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As it turns out, the sweet, succulent fruit of a watermelon is more than just a delicious summertime snack. Watermelon, like many fruits, is packed full of vitamins and minerals that are good for the body.

For those watching their weight, this fruit happens to one great low calorie way to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Vitamins A, B6, and C are just a few of the nutrients that make watermelon such a healthy food to eat. But juicing this fruit means getting to the richness found in the rind as well as the flesh. That’s how you get to the following health benefits of watermelon juice:

1. Faster Recovery from Workouts and Strenuous Activities

Watermelon juice is a refreshing way to recover from a workout, not only because of taste, but due to an amino acid called L-citrulline. There aren’t many fruits that can supply a good dose of L-citrulline, but watermelon can.

This amino acid works in the body to remove lactic acid from muscles, and so eases muscle soreness. Lactic acid is largely responsible for the fatigue and soreness felt after any strenuous activity, to reduce the amount lactic acid in your muscles is to reduce its effects on you, making a glass of watermelon juice is the perfect comforter after a tough session of exercise or a long day’s work.

Essentially, watermelon juice will make you feel much less sore after your workout.

2. Increased Nutrient Consumption

While it’s true that the fruit of a watermelon is full of all sorts of wonderful nutrients, the sad fact is that your body probably won’t be able to absorb much of those nutrients when you eat this fruit. However, when watermelon is juiced, this releases the nutrients into a form that’s much easier for your body to absorb.

Drinking freshly juiced watermelon brings you a good amount of vitamins C, B6, and A, as well as other important nutrients like potassium, and lycopene.

Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant. As with most antioxidants, lycopene is highly effective at getting rid of free radicals, and free radicals are a major cause of inflammation. There are very few foods which serve as great sources of lycopene, and watermelon happens to be one of them.

Lycopene offers many health benefits of its own, including the prevention of heart disease, diabetes, age-related macular degeneration, and osteoporosis. It even has been used to effectively treat infertility, and has great anti-aging properties.

4. Get a Natural Energy Boost

Do you have a tendency to run out of energy midday? Instead of drinking one of those sugar-laden energy drinks which are ultimately not good for your health, why not try a glass of watermelon juice?

Not only is the juice an all-natural approach, but it’s also a wonderful source of energy, making it excellent for those who want to avoid caffeine. In fact, many professional athletes regularly use watermelon juice instead of other types of energy supplements because they know it provides the energy they need without producing undesirable effects. The juice restores them both physically and mentally, and it can do the same for you.

5. Protection against Liver, Kidney, and Brain Damage

One of the many harsh toxic chemicals found in the air is called carbon tetrachloride. This chemical can also be found prominently in industrial products, and it has been known to cause headaches, nausea, lethargy, and weakness, as well as damage to the brain, liver, and kidneys in humans.

While you might not be able to protect yourself from being exposed to unseen pollutants in the air, you can benefit from the therapeutic effects of watermelon juice, as it has been shown to reduce the damage caused by carbon tetrachloride, protecting the liver, kidneys, and the brain.

Bringing These Powerful Benefits into Your Everyday Life

With all the great watermelon juice benefits, it’s a good idea to make a habit of drinking a glass full of this amazing juice relatively often. The best way to make sure you get the benefit of all that the juice has to offer is to drink it when it’s at its freshest.

As well, remember the wonderful rejuvenating properties of freshly juiced watermelon when you’ve had an especially demanding day of work, or make it your post-workout re-charging snack. Drinking watermelon juice could be a key piece of the puzzle on your journey to optimal health.

Overview

HEARTBURN

Heartburn relief

FRESH PRODUCE

Keeping produce fresh

ALTERNATIVE MOUTHWASH

An alternative to mouthwash

BLOOD SUGAR

Lowering your blood sugar

DIGESTION

A natural laxative

SKIN CARE

Skin care

BREAST CANCER

Potential to fight breast cancer

TAKEAWAY

The takeaway

You may have conveniently skipped or unconsciously missed these nutrient-dense seeds on the supermarket aisle, but not anymore. You’re going to discover some amazing sabja seed benefits, also known as sweet basil, Falooda seed or Turkmaria seed.

Wondering what these black seeds are? The basil plant is native to India. It is also called sweet basil but is different from the Holy Basil or Tulsi, which is common in every Indian household and credited for its immunity-boosting properties. The herbs of the basil plant are known to very healthy and so are the seeds.

The black and tear-shaped seeds that many confuse with chia seeds are rich in proteins, carbs, and essential fats and are packed with a good deal of fiber. Interestingly, these seeds of the basil plant contain no calories. According to Bangalore- based Nutritionist, Dr. Anju Sood, “Sabja seeds are rich in antioxidants, help in controlling diabetes and is also good for your skin. They are hard to chew, so do not take them raw. It’s best to soak them in water before consuming, which makes them more gelatinous. It is recommended to have at least two teaspoons every day to gain health benefits.”
How to Eat Sabja Seeds

Sabja seeds are most nutritious when soaked in water and consumed. They begin to swell at the touch of water, with a translucent white film coating each black seed, and they become twice their size. You can soak about two teaspoons of sabja seeds in one cup of warm water for about 15 minutes. Warm water causes the seeds to fully swell up releasing antioxidants and beneficial digestive enzymes.

