Healthy Foods

Health Benefits of Watermelon

Watermelon is almost synonymous to summertime. Indeed, this juicy fruit and its vibrant color truly matches the intense heat of the sun. Thankfully, this fruit is already available almost all year round. If you simply adore eating this, then you would certainly be thrilled to know that you no longer have to wait for summer before you can enjoy the health benefits of watermelon.

Hodgepodge of Vitamins

The main reason why there are far too many health benefits of watermelon is because this contains a myriad of essential vitamins and nutrients. If you want to ensure that you are getting the nutrients that you need, you might want to dose on this fruit instead of pills. It is rich in Vitamin A which contributes in keeping your eyes in superb condition. The high amount of Vitamin C in it will allow your immune system to build a stronger defense against sickness. To prevent brain cell and neuron damage, you might want to include watermelon in your daily diet because this will supply you with high amount of Vitamin B6.

Energy Pumping

During those days when you feel too tired and lazy but you still have a long list of things to do, snacking on watermelon will help you out. One of the health benefits of watermelon is that it acts as a natural energy booster. It is because of the Vitamin B complex that it provides. Aside from stimulating the neurons and brain functions, this will also improve your motor skills and enable you to be more alert.

Natural Enhancer

The effect of watermelon when it comes to increasing S drive is more applicable for men. It has been discovered that watermelon has generous level of nitric acid. When this is elevated, the tendency of the blood vessels is to become more relax and be capable of accommodating proper blood flow. Better blood circulation means improved performance for men, particularly while in the sack.

Protects the Kidney

One of the health benefits of watermelon is caused by the impressive amount of potassium in it. Potassium acts like a broom which sweeps the toxins that have accumulated in the kidneys. Aside from flushing out unwanted toxins, it also lowers the concentration level of the uric acid. Since this fruit has high amount of liquid in it, it also promotes increased urination which helps in naturally cleansing the body. With all these effects, the job of your kidneys would be like a walk in the park.

Regulates Diabetes

People who are suffering from diabetes need to be extra careful when it comes to the types of food that they eat. Good thing is that watermelon is definitely a good choice even for those with problematic insulin levels. Watermelon has low amount of carbohydrates and most of it is just water. Aside from that, the combination of potassium, magnesium and other minerals in this fruit contribute in making sure that the insulin level is tamed. Another component in watermelon which is beneficial for diabetic patients is Arginine because this enhances the effect of insulin that is obtained from the diet. Here are more watermelon health benefits.

Spirulina health benefits

Have you heard about spirulina and its health benefits? Spirulina is a form of micro algae that are taken as health supplement. It is said to be a cure to some major diseases, but it still remains to be proven. It is true, though, that it has many nutrients which could be beneficial for the body. However, major claims need to be backed-up and confirmed. As of the moment, let us take spirulina as one regular supplement that can and may improve our health.

Here are some spirulina health benefits:

Natural vitamin supplement

Spirulina is a good source of many nutrients which includes beta carotene and other cartenoids. The blend gives whoever is taking it a good amount of antioxidants which could help prevent stress-induced ailments later on. This is probably one of the most realistic spirulina health benefits. In other words, you’re buying spirulina supplements for the right reasons such as these, and not for something that has not been proven yet.

It may aid in weight loss

The keyword here is “may” because while a lot of slimming products are including spirulina in their ingredients, there is no scientific proof that weight loss is indeed considered one of the most credible spirulina health benefits. However, the reason why it’s possible for spirulina to be able to aid in weight loss is because it’s a good source of nutrients, and cravings often happen when the body lacks nutrients. Without unhealthy cravings for the wrong food groups, you’re less likely to gain unwanted weight.

It could help prevent cancer

Again, the keyword here is “could” because it is possible but not proven than one of the best spirulina health benefits is the fact that it’s anti-cancer. It’s definitely not a cure for cancer, or at least not yet because there have been no studies confirming this claim. However, spirulina does have a lot of antioxidants which could prevent the formation of cancer cells. As a preventive supplement, it will probably do a good job.

