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Pomegranates or anar are considered as the ‘fruits of paradise’ in ancient cultures. It’s not only their unique combination of crunchiness and juiciness but also their nutritional value that makes them so tempting and irresistible. Traditionally, pomegranates are known as a symbol of health, with several Ayurvedic and herbal medicinal scriptures mentioning their use as a natural remedy. Here are top 10 reasons you should include them in your diet.

1# Prevent heart disease: Pomegranates are loaded with polyphenols that have powerful antioxidant properties. Antioxidants prevent free radical damage of the walls of arteries, thus preventing heart disease. They also prevent oxidation of cholesterol, which causes plaque formation and development of coronary artery disease.

2# Lower blood pressure: Pomegranates help lower blood pressure by preventing the activity of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme. Punicic acid is one of the main constituents of pomegranates that help lower cholesterol, triglycerides and reduce blood pressure. A study has shown that pomegranate components reduce risk factors for heart disease, in patients with diabetes and high LDL levels of the blood. Here are5 other natural foods to prevent heart disease. 

3# May help prevent cancer: From prostate cancer to breast cancer, lung cancer andskin cancer, pomegranates can help prevent and treat several forms of cancer. This property of the delicious fruits is also attributed to the presence of polyphenol antioxidants in them. Studies have shown that pomegranate juice can inhibit the growth of tumour cells and induce natural death in them. Certain compounds in pomegranates have an anti-inflammatory ability that also contributes to its anti-cancer property.

4# Help digestion: To keep your digestive system healthy, you need to include fibre-rich sources in your diet. However, our busy lifestyle and personal liking for junk food have deprived us of the goodness of fibre in fruits and vegetables. Eating a pomegranate every day is a good way to add fibre to your daily diet. One pomegranate can fulfil about 45% of your daily recommended intake of fibre, which is about 20 to 35g. Also try these remedies for digestion. 

5# Boost immunity: Being rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, pomegranates are extremely healthy for those suffering from immune-related disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and osteroarthrits. They are also rich in vitamin C, which boosts antibody production and development of immunity. Pomegranates can thus help you maintain a healthy immune system and stave of common illnesses and infections. Read about how turmeric can boost your immunity.

6# Increase your libido: Since ancient times, pomegranates have been considered as a symbol of fertility. According to a research conducted by researchers from Queen Margaret University, a glass of pomegranate juice boosts testosterone levels in both men and women. This property makes natural aphrodisiac that is great for your sex life. Also, studies suggest that pomegranates contain certain compounds that are similar to sex steroids found in the human system, explaining why it improves sex stamina and desires.

7#  Keep you looking younger: Ever wondered why we grow old and our skin develops wrinkles and other signs of ageing? Well, it is because of free radical damage that affects your cells. Polyphenolic compounds in pomegranates are powerful antioxidants that can delay the process of aeging. Therefore, eating pomegranate keeps your skin glowing and radiant for a long time. Here are 5 ways pomegranates keeps your skin healthy.

8# Lowers stress levels: Apart from reducing the body’s internal oxidative stress, pomegranates also help lower psychological stress that you go through your personal and professional life. According to a study conducted by Queen Margaret University, people who drank pomegranate juice had lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that is increased under stressful situations.  Here are some expert tips to reduce stress and keep your heart healthy.

9#  Keep Alzheimer’s at bay: Imagine being stuck on a road having forgotten where you live? If you wouldn’t want it to happen to you for real, pomegranates should form a part of your daily diet. Researchers suggest that pomegranates play in important role prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. A study conducted by Hartman and colleagues showed that pomegranate juice reduces the deposition and accumulation of amyloid in the hippocampus region of the brain by 50%, which could be considered for Alzheimer’s disease improvement. Here’s how pomegranate can help prevent Parkinson’s disease along with Alzheimer’s.

10# Prevent plaque formation: If you mouth wash to keep improve your oral health, pomegranate juice can be a better option than alcohol containing mouth washes available at pharmacy stores. Certain compounds in pomegranate exhibit strong antiplaque effects. A study showed that hydroalcoholic extract of pomegranate effectively lowered dental plaque formation due to microorganisms build up by almost 84%.

