Your mother told you to eat your vegetables. You probably remind your children to do the same. The American Heart Association recommends eating eight or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily. The health benefits from fruits and vegetables range from reducing the risk of developing certain cancers to fighting heart disease. Some fruits, vegetables, and herbs can aid in the digestive process.

Grapefruit contains high amounts of vitamin C and smaller amounts of vitamins A, B complex, E, and K. This fruit contains large amounts of calcium, folic acid, phosphorus, and potassium. Though it contains citric acid, after digestion, grapefruit juice undergoes an alkaline reaction which has a positive effect in the treatment of acidity in the digestive system. Grapefruit juice increases the flow of gastric juices. In turn, it promotes digestion. High in fiber, grapefruit aids in maintaining bowel regularity. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can cause potentially serious interactions with certain antidepressant and immunosuppressant medications, calcium channel blockers which are used to treat high blood pressure, and statins which are used to treat elevated cholesterol levels. People who are taking prescription medications should consult with their physicians regarding drug interactions.

Papaya is rich in antioxidants, vitamin B complex, potassium, and magnesium. It contains a digestive enzyme, papain, which is valuable for aiding the digestion of proteins. Papaya is a good source of fiber and is associated with reducing the risk of colon cancer, lowering elevated cholesterol levels, and preventing constipation.

Pineapple is high in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and K, magnesium, and bromelain, which is an enzyme that breaks down and absorbs protein in foods. This fruit aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation.

Broccoli is high in fiber, antioxidants, and magnesium which facilitates proper digestion.

Ginger root and ginger oil are often used to treat indigestion and to improve digestion. In India, fennel seeds are chewed after meals to facilitate digestion.

Yogurt is a good source of easily digestible proteins.

It contains Lactobacillus, a bacteria which ferments milk and yogurt and aids in digestion. Yogurt is a rich source of calcium, potassium, and magnesium, as well as vitamins B2 and B12, D, and E. It is a nutritious supplement for individuals who are lactose intolerant.



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Know Your Nutrients for Essential Healthy Living

Let’s talk about natural nutrients. It is up to you to choose what you want to eat at your table, and this may help you do it in a healthier way.

Nutrient: Vitamin A. Benefits: Stimulates production of antibodies, helps maintain skin and mucous membranes and protects against tumor growth. Food sources: Apricots, cantaloupe, carrots, pumpkins and sweet potatoes.

Nutrient: Vitamin B6. Benefits: Necessary for white blood-cell response and antibody protection. Food sources: Dried beans, potatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes, and whole grains.

Nutrient: Vitamin C. Benefits: Vital to all immune system functions. Food sources: Broccoli, citrus fruits, peppers, turnip greens and strawberries.

Nutrient: Vitamin E. Benefits: An antioxidant. it suppresses production of prostaglandin, an immunity-inhibiting hormone that is increasingly present as you age. Food sources: Apples, grapefruit, lima beans, sweet potatoes, whole grains and wheat germ.

Nutrient: Calcium. Benefits: Plays a crucial role in activating the system in response to invaders. Food sources: Collards, rhubarb, figs and spinach.

Nutrient: Copper. Benefits: Essential for white blood cell production. Food sources: Avocados, dried and lima beans and figs.

Iron: One of the most common deficiencies in American diets. It stimulates blood-cell production/activity. Source: Dried beans, figs, Jerusalem artichokes & white prunes.

Magnesium: Necessary for Lymphocyte growth, important in the forming of antibodies. Source: Figs, prunes, spinach and Swiss chard.

Selenium: Uncertain what it does, but selenium coincides with a depressed immune system. Source: Apples, asparagus, oranges and squash.

Zinc: Required for effective functioning of thymus gland, which has an important role in T-cell maturation. Source: Dried beans, figs, raspberries, spinach and whole grains.

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Natural Medicine: Healing Benefits of Cranberries - Seasonal and Vegan Recipe Included

Cranberries, the cousin of blueberries, have long been valued for their ability to help prevent and treat urinary tract infections. Recent studies show that this berry may also promote gastrointestinal and oral health, prevent the formation of kidney stones, lower LDL and raise HDL (good) cholesterol, aid in recovery from stroke, and even help prevent cancer.

