Health Benefits of Grape fruits

The health benefits of grapefruits are wide-ranging and nearly unmatched by any other fruit. A glass of chilled grapefruit juice, especially in winter, helps seriously boost your levels of vitamin C, which gives grapefruits a high place amongst various citrus fruits. It’s packed with the benefits derived from various nutrients and vitamins, including potassium and lycopene. Along with these, it also contains calcium, sugar and phosphorous. In terms of its culinary value, it is considered a wonderful appetizer, and is regularly included for breakfast as a refreshing and energizing start to the day.

Grapefruits are high in fiber and low in calories, and they contain bioflavonoids and other plant chemicals that protect against serious diseases like cancer, heart disease, and the formation of tumors. Grapefruits increase the body’s metabolic rate, lower insulin levels and give you a feeling of fullness and normality. It assists the human body in fighting various conditions like fatigue, fever, malaria, diabetes, constipation, indigestion, urinary problems, excess acidity and many more.

There are plenty of major health benefits of grapefruits, which are also known to be powerful drug/poison eliminators. It works as a natural antiseptic for external wounds, and it functions as a liver tonic. It contains a high water content, which helps in changing the complexion of the skin and increasing the body’s metabolic rate. The pulp and fiber of grapefruits supply healthy bulk to our food intake, which aids bowel movements and reduces chances of colon cancer. It also helps to quench thirst and thus, reduces the burning sensation that arises during fever. The Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that the intake of grapefruit reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Health Benefits of Grapefruits

Grapefruit11Appetite Loss:Grapefruit works as an excellent appetite suppressant as compared to many other substances and foods. It is said that smell of the grapefruit reduces the feeling of hunger, which is the reason why people often include grapefruit in their weight loss programs. The high amounts of fiber contained in this fruit can also satisfy hunger and help people avoid the temptation to overeat, since it is a bulky food, and stimulates cholecystokinin to be released, a hormone that regulates digestive juices and acts as a hunger suppressant.

Influenza: Grapefruit is a valuable remedy for influenza, since it helps to minimize acidity in the system. The bitter properties arising from an essence called ‘naringin’ in grapefruits tones up the system and the digestive process. Naringin is also considered a flavonoid, which are powerful antioxidant sources in the human diet. They also have antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory qualities, making them one of the most important lines of defense in the immune system, protecting against influenza as well as many other serious conditions.

Malaria: The juice, or the fruit itself, contains valuable and natural ‘quinine’ which is advantageous for the treatment of malaria. Quinine is an alkaloid with a long history of treating malaria, as well as lupus, arthritis, and nocturnal leg cramps. It is not an easy component to find in many foods, so grapefruits are a beneficial and rare example. The quinine can be easily extracted from the fruits by boiling a quarter of grapefruit and straining the pulp.

Fever: The pulp or the juice of grapefruit helps patients recover quickly from fevers, and it reduces the burning sensation that occurs when the body reaches a high temperature. It is also known as a way to boost the immune system against colds and other common illnesses. Grapefruit juice, when combined with water, can quench thirst very quickly and can keep you hydrated longer. Most of these benefits come from the high content of vitamin-C in grapefruits, which acts as a general immune system defense system and can help the body fight to break fevers.

Fatigue: Grapefruits are also beneficial in the treatment of fatigue, so it can help you to dispel your general tiredness caused from routine or boring work. Drinking equal amounts of grapefruit juice and lemon juice can be a refreshing and delicious way to quickly boost your energy levels. Nootkatone is a very rare and important compound found within grapefruits, and is probably its most valuable component in terms of extracting as an aromatic substance. Nootkatone improves energy metabolism in the body through AMPK activation. This results in higher endurance and energy, increased weight loss, and a reduction in the the chances of developing diabetes.

Indigestion: Grapefruit is useful for solving the problem of indigestion. It is very light as compared to other foods and thus, acts immediately on indigestion by easing the heat and irritation caused in the stomach. It improves the flow of digestive juices, which eases the movement of the bowels and keeps your excretory system regulated. This is due to the presence of fiber and vegetative pulp in grapefruits, that adds bulk to the bowels and regulates your excretory schedule, and grapefruit extract is also often used in modern medicine for these same reasons.

