Thursday, February 17, 2011

Strawberry health benefits


Strawberry is a succulent and fragrant fruit of bright red color, obtained from the plant with the same name. It is almost considered as the ‘queen of the fruit’. The fruit can be eaten raw and used to make jam, stewed fruit etc,

Strawberries (Fragaria vesca) grew impulsively in the forests. It is used with medicinal purposes, as it has excellent benefits for health. Its culture started quite late, since it is a very fragile fruit. The edible fruit is commonly known as ‘etaerio’. It is a false fruit consisting of a receptacle bearing the achenes, small and pale color in the part that was exposed to the shade and a dark reddish color in the part that has been exposed to the sun. The achenes can be inserted in the flesh, superficial or protuberant. The protuberant achenes increase the resistance of the surface, but during washing many of them come off. The consumer normally prefers the fruit with few achenes, since they remain between the teeth when we bite them.

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, folic acid, potassium and fiber. A portion of 125 g provides with 160% of vitamin C, 20% of folic acid and 16% of the daily recommended fiber. Strawberries do not contain fat. Vitamin C is a great antioxidant that helps to reduce the risk of cancer and at the same time intensifies the immunological system.

Vitamin C also helps to protect the gums, skin and muscles and facilitates the iron absorption. Folate is important for healthy pregnancies and to protect against cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Fiber protects from disorders in the alimentary canal, including intestine cancer. Potassium is good for the muscles and the nervous system. Strawberries contain phytochemicals, like flavonoids, that seem to help to diminish the risk of contracting cancer.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Best fruits help to boost your mood

The fruits help to boost your mood are as follows:

Pineapple is rich in manganese and thiamin. It helps metabolize carbs that are used for energy were mood is naturally boosted. Pineapple is best recommended to eat as fresh.


Bananas contain vitamin B6, known to build serotonin levels where easily digested and good for people of all ages.


Avocados help to keep the receptors in brain sensitive to serotonin and boosting mood. It also helps to lower the blood pressure and helps to feel relaxed.


Cottage cheese contains whey protein which helps to decrease anxiety and frustration. It’s the best way to get a good shot of whey in a hurry.


The final and most important thing you have to do for your mental health is to drink plenty of water. It helps for the conversion of food into energy.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Facts of Breadfruit


Breadfruit is a species of flowering tree in mulberry family, Moraceae. Breadfruit looks green in color, when matured little sap will be leaked out which makes the fruit to appear more yellow in color when ripe.






Breadfruit Facts:



  • Breadfruit is a tropical tree which is mainly related to Jackfruit family.
  • Plants bestow demeanor fruits from 2-3 years after planting and remain productive for decades.
  • Breadfruit can also be used like a vegetable.It can be baked, boiled, fried, or roasted.
  • Breadfruit has been an important crop in the Pacific for more than 3,000 years.
  • They also provide construction materials, medicines, fabric, glue, insect repellent, animal feed, and more.
  • There are two varieties of breadfruit, one is the seeded variety known as the breadnut, scientific name - Artocarpus camansi and the other one is the seedless one.
  • The seeds are boiled, steamed, roasted over fire and eaten with salt. Sometimes they are made in the form of a puree.
  • Breadfruits play a vital role in animal feeding.

Breadfruit health benefits:
  • Bread fruit provides high energy to those who eat it through its carbohydrate, mainly needed by the body for warmth and maintenance during daily activities.
  • The fiber present in breadfruit helps to make the intestines and bowels work properly by clearing out the junk from the intestines.
  • The dried fruit has been made into flour which is much richer than wheat flour and other essential amino acids.
Uses of Breadfruit:
Breadfruit is mainly used for medicinal purposes. The flower of breadfruit can be used as a vegetable, immature fruit can also be cooked and also can be stored for future usage, matured fruit can be eaten raw or can be baked to make it more delicious. The seeds of the fruit are cooked immediately or it will be dried to use it for few days. The leaves of the fruit are used in ornamental making because of its good shade.

Read more: Breadfruit

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Why eating fruits and vegetables are so beneficial?

Eating more fruits and veggies could helps in following ways:


  • It reduces the risk of chronic diseases like high blood Pressure, obesity, cardiovascular disease and cancers.
  • It’s the most important cancer prevention strategy, after stopping smoking.
  • It protects against strokes by up to 40%
  • It delay in the development of cataracts, reducing the symptoms of asthma, improving bowel function and better management of diabetes
  • It helps to reduce the overall calorie density, which helps us to maintain a healthier weight.
  • Fruits and vegetables contain lots of vitamins, minerals, fibre and also wide range plant nutrients and phytochemicals like flavonoids, glucosinolates and phytooestrogens.
  • It helps to reduce damage to cell DNA and cell membranes.
  • The phytochemicals and plant nutrients act together to provide us with the protective benefits of fruits and vegetables.
  • Higher consumption of fruit and vegetables reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.
  • An increase in fruit and vegetable intake can help lower blood pressure.
  • Eating fruit and vegetables can help to achieve other dietary goals including increasing fiber intake, reducing fat intake, help maintain a healthy weight, and substituting for foods with added sugars.