Cranberries are a good source of vitamin C, a very good source of dietary fiber, and a great source of manganese and vitamin K. Cranberries are also a source of polyphenol antioxidants, which are being researched for their possible benefits to the cardiovascular system and immune system.

Fresh cranberries are at their peak during the holiday season between October and December. When in season choose fresh, plump cranberries, deep red in color, and quite firm to the touch. Firmness is a primary indicator of quality. The deeper red their color, the more highly concentrated are cranberries’ beneficial compounds.

When the season is over or if you can’t find fresh cranberries but still want all the nutritional benefits, simply look for dried or frozen cranberries at your local grocery store. The recipe included is perfect as a holiday side dish or throw over brown rice to make a complete vegan meal.



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Top 5 in-season vegetables for September

Some of the best tasting vegetables are also in season in the fall such as the mushrooms, oranges, lemons, cauliflower and fennel. All of the following vegetables have unique flavors and can be used in a variety of dishes. The top five are:

Mushrooms
Mushrooms are known for their immune boosting benefits in the nutrition world. They have been used for thousands of years in helping prevent cancer, boost the immune system and are also known as a great anti-aging food. There are several different types of mushrooms that are fabulous to cook with. Try grilling some beefy Portobello’s with Italian seasonings for a nice vegetarian meal this fall.

Oranges
The beloved orange; it’s one of the most popular fruits in North America. Known for the immune boosting vitamin C, oranges have many other health benefits. Oranges also have a good amount of Potassium (which helps with muscle contraction), fiber and vitamin A. Oranges are very versatile when it comes to cooking. Try this yummy recipe from celiac.com: Orange Chicken.

Lemons
Lemon is one of my favorite citrus fruits. I use it with everything from my homemade salad dressings to marinades and sauces. Lemons are also high in vitamin C, potassium and have a surprisingly good amount of calcium. The salad dressing I make and put on most all of my salads is:
For one serving:
- 1 tablespoon high quality EVOO (or sometimes I use Macadamia nut oil, rich in omega 3’s)
- ½ tablespoon or less of balsamic vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice (for extra punch, add some lemon zest)
- Fresh thyme, I use 1 sprig. You may use more or try other fresh herbs. Most all of them go great with this simple vinaigrette.
- Salt and pepper, to taste.

Cauliflower
Let’s face it. Cauliflower is not as popular as its lookalike cousin, broccoli. Cauliflower is really delicious and great for you. It can be easily steamed and pureed into a nice cauliflower soup with fresh herbs or can be eaten raw and served with a nice gluten-free dip. Cauliflower is high in vitamin C, fiber and vitamin K, which is helpful in increasing bone mass.

Fennel
Fennel is not widely used in the average American kitchen but it should. It is easy to cook with and has a slightly sweet taste. Fennel is a good source of vitamin c, potassium, fiber and iron. Try this delicious celery-fennel soup from the oh-so-tasty website of Karina’s kitchen.

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Healthy Bones - Calcium Isn’t Enough

Throughout life your bones change in size, shape and position. Every day old bone is lost and new bone is made. Bones are the body’s major reservoir of calcium and when needed it can be removed. If this calcium is not replaced, over time, your bones will become thinner, more fragile, and more susceptible to breaking. But, getting adequate calcium isn’t enough to make new bones – you need to consider the vitamins A, C, D and K, the minerals phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and sodium, as well as the amount of protein, fruits and vegetables you eat. Simply popping a daily calcium supplement daily isn’t enough.

As we get older, we don’t make new bone as efficiently as we did when we were young. Peak bone strength and mass occurs in your late teens and early 20s. The stronger your young bones are the better able they will be to withstand the changes that occur with aging. As we age, bones get thinner and lose strength, a condition called osteoporosis, increasing the risk for fractures.

