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Health Benefits of Pomegranate

Health benefits of fruits are well known to most of us. Above all the fruits, pomegranate is said to be extremely beneficial. Pomegranate is one of the earliest fruits that have been cultivated and consumed by people in different parts of the world. Several myths and stories are also attached to this fruit.

Today, studies have proved that pomegranate helps support body’s natural defense and this even helps fight cancer, heart diseases, arthritis and many age related health problems as well. Because of its varied benefits along with anti-aging possibilities, pomegranate is available in several food and beverage variations. You have ice creams, juices and other dishes.

What are the Health Benefits of Pomegranate?

Following are the health benefits of consuming pomegranate on regular basis.
  • People suffering from heart diseases get benefited in the long run if they have a regular intake of pomegranate.
  • It has natural sugar and is safe for diabetics. 
  • Eating pomegranate can keep your skin younger looking and keep it free from wrinkles for longer time.
  • Pomegranate fruit diet helps increase metabolism and aids in weight loss even.
  • Pomegranates are rich source of zinc, Vitamin C and A. These along with the antioxidants present help you fight with natural cold and feel better.
  • Pomegranate helps boost fertility in women and helps them conceive faster. They not only get pregnant in natural way but also give birth to healthy babies.
  • It reduces the risk of premature child birth. There is no chance of having low birth weight baby if the mother takes pomegranate on regular basis during pregnancy. 
  • Pomegranate increases sex drive and acts as fertility boosters for men too.
  • Pomegranate is a powerful natural ingredient for youth and beauty products. It helps strengthen hair, protects your skin, revitalises your facial skin, enhances emotional and spiritual health and makes you feel younger.
  • Organic pomegranate juice or the fruit helps increase oxygen level to the heart. 
Healing Properties of Pomegranate

Let us have a look at the healing properties of pomegranate.
  • Pomegranate reduces formation of unnecessary blood clots and avoids clustering of blood platelets.
  • It helps reduce blood pressure levels and enhances oral health as well. 
  • It has been found in recent researches that pomegranate compounds help in eliminating prostate cancer and hence reduces its growth.
  • Pomegranate juice diminishes the chances of breast cancer.
  • This fruit prevents heart strokes and attacks. 
  • It helps fight cell damage.
  • Organic pomegranate helps combat erectile dysfunction in males. 
  • It helps prevent anemia, hair loss, weakness, exhaustion and dizziness as it supports healthy blood flow.
  • It helps during menopause, bone loss and hot flashes.
  • Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants. Daily intake of pomegranate puts off bad cholesterol from getting oxidised and hence helps the person stay away from atherosclerosis.
  • Pomegranate juice is as useful as the fruit itself. So, no matter whether you eat the seeds of the fruit or you drink the juice, you will get all the benefits. You can use it for dressing for your salad, or just peal and eat it or take in pomegranate juice to get the benefits. To get the most, eat it when fresh and juicy.
Pomegranate might interfere with some specific medicines. So, it is always better to consult your physician whether the fruit is safe for you or not. Also, take utmost care of the juice when eating pomegranate. The juice can stain your fingers, clothes and kitchen countertops.

Health Benefits of Raspberries

Raspberries are a member of the rose family, and come in many colours besides red. There are also black, purple and gold raspberries, all of which have an intense sweet taste that can be used in a variety of tasty dishes. And not only are raspberries a delicious snack, they are also full of vitamins, minerals and fibres which can help to improve your health. Here are ten reasons why raspberries should be an essential part of your diet.

1) Raspberries are a rich source of fibre.

One single serving of raspberries contains about a third of your daily dose of dietary fibre. There are many reasons why high-fibre foods are good for your health. Fibre helps in the digestive process, promoting bowel regularity and keeping the gastrointestinal tract clean. Studies have shown that a high-fibre diet may reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer. Best of all, fibre takes long to digest, so those raspberries will keep you feeling fuller for longer.

2) Raspberries are a source of vitamin C

You'll find about half of your recommended dose of vitamin C in a serving of raspberries. The body is not able to make vitamin C on its own, and it does not store it either. But vitamin C is needed for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body, and is one of many antioxidants that block some of the damage caused by free radicals. You need a continuous supply of vitamin C in your diet for normal growth and development.

