The Top 7 Health Benefits of Jujube Fruit, Including Better Digestion & Immunity

I bet you’ve heard of the candies known as jujubes, juju fruits or Jujyfruits. These variations of chewy, colorful, artificially flavored “fruit” flavored candies are anything but healthy. So why do these unnatural candies have the same name as a natural exotic fruit that’s loaded with health benefits? Well, according to food historian Charles Perry, the candies originally contained jujube fruit juice, and at the turn of the century, it was common to use the candies for chest complaints. They were especially popular in theaters when moviegoers didn’t want their coughs to disturb fellow viewers.

Today, the candies unfortunately don’t contain any jujube juice, but the good news is that jujube fruit, commonly called red dates, can be eaten fresh, raw or infused into tea to gain their anciently old (4,000 years!) health-promoting properties.

Similar to an olive or small date in size, fresh jujube fruit has the texture and crisp, bright flavor of an apple. In traditional medicine, the fruit, seeds and bark of jujube have been used to treat anxiety and insomnia, as well as as an appetite stimulant or digestive aid.  While fresh jujubes have flesh that tastes similar to an apple, dried jujube tastes much like dates and have a similarly impressive nutritional profile. Like dates, jujube fruit is loaded with energy, essential vitamins and minerals, which provide its many health benefits.

7 Health Benefits of Jujube Fruit

1. Anticancer Abilities

The water extracted from jujubes has demonstrated its potential at inhibiting cancerous cells. One study in particular from the Vaccine and Serum Research Institute in Iran tested the water extract of dried jujube fruit for possible anticancer effects and induction of apoptosis (automatic cell death) of human tumor cell lines. Using DNA fragmentation analysis, researchers showed that jujube extract suppressed the human tumor cell lines, especially a leukemia line. Overall, this scientific study showed jujube’s impressive ability to kill off tumor cells, making jujube fruit a potential cancer-fighting food.

2. Insomnia Treatment

Jujubes and their seeds are commonly used in Chinese medicine to treat common sleep troubles like insomnia. Jujube fruit and jujube seeds contain compounds known as flavonoids, saponins and polysaccharides. Studies have shown that its jujube’s high saponin content that gives it the ability to act as a natural sedative and have a soothing effect on the entire nervous system.

One study out of China found that the saponin in jujubes demonstrated an effective sedative and hypnotic function, which can be used to help sleep.  A cup of jujube tea before bed might be just the ticket to a restful night’s sleep and help treat insomnia without drugs.

3. General Gastrointestinal Benefits 

Jujube fruit has traditionally been used as a puree, paste, tea or soup to improve digestion. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that an adequate consumption (defined as 40 milligrams per day) of jujube each day can improve the overall gastrointestinal environment and reduce the exposure of intestinal mucosa to toxic ammonia and other harmful compounds.

4. Chronic Constipation Relief

A specific gastrointestinal benefit of jujube is relief from the common and very unwanted health problem of chronic constipation, working as a natural constipation remedy. A study published in Digestion investigated the safety and efficacy of an extract of jujube on people with prolonged transit time, which is indicative of constipation. Subjects received liquid Z. jujuba or placebo for 12 weeks.

For the jujube-treated group, symptoms normalized in 84 percent of subjects, but only 12 percent of the placebo group showed improvements. The study concluded that jujuba extract is an effective and safe treatment for chronic constipation.

5. Uplifting and Calming Fruit

Jujubes are known for having a soothing effect on the mind and body. That’s exactly why they’ve been traditionally used as a natural antidepressant, anti-anxiety and anti-stress medicinal food. The seeds of the jujube fruit have been specifically implicated in reducing anxiety in animal subjects.

Results from one study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology suggest that jujube seed extract has anti-anxiety effects at a lower dose and sedative effects when used at a higher dose. Unfortunately, there are currently no human studies on the sedative or anxiety-reducing effects of jujube, but the animal research has been encouraging to date for jujube’s potential as a natural stress reliever.

6. Rich in Disease-Fighting Vitamin C

As both a high-antioxidant food and vitamin C food, jujube consumption is an excellent way to increase your intake of key nutrients. Antioxidants are nutrients that block damage caused by free radicals. Excessive levels of free radicals in the body are linked with an accelerated aging process as well as more serious health concerns like cancer and heart disease.

