Super Fruits – Tart Cherry – Natural Cure For Gout and Arthritis Pain

Last Updated on Tuesday, 25 October 2011 05:11 Written by Natural Health Team Tuesday, 25 October 2011 05:11

Health Information about Super Fruits – Tart Cherry – Natural Cure For Gout and Arthritis Pain

As natural remedies, natural solutions and natural cures are all the rage, two underlying factors are vital for any trend to be successful. These include research and longevity. Fortunately, super fruits offer both of these for anyone interested in natural solutions and natural cures.

As natural remedies, natural solutions and natural cures are all the rage, two underlying factors are vital for any trend to be successful. These include research and longevity. Fortunately, super fruits offer both of these for anyone interested in natural solutions and natural cures.

For decades, super fruits have been the source of legend and folklore. Stories of the health benefits of these golden nuggets of nature have been around since the beginning of time and are of still great interest today. The legends of the pomegranate, wild blueberry, cranberry and tart cherries offer an entire host of amazing health benefits. Thus, the longevity and viability factor has been answered.

Secondly, increasing amounts of research has been conducted on a number of super fruits over the past few decades. Many of the world’s leading research organizations have conducted, are conducting or may conduct research on the amazing health benefits of super fruit.

For example, the tart cherry, an emerging super fruit, is the recipient of a number of recent studies on the how this tiny red fruit can help fight joint pain due to gout and arthritis. In addition how this fruit can help to fight heart disease and diabetes. In fact, in one study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Western Human Nutrition Center at the University of California in 2003 reported that tart cherries lower blood urate levels by 15 percent.

The research was conducted on ten healthy women with age ranging from 20 to 40. Each of the participants were asked to eat 45 cherries per day. At the end of the study the average participant had a reduction of uric acid of 15%. Since gout is caused by uric acid, a reduction in uric acid in the body helps to reduce the pain associated with gout. Thus, according to the studies, tart cherries are an ideal way to fight gout and gout pain. Also consider drinking some cherry juice too.

In addition to gout relief, additional research suggests tart cherries also offer relief from arthritis pain. According to research conducted by Michigan State (MSU), tart cherries contact bioflavonoids and Anthocyanins. Results from the research indicates tart cherries may naturally inhibit the COX 1 and COX 2 (cyclooxygenase 1 and 2) enzymes. These are classified at flavonoids. The compounds in tart cherries may act similar to non-sterodial anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). However, unlike NSAIDS, research shows these flavonoids also protect against stomach damage.

If you are looking get the natural health benefits of this little red super fruit, here are a few suggestions:

o Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate: Tart cherry juice concentrate is a super-charged way to get its joint pain relieving properties of this super fruit. Over 60% of all tart cherries are grown in the Traverse Bay Farms area of Michigan. It takes approximately 100 tart cherries to make one ounce of cherry juice. One source for dried cherries is Traverse Bay Farms.

o Tart Cherry Capsules: Unlike tart cherry juice tart cherry capsules delivers both the skin and the pulp of the fruit. Thus, tart cherry capsules deliver the entire fruit. Tart cherry capsules deliver 100% of the phytochemicals of the tart cherry. One source for cherry capsules is Fruit Advantage.

So the next time you are looking for natural ways to fight arthritis pain, consider add some cherries to your diet.

The author enjoys writing about the food and its incredible health advantages

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Enjoy The Rainbow – The Color Wheel Of Fruits And Vegetables

Last Updated on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 03:03 Written by Natural Health Team Tuesday, 18 May 2010 03:03

The majority of people know that eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day is very important. Also, by eating fruits and vegetables of a variety of different colors, one can get the best all-around health benefits. Each different color fruit and vegetables contains unique health components that are essential to our health. Fruits and vegetables are very important to our health because they are whole foods, created by nature, that are rich in a large amount of nutrients. The processed foods that we so commonly eat, can never compare to the health benefits provided by strawberries or broccoli, which have fiber, vitamins, and enzymes built right in. The phrase “eating a rainbow” of fruits and vegetables is a simple way of remembering to get as much color variety in your diet as possible, so that you can maximize your intake of a broad range of nutrients. The colors of fruits and vegetables are a small clue as to what vitamins and nutrients are included. By getting a variety of different colored fruits and vegetables, you are guaranteed a diverse amount of essential vitamins and minerals.