All of these health benefits make pomegranate a great addition to your diet. The fruit is a bit on the expensive side but so much nutrition definitely makes it worth the price.

The health benefits of guava include the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, cough, cold, skincare, high blood pressure, weight loss and scurvy.

Many of you may have tasted this mouth-watering treat, or have at least seen or heard about it. Guava is very common in Asian countries, but is increasingly available in the western world, particularly as more of its health benefits are revealed. It is a somewhat round or pear-shaped seasonal fruit, and is light green, yellow, or maroon in color on the outside when it is ripe. Guava also has white or maroon flesh and lots of small hard seeds enveloped in very soft, sweet pulp. It is eaten raw (ripe or semi-ripe) or in the form of jams and jellies. 

This popular fruit is a powerhouse of nutrients. If the traditional adage says that “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” in Europe and Americas, the phrase is probably changed to “A few guavas in the season keeps the doctor away for the whole year” in the Indian Subcontinent and places where guavas typically grow. Its scientific name is Psidium Guajava.

What makes guava special is that protecting the fruit does not require excessive use of chemical pesticides as in the case of grapes, apple, and other so-called “exotic” fruits. It is one of the least chemically treated and sprayed fruits.

Health Benefits of Guava

Some of the surprising and brilliant health benefits are listed below.

Weight loss: Guava is very helpful for those who want to lose weight without compromising their intake ofproteins, vitamins and fiber. Guava is very high in roughage and rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals, but it has no cholesterol and a low number of digestible carbohydrates. It is a is very filling snack and satisfies the appetite very easily. Guava, especially raw guava, also has far less sugar as compared to apples, oranges, grapes, and other fruit. Adding a medium-sized guava to your lunch and you will not feel hungry again until the evening. Ironically, it can also help with weight gain in lean, thin people. This is probably due to its wealth of nutrients, which keep the metabolism regulates and helps to promote the proper absorption of nutrients.

Diabetes: In a related benefit to blood pressure mentioned above, an intake of guava can also help those patients who suffer from diabetes. The high level of dietary fiber in guava helps to regulate the absorption of sugar by the body, which decreases the chances of major spikes and drops in insulin and glucose in the body. Studies have shown that consuming guava can help prevent the appearance of type-2 diabetes.

Eyesight: Guavas are extremely good sources of vitamin-A, which is well known as a booster for vision health. It can help slow down the appearance of cataracts, macular degeneration, and general health of the eyes. It can not only prevent degradation of eyesight, but even an improvement in eyesight once it has begun to degrade.

Cancer Prevention: One of the most celebrated and important benefits of adding guava to your diet is its ability to inhibit the growth and metastasis of cancerous cells. There have been numerous studies done in recent years on guava’s effects primarily on prostate cancer, breast cancer, and oral cancers. Guava leaf oil is extremely successful as an anti-proliferative substance, and has actually been shown to be more effective than some leading modern medicines in reducing cancerous growth. Guavas are also rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to be wildly successful in reducing prostate cancer risk. That same antioxidant has also shown to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells, although further human trials need to be done.

Finally, the naturally high levels of vitamin-C in guavas, which are four times higher than the levels found in oranges (the traditional vitamin-C powerhouse), provides the immune system a huge boost in antioxidants. Antioxidants are the major lines of defense against the proliferation of free radicals in the body, which are one of the main causes of serious conditions like cancer and heart disease. Therefore, adding guava to your diet has numerous ways in which it helps you stay health and cancer-free.

Scurvy: Guava can outdo many other fruits, including orange and other citrus fruits, in terms of itsconcentration of vitamin-C. A  deficiency of vitamin-C can cause scurvy, and proper intake of vitamin-C is the only known remedy for that dangerous disease. In fact, guavas contain 5X more vitamin-C than oranges, which are often heralded as the absolute best source of that beneficial vitamin.

