Sunday 28 September 2008

Top Health Benefits of Oranges

Orange fruit is one of the best gifts of nature. This fruit offers a lot ofhealth benefits for your body. Its native to Southern China. There are many varieties of this fruit. The more important forms are loose-skinned and tight-skinned oranges. The first one is very popular in India, known as Narangi and the second form is largely used in Europe. Its highly rich in vitamin C, B and A and calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, copper, sulfur and chlorine. The consumption of this fruit immediately produces energy in the body. In many languages, this fruit is popular with the name of 'Chinese Apple'. Check its main health favors in this outlook:
orangeWeight control- This fruit is low in calories and high in fiber content. So it keeps your stomach 'full' without increasing your weight. So it makes a fine remedy to lose those extra pounds from your body.
Blood pressure control- If you suffer from high blood pressure then you may face the problems of a stroke, hypertension and coronary heart disease. Oranges contain a good amount of potassium which helps in the regulation of high blood pressure.
Diabetes prevention- This fruit has a low glycemic index which does not allow an increase in the blood sugar level when you eat it. So it helps to regulate the problem of diabetes.
Strong immunity- Orange juice is extremely beneficial for treating the problems of cold, flu and fever. It builds a strong immunity which helps your body to fight off with the infections that cause these disorders.
Inflammation- Due to the anti-inflammatory nature of this fruit, it helps to treat the problems of stiff joints and arthritis.
Cancer prevention- This fruit contains certain compounds which are called limonoids. They help to treat the diseases of stomach cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, mouth cancer and skin cancer.
Digestive health- If you take oranges in routine then they relieve the trouble of constipation. Their high fiber content helps to maintain a regularity of bowel movements.
Other benefits- The presence of phytochemicals and flavonoids in this fruit help to prevent the formation of blood clots and various tumors.
Skin health- To maintain a healthy skin, you need to take orange peels and rub them on your skin. Keep it on for a few minutes and then wash it off with fresh water.
For Culinary Use- Oranges are used in making marmaledes, cakes, puddings, juices and best of all, eaten raw !!

Thursday 4 September 2008

Top 5 Health Benefits of Apricots

Apricot is a fruit known for the health benefits and taste, it offers. Like other foods, Apricots are also known by other names, such as Botanical name: Prunus Armeniaca and Indian Names  : Khubani, Zardalu.
Quite similar to Peaches, Apricots are comparatively smaller. Fresh apricot is rich in natural sugars, Calcium, Vitamins A, B complex, Niacin and Riboflavin as well as Vitamin C. The nut of the apricot contains 40-45 % of an oil, practically identical with almond oil in its physical as well as chemical properties.

Uses of different parts of Apricot Tree

apricotMost of the parts of the Apricot Tree - the fruit, kernels, leaves, oil and flowers have their own medicinal value.
Apricot flowers are used in most of the cosmetics in China.
Apricot kernel, used for making oil similar to that of the almond, is sedative, antispasmodic by nature, which relieves strained muscles; heals wounds; promotes natural deworming and acts as a general tonic.

Health Benefits of Apricots

1. Relieves Constipation - The fruit is a natural laxative, so it helps in treating constipation, due to its rich content of pectin (absorbs and retains water, increasing bulk to faeces) and cellulose (roughage, the indigestible part). Even in the cases of Chronic Constipation, eating 6-8 apricots per day will bring relief.
2. Treats Indigestion - If consumed before your meal, Apricots may cure your indigestion problem. Another delicious alternative is Apricot Marmalede. Make sure, you get organic Apricots, if you want it to cure your ill-health condition.
3. Fights against Anemia - Due to its rich iron content, Apricot becomes a good remedy for anemia. Using the fruit liberally might also help in increasing the production of hemoglobin in your body.
4. Skin Diseases - Fresh juice of Apricot Leaves is quite effective in skin diseases. Simply applying this juice over your affected area might help in the cases of scabies, eczema, sunburn and itching due to cold exposure.
5. Fevers - Fresh apricot juice, mixed with glucose and honey, is a very cooling drink in case of fevers. It quenches your thirst, eliminating the waste products from the body. This wonder juice also tones up your eyes, stomach, liver, heart and nerves by supplying vitamins and minerals all over your body.
Now, with such wonderful benefits and an awesome juicy sweetness, how can one resist this delicious fruit!! Just grab a wholesome bunch of Apricots and relish the Taste & Health.