Life for Life » Fruits as a medicine

Raspberry

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:38:09 +0000

Raspberry are qualified as a good source of riboflavin, folate, niacin, magnesium, potassium and copper. Coupled with this strong B vitamin and mineral content, raspberries qualified as “excellent” in terms of dietary fiber. This combination of nutrients makes raspberries a great fruit choice for having minimal impact on blood sugars.

Raspberry is a popular source of manganese. Manganese is needed for healthy bones and nervous system. It helps to normalize the blood sugar level of our body. Manganese also acts as an antioxidant. It protects our cells and tissues from the harmful actions of free radicals. This mineral is also required to maintain the normal activity of the thyroid gland. Manganese also acts as an enzyme activator.

As an enzyme activator, manganese helps our body to utilize important nutrients, such as ascorbic acid, thiamine, choline and biotin. Manganese deficiency is responsible for raising blood sugar level, nausea, and bone mass loss, hearing impairment, poor hair color and difficulties of the reproductive system.

Raspberry is rich sources of vitamin C. 100grams of fresh raspberry contain approximately 30mg of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is noted for its antioxidant property. It helps the body to utilize iron and vitamin E. You can also prevent coughs and colds, and speed up wound healing by consuming raspberries.

Raspberry is also rich in dietary fibers, necessary for bowel movement, lowering blood sugar and cholesterol.

Ellagic acid is an important phytochemical present in raspberries. This compound is noted for preventing cancer. Raspberry is also a rich source of anthocyanins, another antioxidant plant nutrient. The antimicrobial property of anthocyanins present in this fruit can prevent overgrowth of certain fungi and bacteria. People suffering from Candida yeast infection can consume raspberry to treat their ailments.

Raspberry is also good for the eyes. It can prevent age related macular degeneration.

Sources:

www.ayushveda.com

www.healthmad.com

www.altmedicine.about.com

www.webmd.com

www.everynutrient.com

www.rightvita.com

www.juicing-for-health.com

www.elements4health.com

www.lifestyle.iloveindia.com

www.healthcentral.com

www.natural-homeremedies.org

Pomegranate

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:35:52 +0000

In preliminary laboratory research and human pilot studies, juice of the pomegranate was effective in reducing heart disease risk factors, including LDL oxidation, macrophage oxidative status, and foam cell formation,all of which are steps in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

Researchers report that they are rich in antioxidants that can keep bad LDL cholesterol from oxidizing. This degradation of LDL seems to be an initial step in the development of atherosclerosis. In addition, pomegranate juice, like aspirin, can help keep blood platelets from clumping together to form unwanted clots.

More recent research has found that eight ounces of pomegranate juice daily for three months improved the amount of oxygen getting to the heart muscle of patients with coronary heart disease. Other researchers report that long-term consumption of pomegranate juice may help combat erectile dysfunction.

Investigators are also excited about the possibility that pomegranate compounds might prevent prostate cancer or slow its growth. In mice, treatment with pomegranate extract delayed the development of tumors and improved survival. Other research reports suggest that pomegranate juice might help reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Even arthritis may yield to the power of pomegranates. Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have reported that tissue cultures of human cartilage cells respond to pomegranate extract. Inflammation is reduced and the enzymes that break down cartilage become less active.

Pineapple

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:33:38 +0000

Bromelain is found to have anti-inflammatory properties as it will block the formation of kinins which are responsible for inflammations. Hence pineapple is used for relieving the pains, sprains, swelling, bruises, arthritis etc. Bromelain also have the property of diluting the mucous and thus is beneficial for treating sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, sore throat etc. It is a good fruit for tuberculosis patients.

Bromelain will help in the break down and absorption of proteins present in the food and hence will help digestion. In addition pineapple adds fiber to our diet and helps to prevent constipation.

Pineapple is rich in anti-oxidants like vitamin C and these anti-oxidants will protect the cells from getting attached to the free radicals. So that body will expel the free radicals easily and protects you from diseases like cancer, arthritis, heart diseases, asthma etc. Vitamin C present in the pineapple will improve your immunity and helps you to fight against the cold and flu.

Pineapple helps you to break down the fat and cholesterol present in the body in to amino acid and collagen. Collagen in turn helps you to maintain your skin healthy and clear.

Pineapple helps several enzymes present in the body to produce energy. This is because pineapple contains magnesium and vitamin B1 which are essential for the normal functioning of the enzymes.

Magnesium present in the pineapple will help you to make connective tissues and bones. In kids magnesium plays an important role in bone growth while in elderly people it aids in strengthening the bones.

