PINEAPPLE AND ITS BENEFITS

Pineapple is one of those foods that is heaven to eat. A good, juicy ripe pineapple can satisfy a sweet craving as well as any chocolate bar. In addition to being a delicious food, there are many health benefits of pineapple.

Pineapple is Loaded with Vitamins and Minerals

The obvious benefits of pineapple are all the vitamins and minerals the fruit is loaded with. Its nutrients include calcium, potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. In addition it is low in fat and cholesterol.

The benefits of pineapple can be achieved through eating fresh, canned, or frozen pineapple or by drinking its juice. 

Pineapple Strengthens Bones

One of the benefits of pineapple is that it helps to build healthy bones. Pineapples are rich in manganese, a trace mineral that is needed for your body to build bone and connective tissues. Just one cup of pineapple provides 73% of the daily recommended amount of manganese. The benefits of pineapple can effect the growth of bones in young people and the strengthening of bones in older people. 

Pineapple is Good for Colds and Coughs While many people often take extra vitamin C or drink extra orange juice when they have a cold, few consider eating pineapple. The benefits of pineapple when you have a cold or cough are the same as the benefits of orange juice, but there is an additional benefit of pineapple. Bromelain, which is found in pineapples, has been found to help suppress coughs and loosen mucus.

The pineapple is one of my favorite fruits in the world. I used to not like it because it kind of stings in the mouth and can be very sour. But as I grew up I learned to appreciate its tangy and sour to sweet taste, especially when I think of all its health benefits that the adults keep informing me about.

I’m pleased that these days we always seem to have slices of fresh pineapple in the refrigerator and that I can indulge in a slice or two anytime I want. But I still think my knowledge on the benefits of pineapple is limited, that’s why I thought of researching more about it on the web. Read on to know just seven of the many perks of eating pineapples that I’ve found out.

1. It lessens risk of hypertension. Hypertension occurs when too much force is exerted on the artery walls while the blood circulates. One of the best ways to combat this is to infuse a high amount of potassium plus a small amount of sodium in your diet to lower blood pressure. Pineapples are the perfect for hypertension because a cup of pineapple contains about 1 mg of sodium and 195 mg of potassium.

2. It helps you lose weight! Eating pineapple can highly cut down your sweet cravings because of its natural sweetness, saving you from a lot of sugar-induced calories. Incorporating a lot of pineapple in your meals will also help a lot in weight loss because pineapples can make you feel full without giving you an ounce of fat.

3. It maintains good eye health. Time and again, studies have found that pineapples protect against age-related eye problems because it is rich in antioxidants.

4. It fights a lot of diseases, being rich in Vitamin C. Pineapples are known to be a very good source of vitamin C, which protects our bodies from free radicals that attack our healthy cells. Lots of free radicals in the body can lead to major diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and various cancers. Vitamin C is considered the most important water-soluble anti-oxidant that fights against disease-inducing substances within the body. It is also an excellent fighter against flu and a great enhancer of the immune system.

5. It prevents plaque and keeps teeth healthy. Another benefit of the high amount of vitamin C in pineapples is that it prevents formation of plaque and gum diseases.

6. It cures constipation and irregular bowel movement. Pineapple is rich in fiber, making it effective in curing constipation and irregular bowel movement.

7. It keeps your skin beautiful! Pineapple contains enzymes that make skin elastic, improve skin hydration, and remove damaged and dead cells. Thus, it helps us achieve a clear and glowing complexion. The enzymes in pineapples also fight free-radical damage and can reduce age spots and fine lines.

Pineapple is high in manganese, a mineral that is critical to development of strong bones and connective tissue. A cup of fresh pineapple will give you nearly 75% of the recommended daily amount. It is particularly helpful to older adults, whose bones tend to become brittle with age.

Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme, is the key to pineapple's value. Proteolytic means "breaks down protein", which is why pineapple is known to be a digestive aid. It helps the body digest proteins more efficiently.

Bromelain is also considered an effective anti-inflammatory. Regular ingestion of at least one half cup of fresh pineapple daily is purported to relieve painful joints common to osteoarthritis. It produces mild pain relief. In Germany, bromelain is approved as a post-injury medication because it is thought to reduce inflammation and swelling.

