Top Fruits – Page 3 – Juice Health Benefits & Recipes

19 Jan

Which Fruit Has The Most Iron?

What Is Iron?

Iron is a metal that is very commonly found on Earth. The core of the planet is primarily composed of molten iron, and large amounts of iron are found in various forms on the Earth’s crust as well. Iron is a chemical element (abbreviated Fe), so pure iron is composed of iron atoms, and iron is capable of binding to other substances and forming compounds. Oxidized iron, or rust, is one example of an iron compound.

Iron And Our Health

Iron also plays a critical role as a nutrient in our bodies. The reason for this is that iron ions, which have a charge of either 2+ or 3+, are capable of being bound by proteins. Metal ions commonly act as cofactors to enzymes, and iron is one of the most important of the metal cofactors found in our bodies. Iron is a part of the hemoglobin molecule, cytochrome P450 and myoglobin. All of these molecules have a common heme group, but they have diverse biological functions. Hemoglobin is the molecule in red blood cells that is responsible for oxygen binding in the lungs, transfer of oxygen to the body and elimination of carbon dioxide as a gaseous waste. Myoglobin is a similar molecule found in muscle tissue. Cytochrome P450 is group of enzymes that are involved in oxidation in metabolism.

Iron is easily obtained from foods such as red meat, fish, poultry, green leafy vegetables, legume and soy products, such as tofu. A nutritional deficiency of iron can lead to anemia, or low red blood cells, fatigue, muscle weakness, changes in the hair, skin and nails, irritability and decreased immune system function. Consuming too much iron from an overdose of supplements can cause iron poisoning and liver failure, especially in infants and very young children.

Which Fruit Has The Most Fluoride?

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is present throughout the earth. It is concentrated in water, soil, plants and many foods. Fluoride can be introduced to our body both systemically through ingestion of water, foods and supplements containing it. It can also be introduced topically to the teeth using pastes and rinses.

Fluoride in Our Bodies

When fluoride is ingested it is absorbed into our bones. This causes them to become stronger and fracture less easily. Because teeth are bones, fluoride helps strengthen teeth and prevent decay. The constant addition of fluoride causes re-mineralization of our bones. This means that even if it has been lacking for many years, the addition of it can help repair teeth and bones.

Lack of fluoride can increase the likelihood of significant tooth decay. This in turn can cause low self esteem, problems in careers or school and can even contribute to speech problems. Children with tooth decay are often affected by other serious health problems. Having enough fluoride can help prevent pain and reduce health care costs.

Though rare, sometimes an individual can have too much fluoride. This is often caused by taking to high of a supplement dose or swallowing toothpaste. For someone who steadily is getting too much fluoride, it can lead to fluorosis. Fluorosis is a relatively harmless staining of the teeth. It causes white spots to appear on the surfaces. A continuous high level of fluoride has been linked to reduced bone strength, kidney problems, and an increase risk of DNA damage.

Studies have shown that the majority of people do not receive enough fluoride, especially in communities that do not fluorinate their water. Besides taking a supplement and using fluorinated toothpastes, you can also increase your fluoride intake by eating a variety of foods.

Which Fruit Has The Most Copper?

What is Copper?

A chemical element that holds the number 29 spot on the periodic table, copper is a soft, rosy orange metal best known for coating the U.S. penny. Copper and its alloys have been used for centuries because of their malleability and heat and energy conductivity. In addition to being used for pipes, wires and cookware, copper is a necessary trace nutrient in the human diet. Food sources of copper include whole grains, nuts, liver and molasses.

Copper in Our Body

The U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) is between 1 and 3 mg per day depending on the weight of a normal, healthy adult. Though we only need a tiny does of copper, this nutrient is essential for healthy blood, bones and brains. Because copper is needed in the production of hemoglobin, a deficiency can cause symptoms similar to anemia, such as fatigue. Copper deficiency is often coupled with low iron levels, which can lead to osteoporosis, slowed growth, loss of hair pigmentation and problems metabolizing cholesterol.