3) Raspberries contain natural sugars

Although raspberries only contain around 53 calories per 100g serving, these calories mostly come from sugars. But experts say that the natural sugars in raspberries are much better for your body than artificially created and processed sugars. The natural sugars are synthesized into glucose that the body uses in the brain and body cells to fuel metabolic processes.

4) Raspberries contain manganese

In just one cup of raspberries you will find almost two thirds of your daily recommended intake of the nutrient manganese. Manganese is a trace mineral that is present in tiny amounts in the body. Manganese helps the body form bones, blood clotting components, sex hormones and connective tissue. The nutrient is also essential for normal brain and nerve function. Experts say that manganese may help prevent osteoporosis, arthritis, premenstrual syndrome, diabetes and epilepsy.


5) Raspberries are a great source of vitamin A and K

Vitamin A strengthens immunity against infections, helps vision in dim lights and keeps skin and the linings of some parts of the body healthy. A single cup of raspberries contains around 4 per cent of your recommended daily allowance of vitamin A.

Vitamin K works to prevent calcification from occurring in your arteries, promotes blood clotting, protects your bones from fractures, prevents bruising and provides some level of protection against both liver cancer and prostate cancer. One cup of raspberries contains around 10 per cent of your RDA of vitamin K.

6) Raspberries are full of antioxidants

Raspberries rank near the top of all fruits for antioxidant strength. Antioxidants may protect cells from the damage caused free radicals, which can lead to cancer and heart disease. Raspberries have an ORAC value (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) of about 4,900 per 100g, putting them among the top-ranked ORAC fruits.

7) Raspberries are low-glycemic index food

The Glycemic Index is a measure of the effects of carbohydrates in food on blood sugar levels. Foods with carbohydrates that break down quickly during digestion and release glucose rapidly into the bloodstream tend to have a high GI. Foods with carbohydrates that break down more slowly, releasing glucose more gradually into the bloodstream, tend to have a low GI. Raspberries have a low GI, meaning the energy release from them is gradual and long lasting. Studies have shown that individuals who followed a low-GI diet over many years are at a significantly lower risk for developing certain diseases, including type 2 diabetes.

8) Raspberries contain important minerals

Minerals are necessary for three main reasons- building strong bones and teeth, controlling body fluids inside and outside cells and turning the food you eat into energy. You need minerals in the form that they are found in food. Luckily, raspberries are a great source of copper, iron and magnesium.

9) Raspberries are one of your five a day

The UK government recommends that everyone eats five portions of fruit and veg a day to lower the risk of serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Private medical insurance premiums can be higher for people who are overweight, and may not cover diabetes. Two handfuls of fresh raspberries count as one of your five a day.

10) Raspberries are a natural anti-inflammatory

Raspberries provide important anti-inflammatories, including anthocyanins (the pigments in red, purple and blue fruits), which may help reduce cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and improve eyesight and memory.

Raspberries can sometimes be expensive to buy in the shops, but they are really easy to grow if you can give them a sunny or partly shaded spot with well-drained soil. Raspberries can be used in a range of dishes, from a simple snack, to a delicious dressing, and most commonly a perfect pudding!

Credit : Chloe Hibbert

Natural Skin Care Remedies Found in Fruits

Together with a well-balanced diet, fruits can help the skin maintain its glow, radiance and elasticity. You can maintain a tight, supple and healthy skin by increasing the intake of nutritious fruits and minimizing the intake of alcohol, caffeine and saturated fats. This article will discuss the nutrients found in fruits and why they are beneficial for natural skin care treatment.

Papaya

Papaya is a popular choice as an ingredient for skin-whitening products because it contains papain, which is a natural enzyme that promotes skin renewal. This fruit has exfoliating properties that softens the skin. It also contains vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants that give the skin the protection it needs.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits include oranges and lemons. Often recommended for Herbal Skin Care for natural glowing skin care, they help prevent the skin from producing too much oil. They invigorate the skin and help lighten dark spots and blemishes. Citrus fruits are also rich in antioxidants that fight harmful free radicals, which affect the skin negatively. Citrus juices can be dabbed into the skin using cotton balls. They can also be drank fresh. 
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Bananas

Aside from being rich in potassium, bananas are also rich in fibre. Each banana is said to contain 30 mg of magnesium, which helps in the body circulation. It is also a source of vitamin C and vitamin B6. In fact, an average-sized banana contains 10mg of vitamin C. This fruit is recommended for natural skin care because it helps the skin look firm and young.