Since our bodies can’t produce vitamin C on their own, it’s essential that we make sure we get enough vitamin C in our diets. Having just under a half cup of fresh jujubes fulfills over 100 percent of your daily vitamin C requirement. That’s a pretty easy and tasty way to fight free radical damage and stave of disease.

Vitamin C is also key to healthy skin and hair, while helping heal wounds and injuries to the body more quickly.

7. Blood Pressure Helper

A cup of fresh jujubes has around 15 percent of your daily potassium needs. Do you know what potassium is good for? It’s excellent for keeping your blood pressure at healthy levels, which in turn is excellent for heart health. Jujube’s potassium is helpful for keeping the blood vessels relaxed. When blood vessels are relaxed, blood flow and pressure is much better.

If you notice any high blood pressure symptoms creep up, jujubes may be helpful to get your blood pressure back in check.

7 Health Benefits of Pistachio Nuts

The delightful Pistachio nuts are extraordinary for general health and to get a strong insusceptible framework. The nuts are pressed with a few supplements and can confer different medical advantages. It is a heart sound nut that contains great unsaturated fat and is thick in different supplements.

The pistachio nut originally belongs to Western Asia, but has been known for many years throughout the Mediterranean. It is one of the two great nuts that is mentioned in the Bible and is one of the best nuts to be consumed as a snack.

1. Healthy Blood
Pistachio is a great source of Vitamin B6 which is needed to make hemoglobin in the body. It is the protein that is needed to carry the oxygen throughout the bloodstream of your body to the cells.

2. Improvement of Eye Health
Pistachios contain zeaxanthin and lutein, the two carotenoids that is absent in most of the nuts.

These two carotenoids defend the tissues from any damages and also reduce the chances of any visual impairments and blindness.

3. Healthy Skin
If you wish to get a healthy skin, then consumption of Pistachios can be a great choice. It is a rich source of vitamin E, which acts as a very powerful antioxidant that is fat soluble.Vitamin E maintains the cell membranes and is also good for a beautiful skin. It also protects the skin from the harmful UV rays damage and acts as a defendant.

4. Healthy Immune System
Pistachios contain ample amounts of Vitamin B6 that is very essential for a healthy immune system. A deficiency of the vitamin can be dangerous and retard your brain and reduce the effectiveness of your immune system. It also helps in the production of red blood cells and white blood cells that defend the body.

5. Prevention of Diabetes
Pistachios can be very helpful in the prevention of Type 2 diabetes. Just one cup of Pistachios contain the required daily intake of phosphorus that is needed by the body.

6. Healthy Heart
Pistachios are known to lower the levels of bad cholesterol and increase the level of good cholesterol in the body.It has high amount of antioxidants and protects you from the risks of anyheart diseases. It also fights against inflammation, and protects the blood vessels.

7. Healthy Nervous system
Pistachios contain good amount of Vitamin B6 that can benefit your nervous system too. The production of amino acids is dependent on Vitamin B6. The sheath around the nerve fibre is also created by Vitamin B6 which is contained in Pistachio.Now you can understand how this delicious nut can offer you a great number of benefits. Consuming just a fist full of this amazing nut can offer the body needed amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and protein.So, add this wonderful nut to your diet and get amazing benefits. These nuts come with myriad benefits and consuming it will only make your body more robust and healthy.

AFTER READING THIS, YOU ARE GOING TO EAT CUCUMBER EVERYDAY!

The modest cucumber is actually a very healthy vegetable that is ideal for the hot summer days. Cucumbers are full of water and essential vitamins and minerals that will improve the quality of your skin and your overall health as well. Cucumbers also contain electrolytes which can hydrate your body.

Cucumbers are a vegetable from the Cucurbita family which includes pumpkins and melons as well. It has an elongated shape and variable size. The shell is usually dark green, while the flesh is almost transparent. The vegetable has a crunchy texture and great taste, and is pretty easy to grow and widely available around the world.

Here are some of the main health benefits of cucumber:

Detoxifies the body

Cucumbers are rich in water which can eliminate waste and toxins from your body and even treat kidney stones.

