Posts Tagged ‘Fruit’

Nutmeg herb and spice – Characteristics, Benefits and Advantages

Nutmeg is the dried seed of the nutmeg tree fruit which belongs to the genus Myristica and looks similar to a walnut. This is the only tropical fruit that is the source of two different spices, nutmeg and mace.
The herb is widely cultivated in West Indies, Indonesia, India and French Guyana. It contains many natural substances such as volatile oil, pectin, pectosans, starch and furfural.

CHARACTERISTICS OF NUTMEG HERB

- The nutmeg tree grows very tall and may reach up to seventy feet.
- The fruit when dried gives nutmeg which is the seed and mace which is the covering.
- The fruit splits in half to reveal a net-like, bright red covering over the seed.
- Nutmeg has sweet, spicy and nutty taste, is an essential constituent used in most of the Indian kitchens.
- Nutmeg has a very distinct odor.
- Nutmeg is often used as a food flavoring for baked goods, egg nog, puddings, meats, sausages, sauces, and vegetables.

Therapeutic properties of nutmeg are stimulant, sedative, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory and bactericide.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF NUTMEG AND NUTMEG OIL

- Nutmeg oil acts like a stimulator for brain.
- Nutmeg oil reduces stress and mental strain.
- Nutmeg is also good for curing anxiety and depression.
- Nutmeg increases blood circulation.
- Nutmeg is an excellent antidote for cardiovascular systems.
- Nutmeg helps detoxify liver and kidneys.
- Nutmeg oil is added to cough syrups.
- Nutmeg is used to relieve rheumatic pain, muscle pain, neuralgia, sciatica, menstrual cramp, and toothache as it has anti-inflammatory properties. Nutmeg powder heated on the pan with sesame oil until brown is used for this.
- Nutmeg helps in getting rid of diarrhea, flatulence, indigestion and hiccups as well as it improves appetite.
- Nutmeg is very effectual medicine for insomnia.
- Nutmeg oil helps in removing bad breath.
- Nutmeg oil is is used for relief from cramps during menstruation and often provides relief from menstrual irregularities.

PRECAUTION:
- Nutmeg should be used in moderation—a pinch or two is considered safe. It is not recommended for people with psychiatric disorders because of its psychoactive properties.
- Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid the use of nutmeg.

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Health and Skin Benefits of Cucumber

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.

What are various benefits of Pomegranate/Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate fruit has become extremely popular worldwide for its delicious taste and medicinal properties. Originally, the fruit was grown in Asia and the Middle East region. It is also called Granada or the Chinese apple. Nowadays, pomegranate is also grown in Africa and the United States. It is best cultivated in the hot climate. A peculiar feature of a pomegranate tree is that it can live for many years. Pomegranate fruit is spherical in shape with numerous small seeds inside. Pomegranate fruit appears very attractive due to the ruby-colored seeds.
Pomegranate juice is a nicely flavored, healthy drink. It possesses antioxidant properties that offer a number of health benefits.
- It also has high content of polyphenols.
- Pomegranate juice is a rich source of vitamins like vitamin A, C, E and vitamin B (thiamin, riboflavin and niacin) as well as calcium, iron and phosphorus.
- It also consists of phytochemicals like beta-carotene.
- It may also prevent breast cancer cells from forming.
- Because of its high content of vitamin C, pomegranate juice acts as an excellent anti-inflammatory agent.
- Pomegranate juice is the best remedy to relieve anemia due to its high iron content.
- Use pomegranate juice to improve the digestive health, by enhancing secretion of the enzymes. It is one of the best home remedies for dysentery, diarrhea and intestinal parasites.
- Pomegranate juice acts as an enzyme inhibitor and prevents cartilage damage. It controls degeneration of cartilage and can be used to treat osteoarthritis.
- It keeps PSA levels stable.

However, early studies on pomegranate juice suggest it is surely healthy to drink. The fruit can be quite fun to eat as well. There are numerous pomegranate juice products available, many quite highly priced because of the health craze surrounding pomegranate juice. It is likely if continued studies show promising health benefits, more manufacturers of pomegranate juice will emerge and help ease prices through competition.