GUAVA – A STOREHOUSE OF NUTRIENTS

Guava contains vitamin C, vitamin A and B, niacin, calcium, nicotinic acid, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and folic acid. The pulp and the peel of the guava are a remarkable source of natural antioxidants and antioxidant dietary fiber (pectin), a combination of the properties of antioxidants and dietary fiber from a single source. The antioxidant properties of the skin are ten times higher than that of the pulp. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant known for its protective action. In addition to lycopene, guavas are also an excellent source of beta-carotene and vitamin C. Guavas are a very good source of Vitamin A. Guava leaf extracts are rich in quercetin and other flavonoids. 

Being rich in Vitamin C; guava is effective in treating male infertility caused by sperm clumping, adhesion and other abnormalities. 

Guava can outdo many other fruits, including orange and other citrus fruits, when it comes to concentration of vitamin-C, whose deficiency causes scurvy and which is the only remedy to it. It contains five times the vitamin-C in oranges.

Guava has been associated with healing of wounds, when applied externally.

Guava in particular contains quercetin which is an antioxidant that blocks enzymes that are responsible for building sorbitol, the sugar that forms the cloudy white clusters that cause cataracts. 

Guaijaverin, a flavonoid compound present in guavas inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans, which is considered to be a pathogen for dental caries. Guava is also rich in folate which helps to fight bad breath that causes gum disease gingivitis.

Guava has general haemostatic properties and can be used for treating bleeding nose, gums and minor internal hemorrhage.

Guava helps cure dysentery, by inhibiting microbial growth and removing extra mucus from the intestines. Guava is very rich in astringents (compounds those make your gums feel tighter and fresh after you chew guava leaves or eat a raw guava or use some toothpaste) which binds up loose bowels in diarrhea.

Guava helps the body in combating free radicals produced during metabolism and aids in preventing age-related chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and rheumatoid arthritis. 

Guava is one of the richest sources of dietary fiber. Guava seeds, if ingested whole or chewed, serve as excellent laxatives. These two properties of guava help forming bowels, retaining water and clean your intestines and excretory system thoroughly and thus, is good for those suffering from constipation.

Guava strengthens and tones up the digestive system and even disinfects the same.

Guava, having high content of roughage, no cholesterol & less digestible carbohydrates, is good for those trying to lose weight.

Guavas can improve the texture of skin and help avoid skin problems. It will tone up and tighten the loosened skin. In addition to the astringents, guava is very-very rich in vitamin-A, B, C and potassium which are very good anti oxidants and detoxifiers and keep your skin glowing and free from aging, wrinkles and other disorders. For the purpose, you can either eat it raw or make wash your skin with a decoction of its immature fruits and leaves.

Juice of raw and immature guavas or decoction of guava-leaves is known to bring relief in cough and cold by loosening cough, reducing mucus, disinfecting the respiratory tract, throat and lungs and inhibiting microbial activity due to its astringent properties.

Guava helps reduce cholesterol in blood and prevents it from thickening, thereby maintaining fluidity of blood and reducing blood pressure. Guava, being very rich in fiber and hypoglycemic in nature, helps reduce blood pressure.

Guava is an excellent source of a carotenoid called lycopene that has the health benefit of preventing cancer. 

The presence of complex carbohydrates and dietary fibers in guava makes it effective in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels. . It also reduces cholesterol, triglycerides and boosts up good cholesterol.

The presence of Vitamin C and other phytonutrients, such as carotenoids, isoflavonoids and polyphenols, in guava has led to it being an effective antioxidant. 