A great source of minerals

Cucumbers are rich in minerals such as magnesium, silicon and potassium which the body requires for various functions.

A great source of vitamins

Cucumbers contain vitamin A, B and C which can boost your immune system and improve your overall health.

Fights diabetes, regulates blood pressure and cholesterol

The vegetable contains a healthy amount of fiber, potassium and magnesium that can control your blood sugar levels and reduce the levels of cholesterol. Consuming the vegetable regularly will also regulate your blood pressure.

Fights cancer

Cucumbers contain lignans, secoisolariciresinol, lariciresinol and pinoresinol, anti-carcinogenic compounds which can fight breast, prostate, uterus and ovary cancer.

Hydrates the body

The high amount of water in the vegetable will keep your tissues and skin hydrated.

Improves the health of your kidneys

Cucumbers can reduce the amount of uric acid in your body and improve the health of your kidneys.

Improves the health of your joints

Cucumbers contain minerals such as silicon which can reinforce your joints and connective tissues and reduce the pain caused by inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or gout.

Improves digestion and maintains your weight

Cucumbers are full of water and low on calories, making them ideal for weight loss. Additionally, they’re rich in fiber which will improve your digestion.

Improves the health of your hair and nails

Cucumbers contain a healthy portion of sulfur and silicon, two minerals that are vital for proper hair and nail health.

Improves your oral health and eliminates bad breath

Drinking cucumber juice often can revitalize your gums and reduce the irritation in your mouth. Cucumbers contain phytochemicals which can fight bad breath and eliminate bacteria in your mouth.

Fights sunburns

Applying slices of cucumber on your skin can fight sunburns effectively and quickly.

Great for hangovers

Cucumbers are the one of the ideal hangover foods – they are rich in electrolytes, water and vitamin B which the body requires after a night of drinking. Experts suggest eating a bit of the vegetable before going to bed in order to neutralize the effects of the alcohol.

Reduces the appearance of dark circles under the eyes
The powerful anti-inflammatory properties of the vegetable can reduce the swelling and bags under your eyes.

Great taste

Cucumbers are really tasty and thanks to their health benefits, they are among the most popular vegetables on the planet. You can eat them raw or juice them thanks to their great flavor.

Here’s a tasty cucumber recipe that is low on calories and will improve your overall health:

Ingredients

2 cups of finely chopped cucumber

¼ cup of chopped onion

½ a cup of tomatoes

2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley

1 garlic clove

1 chili

¼ cup of Greek yogurt

¼ teaspoon of ground cumin

¼ teaspoon of sea salt

1 ½ teaspoon of lime juice

1 ½ teaspoon of lemon juice

Preparation

Mix the ingredients in a bowl adding them one by one, then cover the mixture and leave it for a while. Serve the delicious mix on whole grain toast and enjoy.

Take Advantage of Taro Root – Read These 8 Health Benefits

Are you familiar with taro root? Maybe you have spotted it in some menu or in some grocery store.  In case you have eaten this amazing vegetable, you are the lucky one because it provides many benefits to your body.

Taro root has the ability to lower the blood sugar level, improve digestion, protect the skin, prevent different types of cancers, improve vision health, lower blood pressure, improve circulation, prevent heart disease, boost the immune system and support the nerve and muscle health.

Taro root comes from the thick stalk of the taro plant, a native vegetable to India and Southeast Asia. It is an important ingredient in the global cuisines for thousands of years. It is believed that taro root is one of the first cultivated plants in the human history.
Every culture uses this plant in a different way, depending on the variety of crop and the method of preparation. It is one of the few plants that can grow in flooded areas because of the petioles, the stalks that can transfer nutrients even underwater.

Taro root is a dominant portion in the Indian, African, and Oceanic cuisines but it can be also found in Egypt, Japan, Fiji, Suriname, the United States and Spain.

One of the most common forms of this vegetable is dasheen or “elephant ears”, because of the shape of its leaves. This form can serve for both floral and decorative purposes.
Its roots, leaves, and corms can be consumed as dietary ingredients. However, you must cook the plant because it is toxic in raw form due to oxalates. You can eliminate these highly dangerous substances only by steeping overnight or cooking with baking soda.