Diarrhea & dysentery: Guava is very rich in astringents (compounds that make your gums feel tighter and fresher).  After you chew guava leaves, eat a raw guava, or use some guava-based toothpaste), your mouth feels healthier, and the astringent qualities also add substance to loose bowels and reduce symptoms of diarrhea. These astringents are alkaline in nature and have disinfectant and anti-bacterial properties, thus helping to cure dysentery by inhibiting microbial growth and removing extra mucus from the intestines. Furthermore, other nutrients in guava such as vitamin-C, Carotenoids and potassium, strengthen and tone the digestive system while simultaneously disinfecting it. Guava is also beneficial in treating gastroenteritisfor the same reasons stated above.

Thyroid Health: They are a good source for copper, which is an important part of regulating thyroid metabolism by helping to control hormone production and absorption. The thyroid gland is one of the most important glands in the body for regulating hormones and organ system function, so guava can help balance your health in many ways.

Constipation: Guava is one of the richest sources of dietary fiber in terms of fruit. Its seeds, if ingested whole or chewed, serve as excellent laxatives. These two properties of guava help the formation of healthy bowel movements, and aid the body in retaining water and thoroughly cleaning your intestines and excretory system. It is said that constipation alone can lead to 72 different types of ailments, so any help with constipation is beneficial. Your total health is undeniably affected by proper digestion, and more importantly, proper excretion. Frequent consumption of guava can ensure both.

Brain Health: Another of the tremendous positive benefits of guavas is the presence of B3 and B6 vitamins.B3 (also known as niacin) can increase blood flow and stimulates cognitive function. B6 is a great nutrient for brain and nerve function. Therefore, eating guava can help you increase brain function and sharpen you focus.

Cough & cold: Juice of raw and immature guavas or a decoction of its leaves is very helpful in relieving coughs and colds by  reducing mucus, disinfecting the respiratory tract, throat and lungs, and inhibiting microbial activity with its astringent properties. Guava has one of the highest quantities of vitamin-C and ironamong fruits, and both are proven to be preventive against colds and viral infections. In some areas of India, roasted ripe guava is used as a remedy against extreme cases of cough, cold, and congestion. Ripe guava should be avoided by people who are suffering from cough and cold, as it can exacerbate the problem, and one should also avoid drinking water immedaitely after eating guava as it can lead to a sore throat.

Skin care: Guavas can improve the texture of your skin and help you to avoid skin problems more than even the highest ranked beauty creams or skin toner gels. This is chiefly due to the abundance of astringents in the fruit (more astringent is present in immature guavas) and in its leaves. Your skin can benefit from either eating the fruits (this helps tighten your muscles apart from your skin) or by rinsing your skin with a decoction of its immature fruit and leaves. It will tone up and tighten the area of loosened skin where you apply it. In addition to the astringents, guava is very rich in vitamin-A, B, C and potassium which are  good antioxidants and detoxifiers, which keep your skin glowing and free from signs of premature aging, wrinkles and other dermal disorders.

High blood pressure: Guava helps reduce cholesterol in the blood and prevents it from thickening, thereby maintaining the fluidity of blood and reducing blood pressure. Studies have shown that food lacking fiber (such as refined flour) add to blood pressure, due to its quick conversion to sugar. Guava, being very rich in fiber and hypoglycemic in nature, helps reduce blood pressure.

Apart from looking pretty, peach is also a low calorie, delicious fruit packed with vitamins and minerals. Raw peach juice is a rich source of minerals like iron, calcium, zinc, manganese, magnesium and sulfur. It is also contains various Vitamins, such as A, B1, B2, B9 and C. While peaches are delicious in themselves, peach juice allows the body to absorb more nutrients in a single serving. Peach juice enables the body to consume a larger serving of nutrients rapidly, improving overall health, boosting immunity and protecting the body from various types of diseases. Peach juice is good for health and offers many benefits for a better and healthy lifestyle.