Cantaloupes

Rich in vitamin A, cantaloupes make the skin maintain its moisture. One function of vitamin A is that it helps the body maintain the skin's healthy tissues. By eating cantaloupes, you prevent the skin from getting dry and unhealthy.

Strawberries

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin against environmental toxins. Strawberries also fight damage by fighting free radicals that destroy the healthy collagen and elastin contained in the skin. By eating strawberries, you help the body maintain its natural ability to repair skin tissues. One cup of strawberries contains 82 mg of vitamin C, which is about 25 percent of the daily dose of vitamin C that the body needs.

Nutrition for Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is a time when your body begins to undergo sudden and rapid changes. There was a time when mothers to be were advised to eat enough for two. Today, this advice is way off the mark because new research finds that in terms of quantity, pregnant mothers need take in an extra 300 calories only. So, pregnant mothers who habitually eat enough for two may find themselves developing undesirable health conditions. Therefore, it is important for pregnant mothers to understand what kind of food is best for them and their baby.

Even if you have been eating a healthy diet prior to your pregnancy, you have to pay extra attention to what you eat when you are pregnant. A healthy diet is vital to a successful pregnancy because it ensures correct fetal growth and reduces complications. 

Given below are a few guidelines regarding nutrition for pregnant women:
  • Avoid empty calories. Choose whole grain foods and substitute high calorie foods with foods that have higher nutritive value.
  • Pregnant women need approximately 1,500 mg of calcium everyday. This supplies enough calcium to the fetus for bone growth and prevents the mother from losing her bone density. In this regard, it is important to remember that most women do not get enough calcium even when they are not pregnant. So, extra effort has to be made to get the right amounts of calcium throughout pregnancy. Calcium rich foods include tofu, salmon, green leafy vegetables and dairy products. 
  • Another important aspect of nutrition for pregnant women is regarding the need to stock up on food rich in iron. These include fish, poultry, eggs, enriched grains and green leafy vegetables. However, since iron absorption from food takes place at a very slow pace, many doctors advise the intake of iron supplements. Iron supplements often lead to constipation, though it may help if you take your supplements with food. To improve iron absorption, include food that is rich in vitamin C. 
  • Folic acid is important to proper fetal growth. Taking in 400 mg of folic acid everyday can prevent more than 70% of birth defects commonly found in newborn babies. Natural foods like dark green vegetables, oranges, grains, beans, lean meat and liver are rich in folic acid. You also get folic acid supplements, and doctors often recommend the intake of prenatal vitamins that contain folic acid.  
  •  Pregnant mothers must not follow a restrictive diet. Do not skip meals. Eat enough to gain weight at the recommended rate. Include a variety of foods since this ensures that you are getting all the minerals and vitamins that your body needs. Eat at regular intervals so that your blood sugar levels do not peak and dip.
  • Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Avoid alcohol and quit smoking. 
  • These days, it is common for pregnant women to take in large doses of supplements. Although some amount of fortified foods is helpful, large doses can cause health problems. So always discuss with your healthcare provider before you start taking supplements of any sort. 
  • Pregnant women should avoid undercooked food, swordfish, mackerel and tilefish since these may contain high levels of Mercury. 
By following these tenets of good nutrition, a pregnant mother can ensure the health and proper development of her baby. At the same time, she can also prevent unnecessary weight gain that may lead to health complications later on.

Credit : Aliceshown

Foods to Eat to Lose Weight

Eating the right foods can help you lose weight. Skipping meals or only eating rice cakes and toast won't work and will cause you to gain weight insteat of losing weight. So, what I'm going to do is share with you some foods to eat to lose weight.

That way, you can increase your metabolism and lose fat, even if you're just laying around the house.

Here's a list of foods to eat to lose weight and burn fat:
  • Tuna. It has omega-6 fatty acids in it, which helps with weight loss. Tuna is also a great source of protein.
  • Green beans, broccoli, and green salads. Dark green veggies have been shown to help reduce your appetite. This will help keep you from over-eating.
  • Lean Chicken breast. It's loaded with protein and helps with burning fat.
  • Apples and grapefruit. They both have slow-burning carbs and helps with increasing metabolism, which is important for burning fat.
  • Salmon. It has alot of protein and healthy fats. Great for helping you burn body fat.
  • Yogurt. It's good for your bones and teeth, and is great for burning fat. Make sure you consume the low-carb yogurt or sugar-free yogurt. The other yogurts are loaded with sugar.
Besides eating foods to lose weight, you can also drink to burn body fat. One drink you should consume is water. I know you probably already knew that, but I want to add that you should drink cold water. Cold water has been shown to increase your metabolism and burn fat more quickly than drinking water above room temperature.

