Oranges are classified into sweet and bitter categories, and popular sweet varieties are Valencia, navel, Jaffa and the hybrid blood orange. The bitter oranges are utilized in jams, marmalades, preserves, and liqueurs such as Cointreau.
Oranges are indigenous to China and the south Asian subcontinent, and were first cultivated in the Middle East around the 9th century, and it was Christopher Columbus who introduced orange seeds to North America in the 16th century. The word orange comes from an old Sanskrit word nagarunga, which means "fruit beloved by elephants". Later on, the word became narandj in Arabic, and then naranja via the Moorish conquests in Spain. The first recorded use of the word in the form orange is in a Middle English text from somewhere around 1380. Today Brazil is the world’s largest producer of oranges, and in the United States oranges are the biggest fruit crop.
Health Benefits
Nutrients
Oranges are an excellent source of flavonoids and vitamin C. They are a very good source of dietary fiber. They are a good source of B vitamins (including vitamins Bl, B2, and B6, folic acid, and pantothenic acid), carotenes, pectin, potassium, and folic acid.
Glycemic Index (GI)
In a study to determine the GI of various fruits, it was concluded that oranges have a low GI of 42.
Cholesterol
One of the most important flavonoids in oranges is hesperidin. Hesperidin and the pectin in oranges have been shown to lower cholesterol. The concentration of hesperidin is considerably higher in the inner peel and inner white pulp of the orange, rather than in its orange flesh.
Arthritis
In a study at the Arthritis Research Campaign Epidemiology Unit in the United Kingdom, results suggested that a modest increase in beta-cryptoxanthin (antioxidant found in oranges) intake, equivalent to one glass of freshly squeezed orange juice per day, is associated with a reduced risk of developing inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Kidney Stones
In a preliminary study involving nine healthy and four participants with kidney stones, it was suggested that orange juice consumption might be more effective than other citrus juices in the prevention of kidney stones. Further studies are needed to evaluate these results.
Cancer
The flavonoids naringenin and hesperedin exhibit estrogenic, anticarcinogenic and antioxidative properties. Orange juice contains high amounts of these compounds, and research data suggests that these two flavonoids may be able to inhibit the development of cancer.D-limonene is found in the essential oils of oranges and other citrus fruits, and studies have shown that d-limonene to be effective in the prevention of gastric and liver cancer.Recent studies indicate that beta-cryptoxanthin may be a promising chemopreventive agent against lung cancer.
Source: http://www.elements4health.com/
Showing posts with label nutrition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nutrition. Show all posts
Monday, May 19, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
Face Foods
Credits: Janice Kumar
Some Foods can Directly be Applied on your Skin and Face
Mentioned here are foods you can apply directly on your skin to find a cheap, natural alternative to expensive skin creams and medication. These foods are endowed with natural minerals, astringents and natural softening agents that provide a healthy alternative to modern cosmetics.
Enjoy the following tips.
Pure almond oil is an excellent source of natural moisturizing agents. In case, you suffer from dry and itchy skin, massage your face and other exposed arms and legs with pure almond oil. This oil nourishes your skin and removes scars and blemishes. This is an excellent all the year around tonic. Use it regularly to find a smooth clear blemish free skin. This oil is also excellent for the cold weather, preventing dryness by providing moisture and essential nutrients. Look for commercial applications that contain almond oil, incase you look to buy skin nourishing creams or gels. Many modern cosmetics make use of this wonder food for better skin care.
Some common problems faced by many women and men is the emergence of pimples, black spots. black heads and itching on the facial skin and also on arms and legs exposed to the elements.
Some common foods that can be beneficial towards curing and treating these complaints, the natural way are available easily and cheap. Many commercial cosmetic applications also make use of these foods to be effective and safe.
Fresh juice of apricots applied on the face for ten to fifteen minutes is an effective solution to itching and sunburns. This natural remedy also helps in reducing various rashes and eczema. Apply daily for 7-10 days to find effective relief.
Apply a paste of ground drumstick pods and leaves mixed with fresh lime juice on the face. Rub gently and let it stay on for 10 - 15 minutes at a time. Continue daily once in the morning for 7-10 days and you will find pimples and black heads and black spots slowly but surely vanish. You will be pleasantly surprised to find clear smooth beautiful skin that glows and makes you look years younger.
One quick solution to persistent pimples on the face is the application of raw garlic juice blended with fresh lime juice on them. This daily once a day application will remove and reduce the formation of face pimples rather quickly. However the application itself will sting and hurt a bit. So if you have the inclination and the motivation for a quick solution, do try this remedy for a quick fix.
A couple of common daily routines, that can be followed for maintaining a blemish free facial skin that shines with vitality and health are easily followed.