Copper can also leech into water that runs through copper pipes or foods prepared or stored in copper cookware, increasing the possible ways people might ingest the metal. An extreme overdose of copper will cause diarrhea, vomiting and liver damage. Those with toxic levels will also see a discoloration of skin and hair. A small excess of the element can cause a person to feel tired, irritable and depressed. It may also manifest itself in learning disabilities or problems with concentration. Likewise, children who get too much copper in their diet might exhibit hyperactivity. Another cause for excessive copper in the system is Wilson’s disease, a genetic disorder that causes too much copper to be stored in human tissues.

Which Fruit Has The Most Choline?

What Is Choline?

Choline, which is found in every cell in the human body, is a newly recognized type of B vitamin. In 1998, the National Academy of Sciences established adequate intake (AI) levels for choline: between 425 and 550 mg daily for adults, and between 150 and 300 mg daily for children. The average dietary intake of choline is between 200 and 600 mg daily. Choline is available in supplement form or from foods, including egg yolks, soybeans, spinach, whole wheat, bananas and oranges.

Choline In Our Bodies

Cell membranes

Cells need choline for cell membrane health and for the transport of fat molecules through cell membranes. Choline can modify fat molecules so that they can combine with water and flow through the bloodstream. Cell membranes, which are made up of fats, need choline to maintain flexibility and strength.

Nervous system

The nervous system needs choline for the communication between nerve cells. A key chemical in this transfer of messages is acetylcholine, which contains choline. Research suggest that choline may be useful in treating and preventing brain and nerve disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease in adults and neural tube defects in babies.

Liver

Choline’s ability to modify fat molecules makes it an important factor in liver health. As choline promotes the transport of fat molecules, it helps to prevent fat accumulation in the liver. Therefore, choline may help to prevent cirrhosis and other liver disorders.

Deficiency

Choline deficiency is associated with increased levels of inflammatory markers, and with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, osteoporosis and other inflammatory disorders. Choline deficiency may also lead to anemia, nerve disorders and folic acid deficiency.

Overdose

Excessive choline intake can cause toxicity symptoms and side effects, including low blood pressure, dizziness, body odor and sweating. Adults should not take more than 3.5 grams in one day.

Which Fruit Has The Most Betaine?

What is Betaine?

In chemistry, a betaine is a general term meaning any neutral chemical compound. Betaine is a naturally occurring chemical found in the human body. It is also present in some foods. The most widely used betaine is a byproduct of processing sugar beets. This byproduct is found in many fruit juices and available as supplements. Betaines are absorbed by our bodies and help to protect our cells from the effects of many stressors.

Betaine in Our Bodies

Betaine is important to our bodies because it helps to prevent a build-up of homocysteine, an amino acid. Homocysteine can damage blood vessels and increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, or circulatory problems. Betaine is therefore important in protecting the functions of the circulatory system.

People have also experienced better digestion with the addition of betaine to their diets. Betaine added to toothpaste has been shown to reduce mouth dryness. The addition of this supplement has been linked to better liver health.

Betaine, like most substances, can be found as allergic to some people. Signs of a serious allergic reaction may be headaches, dizziness, changes in mental state, vision changes and seizures. Less serious allergic reactions can include nausea, diarrhea, unusual body odor or taste in the mouth. You should seek the advice of a medical professional if you experience any of these symptoms. People who have high cholesterol should consult their doctors before adding betaine to their diets as it has been linked to increased cholesterol levels. It can also interfere with some medications used for the treatment of kidney disease.

There are many ways to increase betaine. You can get it in the form of a powder and mix it with many types of liquids. You can also find it naturally occurring in various food sources.

Which Fruit Has The Most Vitamin E?

What Is Vitamin E?

Contrary to popular belief, Vitamin E is not a single substance. In fact, it is a group of compounds that are fat-soluble and contain active antioxidants that protect the human body from free radicals that increase the risk of deadly diseases such as cancer and heart disease. It is found naturally in certain foods and added to others. In addition, Vitamin E is offered as a dietary supplement for those looking to lose weight. There are eight different forms of Vitamin E, each of which has its own function. Broken down from eight, there are four tocopherols and four tocotrienols; there is an alpha, beta, gamma and delta of each.

