Health Benefits of Pineapple

Pineapples are not only a very tasty fruit, but they also contain several peculiar compounds that have been either proven or theorized to be extremely beneficial.
One of the most important is bromelain, which is also sold as a supplement and extracted from pineapples' stems; other include the great amounts of antioxidants and phytochemicals with their anti-mutagenic function.

Bromelain protects from Inflammation

Extensive laboratory research has been carried out on pineapple extracts obtained from the stem: it was initially believed that some protein-cleaving enzymes (cysteine protease) provided most of the beneficial health effects observed by researchers and that these effects were limited to the digestive tract.
It was subsequently discovered that bromelain, the supplement containing these pineapple extracts, also had several other beneficial effects, such as a reduction in inflammation, lower risk of thrombosis and cancer-fighting properties, when given at therapeutic doses as a supplement.
These benefits have not yet been proven at lower doses (such as those obtained by eating a pineapple), but it is reasonable to expect them to still be present, albeit with a lower potency.
In addition to this, most of the studies have been carried out only on the stem extract, but there are several sources stating that the fruit's core extract has slightly different properties, although they haven't been fully understood yet.
Several patients have reported a better digestion after eating pineapples for several days, and even though scientific studies on that effect have not been carried out, it is theorized that especially the fruit's core has a digestion-promoting function, probably because of the presence of cystein proteases.

Pineapples' antioxidants protect from several diseases

Pineapples contain relatively high quantities of water-soluble antioxidants, namely Vitamin C, which have been proven in several studies to quench the oxidative power of free radicals, which are, in turn, responsible for increased mutation rates, DNA damage and atherosclerosis.
High levels of free radicals have been linked to diabetes, asthma attacks, increased rates of colon cancer (especially in patients with polyps) and more severe joint pain in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Antioxidants such as vitamin C are extremely effective at reducing circulating free radicals, and vitamin C in particular also ensures proper functioning of the immune system, especially when recovering from infections.

Manganese and B1 Vitamin

Pineapples are an excellent source of manganese, a trace mineral necessary for the synthesis of several important enzymes such as superoxide dismutase: this enzyme has a function similar to vitamin C, in reducing free radicals produced in mitochondria (organelles used in cellular respiration), and as such is linked with decreased risk in the several aforementioned diseases.
Being deficient in manganese has been linked to extremely low levels of superoxide dismutase, and increased levels of free radicals and cellular damage: by eating a cup of freshly sliced pineapples you will ensure 128% of the recommended daily value for manganese.
Vitamin B1, which is also contained in relatively high quantities in pineapples, is an essential enzyme for the proper functioning of energy-producing systems in our bodies.

Protection from Macular Degeneration

A study published in the Archives of Ophtalmology involving 110,000 subjects of both sexes evaluated the effects of consuming fruits, vegetables, antioxidant vitamins such as A,C and E and carotenoids on the risk of developing Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
Macular Degeneration is the primary cause of sight loss in adults, and the study found that by eating at least 1.5 servings of fruits daily, one can reduce the risk of developing the disease by 36%.
Risk reduction was not directly linked to consumption of vegetables, antioxidants and vitamins, but to the consumption of whole fruits: the optimal level, according to the study, is three servings a day, which can be easily reached by adding sliced pineapples on your morning cereal/yogurt or dressing up salads with pineapple cubes.

Avocado Nutrition Facts For Healthier Life

Avocado Nutrition Structure/Function Statements

1. Avocados contain 81 micrograms of the carotenoid lutein, which some studies suggest may help maintain healthy eyes.
2. Avocados are included in Fruits & Veggies-More Matters™ consumer educational program to promote increased consumption of fruits and vegetables for good health.
3. Avocados contribute nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds that can contribute to the nutrient quality of your diet.
4. Avocados, due to their mono and polyunsaturated fat content, are a healthy substitution for foods rich in saturated fat.
5. One-fifth of a medium avocado (1 oz) has 50 calories and contributes nearly 20 vitamins and minerals making it a good nutrient choice.
6. Avocados contain 76 milligrams beta-sitosterol in a 3-oz serving of avocado. Beta-sitosterol is a natural plant sterol which may help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Avocados and Babies

The avocado's smooth, creamy consistency makes it one of the first fresh fruits a baby can enjoy. Sodium- and cholesterol- free, avocados contain valuable nutrients including 8% of the recommended Daily Value (DV) for folate; 4% DV for fiber and potassium, 4% DV for vitamin E; and 2% DV for iron. A serving of avocado also contains 81 micrograms of the carotenoid lutein and 19 micrograms of beta-carotene. Per serving, avocados have 3.5 grams of unsaturated fats, which are known to be important for normal growth and development of the central nervous system and brain.

Avocados Nutrient Profile:

• One-fifth of a medium avocado, or about one ounce, has 50 calories and contributes nearly 20 beneficial nutrients to the diet.
• Avocados contribute nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are thought to help prevent many chronic diseases.
• Avocados contribute nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, including 4% of the recommended Daily Value (DV) for vitamin E, 4% vitamin C, 8% folate, 4% fiber, 2% iron, 4% potassium, with 81 micrograms of lutein and 19 micrograms of beta-carotene.
• Avocados act as a "nutrient booster" by enabling the body to absorb more fat-soluble nutrients, such as alpha- and beta-carotene as well as lutein, in foods that are eaten with the fruit.

Avocados and Heart Disease:

• Avocados can help consumers meet the dietary guidelines of the American Heart Association, which are to eat a diet that is low to moderate in fat. The fats should be primarily unsaturated and low in saturated fat and cholesterol. The avocado is virtually the only fruit that has monounsaturated fat.
• Avocados help assist consumers in meeting a major dietary goal of reducing saturated fat in the diet, when they are consumed in place of saturated-fat containing foods.

Avocado and Weight Loss/Maintenance:

• When used instead of other fats, avocados contribute nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients and can be part of a calorie-reduced diet.
• Avocados can be a satisfying addition to a calorie-reduced diet, when they are eaten in lieu of other fats.
• When enjoyed in place of other fats, avocados can be a satisfying addition to a calorie-controlled diet.

Amazing Facts about Banana Nutritions

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be re balanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A banana a day keeps the doctor away!'