Orange juice is a popular liquid for those suffering from a cold because it is high in Vitamin C. Fresh pineapple is not only high in this vitamin, but because of the bromelain, it has the ability to reduce mucus in the throat. If you have a cold with a productive cough, add pineapple to your diet. It is commonly used in Europe as a post-operative measure to cut mucus after certain sinus and throat operations. Those individuals who eat fresh pineapple daily report fewer sinus problems related to allergies. In and of itself, pineapple has a very low risk for allergies.

Pineapple is also known to discourage blood clot development. This makes it a valuable dietary addition for frequent fliers and others who may be at risk for blood clots.

An old folk remedy for morning sickness is fresh pineapple juice. It really works! Fresh juice and some nuts first thing in the morning often makes a difference. It's also good for a healthier mouth. The fresh juice discourages plaque growth.

If symptoms persists consult you doctors!

GRAPES AND ITS BENEFITS

Grapes are good for cardiac health. 

Grapes have flavonoids, which have compounds called quercitin and another compound called resveratrol. These two compounds reduce the clumping of platelets and prevent blood clots. These compounds also protect the LDL cholesterol from the damage caused by free radicals. Thus, these reduce the risk of heart disease in people. Research has also shown that the phenolic compounds in grape skins, controls protein tyrosine kinases, which are enzymes that regulate cells. These also suppress the protein formation that constricts blood vessels. 

Grapes, owing to their high nutrient content, play an important role in ensuring a healthy and robust life.
Benefits: Some of the health benefits of grapes include the following:

• Asthma: Due to its eminent therapeutic value, grapes can be used for cure of asthma. In addition to it, the assimilatory power of grapes is also higher. It increases the moisture present in lungs.
• Heart diseases: Grapes increase the nitric oxide levels in the blood, which prevents blood clots thereby reducing the chances of heart attacks. In addition the antioxidant present in grapes prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which blocks the blood vessels.
• Migraine: Ripe grape juice is an important home remedy for curing migraine. It should be taken early in the morning, without mixing additional water

• Constipation: Grapes are very effective in overcoming constipation. They are considered as a laxative food, as they contain organic acid, sugar and cellulose. They also relieve chronic constipation by toning up intestine and stomach.
• Indigestion: Grapes play an important role in dyspepsia. They relieve heat and cure indigestion and irritation of the stomach. They are also preferred as they constitute a light food.
• Fatigue: Light and white grape juice replenishes the iron content present in the body and prevents fatigue. Though, the dark grape juice might not give an iron boost and on the other hand, decrease the iron levels. Drinking grape juice also provides you with instant energy. The anti-oxidants present in grapes also provide the needed boost to your immune system.
• Kidney disorders: Grapes can substantially reduce the acidity of the uric acid and helps in the elimination of 

• Breast cancer: Through a latest study, it has been discovered that purple colored Concord grape juice helps in preventing breast cancer. Significant reduction in mammary tumor mass of laboratory rats was seen after they were fed the grape juice on the experimental basis.
• Alzheimer’s disease: Resveratrol, a beneficial polyphenol present in grapes reduces the levels of amyloidal-beta peptides in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Studies suggest that grapes can enhance brain health and stall the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.
• Macular degeneration: Grapes can prevent the age related loss of vision or macular degeneration. Three servings of grapes a day can reduce the risks of macular degeneration by over 36 %.
• Prevents cataract: Flavonoids present in grapes have antioxidants, which can reduce and fight the damage caused by free radicals such as cataract apart from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and age related problems.
• Blood cholesterol: Grapes contain a compound called pterostilbene, which has the capacity to bring down cholesterol level. Saponins present in grape skin can also prevent the absorption of cholesterol by binding with it.
• Antibacterial activity: Red grapes have strong antibacterial and antiviral properties and can protect you from infections. They have a strong antiviral property against poliovirus and herpes simplex virus.
• Anticancer properties: Grapes are found to have strong anti cancer properties due to the anti-inflammatory effect of resveratrol present in grapes. It is particularly effective in colorectal cancer and breast cancer. Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins present in grapes have properties of an anti-proliferate and can inhibit the growth of cancer causing agents. Grape juice not just prevents the risk of cancer but also suppresses the growth and propagation of cancer cells. The pigments contained in grapes enhance the overall immunity of 

If symptoms persists consult you doctors!