Genes, hormones, lifestyle and nutrition all play a role in bone health. You can’t change your genes or your sex but you can exercise and eat well to preserve your skeleton. Exercise stresses bone and causes new bone to form, the more the better. The food you eat provides the symphony of nutrients needed to produce strong new bone. It is never too late to feed your bones well.

Getting enough calcium should be obvious. Adults need 1,000 milligrams (mg) a day and those over 50 should get 1,200 mg daily. A recent study showed that healthy men and women who got 1,200 mg of calcium daily reduced their risk of bone fracture by 72%. Those are pretty good odds! A glass of milk averages 300 mg and is considered an outstanding source, not just because of the calcium but milk contains other necessary nutrients – protein, vitamin D, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin A – that help make new bone cells.

Most people get too little vitamin D which is needed to increase calcium absorption and regulate bone production. Adults need 200 IUs daily, 400 IUs after age 50, and 600 IUs after 70. Known as the sunshine vitamin because of our ability to use ultraviolet light to make vitamin D in our skin, we lose this ability as we age. In addition, dark skin, sunscreen use, winter weather, and full body clothing, worn by many for religious reasons, all decrease the amount of vitamin D we get. Milk is fortified with vitamin D, but since most adults drink less than they should, that is another contributing factor to a lower intake. If you are overweight you will have trouble releasing stored vitamin D in your body because it is buried deep in body fat. Getting enough vitamin D significantly reduces falls and fractures as we age. Make sure your calcium supplement comes with vitamin D as well.

Potassium and calcium work together in the body to keep the body’s calcium levels high. Low potassium causes more calcium to be lost in your urine. Most of us get too little potassium because we do not drink enough milk and we eat too few fruits and vegetables, which are all excellent sources. We also eat too much sodium, which disturbs the use of calcium by the body and causes bone loss.

The mineral phosphorus can have both negative and positive effects on bone health. Adequate phosphorus contributes to bone health, but when calcium intakes are low and phosphorus intakes are high, bone health decreases. Today, we drink more soda, which is higher in phosphorus than milk. Teens drink the most which is a problem because those are the years when strong bones are forming. If teen bone health is jeopardized, adult bone strength will be compromised and the risk of fracture goes up dramatically.

Vitamins A, C, and K, in addition to vitamin D, help to produce a healthy, strong skeleton. Low levels of vitamin K are a predictor of future fracture risk. Vitamin A is necessary for new bone cells to form. Vitamin C protects your bones from oxidative stress, especially from smoking. It also promotes collagen formation, a tissue needed for healthy bones and teeth.

There is a widespread idea that a high protein diet may be harmful for bones. This is not true. Protein is part of your bones and a high protein intake helps keep bones strong. This is especially important as we age. Older people who eat adequate protein have a much lower risk of breaking a hip.

As the population ages, the risk of osteoporosis and fractures will increase dramatically unless we intervene to prevent the problem. Keep your bones healthy. Drink milk or eat yogurt each day. Men, you need calcium daily, too. Select a calcium supplement with vitamin D. Eat enough protein; have some at every meal. Eat lots and lots of fruits and vegetables. And, exercise. Bang those bones around. The more you use them the stronger and healthier they become. And please don't forget to exercise as it will increase your bone density.



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Vitamins and good health may go hand in hand

Good health is important for any woman or man who wants to retain her/his God-given beauty. The human body is a miraculous machine that celebrates perfection of form. However, it can only function at maximum capacity when it is healthy. Eating the right kinds of foods and exercising are essential to good health. Another crucial piece is making sure the body has all of the vitamins and nutrients it needs. If those are not achieved through the diet, then they must be obtained through supplements. But what vitamins does the human body need and in what dosages? Let me outline some of the most important; what they do; and in what dosages they should be taken on a daily basis.

1. Vitamin A is important to healthy, youthful looking skin. It helps retain its moisture. It can be found in egg yolks, beef liver, and certain types of cheese. A deficiency of this vitamin can damage the eyes and even cause night blindness. Too much vitamin A; however, can be toxic to the human body, causing everything from a mild case of nausea to extreme vomiting and even hair loss. The average human being needs at least 700 milligrams per day.