These fragrant seeds do not really have a distinct taste and can be added to a variety of dishes for a nutrition boost

They are great as a garnish for drinks and desserts. Blended in a lemonade or sprinkled over kulfi, they impart their own fresh and grassy touch. You can munch on these seeds as a low-calorie snacking alternative. Add it to pastas or soups for a crunchy feel.

Sabja Seed Benefits

Sabja seeds are popularly used in Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine and have many more health benefits that you may have not known.

1. Helps in Weight Loss

Sabja seeds are known to be rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which comes from high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids

present in the seeds. These acids help in boosting the fat burning metabolism in the body. It is also full of fibre, so keeps your stomach satisfied for longer and prevents unwanted cravings. You can add it to a bowl of yoghurt or sprinkle some in a fruit salad as a pre-meal snack to control appetite.

2. Reduces Body Heat

In some Asian countries like Thailand, sabja seeds are used to make a drink along with water, sugar, honey and sometimes coconut milk. It is a great drink to sip on to beat the scorching summer heat. They are one of the best body coolants. They are known to lower your body heat, which is why people often add them to refreshing drinks like nimbu paani, sherbets or milkshakes.

3. Controls Blood Sugar Levels

Sabja seeds are considered to be good for type 2 diabetics as it is known to keep a check on blood sugar levels

. They slow down the metabolism of your body and thus controls the conversion of carbohydrates

into glucose. You could simply mix soaked basil seeds in a glass of milk and have it for breakfast. It makes for a wonderful healthy drink.

4. Relieves Constipation and Bloating

Sabja seeds are known to naturally detox your body and regulate smooth bowel movements. What really works is having a glass of milk with some sabja seeds before going to bed for a couple of days. It acts as a stomach cleanser.  They contain volatile oils that help in relieving gas from the gastrointestinal tract

and aids in digestion.

5. Treats Acidity and Heartburn

Sabja seeds soothe stomach burn and their diuretic functions flush out the toxins from your body. They neutralise the acidic effect of HCL in the body and bring relief. Soaked sabja seeds are full of water and they help in soothing the stomach lining and thus relieves the burning sensation.

6. For Healthy Skin and Hair

Sabja seeds crushed into coconut oil and applied on affected areas help in treating several skin infections like eczema and psoriasis. Crush the seeds, without soaking it, in a cup of coconut oil and warm it for a few minutes before using. Eating basil seeds regularly helps your body secrete collagen, which is required to form new skin cells as and when they are damaged due to normal wear and tear. Sabja seeds are full of iron, Vitamin K and protein. These minerals are essential for long and strong hair. Protein and iron also promotes hair growth and adds volume.

7. Cures Cough and Flu

Sabja seeds have an antispasmodic property, which means that they soothe tension in the spasmatic muscles and relax them. This way they help in controlling whooping cough. They strengthen the immunity of the body. Flavonoids like vicenin, orientin and beta carotene fortify the body’s defense system.

A word of caution. Children and pregnant women should avoid consuming sabja seeds. Young kids could choke on these seeds, if they are not mixed well with water. In case of pregnant women, these seeds are known to lower down the levels of estrogen in the body. It is best to consult your doctor if you’re pregnant or suffering from any other ailments before adding sabja seeds to your diet.

Carrots should be considered a goldmine of natural vitamins and nutrients. Among other raw vegetable juices, carrot juice is an absolute leader in the context of the variety of its therapeutic effects, the contents of useful elements and its compatibility with other juices or foods. Nutritional and therapeutic values of carrot juice were discovered by the health practitioners of early European civilizations. Carrots originate from the Mediterranean region, where this vegetable was used by the Ancient Greeks since the 20th century B.C. They loved drinking carrot juice for its excellent cleansing effects and, in addition, it was considered a good remedy for constipation and physical exhaustion.

As we all know, no other vegetable contains as much beta-carotene as carrots. In our body, beta-carotene is  converted into Vitamin A, which assists in improving our eyesight and the functioning of our immune system, strengthening our bones and teeth, preventing possible problems with the functioning of the thyroid glad. Vitamin A also has positive effects on our hair, nails and skin. Besides, this Vitamin is associated with good cleansing effects: it can clean our liver from fat and other unnecessary elements. However, for receiving maximum results for the liver, it is necessary to drink carrot juice on a regular basis.

The list of useful microelements and nutrients which are contained in carrots is really very impressive. Along with the mentioned beta-carotene, it includes also Vitamins C, B, E, D and K, proteins, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, aluminum, sodium, manganese, iron, copper and a lot of other minerals. Carrots contain great amounts of nicotine acid, which is important for metabolism of fats and lipids. The vegetable is a great source of natural magnesium, which assists in decreasing bad cholesterol levels in the body, helps to relieve spasms and strengthen our blood vessels.