STRAWBERRIES AND ITS BENEFITS

Strawberries are as attractive on the outside as their inside - they are filled with many necessary nutrients a body needs.

No wonder they are crowned "The Queen of Fruits".

You can also choose strawberries as perfect ingredients for salads, smoothies, bread, cakes and desserts, especially fondues.

Due to their bright, appealing appearance, chefs also love to use them as decorations to enhance the presentation of dishes, making them look more appetizing to the guests.

HOW STRAWBERRY GET ITS NAME

It was believed that the word 'strawberry' did not exist until 1538.

During harvest, children would pick the fruits and string them on straws of grass to be sold, thus the fruit was named 'strawberry'.

In the olden days, strawberries originated in the wilderness of Europe and America. Wild strawberries are small and tend to bear fruits only during month of June.

But now the berries we buy today are much bigger in size because they had been cross-pollinated by scientists over the years - Scientists crossbred the wild species with the Chilean strawberries which were so much bigger in size than the wild berries.

Unlike most other fruits, you can easily see the seeds of strawberry grown outside of it, with an average of 200 seeds per fruit.

Nutrients found in strawberries include vitamin A, C and B6, fiber, potassium, folate and various antioxidants and flavonoids. Your immune system needs these fighters to protect against diseases related to heart and cancers.

Strawberries surpass super fruits like apples, oranges and bananas, in terms of providing the most nutrients.

Strawberries can help you combat heart disease with its exclusive "3 Musketeers" - potassium, fiber and folate.


Strawberries are bright red in color and there are about 600 varieties of this berry. These berries are also available in the wild. The ones we eat are the cultivated wild variety of the berry. These berries were cultivated by the Romans even before the advent of the Christian era. However, after the fall of Roman empire, they lost their importance. They regained their importance, when they reappeared on stage in Europe. Did you know strawberry belongs to the rose family and also that it is the only fruits whose seeds are on the outside. It is also a very versatile berry, which can be used in a number of ways. Strawberries are used in salads, yogurts, smoothies, deserts, ice creams, alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, etc. Having understood that, let us turn our attention to strawberries health benefits.

Strawberry Nutrition Information and Health Benefits
One of the main heath benefits of strawberries is, that it is very famous for its Vitamin C content. It is a very rich source of Vitamin B, Vitamin K, copper, manganese, folate, potassium, etc. Read the table below for the details on health benefits of strawberries.

Name of the Nutrient	Percentage Composition
Vitamin C	136%
Manganese	20%
Dietary Fiber	13%
Iodine	8%
Potassium	6%
Folate	5%
Vitamin B2	5%
Vitamin B5	4%
Vitamin B6	4%
Copper	2%

Many people often have a question whether the health benefits of strawberry juice is similar to that of eating strawberries. I will say 'yes', the health benefits do differ, as you will definitely miss on the dietary fiber, if you make a juice of strawberries. Now, let's see what are the strawberries health benefits.

Antioxidants
According to the latest research, it is proved that strawberries contain high amounts of antioxidants, which help the body in neutralizing the destructive effects of free radicals. They also help the body to repair the damaged tissues in the body. These antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis should make this wonderful berry a part of their daily diet. Along with anti-inflammatory properties, regular consumption of strawberries lowers the risk of cancer. Strawberries are said to be in the top 8 foods, which are known to lower the risk of cancer.

Protection Against Heart Attack, Stroke and Alzheimer
Potassium regulates the electrolytes. The potassium combined with the antioxidants present in strawberries helps in protecting the heart against heart attacks and strokes. The folate present in strawberries boosts the production of red blood cells and delays the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

Protection Against Macular Degeneration
Three or more servings of strawberries are recommended to lower the risk of age related macular degeneration. If you think three servings is difficult to incorporate, trust me, it is not difficult. For every meal you consume, you can make sure strawberries are a part of it. Like your breakfast of cereal can contain strawberries, likewise salads in each of your meal can also contain strawberries.

