Food and Health

Refrigerating them in a bag can maintain freshness. Quick tips: Some types of green beans can be eaten raw. Individuals who prefer their grilled foods charred should pair them with green vegetables to decrease the risk. Fertility and pregnancy For women of child-bearing age, consuming more iron from plant sources such as spinach, beans, pumpkin, and green beans appears to promote fertility, according to Harvard Medical School. Other studies have shown a correlation between a woman’s level of fertility and the level of according to, including iron, that she consumes. Pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C-rich foods like tomatoes, bell peppers, or berries can improve iron absorption. Adequate folic acid intake is also needed during pregnancy, to protect the fetus against neural tube defects. Cooking beans can reduce the levels of lectin. Green beans contain phytic acid, which can bond with minerals and prevent them from being absorbed by the body. Consumers should rinse canned beans bef...

Therefore, it may have the potential to guard against memory loss in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Antioxidant extracts from radish greens showed great potential in test-tube research for protecting lung tissues from damage oxidative stress due to the buildup of free radicals . Free radicals are a natural by-product of metabolism in the body, but if the levels of free radicals exceed those of antioxidants, oxidative stress can result. Oxidative stress damages tissues and may increase chronic disease risk . It’s important to note that these potential health benefits of radish greens are based on test-tube and animal research of extracts, and more human research is needed to determine benefits of eating the whole plant itself. Potential downsides of eating radish greens Not much data are available regarding the risks of radish greens themselves to human health. However, one study of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) — pollutants found in water that pose risks to human health — d...

These fibers help maintain bowel regularity by softening and bulking up stool . One medium-sized pear packs 6 g of fiber, or about 21% of your daily fiber needs . Additionally, pears are rich in pectin, a type of soluble fiber that has been associated with several benefits, including improved gut health and immune function . Notably, pectin may also help relieve constipation. They can be eaten crisp or soft. They’re not only delicious but also offer many health benefits backed by science. Here are impressive health benefits of pears. Highly nutritious Pears come in many different varieties. This can also help regulate blood sugar levels . May help you lose weight Pears are low in calories, high in water, and packed with fiber. Folate and niacin are important for cellular function and energy production, while provitamin A supports skin health and wound healing Pears are likewise a rich source of important minerals, such as copper and potassium. This effect may be due to these compounds’...

This means that part of the person’s body will be upside down. To do this pose: sit on the floor close to a wall lower the back to the floor and with the hips as close to the wall as possible, walk the legs up against the wall use a folded towel or blanket under the hips to relieve discomfort, if necessary let the head rest on the floor place the arms wherever it feels comfortable stay in this position for as long as it feels comfortable release and gently roll to one side to get up Wind-Relieving Pose The Wind-Relieving Pose is an easy pose for beginners that can help alleviate gas associated with constipation. To perform this pose: lie on the back with the knees pulled up toward the chest place the hands on or around the shins tuck the chin in and gently press the back into the floor, gently pulling the knees toward the chest hold the pose for a few breaths, then release The Bow Pose This pose strengthens all the abdominal muscles. Some people may prefer to speak to a yoga instructor...

They’re low in calories and high in fiber, providing an impressive 9 grams per fruit. Most people don’t get enough fiber in their diet, which can negatively impact digestive health, heart health, and more. These fruits are also a rich source of copper, a mineral involved in forming new blood cells, brain development, immune function, and the production of hemoglobin — the oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells Lastly, sapodillas contain smaller amounts of other important nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, iron, folate, and vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid. Potential health benefits Sapodillas are known for their high concentration of beneficial plant compounds and fiber. Although research on the effects of eating sapodilla on human health is currently lacking, it’s likely that the fruit can benefit health in a number of ways thanks to its content of nutrients and phytochemicals. A source of powerful plant compounds A number of bioactive components have been isol...

They also found that the more dragon fruit a person eats, the greater the blood sugar benefits can be. However, the study did not find a correlation between eating dragon fruit and improved control of type 2 diabetes. The researchers recommend conducting more studies regarding prediabetes and dragon fruit consumption to determine whether eating dragon fruit can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Rich in vitamins and minerals According to research that appeared in the World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the nutrients present in dragon fruit include: magnesium phosphorus potassium vitamin A vitamin C zinc The fruit also contains smaller amounts of calcium and copper, which the body also requires for good health. Combined with a delicious flavor, the dragon fruit can provide a nutritionally valuable food source. Prebiotic properties Eating dragon fruit has a prebiotic effect on the body that enhances digestion and nourishes gut bacteria, according to a study in the Elec...

Experts also suggest that as vinegar has a strong and pungent aroma, it should not be used in place of lemon juice in recipes where lemon is one of the key flavours. ​Citric Acid As per health experts, citric acid is a healthy alternative as it prevents vitamins and antioxidants from being destroyed during cooking and hence it is considered as an effective alternative to lemon juice. ​Sour Curd This one is an inexpensive substitute that you can use for curries. As per latest reports, prices of lemons have gone up as high as Rs 350 per kilogram. Well, keeping the rise in rates in view, it is surely not going to be an easy summer to enjoy lemonade. All one can think of is to look for inexpensive alternatives that can be used for salads, soups, beverages, and for baking purposes. Traders blame the rising fuel prices for the increase in lemon rates. Lemon price rise: 7 smart and inexpensive lemon substitutes Inexpensive lemon alternatives After onion, garlic and tomato, this time inflation...

