Health Benefits of Apricots

Here in centre of Europe the most popular midsummer fruits are the apricots. Those orange coloured fruits are full of beta-carotene and fibre. They are plentiful supply of vitamin C (antioxidant), vitamin E, vitamin A (beta-carotene) and potassium. Apricots are rich in other antioxidants including flavonoids and polyphenols have been linked to reduction in heart disease. They are wealthy in the carotenoids and xanthophylls nutrients that may help protect eyesight from aging- related damage.  Apricots are dietary well of catechins, a flavonoid phytonutrient potent anti-inflammatory substance.  Apricots may boost skin health as well.

About Apple 

An apple a day keeps the doctor away….  This most popular fruit is the product of the Malus pumila, the apple tree. There are more than 7000 known cultivars of It apples. Different cultivars are bred for various tastes and uses including eating raw, producing cider or cooking.

Nutritional values:  

Apples are high in fibre and water. They contain the following vitamins; vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B1 and vitamin B2 and the following minerals; potassium, manganese and copper. Apples are also rich source of polyphenols, which have antioxidant effect.

Health benefits:

The flavonoids in apple help lowering blood pressure, preventing heart disease, reducing LDL (low density lipoprotein) and act as antioxidant. Eating apple is linked to a lower risk of diabetes 2. Due to the antioxidants in apple it has anti-cancer effects. It also helps to protect your brain in old age. Quercetin (a flavonoid) in apple can help control the immune system and reduce inflammation.

Your daily diet should include whole apples because they are incredibly good for you and consuming them is linked to a lower risk of many major diseases.

It is an excellent gluten-free snack.

Health Benefits of Rosehip

Rose haw, rose hep or rosehip is the accessory fruit of the rose plant. Rosehips are used for herbal teas, jam, jelly, beverages and pies. You can eat them raw like berry.

Nutritional value of rose hep;

·      minerals: calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, manganese, selenium, sulphur, silicon  and zinc

·      vitamins: riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E

Health benefits: It contains powerful antioxidants, which can eliminate free radicals in the body. It prevents cancer, heart disease.  Regular intake of rosehip tea or jam can lower cholesterol level in your body and can boost your immune system.  It contains significant amount of iron, which is fundamental in the creation of red blood cells, so the recurring consumption of it can improve blood circulation. Other important minerals in rose hips can help prevent osteoporosis and keep your body strong and flexible.

Spring Cleaning, Detoxification of Your Body

Your body is a delight to toxins. You are continuously inhaling airborne particles and consuming a wide variety of foods, drinks.  There are too many sources of contaminants in the air, food and water. Junk food, stress, vehicles emissions, cleaning substances and more others are increasing the toxic level in your body. Maintaining a diet high in detox foods is one of the best ways to keep your general heath. However, with even the best diet toxins creep in.

You should start your detoxification diet with avoiding processed foods, alcohol, caffeinated beverages and sweets. At the beginning you must increase your water intake by 1 or 2 cups. Citrus fruits; lemon, satsuma, orange, grapefruit and lime are essential in the detoxification process. They are offering vitamins including high level of vitamin C, minerals. Their antioxidant effect helps to get rid off free radicals from your body. Lemon helps with your digestion so you can drink a cup of hot water with lemon added in order to prepare your digestive system for that day’s work. Among with lemon juice you should drink 1 or 2 cups of green tea per day, this superfood powers detox. The effect is better if you mix the green tea with cucumber. Green vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, sprouts and kale are nutrient-dense foods providing wide range of minerals; calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and selenium. They are full of vitamins; vitamin A, vitamin C, range of vitamin B-s, folates and pantothenic acid.  Many detox diets list garlic as a crucial piece of the puzzle. The reason is that garlic boosts up the immune system as well as helping out the liver. Some detox diets require you to consume ginger root. If you add grated ginger to hot water makes the water taste better. Ginger has medicinal value dates back to ancient Chinese civilizations, and one that is still believed to offer many health benefits. Turmeric has huge healthy effect on the liver. You can drink it as a tea or sprinkle it on you daily food and smoothie. Give your liver a big boost with cleansing action of watercress.  Add olive oil to your smoothie and your salad dressings in order to generate your liver to get rid off its gallstones.

Make your detox plan that greatly works for you and follow your scheme daily.

Health Benefits of Beetroots

Carved beets “jack-o’-lantern” (man with a lantern) was used for Halloween as a British tradition dates from the 17^th century. Nowadays it is replaced by carved pumpkin.

Beta vulgaris, beetroot is source of many raw or cooked healthy dishes, food colouring and medicinal plant. Swiss chard is another member of the beta genus grown for its edible leaves. In the Middle Ages it was used as a treatment for different illnesses and it was recommended to take it with garlic to nullify the effect of garlic- breath.

Nutritional value of beetroot:

The beetroot contains small amount of calories and fat but high level of fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Minerals: sodium, potassium, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese and copper.  

It also contains inorganic nitrates.

Vitamins: vitamin C a powerful antioxidant, vitamin A, carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamin B-s; folates, niacin, pantothenic acid and pyridoxine,

Phytonutrients: carotene-b and betaine and glycine.

Health benefits:

·      Beetroot can reduce blood pressure further reduces the risk of heart disease due to the increased level of nitric oxide which relaxes the blood vessels.

·      It has anti-cancel properties

·       Beetroot helps to fight inflammation

·       The betalin pigments content supports your body detoxification process.

·      It also improves your energy level.

Before serving beetroots, wash them under running water and scrub them thoroughly with a brush to remove any dirt or fungicide residues. Peel them and cut away their greens. The grated raw beetroots are healthy ingredients in a fresh salad.