Carrot juice has very good anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous and anti-aging properties. Carotene is a known anti-oxidant, which can prevent degenerative processes in the cells and has great anti-aging effects. The compounds containing in carrot juice also have antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties. That is why it can be effective to treat wounds and insect bites with some carrot juice, which in such case will also bring some slight relief for pain and help to avoid swelling. Also, drinking raw carrot juice can be helpful for lowering the symptoms of stresses and normalizing the function of your digestive system.

Many specialists underline that mixing carrot juice with other fruit or vegetable juices can substantially boost therapeutic effects of these natural remedies. For example, adding some spinach juice to a glass of your carrot juice can help you to refresh your mind, calm down and improve your sleep. Also, this mixture has very good cleansing properties and can relieve the symptoms of constipation. It is recommended to mix carrot juice with beetroot juice or with the juice received from various berries: such drink will be a great tonic, which can also provide you with your daily doze of Vitamin C.

Drinking carrot juice is extremely beneficial for pregnant women and young children. Vitamins A and E are very important for normal development of the fetus. Since carrot juice has good amounts of natural sugar, the majority of children like drinking it. For your little one, you can mix carrot juice with some orange juce or a little of lime juice, and your child will receive a healthy doze of all useful microelements and nutrients, as well as have a better appetite and lower risks of having a cold or a flu.  Always remember that two glasses of fresh carrot juice a day can substantially improve the overall health of you and all the members of your family.

A bite of this wildly nutritious tropical superfood can deliver a cornucopia of benefits for the human body. Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, can be either sweet or sour, depending on the species. The most common form of dragon fruit, which is smaller than a cantaloupe, red, and covered with spiky growths, can protect the body from aging and diabetes.

In the U.S., the exotic fruit has gone under the radar compared to many mainstream fruits and health foods, such as apples and kale. Typically, it is widely distributed from South Florida, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, and Vietnam, according to the University of Florida. Dragon fruit also undergoes food irradiation in the U.S. when shipped from overseas to improve its safety and extend its shelf life by reducing or eliminating microorganisms and insects.

Although exotic, it is safe for consumption even by pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and continues to grow in popularity while becoming more affirdable in the U.S. The fruit is rich in vitamin C, but it is also a rich source of fatty acids. Kevin Meehan, a holistic practitioner and founder of Meehan Formulations and owner of Teton Valley Health Clinic in Jackson, Wyo., told Medical Daily in an email: “It is not this fruit's vitamin C content which gives it the health potential but rather its fatty acid and phosphorus content.”

Replenish your body and feed it the six benefits of this tropical superfood.

1. Anti-Aging

Antioxidants are essential for keeping the skin tight and firm. They fight off free radicals that circle around the body that are known to cause problems like cancer. Dragon fruit is a good source of antioxidants due to its vitamin C content.

Meehan reminds eaters probably the most overlooked nutrient in this fruit is its phosphorus punch. “One of the most important key regulatory events in our cells require phosphorus and the phospolipids are primary components of cellular membranes. This could help in preventing premature aging,” he said.

2. Cancer Prevention

Aside from vitamin C, dragon fruit contains carotene, which is linked to several anti-carcinogenic qualities, including reducing a number of tumors. Moreover, lycopene, responsible for the red color in dragon fruit, has been shown to be linked to lower prostate cancer risk. A 2011 study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention found lycopene intake of less than 2,498 mcg/day increased the risk of prostate cancer, whereas a higher intake of fruits, vegetables, and lycopene-rich foods, including being physically active, can significantly reduce the risk.

Moreover, the peel of dragon fruit contains polyphenols, which are chemicals often found in nature. “There is the possibility that some of these polyphenols work as affinities to estrogen receptors and possibly alter the attachment behavior of this and other hormones to their receptor sites on cells,” Meehan said. “This could be one reason why it may protect against certain forms of cancer.”

3. Cardiovascular Health

Dragon fruit can help boost your heart health, as it decreases bad cholesterol levels while improving the good levels. A 2010 study published in the journal Pharmacognosy Research found the consumption of dragon fruit may lower the risks of developing heart disease and developing high blood pressure. This exotic fruit is also a good source of monosaturated fats which help to keep our heart in good condition.

4. Diabetes

The high amount of fiber in this exotic fruit can help stabilize a person’s blood sugar levels. It also helps to inhibit the sugar spikes that occur after eating high glycemic index foods. In the same study in the journal of Pharmacognosy Research, researchers found dragon fruit had a valuable effect on the oxidative stress from aortic stiffness in diabetic rats. This suggests regular consumption of the fruit could be beneficial in preventing common issues linked to diabetes. 

5. Digestion

Dragon fruit has a significant fiber content. This means it can improve the body’s bowel movements by facilitating the passage through the digestive tract. The consumption of this exotic fruit can help reduce the chances of conditions like constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. 

6. Immunity Booster

The high levels of vitamin C found in dragon fruit can give the body’s immune system a boost while also stimulating the activity of other antioxidants. The presence of high level of vitamin C, minerals, and pytoalbumin is involved in fighting free radicals and possessing antioxidant properties. Vitamins B1, B2, B3, as well as calcium, phosphorous, iron, protein, niacin, and fiber also contribute to improving the functioning of your immune system.

Add this exotic fruit to your diet to feed yourself back to good health.