Superfood: Pomegranate

PomegranateAbout Pomegranate
Pomegranate is a super food known for its excellent antioxidant properties. Pomegranate is one of the oldest foods known to humans. The name of this fruit has been derived from the Latin words “pomum” meaning apple and “granatus” meaning seeded. In Britain, pomegranate was called the “apple of Grenada”.

History of Pomegranate
Historians believe that the pomegranate fruit is native to Persia or modern day Iran. Pomegranate was brought to Italy from Carthage in Northern Africa, and so, the Romans referred to it as the “Punic Apple”. Pomegranate made its debut in Britain when a tree of this fruit was planted in the royal garden of King Henry VIII.  The French called this fruit “pomme grenade”, which is a reference to the word ‘grenade’ owing to the seed scattering feature of this fruit.

Pomegranate was once considered to be a royal fruit and has found several mentions in the works of Homer, Shakespeare, and Chaucer. The Spanish traders brought pomegranate to America in the middle ages, but the fruit is yet to enjoy immense popularity in the USA.

Health Benefits of Pomegranate

  •     Pomegranate is one of the best known antioxidant sources and flushes out harmful toxins from the body, resulting in a slimmer body and shiny skin.
  •     The juice of this fruit prevents the formation of skin, breast, and prostate cancer.
  •     Drinking pomegranate juice is vital for the prevention of dental plaque.
  •     People who drink 2 ounces of pomegranate juice daily experience lower levels of LDL and are able to regulate their blood pressure levels.
  •     Pomegranate prevents the onset of Alzheimer diseases and osteoarthritis.

Superfood: Walnuts

Walnuts

About Walnuts

Walnuts are the fruit of the Juglans regia tree. The term “juglans regia” is derived from the Latin word ‘Jovis Glans’, which means ‘nuts for the Gods’. In many parts of the world, walnuts were considered to be the food of the Gods, and so, the term regia or regal is used for defining these nuts.

History of Walnuts

Walnuts were first cultivated in Persia. These nuts were initially cultivated in Asia and southeastern Europe. History suggests that Greeks used walnut oil in fourth century BC to create beautiful paintings. A group of Franciscan priests brought walnuts to America in 1770.

There are different views as to how these nuts loaded with Omega 3 fatty acids got their name. Some believe that the name “walnut” is derived from the German word “wallnuss orvelsche nuss”, while other believe that the name has been derived from the Anglo Saxon word “wealh” meaning alien and “huntu”, which means nuts.

Health Benefits of Walnuts

  •     Walnuts are rich sources of Vitamin B and E, calcium, manganese, potassium, and protein. This super food is considered to be food for the brain and improves brain function significantly.
  •     These nuts contain alpha linoleic Omega 3 fatty acids, which curb food cravings and aid weight loss.
  •     FDA recommends eating a handful of walnuts everyday to lower LDL levels and to improve overall lipid profile.
  •     Walnuts are effective in preventing depression and anxiety and regulating blood sugar levels in people suffering from diabetes.
  •     Walnuts are very powerful antioxidants and possess anti-inflammatory properties.

Superfood: Kale

KaleKale is being called “the new beef”, “the queen of greens” and “a nutritional powerhouse.” Here are ten great benefits of adding more kale to your diet:

1. Kale is low in calorie, high in fiber and has zero fat. 

2. Kale is high in iron.

3. Kale is high in Vitamin K.

4. Kale is filled with powerful antioxidants.

5. Kale is a great anti-inflammatory food.

6. Kale is great for cardiovascular support.

7. Kale is high in Vitamin A.

 8. Kale is high in Vitamin C.

9. Kale is high in calcium.

10. Kale is a great detox food.

Superfood: Green Tea

About Green Tea

Green tea is the secret ingredient behind the svelte frame, smooth skin, and shiny hair of Chinese natives.  It is prepared by brewing the slightly oxidized leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. Green tea is one of the best antioxidants on earth and contains high levels of Epigallocatechin 3 Gallate, which is responsible for the numerous health benefits the users of green tea experience.

History of Green Tea

Chinese emperor Shen Nung holds the credit for the discovery of green tea. In 2737 BC, the emperor was boiling a pot of hot water when some tea leaves fell into the kettle and gave the water a distinct flavor. The emperor felt better after drinking this liquid and after experiencing its medical benefits, made this beverage famous across China.  Buddha himself is thought to have brought green tea from China to Japan and then to India. Today, people in the west are fast replacing their favorite cup of black brew with healthy green tea.

Health Benefits of Green Tea

  • Drinking green tea regularly detoxifies the body, regulates the metabolic processes, and assists faster weight loss.
  • Green tea contains fluorides, and a regular cup of tea prevents degeneration of teeth, enamel deposits, and improves overall oral hygiene.
  • Catchins present in this beverage not only stop the growth of cancer cells, but also kills them.
  • Green tea helps in increasing HDL cholesterol levels, assists in the free flow of blood, prevents the thickening of arteries, and improves heart health.

Superfood: Quinoa

About Quinoa

Quinoa is an edible seed and resembles a grain even though it is not categorized as such. The leaves of the plant are used for preparing many vegetarian side dishes. Like rice, you need to boil quinoa to cook it. To increase the nutritional value of quinoa, you can even eat it in the form of sprouts.

History of Quinoa                                                                                       

Even though quinoa made its debut in the US just recently, this seed has been cultivated and consumed in the Andean mountain areas of Bolivia, Peru, and Chile for the past 5000 years. Quinoa is a staple food in the diet of Native Indians, who refer to this food as the “mother seed”. After being impressed with the goodness of this food grain, two Americans began cultivating this crop in Colorado during the 1980s. Today, many Americans are taking advantage of this nutritious food.

 

Health Benefits of Quinoa

  • Quinoa contains 12-15% more proteins than either rice or wheat and is packed with all the 8 essential amino acids.
  • Quinoa is gluten free. Therefore, it is an ideal carbohydrate for individuals suffering from Celiac disease.
  • Quinoa contains high levels of proteins, Vitamin E, B1, iron, and phosphorus.
  • Quinoa has a low glycemic index, making it ideal for weight watchers and diabetics.
  • Quinoa is also a good source of calcium, folate, zinc, and other essential minerals needed for good skin, hair, and a healthy heart.

Superfood: Honey

Honeycomb sliceAbout Honey

Honey is a natural and organic sugar alternative that has a long shelf life. Honey was one of the most precious commodities during ancient times. This natural sweetener was once used as a currency.  German property owners often paid their peasants in the form of beeswax and honey. The word honey is derived from the Old English term “hunig”, which means sweet.

History of Honey

The origin of honey can be traced back to 2100 BC, where it has finds numerous mentions in the sacred texts of Egypt, India, Babylon, and Sumeria. According to a Greek legend, Cupid used to strike unsuspecting lovers with arrows dipped in honey. Mead, an alcoholic drink used in various religious rituals and known as the “nectar of the Lords”, contains honey. In ancient times, honey was used for making not just beverages and food, but also for medicinal purposes and to create furniture varnishes, polishes, and even cement.

Health Benefits of Honey

  • Honey is an energy booster. A teaspoon of honey with lemon water on an empty stomach kicks up the metabolic rate and boosts weight loss. Replacing sugar in drinks with honey makes a person feel vibrant throughout the day.
  • Honey possesses anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties that can improve your digestive processes and boost immunity.
  • Honey is useful for treating hangovers and sore throats.
  • A glass of warm milk with honey at night helps fight insomnia.
  • When taken with apple cider vinegar, honey helps fight migraines, stomach disorders, and constipation.
  • Honey applied to the skin yields a supple, softer, and glowing complexion.