Health Benefits of Feijoa

Feijoa is a fruit and is also known as ‘guavasteen’ or ‘pineapple guava’. An evergreen shrub gives this sweet fruit. This shrub grows in the highlands of southern Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Russia, Georgia, Iran, Azerbaijan and New Zealand. This fruit is green in color. It has a juicy sweet seed pulp and its flavor is aromatic and sweet. The fruit is used as an ingredient of fruit smoothies to desserts, cocktails and stewed fruit dishes.
   

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Myrtales

Family: Myrtaceae

Genus: Acca

Botanical Name: Acca sellowiana

Nutritional value of Feijoa:

The important nutritional elements found in raw Feijoa are Thiamine (B₁), Riboflavin (B₂), Niacin (B₃), Pantothenic Acid (B₅), vitamin B₆, Folate (B₉), vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium and Zinc.     

Benefits of Feijoa:

Feijoa improves digestion, boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, aid weight loss, stimulate cognitive function, regulates blood sugar levels, boost metabolism and improve bone strength.  

Word of Caution:

The fruit ripens quickly and turns brown in color. Half-browned pulp in Feijoa is unfit for eating. Avoid consuming such spoiled fruit. The fruit may cause some side effects such as gastrointestinal distress and allergies.  

   

(Medical Disclaimer: The information’s provided in this website are envisioned exclusively for the general information for the reader. Don’t diagnose the health problems or for treatment purposes using the articles. It is not an auxiliary for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care professional for any advice on medications.)  

Health Benefits of Elderberries

Sambucus is a genus of flowering plant. Temperate to subtropical regions are suitable for its growth. The plant is cultivated for its fruits, ornamental leaves and flowers. The flowers and fruits are used as dietary supplements for minor diseases such as constipation, colds, flu and other conditions. The berries are black or very dark blue in color. It has a sweet flavor. It has been used in syrups, desserts, jams, spreads, beverages and jellies. Elderberry wine is famous across the globe. The twigs, leaves, branches, seeds and roots contain cyaniding glycoside. Hence uncooked berries and other parts of the plant are poisonous.   

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Dipsacales

Family: Adoxaceae

Genus: Sambucus

Species: Sambucus nigra

Other recognized species of this genus are Sambucus australasica, Sambucus australis, Sambucus canadensis, Sambucus cerulea, Sambucus ebulus, Sambucus gaudichaudiana, Sambucus javanica, Sambucus lanceolata, Sambucus palmensis, Sambucus peruviana, Sambucus pubens, Sambucus racemosa, Sambucus sieboldiana, Sambucus tigranii and Sambucus velutina.       

Nutritional value of Elderberries:

The important nutritional elements found in Elderberries are vitamin A, Thiamin (B₁), Riboflavin (B₂), Niacin (B₃), Pantothenic acid (B₅), vitamin B₆, Folate (B₉), vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

Health benefits of Elderberries:

Elderberries boost the immune system, aid digestion, lower blood sugar, protect against bacteria, aid weight loss and alleviate allergies.

Word of caution:

Avoid consuming wild elderberries, it may contain cyanide traces. Cook all berries before eating. If you suffer with kidney problems it is advisable to stop consuming elderberries. Get appropriate advice from your medical professional or herbalist before adding elderberries into your diet regimen.

(Medical Disclaimer: The information’s provided in this website are envisioned exclusively for the general information for the reader. Don’t diagnose the health problems or for treatment purposes using the articles. It is not an auxiliary for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care professional for any advice on medications.)  

Health Benefits of Buffalo Milk

Buffalo Milk has rich fat content and it can also be preserved for longer duration. This milk is suitable for producing dairy products such as dahi, paneer, khoa, kheer, malai, ghee, kulfi, buffalo mozzarella cheese, etc. Buffalo milk is prominent in South Asia and Italy. A cow averagely produces 7 to 11 liters of milk per day.

Nutritional value of Buffalo Milk:

The important nutritional elements of Buffalo Milk are vitamin A, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, vitamin B₆, Folate, vitamin B₁₂, vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Sodium and Zinc.

Health benefits of Buffalo Milk:

Buffalo Milk improves heart health, boosts immunity, strengthen bones, lower blood pressure and stimulate circulation.

Word of Caution:

Buffalo milk has high fat and hence it takes time for digestion and absorption. Since it contains cholesterol people who are having hypertension, diabetes, PCOD, obesity, diabetes, kidney diseases, etc. are advised to avoid drinking buffalo milk. Consult your medical professional before adding it to your food regimen. 

Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit

Dragon Fruit is a fruit of genus Hylocereus. It is also known as pitahaya. The stems of the Dragon fruit are scandent, sprawling, creeping and branch profusely. The length of the nocturnal flowers range between 25 and 30 cm. The shape of the fruit is oblong to oval. White pulp and edible seeds are found within this red fruit. The seeds are black in color and are rich in lipids. It has a nutty taste. The flesh has a mild sweet taste. The fruit is used to flavor alcoholic beverages and juices. The flowers can also be eaten.   

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Caryophyllales

Family: Cactaceae

Genus: Hylocereus

Species: Hylocereus undatus

Nutritional value of Dragon Fruit:

The important nutritional elements of Dragon Fruit are Ascorbic Acid, Cobalamin, Thiamine, Lycopene, vitamin E, Retinol, Calcium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Iron, Copper and Zinc.

Health benefits of Dragon Fruit:

Dragon fruit lowers cholesterol, improve digestion, aid weight loss, boost energy level, guard eyesight, boost metabolism and protect against bacteria and fungi.  

Word of Caution:

Since the fruit contains fructose consume it moderately. Otherwise it may cause health issues. 

(Medical Disclaimer: The information’s provided in this website are envisioned exclusively for the general information for the reader. Don’t diagnose the health problems or for treatment purposes using the articles. It is not an auxiliary for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care professional for any advice on medications.)  

Health Benefits of Dong Quai

Dong Quai is an herb traditionally used in China. It is also known as the female ginseng. The cool high altitude region is favorable for its growth. This herb is prominently grown in China, Korea and Japan. The dried root is known as Chinese Angelica. The chemical constituents found in this herb are phytosterols, ligustilit, polysaccharides, ferulate, b-butyl phtalit, isoenidilit, cnidilit, p-cymen, and flavonoids.

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Apiales

Family: Apiaceae

Genus: Angelica

Species: Angelica sinensis

Health benefits of Dong Quai:

Dong Quai boosts male fertility, balances estrogen levels, enhance female fertility, protects heart health, lower blood pressure and treats alopecia, eczema and rosacea.

Word of Caution:

During nursing or pregnancy, you should avoid using Dong Quai. Those who are suffering from prostate cancer and breast cancer should also avoid using it. If you are under blood pressure medication, then avoid consuming this herbal supplement. Otherwise it may cause excess bleeding. Large and prolonged usage of this herb is not advisable. Consult your medical professional or herbalist before taking it into your herbal regimen.     

(Medical Disclaimer: The information’s provided in this website are envisioned exclusively for the general information for the reader. Don’t diagnose the health problems or for treatment purposes using the articles. It is not an auxiliary for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care professional for any advice on medications.)  

Health Benefits of Dates

Date trees produce an edible sweet fruit, dates. The trees are cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. The trees may reach heights of 21 to 23 m. The fruits are oval-cylindrical shape and its color ranges between bright red and bright yellow. Dates are also processed as ajwa, dibs or rub. Date seeds are used as animal feed. Its oil is used in soap and cosmetics. Young date leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. Dried leaf petioles are used as brooms, walking sticks, fishing floats and fuel. Date palm wood is used for posts and rafters for huts. Major cultivators of dates are Aabel, Ajwah, Al-Khunaizi, Amir Hajj or Amer Hajj, Abid Rahim, Barakawi, Bireir, Dabbas, Deglet Noor, Derrie or Dayri, Empress, Fardh or Fard, Ftimi or Alligue, Holwah, Haleema, Hayany, Honey, Iteema, Kenta, Khadrawi or Khadrawy, Khalasah, Khastawi, Kheenaizi, Lulu, Maktoom, Manakbir, Medjool or Majdool, Migraf , Mgmaget Ayuob, Mishriq, Mazafati or Mozafati, Nabtat-seyf, Piarom, Rotab, Sag’ai, Sukkary, Sellaj, Indi, Tagyat, Tamej, Thoory or Thuri, Umeljwary, Umelkhashab, Zahidi and Zaghloul. Afandi,Ajwah, Anbarah, Baid, Barny, Berhi, Gharr, Ḥelwah, Ḥelya, Khunaysey, Jebaily, Ka'ekah, Khalas, Khoudry, Khuḍab, Lunah, Lubanah, Mabrum, Maktoomi, Um Ruhaim, Medjool, Menaify, Meskany, Mushukah, Rabiyyah, Rashudiah, Safawy, Shishy, Sariyyah, Hilali, Sawaida, Shahel, Shalaby, Shoukry, Sufry, Sukkary, Suqa'ey, Wananah, Dhawy and Nabtat Sultan are the types of dates found in Arabia. Dates are majorly produced in Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Sudan and Oman.     

