Saturday, 20 December 2014

Health Benefits Of Radishes



Radish

Radishes are part of the Brassicaceae family and are an edible root vegetable. Today they can be found in the cuisines of many countries from around the world. Radishes vary by cultivation period, color and size and can be divided into four main categories. These are spring, summer, fall and winter radishes and the divisions are determined by colors, sizes and shapes that are available. Despite this, the flavor found in radishes is much more rich and distinct than these similar vegetables.

Nutrition in Radishes

Although there are many varieties of radishes available, the following nutritional table will evaluate the content in a serving size of approximately 100 grams, which is one whole raw radish. The low quantities of saturated fat and cholesterol is due to the high water content in radishes (around 90%) and in addition to this, they contain a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals. Radishes also have both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Some of the most important nutrients and minerals found in radishes include potassium, vitamin C, folate, fiber, manganese, copper, magnesium, calcium, vitamin B6, riboflavin and sodium.

Nutritional Fact in Raw Radish

Serving Size (100 mg)

Amount Per Serving
Calories16
Water Count95.3 grams
Proteins0.7 grams
Carbs3.5 grams
Total Fat0.1 grams
Sugar1.9 grams
Calcium25.0 milligrams
Iron0.3 milligrams
Magnesium10.0 milligrams
Potassium233 milligrams
Vitamin A7.0 IU
Vitamin C14.8 milligrams
Vitamin K1.3 micrograms
Zinc0.3 milligrams
Omega-3 Fatty Acids31.0 milligrams
Omega-6 Fatty Acids


Health Benefits of Radishes

1. Jaundice

The reason that radishes do a great job of treating jaundice is because they are a powerful detoxifier which makes them good for both the stomach and liver by eliminating waste and toxins. The fact that they additionally remove bilirubin and keep production of this compound stable makes them a useful treatment for jaundice. They can even increase the blood’s supply of oxygen and in turn help reduce the red blood cell destruction that jaundice causes.

2. Piles

One of the main causes of piles is constipation and because of its status as roughage which is made up of indigestible carbohydrates radishes can help fight this problem. Radishes can also help with water retention and digestion. Because it is a good detoxifier, a radish can also help quickly reduce symptoms of piles. Consumption of the juice will relieve even more symptoms by soothing the excretory and digestive systems.

3. Urinary Disorders

Because radishes are diuretic by nature, they will increase urine production. They are also an excellent way to help cure burning sensations during urination as well as inflammation. In addition, because they help clean out your kidneys as well as inhibit infections, they help treat various urinary conditions which may be made worse by excess toxins.

4. Weight Loss

Because radishes are incredibly filling, they are a great way to satisfy hunger and keep a low caloric intake. In addition due to their high quantities of roughage, water and low quantities of digestible carbs, they are a great dietary option. Because radishes have a good amount of fiber but a low glycemic index, they can increase the regularity of bowel movements, helping with the metabolism and weight loss.

5. Cancer

Due to their high levels of vitamin C, anthocyanins and folic as well as detoxifying abilities, radishes are associated with treating several cancers such as oral, stomach, intestinal, kidney and colon. They also contain a great deal of antioxidants and isothiocyanates which alter the cancerous cells’ genetic pathways, causing them to die and be incapable of reproducing.

6. Leucoderma

Radishes can be used to treat leucoderma because of their anti-carcinogenic properties as well as detoxifying abilities. You can either use the powdered seeds soaked in cow’s urine, ginger juice or vinegar and apply them to the areas or simply eat the radish.

7. Skin Problems

Many of the nutrients found in radishes such as some B vitamins, zinc, phosphorus and vitamin C benefit the skin. In addition the water content helps the skin stay hydrated and the disinfectant properties can clear up problems such as cracks, rashes and dry skin. When smashed, raw radish also serves as a good face pack and cleanser.

8. Insect Bites

Because of their anti-pruritic properties, radishes can be effective in treating bee stings and insect bites. The juice will also sooth affected areas and reduce pain.

9. Fever

Radishes are effective at lowering the body temperature as well as relieving inflammation due to fevers.

10.Kidney Diseases

Radishes’ abilities as a disinfectant, cleanser and most importantly a diuretic make it great for treating kidney disorders. They will wash away any toxins which have built up in the kidneys as well as decreasing their accumulation in the blood. They will also protect the kidneys from infection.

11.Respiratory Disorder

Because radishes are anti-congestive, they can decrease congestion in the respiratory system as well as irritation due to allergies, infections or colds. Because of their richness in vitamins as well as their disinfectant properties, they also help protect against infections.

12.Liver and Gallbladder

Radishes help regulation the flow and production of bilirubin and bile, enzymes and acids. They also contain enzymes such as esterase, amylase, diastase and myrosinase and help remove any excess bilirubin from your bloodstream. Eating them regularly can also protect you from ulcers and infections.

13.Others

Radishes can also serve as a metabolism regulator, laxative, breath freshener and appetizer. Normal consumption can also improve blood circulation as well as treat dyspepsia, gall stones, gastric problems, whooping cough, sore throat, obesity, nausea, acidity and headaches.
17.0 milligrams
















Amazing health benefits of beetroot



The purplish-red root is a well know antidote for anaemia in many Indian households. With the Romans relying on it to maintain their sexual health to Indians using it to treat conditions like anaemia and fatigue, the humble beetroot has been known to have multiple benefits. Here are some reasons you should include them into your diet:

Helps reduce blood pressure: According to the British Heart foundation, eating vegetables rich in nitrates could help reduce blood pressure drastically. Read why you need to reduce your blood pressure.