Of the eight different variations of Vitamin E, the only one that is actively maintained in the body of a human is alpha-tocopherol. In addition, alpha-tocopherol is the form of Vitamin E with the greatest nutritional value for humans. It is found primarily in sunflower, wheat germ and safflower oils. Each person has a daily recommended intake of Vitamin E; for adults over the age of 14 the recommended daily intake is 15 mg.

Too Much of a Good Thing? Vitamin E has Positive and Negative Health Effects

A Vitamin E deficiency may result in illness and disease such as neuropathy, retinopathy and even skeletal myopathy. Vitamin E deficiency most commonly has negative effects on the eyes and the nervous system. In addition, a deficiency of Vitamin D is also associated with higher risk of heart disease and certain forms of cancer.

While there are risks associated with not having enough Vitamin E, there are also risks from having too much; anyone that has more than 1000 mg of Vitamin E per day is at risk for bleeding problems, some associated with the brain. In short, Vitamin E is necessary to protect the body from disease, but taken in excess its nutritional value is replaced with dangerous bleeding conditions.

Which Fruit Has The Most Vitamin B6?

What is Vitamin B6?

Vitamins are substances required by your body in tiny amounts. Your body cannot make its own vitamins. They must be acquired from the diet. Vitamin B6 is a part of a larger group of vitamins known as Vitamin B compound. These vitamins are water soluble, so they dissolve easily in water. Your body cannot store water-soluble vitamins. Vitamin B6 must be acquired daily. Its scientific name is pyridoxine.

Vitamin B6 In Our Body

Vitamin B6 is involved in many body functions. It helps you metabolize macronutrients such as proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It helps convert carbohydrates into glucose for energy. It is necessary to synthesize neurotransmitters that control mood and assists with many functions of the immune system. It participates in keeping electrolytes balanced, promotes the production of red blood cells and helps to keep homocysteine levels low. It contributes to healthy hair, skin, eyesight and good liver function.

Vitamin B6 deficiency includes general weakness, nervousness and irritability. It is responsible for pre-menstrual problems like fluid retention, emotional outbursts and depression. It is essential for the body to make melatonin. Insomnia often results from not enough melatonin. Low levels of Vitamin B6 can also manifest in skin conditions, ridged fingernails and serious bone problems such as arthritis and osteoporosis. One of the most noticeable deficiency symptoms is a swollen or painful tongue.

Many people resort to taking vitamin and mineral supplements when they believe they may not be getting enough in their diet, but sometimes that can be dangerous. Too much Vitamin B6 can cause neurological problems. Numbness, tingling hands or feet, and trouble walking are signs that you may be getting too much Vitamin B6 as well as too little. It is always best to get the vitamins and minerals you need from whole foods.

Which Fruit Has The Most Protein?

What is Protein?

Protein is an essential nutritional component that works within the body to promote general health. When mixed with other nutrients, proteins act as bonding agents to help build and sustain healthy muscle tissue. Proteins already exist in every cell and tissue structure of our bodies, which are continuously being broken down and restored through the food consumption process. Once ingested, proteins are transformed into a chain of amino acids that help to maintain proper cell and tissue function.

Protein in our Bodies

Proteins play an internally vital role in our everyday lives. Our immune systems depend heavily on the consumption of proteins by facilitating and equally distributing antibodies throughout cell and tissue structures. This particular process poses as a defense mechanism to fight off foreign substances that enter the body, also known as antigens. As a result, these essential proteins assist in staving off different types of infection while simultaneously maintaining healthy muscles.

In order to keep our bodies running like well-oiled machines, proper amounts of protein should be consumed on a daily basis. Consuming insufficient amounts of protein can lead to a number of health-related issues, such as improper weight gain in the form of increased body fat and the loss of muscle mass. Hair loss, or alopecia, can also occur; skin conditions can take place as well, including the loss of pigment and the increased risk of developing dermatitis.

Consuming excessive amounts of protein can alter normal kidney performance. As the kidneys assist in blood filtration, excess protein can pass through the kidneys and into the urine stream, thus potentially weakening renal function. Ingesting large amounts of animal protein can be linked to arterial and heart disease, which is why it’s important to know which types of protein are beneficial to our health.

Which Fruit Has The Most Fat?

What is Fat?

