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Friday, 13 July 2012

Health Benefits Of Blueberries

Believe it or not, but blueberries seem to belong to the kind of delicious food rich in flavors and great for health improvement. They are close to the top on the list of the best, commercially available antioxidant fruits. They have even been categorized as super foods. The substance responsible for their strong antioxidant action is called anthocyanin. It is a type of (bio)flavonoid and these substances in general are known to have dual action – they promote health and have substantial therapeutic effects.


Therefore, there is no better recommendation that to reach out for and capitalize on the numerous health related benefits of blueberries. If you are wondering how much is enough, just take one cup of blueberries daily, or even better, prepare some delightful, healthy juice out of them alone, or in combination with some other fruits. Apart from juicing in a juice extractor  there is another possibility – you can prepare a healthy smoothie out of them. Either way, make sure that there are no fruits with marks of mould formation, and … happy juicing.



Health Benefits


Apart from their antioxidant action, blueberries contain a lot of vitamin C, minerals and fibers. One cup of this fruit contains 12 milligrams of vitamin C, less then a milligram of Mn, about 5 grams of fiber, and relatively low calorie content. Remember that these micro nutrients are beneficial substances primarily due to their organic origin – unlike some of the supplements which contain minerals and vitamins of inorganic origin. Blueberries are a real mine of beneficial minerals, especially calcium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin C.
When consumed raw, blueberries will be quite beneficial also to those who struggle with weight problems. They are rich in vegetable fibers and thus will promote a feeling of satiety. Unlike the fresh berries that will gently cleanse the body, the dried blueberries will stop diarrhea.
The beneficial effect of blueberries can be seen in the improving of some heart conditions, cancer prevention, sight improvement, and preventing infections of the urinary tract. Some studies suggest that the dark pigments in blueberries are likely to be responsible for lowering of cholesterol blood levels, while the antioxidants may help prevent colon cancer. Last, but not least, the lutein is held responsible for preventing issues of macular degeneration.

Blueberries May Improve Memory

In an article published in the ACS Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, experts point out that studies on animals have shown that blueberries may improve memory in older adult. A group of subjects older than 70 years were given a cup of blueberry juice in the morning during a period of two months. The control group was given a drink without blueberries. The subjects who consumed blueberry juice had better scores on memory and learning tests. As the authors of this research study say, the preliminary results are encouraging, and suggest that the continuous consumption of blueberry juice could delay or mitigate neurodegeneration.
In the absence of effective therapy for dementia, there is always the preventive approach where blueberries, amongst the other healthy foods, can indeed help.

Vitamins In Beetroots



Containing the powerful antioxidant betacyanin, which gives beetroot its deep red hue, this vegetable purifies the blood and has anti-carcinogenic properties. Research shows it boosts the body’s natural defenses in the liver, regenerating immune cells. Also contains silica, vital for healthy skin, fingernails, ligaments, tendons and bones.
Beet is believed to be native of the Mediterranean region of Europe and probably Western Asia. It has been used as a vegetable for the last 2000 years, even by early Greeks and Romans. It was so appreciated by ancients that it was offered on silver to Apollo in his temple at Delphi.
Beetroot contains sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iodine, iron, copper, Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and C. Each capsule provides approximately 1-2mg of elemental iron.

Benefits and Features of Beetroot
  • Beetroot provides a good source of anthocyanadins, a natural antioxidant that contributes to its deep red colour
  • Extract is a natural source of vitamins and minerals
  • Beetroot is used traditionally as a blood building food
  • Beetroot may aid the natural process of elimination and support detoxification processes
  • Beetroot has liver, spleen, gall bladder and kidney cleansing properties
  • Beetroot is particularly rich in Vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus and iron
  • Each capsule provides approximately 1-2mg of elemental iron
  • The iron contained in beetroot is organic and non-irritating and will not cause constipation
    Beetroot is useful in acidosis due to it being rich in alkaline elements
  • Vacuum packed to enhance stability and shelf life
  • Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
DESCRIPTION


Also called beet, the beetroot is a firm, clean globe shaped vegetable with no soft wet areas. If still attached, it should have fresh, clean young leaves. The beetroot is characterised by dark purple skin and a distinctive purple flesh.

HISTORY

In pre-Christian times, the leaves of the beetroot were only eaten. Today, the root is used more often than the leaves since it stays fresher longer. Some beetroots are cultivated for distilling and the sugar industry. They are used as a vegetable and as food colouring.

PREPARATION TIPS AND USAGE

The leaves of the beetroot should be removed and the beetroot should be washed in cold water using a soft vegetable brush. They can be grated and eaten raw, boiled or baked. Raw beetroot may be peeled, diced and sauteed in butter. They can also be added to salads. Beetroots take at least 2 hours to be baked in the oven or boiled in salt water. Very small beetroots are preserved in vinegar and used in making pickles.

STORAGE 

For storing, the beetroot leaves should be cut 50 mm above the root. They will keep for 4 - 5 days when refrigerated in the vegetable crisper.