Insomnia: A simple glass of grapefruit juice, if drunk before going to bed, can promote healthy sleep and alleviate the irritating symptoms and repercussions of insomnia. This is due to the presence of tryptophan in grapefruits, the chemical we often associate with becoming sleepy after big meals. The levels of tryptophan in grapefruit juice lets us nod off peacefully to sleep.

Diabetes: Diabetic patients can safely eat grapefruit, because consuming grapefruit can reduce the level of starch in the body. If a patient is diabetic, intake of grapefruit can help them to regulate the flow of sugar in their body, effectively handling the disease. recent studies have shown this beneficial relationship between diabetes and grapefruits to be due to the flavonoid content of grapefruits, along with a number of other healthy benefits from those compounds.

Acidity: Fresh grapefruit juice creates an alkaline reaction after digestion. The citric acid of the fruit is contained in the human body and thus, increases the effect of the alkalinity reaction after digestion. The juice extracted from the grapefruit is beneficial in preventing acid formation and many other diseases that arise due to the presence of excess acidity in the body.

Constipation: A glass full of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice in the morning is a great remedy to control constipation. The juice stimulates the colon and other parts of the body relating to the digestive system. This is due to the stimulating effect of fiber on the secretion and stimulation of gastric juices that ease the constriction of the digestive tract and induce a bowel movement.

Flatulence: 10 to 20 drops of grapefruit juice, taken before all three meals of the day, can work as an appropriate pro-biotic and digestive enzyme, and will relieve excess flatulence and stomach discomfort. Further research needs to be done on the exact mechanism behind this phenomenon, but again, people believe it relates to flavonoid content in citrus fruits like grapefruits.

grapefruit

Urinary Disorders:Grapefruit juice is quite rich in potassium and vitamin C, so it is one of the best treatments for dangerously reduced urination that is often caused by liver, kidney or heart problems. Furthermore, its high potassium content works as a vasodilator, meaning that blood vessels and arteries relax, reducing blood pressure and lessening the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Also, increased levels of potassium have been associated with higher cognitive function because of increased blood and oxygen flow to the brain!

Consumption of Grapefruit is Better than Many Other Medicines
Grapefruits are natural sources of medicine that help the body fight off various diseases. This fruit is readily available in any season. It is completely natural and much better than consuming artificial pharmaceuticals to relieve some of your most basic health conditions. It enables the human body to regulate your cholesterol, which means that it minimizes the risk of various cardiovascular diseases caused by cholesterol issues. The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry shows that consumption of grapefruit can reduce LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), as well as hazardous triglycerides.

TOP 5 HEALTH BENEFITS OF PEACH JUICE

health benefits of peach juice

Peach is an amazing juicy fruit which originates from China and is loved by millions of people throughout the world. It is a low calorie fruit with great aroma valued for its rich chemical content which includes numerous nutrients and vitamins. Health benefits of peach juice embrace various therapeutic properties of this fruit, as well as its great refreshing and nourishing actions. Raw peach juice can be a great solution to quench the thirst and recharge your body with energy and optimism.

Peaches and raw peach juice are great sources of microelements like iron, zinc, magnesium, manganese, calcium, iron, sulfur, and others, as well as vitamin Avitamin B1vitamin B2, vitamin B9, vitamin C and vitamin E.  Drinking raw peach juice is linked to many advantages and benefits to your health. After juicing the peaches, it is recommended to add some other juices like orange juice or apple juice as raw peach juice sometimes can be too thick. Check out top 5 health benefits of peach juice.

  • Raw peach juice can be used to combat various digestive problems. This juice is rich in alkalines which help relieve the symptoms of gastritis, indigestion, constipation, heaviness in the stomach, meteorism, flatulence, nausea and so on. It is a great natural remedy to fight digestive problems caused by headaches, stresses, anxiety, menopause and other similar conditions. Raw peach juice can be used to remove worms from the intestines.
  • raw peach juice
  • It aids kidney function. Raw peach juice benefits include excellent diuretic and laxative properties; therefore, this natural product can be used to tone and stimulate the function of kidneys and bladder. Regular consumption of raw peach juice is linked to lower chances of nephritis and other numerous diseases of kidneys and liver. It can assist in dissolving kidney and bladder stones.
  • This juice can be used to support heart health. First of all, it helps strengthening heart muscle and stimulate blood flow. As a result, this leads to improved blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels in blood and lower chances of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and other serious cardiovascular diseases. This natural product is a great source of iron, therefore, raw peach juice benefits include protecting us against anemia.
  • Raw peach juice is a great solution for weight loss. 100 ml of think and nutritious peach juice have only 57 calories, making this beverage very good for weight loss. Peaches and raw peach juice are very often included to numerous weight loss programs and diet plans.
  • Health benefits of peach juice include boosting our immunity system. Due to a high content of natural vitamins, raw peach juice can assist our body in developing great natural protection for many common diseases and ailments.

