Archive for category Fruits
Papaya Fruit Benefits
Posted by in Fruits on June 30, 2011
Eating fruits as a part of one’s breakfast is a tradition that many people follow. The papaya fruit finds its way at the breakfast tables because of this very reason. Now we all know that fruits are really good for our health, but how exactly do they help? And since papaya is a very popular fruit, and many people consume it because of its unique flavor, it would help to know what the papaya fruit benefits are. And after finding out about these papaya fruit benefits, it would probably entice others to rake in the health benefits of papaya fruit and start including it in their daily diet. Let us see what some of the benefits of eating papaya are:
Papaya Fruit Benefits
The papaya fruit benefits are countless! Check out the following list and you’ll be convinced of the many papaya benefits:
Rich in Antioxidants
The papaya is a fruit that has a high content of antioxidants. These include vitamin C, flavonoids, folate, vitamin A, panthotenic acid, minerals, magnesium, vitamin E, potassium, fiber and vitamin B. Antioxidants fight the free radicals in the body and are thereby responsible for promoting the health of the cardiovascular system and providing protection against colon cancer.
Prevents Heart Diseases
Since papayas are an excellent source of antioxidants, they help to prevent the oxidization of cholesterol in the heart. High cholesterol can cause heart attacks and strokes, and these can be prevented by having papayas. Along with that, papaya fruit benefits are also exhibited in the presence of fiber which further lowers cholesterol levels in the heart. The folic acid that is found in papayas converts harmful substances that can damage the blood vessel walls and lead to heart attacks. One of the many papaya fruit benefits also include the prevention of diabetic heart disease.
Strengthens Immune System
Due to the profusion of vitamin A and vitamin B in papaya, which is required to promote a healthy and strong immune system, one can be assured that a daily intake of the papaya fruit will strengthen the immune system and prevent several illnesses that come about as a result of lowered immunity, like colds and coughs, infections and flu.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Papaya also contains the papain enzyme and the chymopapain enzyme which lower inflammation in the body. Thereby helping in the healing of burns and wounds. Since certain diseases become worse when the body is inflamed, it is advised that people who suffer from these conditions should make the papaya fruit benefits a part of their dietary plans.
Prevents Cancer
Papaya fruit benefits also include it’s role in preventing colon cancer. This it does due to the fiber present. Fiber does not allow the cancer cells from affecting the healthy colon cells.
Promotes Lung Health
Vitamin A which is present in the papaya fruit, is very beneficial for people who have a weak lung. Including papaya in their diet, will reduce their chances of contracting diseases that come about as a result of a weak lung, like bronchitis, cancer etc. this is one of the best papaya health benefits. Read the rest of this entry »
Oranges Health Benefits
Posted by in Fruits on June 30, 2011
Wondering, what are the health benefits of oranges? Oranges are rich in vitamin C and fibers. Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant which promotes skin healing and keeps the body health. Fibers present in oranges can help to prevent high blood pressure and diseases like diabetes as well. Along with these two nutrients, there are some other important nutrients present in oranges which provide multiple health benefits. Let us look at each of the oranges health benefits and nutrition facts in detail.
Oranges Nutrition Facts
In the table below, are the amount of nutrients present per 100 grams of orange.
Nutrients Amount
Vitamin C 49 mg
Vitamin B 0.08 mg
Vitamin A 190 IU
Potassium 300 mg
Calcium 33 mg
Phosphorus 23 mg
Other than the above mentioned orange nutritional facts, there are other nutrients in orange as well, such as fibers, fats, proteins, folic acid and minerals like copper, iron, magnesium, sodium and sulfur.
Oranges Health Benefits
As we saw in the above section, there are many essential nutrients present in orange. These nutrients provide many health benefits. Now, let us look at the health benefits of oranges one by one.
Bone Health: The mineral calcium in oranges helps to maintain good bones and teeth.
Hemoglobin Production: Vitamin B6 present in oranges aids in the production of hemoglobin, which is essential for carrying oxygen to different body parts.
Arteriosclerosis: The vitamin C present in oranges, helps in preventing hardening of arteries, as is seen in the condition arteriosclerosis.
Blood Pressure: Many studies show that flavonoid in oranges, which is hesperidin, helps to bring down high blood pressure.
Cancer: A specific compound which is found is oranges (liminoid), helps to fight many cancers like breast, stomach, lung, skin, mouth and colon cancer. Vitamin C in orange is a great antioxidant which works as a scavenger against the harmful free radicals in the body.
Brain Development: Folic acid found in oranges helps for the proper development of the brain.
Cholesterol: The antioxidants in orange fight the oxidative stress, which contributes to oxidizing of low-density lipoprotein in the blood. Also, the alkaloid which is present underneath the peel of oranges reduces the cholesterol which is produced by the liver.
Constipation: Orange might taste acidic, but in fact, give an alkaline effect to the digestive system, and thus, stimulates the digestive juices and provides relief from constipation.
Sperm Repair: Regular consumption of oranges helps to maintain the sperm health and sperm count. And, vitamin C protects the sperms from any genetic damage which was caused during the birth.
Stomach Ulcers: The vitamin C rich oranges help to prevent the peptic ulcers, and hence reduce the possibility of stomach cancer.
Heart Disorders: Vitamin C and flavonoids in oranges help to reduce the risk of heart diseases greatly.
Immunity: Vitamin C in oranges help to stimulate WBC (white blood cells) in the body. Thus, the WBC help to fight infectious diseases and build up a naturally strong immune system.
Prevention of Kidney Stones: The calcium oxalate stones formed in the kidney are called kidney stones. Eating oranges regularly reduces the formation of these stones.
Healthy Skin: The antioxidants in orange remove the free radicals. These free radicals cause wrinkles and aging of the skin. The antioxidants present in oranges also bring a glow to the skin.
Preventing Viral Infections: Vitamin C helps fight infections like common cold and flu. Also, the huge amount of polyphenols (type of antioxidants) protect against many viral infections.
Optimal Health: The 170 phytonutrients and more than 60 flavonoids present in oranges are supposed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor and blood clot inhibition properties. These properties help to promote optimal health.
For the intake of oranges, it is best if you drink freshly squeezed orange juice or directly eat the fruit. So, keep consuming oranges regularly and enjoy the above oranges health benefits!
By Pragya T