BENEFITS OF VEGETABLES AND A SPECIAL RECIPES

Health Benefits of Vegetables

People who eat fruit and vegetables as part of their daily diet have a reduced risk of many chronic diseases. USDA's My Plate encourages making half your plate fruits and vegetables.
Vegetables are important part of healthy eating and provide a source of many nutrients, including potassium, fiber, folate (folic acid) and vitamins A, E and C. Options like broccoli, spinach, tomatoes and garlic provide additional benefits, making them a super food!
Potassium may help to maintain healthy blood pressure. Dietary fiber from vegetables helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease.
Folate (folic acid) helps the body form healthy red blood cells. Women of childbearing age who may become pregnant and those in the first trimester of pregnancy need adequate folate to reduce the risk of neural tube defects and spina bifida during fetal development.

Eating Vegetables Provides Health Benefits   

• The nutrients in vegetables are vital for health and maintenance of your body.
• Eating a diet rich in vegetables may reduce risk for stroke, cancer, heart diseases and type-2 diabetes.
• One to four cups of vegetables are recommended each day, depending on how many calories you need. To find out how many vegetables you need to eat, use the Healthy Eating Planner. 

Top 10 Reasons to Eat MORE Fruits & Vegetables

Why eat MORE fruits and veggies?                                        

Color & Texture. Fruits and veggies add color, texture … and appeal …  to your plate.

Convenience. Fruits and veggies are nutritious in any form – fresh, frozen, canned, dried and 100% juice, so they’re ready when you are!

Fiber. Fruits and veggies provide fiber that helps fill you up and keeps your digestive
system happy.

Low in Calories. Fruits and veggies are naturally low in calories.

May Reduce Disease Risk. Eating plenty of fruits and veggies may help reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and some cancers.

Vitamins & Minerals. Fruits and veggies are rich in vitamins and minerals that help you feel healthy and energized.

Variety. Fruits and veggies are available in an almost infinite variety…there’s always
something new to try!

 Quick, Natural Snack. Fruits and veggies are nature’s treat and easy to grab for a snack.

Fun to Eat! Some crunch, some squirt, some you peel … some you don’t, and some grow right in your own backyard!

Fruits & Veggies are Nutritious AND Delicious!

RECIPE FOR TODAY

Herbed Tomatoes, Beans and Rice Supper

Total Preparation Time: less than 15 minutes Number of Servings: 4 Actual Cooking Time:less than 15 minutes Source: www.kraftfoods.com

Food Groups: Grains, Meat & Beans, Milk & Milk Products, Vegetables Main Ingredient: Bean & Legume, Rice, Pasta & Bread, Vegetables Meal Type: Dinner Entrée Nutrition Content: Good Source of Calcium, Good Source of Fiber Special Features: Quick to Prepare (under 30 minutes), Vegetarian

A simple weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

1 can (28 ounces) diced Tomatoes, drained
1 can (19 ounces) cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup red wine Vinaigrette reduced-fat dressing
2 teaspoons each dried Thyme leaves and minced Garlic
1 cup shredded reduced-fat Mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups cooked brown Rice

Preparation:

Cook tomatoes, beans, dressing, thyme and garlic on medium heat 5 min. or until heated through.

Spoon over rice. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses and serve.

Cook's Notes:

Substitute dried rosemary, crushed or dried basil for the thyme.

You may also microwave tomato mixture on HIGH 3 min. or until heated through.

BREAST MILK

Researchers reveal how breast milk protects against severe intestinal disease in preterm infants

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Researchers have long hailed breast milk for its ability to boost an infant's immune system. Now, a new study led by Johns Hopkins researchers provides further evidence of this after discovering how breast milk can protect against a severe intestinal disease that affects preterm babies.

NEC is most common in preterm babies, who account for up to 80% of cases.

Dr. David Hackam, pediatric surgeon-in-chief at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, MD, and colleagues found that a protein in animal and human breast milk - called epidermal growth factor (EGF) - staved off necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm mice.
"We have known for some time that breast milk can protect premature babies against intestinal damage but how and why it did so has been somewhat of a mystery," says Dr. Hackam. "We believe that our findings solve a major piece of the mystery of this disorder."
The researchers publish their findings in the journal Mucosal Immunology.
NEC is a disease characterized by inflammation and death of intestinal tissue. It is most common in preterm babies, who account for up to 80% of cases. It is a severe disorder, claiming the lives of around 1 in 4 preterm babies who develop it.
At present, treatment for NEC in preterm infants involves the removal of the dead intestinal tissue. While this strategy can be effective, Dr. Hackam and colleagues note that infants are often left with an inadequate intestine, which raises their risk of long-term complications, such as short bowel syndrome.
As such, the researchers say new treatments for NEC are urgently required, and they hope their recent findings may fulfill this need.

Identifying EGF as a key factor in the NEC-preventing ability of breast milk

Past research from Dr. Hackam and colleagues revealed that the intestinal damage found in NEC is primarily driven by a protein called toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4).
TLR4 normally regulates how the immune system responds to bacteria. In the gut of a preterm infant, however, the protein regulates cell differentiation and intestinal growth.
The researchers explain that the intestines of babies become colonized with bacteria soon after birth in order to help them adapt to their new environment. But in the guts of preterm infants, the TLR4 protein spirals out of control, cutting off the intestines' oxygen supply and causing tissue damage.
In this latest study, the team exposed immature gut cells - some of which were pretreated with breast milk - to bacteria responsible for triggering the out-of-control TLR4 protein.
They found TLR4 expression was reduced in the pretreated cells. However, this was not the case when the breast milk was heated prior to treating the cells, suggesting the reduced TLR4 protein expression was down to a heat-sensitive protein.
One well-known heat-sensitive protein present in breast milk is EGF, which promotes cell growth and development. On removing this protein from the breast milk, they found it was no longer effective in reducing TLR4 expression, indicating EGF plays a critical role in the TLR4-inhibiting properties of breast milk.