2. Vitamin B1 is imperative for good cardiovascular health. It is also a key component in the nervous and muscular systems of the human body. It is found food products like whole-wheat cereals and breads and in kidney and navy beans. B1 deficiencies can result in loss of muscle, nerve damage, and irregular heartbeat. But an overdose can also damage those same systems. The body needs 1 milliliter of vitamin B1 every day.

3. Vitamins B2 and B12 ensure healthy red blood cells. Both can be found in cheese, dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and red meat. A deficiency of B2 can result in sensitivity to light, while too much of it can result in a bad skin rash. A deficiency of B12 can cause anemia as well as affect balance and lead to memory problems. The body needs 1 milliliter of B2 and B12 each day.

4. Vitamin B6 is crucial for good brain function. It can be found in foods like fish, pork, poultry, eggs, whole grains and oats. Damage caused to the body by a deficiency of B6 is negligible. An overdose, on the other hand, can cause massive nerve damage. The body needs 1 milliliter of B6 every day.

5. Vitamin C is imperative for a healthy immune system. It can be found in berries, citrus fruits, broccoli, spinach, and tomatoes. A deficiency of vitamin C can compromise the immune system, while an overdose can result in diarrhea, headache, nausea, and vomiting. The body needs 50 milliliter of the vitamin every day.

6. Vitamin D is important for the growth of strong bones and teeth. It also helps the muscle and nerve systems of the body. It is primarily found in milk, eggs, and tuna. Deficiencies in vitamin D can lead to brittle bones that fracture or break easily. However, an overdose can lead to constipation, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. The human body needs at least 1 milligram of the vitamin each day.

7. Vitamin E helps the blood clot properly and improves the overall circulatory system. It can be found in many different foods including whole grain products, nuts, egg yolks, and liver. Problems caused by deficiencies in vitamin E are negligible; however too much of the vitamin can wreak havoc on the digestive tract. The body needs 8.5 milliliters of vitamin E each day.

8. Vitamin K helps the blood clot and ensures that kidneys function correctly. It also helps with bone growth and repair of fractures. The vitamin is found in spinach, cheese, and beef liver. Deficiencies of vitamin K can cause the body to bruise easily and make gums bleed easily. An overdose of the vitamin rarely occurs, as the body needs at least 60 milligrams of vitamin K each day.


The exact amount of any vitamin required can vary from person to person, depending upon their overall health and the body’s metabolism. Always check with a physician before purchasing over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins. Your Doctor can help determine which ones you need and the proper dosage for you.


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Health tip of the day: Benefits of Black Currant

Black currants are very rich in many phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, essential fatty acids and minerals

In particular, black currants are renowned for their high content in Vitamin C (a powerful antioxidant), GLA (Gamma-Linoleic Acid, a very rare Omega-6 essential fatty acid) and potassium. They have been shown to have twice the potassium of bananas, four times the vitamin C of oranges, and twice the antioxidants of blueberries.

Black currants contain anthocyanins, which are compounds naturally found in berries. They are very potent antioxidants and are responsible for the color of blackcurrants. Around 300 different types of anthocyanins have been discovered.

Anthocyanins inhibit the enzymes Cyclo-oxygenase 1 and 2, and reduce inflammation and the effects of arthritis in the body. The effect is similar to aspirin or ibuprofen, so many middle-aged and old people are choosing the healthier blackcurrant juice over these drugs.

Anthocyanins have been found to be heat and light sensitive, so the processing of blackcurrants is controlled very carefully to ensure they keep their nutritional properties

The fruit juice of black currant contains proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins and a polysaccharide-rich substance, cassis polysaccharide (CAPS), and has macrophage-stimulating activity. Its interleukin (IL)-1beta-inducing activity is very high, compared with other fruit juices. CAPS was found to consist of mannose, galactose, xylose, rhamnose, xylose, arabinose, and glucose. This substance has been proven to be very toxic against tumor cells, so studies are being performed to determine the anti-cancer properties of black currants

In addition, black currant seed oil contains 47% linoleic (18:2n6),14% alpha-linolenic (18:3n3), 12% gamma-linolenic (18:3n6), and 2.7% stearidonic (18:4n3) acids. Of these, gamma-linoleic is rarely found in any other natural resource, and both alpha and gamma-linoleic are essential fatty acids, which means our body cannot produce them on its own.