Top 10 Health Benefits of Peach Juice (Aadu Ka Ras):

Here are some of the amazing benefits you can get by adding a glass of fresh peach juice to your diet:

1. Combats Digestive Disorders:

As peach juice is alkaline in nature, it helps to relieve the symptoms of indigestion, gastritis, constipation, flatulence, nausea, and other digestive conditions. It is a good natural remedy for stomach ache and can be used to de-worm the individual by cleansing the intestinal tract.

2. Boosts Renal Function:
Peach juice is a natural diuretic and laxative agent, which helps to improve kidney and bladder function. Regular consumption of it lowers the chances of nephritis, other renal diseases, and liver disorders. Peach juice also helps in dissolving kidney and bladder stones.

3.Improves Blood Circulation:

Peach juice helps to strengthen heart muscle and stimulate blood flow to all over the body. This results in lowered blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. Peach fruit juice cuts the risk of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and most other cardiovascular diseases. Since peaches are a rich source of iron, drinking peach juice helps to prevent anemia.

4. Aids In Weight Loss:

Peach juice is a low calorie food and helps to cut the flab in any weight loss program. A 100 ml of raw peach juice has less than 57 calories. If you are looking to lose weight and are bored with the bland food, try peach juice! 

5. Boosts Body’s Immune System:

As peaches are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, peach juice helps to build the immune system of the body and prevent common colds and other such diseases. Individuals who consume peach juice regularly are less prone to common ailments and disorders—both seasonal and chronic.

6. Improves Eyesight:

Beta carotene in peach juice helps to improve eyesight. The juice works by improving blood circulation to the eye and the surrounding muscles, preventing loss of vision due to muscle weakness.

7. Improves Skin Tone And Complexion:

Having a skin like peach a compliment we all love to get! One of the major health benefits of peach juice is the effect it has on the skin. It is a good source of Vitamin C that is used in most skin products to improve the skin tone, texture and quality. Peaches can also be applied directly on the skin to get rid of dark circles, spots, blemishes, pimples, scars and acne.

8. Cleanses The Body Of Toxins:

Peach juice cleanses the intestinal tract, improves renal function and rids the body of toxins due to its high fiber content. Thanks to its ability to cleanse the body, peach juice helps to improve the quality of hair and skin, imparting volume and softness to hair and a clear complexion to the skin.

9. Cuts Risk Of Cancer:

Lycopene and Lutein in peach juice can help prevent cancer and cut the risk of macular degeneration. While peach juice cannot combat cancer once it sets in the body, regular consumption of peach juice helps to prevent cancer from manifesting in the body.

10. Anti-Oxidant And Anti-Inflammatory Agent:

Peach is a natural antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent that cures joint aches, swelling, and inflammation. It also works to keep the skin looking younger and radiant.

Juice your peaches and consume a glassful everyday for a healthy and happy life! And get compliments galore about your peach like skin!

Some of the most impressive health benefits of soursop include its ability to kill off parasites, reduce inflammation, improve respiratory conditions, sedate the body and mind, heal the skin, treat certain kinds ofcancers, boost the immune system, soothe the stomach, and relieve pain.

Soursop

If you have traveled extensively in Mexico, the Caribbean, and parts of South America, then you have likely seen the soursop tree, which is an evergreen tree with the scientific name Anonna muricana. The taste of the soursop fruit is a delicious combination of strawberry and pineapple, with other sweet and citrus notes that make it very popular in these parts of the world. It is also cultivated in Africa, and occasionally in Southeast Asia, and even in Florida. However, it is most popularly grown for individual consumption as a garden fruit. The soursop is only one type of Annona, and one of the largest as well, with a number of different uses. The soft pulp and fiber of the fruit is used for beverages, desserts, smoothies, and candy, as well as a wealth of traditional medical treatments that are used in many parts of the world.

 

Health Benefits of Soursop

Parasite Control: The anti-parasitic nature of soursop has made it a popular treatment in many of the rural areas of Latin America and South America, particularly in areas where parasitic infections are more common. By brewing a tea from the leaves of the fruit, you can cleanse your gut and ensure that your gastrointestinal system is running smoothly.