Breast milk reduced intestinal damage in preterm mouse pups

Next, Dr. Hackam and colleagues fed either breast milk or salt water to preterm mouse pups, before injecting them with a bacteria that caused TLR4 to trigger cell death seen in NEC.
The researchers found that, compared with preterm mouse pups fed salt water, those fed breast milk had much lower levels of TLR4 in their guts, as well as lower levels of immune chemicals that trigger inflammation. These mice also had fewer dying intestinal cells, and their healthy gut cells continued to multiply.
In order to confirm that the protective effect of breast milk against NEC is down to EGF, the team fed breast milk to preterm mouse pups that received a drug that deactivated their receptors to the protein. The researchers found that these mice continued to develop NEC.
In another experiment, the researchers tested the effects of breast milk on mouse pups that already had NEC. The team witnessed fewer gut cells dying in these mice, indicating that the breast milk reduced severity of the disease.
Commenting on the team's findings, study author Dr. Misty Good, of the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA, says:

"Taken together, our findings show that EGF is a key factor present in breast milk that prevents the onset of NEC in two ways: EGF prevents intestinal cells from dying while at the same time restoring the cell growth that promotes gut healing."

What is more, Dr. Good says their findings emphasize the importance of providing breast milk to preterm infants in order to prevent NEC.
"The discovery of one of the components in breast milk that protects against NEC could pave the way to new therapies for the nearly half-million at-risk premature babies born in this country each year," she adds.
Last month, Medical News Today reported on a study published in The BMJ, in which researchers warned of the serious health risks that come with purchasing breast milk online.

Skipping Meal: What It can Cause

Skipping meals tied to increased belly fat, prediabetes

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A new study of mice suggests skipping meals may disrupt metabolism in a way that leads to extra fat accumulating around the middle and signs of prediabetes.

The researchers suggest skipping meals to save calories could be counterproductive as it results in larger fluctuations of insulin and glucose that can lead to more fat gain instead of fat loss.

Writing in the The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, the researchers, including members from Ohio State University in Columbus, describe how they compared mice allowed to nibble their food throughout the day with mice that ate their food in one session and then fasted for the rest of the time.
They found that the mice that gorged all their day's food in one session and fasted in between developed insulin resistance in their livers - an indicator of prediabetes - and more fat in their abdomens.

When the liver becomes less sensitive to insulin, it keeps producing glucose when it is not needed, so the blood ends up with too much sugar and the excess is stored as fat.
For the experiment, the researchers initiated gorging behavior in the mice. They had two groups of mice: the control and the intervention group. Controls were given their full daily food ration once a day - which they nibbled all day.
At first, the intervention group was given a restricted calorie diet. For 3 days their daily food ration had half the calories of that given to the controls. This initiated gorging behavior - they ate all their food in one session and then fasted.
Then, over another 3 days, the intervention (now gorging) mice were gradually given more and more calories until their rations were the same as the controls. But they continued with their gorging and fasting pattern - they did not go back to nibbling like the controls. They ate all their food in a period of 4 hours and then fasted for 20 hours.

Gorging mice had same weight but more belly fat than mice that nibbled all day

Over the period of the experiment the researchers measured various metabolism indicators in the mice.
They found that at first, as they were on calorie restriction, the intervention mice lost weight compared with the controls. And as they were given more and more calories, their weight returned to match the controls.
But around their middles - where humans carry their belly fat - by the end of the experiment, the gorging mice had accumulated heavier amounts of abdominal fat.
Carrying excess belly fat is linked to insulin resistance and higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Senior author Martha Belury, professor of human nutrition at Ohio, says their findings support the idea that eating small meals throughout the day can help lose weight, although that may not be practical for everyone. However, she also notes:
"But you definitely don't want to skip meals to save calories because it sets your body up for larger fluctuations in insulin and glucose and could be setting you up for more fat gain instead of fat loss."
She says by the end of the experiment, the intervention mice were basically bingeing and fasting. "People don't necessarily do that over a 24-hour period, but some people do eat just one large meal a day," she notes.

Gorging and fasting also led to Pre-diabetes

The team compared the metabolic measures in the intervention mice with the nibbling mice. When the intervention mice gorged then fasted, they had higher levels of inflammation.
This was also accompanied by higher activity in genes that promote storage of fatty molecules and plumper fat cells - especially in the abdomen. The researchers attribute these changes to spikes and then severe drops in insulin.
The researchers also looked at what was happening in the liver. When insulin levels fall - for instance, when we are asleep - the liver pumps glucose into the blood to feed the brain. When we eat, the pancreas pumps out insulin to move glucose from the blood to the cells that need it for energy. This rise in insulin instructs the liver to stop pumping glucose.
The team found glucose was lingering in the blood of the intervention mice - suggesting the liver was not receiving the insulin message that tells it to stop producing glucose. Prof. Belury explains how this links to diabetes:

"Under conditions when the liver is not stimulated by insulin, increased glucose output from the liver means the liver isn't responding to signals telling it to shut down glucose production. These mice don't have type 2 diabetes yet, but they're not responding to insulin anymore and that state of insulin resistance is referred to as prediabetes."