It is widely used because it is easily grown and provides impressive size and sustenance. Every year about 11.3 million metric tons of this plant are cultivated worldwide.

Nutritional Facts of Taro Root

Taro root is rich in many organic compounds, vitamins, and minerals which are crucial for the human health.

It is rich in high amounts of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, and folate. Also, it is high in iron, magnesium, phosphorous and zinc.

Health Benefits of Taro Root

1. Digestive Health
Taro root plays an important role in the process of digestion. The high fiber content (about 27% of the recommended dose of dietary fiber) significantly supports the gastrointestinal health. Also, it promotes better flow of food in the digestive tract as well as improved digestion.

In this case, it prevents some health conditions such as bloating, excess gas, constipation, cramping and diarrhea. So, such a regulated gastrointestinal tract will boost your overall health and prevent different types of cancers.

2. Cancer Prevention
When it comes to cancer, taro plant is an important antioxidant agent in the body. Due to the abundance of vitamin C, vitamin A, and other phenolic antioxidants, taro root boosts the immune system and removes free radicals from the body.

These free radicals are highly dangerous byproducts of cellular metabolism which can lead to cell mutation and formation of cancerous cells. When the body is free of such free radicals, its health is guaranteed.

Cryptoxanthin is one particular substance in taro root which is directly related to lower risk of lung and oral cancer.

3. Diabetes
Dietary fiber also lowers the risk of diabetes because it releases glucose and insulin in the body. If there is enough fiber in your body, there is a lower risk of diabetes. In case you have diabetes, taro root will prevent blood sugar spikes and plunges.

4. Heart Health and Blood Pressure
Taro root is rich in potassium, an important mineral for a healthy and functional organism. This mineral not only promotes healthy fluids transfer between tissues and membranes but it relieves pressure and stress on blood vessels and arteries.

When the blood vessels are relaxed, there is a reduction in the blood pressure and in the stress on the cardiovascular system.

Potassium also plays an important role in the cognitive function. It reduces blood pressure and optimizes fluid transfer between neural membranes thus boosting neural connections.

5. Vision Health
As we have mentioned before, taro root is high in potent antioxidants especially cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene. These antioxidants prevent the free radicals from damaging ocular cells and causing cataracts and macular degeneration thus improving vision.

6. Skin Health
Taro root protects the skin by providing vitamin A and vitamin E in sufficient amounts. These vitamins boost overall cellular health, reduce skin conditions such as blemishes, wounds or wrinkles and return the healthy glow of the skin.

7. Immune System Health
Taro root plays a vital role in the immune system due to the high level of vitamin C. This vitamin stimulates the production of white blood cells which defend the body from different agents and pathogens.

Also, vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can prevent the onset of heart disease and even cancer.

8. Improved Circulation
The taro root is rich in high amounts of copper and iron which can improve blood circulation and prevent anemia. Also, these minerals stimulate the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all of the body cells and systems.

With lower chances of anemia or iron deficiency, taro root promotes the blood flow, accelerates the overall metabolism, promotes the growth of new cells and general oxygenation of the body.

In this way, it provides proper functioning of the organs and the systems in the body.

Note: The only problem with taro root is the high-calorie content. In every 100 grams, there are 112 calories which can be an obstacle in the weight loss process. Also, it contains more carbohydrates than potatoes, so if you overconsume taro root, it can lead to obesity.


So, make sure you consume moderate doses of taro root in order to get the most health benefits but without gaining pounds.

The Benefits Of Banana Stem: Fight Cancer, Reverse Inflammation, Reduce Diabetes And More

Banana stems are considered a vegetable in Thai cuisine; however, the rolled banana stem is actually the leaves of  this herbaceous plant. The leaves grow from underground stems. They grow around each other creating a tight stem-like appearance. The closer you get to the center, the more tender the leaves become.

Health Benefits of Banana Stems

Weight Loss

Banana stems are full of fiber, making them extra filling which keeps you satisfied longer.  By being full of the good stuff, theres no room for junk food snacking.

Constipation

That high fiber content not only helps with weight loss, but keeps you regular. It helps loosen blockage and relieve discomfort that comes with constipation

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Banana stem is a diuretic which means it will help flush your system when you have a UTI. This will relieve symptoms and discomfort caused by your UTI. Drink banana stem juice two to three times per week for best results (recipes below).