Overall, black currants have been proven to have health benefits including:

* Anti-Inflammatory Action
* Powerful Anti-oxidant Action
* Maybe help prevent cancer
* Reduces the effects of arthritis

10 Tips to healthy grocery shopping

When going to the grocery store people are faced with an array of options, yet many are filling their shopping carts with boxed goods from the freezer section or other aisles. Many people in the Bay Area live a commuter lifestyle making it hard for them to find time to cook, resulting to the quick fix from pre-made food. While at the same time, people are complaining that they are gaining weight and are low on energy. Little do they know the food they eat could be the cause of their problems. As the saying goes, “you are what you eat.” In order to feel healthy people need to eat good foods. To start let’s go over 10 tips to healthy grocery shopping and if you are still confused contact your local Health Coach.


1. Have a wide variety of color in your basket with fresh fruit and vegetables. Here are a few benefits from a colorful basket:
• Greens are rich in calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, Vitamin A, C, E, fiber folic acid.
• Reds reduce free radical damage; support the heart, and memory function.
• Oranges are rich in beta-carotene, Vitamin C and support the eyes.
• Yellows improve circulation and immune system.
• Whites are like the natures pharmacy. They have anti-viral and anti-bacterial chemicals and also reducing blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.
• Blues and purples are powerful antioxidants that prevent early signs of aging and heart disease.

2. Mix up different textures. Here are some examples:
• Crunchy – nuts, seeds, apples, carrots
• Light – leafy greens
• Creamy – avocados, mashed sweet potatoes

3. Purchase local or organic. Look at the sticker on the produce and if it starts with #9 it’s organic. It can be costly purchasing organic, therefore the option of buying locally. Look for California grown produce or shop Oakland’s farmer’s market. Options are:
• Grand Lake Saturdays 9am – 2pm
• Jack London Square Sundays 9am – 2pm
• Old Oakland Fridays 8am – 2pm
• Oakland East Sundays 10am – 2pm
• Kaiser Farmers Market Fridays 10am – 2pm

4. Add at least one sweet vegetable to fulfill that sweet tooth. Some examples are:
• Sweet potato
• Carrot
• Onion

5. Purchase whole grains. Whole grains are an excellent source of essential enzymes, iron, dietary fiber, Vitamin E and the B-complex vitamin. Some examples are:
• Brown rice
• Quinoa
• Oats
• Millet

6. Purchase condiments. Not everyone in the family likes the same flavors. By introducing condiments to their family they can personalize their meal without having to cook 3 different dishes. Some examples are:
• Turmeric
• Chili flakes
• Sea salt
• Tamari soy sauce
• Dulse flakes

7. Add healthy protein whether it animal, bean or soy. Some tips are:
• For animal try to get organic and free range. Portion should be the size of your palm.
• For beans try to use the smaller beans as they are easier to digest like adzuki and mung.
• For soy try tofu or tempeh.

8. Cook with good oils. Some tips are:
• Purchase cold pressed and unrefined oils.
• For low cooking temperatures cook with olive or sesame oil.
• For high cooking temperatures cook with coconut or grape seed oil.

9. Make sure to read the labels and not just by what it says on the front of the box. Watch for ingredients that are unclear. Especially watch for processed sugar in the ingredients. They use many names these days. To name a few see below:
• High fructose corn syrup
• Molasses
• Corn starch
• Dextrose
• Fructose

10. Be cautious of portions. The more purchased the more there is to eat. Only buy what is needed. It’s better to eat more fresh foods then boxed goods.