Insulin resistance could also be why the intervention mice gained abdominal fat - known as white adipose tissue - that stores energy. Even though they had the same body weight as the controls, their adipose tissue was heavier.
"If you're pumping out more sugar into the blood, adipose is happy to pick up glucose and store it. That makes for a happy fat cell - but it's not the one you want to have. We want to shrink these cells to reduce fat tissue," Prof. Belury adds.
Funds from the Carol S. Kennedy endowment, the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center and the National Institutes of Health helped finance the study.
Meanwhile, Medical News Today recently learned of a study published in JAMA that estimates metabolic syndrome affects more than a third of American adults, and almost half of those aged 60 and over, a statistic that the researchers note should be a cause for concern - especially as the US population is aging.

Extract from  Catharine Paddock PhD  Article

BANANAS (concluding Part)

What are the health benefits of banana

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Bananas are one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world for good reason. The curved yellow fruit packs a big nutritional punch, wrapped in its own convenient packaging. Some scientists believe that the banana may have even been the world's first fruit.
Dan Koeppel, author of Banana: The Fate of the Fruit That Changed the World, traces the banana back to the Garden of Eden, where he believes it was the banana, not the apple, that was the "forbidden fruit" that Eve offered Adam.
Today, bananas are grown in at least 107 countries and are ranked fourth among the world's food crops in monetary value. Americans consume more bananas than apples and oranges combined.
The possible health benefits of consuming bananas include lowering the risks of cancer and asthma, lowering blood pressure, improving heart health and promoting regularity.
This MNT Knowledge Center feature is part of a collection of articles on the health benefits of popular foods, which can be found here. 

Nutritional breakdown of bananas

One medium banana (about 126 grams) is considered to be one serving. One serving of banana contains 110 calories, 30 grams of carbohydrate and 1 gram of protein. Bananas are naturally free of fat, cholesterol and sodium.²
Bananas provide a variety of vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamin B6 - .5 mg
• Manganese - .3 mg
• Vitamin C - 9 mg
• Potassium - 450 mg
• Dietary Fiber - 3g
• Protein - 1 g
• Magnesium - 34 mg
• Folate - 25.0 mcg
• Riboflavin - .1 mg
• Niacin - .8 mg
• Vitamin A - 81 IU
• Iron - .3 mg

The recommended intake of potassium for adults is 4700 milligrams per day.

Possible health benefits of bananas

Blood pressure: Maintaining a low sodium intake is essential to lowering blood pressure, however increasing potassium intake may be just as important because of its vasodilation effects. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, fewer than 2% of US adults meet the daily 4700 mg recommendation.³
Also of note, a high potassium intake is associated with a 20% decreased risk of dying from all causes.³
Asthma: A study conducted by the Imperial College of London found that children who ate just one banana per day had a 34% less chance of developing asthma.
Cancer: Consuming bananas, oranges and orange juice in the first two years of life may reduce the risk of developing childhood leukemia. As a good source of vitamin C, bananas can help combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer. High fiber intakes from fruits and vegetables like bananas are associated with a lowered risk of colorectal cancer.
Heart health: The fiber, potassium, vitamin C and B6 content in bananas all support heart health. An increase in potassium intake along with a decrease in sodium intake is the most important dietary change that a person can make to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease, according to Mark Houston, MD, MS, an associate clinical professor of medicine at Vanderbilt Medical School and director of the Hypertension Institute at St Thomas Hospital in Tennessee.³
In one study, those who consumed 4069 mg of potassium per day had a 49% lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease compared with those who consumed less potassium (about 1000 mg per day).³
High potassium intakes are also associated with a reduced risk of stroke, protection against loss of muscle mass, preservation of bone mineral density and reduction in the formation of kidney stones.³
Diabetes: Studies have shown that type 1 diabetics who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels. One medium banana provides about 3 grams of fiber.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 21-25 g/day for women and 30-38 g/day for men.
Treating diarrhea: Bland foods such as apple sauce and bananas are recommended for diarrhea treatment. Electrolytes like potassium are lost in large quantities during bouts of diarrhea and may make those affected feel weak. Bananas can help to promote regularity and replenish potassium stores.
Preserving memory and boosting mood: Bananas also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that studies suggest plays a role in preserving memory and boosting your mood.

Incorporating more bananas into your diet

Fresh bananas are available year-round. Unlike other fruits, the ripening process of bananas does not slow down after they are picked. Bananas should be stored at room temperature. The warmer the temperature, the faster bananas will ripen. However, to slow ripening, bananas should be refrigerated. The outer peel of the banana will darken but the banana itself will stay intact longer.

Add a sliced banana to your morning cereal or oatmeal for a more nutritious breakfast

To encourage faster ripening, place the banana in a brown paper bag at room temperature.¹
In 2008, a popular diet fad known as the Morning Banana Diet recommended eating a banana in the morning along with water, eating a normal lunch and having dinner before 8pm.
Like apple sauce, ripe mashed bananas can be used in baked goods to replace oil or butter. Mashed bananas lend a moist, naturally sweet flavor to muffins, cookies and cakes.
Peel and freeze bananas for a great addition to any smoothie.
Add sliced banana to your morning cereal or oatmeal, or take a banana with you on your way to work or school for a healthy, portable snack.

Risks and precautions

Beta-blockers, a type of medication most commonly prescribed for heart disease, can cause potassium levels to increase in the blood. High potassium foods such as bananas should be consumed in moderation when taking beta-blockers.
Consuming too much potassium can be harmful for those whose kidneys are not fully functional. If your kidneys are unable to remove excess potassium from the blood, it could be fatal.
Dr. Peter S. Gelfand, who practices Internal Medicine in Long Beach NY, says:

"Certain medications used for heart disease and hypertension have the potential to increase potassium levels. Examples include certain Beta blockers such as Labetalol, medications that work by blocking the actions of the hormone Aldosterone such as Lisinopril and Losartan ; And certain Diuretics like Spironolactone and Eplerenone. This is a partial list only, and you should consult with your doctor if potassium levels become a concern."