Guava has been found to be beneficial for people suffering from the following ailments:

• Acidosis
• Asthma
• Bacterial Infections
• Catarrh
• Congestion of the Lungs
• Convulsions
• Epilepsy
• Obesity
• Oral Ulcers
• Poor Circulation(strengthen the heart)
• Prolonged Menstruation
• Swollen Gums
• Toothache
• Obesity

ORANGE – A MULTIFACETED FRUIT

Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C and flavonoids. One orange (130 grams) supplies nearly 100 percent of the recommended daily dietary intake of vitamin C. This fruit contain many nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin E, folic acid, dietary fiber (pectin), carbohydrates, protein, natural sugar, amino acids, organic acids, citric acids, malic acids, beta carotene, potassium, calcium, iodine, phosphorous, sodium, zinc, copper, magnesium, manganese, chlorine, iron, copper and selenium. Oranges also contain flavonoid antioxidants such as alpha and beta carotenes, beta-cryptoxanthin, zea-xanthin and lutein.

An orange packs over 170 different phytonutrients and more than 60 flavonoids, many of which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and blood clot inhibiting properties, as well as strong anti-oxidant effects.

ARTERIOSCLEROSIS: Regularly consuming oranges retards the development of hardening of the arteries due to the presence of vitamin C.

PREVENTING CANCER: Orange is rich in a compound called liminoid, which combats cancers of the colon, stomach, breast, lung, skin, and mouth. The high vitamin C content also acts as a good anti-oxidant that protects cells from damages by free radicals.

COLON HEALTH: Orange is low in calories, contains no saturated fats or cholesterol, but is rich in dietary fiber, pectin, which is very effective in persons with excess body weight. Pectin, by its action as bulk laxative, helps to protect the mucous membrane of the colon by decreasing its exposure time to toxic substances as well as by binding to cancer causing chemicals in the colon. Pectin has also been shown to reduce blood cholesterol levels by decreasing its re-absorption in the colon by binding to bile acids in the colon.

PREVENTS CHOLESTEROL: Orange peels have alkaloid synephrine, which can cut down the production of cholesterol in the liver. It increase HDL levels and improve the LDL-HDL ratio of a person. The antioxidant elements in oranges combat oxidative stress that oxidizes the LDL in the blood.

REPAIRS DAMAGED SPERMS: Regular consumption of orange is supposed to keep a man’s sperms healthy and can prevent genetic damage in sperms, which cause birth defects.

GOOD CARDIAC HEALTH: The vitamins and flavonoids in oranges reduce the risk of cardiac problems. Orange’s folate - lowers levels of the cardiovascular risk factor, homocysteine; and the vitamin C, carotenoids and flavonoids found in orange, all of which have been identified as having protective cardiovascular effects.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: Potassium found in oranges helps in lowering blood pressure and protecting against stroke and cardiac arrhythmias. The hesperidin flavonoid in orange can bring down high blood pressure.

GOOD FOR CONSTIPATION: Even though the orange "tastes acidic", it actually has an alkaline effect in the digestive system and helps stimulate the digestive juices, relieving constipation.

STRENGTHENS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM: The immune system of the human body helps to protect it against various different illnesses and diseases that attack the body from time to time. Vitamin C stimulates the white cells in the blood that are responsible for fighting infections, naturally helps the body to build up a strong immune system.

FLAVONOIDS: Hesperidin and Naringenin are flavonoids are found in orange. Orange peel contains hesperidin. Hesperidin helps to lower LDL cholesterol (the bad stuff), lower triglycerides (fats found in the blood) and reduces the risk of heart disease. An added benefit is in normalizing blood pressure. Hesperidin is also helpful in reducing bone loss, acts as an anti-inflammatory and is good for fighting some types of cancer, especially breast cancer. Naringenin is found to have a bio-active effect on human health as antioxidant, free radical scavenger, anti-inflammatory, and immune system modulator. This substance has also been shown to reduce oxidant injury to DNA invitro studies.

SUPPORT PRODUCTION OF HEMOGLOBIN: Vitamin B6 in orange helps support the production of hemoglobin that carries oxygen to all parts of the body.

PROTECT AGAINST OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY: Orange calories are low, it is a low fat nutrient-rich food with a low glycemic index, it protects against weight gain and obesity.

REDUCE AND PREVENT INFLAMMATION: Free radical damage can result in painful inflammation; vitamin C prevents free radical damage that triggers inflammation. Regular consumption of orange juice is associated with reduced severity of inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

PREVENTS KIDNEY STONES: Drinking orange juice regularly can reduce the chances of forming calcium oxalate stones in the kidneys.

