Health Benefits of Lychee

The Lychee is actually an uncommon sub exotic fruit beginning in South China the location where the lychee is extremely important within their culture and is also well known as “the King of Fruits”.

The lychee fruit is all about 1½ to 2 inches in dimensions, oblong to rounded heart shaped as well as the rough skin is red in color. As soon as you peel off the skin off, the sharp succulent flesh of the lychee fruit is whitened or even pinkish, clear and also lustrous just like the reliability of the grape, however the flavor is more gratifying. Lychees have got a sub acid sweet flavor and also have a fantastic freshness to them which is difficult to explain. Lychee fruit has lots of the anti-oxidant Vitamin C as well as the important mineralPotassium.

Health Benefits of eating Lychee

Lychee is really a succulent fresh fruit within the soapberry family. It’s really a exotic fruit tree, broadly seen in southern China, southern Taiwan, northern Vietnam, Indonesia as well as the Philippines. India also offers lychee like a in season summer time fruit. The fruit develops on an evergreen tree, along with pinnate leaves. It’s really a drupe, outwardly protected by a pink-red rough textured skin, effortlessly extractible. Lychee consists of fairly sweet layered white-colored flesh, covering a brown colored seed. The flavor relatively is similar to that of grapes and is particularly very delicious. In addition to its fairly sweet as well as tangy taste, Lychee has substantial health advantages.

1. Oligonol:

Oligonol, a trademarked ingredient from lychee fruit, would be the world’s very first industrially created low molecular weight polyphenol and it has been scientifically proven to have got exceptional bioavailability as well as effectiveness.

Oligonol is surely a shortened title produced from “Oligomer Polyphenol”. Oligomer usually is the term for a polymer which has a relatively reduced molecular weight (monomer, dimer as well as trimer).

Scientific testing on people have demonstrated that Oligonol decreases deep fat, raises side-line blood circulation, decreases post-exercise exhaustion, raises stamina as well as reduces facial lines as well as brown spots.

2. Prevents growth of cancer cells:

Cancer is actually a problem in which irregular cells separate without control or even are not able to die as an element of an ordinary cell’s lifecycle. Cancer cells may also invade close by tissues and may distribute throughout the blood stream as well as the lymphatic system to many other areas of the body.

Lychees is actually Natural Cancer Treatment, it helps prevent the development of cancer cells as retain the flavones quercetin as well as kaempferol as effective substances in cutting the expansion of cancer cells. It helps prevent the Breast as well as cancer of the prostate.

Lychees consist of a lot more Beta-carotene as compared to carrots. The anti-oxidant combat against most cancers.

3. Lowers risk of heart disease:

The heart would be the center of the cardiovascular system. Cardiovascular disease is definitely an umbrella term for just about any kind of condition which has an effect on the heart. Cardiovascular disease signifies just like cardiac illness although not coronary disease. Coronary disease is the term for problems of the blood vessels as well as heart, whilst cardiovascular disease is the term for only the heart.

The Journal of Nutrition found that lychee fruit has got the second-highest degree of polyphenols, which usually promoted heart health, of all fruits examined. Lychees have got nearly 15% a lot more polyphenols as compared to grapes (which are generally regarded as the key method of obtaining polyphenols).

Oligonol(R) also has proven enhanced cardio performance. Lychees consist of a lot more Beta-carotene when compared with carrots. The anti-oxidant offers numerous health advantages, which includes improving immunity, slowing down the advancement of cataracts, as well as blocking cardiovascular disease as well as most cancers.

4. Fight colds and sore throat and boost up the immune system:

The defense mechanism safeguards the body from perhaps dangerous ingredients simply by realizing as well as responding to antigens. Antigens are usually ingredients (generally healthy proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, or even bacteria. Nonliving ingredients just like harmful toxins, chemical substances, drugs, as well as unusual contaminants (say for example a splinter) may also be antigens. The defense mechanism acknowledges as well as damages ingredients which contain antigens.

If our immune system is vulnerable then we have problems with the various types of illnesses just like cold flu, a sore throat and so on.

The fruit is really an abundant method of obtaining vitamin C. It includes 40 % a lot more vitamin C as compared to orange juice. A 100 gram offering supplies about 70 mg, or even 117 % of the suggested every day worth. Foods full of vitamin C assist to increase the human body’s immunity. They assist the body to build up a greater resistance to bacterial infections. Frequent usage of lychee fruit can easily avoid regular common colds, flu virus as well as a sore throat. It may also help to ease inflammation and pain.