Apply papaya pulp on the skin. This pulp rubbed gently on the face and the skin polishes the area, clearing it of all impurities that cause pimples, black heads and spots. This gentle polishing, once every two to three days, reduces the formation of pimples/acne and cleans the skin thoroughly making it glow.
The application of grated potatoes as poultice to treat skin blemishes, wrinkles, boils, pimples, acne, black heads is very effective and time tested. Use it once a week to find clean clear skin over the long term.
One natural alternative to using soap on the face is a paste of Bengal gram flour with yogurt. Blend this Bengal Gram flour with yogurt to form a thick mixture in a cup. Rub lightly in the upwards direction while applying to the face. Wash after 10 minutes to find clean clear skin. Regular application of this mixture, will reduce the formation of pimples and acne and will help remove black heads the natural way.
The above natural cost effective solutions will be beneficial to a wide range of skin types. Do try a convenient remedy to find clear healthy facial skin. They may take a little extra time to prepare and apply but these remedies are worth the time and effort.
Some Foods can Directly be Applied on your Skin and Face
Mentioned here are foods you can apply directly on your skin to find a cheap, natural alternative to expensive skin creams and medication. These foods are endowed with natural minerals, astringents and natural softening agents that provide a healthy alternative to modern cosmetics.
Enjoy the following tips.
Pure almond oil is an excellent source of natural moisturizing agents. In case, you suffer from dry and itchy skin, massage your face and other exposed arms and legs with pure almond oil. This oil nourishes your skin and removes scars and blemishes. This is an excellent all the year around tonic. Use it regularly to find a smooth clear blemish free skin. This oil is also excellent for the cold weather, preventing dryness by providing moisture and essential nutrients. Look for commercial applications that contain almond oil, incase you look to buy skin nourishing creams or gels. Many modern cosmetics make use of this wonder food for better skin care.
Some common problems faced by many women and men is the emergence of pimples, black spots. black heads and itching on the facial skin and also on arms and legs exposed to the elements.
Some common foods that can be beneficial towards curing and treating these complaints, the natural way are available easily and cheap. Many commercial cosmetic applications also make use of these foods to be effective and safe.
Fresh juice of apricots applied on the face for ten to fifteen minutes is an effective solution to itching and sunburns. This natural remedy also helps in reducing various rashes and eczema. Apply daily for 7-10 days to find effective relief.
Apply a paste of ground drumstick pods and leaves mixed with fresh lime juice on the face. Rub gently and let it stay on for 10 - 15 minutes at a time. Continue daily once in the morning for 7-10 days and you will find pimples and black heads and black spots slowly but surely vanish. You will be pleasantly surprised to find clear smooth beautiful skin that glows and makes you look years younger.
One quick solution to persistent pimples on the face is the application of raw garlic juice blended with fresh lime juice on them. This daily once a day application will remove and reduce the formation of face pimples rather quickly. However the application itself will sting and hurt a bit. So if you have the inclination and the motivation for a quick solution, do try this remedy for a quick fix.
A couple of common daily routines, that can be followed for maintaining a blemish free facial skin that shines with vitality and health are easily followed.
Apply papaya pulp on the skin. This pulp rubbed gently on the face and the skin polishes the area, clearing it of all impurities that cause pimples, black heads and spots. This gentle polishing, once every two to three days, reduces the formation of pimples/acne and cleans the skin thoroughly making it glow.
The application of grated potatoes as poultice to treat skin blemishes, wrinkles, boils, pimples, acne, black heads is very effective and time tested. Use it once a week to find clean clear skin over the long term.
One natural alternative to using soap on the face is a paste of Bengal gram flour with yogurt. Blend this Bengal Gram flour with yogurt to form a thick mixture in a cup. Rub lightly in the upwards direction while applying to the face. Wash after 10 minutes to find clean clear skin. Regular application of this mixture, will reduce the formation of pimples and acne and will help remove black heads the natural way.
The above natural cost effective solutions will be beneficial to a wide range of skin types. Do try a convenient remedy to find clear healthy facial skin. They may take a little extra time to prepare and apply but these remedies are worth the time and effort.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Cabbage Vs Cancer
Studies have indicated that increased cabbage intake may inhibit the metastatic capacity of breast cancer.
http://www.xomba.com/cabbage_vs_cancer
http://www.xomba.com/cabbage_vs_cancer
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
The Famous Fig
Numerous studies have demonstrated that fig leaves have anti-diabetic properties, and reduce the amount of insulin needed by diabetics.
http://www.elements4health.com/figs.html
The Blissful Blueberry
Research has shown that blueberries help protect the brain from oxidative stress, and may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and other age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
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