Diabetes

Being high in potassium and vitamin B6, banana stem helps regulate the body’s production of hemoglobin and insulin. This helps reduce blood sugar spikes.

Hyperacidity

Banana stem’s fiber can aid with ulcers and heartburn. Drink banana stem juice three times per week as an antacid.


Kidney Stones

Banana stems, when added as a regular part of your diet, can help to prevent kidney and gall stones.

To prepare banana stems:

Remove outer layer of banana stem and wash thoroughly
Slice stem widthwise
Remove ALL soft fibers with index finger
Soak banana stem in cold salted or lime water for an hour
After step 4 you can use the stem however you’d like. You can use it in a soup or stew, or make a juice out of it.
Banana Stem Juice Recipes

Banana Stem Juice with Lime

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped banana stem
• 1 cup water
• ½ lime
• ½ -1 tsp honey
• pinch of salt (if desired)

How to make:

Soak banana stem in water and leave it for an hour to soften. Blend the water and banana stem together. Separate the fibers from juice with a mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Add lime juice, honey, and salt. Stir well, add ice cubes and serve chilled.

Banana Stem Juice with Apples

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped banana stem
• 1 large apple
• 1 cup water
• Honey if desired

How to make:

Soak banana stem in water and leave for an hour to soften. Blend the water and banana stem together. Separate the fibers from juice with a mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Blend in apple to the sieved juice, or juice the apple and add apple juice. Add a few ice cubes and serve chilled

You can replace the water to soda water and add mangoes and apples to the recipe to improve on the taste.

POWERFUL PAPAYA SEEDS TO DETOXIFY LIVER, KIDNEYS AND HEAL DIGESTIVE TRACT

Christopher Columbus referred to papaya as “fruit of the angels” because of its sweet taste, tender consistency and musky undertones.

Despite being very tasteful, this fruit has many health benefits as well due to its great amount of nutritional value. It can be used in the treatment of many health conditions like digestive issues, heart disease, wounds, blood sugar levels, cancer, etc. due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

People should stop throwing away papaya seeds since they are the ones that make this fruit so beneficial. Make sure to eat the whole fruit along with its seeds and enjoy its great benefits.

Health Benefits of Papaya Seeds

Prevents Cancer

The consumption of papaya along with its seeds will help you slow down the growth of tumor cells since they contain phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which have proven to be natural antioxidants. Moreover, the phytonutrient called isothiocyanate can prevent breast, prostate, lungs, and colon cancer.

Detoxifies Kidneys

As we previously mentioned, papaya seeds contain powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which makes them the best solution for detoxifying your kidneys.
Detoxifies Liver

Papaya seeds have been used in the Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries now against harmful toxins in the body. As a result, they improve the vital functions of the liver.

According to many studies, the consumption of papaya is very beneficial for people who suffer from fatty liver. You can detoxify your liver with the consumption of only 1 tbsp papaya seeds on a daily basis. Nevertheless, you will still need to make some changes in your diet as well as lifestyle changes. For instance, you should quit drinking alcohol immediately, if you want to gain the best results.
Improves Digestive Health
Papaya seeds have potent anti-parasite and antibacterial properties which is why they are extremely useful for improving the work of the digestive system. the main role of these properties is to dispose of the harmful micro-organism from your intestinal tract. It should also be mentioned that papaya has potent anti-pathogenic properties as well which means that consuming only 1 tablespoon of papaya seeds can help you with food poisoning. They actually kill the bacteria which is the main reason for the problem.
Natural Contraceptive

Indian people have been using papaya seeds as a natural contraceptive for many years, so if you want to stay pregnant, you should avoid eating this fruit. There are evidences from a study conducted on males ruts which showed that the consumption of papaya seeds for some period of time has diminished the production of their sperm.
Lowers High Blood Pressure

Many researchers conducted studies on lab rats and they discovered that papaya fruit can provide significant improvement in the cardiovascular health. The fruit contains a compound called carpaine which is very beneficial. Moreover, its seeds and leaves are also very effective when it comes to reducing diastolic, systolic, and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP).
Reduces Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases