09 Apr

Celery: a Superfood Packed With Vitamins and Minerals

There’s a myth about celery that claims that the mere act of eating it causes you to lose weight. That is, you burn more calories chewing and digesting the stuff than it has. Well, maybe not, but for centuries celery has been known as a superfood, rich in vitamins and minerals and low, if not quite that low, in calories.

Some Facts
Celery is a member of the umbelliferae family, and so is related to dill, parsley, carrots and fennel. It comes in bunches of stalks with a common base and leafy tops. Be mindful not to throw out the leafs because they’re also good. It’s in season during the summer and can be grown in a backyard garden. Celery is a biennial, which means that its life cycle lasts for two years.

The domesticated celery we eat is descended from the wild celery, which is believed to have originated in southern Europe and northern Africa. Wild celery is a little different from domesticated celery in that it was leafier.

celery-sticks

The popular celery sticks.

 

Why It’s a Superfood
Celery is a superfood because it’s absolutely packed with vitamins and minerals. A cup of celery provides 36.9 percent of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin K, a vitamin necessary for blood clotting. It gives 9 percent of the B vitamin folate, 9 percent of Vitamin A, 7.5 percent of potassium, 6.7 percent of molybdenum, 5.6 percent of fiber and 5.2 percent of Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps boost the immune system and is an antioxidant, which helps prevent the cells of the body being damaged by free radicals. It also cuts down on the body’s inflammatory response, which can worsen conditions like asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Celery is also rich in phthalides, substances which help lower cholesterol and coumarins, which might have anticarcinogenic properties.

Health Benefits
Celery was used as a medicine before it was used as a food. Though it’s been used since the time of Homer, it wasn’t really valued as a food in Europe till around the 18th century, and didn’t show up in the United States till the early 1800s.

The phthalides found in celery have been shown to help arteries to dilate, which can lead to decreased blood pressure. Celery is also high in potassium, calcium and magnesium, which are also minerals known to lower blood pressure.

Celery seeds can be used as a diuretic, which means they help you to get rid of excess fluid, mostly by increased urination. The coumarins found in celery not only appear to fight cancer, but they support the production of white blood cells that fight pathogens.

celery

Celery

 

Best Way to Eat Celery and a Recipe
Celery should be bought when it’s crisp and the head is tight. There should be no brown or yellow spots on the stalks and the leaves should be bright, light green and also free of spots or wilted patches. To store it, put it in a plastic bag or wrap a damp cloth around it and put it in the fridge. It’s best not to wash it until you’re going to eat it. Don’t put celery in the freezer, as it doesn’t freeze well. Celery can be chopped and added to salads, or can be eaten dipped in peanut butter or ricotta cheese. The leaves can be used in salads. Here’s a recipe.

Celery and Scallion Casserole
3/4 cup scallions
1 cup chopped celery
2 tbs. sweet butter
2 cups raw rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 tsp. sage
Dash of black pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cook the scallions and celery in the butter until they’re tender. Place them in a baking dish. Cook the rice in the chicken broth until its half done, then pour over the celery and scallions. Add the sage and pepper and bake for 40 minutes or until the rice is done.

21 Mar

Watermelon Juice Side Effects From Drinking Too Much Of It

Watermelon is enjoyed by many people and is an especially refreshing treat during the summer months. While most people enjoy the watermelon fruit, watermelon juice is just as nutritious and refreshing, and it can be consumed by itself or used to add flavoring to recipes and other beverages. However, as with many foods, excessive consumption of watermelon juice can lead to adverse side effects. Watermelon juice side effects may include gastrointestinal disturbance, cardiovascular disruption in hyperkalemia patients, a decrease in aortic blood pressure in those with prehypertension, as well as common food allergy symptoms.

Lycopene

Watermelon juice is rich in lycopene, an antioxidant which gives the juice its color and is believed to have health benefits. However, drinking too much watermelon juice can result in consuming too much lycopene, which may cause gastrointestinal disturbance. Lycopene-induced symptoms may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and bloating. Health professionals generally recommend consuming less than 30 mg of lycopene to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort.

Watermelon Juice Side Effects For People Diagnosed With Hyperkalemia

Drinking large amounts of watermelon juice may also cause side effects in people who who have been diagnosed with hyperkalemia, or too much potassium in the bloodstream. Hyperkalemia can result in serious cardiovascular problems, such as irregular heartbeat, absent or weak pulse, and cardiac arrest. Hyperkalemia may also affect nerve and muscular control.

When potassium levels are excessive, the kidneys work to remove excess potassium from the body, which may result in kidney malfunction. For a person who has hyperkalemia, a typical wedge of watermelon can cause complications. In this case, it is best to limit consumption of watermelon juice to smaller portions, ideally less than a one cup serving. Because watermelon juice causes blood vessel relaxation, patients with prehypertension may also experience a drop in blood pressure in the aorta.

watermelon juice side effects

Allergic Reaction to Watermelon Juice

As with virtually all plant foods, some people may experience an allergic reaction to watermelon juice. Particularly, those who are allergic to latex, celery, cucumbers, or carrots may also find that they are allergic to watermelon juice. Symptoms of allergy can range from moderate to severe and may include hives, facial swelling, anaphylaxis, and diarrhea.

Watermelon juice can generally be enjoyed by everyone. However, excessive consumption may cause watermelon juice side effects. People who have been diagnosed with health conditions such as hyperkalemia, prehypertension, or certain food allergies should especially use caution when consuming watermelon products.

23 Jan

Which Fruit Has The Most Sodium?

What is Sodium?

Sodium is a naturally occurring element that can be found in many sources of food. Sodium is used by the body to regulate the volume of the blood as well as to regulate blood pressure. This element is also critical for the proper function of muscles and nerves throughout the body. Sodium is found in most foods and the most common form is sodium chloride, also known as table salt.

Sodium in the Body

It is important to have the right amount of sodium intake to allow the body to function properly. If a person ingests too much sodium, there can be negative effects, such as high blood pressure or the build-up of fluid, especially in those who have cirrhosis or congestive heart failure.

Dietary sodium is always measured in milligrams and the daily recommended allowance for adults is 2,300 mg per day. People who suffer from high blood pressure should not exceed 1,500 mg daily.

Sodium can help to prevent dehydration as it maintains water and electrolyte balances in the body. More than 80% of sodium in the body is found in the blood and the levels are controlled by the adrenal glands.

It is uncommon for people to suffer from low sodium levels, but this can occur as a side effect when taking certain medications that promote urination. Heavy sweating, vomiting and severe diarrhea can also lower the levels of sodium in the body.

It is important to have the proper amounts of sodium so the nerves and muscles continue to function optimally. Sodium levels can often be controlled by adjusting diets and there is usually little to no need for medications.

Carrots

Top Fruits For Sodium Content

The amounts of Sodium are given for 100g of each fruit.

1 Carrot 78,00 mg
2 Melon (Cantaloupe) 16,00 mg
3 Mulberry 10,00 mg
4 Mangosteen 7,00 mg
5 Elderberry 6,00 mg
6 Passion Fruit 6,00 mg
7 Tomato 5,00 mg
8 Kiwi 3,00 mg
9 Papaya 3,00 mg
10 Jackfruit 3,00 mg
11 Pomegranate 3,00 mg
12 Blackcurrant 2,20 mg
13 Lemon 2,00 mg
14 Grape 2,00 mg
15 Lime 2,00 mg
16 Mango 2,00 mg
17 Tangerine 2,00 mg
18 Guava 2,00 mg
19 Cucumber 2,00 mg
20 Durian 2,00 mg
21 Cranberry 2,00 mg
22 Blueberry 1,00 mg
23 Pumpkin 1,00 mg
24 Banana 1,00 mg
25 Watermelon 1,00 mg
26 Lychee 1,00 mg
27 Strawberry 1,00 mg
28 Redcurrant 1,00 mg
29 Gooseberry 1,00 mg
30 Raspberry 1,00 mg
31 Blackberry 1,00 mg
32 Apricot 1,00 mg
33 Fig 1,00 mg
34 Pineapple 0,30 mg

27 Nov

The Multiple Health Benefits of Redcurrant Juice

The health benefits of redcurrant juice are considerable; the antioxidant properties of bright red fruits, such as redcurrants, have long been regarded as some of the strongest natural sources to be found, and for thousands of years, the healing properties of redcurrants have helped to treat a variety of wounds and illnesses. Drinking the juice squeezed from fresh fruit juice is a great way to ensure that you get your required daily dose of vitamins and minerals, and the juice obtained from the redcurrant is no exception to this rule.

