Apple Trivia

The Greek mythology associates apples with the healing God Apollo, perhaps the source for the modern-day adage that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. In medieval times, physicians were taught that cooked apples could relieve disturbances of the bowels, lungs and nervous system. The custom of serving fresh fruit, particularly apples, at the end of a meal arose because of the favorable effects on digestion attributed to them by the physicians Hippocrates and Galen. Plus apple juice was one of the earliest prescribed antidepressants.

Apples are not replete with vitamins and minerals like other fruits, though they provide a small quantity of vitamin C and potassium. However, without a doubt apples are amazing for controlling blood sugar, says Dr. Barry Sears in his book The Top 100 Zone Foods. “Apples are a good source of soluble fiber, especially pectin, which helps control insulin levels by slowing the release of sugar into your bloodstream. Pectin also helps reduce cholesterol levels by lowering insulin secretion.”

Research has also confirmed that apples fairly shine in antioxidant phytochemicals; the principal ones identified so far are phenolics and the flavonoid quercetin.

Research suggests that natural antioxidants like these could be even more effective than vitamin supplements. Comell University researchers, for example, have found that the amount of fresh apple extract from a medium apple with skin provides the antioxidant activity equal to 1,500 milligrams of vitamin C. Using colon cancer cells treated with apple extract, the scientists found that cell proliferation was inhibited in vitro. The researchers also tested the apple extract against human liver cancer cells and again found inhibition of the growth of those cells.

People who eat lots of apples may have lower rates of lung cancer, judging by a study done in Finland. The study, published August 1, 1997, in the American Journal of Epidemiology, was focused on flavonoids. The study reviewed the diet of 9,959 Finns aged five to 99 years. Of those in the group who were cancer-free in 1965, those who ate the most flavonoid-rich foods — apples and other fruit, onions, juices, vegetables, and jams — had a 20 percent lower incidence of cancer through 1991. Quercetin, a flavonoid found mostly in apples, accounted for 95 percent of the flavonoids consumed by the study group.

To get the most benefit, don't peel your apples as Quercetin is found only in the skin.

Undergoing MyBlogLog Verification

Acai (pronounced as Ah-Sah-ee) is known for its energizing value. This fruit consists of unsaturated fatty acids that circulate in the blood to remove saturated fatty acids, known to cause vein or artery obstruction.

Rich in fibers, acai is beneficial for the digestive system. It contains 10 times the antioxidants in grapes and twice as much as blueberries. The Brazilian Acai berry is believed to have the best nutritional property of any fruit in the world.

Acai stores significant amounts of calcium, which is beneficial to prevent osteoporosis, especially in women. Its high fiber and Omega-3 content helps to significantly lower cholesterol level in the blood.

This wonder fruit also boasts of the power of macro minerals- potassium, sulphur, magnesium, and phosphorous- which are needed to get rid of such problems like acne, menopausal and heart complications.

Another great benefit of acai is its low glycemic index (ranking of carbohydrates based on their effect on blood sugar levels). Besides, acai also contains high celadrin and glucosamine levels that help to build up healthy cartilage in the body.

Check out the Top 5 Fruit Juices

Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate is the healthiest of them all because it contains almost every possible antioxidant. Pomegranates offer effective resistance against some cancers, like such as prostate cancer. It also modifies heart disease risk factors. No wonder, it emerged as the clear winner.




Concord Grape Juice

Concord grape juice is a source of very potent antioxidants. And there's some research indicating it may be good for our hearts and also help reduce blood pressure. Grapes are also high in fiber, but much of their goodness is in the seed, so you need to consider whether grape juice is the way to go.




Blueberry Juice

The color alone indicates a lot of antioxidants. But blueberry juice also contains tons of fiber, and is also very high in Vitamin C. One of the qualities of antioxidants is that they can lower inflammation, and so there's some indication that blueberries may have some effect on age-related cognitive abilities. And don't forget that blueberries are very low in calories.





Black Cherry Juice
This one actually created a bit of excitement amongst scientists. Not only is it high in antioxidants, but also there is evidence that black cherry juice can actually diminish exercise-induced muscle injuries.





Cranberry Juice

Like all of these juices, cranberry too, is high in antioxidants. But this juice is also rich in Vitamin C and there's always been a sort of wives' tale that cranberry juice helps prevent urinary tract infections. Well, it turns out researchers are finding evidence that it actually can decrease the number of urinary tract infections. The reasoning is, it helps stop bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall, thus protecting against infections.

Litchi Varieties

Sweet, juicy, and succulent, litchis are one of the tastiest tropical fruits. A native of China, litchis began to be cultivated in India from the 18^th century. Some of the major litchi producing states in India includes Bihar, Jharkhand, Tripura, West Bengal, Uttaranchal, Assam, and Punjab.