PREVENTS STOMACH ULCERS: The vitamin C in oranges can prevent peptic ulcers and can also cut down the chances of stomach cancer.

PREVENTS VIRAL INFECTIONS: Polyphenols in oranges protect from viral infections.

GLOWING SKIN: The anti-oxidant in orange help protect the skin from free radical damage known to cause signs of aging.

Orange juice contains Folate, which plays a major role in the reproduction of new cells and can help with the healing process. Proper brain development is ensured by the folic acid in oranges.

Help to maintain electrolyte balance in the cells as being high in potassium.

Consumption of oranges can help an individual in dealing with the following ailments:

• Alcohol Addiction
• Bronchitis
• Bowel Disorders
• Cough and Cold
• Dyspepsia
• Fever
• Indigestion
• Influenza
• Measles
• Pimples and Acne
• Pneumonia
• Pyorrhea
• Respiratory Problems
• Tuberculosis
• Typhoid

CAUTION: No doubt oranges have many health benefits, but always remember to eat in moderation. Excessive consumption of any citrus juices can leach calcium from the body system, causing decay of the bones and teeth.

 

CARROT – A NUTRITIONAL HERO

Carrots store a goldmine of nutrients. No other vegetable or fruit contains as much carotene as carrots, which the body converts to vitamin A. This is a truly versatile vegetable and an excellent source of calcium pectate, an extraordinary pectin fiber that has been found to have cholesterol-lowering properties. Carrots are rich in antioxidants beta carotene, alpha carotene, phytochemicals and glutathione, calcium and potassium, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, E, folic acid and biotin. Finally they also contain copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous and sulphur - better than a wonder drug!! Carrot greens can be eaten and are high in vitamin K, which is lacking in the carrot itself.

Carrots also contain, in smaller amounts, essential oils, carbohydrates and nitrogenous composites. They are well-known for their sweetening, antianaemic, healing, diuretic, remineralizing and sedative properties. In order to assimilate the greatest quantity of the nutrients present in carrots, it is important to chew them well - they are the exception to the rule - they are more nutritious cooked than raw.

PREVENT HEART DISEASES: High cholesterol is a major factor for heart disease. Since regular consumption of carrots reduces cholesterol level it is good to prevent heart related problems. The soluble fiber in carrots (calcium pectate) help lower blood-cholesterol levels by binding with and eliminating bile acids, triggering cholesterol to be drawn out of the bloodstream to make more bile acids. Cholesterol level reduces if seven ounces of raw carrots a day is taken for three weeks.

PREVENT CANCER: The average carrot contains about three milligrams of Beta-carotene. High carotenoid intake has been linked with decrease in the incidence of cancers of the bladder, cervix, lung, prostate, colon, larynx, breast and esophagus. Falcarinol in carrots are largely responsible for their anticancer benefits. Falcarinol is a natural pesticide found in carrots that protects carrots from fungal diseases. In the human diet, carrots are virtually the only source of this compound.

BETTER VISION: The retina of the eye needs vitamin-A to function; a deficiency of vitamin A causes night blindness. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which gets converted to vitamin A in the liver and travels to the retina where it is transformed into rhodopsin, a purple pigment that is necessary for night-vision. Additionally, beta-carotene's powerful antioxidant actions help provide protection against macular degeneration and the development of senile cataracts, the leading cause of blindness in the elderly.

STROKE: A carrot a day reduces stroke risk by 68 percent. Many studies have strengthened the “carrot effect” on brain.

DIABETES: Carrot is good for blood sugar regulation because of the presence of carotenoids in carrot. Carotenoids inversely affect insulin resistance and thus lower blood sugar.

GOOD SOURCE OF FIBER: Carrots contain rich amounts of fiber which is very essential for digestion of food consumed in the body. However, the fiber in carrots can trap the beta-carotene, making it difficult for your body to extract. By cooking them slightly, you free the beta-carotene from the fiber, which allows your body to absorb it better.