Pineapple also contains vitamin K which imparts the anti coagulating property and hence pineapple aids in preventing blood clots in blood vessels. It also consists of vitamin A which is beneficial for eyesight.

There is some clinical evidence that suggests the effectiveness of bromelain as an anti-inflammatory, and may reduce swelling, bruising, healing time, and pain following surgery and physical injuries. In a 3-month study involving subjects with mild acute knee pain, it was concluded that bromelain might be effective in ameliorating pain.

Bromelain found in pineapple is a proteolytic enzyme (enzymes that digest protein), and in a clinical trial involving patients with periarthritis of the shoulder, and also patients suffering from painful osteoarthritis of the knee, pain reduction with the treatment of proteolytic enzymes was comparable to those treated with NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Plum

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:31:40 +0000

Plums are a very good source of vitamin C. They are also a good source of vitamins Bl, B2, and B6, and dietary fiber. Prunes are a very good source of provitamin A. They are a good source of potassium, thiamin, riboglavin, vitamin B6, boron and dietary fiber.

Several studies have demonstrated that dried plums, or prunes, which contain high amounts of polyphenols, can restore bone mass and structure. In a 3-month study involving 58 postmenopausal women, dried plums significantly increased serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) activity. Higher levels of both serum IGF-I and BSAP are associated with greater rates of bone formation. Although further studies are desirable, these results suggest that dried plums may have beneficial effects on bone mineral density.

Another study concluded that dried plum polyphenols enhance osteoblast (bone formation) activity. Prunes are a good source of boron, which is believed to play a role in prevention of osteoporosis.In a preliminary study in Japan, plum juice concentrate showed strong in vitro anti-influenza activity against human influenza A, and may be effective in preventing and reducing influenza.

In an 8-week study involving 41 men with mild hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol levels), daily dietary supplementation resulted in significantly lower LDL cholesterol plasma levels. Plums and prunes are both effective laxatives, with prunes being the more effective of the two. The laxative action of both prune and prune juice could be explained by their high sorbitol content.

Consumption of plums helps in the production and absorption of iron in the body, thus leading to better blood circulation in the body, which further leads to the growth of healthy tissues. Regular consumption of plums will prevent macular degeneration and any other infection of the eye in the long run. Your eyes will be healthy and strong for long time and you can also retain a sharp eye-sight. Researchers have found that plums have anti-cancer agents that may help prevent the growth of cancerous cells and tumors in the body. Eating plums also reduces your chances of contracting a heart disease in the long run. Plums have certain cleansing agents that keep the blood pure and also prevent complications of the heart.

Pear

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:29:33 +0000

Pears provide a good source of fiber, vitamin B2, C, E, copper, and potassium. They are an excellent source of pectin, which is a water soluble fiber.

Pears are actually higher in pectin than apples. This makes them effective in helping to lower cholesterol levels and in toning the intestines. They are often recommended by health care practitioners as a hypoallergenic fruit that is high in fiber. They are less likely to produce an adverse response than other fruits. Pears are often recommended as a safe fruit to introduce to infants.

Blood pressure can be healed with Pears since they have anti-oxidant and anti-carcinogen glutathione which help prevent high blood pressure and stroke. Cancer prevention is also possible as there is high vitamin C and copper content act as good anti-oxidants that protect cells from damages by free radicals. Cholesterol can also be controlled with pears. The high content of pectin in pears makes it very useful in helping to lower cholesterol levels. Colon health can be kept well using pears. When not juicing, eat the pear whole for its precious fiber that are highly beneficial for your colon health.

Constipation can also be tackled using pears. The pectin in pears is diuretic and has a mild laxative effect. Drinking pear juice regularly helps regulate bowel movements. Pears are rich source of energy and you can get quick and natural source of energy from pear juice, due largely to its high amounts of fructose and glucose.It also has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps relieve sufferers of much pain in various inflammatory conditions. Pears contain high level of boron. Boron helps the body to retain calcium, thus prevents or retards osteoporosis. The high content of folate (folic acid) prevents neural tube defects in infants.

Peach

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:27:40 +0000

They are energizing, they are excellent hydrators (85% of their content is water), they stimulate appetite and the secretion of gastric juices and they have diuretic properties. If you wish to regulate the activity of your kidneys and liver, eat 3 – 4 peaches in the morning, instead of breakfast, for a few days in a row. The fibers enclosed by these fruits are very well tore\rated by our digestive system, this is why they are recommended even to very young children. Regularly consuming peaches help those that suffer from urinary problems, rheumatism and thyroidal problems. Because of the substances they contain, they have the gift of protecting the nervous cell and of maintaining the balance of the nervous system; this is why they are recommended in nervous affections.

