Amazing Ampalaya

Ampalaya or bitter melon (Mormodica charantia) has been proven to be effective in lowering the blood sugar of people with non-insulin dependent or type 2 diabetes, the type of diabetes that afflicts 90 to 95 percent of all diabetics.

A substantial number of scientific studies on the effect of ampalaya on blood glucose levels have already been undertaken. The most compelling of these is a 10-year trial, which was conducted by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) that compared ampalaya leaves with the anti-diabetes drug glibenclamide. The results of the trial showed that the blood sugar lowering effect of a 100 milligram per kilo dose per day of ampalaya is comparable to 2.5 milligrams of the anti-diabetes drug Glibenclamide taken twice a day.

Overview and Facts about Rambutan

Often called rambutan, it is regarded as Nephelium lappaceum botanically. The rambutan is a type of tropical tree that is from Sapindaceae family. Even though it is not very tall, it yields an ample crop. Rambutan is commonly marketed all over Malaysia, Indonesia and Southeast Asian countries and is recognized by different names in certain countries. For instance, in Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua, rambutan is known as mamon chino while people of Thailand refer to it as ngoh. In Malaysia, a different type of rambutan available is known as wild rambutan. While red is the typical color of rambutan, this fruit is yellowish. The skin of the rambutan has to be removed to obtain the pinky or whitish flesh. They usually taste sweet although some are sweet and sour.

Health Benefits of Eating Rambutan

• Rambutan fruit is rich in sugar, mostly fructose and sucrose, but less calories, only around 60 in a fruit. Rambutan fruit is abundant with vitamin C and has potassium, iron, beta carotene or vitamin A, and a little calcium, magnesium zinc, sodium, niacin, fiber and protein.
• The fruit has been employed in traditional medicine in Malaysia and Indonesia for hundreds of years as a treatment for diabetes, hypertension and various ailments. Besides the antioxidants obtained in its beta carotene and vitamin C, research workers at the Chiang Mai University in Thailand found that the rambutan pulp, seeds and skin have strong, plant based, antioxidants calledflavonoids. Certain kinds of flavonoids are believed to reduce cholesterol and possess anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory attributes.
• One of many organic compounds contained in the skin is Gallic acid. This compound behaves like a free radical scavenger as it helps protect against oxidative damage in our body and is regarded as a strong aid in the battle against cancer. Due to its extensive antioxidant activity, compared to other exotic fruits like pomegranate, rambutan skin extract may be promoted as a drug or health supplement product.
• The rambutan is abundant with vitamin C. 10-12 rambutans provide 75-90 mg ascorbic acid, more than double the amount recommended to take daily. An essential antioxidant, vitamin C prevents body cells from being damaged by free radicals and helps the absorption of iron.
• The fruit also has small quantities of copper, necessary for the creation of white and red blood cells, and also manganese, which our body needs to produce and activate some enzymes.
• A single serving of rambutan functions as an excellent iron source. The iron in what you eat promotes the correct amount of oxygen inside you, which help stop the dizziness and fatigue due to anemia, an illness caused by low iron.
• Additionally, you will obtain 4.3% of the daily recommended intake ofphosphorus when you have a serving of rambutan. Phosphorus helps remove waste in your kidneys and is essential for the development, repair and maintenance of tissues and body cells. Rambutan also has a small amount ofcalcium; both phosphorus and calcium work together to fortify your teeth and bones.
• Besides nutritional benefits, rambutan also has therapeutic functions. Consuming the fruit can help kill intestinal parasites, while help relieve symptoms of diarrhea. Some traditional healers in Malaysia also employ parts of the fruit to cure fever. Talk to your doctor before using rambutan as a remedy for any ailment. 

Rambutan Nutrition and Calories Nutrition Facts of 1 Cup (150.0 g) Rambutans, Drained
Calories	123
Total Fat	0.3 g
Saturated Fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Sodium	17 mg
Total Carbohydrates	31.3 g
Dietary Fiber	1.4 g
Protein	1.0 g

How to Choose and Buy Rambutan?