What Vitamins Are in Tomato Juice?

What Vitamins Are in Tomato Juice?
Tomato juice is rich in several vitamins. Photo Credit tomato juice image by dinostock from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Tomato juice's unique balance of nutrients, including the cartenoid known as lycopene, appear to give the beverage special properties, notes the nonprofit website WHFoods.org, which studies "the world's healthiest foods." Tomatoes and tomato juice have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, to reduce blood clots and to be an effective antioxidant. Part of this remarkable effect comes from the vitamins with which the fruit is packed. For optimum health, choose a low-sodium tomato juice variety.

Vitamin C

An 8-oz. glass of tomato juice supplies you with almost three-quarters of the daily recommended dose of vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. The nutrient, which many people associate only with citrus fruits, is a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants fight the effect of common environmental and food toxins known as "free radicals," which contribute to disease and aging. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that researchers believe vitamin C helps protect against high blood pressure and may also minimize artery damage associated with heart disease. The body can't make collagen without vitamin C, so consuming tomato juice and C-rich foods may help ward off osteoarthritis, according to UMMC. Other foods high in vitamin C include citrus fruits and juices, green peppers, strawberries and broccoli.

Vitamin A

Contributing 22 percent of your daily vitamin A requirement, tomato juice is a good addition to A-rich plant foods like carrots, apricots and leafy green vegetables, as well as animal products such as liver, eggs and milk. Interestingly, the plants which contribute vitamin A to humans don't actually contain it. The body converts cartenoids such as beta carotene in the plants into vitamin A. The nutrient, also known as retinol, helps you maintain strong vision. UMMC points out that children who are deficient in Vitamin A are more prone to serious infections, including measles. According to WHFoods.org, signs of a lack of vitamin A include "goosebump-like" skin, night blindness and frequent infections. Like vitamin C, vitamin A provides antioxidant protection, especially against colon cancer, asthma, complications from diabetes and atherosclerosis.

Vitamin B6

While it also contains the B vitamins niacin, thiamin and riboflavin, tomato juice is richest in B6, also known as pyridoxine. Foods highest in the nutrient include bananas, liver, chicken breast, beef tenderloin and several kinds of fish. Tomato juice gives you about 13 percent of the recommended amount of daily B6. Like the other B vitamins, B6 helps the body produce energy and efficiently process protein and fats. B6 additionally contributes to healthy sleep and mood patterns by helping the body generate melotonin, serotonin and norepinephrine hormones, according to UMMC.

Additional Nutrients

An 8-oz. glass of tomato juice also provides about a quarter of the daily recommended value of calcium. Other nutrients in tomato juice include vitamins B1, B2, B3, B12 and E, along with iron, phosphorous, magnesium, manganese and zinc.

What Vitamins Are in Tomato Juice?
Tomato juice is rich in several vitamins. Photo Credit tomato juice image by dinostock from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Tomato juice's unique balance of nutrients, including the cartenoid known as lycopene, appear to give the beverage special properties, notes the nonprofit website WHFoods.org, which studies "the world's healthiest foods." Tomatoes and tomato juice have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, to reduce blood clots and to be an effective antioxidant. Part of this remarkable effect comes from the vitamins with which the fruit is packed. For optimum health, choose a low-sodium tomato juice variety.

