Fat that comes from flax seed, raw nuts, unrefined coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, fatty fish and avocados can actually help you lose weight. A few tablespoons added to your meals over the course of the day can increase your metabolism.

But what about grains ? A predominately grain based diet is the top reason 60% of the population is overweight and they should be last on your list of fat fighting foods. You should only eat grains if they are 100% natural whole grains. Anything else will stop you from losing weight and looking your best.

Those are just a few of the best fat fighting foods available to help you speed up your metabolism and lose weight faster. Changing your eating habits can be hard, but having a body you can be proud of in any social situation is well worth the effort. Change your habits day by day and watch your body respond.

Read More Here :  http://tinyurl.com/mwc76ct    Enjoy

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1508930

Health Benefits Of Lettuce

The various health benefits of lettuce have been known to mankind since the ancient ages. However, the numerous therapeutic uses as well as the cosmetic advantages that constitute the lettuce health benefits together have begun to become obvious now. People keen on reducing their calorific intake have also extolled the health benefits of lettuce which have been very effective in keeping the body weight under control.


The actual composition of the nutrients present in this green and leafy salad plant vary considerably with the Romaine lettuce being an excellent source for vitamins and minerals while the iceberg variety is infused with choline. It is important to learn about the various health benefits of lettuce in order to improve our general well being.

                                                                                          

Lettuce health benefits are obtained from the enormous amounts of chlorophyll and Vitamin K contained within it.

An extremely good source of iron; lettuce can successfully replenish the amount of iron depleted through blood loss making it one of the most important health benefits of lettuce.

Lettuce is also a good source of magnesium which helps in energizing the muscular and brain tissues.

One of the most unique health benefits of lettuce is its sleep inducing property which helps in combating insomnia.

Lemon juice consumed in combination with spinach and carrot juices help in retaining the normal hair color as well.

The health benefits of lettuce are best utilized by consuming the entire salad vegetable including the outer leaves which contain 50 times more nutrients than the edible stems.

Source : http://www.ifood.tv/blog/health-benefits-of-lettuce

13 Reasons to Drink Green Tea

Green tea really is a superfood extraordinaire.  Thanks to a potent plant nutrient called epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, green tea is proving that food (or beverage, in this case) really is the best medicine.  I wrote an article a few years ago about the benefits of green tea but plenty of exciting hot-off-the-press research means there are more reasons than ever to start drinking green tea. Here are 13 reasons to start drinking greet tea today or to keep drinking it if you’re already hooked :

1.  It prevents cholesterol build-up in arteries and helps prevent cardiovascular disease.  According to research released earlier this month in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, EGCG helps prevent fat buildup in the arteries.

2.  In another new study published in the Journal of Applied Oral Science, scientists tested the effects of EGCG against bacteria found in the mouth called Streptococcus mutans and found it to be effective. The former used EGCG in dental materials but drinking green tea should have similar inhibitory effects. Other research in the Archives of Oral Biology confirms the antibacterial effect on harmful dental bacteria.

3.  It helps slow breast cancer growth.  New research published last month in the journal Experimental Cell Research found that EGCG inhibited cancer cell metabolism in breast tumors.

4.  It helps to protect the skin against UV damage, according to new research in the journal Pharmaceutical Development and Technology.

5.  Green tea is an overall fat buster extraordinaire. EGCG increases the rate at which fat is burned in your body.

6.  It burns up belly fat. Research at Tufts University indicates that EGCG in green tea, like other catechins, activate fat-burning genes in the abdomen to speed weight loss by 77 percent.

7.  It keeps energy stable by balancing blood sugar levels. EGCG improves insulin use in the body to prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes that can result in fatigue, irritability, and cravings for unhealthy foods.

8.  Research shows it may be helpful against lung cancer. In an April 2010 study published in Cancer Prevention Research, EGCG was found to suppress lung cancer cell growth.

9.  It may halt colorectal cancer.  In numerous studies including one in the September 2012 Oncology Letters, EGCG prevents and inhibits colorectal cancers.

10.  In research it appears to cause prostate cancer cells to commit suicide. A March 2010 study in Cancer Science indicated that EGCG aids the body by killing prostate cancer cells.

11.  It may prevent skin damage and wrinkling.  EGCG appears to be 200 times more powerful than vitamin E at destroying skin-damaging free radicals.  Free radicals react with healthy cells in the body, causing damage so lessening their numbers may help reduce wrinkling and other signs of aging.

12.  It contains a potent antioxidant that kills free radicals.  Because it is a potent antioxidant it can positively impact a lot more than skin cells.  Free radicals are increasingly linked to many serious chronic illnesses like arthritis, diabetes, and cancer.

13.  It tastes good. If you’re not wild about the flavor, try a few different kinds. Try it iced or hot. Add some of the natural herb stevia to sweeten it if you want a sweeter drink.  I wasn’t crazy about green tea the first few times I tried it, but now I love it with a fresh squeeze of lemon and a few drops of stevia over ice—voila! Green tea lemonade. Mmmmm. Even green tea haters love this drink.

How to Benefit from Green Tea

Add one or two teaspoons of green tea leaves to a cup of boiled water, preferably in a tea strainer. Let steep for five minutes. Pour over ice if you prefer a cold beverage. Most experts recommend three cups daily. And don’t worry, it contains a lot less caffeine than coffee or black tea.



Source : http://www.care2.com/greenliving/13-reasons-to-drink-green-tea.html#ixzz2dtOHcYbB

Is Too Much Tea Bad For Your Health ?