It can lower blood pressure and cholesterol

Some spirulina health benefits could hold some truth to it, though, and this includes its ability to lower the blood pressure and cholesterol level. If you’re prone to having certain heart diseases, spirulina supplements may do you some good. However, one must never self-medicate. You still need to consult your physician before taking spirulina as it might not be a good substance to take when combined with other chemicals.

Some things you need to take note of:

Not everyone should take spirulina supplements. While this is a naturally occurring plant substance (an algae, to be exact) some individuals can be allergic to it. The risk of allergies is too grave to be ignored, so consult your physician before taking this supplement. Even after getting the go signal from your doctor, you must watch out for muscle pain, headache, sweating, or insomnia. If you experience any of these, discontinue use and call your doctor. You may need medical help if any of these side effects are drastic enough.

You must remember that while some people might have experienced success with spirulina supplements, and they claim this to be “safe” and “natural”, natural supplements are not always mild or safe. It’s always a case-to-case basis.

Health Benefits of Kale

The health benefits of kale are not known to many. Are you one of those who are still wondering how this could help you out in improving your overall health? This powerhouse vegetable really has so much vitamins and mineral in it, that eating it would be like dosing on all the essential nutrients that the body needs.

Aids in Detoxification

Saying that it helps in getting rid of toxins is an understatement because this vegetable contains superbly high amount of dietary fiber. Adding more fiber to your diet leads to a myriad of benefits because it is the key in flushing out toxins that could be the trigger of various illnesses. As kale passes through your digestive system, it almost acts like a broom which sweeps all the toxins. Hence, it becomes easier for your body to get rid of them.

Protection Against Common Sickness

photo credit: flickr.com/srqpix

How many times do you catch cough, cold or flu? If you are tired of sneezing, coughing and feeling like such a weakling, then gear yourself up with sufficient amount of Vitamin C. One of the primary health benefits of kale is that it heightens the natural defense of the body against virus and bacteria that could trigger health concerns.

Effective for Weight Loss

If you intend to see a lower number on the weighing scale the next time you step on it, you might want to increase your daily intake of kale. Since this is high in fiber, you would easily feel full during meals. Aside from that, it would take longer time before it can be completely digested so you would not feel a tinge of hunger for a longer period of time. Though it takes extra effort for your digestive system to churn out, the Vitamin C content of kale will also make your metabolism work double-time. More importantly, this vegetable only has 36 calories and 0 amount of fat.

Improved Performance of Organs

The different organs in the body require proper amount of blood flow so that they could perform their tasks properly. It is because blood is responsible for transporting oxygen which the body needs to work smoothly. Interestingly, kale has higher amount of iron compared to beef. Iron is utterly essential because this is responsible for creation of hemoglobin and enzymes in the blood. The more iron you have, the better your blood circulation would be and it means improved performance of your entire body.

Cancer Prevention

Yes, avoiding cancer is also one of the health benefits of kale. Do not underestimate the capabilities of this vegetable because within those green leaves are whopping amount of antioxidants, particularly, carotenoids and flavonoids. Aside from preventing common illnesses, these two also lower the possibility of developing cancer cells and tumors. It also fights off cellular oxidation which has negative effects on the body. Aside from the amazing amount of antioxidants, this also has impressive level of glucosinolates. This component of kale has been observed to effectively lower the risk of cancer n the colon, prostate, ovary, bladder and breast.

Cabbage Health Benefits

It is quite interesting to know that cabbage is actually referred to as “Drug of the Poor” during the medieval times. This is primarily because people back then rely on this vegetable for curing a lot of common ailments.

This vegetable is loaded with a whole lot of vitamins and minerals. That is why, it is recommended whether it is eaten raw, added to soup or used as ingredient for a dish. If you also want to experience all the impressive cabbage health benefits, might as well add this to your meal as often as possible.

Great for Weight Loss

The secret for effective weight loss is fiber. One thing that makes cabbage a popular choice for people who would like to go on a weight loss diet is the fact that it has lots of fiber. Green cabbage is an excellent choice. However, if you truly want to get the amazing cabbage health benefits, you might want to pick the purple ones. A cup of chopped purple cabbage will give you 2 grams of fiber. This is equivalent to 8% of the RDA for fiber. This massive amount of fiber will make you feel full so you would not end up feeling hungry too soon. It makes it easier to control your hankering for food too.