High in Vitamins and Minerals
Like we have seen in the table, strawberries are rich in a number of vitamins, copper and manganese as well as Omega 3 essential fatty acids. These help in absorbing the nutrients and also inhibit the production of cholesterol in the liver. It is also beneficial to stabilize the blood glucose levels in the body.

Anti-aging Properties
Research has shown that strawberries have anti-aging properties. The nutrients present in strawberries nourish the brain cells and increase the health of the brain and also its functions. They delay the effects of age related loss of cognitive and motor skills. Instead of relying on the anti-aging supplements, why not take this anti-aging aid given to us by nature.

Removing Tartar
I was not aware, that strawberries also helps in removing tartar, but well it is true. The acid present in the strawberries is very effective in removing tartar. Along with removing tartar, the other benefit of strawberries is that they improve the health of the gums.

After reading the strawberries health benefits, don’t you think we should make strawberries a part of our daily diet. Nature has given us the path, we should utilize it and derive the maximum health benefits of strawberries.

Benefits Of Strawberries

• It is also useful to fight anemia during pregnancy as it contains enough amount of folic acid.
• Strawberry, due to its fiber content, is useful in constipation during pregnancy.
• Strawberry scrub removes the dead cells of the skin and rejuvenates it.
• Mixture of crushed strawberry and yogurt when applied on acne and pimples help to heal them fast without scars.
• Strawberry face mask makes your face soft and glowing.
• Strawberries when mixed with mayonnaise is a good hair conditioner. (Beauty tip!)

If symptoms persists consult you doctors!

BANANA: THE SOURCE OF POTASSIUM AND ITS VITAL HEALTH BENEFITS

Bananas are originally from Malaysia. They were then brought to India around the 6th century. By 200 A.D., there were banana plantations set up in southern China. Here they were considered to be exotic fruits. It is said that whenAlexander the Great visited India during his campaign in 327 A.D., he savoured bananas and took them to the western world. 

This fruit comes in yellow, green, and red varieties and has been proven to have a number of medicinal benefits.

A Source of Potassium

Bananas are a natural source of potassium. Potassium is important for the human body as it helps keep the body fluids and electrolyte balance in body cells and helps in regulating blood pressure. Higher levels of potassium in the body can reduce the possibility of a stroke. The fact that bananas are high in potassium and low in salt makes them ideal for people who are suffering from blood pressure problems and have to watch their salt intake.

Research also states that potassium can help in improving a person's alertness. However, it should be noted that excessive quantities of potassium cause decreased heart muscle activity. A medium-size banana contains at least 450 mg of potassium

Vital Vitamins and Minerals 

Bananas pack their share of vitamins. Large-size bananas have high amounts of vitamin A in them. Vitamin A is essential for the development of specialised tissue in the eyes. It is also important for the growth of the skin and soft skeletal tissue. Vitamin B is also present in the form of Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, and Folic acid. These help in calming the nervous system. Bananas also have a small amount of Vitamin C in them.

Electrolytes

Bananas have their share of electrolytes too. Electrolytes are elements like magnesium, potassium, and calcium. They are important for maintaining the body's fluid level and preventing dehydration. So, bananas can form an important part of the diet for a person who is suffering from diarrhoea.

Iron

Bananas are also a natural source of iron. The iron found in bananas can help in the creation of haemoglobin, thus making bananas an ideal fruit for people who are suffering from anaemia.

Other Benefits of Bananas

• Bananas are fruits that are high in fibre, making them an ideal remedy for constipation and an alternative to chemical laxatives.
  
• Bananas contain an amino acid called tryptophan. Tryptophan is converted by the body into serotonin, which relaxes a person and helps in improving one's mood.
  
• Bananas are considered to be a natural solution to hangovers. A banana milkshake mixed with honey will help to calm the stomach and build up depleted blood sugar levels at the same time.
• Bananas can act as a natural antacid. This gives relief to a person who is suffering from heartburn.
  
• The inside of the banana skin when rubbed on a mosquito bite is found to reduce the swelling and irritation.
  