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Arecales

Family: Arecaceae

Genus: Phoenix

Species: Phoenix dactylifera

Nutritional value of Dates:

The important nutritional elements found in Dates are vitamin A, Thiamine (B₁), Riboflavin (B₂), Niacin (B₃), Pantothenic acid (B₅), vitamin B₆, Folate (B₉), vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorous, Potassium, Sodium and Zinc.   

Health benefits of Dates:

Dates strengthen bones, boost energy, relief from constipation, anemia, intestinal disorders, heart problems, sexual dysfunctions, prevents abdominal cancer, relieve intoxication and prevent night blindness.   

(Medical Disclaimer: The information’s provided in this website are envisioned exclusively for the general information for the reader. Don’t diagnose the health problems or for treatment purposes using the articles. It is not an auxiliary for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care professional for any advice on medications.) 

Health benefits of Cranberry

Cranberries are little evergreen dwarf shrubs. It has a slender stem and little evergreen leaves. The flowers are dark pink in color. The raw cranberries are hard, sour and bitter taste. This edible fruit is a major commercial crop in few American and Canadian provinces. Cranberries are mostly processed into products such as jam, sauce, juice and sweetened dried cranberries. 

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Ericales

Family: Ericaceae

Genus: Vaccinium

Species: Vaccinium erythrocarpum

Nutritional value of Cranberry:

The important nutritional elements of Cranberry are vitamin A, Thiamine (B₁), Riboflavin (B₂), Niacin (B₃), Pantothenic acid (B₅), vitamin B₆, Folate (B₉), vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Sodium and Zinc.

Health benefits of Cranberry:

Cranberry aids digestion, boosts immunity, slows aging, prevents certain type of cancer, prevent bacterial infections, guards heart health and stimulate the appetite.   

Word of caution:

Sometimes Oxalic acid in the fruit form oxalate stones in the urinary tract. It is advisable to consume more water while consuming this fruit. The oxalic acids may also cause magnesium and calcium deficiency. Large consumption of cranberry may cause nausea and stomach inflammation. Before adding this fruit into your food regimen, consult your medical professional or herbalist for appropriate advice.  

(Medical Disclaimer: The information’s provided in this website are envisioned exclusively for the general information for the reader. Don’t diagnose the health problems or for treatment purposes using the articles. It is not an auxiliary for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care professional for any advice on medications.)  

Health benefits of Damson Plums

Damson Plum is an edible drupaceous fruit. It is also archaically known as Damascene. The Damsons are mostly of the clingstone type. Its skin ranges between dark blue and indigo and has yellow-green flesh. The fruit has astringent taste. The fruit is used for cooking, jam preparation and other fruit preserves. Various cultivators are Jefferson, Blue Rock, Blue Tit, Imperial Gage, Czar, Mallard, Laxton’s Delight, Marjory’s Seedling, Opal, Victoria, Oullins Gage and Pershore.    

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Rosales

Family: Rosaceae

Genus: Prunus

Species: Prunus domestica

Sub species: Prunus domestica subsp. Insititia

Nutritional value of Damson fruits:

The important nutritional elements of Damson fruits are Riboflavin, vitamin C, Copper, Potassium, Phosphorous, Manganese and Magnesium.  

Health benefits of Damson Plums:

Damson Plums aids digestion, boosts energy, improves heart health, boosts immunity, strengthen bones, enhance sleeping patterns and prevent certain types of cancer. 

(Medical Disclaimer: The information’s provided in this website are envisioned exclusively for the general information for the reader. Don’t diagnose the health problems or for treatment purposes using the articles. It is not an auxiliary for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care professional for any advice on medications.)  

Cordyceps and its benefits

Cordyceps is a medicinal mushroom. Cordyceps is also known as Tochukas (Japanese), Dong Chong Xia Cao (Chinese) and Caterpillar Fungus (English). It is known for its pharmacological and therapeutic implications. It produces active compounds such as cordycepin, exopolysaccharides, adenosine and cordymin. This club-shaped fungus may range between 20 to 50 mm in height. It is orange or red in color. The inner fungal tissue remains whitish to pale orange. Humid conditions are suitable for its growth. Mostly they are found abundantly in tropical forests.

Kingdom: Fungi

Division: Ascomycota

Class: Sordariomycetes

Order: Hypocreales

Family: Cordycipitaceae

Genus: Cordyceps militaris

Nutritional Value of Cordyceps:

The important nutritional elements found in Cordyceps are Cordycepin, Ergosterol, Cordyceptic Acid, Glucosamine, Pottasium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Iron and Zinc.

