INNOVATIVE & PIONEERING

ENJOY YOUR CHRISTMAS WITH FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES THIS SEASON.

Health benefits of green peas and green beans

• Green peas are one of the most nutritious leguminous vegetables, rich in health benefiting phyto-nutrients, minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants. 
• Peas are relatively low in calories on comparison with beans, and cowpeas. 100 g of green peas provide only 81 calories, and no cholesterol. Nonetheless, the legumes are a good source of proteins, and soluble as well as insoluble fiber.
• Fresh pea pods are excellent source of folic acid. 100 g provides 65 µg or 16% of recommended daily levels of folates. Folates are B-complex vitamins required for DNA synthesis inside the cell. Well established research studies suggest that adequate folate rich foods in expectant mothers would help prevent neural tube defects in the newborn babies.
• Fresh green peas are very good in ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Contain 40 mg/100 g or 67% of daily requirement of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful natural water-soluble anti-oxidant. Vegetables rich in this vitamin helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body.
• Peas contain phytosterols especially ß-sitosterol. Studies suggest that vegetables like legumes, fruits and cereals rich in plant sterols help lower cholesterol levels in the body.
• Garden peas are also good in vitamin K. 100 g of fresh leaves contains about 24.8 µg or about 21% of daily requirement of vitamin K-1 (phylloquinone). Vitamin K has found to have a potential role in bone mass building function by promoting osteo-trophic activity in the bone. It also has established role in Alzheimer's disease patients by limiting neuronal damage in the brain.
• Fresh green peas also contain adequate amounts of anti-oxidants flavonoids such as carotenes, lutein and zea-xanthin as well asvitamin-A (provide 765 IU or 25.5% of RDA per 100 g). Vitamin A is an essential nutrient required for maintaining health of mucus membranes, skin and eye-sight. Further, consumption of natural fruits rich in flavonoids helps to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
• In addition to folates, peas are also good in many other essential B-complex vitamins such as pantothenic acid, niacin, thiamin, and pyridoxine. Furthermore, they are rich source of many minerals such as calcium, iron, copper, zinc, and manganese
  
  
  
  
  
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Tomatoes And Prostate Health

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin K. They are also a very good source of molybdenum, potassium, manganese, dietary fiber, chromium, and vitamin B1. In addition, tomatoes are a good source of vitamin B6, folate, copper, niacin, vitamin B2, magnesium, iron, pantothenic acid, phosphorous, vitamin E and protein

Tomatoes and Broccoli Team Up to Fight Prostate Cancer

Tomatoes and broccoli-two vegetables separately recognized for their cancer-fighting capabilities-are even more successful against prostate cancer when working as a team in the daily diet, shows a study published in Cancer Research.

"When tomatoes and broccoli are eaten together, we see an additive effect. We think it's because different bioactive compounds in each food work on different anti-cancer pathways.

Tomatoes and Green Tea Team Up to Prevent Prostate Cancer

Choosing to eat lycopene-rich tomatoes and regularly drink green tea may greatly reduce a man's risk of developing prostate cancer, suggests research published the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Jian L, Lee AH, et al.)

For the Most Lycopene, Use the Whole Tomato

It's well known that a high intake of tomato products is associated with lowered risk of colon and prostate cancers, a beneficial effect thought to be due to tomatoes' high content of the carotenoids, lycopene and beta-carotene.

@CHIF, We grow all kind and supply fresh, Plum, Beef and U.T.C Tomatoes.

The new superfood? Carrots boost male fertility, improve sperm quality – Study

Are carrots the new sperm superfood? A study found that eating foods rich in beta-carotene can boost male fertility.

Here’s another incentive for guys to eat their fill of colorful fruits and veggies.

Researchers at Harvard University’s School of Public Health found that orange and yellow produce can increase the quantity and quality of sperm, according to a new study.

Carrots in particular were singled out for their sperm-boosting properties. These orange veggies, along with lettuce and spinach, are high in beta-carotene. Researchers found that this antioxidant improves sperm motility, or its ability to swim toward an egg, by 6.5% to 8%.

Lutein, a carotenoid or antioxidant also found in spinach and lettuce, had a similar effect on sperm motility, researchers said.