ANTI AGING: Carrots contain tons of beta-carotene, which works as an antioxidant that helps the body to combat cell damage done to the body by impurities in the bloodstream and the like such as chemicals or even oxygen. It also slows down the ageing of cells and various negative impacts associated with ageing.

DENTAL HEALTH: Carrots can even help to clean your teeth, and are a great way to keep your mouth clean after a meal. They act as natural abrasives, helping to remove sticky debris from the teeth and stimulate the gums. They also trigger lots of saliva, which helps to scrub away stains on your teeth. Minerals in carrots help to kill germs in the mouth and prevent tooth decay.

SKIN BENEFITS: Beauty conscious people are using it for decades as a way to enhance beauty of skin. Carrot juice has powerful cleansing properties that are effective in detoxifying the liver, thus overall effective for acne which is caused by toxicity of the blood. Carrot juice is also helpful for treating uneven skin tones due to pigmentation. The high quality of vitamin A and other rich nutrients in carrot juice efficiently nourish the skin, preventing dry skin, psoriasis and other skin blemishes.

PROMOTE LUNG HEALTH: The relationship between vitamin A, lung inflammation, and emphysema: a common carcinogen in cigarette smoke, benzo (a) pyrene, induces vitamin A deficiency. Those who start smoking at an early age are more likely to become vitamin A deficient and develop complications associated with cancer and emphysema. Thus regular intake of carrot provides more vitamin A and prevents from these disease conditions.

HYPERTENSION: Carrot contains bulk of folic acid, a group of vitamin B, which has good effect to fight against free radicals (substances that cause cancer) in our body. The lignin found in carrot too, helps to strengthen our immune system to fight against cancerous cells. Potash succinate, its anti hypertensive drug properties may also help to reduce the blood pressure. Therefore, it is also regarded as a good diet for hypertension’s patient.

LIVER HEALTH: Drinking carrot juice is thought to be extremely beneficial for the liver due to Vitamin A's cleansing effects. Vitamin A reduces bile and fat in the liver. However, for the liver to reap the maximum benefits of Vitamin A, it is said that drinking carrot juice needs be done regularly rather than occasionally. The liver can store Vitamin A.

VITAMIN E: Another nutrient in carrot, which deserves mention, is Vitamin E, the muscle vitamin. It promotes the efficiency of the entire muscular system by the effective utilization of oxygen. Drinking carrot juice is also thought to be good for reproductive health due to the Vitamin E content.

Other major minerals present in carrot include chlorine, sulphur, phosphorous and magnesium. Chlorine present in carrot is vital for the proper functioning of liver. It provides a cleansing and antiseptic effect on the digestive and circulatory systems. The three minerals calcium, phosphorus and magnesium are essential for ensuring the strength of bones. Phosphorus is essential for the health of skin, hair, nails and nerves. The vital magnesium content present in fresh carrot enables mental development, digestion of fats and the metabolism of mineral salts such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium. Sulphur also forms a major ingredient of insulin, the hormonal function of which is to convert carbohydrates into energy.

Carrot is also helpful in the following cases: Obesity, poisoning of the blood, gum disease, insomnia, inflamed kidney, liver, gallbladder, Alzheimer's disease, colitis, ulcer and painful urination.

Carrot can enhance the quality of breast milk.

Carrot juice when taken everyday prevent bodily infections and is claimed to be valuable for the adrenal glands (the small endocrine glands situated above the kidneys).

Carrot can help increase menstrual flow.

Carrots have antiseptic qualities and therefore, can be used as laxative, vermicide and as remedy for liver conditions.

Carrot is also believed to improve impotence (lower sexual drive), sexual dysfunction, long term cough besides strengthening kidney and eliminating excessive wind and cold in our body.

NOTE: The only time that you should be careful drinking carrot juice is if you have congestive heart failure or diabetes, or any kind of condition that makes you retain fluid.