Medicinal benefits of Cordyceps:

Cordyceps boosts heart health, prevents certain types of cancer, improves immune system, slows aging and improves respiratory health.

Word of caution:

Cordyceps lowers blood sugar levels. Hence diabetics should be aware of the risks. Before or after surgery and those who are having bleeding disorders you should avoid consuming it. Before adding it into your food regimen, consult your medical professional or herbalist for appropriate advice.

(Medical Disclaimer: The information’s provided in this website are envisioned exclusively for the general information for the reader. Don’t diagnose the health problems or for treatment purposes using the articles. It is not an auxiliary for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care professional for any advice on medications.)  

Bulgur wheat and its benefits

Bulgur wheat is a cereal food which is made from the mixture of several wheat varieties that have been parboiled, dried and ground. Most often it is made from durum wheat. Bulgur wheat is also known as bulgur and burghul wheat. It has a nutty flavor taste. It is used in the preparation of soups, pilafs, bakery goods or as stuffing. Bulgur wheat is a commonly found in the dishes of the Middle East and Mediterranean Basin countries.

Nutritional value of Bulgur wheat:

The important nutrient elements of Bulgur wheat are vitamin A, Thiamine (B₁), Riboflavin (B₂), Niacin (B₃), vitamin B₆, Folate (B₉), vitamin C, vitamin E, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Sodium and Zinc.

Health Benefits of Bulgur wheat:

Bulgur wheat stimulates circulation, protects heart health, protects the immune system, improves digestion, prevents chronic diseases, boosts circulation, aids weight loss and builds strong bones. 

(Medical Disclaimer: The information’s provided in this website are envisioned exclusively for the general information for the reader. Don’t diagnose the health problems or for treatment purposes using the articles. It is not an auxiliary for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care professional for any advice on medications.)  

Butea superba

Butea superba is a Vining shrub. It’s native to Thailand, Vietnam and India. This shrub is abundantly found in the Thai deciduous forest. Its beneficial nutrients are found in the deep root. The rejuvenation and sexual vigor made it prominent among Thai males. In English it has been known as creeping butea, kwao krua, flame of the forest, butea gum tree and climbing Palas. Low dose consumption is good for human consumption.

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Fables

Family: Fabaceae

Genus: Butea

Species: Butea superba

Nutritional value of Butea superba:

The important nutrient elements such as campesterol, beta sitosterol, stigmasterol and flavonoid glycosides are found in the tuberous root.

Health benefits of Butea superba:

Butea superba lower cholesterol, reduce fatigue, increase libido, reduce inflammation, boost heart health, stimulate male fertility and improve hair health.

Word of caution:

Pregnant women should avoid consuming Butea superba. There is no enough research report about this herb and hence its effects cannot be ascertained. Before consuming it regularly, take appropriate advice from your medical consultant or herbalist. 

(Medical Disclaimer: The information’s provided in this website are envisioned exclusively for the general information for the reader. Don’t diagnose the health problems or for treatment purposes using the articles. It is not an auxiliary for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care professional for any advice on medications.)  

Health benefits of Cantaloupe or Muskmelon

Cantaloupe or Muskmelon is a delicious fruit. It is also known as mushmelon, sweetmelon, rockmelon or spanspek. Raw fruit consists of 90% water. The weight of the fruit ranges between 500 g and 5 kg. China, Iran, Turkey, Egypt and India are the largest producers of Cantaloupe.  

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Cucurbitales

Family: Cucurbitaceae

Genus: Cucumis

Species Cucumis melo

Nutritional value of Cantaloupe or Muskmelon:

The important nutritional elements of Cantaloupe or Muskmelon are vitamin A, Thiamine (B₁), Riboflavin (B₂), Niacin (B₃), Pantothenic acid (B₅), vitamin B₆, Folate (B₉), Choline, Betaine, vitamin C, vitamin K, Calcium, Iron, Manganese, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Potassium, Sodium and Zinc.

Health Benefits of Cantaloupe or Muskmelon:

Cantaloupe or Muskmelon strengthens the immune system, diminish stress levels, healthy lungs, prevent arthritis, control diabetes, improve eye and skin health.

Word of caution:

The fruit has rare allergic reactions. 

(Medical Disclaimer: The information’s provided in this website are envisioned exclusively for the general information for the reader. Don’t diagnose the health problems or for treatment purposes using the articles. It is not an auxiliary for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care professional for any advice on medications.)