Food and Health

  They found that those who ate fewer fruits and vegetables had a greater chance of choking than those who consumed more. Paste-based foods like baby food or purees are safer because they don’t contain added sugar, salt, fat, preservatives, or artificial colors. They’re easy to grow, delicious, and nutritious. Instead, carrots are just one of many foods that contain pollen. People who are sensitive to pollen shouldn’t eat carrots because they could potentially make you sick. However, carrots don’t actually cause hay fever-like many other vegetables do. When given the puree, the infants showed signs of enjoying it better than those who drank plain water. The researchers believe that the sweetness of the puree could explain why children prefer carrots over other vegetables. Risk Of Developing Carotenemia Carotenemia is harmless; it just looks weird. These reactions are called anaphylaxis. It reduces the risk of colorectal cancer, abdominal cancer, intestinal cancer, pancreatic cancer...

Consistently high blood sugar can lead to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Research in mice indicates that eating okra or okra extract may help decrease blood sugar levels . In one study, rats given liquid sugar and purified okra experienced fewer blood sugar spikes than animals in the control group . Researchers suggested that the okra decreased sugar absorption in the digestive tract, leading to a more stable blood sugar response . That said, okra may interfere with metformin, a common diabetes medication. Many fruits and vegetables lack protein, which makes okra somewhat unique. Eating enough protein is associated with benefits for weight management, blood sugar control, bone structure, and muscle mass . Contains beneficial antioxidants Okra packs many antioxidants that benefit your health. Antioxidants are compounds in food that fend off damage from harmful molecules called free radicals . The main antioxidants in okra are polyphenols, including flavonoids and is quercetin, as well...

Sulforaphane is what gives cruciferous vegetables their bitter bite. Researchers say that sulforaphane can inhibit the enzyme histone deacetylase (HDAC), known to be involved in the progression of cancer cells. The scientists are now studying sulforaphane to see if it might delay or impede cancer. Everything you need to know about cauliflower Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that is naturally high in fiber and B-vitamins. It provides antioxidants and phytonutrients that can protect against cancer. Store in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for up to 5 days. Serve it: steamed or roasted as a side dish baked in a cheese sauce, as cauliflower cheese fried until golden brown, then added to rice dishes as the main ingredient in a curry Some more innovative ways to use cauliflower include: cauliflower crust pizza cauliflower “rice” buffalo cauliflower “wings” Risks There may be some unwanted effects of consuming cauliflower, especially if it is eaten in excess. Bloating and flatulence:...

  So if you’re looking for higher omega-3s per serving, check to make sure you’re buying grass fed milk. Whole milk: Is it unhealthy? For years, nutrition guidelines have been instructing people to avoid whole milk, mainly due to its saturated fat content. Mainstream nutrition recommendations advise limiting saturated fat because it can increase cholesterol levels, which is a risk factor for heart disease . Based on this information, experts made the assumption that saturated fat must increase the risk of heart disease. However, because most milk manufacturers add vitamin D to milk, each variety generally contains a similar amount . Another significant nutritional difference between milk varieties is the amount of omega-3 fatty acids, a type of fat that has been linked to many health benefits, including improved heart and brain health, as well as lowered inflammation. However, most of these studies either include all types of dairy products or focus on low fat dairy . In studies th...

  Naringenin is another citrus flavonoid that has been linked to health benefits. In addition, your body can convert beta-cryptoxanthin into the active form of vitamin A . Lycopene. Your body uses it for immune function, collagen synthesis, iron absorption, and more . In addition to vitamin C and folate, oranges provide smaller amounts of other nutrients, including calcium, potassium, and thiamine (vitamin B1). High in beneficial plant compounds Oranges are an excellent source of various bioactive plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Higher dietary intake and blood concentrations of vitamin C have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and death from all causes . Health benefits of oranges According to research findings, regularly consuming citrus fruits, like oranges, may benefit your health in a number of ways. Helps promote heart health Heart disease is currently the world’s most common cause of premature death. A number of nutrient...

It can also help lower blood pressure levels: One past review found that a higher intake of soluble fiber was associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. Past research shows that eating apples (or pears) regularly was associated with a 52 percent lower stroke risk. Past research shows that overweight women who ate three apples a day lost 1.22 kilogram (2.7 pounds) after 12 weeks. . One past large review found that regular consumption of vitamin C plays many roles in helping the immune system function. Meanwhile, insoluble fiber can help move food through your system and aid with constipation and regularity, per Harvard. Apples Can Support a Healthy Immune System Who doesn’t want a stronger immune system going into autumn? Apples can be an important tool in your immune-supporting tool kit. According to past research in animals, a diet filled with soluble fiber helped convert immune cells that were pro-inflammatory into anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting ones. Sure, ...

  Any pH value below is considered acidic, and any pH value over 7 is considered alkaline On the pH scale, the difference between adjacent numbers represents a tenfold difference in acidity. They believe this helps them determine how alkaline their body truly is. What they do not realize is that while lemon juice may make the pH of your urine more alkaline, it does not have the same effect on the pH of your blood. According to research reviews published in 2013 and 2012, the foods you eat have a very limited effect on your blood pH . Some much older studies estimated that you’d need to eat the equivalent of 18 pounds (8 kg) of oranges — which have an alkalizing potential similar to that of lemons all in one sitting to increase your blood pH by just 0.2 . Foods have such limited effects on the pH of your blood because your body needs to maintain pH levels from 7.35–7.45 for your cells to function properly. If your blood pH values fall outside this range, you’re in a state called met...

