Health Benefits of Strawberries

Here is the season of strawberry, the king of fruits! It is a super food!

Strawberry (genus Fragaria) genus of more than 20 species of flowering plants in the rose (Rosaceae) family.

Strawberries are packed with nutrients. They are excellent source of vitamins: A, C, E, K , niacin B3, pantothenic acid B5, folate B9, pyridoxine B6, and riboflavin B2.  They also contain minerals: potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese and zinc. They deliver beta- carotene and lutein- zeaxanthin.

As you can see they contain significant amounts of phytonutrients and flavanoids which makes strawberries bright red.

Strawberries enhance cognitive function, memory and may help to prevent Altzheimer’s disease.

The significant amount of polyphenols found in strawberry reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, lowers blood pressure preventing heart condition. It helps to improve eye health. Strawberries are packed with antioxidant that neutralises free radicals strengthens your immune system’s respond against infections such as the common cold.

Flavonoids in strawberry offer antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic qualities that connected with drastic reduction in metastasis of cancel cells.

Strawberries have anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate pain associate with arthritis.  

Their fibre and fructose content may help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing digestion and the fibre is thought to have a satiating effect. Strawberry has low glycemic index and high fibre, which makes it a smart choice of fruit. Leaves can be eaten raw, cooked or used to make tea.

You have to learn that strawberries are a common allergen. If you have allergies to birch pollen you are more likely to develop as a secondary food allergy to strawberries. Most common symptoms are experienced in the mouth and throat tingling, itching, watery eyes and runny nose.

If you are not allergic to strawberry it will make a valuable contribution to a healthy balanced diet.

Health Benefits of Almonds

Almond, Prunus dulcis belongs to the family of Rosaceae in the Plantae kingdom.

Looking at its wide nutritional platter it should occupy an essential part in your daily diet. They are low in carbohydrates, high in protein and fibre. They are also rich in omega -6 fatty acids. It is best to focus your diet on getting a good balance of omega-3, -6 and -9 fatty acids. The best omega -6 omega -3 ration is 4:1. Omega -9 fatty acid is produced by your body.

Almond contains the following minerals: calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, manganese, iron, phosphorous, zinc and copper.

It also provides the following vitamins: folate, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin A and vitamin E.  Almonds are excellent source of antioxidants that protect the cell from damage of free radicals.

Almonds due to their high level of magnesium content can assist with blood sugar control and also can help in lowering blood pressure. Heart healthy diet includes almonds. They lower LDL (bad cholesterol) level in your blood and they also protect LDL from oxidation, which is a critical step in the development of heart disease. So almonds play a major role in treating and preventing the progression of heart disease.

Conclusively snacking on almonds may possibly be one of the best choices you can make.

Health Benefits of Fennel

Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare, is a flowering plant in the carrot family.  

It is an aromatic herb that has been widely used as a spice and a medicine. It also provides good dietary fibres for your dishes.

Fennel is an excellent source of the following vitamins: vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, folate, pantothenic acid and vitamin K.

It contains minerals and trace minerals such as; calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, molybdenum, phosphorous, manganese, zinc, nickel, lead, copper, cobalt, aluminium and barium. Fennel holds essential amino-acids: leucine, tryptophan and phenylalaninen.

This herb is a rich source of antioxidants; flavonoid and phenolic compounds. They can help protect cells against damage from free radicals and folate might help prevent cancer cells from forming. 

Fennel improves the immune response to infections, reduces chronic inflammation.

Dietary nitrates present in fennel help lower blood pressure and protect the heart.

Fennel seed oil treats a variety of gut and digestive problems, including stomach aches, flatulence, diarrhea, and constipation.

Oestrogen occurs naturally in fennel. It plays a central role in regulating the female reproductive cycle, and it can also determine fertility.

Fennel has an anti- microbial effect protects against bacteria and viruses.

Fennel oil also reduces blood sugar level and protects against liver damage.

You should consider adding fennel regularly to your daily diet.

Health Benefits of Cardamom

One of my friends has driven my attention to cardamom seed; he is using it to releasing reflux. These seed-pods are being in use as a spice in both food and drink as well as in medicine.

Both Elettaria and Amomum cardamom types feature three-sided fruits (pods) with a thin, papery outer cover. Elettaria pods are small and light green, while Amomum pods are larger and dark brown, Cardamom is a herbaceous, perennial plant in the ginger family.

The most common way to use cardamom is in cooking or baking. It’s very multipurpose and often added to Indian curries, stews and goulash as well as gingerbread cookies, bread, flat bread, pancake and other baked goods.

These seeds have wide range of nutritional values; they provide proteins, good dietary fats and fibres. This seeds contain essential vitamins; vitamin C, vitamin B6, riboflavin, thiamine and niacin. They hold important minerals as well like; potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium and zinc.

Cardamom is an ancient remedy for treating bad breath and improving oral health.  Antioxidants in cardamom helps to fight cancer cells to attack tumours, and they also help to lower blood pressure. Antioxidants, found in abundance in cardamom also have anti-inflammatory effects. Cardamom has been used for thousands of years to help with digestion. It is mixed with other spices to relieve nausea and vomiting. Its great ability is to help ulcers.