• Select rambutans that is firm when touched gently. The spines have to be firm and not brittle to touch.
• Try to find brightness in color. Refrain from rambutans that are blemished or bruised by any means. 

How to Store Rambutan?

• Keep rambutans in the refrigerator. Put them in a plastic container and cover with a lid. They are going to keep for about a week.
• In the event you store them at normal room temperature, they are going to last about 3 days. In such cases, they are best consumed within 2 days of buying.
• Rambutans may be stored in glass storage containers in the refrigerator if desired.

Source: www.101healthyrecipes.com

Health Benefits of Cassava

Cassava, also known as yucca or manioc, is the third largest source of carbohydrates in the world and is a staple food for more than 500 million people. Among crop plants, the cassava plant provides the highest yield of food energy per cultivated area per day, next to sugarcane.

Lesser known foods such as cassava are not so much considered for snacks but there are more reasons why you should think otherwise.

Cassava root is very rich in starch and contains significant amounts of calcium, dietary fiber, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin b6 and vitamin C.

Dietary fiber has been associated with lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases, colon cancer, and helping control diabetes.

A recent study conducted in the Philippines (one of the countries where cassava is an important crop) looked into the effects of root crops and legumes in lowering cholesterol levels among humans with moderately-raised cholesterol levels.

The study showed that cassava significantly decreased total cholesterol levels, decreased low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (considered as “bad” cholesterol), and may help lower triglyceride levels due to its high total dietary fiber content.

Other studies show that cassava may help support the nervous system and help alleviate stress, anxiety and irritable bowel syndrome.

The Health Benefits of Guyabano

Guyabano, The Soursop Fruit has cancer curing abilities. The Sour Sop or the fruit from the graviola tree is a miraculous natural cancer cell killer 10,000 times stronger than Chemo. ..

Guyabano is a tree called graviola in Brazil , and “soursop” in English.

This plant is a proven cancer remedy for cancers of all types. Besides being a cancer remedy, graviola is a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent for both bacterial and fungal infections, is effective against internal parasites and worms, lowers high blood pressure and is used for depression, stress and nervous disorders.

Health Benefits of Decaffeinated Coffee

Caffeine consumption is associated with a number of benefits, from increasing mental function to reducing asthma symptoms. However, caffeine intake can also have side effects, including anxiety, restlessness and headaches. As a result, people often choose decaffeinated coffee, which evidence indicates provides a positive effect on overall health.

10 Health Benefits of Bananas

Bananas have a lot of health benefits, but we are aware of only very few. Shall we take a look at the health benefits of banana? These benefits include bowel regulation, reduce stress, heart diseases, depression, menstrual pains, anemia, increase in brain power. Know more health benefits of banana here.

1. Bananas regulate the bowel system: Are you suffering from constipation? The best solution to constipation is eating a banana a day. This is one of the major health benefits of bananas. Bananas are rich in fiber that helps in regulating the bowel functions.

2. Bananas reduce the risk of heart diseases and blood pressure: You might be surprised to hear this health benefit of bananas; yes, bananas reduce the risk of heart diseases as well as lowers blood pressure levels. How? Bananas are rich in potassium, which is very vital for the muscle contraction and proper functioning of the heart and nervous system. Do you know how much of potassium is required a day? It is just 4g and you get this by eating a banana. Isn’t this health benefit of banana amazing?

3. Bananas reduce depression: Tryptophan acids are present in bananas and these help in reducing depression and thereby improve your mood. Studies show that bananas are also helpful in reducing stress levels. In this age of stress, this health benefit of banana is truly great.

4. Eat bananas for healthy bones: What do you require for healthy bones? One requires calcium for healthy bones, am I right? Probiotic bacteria help in absorbing calcium and increasing the digestive ability. This helpful bacterium is present in bananas. Green bananas are especially helpful in absorbing calcium.

5. Reduce menstrual pains with bananas: Do you get menstrual pains? Majority of the women folk take pills to reduce menstrual pains. Rather taking these pain killers eat a banana. Bananas are rich in vitamin B6 that helps in regulating blood glucose levels. This helps in balancing your overall mood and hence reduces menstrual pains. I found this health benefit of banana very useful. How about you?