5. Helps with Weight loss:

Reducing your weight consists of consuming balanced and healthy diet as well as doing exercises. Consuming a number of fruits is effective for the entire body. Fruits supply the important vitamins which the body requires. There are numerous fruits which can be consumed to help you shed weight. Consuming fruits which contain a great deal of water will fill up your stomach, decreasing the requirement for highercalorie food.

Lychee fruits are generally lower in calories, consists of no saturated fats or even cholesterol levels, yet full of soluble fiber which usually, can be quite essential for people who are worried about their excessive bodyweight.

Oligonol, a minimal molecular weight polyphenol discovered generously within lychee fruit. Oligonol has been discovered to have a number of Anti-oxidant, Anti-influenza virus actions. Additionally, it will help enhance blood circulation within organs, shed extra pounds.

6. Good for gastrointestinal health

The digestive or even gastrointestinal intestinal system, which is also referred to as gut, is essential for a lot of causes. Difficulties with it might result not just in one of the numerous digestive system problems, but in addition to health problems in almost any system of the entire body, just like the central nervous system or even the defense mechanisms. The reasons just for this can become obvious as we discover the digestive system.

The seed contained in this particular fresh fruit is astringent and is also utilized for intestinal tract problemsand also to be free from the body of intestinal worms. Differing parts of the lychee tree will also be recommended for slight Diarrhea, gastralgia as well as stomach ulcers. Lychee flesh is recognized as an excellent antacid. It really is utilized to deal with Higher acidity, nausea as well as dyspepsia.

7. Acts as an Aphrodisiac:

Aphrodisiacs assist to increase or even stimulate sexual interest. Although there’s no definitive medical proof assisting aphrodisiac qualities, numerous cultural traditions assume that particular foods, just like fruits, can easily improve as well as excite your sexual hunger. Thankfully, fruits may also be good for your overall health and may even dually enhance your sex life along with your well-being.

Lychee includes a long-standing custom in Chinese culture just as one aphrodisiac, in accordance with Nick Ray within his book “Cambodia.” Lychee is usually pressed in a sweet-tasting wine to obtain its sexual improvement capabilities, Ray states. These types of unusual fruits look like oversize chestnuts which has a milky, gentle interior which has a demure sweet taste. Although there’s no conclusive substance within lychee which could be the cause of its aphrodisiac status, it features an abundant quantity of vitamin C,potassium as well as copper favorable to the healthy body.

8. High in copper and potassium:

Lychee also includes an excellent quantity of minerals just like potassium as well as copper. Potassium is a crucial element of cell and the entire body fluids help manage heart rate as well as Blood pressure level; therefore provides safety from Heart stroke as well as Coronary Heart Diseases. Copper is needed in the manufacture of red blood cells

9. Cures Constipation:

Typically, the colon soaks up extreme water through food throughout digestion. Whenever food moves too gradually, the colon soaks up too much water, leading to difficult, dry stool as well as bowel problems.

In young kids, bowel problems might result from becoming scared or even not wanting to make use of the toilet, or even slowing down a bowel movement as soon as the desire is felt, which could in addition appear in grown-ups.

Simply because Lychees consist of soluble fiber, they are able to assist with digestion and stop bowel problems. Moreover, they assist in keeping the stomach free from toxic compounds and may in addition help clean the colon.

10. Prevents anemia:

As soon as the quantity of red blood cells or even levels of hemoglobin are lower an individual is believed to have Anemia. Hemoglobin is usually a necessary protein (metalloprotein) within the red blood cells which contains iron as well as transports oxygen.

Anemia is regarded as the typical problem of the blood. It really is a lot more frequent in developing countries, particularly in very poor locations where individuals have problems with lack of nutrition. In several areas of Africa serious anemia is additionally brought on by Malaria.

Lychees are definitely the abundant supply of copper that is significantly required for the development os RBC (Red Blood Cells).

11. Helps fight stress:

Stress is usually a sensation which is produced whenever we respond to specific occasions. It is the human body’s method of increasing to the problem as well as getting ready to fulfill a difficult scenario with concentration, power, endurance, as well as increased alertness.