Recent developments on bananas from MNT news
Green-banana flour makes healthy pasta alternative for celiac disease patients
A study by researchers at the University of Brazil and published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reveals that a new gluten-free pasta, derived from the flour of green bananas is a healthier, delicious substitute compared to other pastas for celiac disease patients.
Water purifying banana skins
To the surprisingly inventive uses for banana peels - which include polishing silverware, leather shoes, and the leaves of house plants - scientists have added purification of drinking water contaminated with potentially toxic metals. Their report, which concludes that minced banana peel performs better than an array of other purification materials, appears in ACS's journal Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research.

 

Health benefits

Heart health
Bananas are good for your heart. They are packed with potassium, a mineral electrolyte that keeps electricity flowing throughout your body, which is required to keep your heart beating. Bananas' high potassium and low sodium content may also help protect your cardiovascular system against high blood pressure, according to the FDA.

Depression and mood

Bananas can be helpful in overcoming depression "due to high levels of tryptophan, which the body converts to serotonin, the mood-elevating brain neurotransmitter," Flores said. Plus, vitamin B6 can help you sleep well, and magnesium helps to relax muscles.

Digestion and weight loss

Bananas are high in fiber, which can help keep you regular. One banana can provide nearly 10 percent of your daily fiber requirement. Vitamin B6 can also help protect against type 2 diabetes and aid in weight loss, according to Flores. In general, bananas are a great weight loss food because they taste sweet and are filling, which helps curb cravings. They also help sustain blood sugar levels during workouts.

Vision

Carrots may get all the glory for helping your eyes, but bananas do their share as well. The fruits contain a small but significant amount of vitamin A, which is essential for protecting your eyes, maintaining normal vision and improving vision at night, according to the National Institutes of Health. Vitamin A contains compounds that preserve the membranes around your eyes and are an element in the proteins that bring light to your corneas. Like other fruits, bananas can help prevent macular degeneration, an incurable condition, which blurs central vision.

Bones

Bananas may not be overflowing with calcium, but they are still helpful in keeping bones strong.  According to a 2009 article in the Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry, bananas contain an abundance of fructooligosaccharides. These are nondigestive carbohydrates that encourage digestive-friendly priobotics and enhance the body's ability to absorb calcium.

Cancer

Some evidence suggests that moderate consumption of bananas may be protective against kidney cancer. A 2005 Swedish study found that women who ate more than 75 servings of fruits and vegetables cut their risk of kidney cancer by 40 percent, and that bananas were especially effective. Women eating four to six bananas a week halved their risk of developing kidney cancer.
Bananas may be helpful in preventing kidney cancer because of their high levels of antioxidant phenolic compounds.

Health risks

Eaten in moderation, there are no significant side effects associated with eating bananas. However, eating the fruits in excess may trigger headaches and sleepiness, Flores said. She said that such headaches are caused by "the amino acids in bananas that dilate blood vessels." Overripe bananas contain more of these amino acids than other bananas. "Bananas can also contribute to sleepiness when eaten in excess due to the high amount of tryptophan found in them," she said. Magnesium also relaxes the muscles — another sometimes-benefit, sometimes-risk.
Bananas are a sugary fruit, so eating too many and not maintaining proper dental hygiene practices can lead to tooth decay. They also do not contain enough fat or protein to be a healthy meal on their own, or an effective post-workout snack.
Eating bananas becomes significantly risky only if you eat too many. The USDA recommends that adults eat about two cups of fruit a day, or about two bananas. If you eat dozens of bananas every day, there may be a risk of excessively high vitamin and mineral levels.
The University of Maryland Medical Center reported that potassium over consumption can lead to hyperkalemia, which is characterized by muscle weakness, temporary paralysis and an irregular heartbeat. It can have serious consequences, but you would have to eat about 43 bananas in a short time for any symptoms of hyperkalemia to occur.
According to the NIH, consuming more than 500 milligrams of vitamin B6 daily can possibly lead to nerve damage in the arms and legs. You would have to eat thousands of bananas to reach that level of vitamin B6.

Banana peels: edible or poisonous?

It turns out that the biggest risk from a banana peel might really be slipping on it. Banana peels are not poisonous. In fact, they're edible, and packed with nutrients. "Banana peel is eaten in many parts of the world, though [it's] not very common in the west," Flores said. "It contains high amounts of vitamin B6 and B12, as well as magnesium and potassium. It also contains some fiber and protein.
It is important to carefully wash a banana peel before eating it due to the pesticides that may be sprayed in banana groves.
Banana peels are usually served cooked, boiled or fried in some capacity, though they can be eaten raw or put in a blender with other fruits. They are not as sweet as banana flesh. Riper peels will be sweeter than unripe ones.

Banana facts

• Bananas may have been the world's first cultivated fruit. Archaeologists have found evidence of banana cultivation in New Guinea as far back as 8000 B.C.
• Bananas are produced mainly in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, Asia and the Americas, as well as the Canary Islands and Australia.
• Bananas do not grow on trees. The banana plant is classified as an arborescent (tree-like) perennial herb, and the banana itself is considered a berry.
• The correct name for a bunch of bananas is a hand; a single banana is a finger.
• Nearly all the bananas sold in stores are cloned from just one variety, the Cavendish banana plant, originally native to Southeast Asia.
• The Cavendish replaced the Gross Michel after that variety was wiped out by fungus. The Gros Michel reportedly was bigger, had a longer shelf life and tasted better.
• The Cavendish may face the same fate as the Gross Michel within the next 20 years, botanists say.
• Bananas are also called plantains. But in general use, "banana" refers to the sweeter form of the fruit, which is often eaten uncooked, while "plantain" refers to a starchier fruit that is often cooked before eating.