When eating red fruits and vegetables including tomatoes, berries, peppers, and radishes, you take in nutrients such as lycopene, ellagic acid, Quercetin, and Hesperidin, to name a few. These nutrients reduce the risk of prostate cancer, lower blood pressure, reduce tumor growth and LDL cholesterol levels, scavenge harmful free-radicals, and support join tissue in arthritis cases. Carrots, Yams, Squash, Papayas, and other orange and yellow fruits and vegetables contain beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, flavonoids, lycopene, potassium, and vitamin C. These nutrients reduce age-related macula degeneration and the risk of prostate cancer, lower LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, promote collagen formation and healthy joints, fight harmful free radicals, encourage alkaline balance, and work with magnesium and calcium to build healthy bones. White fruits and vegetables, including mushrooms, white tea, flaxseed, and pumpkin, contain nutrients such as beta-glucans, EGCG, SDG, and lignans that provide powerful immune boosting activity. These nutrients also activate natural killer B and T cells, reduce the risk of colon, breast, and prostate cancers, and balance hormone levels, reducing the risk of hormone-related cancers. Wheat grass, barley grass, oat grass, kale, spinach, cabbage, alfalfa sprouts, mustard greens, and collard greens are all examples of green vegetables that contain chlorophyll, fiber, lutein, zeaxanthin, calcium, folate, vitamin C, calcium, and Beta-carotene. The nutrients found in these vegetables reduce cancer risks, lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels, normalize digestion time, support retinal health and vision, fight harmful free-radicals, and boost immune system activity. Blue and purple fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, pomegranates, grapes, elderberries, eggplant, and prunes contain nutrients which include lutein, zeaxanthin, resveratrol, vitamin C, fiber, flavonoids, ellagic acid, and quercetin. Similar to the previous nutrients, these nutrients support retinal health, lower LDL cholesterol, boost immune system activity, support healthy digestion, improve calcium and other mineral absorption, fight inflammation, reduce tumor growth, act as an anticarcinogens in the digestive tract, and limit the activity of cancer cells.

These nutrients that are found in the above-listed fruits and vegetables can have a significant impact on our health. Quercetin, which is found in apples, onions and other citrus fruits, not only prevents LDL cholesterol oxidation, but also helps the body cope with allergens and other lung and breathing problems. Ellagic acid, which is mainly found in raspberries, strawberries, pomegranates, and walnuts, has been proven in many clinical studies to act as an antioxidant and anticarcinogens in the gastrointestinal tract. This nutrient also has been proven to have an anti-proliferative effect on cancer cells, because it decreases their ATP production. The best-known of the carotenoids, beta-carotene, is converted into vitamin A upon entering the liver. Although being known for its positive effects on eyesight, it has also been proven to decrease cholesterol levels in the liver. Clinical studies have proven that lycopene, mainly found in tomatoes, may decrease the risk of prostate cancer, as well as protect against heart disease. Lutein, which is found in blueberries and members of the squash family, is important for healthy eyes. However, it does support your heart too, helping to prevent against coronary artery disease.