6. Bananas help ulcer patients: Another major health benefit of bananas is their capability of fighting intestinal disorders. Eating a raw banana reduces irritation in the stomach and reduces the effect of over acidity.8. Quit smoking by eating bananas:Another amazing health benefit of banana is that it helps people who wish to quit smoking. Smokers have a high level of nicotine; minerals in banana like potassium and magnesium and vitamins B6 and B12 help in reducing nicotine. Smokers, take a note of this and quit smoking by taking bananas.

9. Bananas increase brain power: A survey was conducted very recently among 200 students at a school in Middlesex. They were given bananas along with their normal diet for their breakfast, break and lunch. Research proved that potassium in bananas helped to increase their mental alertness and boost brain power. Remember this health benefit of banana and make your child eat a banana everyday to score high in studies.

10. Reduce itching of mosquito bites with bananas: What do you normally do when there is an itching or swelling due to mosquito bites? We go in for creams that reduce itching and swelling. Rather using these creams, use banana peels. Rub the itching or swelling area with the inside of banana peels and see for yourself how soon you get relief from mosquito bite itching or swelling.

With these health benefits of bananas, I am sure everybody will now start to grab bananas and there will be acute shortage of bananas.

Antioxidant benefits of chili pepper fruit and leaves

I read an interesting article about chili pepper from Dr. Rodriguez, Professor from the Institute of Chemistry, University of the Philippines. Her article detailed the promising health and wellness benefits of fruits and vegetables and I want to focus strictly on Peppers. According to Dr Rodriguez, photochemical are what help people stay healthy. Phytochemicals are chemical compounds that occur in fruits, vegetables and other plant species consumed by man.  These naturally-occurring compounds which act as anti-oxidants capable of metabolizing free-radicals in the body that can cause cell death.

In chili pepper, carotenoids and phenolic acids are the phytochemicals that can be derived from its leaves and fruits. The potential disease-preventive mechanisms of pyhytochemicals in fruits and vegetables and their constituents are not limited to antioxidant activity alone.  The phytochemicals can also act in the modulation of detoxification enzymes, stimulation of the immune system, alteration of cholesterol mechanism, and blood pressure reduction.

My wife grows the most common species of chili peppers in our garden. She utilizes the fruit and leaves from all varieties in preparing culinary dishes. The capsicum frutescens is my favorite and is one species of chili pepper that has the potential to reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, cataracts, and macular degeneration. The labuyo fruit was earlier utilized as a herbal plant to ease arthritis and rheumatism and is suppose to be an effective cure for dyspepsia, flatulence, and toothache.

The leaves and fruits both can both be consumed in a variety of culinary dishes. The leaves, freshly picked from our garden and cooked in soups or stir fry dishes are one of my summer favorites. Leaves should be added during the last 3 or 4 minutes of cooking. Capsicum may cause stomach irritation. Should not be taken during pregnancy and lactation.

All hot chili peppers contain photochemical know as capsaicinoids. Here is some interesting information:

Capsaicin was shown, in laboratory settings, to cause cancer cell death in rats.

Research in mice shows that chili (capsaicin in particular) may offer some hope of weight loss people suffering from obesity.

Researchers used capsaicin from chilies to kill nerve cells in the pancreases of mice with Type 1 diabetes, thus allowing the insulin producing cells to start producing insulin again.

Research in humans found that “after adding chili to the diet, the LDL, or bad cholesterol, actually resisted oxidation for a longer period of time, (delaying) the development of a major risk for cardiovascular disease.

Researchers found that the amount of insulin required to lower blood sugar after a meal is reduced if the meal contains chili pepper.

Chili peppers are being probed as a treatment for alleviating chronic pain.

Spices, including chili, are theorized to control the microbial contamination levels of food in countries with minimal or no refrigeration.

Studies found that capsaicin could have an anti-ulcer protective effect on stomachs infected with H. pylori by affecting the chemicals the stomach secretes in response to infection.