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BANANA PT 1

 BANANA:  THE ADVANTAGES

 Do you know that Banana has a lots of advantages, you want to know just sit back and enjoy this peice of material

You'll never look at a banana the same way again after discovering the many health benefits and reasons to add them to your diet. Bananas combat depression, make you smarter, cure hangovers, relieve morning sickness, protect against kidney cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis and blindness. They can cure the itch of a mosquito bite and put a great shine on your shoes.

If you think bananas are just for monkeys, think again.

• Bananas help overcome depression due to high levels of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin -- the happy-mood brain neurotransmitter.
• Eat two bananas before a strenuous workout to pack an energy punch and sustain your blood sugar.
• Protect against muscle cramps during workouts and nighttime leg cramps by eating a banana.
• Counteract calcium loss during urination and build strong bones by supplementing with a banana.
• Improve your mood and reduce PMS symptoms by eating a banana, which regulates blood sugar and produces stress-relieving relaxation.
• Bananas reduce swelling, protect against type II diabetes, aid weight loss, strengthen the nervous system, and help with the production of white blood cells, all due to high levels of vitamin B-6.
• Strengthen your blood and relieve anemia with the added iron from bananas.
• High in potassium and low in salt, bananas are officially recognized by the FDA as being able to lower blood pressure and protect against heart attack and stroke.
  
  

  Eating Bananas Aids Digestion

• Rich in pectin, bananas aid digestion and gently chelate toxins and heavy metals from the body.
• Bananas act as a prebiotic, stimulating the growth of friendly bacteria in the bowel. They also produce digestive enzymes to assist in absorbing nutrients.
• Constipated? High fiber in bananas can help normalize bowel motility.
• Got the runs? Bananas are soothing to the digestive tract and help restore lost electrolytes after diarrhoea.
• Bananas are a natural antacid, providing relief from acid reflux, heartburn and GERD.
• Bananas are the only raw fruit that can be consumed without distress to relieve stomach ulcers by coating the lining of the stomach against corrosive acids.
  

  Natural Cures From A Simple Banana

• Eating bananas will help prevent kidney cancer, protects the eyes against macular degeneration and builds strong bones by increasing calcium absorption.
• Bananas make you smarter and help with learning by making you more alert. Eat a banana before an exam to benefit from the high levels of potassium.
• Bananas are high in antioxidants, providing protection from free radicals and chronic disease.
• Eating a banana between meals helps stabilize blood sugar and reduce nausea from morning sickness.
• Rub a bug bite or hives with the inside of the banana peel to relieve itching and irritation.
• Control blood sugar and avoid binging between meals by eating a banana.
• Eating a banana can lower the body temperature and cool you during a fever or on a hot day.
• The natural mood-enhancer tryptophan, helps to relieve Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
• Quitting smoking? Bananas contain high levels of B-vitamins as well as potassium and magnesium to speed recovery from the effects of withdrawal.
• Remove a wart by placing the inside of a piece of banana peel against the wart and taping it in place.
• Rub the inside of a banana peel on your leather shoes or handbag and polish with a dry cloth for a quick shine.

Oh, and remember -- bananas make great snacks and delicious smoothies. 


Bananas are one of nature’s great snack foods, but did you know just how good for you they are and how many different and unusual uses they can have? Ahead are 10 banana health benefits for more energy, better health and even improving the way you look and feel.

Top 10 Banana Health Benefits

1. Potassium

Bananas are among the most convenient food sources of potassium. This mineral is essential for maintaining proper heart function and regulating normal blood pressure.
Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of potassium rich foods like bananas in lowering high blood pressure.
So much so that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows the banana industry to make official claims (much like they would a pharmaceutical drug) of their ability to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.
Further research by the New England Journal of Medicine suggests eating bananas regularly in your diet can cut your risk of having a stroke by up to 40%.
The potassium in bananas is also beneficial for your kidneys and bones. A good potassium intake suppresses calcium excretion in the urine that can lead to painful kidney stones.

This suppression of calcium loss also reduces your risk of developing osteoporosis and brittle bones.  A banana or two a day can have some serious health benefits.

 to be continue in the next episo  

Effect Of Self Medication

My husband died from kidney failure after self-medicating on Malaria drugs

Comments    Malaria Drug Experiences

 

Entering the apartment of Judith Duba, a civil servant residing at Kpor, in the Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, one could sense a thick atmosphere of grief.
Duba sits alone at a corner of her room, cold and lost in thoughts. She wears a sad expression, as she gazes through the window looking at no one in particular. Every morning, she wakes up to the sad reality that her husband of two years, Justice Duba, is no more.

“My husband lost weight drastically while he was taking medications for malaria; and instead of getting better, he got worse,” she says, a tear drop rolling down her cheek.
Duba’s husband, who hails from Nwebiama in the same local government area, having felt some ache, headache, pain and high body temperature, went to a local drug store, bought some drugs and placed himself on what he believed was malaria treatment.

“His health condition did not get better and so we eventually took him to the Bori General Hospital at the local government headquarters, where he was diagnosed with acute malaria, with traces of typhoid, and given adequate treatment,” she says.
Surprisingly, though he responded to initial hospital treatment, his health began to deteriorate.
Further medical test was carried out and it was discovered that he had developed a kidney problem, thus needing daily dialysis to stay alive.