The events which induce tension are known as stressors, plus they include a whole selection of circumstances – anything from downright physical danger to make a class presentation or even getting a semester’s price of your most difficult subject.

The B group of vitamins is just not generally present in fruits. A single serving of lychee can easily provide an abundant supply of vitamin B6, one of the so-called anti-stress nutritional vitamins.

12. Maintain healthy bones:

Bone is definitely the thick, semi rigid, permeable, calcified connective tissue developing the main area of the skeleton on most vertebrates. It includes a lustrous natural matrix as well as an inorganic, mineral component. It really is mortal. It will be the promoter of the entire body.

Litchi can also be a wealthy source of phosphorus as well as magnesium which will help to support powerful bones, as well as the trace minerals copper as well as manganese.

Lychee is probably the very few fruits abundant with copper. Along with zinc , copper boosts the effectiveness of Vitamin D, which usually increases the assimilation of calcium.

Health Benefits of Soy Milk

Soy milk, which is made from soaking, grinding and boiling soy beans with water, is a very nutritious drink. Soy is naturally high in essential fatty acids, proteins, fiber, vitamins and minerals. These nutrients provideenergy and keep your body functioning at its optimum level. Below are the six most important health benefits you can acquire from drinking soy milk.

1. Improve Lipid Profile

The most important attribute of soy milk is its ability to improve your blood lipid profile. Unlike dairy milk, which is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, soy milk fat is mostly unsaturated with zero cholesterol. The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in soy can inhibit the transport of cholesterol into your blood stream. Studies have shown that regular intake of soy can significantly lower you blood concentrations of triglyceride and low density lipoproteins (LDL) and raise the level of high density lipoproteins (HDL). This combined effect makes soy milk an ideal drink if you have high cholesterol or have a family history of coronary heart diseases.

2. Strengthen Blood Vessel Integrity

The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as the powerful phyto-antioxidants in soy can effectively protect your blood vessels from lesions and hemorrhage. These compounds bind to the blood vessel lining and defend your lining cells from free radical attacks and cholesterol deposits. The binding of thesenutrients also improve the fluidity and flexibility of your blood vessels so that they are much more resilient to blood pressure changes.

3. Promote Weight Loss

Soy milk is naturally lower in sugar content than regular milk. Cow’s milk has about 12 grams of sugar per cup as opposed to only 7 grams in soy milk. This is why a cup of whole soy milk has only 80 calories, which is the equivalent of skim milk. In addition, the monounsaturated fatty acid in soy milk can inhibit your intestinal absorption of fat, which is another great advantage for weight loss. Drinking soy milk also gives you an extra dose of fiber, keeping your feeling fuller for longer time.

4. Prevent Prostate Cancer

Soy milk is a rich source of phytoestrogen, a unique plant hormone that can inhibit the production of testosterone in men. Reduced testosterone levels can significantly cut the risk of prostate cancer. Studies have shown that men who eat a soy-rich diet are less likely to develop prostate hypertrophy or prostate cancer.

5. Prevent Postmenopausal Syndromes

During menopause, a woman’s natural production of estrogen drops to a minimum. The sudden reduction of estrogen creates a number of health problems for postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal women have higher risks of heart disease, diabetes and obesity. They are also more vulnerable to depression, mood swings, insomnia and other psychological disorders. The phytoestrogen in soy is an effective estrogen replacement. Regular intake of soy is a great way to prevent and alleviate these postmenopausal syndromes.

6. Prevent Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is another age and hormone related disease. The phytoestrogen in soy can help accelerate calcium absorption by your body and prevent the loss of bone mass. For the maximum benefit, make sure to buy the soy milk that is fortified with extra calcium and vitamin D.

Surprising Health Benefits of Artichokes Hearts

While artichokes may not be the easiest food to consume, the sheer volume of nutrients, minerals, and phytochemicals found in this extraordinary vegetable make eating them well worth it. Most people’s favorite part of the artichoke is the heart, but the leaves are actually the source of a vast majority of its health benefits. In fact, artichoke leaf extract has proven to be an extremely beneficial food with a host of illness-fighting, age-extending properties.

Artichokes are packed with phytonutrients such as quercetin, rutin, gallic acid, and cynarin, all working to protect against many health risks including cancer, heart disease, liver dysfunction, high cholesterol, and diabetes.1 In 2004, the United States Department of Agriculture conducted its largest, most comprehensive study analyzing the antioxidant content of the most commonly consumed foods. To the surprise of many, artichokes ranked in the top four vegetables and seventh overall.2 Throughout this article you’ll learn about the numerous ways that incorporating artichokes into your diet can benefit your health and well-being.