Red wine is another great drink that will help you lose weight. Red wine has alot of health benefits to it besides helping with weight loss. It's also good for your heart. You should drink one cup per week.

These are some foods to eat to lose weight. Make sure you eat frequently. When you follow these tips, you'll begin lose weight quickly and safely.


Credit : Tony Smith

Healthy Benefits of Mango

The mango originated in Southeast Asia where it has been grown for over 4,000 years. Over the years mango groves have spread to many parts of the tropical and sub-tropical world, where the climate allows the mango to grow best. Mango trees are evergreens that will grow to 60 feet tall. The mango tree will fruit 4 to 6 years after planting. Mango trees require hot, dry periods to set and produce a good crop. Most of the mangos sold in the United States are imported from Mexico, Haiti, the Caribbean and South America. Today there are over 1,000 different varieties of mangos throughout the world.

Vitamin Content: Mango is rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Vitamin C content is more in raw mango as compared to that in ripe mango. It also has traces of Vitamin E, Vitamin B and Vitamin K.

The dulcet, juicy insides of the mango pack a nutritional punch. Its characteristic orange color is a clue to its storehouse of beta carotene (Vitamin A). Ripe mangos hold the highest levels of beta carotene, while green mangos are higher in Vitamin C. These antioxidant carotenoids are known for their protective power against certain cancers. Mangos also supply ample potassium, making them ideal for hypertensive patients or anyone looking to replenish energy after physical activity.

Mangoes are high in antioxidants, low in carbohydrates (although they are about 15% sugar – but good sugar!) and like other yellow/orange fruit such as pumpkin and carrot, they are an excellent source of beta-carotene (Vitamin A). They also contain Vitamin E and selenium which help protect against heart disease and cancer. You can obtain 40% of your daily fibre intake from a mango. 

We all know the importance of fiber in our diets. If you are eating your mango-a-day, irregularity is not a problem for you and so we'll spare the gruesome details regarding constipation, piles and spastic colon. Research has shown that dietary fiber has a protective effect against degenerative diseases, especially with regards to the heart; may help prevent certain types of cancer, as well as lowering blood cholesterol levels. 

The nutritional value of mango makes it good for weight gain, eye disorders, hair loss, heat stroke, prickly heat, diabetes, bacterial infections, sinusitis, piles, indigestion, constipation, morning sickness, diarrhea, dysentery, scurvy, spleen enlargement, liver disorders, menstrual disorders, leucorrhea, and vaginitis.

Mango, being high in calories and carbohydrates, is good for those who are trying to gain weight. The phenolic compound found in mangoes has been found to have powerful antioxidant and anticancer properties. Being high in iron, mango is said to be very good for pregnant women as well as for people suffering from anemia. Mango is believed to be effective in relieving clogged pores of the skin.

Mangoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals essential for the human body. It is an affordable and seasonal fruit. In India mangoes are grown widely in the southern belt. 'Alphonso' variety of mango which is exported world wide is cultivated in 'Ratnagiri' in the southern part of India. Mangoes can be eaten both raw and ripe. Raw mangoes have a sharp sour taste, while the ripe mangoes are juicy and sweet to eat. The fragrance of ripe mangoes tingles ones taste buds.

Credit : Corwin Brown

How To Make Perfect Birthday Cake


Birthday cakes are fun and easy to make. Kid's birthday cakes are probably the most fun to make. Castle birthday cakes are an enchanting and magical way to celebrate your child's birthday party. Themed birthday cakes are gaining popularity for the extra excitement and surprise they create. In today's world you can get birthday cakes in almost all types of shapes and sizes in all different flavors and decorations. Birthday cakes are sweet and delicious. Sculptured novelty birthday cakes are always a hit with children.

If you prefer making everything from scratch and baking your own birthday cakes make sure you plan it all out before starting. Try to get useful baking tips, techniques and recipes to make great cake. There are fundamentals to baking cakes that will apply to every cake you create. You know you perfected the baking the cake when the scent of the cake fills the air and it is like being in a bakery. 