“He was unable to breathe due to his failing health and was placed on oxygen, but we had no money to carry out the dialysis,” she says.
Justice died on April 18, 2014, leaving behind a grieving widow and a 60-year-old father, Vika Duba, who says, “It is a taboo that I live to bury my son instead of my son to bury me at my old age.”

 So, my people Self Medication is NOT good.

BEWARE! !! !!!

Benefits of Guava (Concluding Part)

In Conclusion of the Benefit of Guava to Human Life.

Benefits Of Guava For Hair:

Guava is a powerhouse of nutrients including Vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, copper, manganese, fiber, flavonoids and other phytochemicals. Thus, it is beneficial for healthy hair growth and maintenance.

Combats Hair Loss:

Being extremely rich in vitamin C, guava is one of those fruits that promote healthy hair growth. It also helps in combating hair loss problems.

How many Types of Guava Do we Have and How to Select and Store Them?

Selection: 
Guavas are available in different varieties such as the Chinese Guava, Strawberry, Lemon, Apple and Mountain Guava. In tropical regions, they are available all the year round. Guavas with red flesh such as Thai maroon flesh are more nutritious than Green Apple guavas. On ripening, the skin of the guavas generally turns from green to yellow, their flesh softens and they develop a fragrant fruity aroma. While purchasing guavas, make sure that you choose fresh fruits with their skins intact without any cuts, bruises or patches. Your choice of guava also depends upon the variety that you are buying. If you are buying pink guavas, choose the ones that are firm and devoid of soft spots. Their skin should be green with a yellow tinge. While buying white Thai guavas, make sure that they are free from blemishes or soft spots and their skin should be bright green in color, like a Granny Smith apple. Overly soft guavas or the ones with soft spots or discoloration should be avoided.
When the guavas are picked from the tree, they are mature but not ripe. In other words, though the fruit has reached its optimum size and shape, the starches present in it have not been converted into sugar. These starches will get converted into sugar after a few days which will cause the fruit to soften and emit a wonderful guava fragrance. Ripe guavas generally have a characteristic color and aroma.
Storage: Guavas can be stored at room temperature for a few days. Mature but green guavas can last for 2 to 5 weeks when kept at a regulated temperature between 46F and 55F and relative humidity of 85% to 95%. To hasten ripening, the guava can be kept wrapped in a paper with a banana or apple. Fully ripe guavas can be refrigerated for a few days. Pink and white guavas yield to gentle pressure if they are ripe. Ripe guavas can be kept in plastic bag or container and refrigerated for a few days. It is advisable to use them within a day or two. Unripe guavas can be stored in a plastic container or bag and can last for about two weeks. Freezing the guavas can make them last longer, even up to a year. To freeze a guava, cut it and place it in a freezer container. Cover it with light simple syrup and provide a little extra space in the container for expansion.

Tips for Usage (Cooking/ Eating)

As stated earlier, guava is a nutritious fruit with edible seeds and skin. Several varieties are available with each variety having a unique flavor and aroma. Before proceeding to eat guavas, it is necessary to wash them in cold running water to remove any dust and insecticide residues. The floral ends and remnants i.e. sepals should be removed and the tips ends should be cut with a sharp knife. Guavas can then be cubed or sliced like an apple. Guavas should be eaten with their skin on as the edible rind contains abundant amounts of vitamin C. Even the seeds can be eaten; and are very tasty and crunchy. Besides being eaten raw, guavas are often cooked to eliminate their strong odour as some people do not like it.
Given below are some tips and recipes to enjoy this exotic fruit.
1. Guava juice and nectar are refreshing drinks and are often used as an ingredient in cold or frozen drinks or in mixed liquor beverages.
2. Due to its unique flavour, guavas are often used to make jelly. They have a high content of pectin, a chemical substance that helps jelly to set. The juice from half ripe guavas can be combined with hibiscus flowers or low pectin fruits to make jelly. Guavas are also used in butters, jams, marmalades and preserves.
3. Fresh guavas can be simply sliced and topped with a little sugar and cream. Guava cubes can be added to other tropical fruits in a salad. Guavas can also be used with cheeses or in apple dishes or as sauces for meat and poultry. Another way to eat a guava is to simply cut it in half and sprinkle with a little lemon juice; and eat flesh and seeds with a spoon, discarding the skin.
4. Freshly extracted juice of pinkish or reddish fleshed guava is not only sweet and yummy but also rich in vitamins.  In fact, it can give a tough competition to any refreshment. You can easily prepare it at home. Wash and peel a guava. Add some sugar, ½ inch ginger (optional) and cold water; and blend it in a blender or juicer. Filter out the hard seeds and add some ice cubes while serving. This juice is quite tasty and refreshing especially in hot weather.
5. You can prepare a cool and refreshing drink by combining guava pulp and lemonade with a dash of lemon juice and sugar syrup. For this purpose, take about 8 large guavas, peel and cut them into big pieces and blend them in a blender with very little water. After removing and straining, add 4 teaspoons lemon juice, sugar syrup and a few drops of light pink color. Mix well and keep it in a bottle. While serving, add 1 teaspoon of this mixture and 3 ice cubes to ½ a bottle of lemonade.
6. You can prepare a delicious salad by combining roasted guava with feta cheese. For this purpose, cut the guavas into thin round slices and marinate them with some chopped parsley, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, black pepper powder and salt. Roast the slices till they turn golden brown and caramelize the pine nuts with honey. Mix the roasted slices of guava with caramelized pine nuts, lettuce leaves and cubes of feta cheese. Pour this dressing on the salad and garnish with chopped parsley and feta cheese. It can be served cold.
7. Guava can be combined with apple to prepare a delicious curry. For this purpose, take two apples and two guavas; and cut them into big pieces. Melt two tablespoons ghee in a pot and put 3 cloves and 3 cinnamon pieces. Roast 10 to 12 raisins and 4 to 5 cashew nuts for two minutes and then add the guavas and apples. Cook for some time and add 2 tablespoons red chili powder, 1 ½ tablespoons turmeric powder, 1 tablespoon coriander seeds powder and cumin seeds powder; and some salt and sugar. Remove and stir the mixture.
8. The sweet taste and strong fragrance of Florida pink guava make it suitable for dessert type dishes. Guava kheer is one such dessert that is quiet simple to prepare. All you need to do is pressure cook the guava and remove the seeds. Sieve it through a strainer. Adding sugar and milk to the pulp, bring it to a boil. When the sugar gets dissolved, add cardamom powder and garnish with roasted dry fruits. If you have any question or comment please feel free to send it.

