Sweet potato

15 Nutritious Facts:

1. Sweet potatoes are an excellent choice for diabetics since they contain natural sugars that decrease and stabilize the insulin resistance in diabetics. They are alsogood for the regulation of the sugar levels.

2. Sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fibers which are good for digestion. They also prevent colon cancer and help with constipation.

3. Sweet potatoes contain carotenoids which help in producing Vitamin A. This vitamin regenerates the respiratory system. So, people with respiratory problems, especially smokers should consume sweet potatoes more often.

4. Vitamin D is also contained in sweet potatoes. This vitamin is good for the teeth, heart, skin, bones, energy levels as well as for the normal function of the thyroid gland.

5. In general there can be an improvement of the heart functioning with the help of the potassium. This vitamin lowers the impact of the sodium, regulates blood pressure and makes a balance of the electrolytes.

The sweet potato has Vitamin B6 that prevents heart attacks, strokes and degenerative diseases.

6. The potassium in the sweet potatoes is good for healthy tissues and muscles. It also helps in reducing swelling and cramps, provides with energy and relaxes the muscles. It also regulates heartbeats and nerve signals.

7. Beta –carotene in the sweet potato acts like an anti –oxidant. It helps with arthritis, gout and asthma, protects against lung and breast cancer and it also reduces aging effects.

8. Since sweet potatoes are rich in folic acid, they are a great source of folic for healthy fetal development. Pregnant women should consume more sweet potatoes.

9. The potassium content in potatoes increases the flow of oxygen, regulates the balance of the body’s water and normalizes the heartbeats. The magnesium content on the other hand acts as an anti-stress agent.

10. Vitamin C is crucial for the entire body’s function and sweet potatoes have abundance of it.

11. Sweet potatoes are also rich in iron that has a crucial role in the producing of red and white blood cells. That’s why they help against anemia.

12. Did you know that you can use the water from the boiled potatoes for treating your skin? Especially for irritation of the skin, cleaning the pores and absorbing impurities.

The Vitamin C contained in the sweet potato will produce collagen while the vitamin E will help in the improvement of the complexion of the skin. Anthocyanins will help you in removing wrinkles and purifying the dark circles around the eyes.

13. If you suffer from painful pre-menstrual symptoms, the iron and manganese in sweet potatoes will soothe them.

14.Having problems with damaged hair and dandruff? The beta-carotene will prevent them and it will also stimulate hair growth.

15. Since sweet potatoes have an abundance of the vitamins vital for the enzyme, protein and carbohydrate metabolism you should consume them more often. However, you need to consult a doctor if you have ever had oxalate urinary tract stones.

Cauli the Saviour

Recipe
Cooked Cauliflower can loose some of it nutrients. So to maximize nutrients is to eat it raw.
I can see many of you glaring at me, so for those who don’t like it raw try this mashed cauliflower.

1 large head cauliflower
5 garlic cloves
1/3 cup fresh herbs (Puthina, Thulsi, etc)
Crystal salt

• Chop cauliflower into smaller pieces
• Chop the garlic cloves into pieces of 2 or 3
• Steam cauliflower and garlic for 15 minutes or until the cauliflower and garlic are tender
• Combine the steamed cauliflower, garlic, fresh herbs, and salt and blend it until everything becomes mashed
• Eat it and stay healthy

Benefits

It is always looked at as the little brother of the brocholi which took all the credit of the entire family. But Cauliflower was always a super vegetable err.. flower

Cancer repellent 
You heard it with others and you will hear it here as well. Yes cauliflower shares its story too.
It slows the growth of stem cells causing cancer and slows down the tumor growth
It also helps in the control of prostrate cancer in men and breast cancer in women

Closer to the Heart
By virtue of anti oxidants and anti inflammatory properties cauliflower protects one from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Cauliflower decreases the chronic inflammation and maintain the patency of the blood vessels and keeps good blood flow to essential organs of the body.
It also contains allicin, which has been found to reduce the occurrence of stroke and heart disease.
Sulforaphane in cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables has been found to significantly improve blood pressure and kidney function.

Anti Inflammatory
Everyone need some level of inflammation in our body to stay healthy. But it should never reach a position that it gets out of hand.
If the bodies immune system interprets the inflammation as a threat to the body, it can damage the system to an extent that can cause cancer and tumors.
Cauliflower's strong anti inflammatory property can work as deep as the gene to keep in control of all the trouble

Vitamin and Mineral
A serving of cauliflower contains 80% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C.
It also contains vitamin K, Protein, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Fiber, Vitamin B6, Folate, Pantothenic Acid, Potassium, and Manganese.
Wow! That looks like half the periodic table!

Brainy stuff
If you got some brains it does help it a lot. Choline in cauliflower helps in the brain development, which ties to the cognitive functions, memory and learning.
It has shown prospect in helping reduce the age related memory issues too.