• Bananas are an ideal diet for people who are trying to quit smoking. This is because of the combination of Vitamin C, A1, B6, and B12 that helps the body to recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
  
• Due to the high level of potassium in them, bananas are considered to be an excellent snack when a person is highly stressed or is working late at the office. This is because potassium helps to normalise the heartbeat sending oxygen to the brain. Increased metabolic rates during stress reduce our potassium levels. Bananas help to replenish them.
  
• Research conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine states that a regular intake of bananas in your diet can help reduce the possibility of stroke by up to 40 percent.
  
• Bananas are an ideal fruit to be eaten when a person is suffering from ulcers. This is due to the soft texture of the fruit which makes it easily digestible, combined with its ability to neutralise acidity.

Storing Bananas

Bananas need to be treated with care as they bruise easily. The ideal way to store bananas is to keep them at room temperature. In order to ripen bananas, you can either wrap them in a newspaper or keep them in a brown paper bag. If you store a banana in a fridge it will turn black. However it will still be edible.

If symptoms persists consult you doctors!

WATER IS MUCH BETTER THAN ANY SPORTS DRINKS: MOST CHEAPER MEDICINE

Are sports drinks better than water? The beverage industry would like you to think so. According to Beverage Digest, PepsiCo (the maker of Gatorade), the Coca-Cola Company (the maker of Powerade), and others made about 7 billion dollars in 2010 promoting the idea that to prevent dehydration and optimize performance, you need to guzzle their products.
However, unless you are a high-intensity athlete, water is still the best option, without the cost or calories.

Although sports drinks are marketed to the general population, they do not offer added health benefits to sedentary adults or even moderate exercisers but do provide unnecessary amounts of sugar, sodium, and artificial flavorings and preservatives.


A 20-ounce bottle of Powerade is about 150 calories and contains 38 grams of sugar. Responding to America's obesity epidemic, the Center for Disease Control recommends against using drinks with added sugar for purposes of hydration.

With children, use sports drinks with caution
A clinical report published on May 30, 2011, by the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against children drinking sports drinks unless they are participating in prolonged athletic competitions and suggests that even then, the consumption of sports drinks should be carefully managed.

According to the report, the popularity of sports drinks is chipping away at healthier patterns of beverage consumption (such as drinking water or low fat milk) and contributing to childhood overweight and obesity. The citric acid contained in these beverages also causes dental erosion.

Another issue the researchers point out is that most children and teens do not recognize the difference between sports drinks and energy drinks and use them interchangeably. Energy drinks are unregulated by the FDA and contain high amounts of caffeine as well as amino acids and herbs with uncertain health risks and should never be consumed by kids.

For endurance athletes, sports drinks may help
Most sports drinks contain a combination of water, carbohydrates in the form of sucrose or high-fructose corn syrup and electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium.

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, athletes who are performing high-intensity, endurance sports for more than 60-90 minutes, especially in hot weather, may experience an improvement in performance after drinking a sports drink.

Carbohydrates can help prevent fatigue by boosting blood sugar levels and replacing glycogen stores in muscles.

Electrolytes carry electrical impulses through the tissues of the body and are important for maintaining proper fluid levels and muscle function. The average person consumes all the electrolytes they need through their daily diet, however some can be lost during excessive sweating.

Try healthy sports drink alternatives
While water is the best choice when you are thirsty or after light-moderate exercise, when you want something with a little extra flavor, there are some natural alternatives that are healthy and taste delicious.

Herbal iced tea: Steeped herbal iced tea makes a pleasing alternative to plain water. Just avoid caffeine and herbs that are diuretic. Mint and verbena are safe, tasty choices that don't require a lot of sweetener.

Low fat milk: 1% or skimmed milk contains the right balance of protein and carbs to help muscles rebuild after vigorous exercise.

Coconut water: The juice from inside young coconuts is high in potassium, antioxidants, and other minerals and is a refreshing non-fat drink. It contains about half the calories of the average commercial sports drink.

Fruit: The American College of Sports Medicine recommends eating fruit to refuel muscles after exercising. A quarter cup of dried fruit or 2-3 pieces of fruit such as apples or oranges will help replace glycogen stores.

Watermelon, honeydew melon, and stone fruits such as peaches and plums contain lots of water for hydration as well as healthy, natural fruit sugars for energy.

Bananas are high in potassium, a key electrolyte, and a good source of carbohydrates.