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Benefit Of Guava To Human Body

HEALTH BENEFITS OF GUAVA The health benefits of guava include the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, cough, cold, skin care, high blood pressure, weight loss and scurvy. Many of you may have tasted this mouth-watering treat, or have at least seen or heard about it. Guava is very common in Asian countries, but is increasingly available in the western world, particularly as more of its health benefits are revealed. It is a somewhat round or pear-shaped seasonal fruit, and is light green, yellow, or maroon in color on the outside when it is ripe. Guava also has white or maroon flesh and lots of small hard seeds enveloped in very soft, sweet pulp. It is eaten raw (ripe or semi-ripe) or in the form of jams and jellies. This popular fruit is a powerhouse of nutrients. If the traditional adage says that “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” in Europe and Americas, the phrase is probably changed to “A few guavas in the season keeps the doctor away for the whole year” in the Indian Subcontinent and places where guavas typically grow. Its scientific name is Psidium Guajava. The health benefits of guava include the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, cough, cold, skin care, high blood pressure, weight loss and scurvy. Many of you may have tasted this mouth-watering treat, or have at least seen or heard about it. Guava is very common in Asian countries, but is increasingly available in the western world, particularly as more of its health benefits are revealed. It is a somewhat round or pear-shaped seasonal fruit, and is light green, yellow, or maroon in color on the outside when it is ripe. Guava also has white or maroon flesh and lots of small hard seeds enveloped in very soft, sweet pulp. It is eaten raw (ripe or semi-ripe) or in the form of jams and jellies. This popular fruit is a powerhouse of nutrients. If the traditional adage says that “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” in Europe and Americas, the phrase is probably changed to “A few guavas in the season keeps the doctor away for the whole year” in the Indian Subcontinent and places where guavas typically grow. Its scientific name is Psidium Guajava. What makes guava special is that protecting the fruit does not require excessive use of chemical pesticides as in the case of grapes, apple, and other so-called “exotic” fruits. It is one of the least chemically treated and sprayed fruits. What The Benefit Health Benefits of Guava Some of the surprising and brilliant health benefits are listed below. Weight loss: Guava is very helpful for those who want to lose weight without compromising their intake of proteins, vitamins and fiber. Guava is very high in roughage and rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals, but it has no cholesterol and a low number of digestible carbohydrates. It is a is very filling snack and satisfies the appetite very easily. Guava, especially raw guava, also has far less sugar as compared to apples, oranges, grapes, and other fruit. Adding a medium-sized guava to your lunch and you will not feel hungry again until the evening. Ironically, it can also help with weight gain in lean, thin people. This is probably due to its wealth of nutrients, which keep the metabolism regulates and helps to promote the proper absorption of nutrients. Diabetes: In a related benefit to blood pressure mentioned above, an intake of guava can also help those patients who suffer from diabetes. The high level of dietary fiber in guava helps to regulate the absorption of sugar by the body, which decreases the chances of major spikes and drops in insulin and glucose in the body. Studies have shown that consuming guava can help prevent the appearance of type-2 diabetes. Eyesight: Guavas are extremely good sources of vitamin-A, which is well known as a booster for vision health. It can help slow down the appearance of cataracts, macular degeneration, and general health of the eyes. It can not only prevent degradation of eyesight, but even an improvement in eyesight once it has begun to degrade. Cancer Prevention: One of the most celebrated and important benefits of adding guava to your diet is its ability to inhibit the growth and metastasis of cancerous cells. There have been numerous studies done in recent years on guava’s effects primarily on prostate cancer, breast cancer, and oral cancers. Guava leaf oil is extremely successful as an anti-proliferative substance, and has actually been shown to be more effective than some leading modern medicines in reducing cancerous growth. Guavas are also rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to be wildly successful in reducing prostate cancer risk. That same antioxidant has also shown to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells, although further human trials need to be done. Finally, the naturally high levels of vitamin-C in guavas, which are four times higher than the levels found in oranges (the traditional vitamin-C powerhouse), provides the immune system a huge boost in antioxidants. Antioxidants are the major lines of defense against the proliferation of free radicals in the body, which are one of the main causes of serious conditions like cancer and heart disease. Therefore, adding guava to your diet has numerous ways in which it helps you stay health and cancer-free. Scurvy: Guava can outdo many other fruits, including orange and other citrus fruits, in terms of its concentration of vitamin-C. A  deficiency of vitamin-C can cause scurvy, and proper intake of vitamin-C is the only known remedy for that dangerous disease. In fact, guavas contain 5X more vitamin-C than oranges, which are often heralded as the absolute best source of that beneficial vitamin. What makes guava special is that protecting the fruit does not require excessive use of chemical pesticides as in the case of grapes, apple, and other so-called “exotic” fruits. It is one of the least chemically treated and sprayed fruits. Rich in Vit C: Guava contains Vitamin C and it helps protect cells and lower cancerous damage to them. Lesser Diabetes Risk and Cleaned System: Fiber is important for lowering blood sugar levels. At the same time, it is good in cleansing digestive system and