Detox
It contains antioxidants that support Phase 1 detoxification.
It releases sulfur-containing nutrients important for Phase 2 detox activities.
The glucosinolates in cauliflower also activate detoxification enzymes

Digestion
As a major source of dietary fiber, it also contains sulforaphane which helps in protecting the inner lining of the the stomach and protecting it from bacterial overgrowth

And still if you feel you don't want to taste the cauliflower you can try some of its sisters and brothers

Broccoli, Turnips, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage,
Bok Choy, Chinese Cabbage, Arugula, Collard greens,
Horseradish, Kale, Kohlrabi, Radishes, Mustard greens,
Rutabaga, Wasabi, Daikon, Watercress

Apple with a Pine

When the guy told an apple a day keeps the doctor away, he must have pricked himself in the pineapple. Pine apple is one of the few understated fruits that can be used better than an apple to keep the doctor away

Who should 
You need a sudden spike of instant energy
You want to improve immunity
You want a good digestive solution
You have cough, common cold, sinuse
I am getting old and my vision is blur
I am a blob
I feel like a chemical weapon and need a detox

Who should be careful
I am diabetic - Consult a specialist.

Key highlights
Detox your system
2 slices pineapple
1/2 papaya, cubed
2 tablespoons yogurt
1/2 lemon
1 or 2 mint leaves

Say goodbye to Cough Syrup
1 cup of fresh pineapple juice
A quarter of a cup of fresh lemon juice
Fresh ginger
A tablespoon of honey
Half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper (Red chilly/ red pepper)
Little turmeric (to improve your digestion)

Anti-Inflamatory
Bromelain 
There is a lot of it in the pine apple. So what...?
This enzyme reduces inflammation from infection and injuries
Decreases osteoarthritic pain. They have a lot of names (arthritis, gout, joint pain and chronic inflammation)
Reduces swelling, especially of the nose and sinuses
And have an influence in the prevention of tumor cells and slow blood clotting

Sure does do a lot, but this is just the beginning

Immunity Booster
Vitamin C - Pineapple can bomb us with Vitamin C which boosts the immune system.
It can reduce the duration of the common cold
Apart from this, its also loaded with Vitamin A, Manganese, Copper, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Dietary fiber, Folate Calcium, Phosphorus, and Potassium. 
They can help maintain strong bones due to the content of the trace mineral manganese.

Digestion
The Bromelain is back - This also aids in digestion by breaking down proteins. Ever heard of marinating meat in pineapple juice? The enzymes help break the protiens and help in better absorption and digestion

Vision breakdown
Vision loss for older adults is caused by damage to the retina. Pineapple can lower the risk of this disease because of its beta-carotene. Its better than carrot as friuts are better absorbed by adults than vegetables.

Weight management
No, you won't get a six pack, you won't magically lose 30 kg in 2 months.
But yes pineapples are nutrient-dense and can help with weight management as they help you feel full without adding too many calories, but provide you with fiber and a number of essential vitamins and minerals.

Power bank
If you are short of energy and tired after a tough day and need to go an extra mile, Pineapple it there to stay. It is high in natural sugar and can act as a quick boost.
But if you are diabetic take medical advise or a little protein and healthy fat along with this as it will help manage the sudden spike in the sugar.

Mango mambo

Mango - The King of fruits claims the ancient Tamils. Just the fragrance of ripe mangoes is enough to tingles ones taste buds.

Over the years mango groves have spread to many parts of the tropical and sub-tropical world, where the climate allows the mango to grow best. 

Vitamins: Mango is rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Vitamin C content is more in raw mango as compared to that in ripe mango. It also has traces of Vitamin E, Vitamin B and Vitamin K.

The mango pulp is a nutrition bomb. The orange color in the mangoes can hint us that it is tha storehouse of beta carotene (Vitamin A). Ripe mangoes hold the highest levels of beta carotene, while green mangoes are higher in Vitamin C. These antioxidant carotenoids are known for their protective power against certain cancers. Mangoes have enough potassium to replenish energy after physical activity.

Mangoes are high in antioxidants, low in carbohydrates and good sugar, and like other yellow/orange fruit such as pumpkin and carrot, they are an excellent source of beta-carotene (Vitamin A). They also contain Vitamin E and selenium which help protect against heart disease and cancer. You can obtain 40% of your daily fiber intake from a mango.

We all know the importance of fiber in our diets. If you are eating your mango-a-day, irregularity is not a problem for you and so we’ll spare the gruesome details regarding constipation, piles and spastic colon. Research has shown that dietary fiber has a protective effect against degenerative diseases, especially with regards to the heart; may help prevent certain types of cancer, as well as lowering blood cholesterol levels.

The nutritional value of mango makes it good for weight gain, eye disorders, hair loss, heat stroke, prickly heat, diabetes, bacterial infections, sinusitis, piles, indigestion, constipation, morning sickness, diarrhea, dysentery, scurvy, spleen enlargement, liver disorders, menstrual disorders, leucorrhea, and vaginitis.

Mango, being high in calories and carbohydrates, is good for those who are trying to gain weight. The phenolic compound found in mangoes has been found to have powerful antioxidant and anticancer properties. Being high in iron, mango is said to be very good for pregnant women as well as for people suffering from anemia. Mango is believed to be effective in relieving clogged pores of the skin.

Mangoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals essential for the human body. It is an affordable and seasonal fruit. Mangoes can be eaten both raw and ripe. Raw mangoes have a sharp sour taste, while the ripe mangoes are juicy and sweet to eat. 

Pamper the PA PA YA

One of the most common available and easily grown fruit. But seldom does the common man realise the magic behind this fruit.

Digestion - Papaya contains the digestive enzyme papain essential in aiding digestion.

Healer - The unique protein-digesting enzymes; papain and chymopapain help lower inflammation and improve healing from burns in addition to helping in digestion of proteins. 

The antioxidant nutrients found in papaya, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, are also very good at reducing inflammation.

Gastric guardian - The ripe fruit is easily digestible and prevents constipation. Papaya taken alone for two or three days has a highly beneficial tonic effect upon the stomach and intestines.

Colon cleanser - The juice of the papaya relieves infections of the colon and has a tendency to break down pus and mucus reached by the juice. It helps prevent cancer in organs and glands with epithelial tissue (ripe papaya). Papaya’s fiber binds to cancer-causing toxins in the colon and keep them away from the healthy colon cells. In addition, papaya’s folate, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and vitamin E have each been associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer.

Prevents nausea (includes morning sickness and motion sickness)
Disinfectant - The seeds are antihelmintic, for expelling worms and they are given with honey. Chewing two teaspoonfuls of seeds after each principal meal (three times a day).

Pamper the Heart - Papayas is helpful for the prevention of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. Papayas are also a good source of fiber, which has been shown to lower high cholesterol levels.

Antioxidants - Papayas are an excellent source of vitamin C as well as a good source of vitamin E and vitamin A (through their concentration of pro-vitamin A carotenoid phytonutrients), three very powerful antioxidants.

Diabetes - Try Lady Finger

How To Use Lady Finger?

Take two or three lady fingers. 
Cut them from the center and put them into the glass full with the water. 
Leave them for the full night. 
In the morning remove lady finger and drink the water before breakfast. 
Repeating the same process every day will help you to reduce your sugar level. 
Fresh lady finger is better than cooked one.

Inside the ladies finger

G.I Food
G.I stands for Glycemic index. The person who is suffering from diabetes should take diet enriched in Glycemic index. Approximately 20 G.I is present in Ladies Finger. Diabetic patients can easily use Ladies Finger recipes as their meal to fill their stomach and also control their diabetic level.

Fight Kidney Diseases
Lady Finger is also good to prevent your body from different kidney diseases. It is considered that high sugar level effect your both kidneys badly. So by taking Ladies Finger daily will prevent your kidneys. Have an moderate amount of Ladies Finger daily if you are a diabetic person.

Soluble Fibers
Soluble fibers are very important to keep your kidneys healthy. They play their role in digestion of carbohydrates. Lady finger is enriched with soluble fibers. It slow down the digestion process and hence lower the sugar level in blood. These are some of the main reasons for you to select lady finger as a diet to control diabetes.

Clean the colon

How many of us can deny that in-spite of all comforts back in home or a great time out in a mall or even during the most romantic movie night with a date, a single lousy smelly toilet can ruin the entire experience. And every one of us have sure experienced this once in out lifetime.

A bad drainage system is a nightmare even for a man with a blocked nose due to a bad flu and in the long run can ruin the overall health too.

Like the drainage system in every system, Colon is the human drainage system as it is the last and most important part of the digestive system. It extracts the remaining water and salt from solid wastes that come from the smaller intestine. It holds on to the left overs that are properly disposed during our regular morning rituals in the toilet. 

To have a healthy digestive system the colon cleansing is very important. Having a clean colon also reduces the risk of colon cancer.

Here are a few day-to-day food that effectively cleanse the Colon

1. Lemon : Citrus fruits are very effective in cleansing the colon, especially a lemon. Drinking a glass of lemon juice in the morning helps to cleanse and detox the body.

2. Spinach : Spinach helps to protect the digestive tract from ailments and can cleanse the colon.

3. Green Tea : Green Tea is enriched with lot of health benefits. It will be good if we drink green tea to detox the liver.

4. Legumes : Kidney beans and Lentils are good to cleanse the colon and promotes healthy digestive system.

5. Whole Grains : Grains are low in calories and cholesterol.You must include grains in your diet to cleanse the colon. Due to their high fiber content, it is also good for digestion.

6. Avocado : The Omega-3 oils in the Avocado helps to cleanse the colon. The Omega-3 oils acts as a lubricant to the intestine walls and removes all the toxins and waste food particles.

7. Fish : The Omega-3 fatty acids and oils in the fish helps to cleanse the system and also improves digestion.

8. Garlic : Garlic is an herb which has lot of health benefits. It is also one of the foods for cleansing the colon.

9. Fruit Juice : Fruit Juices are rich in fiber which helps in cleansing salts that detoxifies the system. So include fruit juices in your diet chart.

10. Broccoli Sprouts : Broccoli Sprouts detoxifies the colon and keeps it clean. It also cleanse the liver and promotes healthy digestion.