Stronger Defense Against Cough, Cold and Flu

Among the cabbage health benefits is strengthening of the immune system. Even if this is not a citrus fruit, it still has impressive amount of Vitamin C. Eating at least a cup of chopped cabbage daily will already satisfy 60% of Vitamin C RDA. It would be better if cabbage is eaten raw if you really want to have a stronger defense against cough, cold and flu. It is because heat can destroy Vitamin C and would lower the amount of vitamins that you can get.

Alleviates Pain of Arthritis

One of the cabbage health benefits is that it can help people who are in pain because of their arthritis. There may be various ways on how to resolve arthritis but alleviating the inflammation is the most effective method of resolving the pain. Cabbage has an anti-inflammatory effect. Hence, eating this would reduce the ache being felt on parts that are stricken by arthritis.

Breast Cancer Prevention

Cabbage also has a lot of phytochemicals. This captured the attention of scientists because it converts estradiol so that breast cancer would not develop. Estradiol is a more harmful form of estrogen which leads to cancer. All thanks to cabbage, this can be transformed to a safer form which can be used up by the body without harmful effects.

Prevents Osteoporosis

One type of cabbage which is called bok choy is very effective when it comes to prevention of osteoporosis. It has surprising amount of calcium which can even beat the level found in other dairy products. Calcium from bok choy will prevent bone mass to deteriorate which often happens with aging. It also strengthens the bone so it would not become brittle eventually and break too easily. Some vegetarians use this type of cabbage as source of calcium since they skip dairy products.

Other Health Benefits of Cherries

Other Health Benefits of Cherries: these yummy fruit are great addition to various dishes and desserts because of how it can easily turn something from boring to extremely appetizing. Its bright red color and round shape really delights the senses and excites the taste buds. But do you know that there is more to this fruit than just meets the eye?

Because of all the health benefits of cherries, this fruit is considered as a super fruit. It has whopping amount of antioxidants which can help out in improving your health in many ways. Aside from that, it is also packed with a whole lot of nutrients which the body ultimately needs to sustain daily activities.

Lower risk of cancer and heart disease

Many studies have supported the fact that antioxidants can greatly reduce the tendency of triggering cancer and heart disease. Anthocyanin is the type of antioxidant that is present in cherries. This helps the body to fight off free radicals so that it becomes easier to avoid chronic diseases. In the process, it also reduces the tendency of acquiring other common health ailments.

Better sleep

Interestingly, one of the health benefits of cherries is to maintain the body’s rhythm. This fruit contains generous amount of melatonin which targets the regulation of body clock. It means that daily dose of cherries will resolve your problem about difficulty in sleeping at night.

No more joint and muscle pains

Experts have recommended this fruit not just to people who are suffering from arthritis and gout but also to athletes who feel soreness after workout. The anti-inflammatory effect of cherries can also be attributed to the high dose of anthocyanin.

Enhanced performance of the digestive system

Cherries also have high level of fiber. About one cup of this fruit can already deliver 2.7 grams of dietary fiber. If this becomes a staple part of your daily diet, the fiber it contains can help out in resolving constipation. Aside from that, it also contributes in flushing out the toxins in the body.

Great for losing weight

Since cherries do have elevated fiber level, this is a great snack if you would like to lose a few pounds. Instead of eating high snacks with high amount of calories, this will satisfy your hunger. With cherries in between meals, it is easier to stop yourself from binging during meals. Aside from that, it also has low amount of sodium so your body would not end up storing too much water which could also make you feel more plump. If you are targeting for weight loss, you could either opt to eat raw cherries or have a dose of freshly made juice.

Good for skin and eyesight

Cherry is a good contender versus blueberries and strawberries when it comes to beta-carotene. This fruit has beta-carotene that is 19 times higher than berries. This vitamin is essential in preventing damage of the skin cells and also contributes in ensuring excellent eye health. Aside from hindering the cells from degeneration, it also helps out in repairing damages.

Health Benefits of Beets

If you have always loved munching on beets, then you might be totally exhilarated to know all the wonderful things that this could do to your health. Yes, this is not just any other food because there are far too many health benefits of beets.