Along with the above stated nutrients, there are even more nutrients found in fruits and vegetables that provide a great deal of support to our body. Almost everyone has heard of vitamin C, which keeps our immune system strong; speeds wound healing, and promote strong muscles and joints. This nutrient is scattered throughout the spectrum of fruits, but commonly associated with oranges and other citrus fruits. Potassium, which is the nutrient most Americans are deficient in, does great things for our hearts, and lowers blood pressure. Another good food component many people don’t get enough of if fiber, found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Flavonoids, which include anthocyanins, flavones, isoflavones, proantocyanidins, quercetin and more, are found almost everywhere. They are responsible for the colors in the skins of fruits and vegetables and help to stop the growth of tumor cells and potent antioxidants. They also can reduce inflammation. Beta-glucan, found in mushrooms, stabilizes and balances the body’s immune system by supporting white blood cells. EGCG is found in tea and has been shown to reduce the risk of colon and breast cancer. It boosts the immune system and encourages T-cell formation, which defends our body against sickness and disease. Lastly, bioflavonoids, which are found in citrus fruits, are considered a companion to vitamin C because they extend the value of it in the body. These nutrients have the capabilities to lower cholesterol levels and support joint collagen in arthritis cases.

The number one excuse for not eating the required five servings of fruits and vegetables each day is they are too expensive. However, as compared to the amount of money spent on prepackaged, processed, and fast foods, most fruits and vegetables (with the exception of those that are not in season) are not all that expensive. Because frozen fruits and vegetables retain the majority of their nutritional value, they can be an excellent alternative when certain foods are out of season. Someone who is not able to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables each day can also drink fruit and vegetable drinks in their place. Although this shouldn’t become a habit, fruit and vegetable drink mixes can be an excellent substitute when you’re rushed or traveling. The need for fruits and vegetables in our diet is growing rapidly with the type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol, hypertension that result from the “Typical American Diet” of fatty meats, processed sugars, and refined grains. Great fruit drink Mixes and vegetable mixes can be found at your local health food store or internet health food store.

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Can Fruits and Vegetables be Harmful to your Health?

Last Updated on Monday, 17 May 2010 03:04 Written by Natural Health Team Monday, 17 May 2010 03:04

We all know how fruits and vegetables are good for our health. They have important vitamins, minerals, fibers, carbohydrates, carotenoids and antioxidants that have been associated with protection from heart diseases, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension.

But some of them are not recommended and can even harm your health, if you have certain disorders.

• If you have a stomach ulcer, avoid onions, garlic, pickles and red pepper.

• In a case of problems with your duodenum or if you have gastritis with high acidity, exclude from your diet oranges, watermelons, grapes, pomegranates, grapefruits, cabbage juice, lemons, garlic, radishes, sorrel, viburnum, plums and horseradish.

• If you have an inflammation process in your alimentary canal, exclude onions, garlic, cabbages, radishes, leek and rutabaga.

• If you have colitis or diarrhea, do not eat watermelons, grapes, cabbages, walnuts and horseradish.

• If you have pancreatitis and entherocolitis, you should exclude oranges, lemons and radishes.

• For cardiovascular disorders, onions, pickles and sorrel are not recommended.

• If you have heart problems accompanied by edemas or have a tendency to retain fluid in your body, exclude watermelons and grapes.

• For high blood pressure, grapes are not recommended.

• If you have a liver disorder, do not eat onions, garlic, pickles, radishes, horseradish, spinach, sorrel and red pepper.

• If you have gallstones, give up tomatoes and kidney beans.

• For problems with your kidneys, exclude garlic, onions, pickles, red pepper, radishes, horseradish, spinach and sorrel.

• If your kidneys are damaged by a potassium deficiency, grapes should be excluded.

• If you have gout, Polyarthritis, or osteoarthritis, give up beans, raspberries, spinach, sorrel, figs and kidney beans.

• If you have diabetes type I, do not include peaches, rice, beets and prunes in your diet.

• If you have epilepsy, garlic is not recommended.

• For high blood coagulation, exclude corn.

• For cystitis, exclude parsley.

• For nephritis (inflammation of the kidney), do not include raspberries and parsley in your diet.

• If there is a chronic festering process in your lungs, grapes should be avoided.

vegetable health

Health Fruits Make For A Healthy Diet!