With all the bad reputation that fats are getting in our times it might come to you as a surprise but fat is a nutrient that is important for our bodies to function normally. Fats are a substance that is found in animal tissue as well as in some plants and nuts. This nutrient is the key to a healthier body. We cannot live without fats in our diets. There are two types of fats, saturated and unsaturated fats. One is healthier than the other. The way each one interacts inside our body is what makes one good and one bad.

Fat In Our Body

Fat is important in our bodies to provide us with energy. Diets too low in fat can cause us not to have as much energy to get through the day. The fat we have in our diets helps our body absorb vitamins, and it helps prevent us from having a deficiency in these vitamins. The fat transports these nutrients to their proper place in our bodies. It helps insulate our bodies to the weather as well as protect our organs and bones from injury. With the proper amounts of fat in our diets, we will feel more satisfied between meals since the fat helps the food remain in our stomach longer. Our food will taste better with some fat added for flavor and texture.

When we partake of a diet that is too low in fat, we may see several things happen such as dry skin, hair loss and even a higher chance at infection. Fat is a valuable asset to our body’s hormones and to our immune functions. Too much fat is just as bad as too little. It can cause our blood vessels to clog, and then it affects our heart. Without the proper amounts of fat in our body, we may suffer from one or more of these conditions.

Which Fruit Has The Most Sugar (Fructose)?

What is Sugar (Fructose)?

Fructose is a form of sugar naturally found in fruits. Fructose is twice as sweet as table sugar, but has a much lower glycemic index. Fructose sugar is a monosaccharide, or simple sugar, meaning that it’s made up of just one sugar molecule. When combined with glucose, this pairing transforms into a polysaccharide, or complex carbohydrate, in the form of table sugar, or sucrose.

Sugar (Fructose) In Our Body

As a simple carbohydrate, fructose is sent to the liver, where it’s converted into sucrose and glucose. After the glucose is absorbed it aids in all sorts of cell functions that help the body work properly. While it’s not clear what the function of fructose is in the body, it’s believed that the amounts of fructose found in fruits and vegetables is believed to help aid in the absorption of glucose, which keeps blood sugar levels stable. This might be a positive thing for diabetics. High amounts of fructose, however, can be dangerous.

While studies are still being done to find out what dangers too much fructose can do to the body, it’s clear that the amount of fructose in an American diet is causing more harm than good. Eating junk food that contains fructose or high-fructose corn syrup overwhelms the liver and doesn’t allow it to break down fructose as it should. The short-term affects of too much fructose are a variety of digestive issues including diarrhea, bloating and excessive flatulence. Over a period of time, over-consumption of fructose can cause obesity, liver disease and diabetes.

Top Fruits For Sugar (Fructose) Content

The amounts of Sugar (Fructose) are given for 100g of each fruit.

1 Fig 16,30 g
2 Grape 16,20 g
3 Lychee 15,20 g
4 Mango 14,80 g
5 Blueberry 14,70 g
6 Pomegranate 13,70 g
7 Passion Fruit 13,40 g
8 Cherry (sweet) 12,80 g
9 Banana 12,00 g
10 Tangerine 11,00 g
11 Apple 10,40 g
12 Plum 9,90 g
13 Pineapple 9,80 g
14 Orange 9,40 g
15 Apricot 9,20 g
16 Kiwi 9,00 g
17 Guava 8,90 g
18 Peach 8,40 g
19 Mulberry 8,10 g
20 Melon (Cantaloupe) 7,90 g
21 Redcurrant 7,40 g
22 Pear 7,00 g
23 Grapefruit 6,90 g
24 Watermelon 6,00 g
25 Papaya 5,90 g
26 Strawberry 4,90 g
27 Blackberry 4,90 g
28 Carrot 4,80 g
29 Raspberry 4,40 g
30 Cranberry 4,00 g
31 Lemon 2,50 g
32 Lime 1,70 g
33 Cucumber 1,70 g
34 Pumpkin 1,40 g
35 Jackfruit 0,00 g
36 Elderberry 0,00 g
37 Gooseberry 0,00 g
38 Blackcurrant 0,00 g
39 Mangosteen 0,00 g
40 Durian 0,00 g
41 Tomato 0,00 g