By combining an anesthetic with capsaicin, researchers can block pain in rat paws without causing temporary paralysis. This anesthetic may one day allow patients to be conscious during surgery and may also lead to the development of more effective chronic pain treatments.

Here are seven reasons to turn up the heat in your next meal.

The main reasons you should include chili fruit and leaves in your diet.

Fight Cancer: Studies have shown that capsaicin causes cancer cells to commit suicide.

Pain Relief: A topical form of capsaicin can be used to treat osteoarthritis pain. Studies have found that capsaicin both relieves and prevents cluster headaches, migraine headaches and sinus headaches.

Sinusitis and Congestion Relief: Capsaicin has potent antibacterial properties that fight and prevent chronic sinus infections, or sinusitis. Because it is hot, it also helps to stimulate secretions that help clear mucus form your nose, which relieves nasal congestion. May also help relieve sinus=related allergy symptoms.

Fight Inflammation: Capsaicin is an anti-inflammatory agent. It has the potential for treatment for arthritis, psoriasis and diabetic neuropath.

Intestinal Diseases: Capsaicin may lead to a cure for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The substance can help bacteria, which can help prevent stomach ulcers.

Lose Weight: Capsaicin is a thermogenic agent which increases metabolic activity. This helps to burn calories and fat.

Heart Protection: Capsaicin may help protect your heart by reducing cholesterol, triglycerides and platelet aggregation. It may also help to dissolve fibrin, which is necessary for blood clots to form. Many cultures around the world use hot peppers in their food and have significantly lower rates of heart attack and stroke than cultures that do not.

I will end this article with some information I just found out about “How Hot is your Pepper”.

Hot peppers’ heat is measured using the Scoville Heat Scale. While pure capsaicin measures in at over 16 million Scoville Units, most popular varieties rank around 30,000. Bell peppers make up the baseline, at zero Scoville Units. While the habanero pepper was once thought to be the hottest pepper, measuring in at 300,000 units, an Indian chili pepper called Naga Jolokia was tested in 2000 and received a searing score of 855,000 units! Most recently, a friend of mine provided me with a pepper extract that has a scoville rating of 1 Million?

Health Benefits of Apple

Bone Protection

French researchers found that a flavanoid called phloridzin that is found only in apples may protect post-menopausal women from osteoporosis and may also increase bone density. Boron, another ingredient in apples, also strengthens bones.

Asthma Help

One recent study shows that children with asthma who drank apple juice on a daily basis suffered from less wheezing than children who drank apple juice only once per month. Another study showed that children born to women who eat a lot of apples during pregnancy have lower rates of asthma than children whose mothers ate few apples.

Alzheimer's Prevention

A study on mice at Cornell University found that the quercetin in apples may protect brain cells from the kind of free radical damage that may lead to Alzheimer's disease.

Lower Cholesterol

The pectin in apples lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol. People who eat two apples per day may lower their cholesterol by as much as 16 percent.

Lung Cancer Prevention

According to a study of 10,000 people, those who ate the most apples had a 50 percent lower risk of developing lung cancer. Researchers believe this is due to the high levels of the flavonoids quercetin and naringin in apples.

Breast Cancer Prevention

A Cornell University study found that rats who ate one apple per day reduced their risk of breast cancer by 17 percent. Rats fed three apples per day reduced their risk by 39 percent and those fed six apples per day reduced their risk by 44 percent.

Colon Cancer Prevention One study found that rats fed an extract from apple skins had a 43 percent lower risk of colon cancer. Other research shows that the pectin in apples reduces the risk of colon cancer and helps maintain a healthy digestive tract.

Liver Cancer Prevention

Research found that rats fed an extract from apple skins had a 57 percent lower risk of liver cancer.

Diabetes Management

The pectin in apples supplies galacturonic acid to the body which lowers the body's need for insulin and may help in the management of diabetes.

Weight Loss

A Brazilian study found that women who ate three apples or pears per day lost more weight while dieting than women who did not eat fruit while dieting.