Because of the insane amount of vitamins and minerals that this contains, there is no doubt that it should really be a part of your regular diet. Here are some of the amazing advantages of eating beets.

Good Source of Vitamins and Minerals

It is remarkable how beets can compete with the multivitamins that are commercially produced these days. You can skip those pills and just replace them with a natural source of all essential nutrients. Among the primary nutrients in beets are Vitamin A, Vitamin B and Vitamin C. Hence, aside from keeping your skin smooth and vibrant, it will also strengthen your immune system. To top it all off, beets also contain whopping amount of iron, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium.

Excellent Food for Pregnant Women

photo credit: flickr.com/La Grande Farmer’s Market

Pregnant women need lots of Vitamin B which contributes in proper cell growth and regeneration. Beets will benefit not just the mom but the baby too. It will prevent birth defects and ensure that the fetus would have properly developed spinal column. Since pregnancy also requires high amount of iron, then adding this to the daily diet would be an amazing choice.

Sex Hormone Boost

Yes, one of the primary health benefits of beets is that it acts as an all-natural libido enhancer. Forget about the pills and meds which can cause harmful side effects and a whole lot of health risks. Beets have escalated amount of boron. This is the key in pumping up the sex hormones in the body.

Mind-calming Effect

If you have always been jittery, anxious and stressed out, then this definitely is the right food for you. It is known for being a good aid in regulating mental health. The betaine in beets is comparable to the medications which are taken by people who are suffering from depression. To top it all off, it also contains significant amount of tryptophan which soothes the mind. Beets are much better than chocolate which is also known for providing mind-calming effect because this does not have high amount of calories.

Better Digestive Health

Among the health benefits of beets is its contribution to ensuring good digestion. Because it has lots of fiber, it helps in getting rid of toxins by flushing them out of the body. Its potency in alleviating constipation and other digestive problems dates back to ancient times. It also prevents development of colon cancer.

Useful Beet Leaves

The health benefits of beets can also be enjoyed by eating or using the leaves. Even during the Roman times, they have been using the leaves to resolve their breath problems because it works effectively for oral care. Because of the antibacterial and antifungal components of the leaves, these are also placed directly on wounds to prevent infection and make it heal faster.

Mushroom Health Benefits

Who doesn’t like mushrooms? With all the varieties to choose from, anyone can find a mushroom type which will suit his/her preference. Are you fond of mushrooms too?

Aside from the added flavor and appeal to various dishes, there are also a lot of mushroom health benefits that you should be aware of. Edible mushrooms will not only make your taste buds rejoice but will also enhance your overall health.

Good Source of Antioxidants

If you are also concerned about the amount of antioxidants that you get everyday, you might want to add mushrooms in your list of foods to eat regularly. The primary antioxidant that this fruit has is selenium. This negates the effects of free radicals. Because of that, it would be easier for you to stay away from various chronic illnesses.

Defense Against Cancer

photo credit: flickr.com/cfwee

Selenium is particularly beneficial for men. It is know to lower the tendency of developing prostate cancer by 64%. For women, button mushrooms would be the best because this can also decrease the possibility of having breast cancer. The mushrooms can prevent cancer because it can stop aromatase which triggers the development of cancer cells.

Cure for Common Cold and Flu

If you are easily struck by cold and flu, you might want to increase your intake of Shiitake mushrooms. This is one of the mushroom health benefits which have been known since the ancient Chinese and Japanese times. Shiitake mushrooms will also ensure that your immune system is capable of building a strong defense against cough.

Regulates Hypertension

People who have fluctuating blood pressure are extremely limited when it comes to the food that they eat. Mushrooms are a tasty yet healthy addition to their meals because this would not cause blood pressure to rise. This only contains minimal amount of calories because most of it is just water and fiber. It is also low in fat and sodium.

Antifungal, Antimicrobial and Antibacterial Properties

The mushroom called chanterelle is known for its antimicrobial, antifungal and antibacterial properties. Apart from topically applying this mushroom on wounds, it also provides the same effect when ingested. Hence, adding this to your diet would help out in preventing various digestive problems.