Anti-inflammatory Properties: If you are suffering from joint pain or inflammation, particularly from conditions like gout or arthritis, then rubbing a decoction of soursop on the affected area can be a wonderful way to find some relief. The anti-inflammatory compounds found in soursop can quickly speed healing in affected areas, while also soothing pain and improving flexibility.

Respiratory Distress: If you are struggling with a cough, cold, or other form of respiratory ailment, then soursop’s anti-inflammatory properties can help to clear out your airways, relieve congestion, and soothe irritation. Acting partially as an expectorant, soursop is a reliable way to eliminate phlegm and mucus, which is where many pathogens can live. By reducing inflammation of the nasal cavities and respiratory tracts, it can also speed healing.

Sedation and Stress: Soursop tea has been used as a stress relieving strategy for centuries. There are certain anti-inflammatory and soothing properties of soursop that make it very effective if you are suffering from excess stress and anxiety. Stress hormones in the body can be detrimental, and can mess with your natural metabolic cycles, as well as your sleep schedule. If you’re suffering from insomnia or restless sleep, soursop tea is a wise choice.

Skin Health: You can pulverize the seeds of the soursop fruit into a powder, which can then be formulated into a skin astringent, helping you to reduce lines and wrinkles, and improve the appearance of age spots and blemishes. Topically apply this paste to the affected areas regularly and enjoy healthier skin, while also protecting you from bacterial and microbial infections.

Cancer Prevention: Some of the most interesting benefits of soursop relate to its antioxidant activity, which namely comes from acetogenins, as well as quinolones and alkaloids. These have been directly linked to cancer prevention and the reduction in size of tumors.  Extensive research has been done on the unique organic compounds of soursop and it has been widely studied as an alternative cancer treatment. Theseacetogenins are actually unique to the Annonanaceae plant family, which is what makes them so fascinating. They can apparently cut off blood flow to foreign or non-normal cellular growths, and have already been positively associated with treating breast, pancreatic, prostate, and lung cancers.

Immune System Booster: Protecting the immune system is one of the most important components of a healthy diet and fitness regiment. Adding a bit of soursop fruit to your diet, either through refreshing beverages or desserts, can positively impact your overall health and keep those illnesses at bay. Rich in vitamin C, this fruit stimulates the production of white blood cells, while the concentration of antioxidants helps to neutralize free radicals and prevent chronic disease.

Gastrointestinal Health: Being rich in vitamin C, soursop was used for many years as a natural remedy for scurvy and dysentery. The juice of the soursop fruit can also be a very effective diuretic, to cleanse the gastrointestinal tract and remove excess toxins and salts from the body. The anti-inflammatory components, including the alkaloids and quinolones, can reduce parasites in the gut and alleviate any pain and irritation in the stomach/colon.

Analgesic Properties: In terms of pain relief, soursop has been topically applied to wounds and injuries for generations, but also works internally to relieve pain and speed healing. The sedative and anti-inflammatory aspects of this impressive tropical fruit make it an ideal solution for all types of body pain, both inside and out.

A Final Word of Warning: While these traditional and proven uses are powerful and effective, it is important to discuss any new additions to your health regiment with a trained medical professional. Particularly in terms of its cancer-fighting potential, it is wise to seek out multiple opinions before developing your treatment profile. And as always, everything in moderation!

Chia seeds impart many health benefits, some of which include controlling diabetes, lowering cholesterol levels, improving the digestive system, boosting heart health, controlling hypertension, and they even contain anti-inflammatory properties.

Chia seeds come from the chia plant, which is native to Mexico and Guatemala. The scientific names of the plant are salvia hispanica and salvia columbariae. They both belong to the mint family (Lamiaceae). Chia seeds look similar to sesame seeds. They are very small and dark. This plant has been known to humans for a very long time. The chia plant had been cultivated by the Aztecs, Mayans, Incans and other tribes for a very long time. It was a staple food for them and historians considered it an important plant and food source for Native Americans. With the fall of the Aztecs and the general decline in the native population in the North American region, the use of chia seeds also declined.