maintaining free bowel movement. Guavas are rich in fibres. The more your system stays clean, the happier you will be from inside. Eye Health Improvement: Vit A or retinol is responsible for good eye sight. Guava is rich in retinol, so if you don’t like carrots, you can try a guava for improving  your eyesight Folate Content: Guavas contain a mineral known as folate. It helps promote fertility in humans. Regulation of blood pressure levels: Potassium in guavas helps normalize blood pressure levels. A banana and a guava contains almost the same amount of potassium. Trace Element Copper Enriched: Guavas contain the trace element copper which is very good in maintaining good functioning of the thyroid gland. Improper functioning of thyroid gland can cause a lot of health problems. Manganese Richness: Guavas are rich in manganese which helps the body to absorb other key nutrients from the food that we eat. When our food gets properly utilised, we get all the key nutrients like biotin, vitamins, etc. Nervous Relaxant: Guava is rich in magnesium which acts as a nervous relaxant. It helps to relax muscles and nerves of the body. So after a hard work out, a guava is certainly what you need to relax your muscles and give your system a nice energy boost. Healthy Mind: It helps to keep your brain functions positive by maintaining good blood flow and also by infusing it with Vit B3 and Vit B6. Vit B6 is pyridoxine which is good for nerves. It keeps your nerves relaxed. Winter has set in and it’s the season for some delicious guavas. We all love to eat this fruit and several varieties are available. Guava is basically a tropical fruit that is believed to have its origin in Central America where it is also known as “sand plum”. Guava tree is a tropical evergreen shrub. In fact, guava is a large berry which is round or oval in shape with light green or light yellow skin. The color of its flesh varies from white or pink to dark red and has edible seeds. There are various species of guavas which differ in terms of fragrance, taste and appearance. Generally it has a strong, sweet and pungent fragrance and its flavour ranges from strawberry or lemon to tropical. It is widely available in India and is locally known as “peru”. In fact, it is quite cheap so everyone can afford it. In India, roadside vendors are often seen selling guavas. Besides its unique flavor and fragrance, guava has been hailed has one of the best fruits because of its numerous health promoting qualities. This humble fruit is known for its medicinal properties, thanks to the sugars, vitamins and minerals present in it. It is extraordinarily rich in vitamin C and also contains carotene and antioxidants that are beneficial for skin health. Guavas are consumed in varying degrees of ripeness. They are also used in cooking as an ingredient in both sweet and savoury dishes. Guava juice is also a refreshing drink. Benefits Of Guava For Skin: Guava has an important role to play in skincare since it is abound in vitamin C, antioxidants and carotene, all of which are beneficial for your skin. Thus, guava pulp is often used in the manufacture of cosmetic care lotions for the face and body. The benefits of guava for skin are as follows. Improves Complexion Pink guava helps in beautifying your skin, thus enabling it to regain its radiance and freshness. To improve your complexion, you can prepare a simple guava scrub at home. For this purpose, mash some guava flesh with an egg yolk and apply it on your face. Rinse off after 20 minutes with warm water. When used once or twice a week, this scrub will remove dead cells from your skin and lighten your complexion. It will also remove impurities, thus providing your skin a fresh and invigorated feeling. UV Protection: Pink guavas contain twice the amount of lycopene present in tomatoes. Lycopene is an antioxidant that protects your skin from being damaged by UV rays and environmental pollution. A guava provides about 2.9 grams of lycopene. Anti-ageing Properties: Guava is a rich source of vitamins A, B, C and potassium which are good antioxidants and detoxifiers. They fight free radicals, thus keeping your skin glowing and free from premature signs of ageing like wrinkles and fine lines. Besides, lycopene protects the healthy cells from toxins that accumulate in the body due to metabolism and environmental pollution. These toxins also cause pre mature ageing by damaging the DNA in charge of growth and development. Natural Skin Toner: The high concentration of vitamins, minerals and nutrients in guava helps in keeping your skin toned, fresh and wrinkle free. Guava is effective in enhancing skin texture, tightening the loosened skin and reviving the lost elasticity of the skin. The astringent qualities of guavas keep your skin free from blemishes, acne, wrinkles and pimples. Washing your face with the decoction of immature guava fruit and its leaves beautifies your skin Treatment of Acne and Dark Spots: If you are suffering from acne and dark spots, you can take some guava leaves and mash them to make a smooth paste. Clean your face and apply it on the acne and dark spots. Doing this daily will heal your acne. Skin Hydration: Proper hydration is vital for healthy skin. Water plays an important role in keeping your skin hydrated. Thus, it is recommended to have 8 glasses of water in a day. Guava is an excellent source of water with 81% of the fruit comprising of water. In this way, it plays an important role in skin hydration. Treatment of Skin Problems: A guava provides more than twice the recommended daily value of vitamin C which is excellent for skin healing as it contributes to generation of collagen, the substance that imparts firmness to the skin. Besides, it provides about 1.4 micrograms of vitamin K which is 2% of the recommended daily value. This vitamin improves blood coagulation, impairment of which causes skin redness and irritation. This makes it beneficial in treating dark circles, spider veins, rosaceae, acne irritation and splotchiness of skin. Treatment of Blackheads and Skin Itchiness: In case of blackheads, you can blend the leaves of the guava fruit with little water and apply it as a scrub on your nose to remove blackheads. Guava leaves can also rid you of skin itchiness as they contain allergy blocking compounds. Watch Out for the Concluding Part