Prevents Asthma Attack

The Shimeji mushroom has always been used as a traditional defense against asthma. It has beta-glucans which suppress allergic reactions. Since asthma is a type of ailment that is triggered by allergens, this will help out in preventing recurring asthma attack. To make things even better, beta-glucans also boosts the healing capability of the immune system.

Possible HIV Defense

Though it has not been fully confirmed by modern science yet, there are a lot of studies today which are focused on one type of mushroom called oysters. This created a big buzz in the field of modern medicine because scientists are considering its potency when it comes to hindering the progression of HIV or maybe even curing it.

One thing that you need to remember before getting overly excited to enjoy the mushroom health benefits is that some variants may actually be poisonous. Hence, it is important to know which ones are edible and which ones should be avoided.

Health Benefits of Pomegranate

The health benefits of pomegranate should not be underestimated. Because of all the positive things that this could do to one’s body, it has been added to the list of wonder fruits. Should you really add this to your regular diet? What are the benefits that you will be able to enjoy when you eat this?

Here are some of the primary health benefits of pomegranate for people who ensure that this is a part of their daily diet.

Supplying Anti-Oxidants in the Body

photo credit: flickr.com/ahisgett

The main reason why this is considered as a very beneficial fruit is because it has whopping amount of anti-oxidants. This is the key in lowering the level of free-radicals in the body. If there are fewer free radicals, it would be easier to avoid chronic illnesses like heart attack, cancer, diabetes and a whole lot of other ailments. Anti-oxidants work as an excellent defense of the body against factors which could destroy healthy cells and lead to a multitude of illnesses.

Good Source of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential in strengthening the immune system. This is the key in preventing common cough, cold, and flu, plus it also helps the body to repel other diseases. Aside from stronger immune system, another benefit of this fruit is to help in making wounds heal and improve the health of gums. It is amazing that only 100 grams of this fruit can already provide up to 10.2 mg of Vitamin C. This will already satisfy 17% of RDA for adults.

Helps in Dieting

Forget about the diet pills or chemical weight loss formulas which can only bring horrible side effects. Among the health benefits of pomegranate include assistance in weight loss. This is because it has high amount of fiber but low carbohydrates. Snacking on this fruit can make a person feel full without the chance of storing more fat.

Excellent Source of Vitamin K

Vitamin K is important for the body because this is responsible for calcium absorption. Without this vitamin, the bones might end up brittle and could easily break. It is also highly possible to develop osteoporosis in the future. Aside from strengthening the bones, this is also important in ensuring that the blood will clot properly.

Aids in Detoxification

Cleansing the body and getting rid of toxins is very important. When these are eliminated, various illnesses can be avoided, just like colon cancer, digestive issues, cardiovascular ailments and others. The fiber acts like a broom which sweeps toxins in the body. Hence, these are flushed out more efficiently.

Zero Cancer, Better Heart Health

All thanks to the polyphenols that are in this fruit, it also helps in prevention of cancer and making sure that the heart functions well. The polyphenols in pomegranate are tannin, anthocyanins and quercetin. These help in ensuring that the cells would not be easily damaged and become carcinogenic. It also prevents the formation of tumors. With sufficient amount of these polyphenols, the heart would be able to pump better too, which improves blood circulation.

Health Benefits of Olive Oil

Celebrity chefs, dieticians, fitness trainers and trusted physicians are all recommending the use of olive oil. What is with this type of oil that makes everyone so impressed with it? After all, when you look at it, there is not much difference compared to the ordinary cooking oil. Why should you switch to olive oil too?

The health benefits of olive oil can not be seen by simply picking up a bottle and examining its looks. Yes, it appears to be quite similar with other types of oil which have been labeled by the experts as unhealthy. However, olive oil possesses potent components which will contribute in ensuring that you will remain on top condition even as you grow older.

War Against Heart Disease

photo credit: flickr.com/Public Domain Photos

If you want to suit up and prepare for your battle against heart disease, getting enough dose of olive oil daily is your best strategy. Studies have shown that taking at least 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil can lead to surprising health improvement. This will slow down the oxidation of bad cholesterol which is one of the primary causes of various heart ailments. Aside from that, this healthier oil will also increase HDL level or good cholesterol inside the body. The fact that extra virgin olive oil is less processed makes it more appropriate for your health because it has more antioxidants which work against illnesses.