Try your hand at decorating these birthday cakes. 
Here are some tips when decorating birthday cakes, make sure you find icing that is easy to work with, that you find the correct color and writing tube to write on the cake. Find cake decorating books for a birthday cake idea which fits your needs. You can talk about cake decorating with people on the internet to get ideas. One decorating technique that I have used in the past to decorate my son's birthday cakes is to use small toys on top of the cake. Finding cake recipes from Kraft Foods along with pictures and instructions usually makes it easier and reduces stress on what type of cake to make.

What makes a perfect Birthday is the flavor of the Birthday cake. 
Since you are thinking cake, what is the special someone's favorite flavor for cake. Make sure your cake is very moist and light with an intense flavor. Try to shop for the birthday girl or boy favorite birthday cake flavor; this is one way to let them know you really put some thought into it. The same goes for the icing and the decorating, make sure you get something the guest of honor would like, not something you like. You can do beautiful things with fondant but the flavor leaves something to be desired. You may also want to experiment by changing the flavor of the cake mix you use too. You can also add color to the icing by purchasing food coloring and adding it to vanilla icing. This is another way of sprucing up the cake.

Let's face it, birthday cakes are special to the birthday guest of honor. The shapes of birthday cakes are a big deal; you don't just have to do round. You can go to the local craft store and pickup many different designs. The children's birthday cakes are always a huge success; they always eat the cake and often ask for more. Choices for birthday cakes are numerous.

Credit :David Marc

Healthy Benefits of Pineapple


Kids or adults pineapple is the choice of both. This sticky and sweet fruit helps in digestion of food and prevent from blood loss because of its bromelaine content. Pineapple is a tropical fruit, it may be cultivated from the crown cutting of fruit, flowering in the 20-24 month and fruiting in six months probably. Pineapple can be consumed canned, in the form of juice, sometimes in desert or in salad as well. It is also used as ingredients in jam, cream, cakes, ice cream and sprinkled over some of the dishes to add more flavor to the dish. Besides the consumption, in Philippines pineapple is used as a source of textile and is employed as wall paper and furnishings among its other users.

Pineapples belong to the family of bromeliaceae family and are composed of many flowers whose fruitlets are fused around core. Pineapple is both sweet and tart with a beautiful tropical yellow color reminiscent of warm summer days at beach.  

Pineapple contains one of the most important enzymes bromelain. Bromelain is the key component of pineapple that provides a lot of health benefits. Following are the benefits of pineapple;
  • Bromelain and pineapple - bromelain provides many health benefits, it is found useful as an anti-inflammatory, reduces swelling, and assisting in the treatment of acute sinusitis, sore throat, arthritis and gout. Bromelaids another characteristic is, if it is eaten with any other food its health benefits will be taken to digest the other food. Therefore, it is advisable to take pineapple between the meals without any other food.
  • Pineapple is high in anti-oxidant - pineapple is rich in vitamin C. it offers maximum amount of benefits by protecting the body against free radicals that affects the healthy cell of human body. Free radicals also lead to the problem of Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Presence of vitamin C enables the proper working of immune system thus, protects from flu and cold.
  • Manganese - pineapple contains manganese, mineral necessary for energy production in the body. Along with manganese, it is also a good source of thiamine (vitamin B1) that helps in producing another energy producing enzymes.
  • Macular degeneration - pineapple has been found to provide good eye-health and age related problems to eye. Three serves of particular fruit a day that contains anti-oxidant low down the risk of such condition.
  • Pineapple stem - researchers have found that pineapple stem contains hidden molecule that defense against certain amount of cancer like breast, ovarian, lungs, colon and skin cancer.
  • It regulates the cells and found helpful in the enlargement of the thyroid glands
  • Pineapple is good during chronic digestive problem
  • Helps in curing bronchitis i.e. inflammation of the bronchial tubes
  • Catarrh (secretion of mucous membranes)
  • High blood pressure
  • Fresh pineapple juice also used in intestinal worms
  • Prevent form arthritis; disease of joints
  • Fresh fruit is good to control diphtheria and infections of the throat or other parts of the body
  • Prevent nausea. Take 230cc of pineapple juice or papaya juice
  • Constipation

Credit : Rammidas