Pears – Super-Fruit For Many Disorders And Diseases

As a child you have been told about the essential importance of fruit and pear is one of the most beneficial fruit for your overall health.

Pear is almost as large as apple, but unlike apples, pears are more difficult to peel and they can be yellow, green, brown, red or a combination of more colors.

This fruit usually tastes sweet and juicy, and Chinese pear is the most popular kind, which also has the most healing properties. Pears can be found throughout the whole year, but they taste best at the end of summer and fall.

Nutritional value

Pears are an excellent source of fiber, and they also contain vitamins A, B1, B2, C and E, and folic acid and niacin as well. This fruit is rich source of copper, phosphorus and potassium, and it also contains calcium, chlorine, iron, magnesium, sodium and sulfur in smaller amounts.

Health benefits

Pears are hypoallergenic fruit rich in fiber and they rarely cause allergic reactions. This is the main reason why pear juice is excellent for babies, mostly because of its sweet taste, and the numerous health benefits for the youngest as well.

Blood pressure

Pears contain antioxidant and anti-cancer substances which reduce the risk of high blood pressure and heart attack.

Cancer

High levels of vitamin C and copper reduce the level of free radicals in the body and in this way they stop every cell damages.

Cholesterol

Pears are rich in pectin, which is efficient in reducing the bad cholesterol level.

Digestive tract

Dietary fiber is great for proper function and health of digestive tract, and they can prevent the occurrence of colon cancer.

Constipation

Pectin is a natural diuretic and it has mild laxative effect, which stimulates bowel function and provides normal food digestion.

Energy

Pears are rich source of glucose and fructose, which rapidly increase energy level.

Temperature

Consuming a large glass of fresh pear juice is the best way to reduce temperature.

Immunity

Its antioxidative effect strengthens the immune system, so eat pears and drink pear juice, especially now, in the season of flu and colds.

Inflammations

Pears have calming effect and help in relieving pain in numerous inflammation processes.

Osteoporosis

Pear contains high boron level, which helps the body absorb calcium and in this way it prevents the occurrence of osteoporosis.

Pregnancy

All pregnant women should increase the folic acid intake during their pregnancy, in order to stop any congenital malformations in the fetus. Pears are rich in folic acid, so experts always recommend consuming pears during pregnancy.

Consumption advice

When buying, always choose harder and thicker pears with dark color. Leave them for a couple of days until they get softer.

You should also keep pears away from food with intensive smell, for example, garlic, onion or pickled cabbage, because this fruit can easily absorb other product’s smell.

Read More »

Hazelnuts – Amazing Health Benefits And Nutritional Facts

Do you remember when was the last time you ate hazelnuts? Have you ever wondered why this nut is so popular ingredient used in numerous sweet recipes? If these questions made you think for a second, we recommend you read the following article.

Hazelnut grows on a bush reaching a height up to 8 meters. It has egg-shaped leaves, and its fruits grow in a cluster of few hazelnuts.

Hazelnut is one of the food products which is practically the protector of Christmas feasts, same as walnut, and many Balkan families still collect large amounts of hazelnuts and store it for further use during the whole winter.

Nutritional Facts of Hazelnuts

Let’s have a brief look on the nutritional value hazelnuts have. 100g hazelnuts have estimated energy value of 628 kcal -- 61% fat, 17% carbohydrates and 15% protein.

Minerals: calcium (114mg), magnesium (163mg), phosphorus (290 mg), iron (4,7 mg), zinc (2,5 mg), copper (1,8 mg), manganese (6 mg) and selenium (2,4 mcg);

Vitamins: vitamin C (6,3 mg), thiamine (0,6 mg), riboflavin (0,1 mg), niacin (1,8 mg), pantothenic acid (1 mg), vitamin B6 (o,5 mg), choline (45,6 mg), betaine (0,4 mg), vitamin E (15 mg), folic acid (68 mcg) and vitamin K (14 mg).

Health Benefits of Hazelnuts

You most probably know that hazelnuts provide a large number of benefits for your health. As we already explained, hazelnuts are rich in many vitamins and minerals necessary for your overall health.

Scientists explain how 30-60 g of hazelnuts is the optimal dose you should consume daily, in order to use the maximum of their healing properties.

Hazelnut has proven effect on slowing the aging process, and reducing the risk of numerous malignant diseases. Regular consumption of hazelnuts helps in reducing blood cholesterol and triglycerides level, regulates blood pressure and heart function, and also reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Scientists explain that amino acids found in hazelnuts have powerful anti-inflammatory effect, and also a powerful inhibitory mechanism against malignant cells.

Scientists add that hazelnuts especially provide protection against breast and prostate cancer. Hazelnuts reduce the risk of diabetes, and they can also be part of the diabetics’ menu.

What is interesting is the fact that hazelnuts are used in the production of amazingly healthy hazelnut flour and oil.

In addition to this, hazelnut oil can also be used in massage treatments for both older people and children, because it provides an excellent therapeutic effect on your organism in general.

Hazelnuts are considered as easily available food product. Its prices can vary in different parts of the world. You can buy hazelnuts in almost every market, and you better add this gift of nature to your shopping list.

Read More »

Cherry Tomatoes Elixir for Your Health

As the popularity of cherry tomatoes is growing we decided to explore the benefits that these vibrant looking red tomatoes bring to our health. They are as nutritious as the traditional tomatoes but their tiny size makes them challenging enough for preparing recipes.

They are low in calories as a cup of cherry tomatoes contains only 27 calories. They are loaded with vitamin C, K, A, biotin, potassium, copper, fiber etc.

Their regular consumption keeps your pancreatic and prostate health and preserves the bone health. It also offers a full protection of the brain and significantly inhibits the progress of many neurodegenerative medical conditions. They also contribute to healthier skin and drastically reduce skin rashes.

They are well known for their protection against various heart diseases as a result of the presence of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that lowers the risk for heart attack. Moreover it decreases the bad cholesterol and triglycerides.

Your lungs and kidneys will greatly benefit if you choose cherry tomatoes as a fresh ingredient in your meal.They possess natural anti-inflammatory properties so implementing then into your nutrition will help you prevent a lot of diseases such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis etc.

Introduce these tiny tomatoes to your menu and experience the far-reaching benefits they have on every vital organ in your body.

Ideas how to use cherry tomatoes in recipes

You can combine cherry tomatoes with cucumbers and low-fat cottage cheese, or you can prepare the irresistible salsa sauce and serve with tacos, burritos and tortilla chips. They go well with black olives and lettuce or if you prefer you can stuff them with low-fat homemade cream made out of low-fat yogurt and cheese, garnished with finely chopped basil leaves. If you are in a hurry, add halved cherry tomatoes in a bowl and sprinkle with chopped parsley and dress with olive oil and a little bit salt to taste.

Read More »