  For example, you can top your avocado toast with sliced mango, or add it to Greek yogurt or overnight oats. Mangos contain a specific polyphenol called mangiferin, which can be found in plants and natural medicines. Additionally, consuming mangiferin has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease—as found in a 2016 Nutrients study—through a reduction in lipid levels and inflammation. They Boost the Immune System One cup of mango provides about 11% of the daily target for vitamin A, the name for a group of compounds known as carotenoids, which is essential for proper immune system functioning (including the production and activity of white blood cells). Blend mango into a smoothie, and add it to salsa, slaw, tacos, tuna or chicken salad, and garden salads. You can also serve mango over cooked fish, or mix it into whole grains, like quinoa or wild rice. 6 Health Benefits of Mangos Luscious and sweet, mango is known as "the king of fruit"—particularly because it'...

It occurs when you don’t get enough iron from the foods you eat. Lemons contain some iron, but they primarily prevent anemia by improving your absorption of iron from plant foods . Your gut absorbs iron from meat, chicken, and fish (known as heme iron) very easily, while iron from plant sources (non-heme iron) not as easily. And because lemon juice contains no pectin, lemon juice drinks will not promote fullness in the same way. Another theory suggests that drinking hot water with lemon will help you lose weight. However, drinking water is known to temporarily increase the number of calories you burn, so it may be the water itself that is helping with weight loss — not the lemon Other theories suggest that the plant compounds in lemons may aid weight loss. Research shows that plant compounds in lemon extracts may help prevent or reduce weight gain in a number of ways . In one study, mice on a fattening diet were given lemon polyphenols extracted from the peel. However, this absorption ...

  Its libido-boosting powers come from the amino acid citrulline, which is concentrated in the rind. One study Trusted Source showed that taking L-citrulline supplements can improve erections without many of the potential side effects associated with Viagra. Try spritzing your watermelon rind with lemon juice and sprinkling some chili powder on it. 4 Watermelon Rind Benefits Overview Watermelon may be one of the most appropriately named fruits. It’s also got a healthy amount of vitamin A and C, potassium, magnesium, and other important nutrients. The most popular part of the watermelon is the pink flesh, but like its cousin, the cucumber, the whole thing is edible. Most studies Trusted Source suggest citrulline supplements reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension. Watermelon is also a potential diuretic, which often is prescribed for people with high blood pressure. This includes the green scraps that usually end up in the compost bin. The rind, which is the green skin tha...

Doctors have always recommended anemic patients to have citrus fruits. Though oranges are not a good source of iron, these vitamin C loaded fruits are essential in absorption of iron. Promotes good heart health The nutrients present in the oranges reduce the risk of heart disease, if these fruits are consumed within the permissible limit. Since oranges can regulate the blood cholesterol level, a reason behind most of the heart ailments, it is linked to good heart health. Controls blood sugar level Fiber in oranges help by keeping blood sugar levels under control thereby making oranges a healthy snack for people with diabetes. This helps in keeping your intestines and stomach function smooth, preventing irritable bowel syndrome. Vitamin C and antioxidants present in oranges are both important to build body’s immunity – they help in fighting cancer. Additionally, the fibre helps treat constipation to a greater extent. Useful tip Oranges like most citrus fruits, produce more juice when wa...

This isn’t bad. They’re rich in energy, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They’re rich in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. Potato skin contains fiber, which is important for digestive health. Different types of potatoes, especially those that come in other colors, contain more nutrients that have health benefits. Another major nutrient in potatoes is potassium, an electrolyte which aids in the workings of our heart, muscles, and nervous system. As the name implies, these vegetables contain more starch as compared to others. These choices add calories and give a “full feeling” to hungry families. Purple potatoes are rich in antioxidants including anthocyanins which may prevent heart disease and cancer and boost brain health.1 Types of potatoes Potatoes come in all colors, shapes, and sizes. Therefore, starchy foods could be a good food source if you want to add calories or add a food choice to round out a meal. Many cultures serve sides of rice, pasta, or potatoes with meals. But are po...

  The carotenoid antioxidant called beta-carotene was found to be linked to a low rate of cancers, including colorectal cancer. Carrots also contain another carotenoid called lycopene. This important nutrient (which acts as a cell-protective antioxidant) may even help protect against cancer, age-related macular degeneration, and measles. The antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin found in carrots also enhance eye health. These two natural compounds protect the retina and lens. Carrots Balance Your Blood Sugar Although carrots are known to be higher in sugar compared to other vegetables, they do have anti-diabetic properties, which was reported in a review published in Food and Nutrition Sciences. And they add a touch of color to your plate. But each color of carrot has a little something different to offer. One of them is lutein—that same antioxidant that protects the retina from macular degeneration—and it may be involved in brain function, too. There are benefits to eating carrots bo...

  Cabbage is good for you. “Plus, it’s versatile, affordable and easy to find.” ways cabbage is good for you Many people recognize cabbage for its bounty of fiber, vitamins and minerals. It also contains substances that can interfere with medications like blood thinners or cause hypothyroidism, a condition where your thyroid doesn’t create enough thyroid hormone and causes your metabolism to slow down. In most cases, you can avoid side effects by eating cabbage as part of a healthy diet. It’s one of those foods that tastes better than it looks, and it has even more nutritional value than people expect,” says registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD. Research suggests they add to the health benefits of cabbage by reducing your risk of heart disease. That’s especially true when you eat fermented cabbage in kimchi or sauerkraut. “Cabbage can help you stay regular,” says Zumpano. They contain antioxidants and plant compounds like glucosinolates. One cup provides 85% of the recommende...