Amongst all the states, Bihar produces best litchis of the best variety. Take a look at some of the litchi varieties:

Shahi: The Shahi litchi is one of the commonest commercial cultivars for table purpose in the Muzaffarpur area of Bihar. This litchi matures in the month of May and offers an average yield of 90-100kg/tree.

Swarna Roopa: This litchi variety is released by CHES, Ranchi with high T.S.S. and is resistant to fruit cracking. This is the first litchi variety to be developed in India.

China: The China litchi is commercially cultivated for table purpose in the Muzaffarpur area of Bihar. This semi-dwarf variety ripens from the third week of May and yields around 80-100kg/day.

Kasba: The Kasba variety grows mostly in eastern Bihar and yields around 80-100kg/tree.

Elachi: The Elachi tree is moderately vigorous, reaching a height of 5 to 6 m. Orange-red in color, this litchi variety yields 50-60kg/tree.

Purbi: Purbi litchi is also grown for table purpose in the eastern part of Bihar. The fruits ripen at the end of May or the first week of June with an average yield of 90-100kg/tree.

Early Seedless (Early Bedana): This is a medium to poor-yielding variety but bears regularly. The yield varies from 50-60kg/tree.

Besides the above varieties, there are other litchi varieties like Rose Scented, Bombai, Kalkatta( Calcutta), Late Seedless, Gulabi, Late Large Red, etc.

Presenting… the New Superfruit!!!

Speculations are on… but the EU has finally given the green signal to Baobab fruit (pronounced bay-oh-bab), being presumed to be ‘king of all superfruits.’

Hailing from adansonia digitata, the only baobab species in Africa, the Baobab offers much more nourishment than any other fruit. Inside its velvet skin, the fruit is very much like a young coconut sans the long hairs.

The baobab is abundant in vitamin C, calcium and anti-oxidants. However, its taste is much of a disappointment on account of its alien powdered texture. In parts of Africa, the fruit is mixed with water to make a drink- rather tasteless.

Nevertheless, the baobab jam resembles dark honey and is more appetizing. The EU has given its approval to be used in smoothies and cereal bars.

It would be a rare sight to catch the baobab fruit in the supermarkets as it would be inconvenient to take it home and consume it; it would be used as an ingredient in health foods, drinks, cereals, and smoothies.

Watermelons- A Libido Booster?

It’s too early for fireworks but a recent at the Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center at Texas A&M University, College Station has found that watermelons contain greater amounts of amino acids called citrulline which relaxes and dilates blood vessels, quite akin to Viagra and other drugs used for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). 

"We have known that watermelon has citrulline," says Bhimu Patil, PHD, Director of the Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center at Texas A&M University, College Station. Until recently, he tells WebMD, scientists thought most of the citrulline was in the watermelon rind. "Watermelon has more citrulline in the edible part than previously believed," he says.

But how much watermelon needs to be consumed still remains an issue. Till then, keep your fingers crossed.

Fruit Wave from the Tropics

Tropical fruit isn’t always about mangoes. There are a lot many exotic fruits that not only tickle your taste buds but also lend a delectable aroma to foods.
Mangoes, of course, are the undisputed leaders in the tropics. However, papayas, lychees, and tart guavas are fast catching up. Vietnamese prepare an amazing salad with green strips of mango, polygonum leaves, shrimp, fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, chilies and sugar.
When ripe, papayas have a soft orange texture and sweet flavor. Unripe papayas are more firm and are used as vegetables for their pronounced flavor.
Green guavas possess an excellent tart and astringent flavor. Malaysian cooks dip slices of green guava into a sticky concoction of shrimp paste, palm sugar, thick soy sauce and chilies.
Lychees are one of the tastiest tropical fruits. They make mouth-watering refreshers, martini, and juices.
Dried tropical fruits lend sophistication to any dish. A sprinkling of dried fruits not only enhances the taste but also its appearance.
So give your taste buds a tropical treat and let me know!

Being FIT!!

After being a fitness instructor for over 5 years, one fact that simply bewilders me is the lack of understanding among many of us regarding what makes an ideal diet. I keep getting queries on advising “tasty” diet plans and exercise regimen that helps a person to lose kilos all “very quickly”. The problem, according to me, lies in our perception of the word “fitness”. Being fit is neither about having an hour- glass figure nor flaunting flat abs. Besides, dieting definitely is not a synonym of starving. The key to a fit person is exercise, peaceful sleep and having good food with a great mix of fruits.

Undergoing MyBlogLog Verification