Archive for the ‘Minerals’ category

« Older Entries

Health and Skin Benefits of Cucumber

July 9th, 2010

Cucumber is a fruit that came from the same family as pumpkin, zucchini and other squashes. A cucumber that is yellow in color, has a round shape and is available in many parts of India.
Cucumbers originate from India and since ancient times these fruit were taken as a desert, that is why in modern Pakistan and other Eastern countries cucumbers are served among the fruit like apples, peaches, melons and others.
100 g of cucumber has 70 calories, 80 mg of potassium, 27 mg of phosphorus, 32 mg of calcium, 17 mg of carbohydrates, 1.8 mg of iron, as well as vitamin C, vitamin A, niacin and B group vitamins, molybdenum, magnesium, tryptophan, dietary fiber and so on. The alkalinity of cucumber is also a positive element.

English cucumbers – Have very little in the way of seeds and can grow to around 2 feet in length.
Mediterranean cucumbers – Skins are smooth with nearly seedless flesh, they have a mild taste.
Japanese cucumbers – A dark green cucumber with a very bumpy skin. Mainly used for slicing, salads and pickling.

Health and Skin Benefits of Cucumber

- Cucumbers have high water content (about 95 percent).
- They have fiber-rich skin and their levels of potassium and manganese, which help regulate blood pressure and help promote nutrient functions.
- Cucumbers help remove uric acid, which is beneficial for those who has arthritis.
- Cucumber helps in reducing swelling around the eyes or the big dark circles under your eyes.
- Cucumber is very beneficial for burns, swollen eyes, and dermatitis. because it consists of Caffeic and ascorbic acids, which prevent water retention.
- Its juice is a nourishing vitamin for our hair and skin.
- Cucumber is good for those who are dieting as it is very low in calories.
- Cucumber’s nutritional benefits include natural salts, enzymes, and vitamins essential for strong cell growth and repair.
- Cucumber juice is certainly beneficial the treatment of rheumatic conditions.
- This colorless drink can help regulate blood pressure because of its minerals and traces of sodium.
- The excellent source of silica contributes to the proper construction of connective tissues in our body as in the bones, muscles, cartilage, ligaments and tendons.
- The temperature regulating properties in cucumber juice makes it a suitable drink when you have a fever.
- Those suffering from diabetes have been found to benefit from the consumption of cucumber/cucumber juice.
- Cucumber contains Erepsin, the enzyme that helps in protein digestion.
- Cucumber juice is said to promote hair growth, especially when it is added to the juice of carrot, lettuce and spinach.
- Daily consumption of cucumber juice helps control cases of eczema, arthritis and gout.
- Helps in kidney and urinary bladder disease.

No comments »

Posted in Acidity, Cucumber, Diet, Eyes, Fruits, Minerals, benefits, constipation, digestion, growth, health

Tags:

What are different health benefits of wheatgrass juice?

June 3rd, 2010

Wheatgrass, the young grass shoots of the wheatberries is a super source of chlorophyll (blood of plants). Wheatgrass is one of nature’s most powerful sources of green leafy vegetable nutrition. Wheatgrass juice which contains chlorophyll, minerals, and vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, and K, protein and 17 amino acids is easily absorbed in human blood, which transports nutrients efficiently to every cell of the body. This makes wheatgrass juice an effective healer.
Wheatgrass is harvested for juicing when the grass reaches its nutritional peak. This is just before the jointing stage, when the plant is between 7 and 11 inches tall. At this point, it has accumulated energy which will soon power a massive growth spurt. It is this energy that is captured in the juice. When wheatgrass is juiced, it is volatile and will oxidize quickly.

When you drink high quality wheatgrass juice, your body may produce spectacular results such as:
- A physical and mental sense of well-being
- More energy and better sleep
- Stronger immune system
- Detoxification on a cellular level
- Reduced inflammation in the entire body
- Appetite cravings
- Increased mental clarity
- Steadier nerves
- Improved eyesight and night vision
- Actively engaging in and enjoying activities you had been dreading in the past.
- Visually seeing results via live blood cell analysis such as the un-clumping of oxygen-carrying red blood cells.