Last Updated on Sunday, 16 May 2010 01:55 Written by Natural Health Team Sunday, 16 May 2010 01:55

Fruit has been around since the beginning of the world, and man has been eating it for as long as man has been on this earth. (Except for recently, all we seem to eat is french fries and pizza.) Fruit is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and different types of enzymes that help to keep you healthy. Most fruits are easily digested and they have a cleansing effect on your blood and your digestive tract. Here is the nutritional value for a few common types of fruit:

Apple – Apples tend to help put a stop to diarrhea, and they also are a good source of calcium and vitamin A. The skin of an apple has far more nutritional value than the flesh, and it gradually decreases towards the center of the fruit.

Banana – Ripe bananas are also used to relieve diarrhea, whereas the unripe fruit can stop constipation. Bananas are very high in calories, which can give you a boost of energy when you are down. Bananas also contain many vitamins and minerals including calcium, phosphorous, iron, and vitamin C.

Cherry – This fruit is used to cleanse the system, and can also help prevent dental problems. Cherries have also been used to help insomniacs get a good night sleep.

Coconut – The nutritional value of this fruit is it tends to cool the body. Coconuts are also a rich source of potassium, and coconut oil is often found in shampoos and conditioners, because it has a restorative effect on hair.

Orange – Oranges are good for relieving thirst, and also contain many different vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, B, C and calcium. Oranges are actually one of the highest foods in Vitamin C. Oranges and orange juice have long been thought of to help give your immune system a boost, and to help fight sickness.

Watermelon – The nutritional value of a watermelon is that it is a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. A watermelon is also very useful in cleansing your system including cleaning your kidneys, and purifying your blood. Watermelon can also help to fight different types of infections because it increases urine flow.

Fruits are a delicious way to increase the nutrition of your diet. Plus, they are easy to integrate into your diet – just add fruit to your breakfast cereal, your salad, your dessert, your sandwich, or anywhere you like! The more fresh fruit you add to your diet, the more health, nutritious, energy-filled your diet will be!

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Debunking the Fruits and Vegetables Myth: Fresh or Frozen?

Last Updated on Wednesday, 12 May 2010 03:03 Written by Natural Health Team Wednesday, 12 May 2010 03:03

Eating fruits and vegetables everyday gives you that Bio-Energy you need to keep an active and healthy lifestyle. A hearty serving daily means you get a fount of essential fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients great for fighting those damaging effects that free radicals can bring into your body.

You already know that healthy portion you must take and yet, you find yourself lost in an aisle of fresh and frozen produce. You have probably read hundreds of ads saying that choosing fresh means health. The question now is: Should you head to the nearest freezer and grab those frozen fruits and vegetables sold in bags? Or should you choose fresh picks instead?

Myth: Fresh Fruits and Veggies are Better than Your Frozen Variety.

Basic common sense will tell you to pick the fresh ones, but there is an evidence that frozen fruits and vegetables offer the same nutrition, or even better. Way back in 1998, the FDA or Food and Drug Administration have confirmed this fact. These frozen treats are blanched and frozen within the same day of harvest. The only process it took was steaming, which then is packed instantly to preserve its nutrients. This means you get the same healthy treat after opening a package.

There is also a better way of freezing fruits and vegetables through Lyophilization or freeze-drying technique. Originally done for Bio-Tech industries and pharmacies, freeze-drying makes it possible to store and eat foods – without the need of freezers. Mountain climbers and astronauts find these healthfoods healthy. Only water is removed, making your hearty treats compact and easy to carry.

In the end, it’s better to eat any fruit and vegetable, than none at all. Fresh choices can give you that flavor, juice and crunch you always crave for, but frozen produce gives you an extra shelf life. The option is always yours to make. Just keep in mind to skip those canned versions full of extra sugar, salt and unhealthy preservatives.

Remember that having variety will keep your goal of eating fruits and vegetables for the long run. You can buy many kinds – fresh, frozen or even dried. Fresh fruits will always look prettier in a fruit bowl than your frozen or dried variety. You can even enjoy your favorite fruits and veggies snack in the office, without those messy drips. Just bring along a bag of dried goodies and snack your way to a healthier you.

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