Vitamin C

An 8-oz. glass of tomato juice supplies you with almost three-quarters of the daily recommended dose of vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. The nutrient, which many people associate only with citrus fruits, is a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants fight the effect of common environmental and food toxins known as "free radicals," which contribute to disease and aging. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that researchers believe vitamin C helps protect against high blood pressure and may also minimize artery damage associated with heart disease. The body can't make collagen without vitamin C, so consuming tomato juice and C-rich foods may help ward off osteoarthritis, according to UMMC. Other foods high in vitamin C include citrus fruits and juices, green peppers, strawberries and broccoli.

Vitamin A

Contributing 22 percent of your daily vitamin A requirement, tomato juice is a good addition to A-rich plant foods like carrots, apricots and leafy green vegetables, as well as animal products such as liver, eggs and milk. Interestingly, the plants which contribute vitamin A to humans don't actually contain it. The body converts cartenoids such as beta carotene in the plants into vitamin A. The nutrient, also known as retinol, helps you maintain strong vision. UMMC points out that children who are deficient in Vitamin A are more prone to serious infections, including measles. According to WHFoods.org, signs of a lack of vitamin A include "goosebump-like" skin, night blindness and frequent infections. Like vitamin C, vitamin A provides antioxidant protection, especially against colon cancer, asthma, complications from diabetes and atherosclerosis.

Vitamin B6

While it also contains the B vitamins niacin, thiamin and riboflavin, tomato juice is richest in B6, also known as pyridoxine. Foods highest in the nutrient include bananas, liver, chicken breast, beef tenderloin and several kinds of fish. Tomato juice gives you about 13 percent of the recommended amount of daily B6. Like the other B vitamins, B6 helps the body produce energy and efficiently process protein and fats. B6 additionally contributes to healthy sleep and mood patterns by helping the body generate melotonin, serotonin and norepinephrine hormones, according to UMMC.

Additional Nutrients

An 8-oz. glass of tomato juice also provides about a quarter of the daily recommended value of calcium. Other nutrients in tomato juice include vitamins B1, B2, B3, B12 and E, along with iron, phosphorous, magnesium, manganese and zinc.

Chia seeds: the health benefits

Chia seeds: the health benefits

  •  Nutritional lowdown:

They may not be much to look at, but chia seeds pack a nutritional punch.

One tablespoon of chia seeds contains around 65 calories, 5.5 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein, 88 milligrams of calcium, 2.5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids and just 0.5 grams of saturated fat.

  • Omega-3 fatty acids

There’s evidence to suggest that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation in the body, and they may help reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Because your body can’t produce these fatty acids on its own, you have to get them entirely from your diet.

But chia seeds contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) rather than DHA and EPA, which have the most scientific backing for being beneficial to arthritis sufferers. Humans only partially convert ALA to DHA and EPA.

The conclusion? Oily fish is still a better source of omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, but chia seeds could be a good substitute for vegetarians.

  • A source of fiber

Fiber can help you feel fuller for longer, keep you regular and may even prevent bowel cancer in the long term. You should be aiming to get at least 18 grams of fiber every day, and including chia seeds in your diet could help you reach that target.

Like wholegrains, chia seeds are particularly rich in insoluble fiber – just the kind you want if you’re constipated or suffering from constipation-induced hemorrhoids.

Insoluble fiber helps keep our digestive system healthy and our bowel movements regular by adding bulk.

  • Protein

Chia seeds are about 14% protein by weight (very high compared with most plants) – which is great if you don’t eat meat and struggle to include enough protein in your diet.

You should be aiming to eat about 8 grams of protein every day for every 20 pounds you weigh.

How to eat more chia seeds (safely)

Soak before you eat

Chia seeds are like sponges: they can absorb up to 27 times their dry weight in water. When they absorb a liquid, they swell up and become gel-like in texture.

So if you eat them dry, they could possibly dehydrate you. If you can, soak your chia seeds in liquid before eating them.

Introducing more fiber

Fiber in chia seeds

You should always up your fiber intake slowly to give your digestive system time to adjust. Too much fiber too soon can result in symptoms like cramps, bloating, diarrhea or constipation.10 Also make sure you’re drinking enough water to accommodate all that extra fiber.

And if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), be cautious about how much fiber you’re adding to your diet.

If you’re new to chia seeds, start small – just a teaspoon at first – and monitor how your body handles it.