Nutrient content of wheatgrass juice compared to fruits and vegetables.

- 1 ounce of fresh wheatgrass juice is equivalent to 2.5 pounds of vegetables in nutritional value.
- 1 ounce of wheatgrass has more vitamin C than 1 ounce of oranges.
- 1 ounce of wheatgrass has twice the vitamin A than in 1 ounce of carrots.
- It is said that 25ml of wheatgrass is equivalent in vitamins, minerals and amino acids to a kilogram of fresh garden vegetables in nutritional value.

Health Benefits of Wheatgrass

- The most outstanding feature of the wheatgrass is its very high content of chlorophyll at about 70%. This alone makes it a superfood that has a highly energizing and alkalizing effect.
- Wheatgrass juice is good for skin problems and improves complexion, treats acne, and removes acne scars.
- Wheatgrass juice purifies the blood which helps to cleanse the kidneys, liver and urinary tract.
- The insoluble fiber in wheatgrass gently cleanses your digestive tract and promotes regularity.
- Wheatgrass juice helps stop the growth and development of unfriendly bacteria.
- Wheatgrass juice, which is high in beta-carotene, can contribute to a reduction in the risk of developing some kinds of cancer.
- When chlorophyll is taken internally (wheatgrass juice), it reduces or eliminates body and breath odors.
- Chlorophyll is beneficial in the treatment of skin diseases and first and second degree burns.
- Wheatgrass can help to eliminate dangerous chemicals in fluoridated water and found on fruits and vegetables.
- Chlorophyll is effective in clearing up your Sinuses.

No comments »

Posted in Minerals, Vegetables, Vitamin, benefits, digestion, health

Tags:

Tofu-a high protein, low fat energy source: benefits of eating tofu.

May 29th, 2010

The highly nutritious, protein-rich tofu is commonly called ‘the cheese of Asia’ and is prepared by curdling soybean milk. It is usually off-white in color and forms an important constituent in the cultural cuisines of many Asian countries, like China and Japan.
The food has high amounts of iron and proteins and is relatively low in calorie content. It also has high amounts of calcium and magnesium levels. Also, tofu contains certain soy isoflavones, which can actually mimic natural human estrogens, causing certain beneficial effects in human body.
Tofu, made from the curds of soybean milk, is primarily available in three textures: firm, extra firm and silken. Silken tofu has a custard-like consistency and is usually substituted into dressings, protein shakes and desserts. Firm and extra firm varieties are usually cut up into chunks that stand up well to marinating and can be sautéed, grilled or baked. Tofu itself is rather bland, but strongly absorbs the flavors used to prepare it.

Health Benefits of Tofu

- Besides calcium and protein, tofu is a good source of iron. It is primarily used as part of hemoglobin and helps in the transport and release of oxygen throughout the body.
- Soya beans and other soya based products may play a role in preventing various types of cancer, especially breast cancer.
- It is also known to prevent osteoporosis, thanks to its calcium.
- Another benefit that tofu offers is that it is very easy to digest. This is because the fiber of the soya beans is removed during the manufacturing process.
- A mere 4 ounces of tofu each day provides around 14.45 of the daily beneficial fat requirement. This beneficial fat or Omega-3-fatty acid helps control erratic heart rhythms, reduces clotting of blood inside arteries and improves the ratio of good HDL to bad LDL.
- Tofu is rich in isoflavones. When making tofu, the soy isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, remain bound to the soy protein.
- The copper present in tofu helps in reducing the painful symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
- Tofu has high level of trace mineral selenium which is very important for the proper functioning of the antioxidant system.

Caution

- Tofu contains considerable amount of the naturally occurring substance called oxalate. The presence of high amounts of this substance causes its crystallization, resulting in certain health problems. Hence, people suffering from existing or untreated health problems should avoid the consumption of high amounts of tofu.
- Certain allergic reactions may occur as a result of consumption of tofu.

No comments »

Posted in Diet, Minerals, Soyabean, Tofu, Vitamin, benefits, health

Tags:

Bad Behavior has blocked 150 access attempts in the last 7 days.