A recent U.K. study looked at tea and health, and the results might surprise you.

Fluoride is a controversial compound. Here in the U.S., many municipalities add it to the water supply in the name of improving dental health, but some research suggests that too much fluoride could be bad for us. In fact, groups like Fluoride Out advocate against adding fluoride to drinking water for a slough of reasons. So, what does fluoride have to do with tea and health ?

No matter what your stance is as far as fluoridated drinking water, there is strong evidence that too much fluoride can be detrimental to our health. More than 4mg per day can cause bone decay, muscle problems, and even chronic pain.

Related Reading: Chronic Pain? You’re not alone.

A U.K. study at the University of Derby found that many bulk brands of supermarket black tea contained 75 to 120 percent of your daily value of fluoride. Combine that with other fluoride sources, like fluoridated drinking water or toothpaste, and avid tea-drinkers could be taking in far more than the recommended dosage of fluoride.

Tea and Health
The study compared 38 brands of U.K. tea and found that “economy” teas and instant teas – especially supermarket brands – tended highest in fluoride. The supermarket brands they studied included Asda, Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s. Infused green tea blends were next highest on the list, with specialty teas like oolong following. closely behind.

This most recent study costs $42 to download, but you can check out excerpts of some previous research into tea and health over at Fluoride Action Network.

Unfortunately, companies don’t have to disclose fluoride levels as part of a product’s nutritional information, but as a result of this research experts are calling for a change in labeling laws.



Source : http://www.care2.com/greenliving/tea-and-health-is-your-favorite-tea-bad-for-your-bones.html#ixzz2dtN4TLjE

10 Health Benefits of Mangos

Mangos taste so good that people forget they are also healthy!  Discover how the “king of fruits” can help you, plus fascinating trivia and a few mango cautions and concerns.

Health Benefits:

1.  Prevents Cancer: 
Research has shown antioxidant compounds in mango fruit have been found to protect against colon, breast, leukemia and prostate cancers. These compounds include quercetin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, fisetin, gallic acid and methylgallat, as well as the abundant enzymes.

2.  Lowers Cholesterol: 
The high levels of fiber, pectin and vitamin C help to lower serum cholesterol levels, specifically Low-Density Lipoprotein (the bad stuff)

3.  Clears the Skin: 
Can be used both internally and externally for the skin. Mangos clear clogged pores and eliminate pimples. (Read more on page 5.)

4.  Eye Health: 
One cup of sliced mangoes supplies 25 percent of the needed daily value of vitamin A, which promotes good eyesight and prevents night blindness and dry eyes.

5.  Alkalizes the Whole Body:
The tartaric acid, malic acid, and a trace of citric acid found in the fruit help to maintain the alkali reserve of the body.

6. Helps in Diabetes: 
Mango leaves help normalize insulin levels in the blood.  The traditional home remedy involves boiling leaves in water, soaking through the night and then consuming the filtered decoction in the morning. Mango fruit also have a relatively low glycemic index (41-60) so moderate quantities will not spike your sugar levels.

7. Improved Sex: 
Mangos are a great source of vitamin E. Even though the popular connection between sex drive and vitamin E was originally created by a mistaken generalization on rat studies, further research has shown balanced proper amounts (as from whole food) does help in this area.

8. Improves Digestion: 
Papayas are not the only fruit that contain enzymes for breaking down protein. There are several fruits, including mangoes, which have this healthful quality. The fiber in mangos also helps digestion and elimination.

9. Remedy for Heat Stroke
Juicing the fruit from green mango and mixing with water and a sweetener helps to cool down the body and prevent harm to the body. From an ayurvedic viewpoint, the reason people often get diuretic and exhausted when visiting equatorial climates is because the strong “sun energy” is burning up your body, particularly the muscles.  The kidneys then become overloaded with the toxins from this process.

10. Boosts Immune system 
The generous amounts of vitamin C and vitamin A in mangos, plus 25 different kinds of carotenoids keep your immune system healthy and strong.

Article Sourace : http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-health-benefits-of-mangos.html#ixzz2dnZ5L6BA

Good Reasons Why you Should Drink Water in the Morning

Most people would drink a glass of water before they go to bed at night. They do this because they know that it is a good habit and helps in the internal system to ensure a good night’s rest. While drinking water before sleeping is good, many forget that drinking a glass of water in the morning when you wake up would have equally good benefits.

Below are reasons why.

When you wake up in the morning, your stomach is empty. So when you drink water then, it helps to purify the colon. This will then help your body to absorb the nutrients that you will be consuming during your first meal and the meals of the day.

Drinking water in the morning will give your body a good head start. This will help to increase the producing of new blood cells which will then ensure that your body remains strong and active.

If you do not like gaining weight or in the midst of a weight-loss programme, then drinking water in the morning will be an ideal practice. This is because it helps tremendously where by drinking a glass of water in the morning will improve up to 24% of your metabolism in the morning.

This practice will help to balance your lymph system in which the glands will be important to assist you in carrying out your daily functions while keeping it strong against viruses and bacteria. Furthermore, drinking water in the morning helps in purging toxins form blood and that will give your skin a clearer and glowing impression.

Among all that, perhaps the BEST reason to drink water in the morning is simply because it is a good habit and helps to start your day in the proper and good way. Share this with everyone you know so that they start their day right too.

Article Source : http://www.family.my/good-reasons-why-you-should-drink-water-in-the-morning/