The participants with diets rich in lycopene, the chemical that gives tomatoes their red color, had lower levels of abnormally shaped sperm.

“In a population of healthy young men, carotenoid intake was associated with higher sperm motility and, in the case of lycopene, better sperm morphology,” the study says.


Researchers looked at sperm samples and diets of 189 college-age men in the Rochester, N.Y., area. The study, titled “Semen Quality in Relation to Antioxidant Intake in a Healthy Male Population,” was published in the journal Fertility and Sterility.

Posted in wpzoom Around the Web on November 3, 2013 9:13 pm

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Cucumbers, garden eggs best snacks for diabetics, says dietician

NATIONAL

The dietician also recommended diet for diabetic patients.

A dietician with Wuse Hospital, Abuja, Jummai Abdul, said on Friday that garden eggs and cucumbers were the best snacks for diabetics.

Ms. Abdul told the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja that diabetic patients suffered because they were ignorant and as such, did not know the exact diet to take.

“Patients should take all classes of nutrients including carbohydrate, protein, mineral, vitamins and vegetables such as green, pumpkin leaf, spinach, and steamed cabbage,” she said.

She, however, warned that it was important to apply limitation in the consumption of the items.

“The quantity of food to be taken by a patient depends on the Body Mass Index (IBM) of an individual and the blood sugar level.

“In most cases, the ratio of meal is 2:1; two portions of vegetable and one portion of food is ideal for patients,’’ she said.

Ms. Abdul advised that food and vegetables should be measured with standard peak milk container after cooking to obtain adequate quantity.

She also said that there should be an interval of four to five hours between each meal.

“If the patient is hungry, he should go for garden egg and cucumber which serve as the best snacks for him.

“Patients should have their breakfast at least by 7.00 a.m. to 8.00 a. m., lunch at 1.00 p.m. and dinner at 7.00 p.m.,’’ she said.

Ms. Abdul warned patients against the consumption of pastries, alcoholic and soft drinks, as well as fatty, sugary and fried foods.

She also said that other prohibited meals for diabetics include sweet fruits, sweet confectioneries and pepper soup.

Abdul recommended a little quantity of unripe paw-paw and grape which, she noted, cannot increase patient’s blood sugar level.

She stressed that treatment duration varied from individual to individual, saying that it was necessary for patients to understand what, how, when and why they should eat certain food.

“In most cases, when the sugar level of a patient drops, he must have understood the doctor well and adhered to instructions on what to do,” the dietician said.

Ms. Abdul, however, said that the patients’ health condition would improve at least in six months, if properly managed.

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Stop Searching for Healthy Life, it’s right next to you... Think CHIF

Stop searching for healthy life, it’s right next to you..
In this post, I am going to list in alphabetical order about the health benefits of most of the fruits and veggies that we commonly find in our grocery store. I hope this post would help to understand the health benefits of  most of the fruits and veggies. So next time, when you do grocery shopping, make sure to stack up your cart with all the veggies and fruits you had ignored all these years. The more you ignore these, the more money you would end up paying the health insurance. So lets make up our mind to include these in our daily diet and get the healthy life we all are looking for.

A. Apple: “An Apple a day keeps the doctor away

• Reduced risk of lung cancer, bladder cancer, stroke and heart disease.
• Eating apple can prevent skin wrinkling and skin damage and hence helps to remain forever young and vibrant.
• Flavonoids in it helps in improving lung functioning thereby reducing the incidents of coughing and breathlessness.
• Eating an apple daily can lower cholesterol.
• A study found that women who ate three apples or pears per day lost more weight while dieting than women who did not eat fruit while dieting.

Eating Tips:

Eat the fruit with the skin on: The skin of apple contain pectin that can help remove toxic substances from the system

A. Asparagus: “Asparagus Is Nature’s Version of Viagra”  isn’t this an awesome piece of information

• Its minerals combined with asparagine, an active amino acid, gives the vegetable a diuretic effect and thus, helps the body get rid of excess water.