Recipe inspiration

Chia seed recipes
Another benefit of chia seeds is their flavor – or rather lack of flavor. Because they don’t taste of much, they’re very versatile and can be easily added to your favorite foods.

  •  Nutritional lowdown:

They may not be much to look at, but chia seeds pack a nutritional punch.

One tablespoon of chia seeds contains around 65 calories, 5.5 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein, 88 milligrams of calcium, 2.5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids and just 0.5 grams of saturated fat.

  • Omega-3 fatty acids

There’s evidence to suggest that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation in the body, and they may help reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Because your body can’t produce these fatty acids on its own, you have to get them entirely from your diet.

But chia seeds contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) rather than DHA and EPA, which have the most scientific backing for being beneficial to arthritis sufferers. Humans only partially convert ALA to DHA and EPA.

The conclusion? Oily fish is still a better source of omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, but chia seeds could be a good substitute for vegetarians.

  • A source of fiber

Fiber can help you feel fuller for longer, keep you regular and may even prevent bowel cancer in the long term. You should be aiming to get at least 18 grams of fiber every day, and including chia seeds in your diet could help you reach that target.

Like wholegrains, chia seeds are particularly rich in insoluble fiber – just the kind you want if you’re constipated or suffering from constipation-induced hemorrhoids.

Insoluble fiber helps keep our digestive system healthy and our bowel movements regular by adding bulk.

  • Protein

Chia seeds are about 14% protein by weight (very high compared with most plants) – which is great if you don’t eat meat and struggle to include enough protein in your diet.

You should be aiming to eat about 8 grams of protein every day for every 20 pounds you weigh.

How to eat more chia seeds (safely)

Soak before you eat

Chia seeds are like sponges: they can absorb up to 27 times their dry weight in water. When they absorb a liquid, they swell up and become gel-like in texture.

So if you eat them dry, they could possibly dehydrate you. If you can, soak your chia seeds in liquid before eating them.

Introducing more fiber

Fiber in chia seeds

You should always up your fiber intake slowly to give your digestive system time to adjust. Too much fiber too soon can result in symptoms like cramps, bloating, diarrhea or constipation.10 Also make sure you’re drinking enough water to accommodate all that extra fiber.

And if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), be cautious about how much fiber you’re adding to your diet.

If you’re new to chia seeds, start small – just a teaspoon at first – and monitor how your body handles it.

Recipe inspiration

Chia seed recipes
Another benefit of chia seeds is their flavor – or rather lack of flavor. Because they don’t taste of much, they’re very versatile and can be easily added to your favorite foods.

- See more at: http://pain-focus.com/pcpost/chia-seeds/#sthash.Z3AGKT1F.dpuf

Health Benefits of Apples

The health benefits of apples include improved digestion, prevention of stomach disorders, gallstones, constipation, liver disorders, anemia, diabetes, heart disease, rheumatism, eye disorders, a variety of cancers, and gout. It also helps in improving weakness and provides relief from dysentery. Apples also help in treating dysentery. Furthermore, apples can prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Finally, apples aid in dental care and skin care.

Apples are some of the most popular and delicious fruits on the planet, and there is nothing like biting into a bright, red, juicy apple to quench your thirst and satisfy your sweet tooth, all while boosting your health in a major way. The apple is a pomaceous fruit whose tree belongs to the Rosaceae family, and it has the scientific name of Malus domestica. Its ancestor is the Malus sieversii, which still grows wild in numerous parts of Central Asia. They have been cultivated for thousands of years throughout Asia and Europe, and they make appearances in the cultural history of many ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Nordic tribes. It only made its way to the American with European colonizers, but quickly “took root” and is now grown extensively in appropriate regions of North America.

There are more than 7,500 varieties of this delicious fruit, and it comes in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, and green. The skin of apples is thin, but sturdy, and the inner flesh is thick and juicy, and it softens as it ripens. The inner core holds the seeds, which are hard and difficult to digest. The nutrients are in the flesh and the skin, which is a rich source of anthocyanins and various tannins that give its color. It’s true what they say, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away!”