History
The globe artichoke, or Cynara scolymus, is the immature flowers of a thistle plant and is known as one of the oldest cultivated vegetables in the world. Most likely, artichokes originated in the Mediterranean, although they have been seen in ancient Egyptian writings as symbols of sacrifice and fertility. The Spanish eventually brought them to California in 1600, but they didn’t actually catch on with Americans until the 1920s. California provides nearly 100 percent of the artichoke crop in the United States, with Castroville, a town in the California Central Coast farm country, calling itself the “artichoke center of the world.” There are several varieties of artichokes such as Green Globe, Desert Globe, Big Heart, and Imperial Star, ranging in color from dark purple to pale green.3

Artichokes have been used as a digestive aid since ancient Egyptian times. Today, we know they containnutrients that deliver several health benefits. However, full safety testing of artichoke supplements has not been conducted, so consult your health care provider before using it to treat any health condition.

THE BASICS
A perennial thistle belonging to the Cynara family, an artichoke has flower buds that develop into edible heads. The edible parts of each head include the base, which is called the heart, and the fleshy base of the leaves that form the artichoke. At the very center of the artichoke is an inedible mass of immature florets called the choke.

ANTIOXIDANTS
Normal chemical processes in the body result in waste products called free radicals that are capable of damaging healthy cells. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals so that damage is avoided or limited. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Nutrient Database reports that one medium artichoke delivers 15 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, based on a 2,000 calorie-a-day diet. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids from damage caused by free radicals. The Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, or ORAC, system, which rates foods according to their antioxidant capability, gives artichokes a score that is nine times higher than other sources of vitamin C such as orange juice and red peppers.

FIBER
One medium artichoke provides 10.3 g of fiber, or 41 percent of the recommended daily value. The fiber found in artichokes, called inulin, promotes intestinal health by stimulating the growth of good bacteria in the colon. It is also a soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and maintain balanced blood sugar.

INDIGESTION
In the December 2003 issue of “Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics,” G. Holtmann et al. reported that artichoke leaf extract was able to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with indigestion or acid reflux. Germany’s Commission E authorized artichoke for the treatment of dyspeptic problems, such as discomfort in the stomach, bloating, lack of appetite, nausea and mild diarrhea or constipation, according to Langone Medical Center at New York University.

CHOLESTEROL FIGHTER
High cholesterol is associated with an increased risk for coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis. Artichokes and artichoke leaf extract reduce cholesterol levels. The efforts to study this idea date back all the way to the 1970s, when scientists began examining cynarin and cholesterol in their labs.4

In a 12-week, double-blind study, 75 patients received placebo or 1,280 mg standardized artichoke leaf daily. At the end of the 12 weeks, the treated group recorded a modest reduction in total cholesterol of 4.2%.5

To further demonstrate the artichoke’s heart-healthy powers, scientists set up a randomized, placebo-controlled study to examine the effect of artichoke leaf extract in patients with high cholesterol. All participants showed positive results. Over 6 weeks, participants were split up, with half receiving artichoke extract and the rest a placebo. The patients receiving artichoke were shown to have an 18.5% reduction in cholesterol level.

WARNINGS
People with gallbladder disease should not use artichoke leaves or extracts until they consult their health care provider because they may stimulate gallbladder contraction, according to Langone Medical Center. Artichoke supplement also should not be used by pregnant or nursing women, young children, or people with liver or kidney disease.

As we mentioned earlier, artichokes have proven that they can be a difficult food to eat. Many people lack the experience in cooking and eating artichokes, so here are a few pointers so you can add this delicious, antioxidant-heavy vegetable to your diet.

Artichokes are available in most markets all year round, with the peak months being March, April, and May.
•Before cooking your artichoke, make sure to cut off the stem, if your artichoke still has it attached. Also you can trim off the very sharp leaf tips and use your fingers to slightly open up the leaves, allowing it to cook more effectively.
•Whether you boil or steam your artichoke, you can tell it’s done when the petal near the center pulls out easily.
•Don’t worry, the artichoke is one of the only foods where it is both proper and polite to eat with your fingers.
•Artichokes can be served hot or cold. To eat, just pull out the outer petals one at a time. Dip it in your favorite sauce and pull the leaves through your teeth, removing the soft pulpy portion. Discard the remaining portion of the leaf.
Continue this until all the petals have been removed. Use a spoon and remove the fuzzy center at the base of the artichoke and discard it. What remains is the heart of the artichoke and it is entirely edible. Enjoy!