However, some people are more susceptible to developing stones than others. In a study done on rats who had kidney stones, coconut water prevented crystals from sticking to the kidneys and other parts of the urinary tract. They also experienced a significant decrease in liver fat. Though humans might need to consume a lot of coconut water to get the same benefits. The right time to consume coconut water Unlike many other drinks, there is no best time to have coconut water. Here are 5 reasons why you must consume coconut water and the right time to consume it. Rich in nutrients Coconut juice is the centre of the young, green coconut. A study on rats found that rats given coconut water have lower levels of haemoglobin A1c, indicating good long-term blood sugar control. Other studies have found that providing coconut water to rats with diabetes improved their blood sugar levels and reduced oxidative stress. However, more studies are needed to confirm the findings. Coconut water is a good ...

Children younger than 6 months should receive only breastmilk and/or infant formula to ensure they remain hydrated for soft stools. Reduce the amount or stop offering juice when you notice any signs and symptoms of diarrhea present. Another study noted that kiwis might decrease abdominal discomfort and prevent constipation. Savor your appetite for kiwis by eating the whole fruit minus the fuzzy brown skin, adding sliced kiwis to a light lunch salad, to salsa and chips and to smoothies. Best Fruit Juice for Constipation While eating whole fruits is the best option to prevent and relieve constipation, because of its fiber content, drinking juice may also help relieve constipation for some people. It does not dissolve in water and helps move stool along the gut, keeping your bowels regular. Eating one pear provides 20% of the Daily Value of fiber (28 grams, based on a 2,000-calorie-a-day diet). Pears contain both insoluble and soluble fiber—both of which are important for keeping your gut...

The best part? Ragi is a versatile ingredient that can not only be part of many recipes but can be prepared for babies to adults alike, whether in the form of baby cereal, piping hot porridge, or yummy pancakes. Jaggery: A great alternative to empty-calories sweeteners like sugar, jaggery, or gur is high on nutritional value, containing within itself a fair amount of antioxidants and minerals. Sipping coconut water could also have the same effect as an activity designed to reduce anxiety, and research shows that coconut water may have an antidepressant effect. Nuts: Add them to your desserts, or have a handful of them after soaking in water, nuts are wonder foods that are proven to be transformative for both physical and mental health. From nutrient-dense and healthy lentils and flours to natural alternatives to calorie-heavy processed foods, kitchen shelves are full of ingredients that are both healthy and delicious if whipped up the correct way. Here are some foods that help you boos...

Are Green Seedless Grapes Good for You? Fruit makes up an essential part of your diet, and virtually any fruit offers lots of nutritional value for relatively few calories. Including grapes in your diet helps you indulge your sweet tooth healthfully, and you'll increase your intake of beneficial nutrients like vitamin K and antioxidants, too. Green Grape Nutrition Basics Grapes are a moderate source of calories. Antioxidants are your body's chemical "shields." They are responsible for neutralizing highly-reactive compounds, which would otherwise go on to oxidize and damage essential structures, like your DNA. Like most fruits, grapes have very little protein and fat – 1 gram and a quarter-gram per serving, respectively. Most of those calories come from carbohydrates, and each cup of grapes contains 27 grams of total carbs, including roughly 1.5 grams of fiber. Green grapes contain antioxidants called flavonols, and they have an antioxidant capacity on par with red gra...

It also cures chronic inflammation in the eyes and conjunctivitis. The paste prepared from the leaves are applied tropically on the affected areas to draw out from the body stings and spines. Powdered dry ponnanganni leaves are applied externally to remove the effect of poison due to snakebites. Its botanical name is alternanthera sessilis belonging amaranthaceous family. The leaves are elliptic and the flowers are white and shiny. There are two varieties of ponnanganni keerai known. Goat milk also can be substituted for cow milk. Instead of consuming it as vegetable the leaves can be consumed by making a paste from the leaves and tender stems. Ponnanganni is a perennial herb lying prostrate on the ground rooting at the nodes. You can consume this like a soup or eaten along with rice. Cures headache When the fragrance of the dried (powdered) leaves are inhaled, it provides relief from headache and dizziness. The benefits from both the varieties are by and large the same. This benefit c...

It also helps suppress inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. According to an older test-tube study, pomegranate extract may also be useful for slowing the growth, or even causing the death, of prostate cancer cells . Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a marker of prostate cancer in the blood. Free radicals are always present in your body, but having too many of them can be harmful and contribute to a number of chronic diseases . Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants and polyphenolic compounds that offer protection from this damage. The juice significantly reduced the frequency and severity of chest pain, as well as certain biomarkers in the blood that suggest a protective effect on heart health. Still, high quality research on pomegranate and heart health in humans is lacking. . While they can be labor-intensive to remove from the fruit’s inner flesh, their nutritional profile and flavor are well worth the investment. Overall, pomegranates are low in calories and fat but high in...