This statement was backed up by research done at the Queen Mary’s University in the year 2010. The research studied the relationship between beetroot
and its effect on one’s blood pressure. Beetroot is a great source of nitrates, which when consumed, is converted to nitrites and a gas called nitric oxides. Both these components help to widen the arteries and lower blood pressure. Researchers also found that having just about 500 grams  of beetroot every day reduces a person’s blood pressure in about six hours. Another important effect of beetroot was that on consumption, the higher the person’s blood pressure the greater the drop. Read simple tips to include beetroot in your diet. 

Prevents plaque formation and reduces ‘bad’ cholesterol: Beetroot is known to contain large amounts of soluble fibres, flavanoids and betacyanin. Betacyanin is the compound that gives beetroot its purplish-red colour and is also a powerful antioxidant. It helps reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and does not allow it to deposit on the walls of the artery. This protects the heart from potential heart attacks and stroke reducing the need for medication.

Is great for pregnant mums: Another amazing quality of the root is that it has an abundant supply of folic acid. Folic acid is important for pregnant mums and unborn babies because it is an essential component for the proper formation of the unborn child’s spinal cord, and can protect the child from conditions such as spina bifida (is a congenital disorder where the child’s spinal cord does not form completely and in most cases looks like it has been divided into two at the base). Beetroot also gives mums-to-be that extra energy boost required during pregnancy. Read more about why women need folic acid during pregnancy.
Beats osteoporosis: Beetroot is packed with mineral silica, an important component for the body to use calcium efficiently. Since calcium makes up our bones and teeth, having a glass of beetroot juice a day could help keep conditions such as osteoporosis and brittle bone disease at bay. Here’s some information on how you can prevent osteoporosis.

Keeps diabetes under check: For all you diabetics out there, fulfil your sweet craving with a little
beetroot.Since it contains sugars, is fat free, low in calories and has a medium glycaemic index it is just what the doctor ordered. A medium glycaemic index means that it releases sugars very slowly into the blood. This property helps keep a person’s blood sugar levels low while satiating that sugar craving.
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.

Treats anaemia: It is a common myth that because beetroot is reddish in colour, it replaces lost blood and is therefore good to treat anaemia. While this may sound a bit outrageous to many, there is a partial truth hidden in the myth. Beetroot contains a lot of iron. Iron helps in the formation of haemagglutinin, which is a part of the blood that helps transport oxygen and nutrients to various parts of the body. It is the iron content and not the colour that helps treat anaemia. Read more about the causes of anaemia.
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of anaemia.

Helps relieve fatigue: A study presented at the American Diabetics association’s conference stated that beetroot helps boost a person’s energy. They said that due to its nitrate content it helped dilate the arteries thereby helping in the proper transportation of oxygen to various parts of the body, increasing a person’s energy. Another theory was that because the root is a rich source of iron, it helps in improving a person’s stamina. Whatever the source, a pick-me-up at the end of a tiring day can be just what one needs.

Improves sexual health and stamina: Also known as ‘natural Viagra’, beetroot has been commonly used in a number of ancient customs to boost one’s sexual health.  Since the vegetable is a rich source of nitrates it helps release nitric oxide into the body, widening the blood vessels, and increasing blood flow to the genitals – a mechanism that medicines like Viagra seek to replicate. Another factor is that beetroot contains a lot of boron, a chemical compound that is important for the production of the human sex hormone. So the next time, ditch the blue pill and have some beetroot juice instead.
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of dementia.

Protects you from cancer:  The betacyanin content in beetroot has another very important function. In a study done at the Howard University, Washington DC, it was found that betacyanin helped slow the growth of tumours by 12.5 percent in patients with breast and prostate cancer. ##  This effect not only helps in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers but it also helps cancer survivors remain cancer-free longer.
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Beats constipation and keeps the stomach healthy: Because of its high soluble fibre content beetroot is a great laxative. It cleanses the colon and clears out the stomach helping in regularising one’s bowel movements. Here are a few home remedies to relieve constipation.Boosts brain power and may treat dementia: A study performed by the University of Exeter, UK, showed that drinking beetroot juice could increase a person’s stamina by 16 percent, because of its nitrate content. Known to increase the oxygen uptake by the body, the study also found that because of this one factor, it could also help in the proper functioning of the brain and beat the onset of dementia. It has also been seen that nitrate when converted to nitrite helps in the better transmission of neural impulses, making the brain work better. Here’s how weight loss can help you to boost memory.

 
 
 
 

Sunday, 13 July 2014

Amazing Nutritional and Health Benefits of Banana

BANANAS

This is interesting. After reading this, you’ll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas contain three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world’s leading athletes.

But energy isn’t the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

DEPRESSION
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PRE - MENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS)
Forget the pills – eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

ANEMIA
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

BLOOD PRESSURE
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

BRAIN POWER
200 students at a Twickenham school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

CONSTIPATION
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

HANGOVERS
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

HEARTBURN
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

MORNING SICKNESS
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

MOSQUITO BITES
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

NERVES
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system…

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food-like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

ULCERS
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases (ULCERS) . It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Many other cultures see bananas as a ‘cooling’ fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has FOUR TIMES the protein, TWICE the carbohydrate, THREE TIMES the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals.. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, ‘A BANANA a day keeps the doctor away!