By the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, wheat and corn had replaced chia seeds as the crop of choice. This change in the staple food can be attributed to the travelers from Europe colonizing the New World and bringing forth their food grains like wheat, rice, corn, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.

Thus, the general preference of food changed over the years. As a result, the remaining Native Americans abandoned their ‘old food’ and took up ‘new food’. Chia seeds had been forgotten for a long time until recently. The beginning of the 20th century saw a revival of chia seeds as more and more people started knowing about chia seeds and their benefits.

Nutritional Value of Chia Seeds

According to the National Nutrition Database for Standard Reference, 100 grams of chia seeds contain 6 grams of moisture, 486 kcal of energy, 16 grams of protein, 30 grams of fat, 42 grams of carbohydrates, 34 grams of dietary fiber, 630 mg of calcium, 7 mg of iron, 335 mg of magnesium, 860 mg of phosphorus, 407 mg of potassium, 16 mg of sodium and 4 mg of zinc. Chia seeds also have vitamins such as vitamin C, thiamin,riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin E. Chia seeds also have no cholesterol!
Chia seeds are good sources of antioxidants as well. Chia seeds reportedly contain very high concentrationsof omega-3 fatty acids, which have many benefits in terms of healthy aging.. The antioxidants present in chia seeds include flavonol glycosides, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin and linolenic acid. These antioxidants help in curbing the levels of free radicals in the body.

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Diabetes Control: The starches and carbohydrates present in chia seeds are released slowly in comparison to conventional diets and are therefore ideal fordiabetics as blood sugar level would not surge soon after having meals. A slower release of sugars into the blood stream can aid in optimum absorption of these sugars by each of the cells in the body. Hence, it is believed that the need for insulin diminishes.

Highest Supply of Omega-3 Fatty Acids:Chia seeds are a goodsource of omega-3 fatty acids, apart from certain types of fish. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids required by the body and help to enable many bodily functions. They also help in controlling arthritis, osteoporosis, age-related dementia, and fatigue, among many other conditions.

High Supply of Calcium: The amount of calcium found in chia seeds is considered to be higher than what is found in skimmed milk. Therefore, having a handful of chia seeds daily is recommended to eliminate calcium deficiency. Calcium is needed for improved bodily functions and for bone and dental health as well, helping to reduce osteoporosis, joint weakness, and general body flexibility.

Improved Gastrointestinal Health: The high dietary fiber content of chia seeds is good for regulating bowel movements and also helps to keep up overall gastrointestinal health. Chia seeds make you feel full for longer, thereby reducing the urge to overeat.

Keeps Your Weight Under Control: Chia seeds have a high amount of dietary fiber, good protein content, moderate levels of carbohydrates, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients, when combined, can play a significant role in keeping a person’s weight under control in the long run.

Heart-Friendly: Chia seeds are considered as heart-friendly food. The reason is that they are the richest source of omega-3 fatty acids in the vegetarian world. Omega-3 fatty acids are the good fats that protect the heart and prevent the onset of heart disease by reducing the levels of omega-6 fatty acids (bad cholesterol) and maintaining a stress-free cardiovascular system.

Lower Cholesterol Levels: Chia seeds are known to be a big source of alpha linolenic acid and omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are indispensible for good health because they significantly reduce cholesterol levels.Studies show that chia seed consumption increased HDL cholesterol or good cholesterol levels but decreased the total cholesterol levels.

Controls Hypertension: The regular consumption of chia seeds is found to have a similar impact as regular medications for hypertension. The results of a study showed that chia seeds controlled systolic blood pressure by 6 ± 4 points. It also attenuates emerging and major cardiovascular risk factors in people with controlled type 2 diabetes.

Anti-inflammatory Properties: Chia seeds have high levels of alpha lenolenic acid, which can be easily converted into omega-3 fatty acids and act as an ideal inflammation controller. These fatty acids control inflammation in the joints and arteries. It is estimated that a daily intake of about 4 grams of alpha lenolenic acid is enough to prevent arthritis.