Prevention of Colon Cancer

Adding olive oil in your daily diet also reduces the risk of developing colon cancer. This is because olive oil does not leave harmful toxins which eventually build up along the walls. Aside from that, it also enhances the performance of the colon so that cancer cells and tumor would not develop soon.

Excellent Digestive System

Unlike other unhealthier oils for food, olive oil is actually favorable for the digestive system. Its natural state aids in heightening the performance of the digestive system. This oil allows the body to absorb more nutrients. Aside from that, it makes expulsion of toxins and undigested food much easier.

Impressive Remedy

The list of health benefits of olive oil is almost endless. In fact, even during the ancient times, this has always been used as a quick remedy for various health concerns. It is recommended for relief of muscle pains, constipation and hangover. It works as a sedative and it is also considered as an aphrodisiac.

Lowers Cholesterol Level

Though olive oil seems to have the same consistency as other types of cooking oil, this has significantly lower amount of harmful cholesterol. Aside from that, if it is used for cooking, particularly frying, it stays on the surface instead of being absorbed. Because of that, eating dishes that are prepared using olive oil enables you to consume less cholesterol.

There may be almost endless health benefits of olive oil but you should keep in mind that this still has to be used in proper moderation. Not because you switched to this more natural and healthier type of oil, it already means that it is okay to binge on other types of food which have massive amount of calories and cholesterol.

Strawberry Health Benefits

Because of the bountiful strawberry health benefits, this fruit is considered as a super fruit. Yes, even without genetic modification, this fruit is naturally packed with a whole lot of benefits for the body. If you have been skipping on this fruit, then it is time for you to do some alterations on your diet.

Here are the top strawberry health benefits:

Antioxidants Against Diseases

Strawberry is known to be rich in antioxidant. There are different types of antioxidants that are in strawberries which are difficult to find in other fruits. The antioxidants include ellagic acid, quercetin, catechin and a whole lot of others. Because of the impressive level of antioxidants in strawberry, it greatly helps in fighting chronic diseases and allows the body to function properly.

Maintaining Eye Health

As you age, the free radicals can slowly cast damage on your eyes. The free radicals are to blame when it comes to drying up of eyes, destruction of optical nerve, macular degeneration, blurry vision and a whole lot of other eye ailments. Strawberries can also help you keep a clear vision. Its components such as phenolic phytochemicals and flavonoids can block the negative effects of free radicals to your eyes. The potassium in strawberries will also regulate the eye pressure.

Cancer Prevention

Strawberries have multiple components which empower the body to fight and prevent the formation of cancer cells. All thanks to anthocyanin, kaempferol and quercetin, it is easier to prevent tumor and cancer.

Reduces Risk of High Blood Pressure

The key ingredient in strawberry which makes it possible to prevent high blood pressure is potassium and magnesium. Absence of these two can cause vessels to become inflamed, hinder proper blood flow and trigger the blood pressure to rise. Aside from that potassium and magnesium also negates the effect of sodium which could also cause blood pressure to soar.

Anti-wrinkles and Anti-aging

Before you even consider putting on too many chemicals and creams on your face to prevent skin dryness and wrinkles, concentrate first on eating more strawberries everyday. Among the strawberry health benefits include increased production of collagen. As an effect, the skin is more elastic and resilient.

Goodbye to Arthritis Pain

The pain that arthritis could bring can be really excruciating. This is because the joints no longer function smoothly and the affected area can be badly inflamed. Strawberries can make the inflammation go away which also leads to reduced pain. Studies have reflected that eating strawberries daily is the key in lowering the C-reactive protein which is a signifier that a certain part of the body is inflamed.

Aids in Weight Management

Being overweight can trigger a whole lot of different health ailments. If you intend to maintain your weight or even lose a few pounds, snacking on strawberries is a good idea. This would easily make you feel full but it would not cause weight gain because it is low in calorie, low in sodium, low in sugar and fat-free too. It is something that would please your taste buds and ease your hunger without being troubled about possible weight gain.