Rich in iron and potassium, peaches help ensure proper functioning of cells, the balance of fluid and electrolytes in the body, and nerve signaling. Lutein and zeaxanthin—two carotenoids found in peaches—help guard against blindness caused by age-related macular degeneration.

Biochemist researches showed that in peach pulp we can find numerous substances that can regenerate skin tissue, and this caused the fruit to get used both in diets that aim to maintain the glandular health and in diets that can prevent and eliminate wrinkling. The active substances in peaches do not act directly on the skin. They interact with the secretion of certain hormones in our brain, witch raise the efficiency of nervous system control over certain process that occur at skin level. Researchers estimate that a daily consumption of about 300 350 grams of peach pulp for 45 days can reduce the speed of wrinkling processes with 65 percent. The anti wrinkling diet is set for age levels as follows.

Orange

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:21:12 +0000

Oranges provide an excellent source of vitamin C and flavonoids. They also offer a good source of fiber, carotenes, pectin, potassium, and B vitamins (including vitamins B1, B2, B6, folic acid, and pantothenic acid).Due to the combination of high vitamin C content and flavonoids, oranges are important wherever vitamin C is required to function.Oranges are especially beneficial

for the immune system, lens of the eye, adrenal glands,connective tissues, the reproductive organs, and in promoting overall good health.

Oranges contain a very important flavonoid called hesperidin. Studies have shown that hesperidin lowers cholesterol and high blood pressure. The flavonoid also contains strong anti-inflammatory properties. A high concentration of hesperidin is found in the inner part of the peel and in the white pulp of the orange. Studies have shown that consuming oranges and orange juice protects against cancer and helps to fight viral infections. The pectin in oranges also contains properties that are similar to that of grapefruit pectin. Pectin is effective in lowering cholesterol levels.

Oranges are said to be anti-hypertensive, sedative, anti-spasmodic, diuretic and antidepressant. They are helpful in controlling hysteria, insomnia, nervous tension. It is very effective in chronic dyspepsia. It supplies nutrition without burdening the digestive organs. It stimulates the flow of digestive juices, thereby improving digestion and increasing appetite. Orange is beneficial in treating constipation as well. Taking one or two oranges at bed-time and first thing in the morning is an excellent way of stimulating the bowels. An excellent source of calcium and vitamin C, orange is valuable in prevention of diseases of the bone and teeth. Large amounts of orange is beneficial in pyorrhea and dental carries. Orange juice is considered an excellent food for infants. It especially benefits the children whose growth is unsatisfactory. It prevents scurvy and rickets and helps growth.

Orange peels are used in the treatment of acne and pimples. The peel, pounded well with water on a piece of stone, should be applied to the affected areas. It is said to be more effective, if it is pounded with rain water.

Mango

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:06:09 +0000

Mango is a fruit that is very high in iron. Women, especially, need to increase the amount of iron that they consume due to the large amounts that they lose during menstruation. Pregnant women also need to think about increasing the amount of iron that they consume. People with an iron deficiency, which is called anemia, would also benefit from the high amount of iron offered in mango.

It is believed that mango may help unclog pores. What this means is that people who suffer from acne, which is caused by clogged pores, will benefit from mango. All that you need to do in order to take advantage of this property of mango is apply thin slices to the area of skin that you want to clear up. Leave the mango there for about ten minutes before rinsing the skin with warm water.

Like many other fruits, mango is high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are known to benefit the body in so many different ways. By incorporating mangos into your diet, you will be able to ward off cancer and fight against heart disease. People with high cholesterol and blood pressure may be able to lower their levels by eating foods that are rich in antioxidants on a regular basis.

Vitamin E is known to be one of the most beneficial vitamins for boosting the sex life. The main reason is because it works to regulate the body’s sex hormones. Although it is hard to imagine mango being an aphrodisiac, many people believe that this is a great fruit to eat if you want to enhance your sex drive.

One of the main benefits of mango is that it offers anti-inflammatory properties. This is known to help the body in a number of different ways. It can reduce pain from conditions such as arthritis. Mango is also known to relieve symptoms from asthma due to the anti-inflammatory benefits that it has to offer.