POMEGRANATE – MIRACLE FRUIT

The pomegranate fruit contains protein, carbohydrate, fat, high source of fiber and good source of sugars. It is also a good source of iron and calcium. It is enriched with minerals like potassium and copper, while traces of magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium are also there. These minerals in pomegranates cause a powerful synergy that prevents and reverses many diseases.

Pomegranate is a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid. It also consists of vitamin A, vitamin E, thiamine and riboflavin in small amounts. In addition to these, niacin and folate are present in traces.

Pomegranates have very high content of punicalagins, a potent anti-oxidant component found to be responsible for its superior health benefits.

WHY IS POMEGRANATE GOOD FOR YOU?

The leaves, flower, skin and root of pomegranate have its own curative properties. The fruit when it is taken directly, it gives cooling effect to the abdomen and also does blood purification. It contain considerable amount of oxalic and nicotinic acid. Roots, bark, flowers, fruits and seeds of pomegranate – they all have medicinal properties in them. Roots, stem, bark – astringent, cooling, anthelmintic (especially good against tapeworm). Flowers are styptic and antiemetic. Seeds are diuretic, cardiotonic and anti-emetic.

FIGHTS CANCER: Pomegranate juice has excellent antioxidant properties; three times more antioxidants per 100 ml than does red wine or green tea. Pomegranates has very high levels of antioxidant called "flavonoids" that is thought to be effective in counteracting various cancer-causing radicals. As a result of this high antioxidant content, it helps to fight breast and prostate cancer. Eating pomegranates or drinking pomegranate juice may help prevent and slow the growth of some types of breast cancer. The ellagitannins - a group of phytochemicals found in abundance in pomegranates - inhibit the growth of estrogen -responsive breast cancer. The ellagitannins in pomegranates work by inhibiting aromatase, which is a key enzyme used by the body to make estrogen and plays a key role in breast cancer growth.

BENEFICIAL FOR THE HEART: Pomegranate and its juice is high in antioxidant content, not only helps to prevent hardening of the arteries (build up of plaque in the walls of arteries, known medically as atherosclerosis), but it may also reverse the progression of this disease. These beneficial effects also extend to people with diabetes, who have increased risk for atherosclerosis. It helps to reduce the risk of having a heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Pomegranate juice daily helps to support normal blood flow to the heart; it keeps bad cholesterol from forming, and thus, may help keep the arteries clear of clots.

Drinking eight ounces of pomegranate juice daily for three months improved the amount of oxygen getting to the heart muscle of patients with coronary heart disease.

NORMALIZE BLOOD PRESSURE: Pomegranate juice has been shown to work well as a blood thinner. As a result, it is an excellent agent for promoting blood flow to the heart. One study showed that drinking 1.7 ounces (50 ml) of pomegranate juice per day lowered systolic blood pressure (the higher number in your blood pressure reading) by as much as 5 percent.

ANEMIA: The pomegranate fruit is effective in the case of anemia. It helps to increase the hemoglobin content in the blood and support healthy blood flow, as it is rich in iron content, thus it helps prevent anemia symptoms that include exhaustion, dizziness, weakness, and hair loss. Pomegranate is to be taken about 200gms in the morning in an empty stomach.

PROTECTS CARTILAGE: Pomegranate fruit extract tends to act as an inhibitor on enzymes responsible for damaging cartilage (tough but flexible tissue that covers the ends of your bones at a joint). Thus it is a must for people suffering from osteoarthritis as it prevent cartilage deterioration. The fruit also contains anti-inflammatory qualities which also help during the treatment of this disease.

HEALTHY TEETH: Drinking pomegranate juice may be a natural way to prevent dental plaque because it possesses antibacterial properties. This helps to decrease the chances of bad breath and gum disease.

EFFECTIVE AGAINST IMPOTENCY: Long-term consumption of pomegranate juice may help combat erectile dysfunction. Pomegranate juice is effective in improving blood flow throughout the body, a benefit of special importance to men who suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED). It does this by stimulating the production of nitric oxide, a chemical which "relaxes" blood vessel cells.