Health benefits of readcurrant juice.
Redcurrants Contain a Significant Amount of Vitamin C

Redcurrants contain a significant amount of vitamin C.  However, because of their slightly sour taste, if the juice is found to be unpalatable, it may be preferable to mix it with a little natural sweetener, such as honey, before drinking.  Vitamin C is highly regarded for its properties which help protect the immune system, as well as those which keep the skin healthy.  It is a potent antioxidant, which helps to fight against free radical damage caused by exposure to environmental toxins such as pollution, or smoke produced by tobacco products.

Lots Of Other Nutrients And Vitamins

A wonderful natural nutritional source – as well as being packed with vitamin C – redcurrants are rich in potassium, magnesium and iron, and are an excellent source of vitamin B1.  In addition, this tiny super-fruit is high in fiber, and possesses superb anti-inflammatory properties.

Healthy Immune  And Cardio-vascular System, Diabetes, Cancer, Blood Pressure And More…

The health benefits of redcurrant juice can be further attributed to helping maintain a healthy immune system, and offer protection against cardio-vascular disease, diabetes, and certain forms of cancer. The potassium contained in redcurrants will help to maintain a healthy blood pressure and prevent muscle cramps; just one cup of redcurrants will provide a little under one-sixth of the recommended adult daily intake of potassium.

The health benefits of redcurrant juice are further illustrated by the presence of magnesium, which, amongst other things, helps to promote healthy nerve and muscle function, and strong and healthy bones.

Redcurrant Juice is Also a Mild Laxative

Due to their high fiber content – a cup yields almost 5g of fiber – redcurrants possess mild laxative and diuretic properties.  As such, their juice can be used to great effect as a tonic to help calm minor stomach upsets, to help flush the bladder through and to keep bowel movements regular. Consuming a fiber-rich diet is also recommended for helping to maintain a healthy cholesterol level.

Regular consumption of redcurrant juice will help to ensure that the digestive system and gut are kept in a healthy condition, and that they perform at an optimum level.

Redcurrants

Additionally, the Health Benefits of Redcurrant Juice Include

*  Being used as a mouthwash and gargle to help protect against infections and keep the mouth healthy
*  Helping to induce an appetite
*  Encouraging the body to perspire
*  Helping to keep the blood healthy
*  Assisting in reducing fevers
*  Helping to alleviate problems with menstrual flow
*  Reducing the symptoms of arthritis, gout and rheumatism with their natural anti-inflammatory properties
*  Being used as a natural antiseptic to help soothe cuts, grazes, spots or rashes

It should be noted, though, that some of the health benefits of redcurrant juice are diminished when the fruit is subjected to certain processes involving heat and light.  With this in mind, freshly squeezed juice should always be the first choice to ensure that the maximum benefits are obtained.

The best redcurrants are firm in texture, with a bright color.  After purchase, they should be used as soon as possible, but if they cannot be used straight away, they should be removed from any plastic packaging, put onto a plate or into a paper bag, and stored in a refrigerator.  Under these conditions, they should last for about a week.  To ensure that they keep as well as possible, they should not be washed until just before they are ready to be used.

It should be noted that the health benefits of redcurrant juice will not be compromised too much by juicing fruit which has been stored for a while, providing it has been kept in a cool, dark, place.  In addition, if fresh redcurrants cannot be found, frozen redcurrants can be used for their juice, although their nutritional value will be somewhat diminished.

If you are keen to introduce fresh fruit into your diet as a natural way to obtain the necessary vitamins and minerals for a healthy constitution, the healthy redcurrant juice will certainly help you to achieve your goal.

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