Apples can be eaten raw right off the tree or in a variety of dishes such as fruit salads and custards. Apple juice is also a common drink throughout the world, and it is also included in many desserts. Apples can be baked, minced, mashed, frozen, or even dried into chips as a healthy, sweet snack. In 2010, the completegenome of the apple was decoded, which has led to an increase in research and understanding of why apples are so beneficial for our health, and what specific components are responsible for the boost! Let’s take a look at some of those essential components of one of the world’s favorite and healthiest fruits!

Nutritional Value of Apples

The long list of health benefits attributed to apples are due to the wealth of vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and organic compounds that are found in them. These important nutritional elements include vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, and riboflavin, as well as minerals like potassium, copper, manganese, and magnesium. Apples are also very good sources of dietary fiber, and a single serving provides 12% of the daily fiber requirement. The real value of apples lies in its organic compounds. It is packed with phytonutrients and flavonoids like quercetin, epicatechin, phloridzin, and various other polyphenolic compounds.

Health Benefits of Apples

The health benefits of apples include the following:

Digestion: Apples, being rich in fiber, help in the digestive process. Regular consumption of apples ensures smooth bowel movements and helps in preventing constipation and various stomach disorders. Fiber is an important part of any diet. It adds bulk to the stool and helps food pass through the digestive tract smoothly. Furthermore, it stimulates peristaltic motion so the muscles contract appropriately and move food along. Finally, it stimulates the release of gastric and digestive juices to ensure efficient uptake of nutrients, while simultaneously scraping excess cholesterol out of your veins and arteries to ensure proper heart health and reduce chances of atherosclerosis.

Apple4Cancer Prevention: The role of apples in cancer prevention has been a subject of study for some time, and while they have shown moderate improvement in various types of cancer, particularly breast and colon cancer, the most significant discoveries have been regarding lung cancer. Most fruits and vegetables have some sort of anti-cancer effects, but apples stand head and shoulders among the rest in terms of commonly consumed fruits. They show a distinct and undeniable capacity to reduce lung cancer and slow its spread if it does develop. Hypotheses usually speak to the high phytonutrient content, including kaempferol and quercetin, but the exact mechanism for apples’ impact on cancer is still largely unclear.

Digestive Health:  One of the most essential and overlooked parts of human health is the beneficial bacteria living throughout our body. Apples specifically help improve the functioning of the bacteria living inside of our large intestine, and early studies show that apples change the metabolism within the digestive tract, and change the balance of bacteria, which leads to improved health by maximizing nutrient uptake and eliminating harmful bacteria and toxins.

Anemia: Apples are useful in treating anemia since apples are a rich source of iron. Anemia is a deficiency of hemoglobin in the blood, which can be fixed by increasing your intake of iron, which is an integral part in the metabolism of red blood cells. By increasing the amount of red blood cells in the body, you not only prevent anemia, but also ensure proper oxygenation of essential organ systems to keep them functioning properly.

Weakness: Apples are known to remove weakness and add vigor and vitality to weak people. It is, therefore, often given to patients to help them recover quickly from their illnesses. If you want to gain weight, apples should be a part of your daily diet. It also helps in detoxifying the body and improving the overall health of the body. Although it doesn’t contain a significant amount of protein, the combination of the antioxidant compounds and the protein found in apples can have a major role in preventing weakness and improving muscle tone.

Managing Diabetes: Blood sugar control is essential for people who suffer from diabetes, and the polyphenols in apples have been directly linked to reducing the uptake of carbohydrates by the body. This, in turn, reduces the fluctuation of blood sugar levels that occur in the bloodstream, an important factor for helping to keep diabetes in check. It doesn’t stop there, however. The polyphenols also lower glucose absorption in our digestive tract, and they stimulate the release of insulin from our pancreas, which is necessary to keep blood sugar levels in check. Finally, thepolyphenols stimulate the insulin receptors on cells throughout our body, which speeds up the removal of sugar from our bloodstream and gets it to our cells, which need it for metabolism and proper organ function. Apples are one of the best all around foods for improving the health of people suffering from diabetes.

Dental Care: Eating apples helps in cleaning both the teeth and gums. Furthermore, it reduces the incidence of cavities in the teeth. When you eat apples, the fiber in it cleanses the teeth, while the antibacterial properties of the fruit keep bacteria and viruses from infecting the body. Eating apples also stimulates the secretion of saliva, which is an alkalinic compound, meaning that it further reduces the ability of bacteria to multiply and grow in your mouth.

Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease: As if the other impressive benefits of apples weren’t enough, they also show a positive impact on neurological issues, particularly two of the most tragic conditions, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The antioxidant effects of all the phytonutrient compounds in apples certainly help reduce Alzheimer’s disease, since the degeneration of the brain that leads to Alzheimer’s has been linked to free radical activity. Apples also increase the amount of acetylcholine in the brain, which is linked to concentration, problem-solving, and memory. In terms of Parkinson’s, apples stop the gradual breakdown of dopamine-producing nerve cells, which can be an underlying cause of Parkinson’s.

Respiratory Issues: Our respiratory system is highly susceptible to inflammation, and a number of respiratory conditions are directly related to an inflammation of membranes and cells in that system. Asthmais perhaps the most serious, as it can be fatal in severe cases. Apples have shown tremendous anti-inflammatory behavior, and in terms of asthma, apples have stood out among other natural treatments, even superseding the benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables in combination. Apples remain a mystery to the world in terms of their complex mechanisms of healing these conditions, most likely because there are so many possible nutrients found in apples that could potentially be responsible for the health perks!

Heart Disease: Apples lower the level of cholesterol in the body, making it a strong defensive mechanism against cardiovascular disease. The adage of “an apple a day keeping the doctor away” is more accurate than you’d think, since the daily dose of an apple deemed healthy for the heart is approximately one per day.  The antioxidant activity in apples reduces the oxidation of fats, called lipid peroxidation and includes neutralizing triglycerides and and various fats found between blood vessels that can exert dangerous pressure. Also, apples contain a very powerful flavonoid called quercetin, found in the skin of apples, can reduce inflammation in our blood vessels by reducing the amount of C-reactive protein (CRP). This protein has been linked to inflammation of the cardiovascular system, so a reduction of it through quercetin makes apples very strong heart boosters!

appleinfographicRheumatism: Patients who are suffering from rheumatism find apples very useful as they aid in the healing process. Along with the healing process, and perhaps more importantly, are the huge amount of flavonoid compounds found in apples. This has been the most exciting recent development in apple research, and flavonoid compounds like kaempferol, quercetin, and myricetin have been linked to reducing rheumatoid conditions, and inflammatory conditions like arthritis and gout.

Eye Disorders: Apples are believed to make the eyes stronger andimprove eyesight. They also help in treating night blindness. Much of this is due to the fact that apples are rich in flavonoid compounds and antioxidant phytonutrients, which can reduce the impact of free radicals on the eyes, while preventing conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Weight Loss:  Aside from the normal ability of fibrous fruits to make us feel full and increase satiety, thereby reducing appetite and overeating, apples have another unexplained ability to help in our weight loss aims. Studies have shown that apples actually speed up our metabolism so that additional calories consumed after eating an apple don’t register as much in our body. Meaning, they are burned off quicker, or not absorbed by the body at all. This can be serious news for the millions of people who struggle with obesity around the world.

Skin Care: Pastes made of apple and honey, and apple and milk increase the shine and glow of the skin when topically applied. This is again due to the powerful antioxidants contained in the skin and flesh of apples. These compounds counteract the damaging effects of free radicals that are directly linked to premature aging, as well as wrinkles, age spots, and other age-related conditions. Its boosting effect on circulation also helps keep the skin looking young by keeping blood flow constant to stimulate the replacement of old cells and the repair of damaged ones!

Is Coconut Milk Good for the Bowels?
Coconut milk is made by soaking the meat of the nut in hot water and then straining. Photo Credit anna1311/iStock/Getty Images

Coconut milk may not be known as a cure-all for better bowels, but it does have some benefits for your digestive system. It's lactose-free, a low-FODMAP milk and a source of fiber. But be careful of the amount you drink because coconut milk is also high in calories and fat.

Is Coconut Milk Good for the Bowels?
Coconut milk is made by soaking the meat of the nut in hot water and then straining. Photo Credit anna1311/iStock/Getty Images

Coconut milk may not be known as a cure-all for better bowels, but it does have some benefits for your digestive system. It's lactose-free, a low-FODMAP milk and a source of fiber. But be careful of the amount you drink because coconut milk is also high in calories and fat.