PREVENTS ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: Pomegranate juice may prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's may be caused by the buildup of plaque from deposits associated with brain cell death due to oxidation, called beta-amyloid deposits. Pomegranate juice, which is high in antioxidant polyphenols, may offer protection against the oxidative stress that causes beta-amyloid deposits.

FIGHT COLD AND FLU: The high amount of vitamin C content helps to fight against flu and cold symptoms. It you are down with flu, simply drink 1 to 2 glasses of diluted pomegranate juice.

MENSTRUAL PROBLEMS: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon with a little honey to a cup of pomegranate juice. It is beneficial for women after monthly loss of blood due to menstruation. It also helps in overcoming the feeling of general malaise during menopause. Pomegranate is believed to help balance the estrogen level in women. Therefore, it is advisable for women to add it to their diet as it can help combat PMS and menopausal problems.

PROTECTS THE NEONATAL BRAIN: Maternal consumption of pomegranate juice may protect the neonatal brain from damage after injury.

DIARRHEA AND DYSENTERY: Seeds are effective remedy for diarrhea and dysentery. One tablespoon powder mixed with buttermilk, consumed two or three times daily. Even the pomegranate juice is proved beneficial in case of diarrhea as it contain astringent properties. The outer skin of the pomegranate is boiled in a cup of water till it become half and taken 2-3 times a day.

COUGH: The pomegranate fruit is used for reducing cough. The flower of the fruit is to be kept in sun and dried, make it as powder and taken with hot water. The flowers of the fruit are taken, crushed; remove the juice from it with a small piece of ginger. Add small quantity of honey in it and taken.

PILES: The pomegranate fruit is effective in case of piles. The fruit should be consumed every morning in an empty stomach by adding a pinch of salt. This is taken for about three months regularly. It can also be taken with honey. Take a teaspoon of the powder of the dry rind of pomegranate with buttermilk to arrest the bleeding piles.

INTESTINAL WORMS: The bark of the fruit is to be dried in sun and make it powered. Take 2 tea spoonful of powder and boiled in a form of kashayam. This is taken in an empty stomach for about a week. This is very effective in case of intestinal worms.

HYPER ACIDITY: The pomegranate fruit is effective in case of hyper acidity as it is rich form of alkali. So it helps to neutralize the acid. It is to be taken daily in an empty stomach for about a month.

DIGESTION: The pomegranate fruit plays a vital role in secretion of enzymes. So this fruit improves the function of digestion. Mix the juice of pomegranate with a teaspoon of honey and drink to cure conditions of indigestion especially when accompanied by giddiness.

IN TAPEWORM INFECTION: Make a decoction of the stem bark of pomegranate and drink. Punicine, the alkaloid in the stem bark is very effective against tapeworm.

TO INCREASE MEMORY: Dry the flower buds of pomegranate and powder them. Roll the powder into small pills and take a pill thrice a day to enhance memory power.

CONSTIPATION: The pomegranate fruit is considered to be a laxative and used in case of constipation. Fruit should be taken about 100-200 gms in morning and evening. It helps to increase peristaltic movements of the intestines and there by helps to relieve the constipation.

SKIN AND ANTI-AGING: Pomegranate not only helps you stay healthy from the inside, it helps you appear healthy from the outside. Pomegranate has shown to reduce skin inflammation, and give your skin better resiliency and glow.

ASTHMA: The high content of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in this fruit is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. It can greatly reduce wheezing in young children with asthma.

LOSS OF APPETITE: If you can't eat, at least you can drink! Pomegranate juice can help increase your appetite.

MORNING SICKNESS / NAUSEA: Mix and drink an equal amount of honey with pomegranate juice for relief. 

SORE THROAT: The anti-inflammatory agent in pomegranate juice significantly reduces the soreness and redness in the throat.

CONSUMPTION TIPS: When buying pomegranates, choose those that are heavy and without splits on its skin. 

CAUTION: If you are on any medication, consult with your doctor before you start consuming pomegranate juice regularly. There is some possibility that the juice may affect the effect of some prescribed medications.

Though not proven, there is also concern that when it is consumed together with other blood pressure medication, it may cause the pressure to drop too low.