Health tip of the day: Benefits of Carrots

Apart from granting good looks and outstanding taste to salads for your party guests, carrots are also included in the diet recommendation list of a doctor. The carrots in raw form and carrot juice have developed a unique status in providing impressive health track for human body.

Carrots, like broccoli, are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. They are high in beta-carotene, a form of pro-vitamin A, which is converted into Vitamin A by the liver, and stored in the body. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant. The name “carotene” comes from “carrot.” Red carrots contain 10-15 times more carotene than yellow ones.Other vitamins include Vitamin B3, Vitamin C and E. They are also rich in minerals: potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, sodium, sulphur, chlorine and traces of iodine.Carrots also contain soluble fibre and pectin.

Read full story on Health Benefits of Carrots.

What is a superfruit?

Superfruit refers to a fruit that has exceptional nutrients, rich in antioxidants and has an appealing taste that can provide health benefits for you. It is a marketing term that has been introduced and used since 2005 as a way to promote and market as a healthy fruit that is very good for man.

There are popular fruits out there w/c has excellent nutritional properties but are not known to be superfruits. Some of these well known fruits are: strawberries, blackberries, oranges to name a few. Maybe because they are not properly introduced or marketed properly as a superfruit.

Superfruit definition means that the fruit should have its native fruit qualities, scientific evidence supporting a health benefit such as antioxidant properties, promotion, marketing and distribution as well as protection of intellectual property, and come up with an appealing strategy to attact buyers and customers.

Resulting from a deliberate business strategy of a manufacturer to bring together marketing, science and potential health value to consumers, a superfruit product is specifically and scientifically designed in manufacturing and marketing.

To date, superfruits have been developed mainly as juices, but began in 2007 to appear as single piece products or as ingredients for functional foods, confectioneries and cosmetics. Current industry development includes applications for creating novel consumer products, such as energy drinks, dietary supplements, and flavors with nutrient qualities, e.g. fortified water.

Although used increasingly in new food and beverage products, superfruits have not been defined by scientific criteria that would allow consumers to objectively assess nutrient value and potential for furnishing health benefits. Consequently, the term superfruit is used liberally to include a growing list of common and rare fruits, some having sparse scientific evidence for being "super".

Here are a list of the 10 know superfruits in random order.

1. Goji
2. Acai
3. Pomegranate
4. Noni
5. Kiwi
6. Mangosteen
7. Cranberry
8. Avocado
9. Seabuckthorn
10. blueberry

ONION: Tasty health benefits

The smell of frying onions is one of the most enticing and delicious smells to the nostrils when you are hungry. It confronts our senses with all the promises of the culinary delights that are possible front this vegetable plant. Literarily all cultures on earth, have onions in their cooking recipes. Read More....


Know more about Vitamin C benefits, click here.

Health tip of the day: 10 benefits of watermelon

Watermelon is a natural source of most powerful antioxidants provided by nature. It is a good source of the antioxidant vitamins C and A to protect us from diseases. It reduces the risk of dehydration.

Summer and watermelon are inseparable. Watermelons are found almost everywhere in the world. Although we can find watermelons in our markets throughout the year, the season for watermelon is the summer when they are sweet and of the best quality. No other fruit can we find so crunchy and thirst quenching like watermelon.

To know more about its benefits, click here.


P.S. Health is very important but so is Wealth.

Natural food-Fruit Vitamin C Content

Vitamin C is an efficient immunity booster that helps build collagen, the stabilizing tissue in our bones, epidermis and muscles. Vitamin C is indispensable to 300 metabolic functions in our bodies and can work without any other vitamin. it is also an anti-oxidant. to know more of its fruit benefits, (click here)

by: superoyee

Health Tip of the Day

The amazing health benefits of Parsley

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a bright green biennial herb, often used as spice. It is common in Middle Eastern, European, and American cooking. Parsley is used for its leaf in much the same way as coriander (which is also known as Chinese parsley or cilantro), although parsley has a milder flavor. To know more about the Health Benefits of Parsley, click here.
To know more about the benefits of Vitamin K, click here.