Health Benefits of Squid

Squid as food are prepared in different ways in different countries. It can be grilled, added to various cooking preparations including pasta, or fried in cooking oil either plain or battered and served with a choice of dips including lemon, ketchup, mayonnaise, olive oil, and soy sauce.

 For every 3 oz (85 g) of cooked squid, these are some of the nutrients and health giving goodness it does to the body

1.       Helps the body  absorb and utilize iron (copper)

Squid can provide the body with 90% of copper, a trace mineral which plays a role in the absorption, storage and metabolism of iron and the formation of red blood cells (RBC). Copper deficiency may show in the form of anemia.

2.        Lowers inflammation (selenium)

rheumatoid arthritis have low selenium levels in their blood. In addition, selenium is also an antioxidant which may help relieve symptoms of arthritis by controlling free radicals. Squid contains 63% of selenium.

3.       Helps maintain healthy skin, muscles, hair and nails (protein)

Protein is one of the essential nutrients that the human body needs to keep it healthy. It has many health benefits, one of the most important is keeping the skin, muscles, hair and nails in top shape. Good sources of complete protein come from animals and that includes the squid.

4.       Helps ease migraine headaches (vitamin B2)

Squid are rich in vitamin B2 (riboflavin), a nutrient which several studies have shown lowers the frequency and duration of migraines. Although findings were preliminary, research data suggest that riboflavin supplementation may be a good addition to migraine prevention treatment.

5.        Builds bones and teeth (phosphorous)

Just like fish and shrimps, squid is also packed with the mineral phosphorus. Phosphorus aids calcium in building bones and teeth.

6.       Helps lower risk of heart disease (vitamin B12)

Squid are good sources of vitamin B12, one of the nutrients which have shown to lower homocystein levels in the body. Individuals with elevated homocystein levels have shown to have higher rates of stroke, heart attack and death from heart disease compared to those with normal levels.

7.       Helps stabilize blood sugar levels (vitamin B3)

Eating these marine cephalopods may helps stabilize sugar levels with the help of their supply of vitamin B3.

8.       Boost immune system (zinc)

Squid are good sources of zinc. Individuals who are deficient in zinc have shown to be susceptible to a range of infectious organisms.

9.       Relaxes nerves and muscles  (magnesium)

Squid is a good source of magnesium called the “smoothie mineral” because of its ability to relax nerves and muscles.

10.   Helps lower blood pressure level.

Being a good source of potassium, squid helps regulate blood pressure levels.

In addition to the 10 nutrients mentioned above, squid also contains vitamin C, folate, calcium, iron and manganese.

Cholesterol alert

If you’re watching your cholesterol intake, you should consider moderating your squid consumption as this cephalopod contains one of the highest cholesterol content among seafoods at 221 mg or 74% for every 3 oz serving size.

Breakfast – Our Most Important Meal

Doctors and nutrition experts advice that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and for many good reasons.

Our body has not had any food for many hours. If we miss breakfast, that's unhealthy for everyone, but especially for growing children and adults doing physical and mental work. Everyone needs a healthy breakfast for that energy burst that makes our brain work properly.

Educators in impoverished areas like slums are familiar with all the symptoms of children who go to school without breakfast: short attention span, drowsiness, lack of energy and interest. Eating breakfast is what gets our metabolism going for the day, and helps our body regulate food intake -- and weight. When not starting our day off right with a healthy, filling breakfast, we are more likely to pick up unhealthy foods that we can get fast if we're in a state of semi-starvation.

Eating breakfast makes us less irritable; we need those blood glucose levels to even out, and breakfast is the meal for that particular job. Healthy blood glucose levels mean we won't be so cranky.

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Nutritional Benefits of Pako (Edible Fern)

Most of us would think that ferns are just ornaments used for floral arrangement. You can see ferns in most gardens and they grow as fast as the grass. But who would have thought that this fern can actually become edible. In our country, we call fern as pako. 

Pako has the scientific name of Athyrium esculentum. It belongs to family of fern. The very common use is for different vegetable cookings like adobo and ginisa. It can also be served as salad.

Pako is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin B. Decoction of rhizomes, young leaves and sugar is good for haemoptysis and for ordinary coughs.