Pomegranate for A Healthy You

Although pomegranate had not been too popular until these recent years when researchers are exploring all possibilities and properties that can cure the ever-baffling cancer, pomegranate has actually been around for quite some time now, maybe even older than you and I—even the researchers themselves! Pomegranate was mentioned in mythology books such as that of Persephone’s story along with others; it was even suspected that Eve was tempted with a pomegranate and not an apple. The fruit was also used as symbols by different cultures and religions back then.

This golden fruit is considered as a miracle fruit by some people who experienced improved health after incorporating pomegranates in their regular diet. The most popular form you can find is the pomegranate juice but you can find fresh ones in supermarkets. Healthy benefits of the fruits come from drinking its juice or eating the seeds from the fresh fruit. This fruit is packed with health benefits particularly antioxidants that can boost your immune system, delay aging and help your brain function at its peak. It is also rich in vitamin C—in fact, it contains 40% of an adult’s daily requirement for the said vitamin.

Pomegranate has many uses aside from its usual juice form. The beauty industry is now welcoming pomegranate with open arms as they launch quality, natural beauty products by its name. Culinary-wise, the seeds of this fruit are often used for Indian and Iranian cuisine. Your favorite Grenadine syrup used for cocktails is made from the fruit’s seeds as well.

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Organic Apple Skin Care

Of course, you have heard the lines, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” right? Well, it turned out that apple can really prevent not only the doctors but your dermatologist as well.

It’s true! Apples have many health benefits—inside and out. It’s a given fact that they are a good source of fiber especially with the skin on. They are also effective anti-oxidants and very rich in vitamin C. It was even said that apples can prevent Alzheimer’s disease from occurring to our elderly friends.

Apples are good for our skin as well. They contain alpha-hydroxy acids that are very effective in exfoliating your dead skin cells making it youthful and radiant. What’s more, you can make your own homemade apple skin care preparations such as facial mask and body exfoliants that are easy to make and quite delicious to use; surely you will have fun using these apple based homemade skin care preparations. Don’t forget to do a patch test first before applying these preparations to your skin to determine if you have allergies to some of the ingredients.

For the apple face mask which is a personal favorite of mine, you will need an apple, 1 tsp honey, and 1 tbsp oats. Mix them in a blender until smooth and apply to face. Leave the apple facial mask on for 10-15 minutes then rinse off with water. This is best done at night before sleeping to give your skin time to recuperate from the exfoliating session. Repeat twice a week to achieve and maintain a good looking skin.

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Vitamin C and the Collagen Connection

Human beings need Vitamin C in order to make collagen, an important component of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments and bones.  However, unlike most mammals, humans do not produce Vitamin C which is why important as it is, it should be included in our diet.

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin.  Studies have shown that the use of Vitamin C to treat scurvy dated as far back as the 17th century when ship physicians recommended lemon juice to treat patients suffering from the disease.  Sailors began to notice that they got sick with scurvy because of the absence of green, leafy vegetables in their diet at sea.  Which is why the British Navy began giving their crew two oranges and one lemon per day.

Vitamin C is needed to synthesize collagen and neurotransmitters and scurvy is one of the diseases best associated with Vitamin C insufficiency.  Scurvy is characterized by hair and tooth loss, joint pains and swelling.  This is because bones, tendons, blood vessels and tissue need collagen.

The North American Dietary Reference Index requires around 2000 milligrams of Vitamin C per day.  As most food contain Vitamin C, nutritionists report that a well balanced diet without supplementation is enough to protect the body from scurvy.  However, pregnant women, smokers and those under more stress require slightly higher doses.

Perhaps the most famous example for Vitamin C is the orange.  The Kakadu plums native to Australia is the best source of Vitamin C, containing 3100 milligrams and perhaps the most unlikely source being the Red Pepper.

Vitamin C is also found in meat, calf liver being the best choice.  Oysters are also a good source.  Food supplements which contain Vitamin C can also be taken as food supplements.

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A Cupful of Tomato Keeps Cancer Away

Tomato ketchup, that is. Processed tomato has higher concentration of lycopene than raw tomatoes which loses its vitamin content upon cooking. Lycopene is a nutrient found in tomato sauce and other processed tomato products and plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system and with cancer prevention as well.

Incorporating tomato sauces and juices in your daily diet is by far the easiest way to stay healthy, not to mention, good-tasting too. Lycopene is a phytochemical found in tomatoes that makes them red. This carotenoid pigment is also found in other red fruits such as watermelon, pink grapefruit and red bell pepper.  Other lycopene rich fruits are pink guava, goji berries and gac.

When absorbed by the body, lycopene will instill itself to the liver, lungs, prostate gland, colon and skin. All of which will greatly benefit from lycopene. It is proven as a powerful antioxidant which combats free radicals from damaging our cells. Because of this, it protects us from premature skin aging which results to a pinkish glow, a definite sign of healthy skin. It also reduces risk of prostate cancer to male. Lycopene promotes good cardiovascular health thus preventing heart attacks from happening.

Tomato, when eaten raw is a great source of vitamin C for stronger immune system and fiber which helps the digestive system to function well.

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