• It is very useful in relieving premenstrual swelling and bloating. It also helps in relieving irritability, fatigue and depression.
• The vegetable has anti-inflammatory properties and is therefore, used in the treatment of asthma, arthritis, and rheumatism.
• Intake of adequate asparagus, in the early stages of pregnancy, helps the body fight against certain birth defects, like spina bifida (a neural tube defect).
• Asparagus is a good anti-oxidant, a fact which makes it helpful in curing cancer, cataract and other eye problems.
• The vegetable also helps in controlling blood sugar levels and therefore, is very beneficial for people with diabetes.

Eating Tips:

• Drinking a little amount of asparagus juice mixed with raw honey three times a day helps to strengthen a weak heart.
• You could eat steamed or boiled asparagus, roast in the oven, could be used in making soups, and other dishes.

Caution:

• Excessive intake of asparagus causes certain uric acid related problems, like gout and kidney stones.
• Asparagus gives a foul odor to urine.

B. Banana: “Eating only two bananas will give you enough energy to exercise or workout for an hour and a half

• Bananas contain no fat, sodium or cholesterol.
• Serotonin and norepinephrine in bananas may naturally help sufferers overcome depression.
• Bananas are rich in vitamin B6 and they are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, magnesium and potassium.
• The potassium found in bananas helps to regulate blood pressure and may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.
• Bananas also contain plenty of carbohydrates which are the body’s main source of energy. They are also easy to digest.

Eating Tips:

• Eat just as it is, make smoothie, used in making desserts.
• Because of their great taste, they can be  substituted for sweets and satisfy sugar cravings

B. Beetroot: “Beetroot definitely beats purple Chanel Lipstick”- Quote by Thas

This vibrant and colorful veggie if consumed daily, would definitely add color to our life. This definitely beats purple Chanel  lipstick. If rubbed a slice of this on to the lips, the purple color would stay for so long that we don’t have to worry about re-applying.

• It contains the bio active agent betaine, which supports healthy liver function. When the liver is functioning properly, fats are broken down efficiently, aiding weight loss, and preventing fatigue and nausea.
• Drinking beetroot juice boosts your stamina and could help you exercise for up to 16% longer.
• An excellent source of folic acid. They are a very good source of fiber, manganese and potassium. Beet greens and beetroot are a good source of phosphorus, magnesium, iron and vitamin B6.
• Cholesterol Lowering: Beet fiber has been shown to have cholesterol lowering capabilities.
• Antioxidants: Betacyanin is the pigment that gives beetroot its color, and has powerful antioxidant properties. Studies have demonstrated that red beet products used regularly in the diet may provide protection against certain oxidative stress-related disorders in humans.
• Cancer Prevention: Preliminary tests suggest that beetroot ingestion can be one of the useful means to prevent lung and skin cancer. Other studies have shown that beet juice inhibits the formation of cancer causing compounds called nitrosamines.
• It is known as natural blood building food.
• Aphrodisiac-beet is rich in boron, our body uses boron for manufacturing the sex hormone, this increases the sexual desire
• Skin, hair- beet is a good remedy for treating skin diseases. Boil beet root pieces in some water and use this water for treating inflammation, pimples and boils on the skin.
• For hair- make a decoction of beetroot and mix it with some vinegar, apply this on scalp and this help you to get rid of dandruff.

Eating Tips:

• Drink Beetroot juice.
• Grated raw beets make a tasty addition to salads.
• For best flavor, bake beets instead of boiling or steaming. Wrap them in foil to avoid staining.

TO BE CONTINUED...

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Astonishing Benefits of Chilli Peppers

Description

This is the plant that puts fire on your tongue and maybe even a tear in your eye when you eat spicy Mexican, simmering Szechuan, smoldering Indian, or torrid Thai food. Chili peppers belong to the family of foods bearing the Latin name Capsicum.

There are hundreds of different types of chili peppers that vary in size, shape, color, flavor and "hotness." This fleshy berry features many seeds inside a potent package that can range from less than one inch to six inches in length, and approximately one-half to one inch in diameter. Chili peppers are usually red or green in color.