Mangoes contain phenols, this phenolic compound have powerful antioxidant and anticancer abilities. It is also valuable to combat acidity and poor digestion. Mango is a rich source of vitamin A(beta-carotene), E and Selenium which help to protect against heart disease and other ailments. The ripe mango is excellent for toning up heart muscles, stimulating appetite, and improving the skin’s texture and appearance. It is also antiscorbutic, diuretic, laxatic, and invigorating. This tropical fruit is also helpful for people who have liver disorders. Mangoes are also found to have powerful antioxidant and anticancer properties as well as helpful in treating acidity, poor digestion, and anemia. Drinking mango juice is also believed in improving the memory, concentration, and great in preventing mental weakness. Unripe mango is a good source of pectin which is a soluble dietary fiber. This helps prevent a surge in blood glucose levels by promoting satiety.

Lychee

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:03:47 +0000

At 72 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams of flesh, Lychees are a very good source for this essential vitamin. Lychee is rich in Vitamin C and potassium. It is low in calories; almost on Lychee has 7 calories. Low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium, it is high in copper. The nutritional value and health benefits of Lychee make them suitable for Maintaining optimum health, and weight loss.

Lychee nutritional facts are the reasons why Lychee is a popular drink wherever Lychee grows. However, in the United States, Lychee is not a common fruit. Elsewhere in the world, Lychee has been growing in popularity in various cuisines

The health benefits of Lychee fruit are impressive and are often overlooked in countries where Lychee fruit are common and also in most countries where Lychee fruit are not found in abundance. Lychee fruit is good for overall health and wellness. Through the high content Vitamin C content of the lychee fruit, the fruit benefits those suffering from colds, fevers and sore throats. Lychee also helps the body to digest food properly for the best nutrition and an added boost of health.

Lychee fruit is particularly good for gastrointestinal health. Research has also shown that Lychee fruit may provide impressive anti-breast cancer properties. A study published in Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology shows that Lychee fruit slows the formation and progression of breast cancer through several mechanisms including apoptosis.

Lime

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:01:22 +0000

The health benefits of lime include scurvy, digestion, constipation, eye care, piles, peptic ulcer, respiratory disorders, gout, gums, weight loss, skin care, urinary disorders. Lime helps cure arthritis, rheumatism, prostrate and colon cancer, cholera, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, fatigue, heart diseases and even very high fever.

Lime contains by far more vitamin C than the lemon. A glass of warm water with lime juice and a teaspoonful of honey is an ideal remedy for cold and dry cough.
Lime juice is a pep-up in cases of listlessness and a rundown feeling due to vitamin deficiency. The pectin content in fruit pulp is said to be beneficial in lowering blood cholesterol.

The vitamin C content in lime increases the body’s resistance to disease, aids the healing of wounds and prevents damage to the eyes. Vitamin C is also helpful in maintaining the health of the teeth and other bones of the body. It prevents decay and loosening of the teeth, dental caries, toothache, bleeding of the gums and fragility of bones.

The rind of the fruit also has medicinal properties. It contains a volatile oil which is used in medicine for improving digestion and removing wind. Lime is considered highly beneficial in the treatment of digestive disorders. The lime juice is of great value in constipation, when it is taken first thing in the morning in a glass of warm water. The citric acid in limes has an alkaline reaction in the system which can relieve peptic ulcers.

Few drops of warm lime-juice diluted with water should be instilled in the eyes in case of conjunctivitis. Its regular use with pure rose water in the ratio of 1:4 is helpful in preventing old-age cataract. Lime juice diluted in warm water was proven valuable in cystitis. It gives relief to burning sensation and also stops bleeding in cystitis.

The lime juice is also excellent for weight reduction. Fresh juice’ of a lime mixed in a glassful of water and sweetened with honey should be taken every morning on empty stomach in case of obesity. Lime contain limonene, this phytochemical are potent detoxifiers with anti-biotic effect that is protective against bacterial poisoning. The potent anti-viral properties in lime can kill cholera bacilli within a very short period of time. Drink one part juice and one part water regularly.

Lime juice and its oil are very beneficial for skin when consumed orally or applied externally. It rejuvenates the skin, keeps it shining, protects it from infections and reduces body odor due to presence of a large amount of vitamin-C and Flavonoids, both of which are class-1 anti oxidants, anti biotic and disinfectants. When applied externally on skin, its acids scrub out the dead cells, cures dandruff, rashes, bruises etc. and gives you a refreshing bath if its juice or oil is mixed into your bathing water.

The seeds of all citrus fruits (and also apples) are poisonous and if ingested in large quantity (even a small handful) can be fatal. So, avoid chewing or swallowing the seeds when you use limes.