8 Amazing Health Benefits of Asparagus

Asparagus has so many health benefits, it should be added to the healthy diet. Asparagus is great as a detox vegetable, an anti-aging vegetable, and no surprise – an aphrodisiac, and much more.

The asparagus is a member of the lily family. It grows easily in the home garden right in the flower bed – it is a perennial and can yield a harvest for decades. Asparagus can be planted as seeds or roots any time of the year.

Here is a list of some of the health benefits of asparagus followed by a list further explaining those health benefits.

Asparagus:

1 – can detoxify our system

2 – has anti-aging functions

3 – is considered an aphrodisiac

4 – can protect against cancer

5 – reduces pain and inflammation

6 – can prevent osteoporosis and osteoarthritis

7 – reduces the risk of heart disease

8 – can help prevent birth defects

While there is every kind of supplement on the market to address these health issues, too often Americans turn to pills as a main source of nutrition. Pills should only be used as a supplement and not in the place ofwhole foods. For example: folic acid is highly recommended in today’s diet especially for women who may become pregnant. However, folic acid is the supplemental form of folate. Folate is naturally found in asparagus. In the interest of good health, whole foods are always recommended before supplements.

The Reasons Asparagus Keeps Us Healthy:

1 – As a detox -

Asparagus has 288 milligrams of potassium per cup. Potassium is known for reducing belly fat (see belly fat link below). It also contains 3 grams of fiber which cleanses the digestive system. It has virtually no natural sodium so no bloating during PMS, has no fat or cholesterol, and one cup has only 40 calories. According to a clinical dietician at UCLA Medical Center, asparagus in the ultimate in detox vegetables.

2 – For anti-aging purposes -

Asparagus is rich in potassium, vitamin A, and folate. It is also very high in glutathione – an amino acid compound with protent antioxidant properties; a must as an anti-aging deterrent. Glutathione (GSH) is anantioxidant that protects cells from toxins such as free radicals.

3 – As an aphrodisiac -

Asparagus is considered a psycho-physiological aphrodisiac because of its shape. It is said to trigger the mind to have a physiological response. The French word for asparagus is asperge; asperge is a slang word for penis.

4 – Against cancer -

Asparagus is high in folate which is now known to be an important protection against cancer. Note: Folate is found naturally in leafy green vegetables, and citrus fruits. While folic acid is said to be the same as folate, folic acid is the supplemental form. It is always recommeded that you get health benefits from eating healthy whole foods.

5 – Reducing pain and inflammation -

It is the folate that helps reduce inflammation.

6 – Preventing osteoporosis and osteoarthritis -

Asparagus has vitamin K which studies have shown can help prevent osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.Vitamin K aids in bone formation and repair. It is also necessary for the synthesis of osteocalcin. Osteocalcin is the protein in bone tissue on which calcium crystallizes. Asparagus has been listed as the number one source of vitamin K.

7 – Reducing the risk of heart disease -

It is the folate that has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.

8 – Preventing birth defects -

Getting enough folate (doctors often recommend the folic acid supplement) is especially important for women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Having a folate deficiency has been correlated with increased risk of Spina Bifida (a spinal cord birth defect) and also anencephaly (a neural tube defect). Folate helps to regulate embryonic and fetal nerve cell formation and may also help to prevent premature births.

Additionally, studies have shown that the nutritional benefits of asparagus can help prevent and treat urinary tract infections and kidney stones. Overall, asparagus is rich in potassium, vitamin A, folate, glutathione, andvitamin K. It is high in fiber, has no sodium, is low in calories and has no cholesterol or fat.

You may notice some asparagus spears are thick and some are thin. The thick ones are best for roasting or steaming. I find steaming the best and also very quick. The thin spears are ideal for the grill or if you are planning to sautee.

For optimum health benefits it is suggested that asparagus be eaten raw.

Before eating, the woody stem should be removed from both the thick spears and the thin. Peel only the thick spears before cooking.