Cayenne, habanero, chipotle, jalapeno, anaheim and ancho are just some of the popular varieties available. Ground chili peppers are used to make chili powder, cayenne powder and paprika. Chili peppers are used as a food and seasoning and revered for their medicinal qualities

Fight Inflammation

Chili peppers contain a substance called capsaicin, which gives peppers their characteristic pungence, producing mild to intense spice when eaten.

Capsaicin is being studied as an effective treatment for sensory nerve fiber disorders, including pain associated with arthritis, psoriasis, and diabetic neuropathy. When animals injected with a substance that causes inflammatory arthritis were fed a diet that contained capsaicin, they had delayed onset of arthritis, and also significantly reduced paw inflammation.

Natural Pain Relief

Topical capsaicin is now a recognized treatment option for osteoarthritis pain. Several review studies of pain management for diabetic neuropathy have listed the benefits of topical capsaicin to alleviate disabling pain associated with this condition.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Red chili peppers, such as cayenne, have been shown to reduce blood cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and platelet aggregation, while increasing the body's ability to dissolve fibrin, a substance integral to the formation of blood clots. Cultures where hot pepper is used liberally have a much lower rate of heart attack, stroke and pulmonary embolism.

Spicing your meals with chili peppers may also protect the fats in your blood from damage by free radicals - a first step in the development of atherosclerosis. In a randomized, crossover study involving 27 healthy subjects (14 women, 13 men), eating freshly chopped chili was found to increase the resistance of blood fats, such as cholesterol and triglycerides, to oxidation (free radical injury).
After eating the chili-containing diet, the rate of oxidation (free radical damage to cholesterol and triglycerides) was significantly lower in both men and women than that seen after eating the bland diet.
In addition, after eating the chili-spiced diet, women had a longer lag time before any damage to cholesterol was seen compared to the lag time seen after eating the bland diet. In men, the chili-diet also lowered resting heart rate and increased the amount of blood reaching the heart.

Clear Congestion

Capsaicin not only reduces pain, but its peppery heat also stimulates secretions that help clear mucus from your stuffed up nose or congested lungs.

Boost Immunity

Chili peppers' bright red color signals its high content of beta-carotene or pro-vitamin A. Just two teaspoons of red chili peppers provide about 6% of the daily value for vitamin C coupled with more than 10% of the daily value for vitamin A. Often called the anti-infection vitamin, vitamin A is essential for healthy mucous membranes, which line the nasal passages, lungs, intestinal tract and urinary tract and serve as the body's first line of defense against invading pathogens.

Help Stop the Spread of Prostate Cancer

Red chili peppers' capsaicin, the compound responsible for their pungent heat, stops the spread of prostate cancer cells through a variety of mechanisms, indicates a study published in the March 15, 2006 issue of Cancer Research . Capsaicin triggers suicide in both primary types of prostate cancer cell lines, those whose growth is stimulated by male hormones and those not affected by them. In addition, capsaicin lessens the expression of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), inhibits the ability of the most potent form of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, to activate PSA, and directly inhibits PSA transcription, causing PSA levels to plummet.
The dose effective for test animals was equivalent to 400 milligrams of capsaicin, three times a week, for a man weighing about 200 pounds. After four weeks of receiving capsaicin, prostate cancer tumor growth and size decreased significantly in the animals. One warning: Excessive intake of hot chilies has been linked to stomach cancer, so don't go overboard.

Prevent Stomach Ulcers

Chili peppers have a bad--and mistaken--reputation for contributing to stomach ulcers. Not only do they not cause ulcers, they can help prevent them by killing bacteria you may have ingested, while stimulating the cells lining the stomach to secrete protective buffering juices.

Lose Weight

All that heat you feel after eating hot chili peppers takes energy--and calories to produce. Even sweet red peppers have been found to contain substances that significantly increase thermogenesis (heat production) and oxygen consumption for more than 20 minutes after they are eaten.

Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Making chili pepper a frequently enjoyed spice in your Healthiest Way of Eating could help reduce your risk of hyperinsulinemia (high blood levels of insulin)—a disorder associated with type 2 diabetes.
In a study published in the July 2006 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Australian researchers show that the amount of insulin required to lower blood sugar after a meal is reduced if the meal contains chili pepper. When chili-containing meals are a regular part of the diet, insulin requirements drop even lower.

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