10 Benefits of Carrots

Forget about vitamin A pills. With this orange crunchy power-food, you get vitamin A and a host of other powerful health benefits including beautiful skin, cancer prevention, and anti-aging. Read how to get maximum benefits from this amazing vegetable.

Benefits of Carrots

1.  Improved Vision
Western culture’s  understanding of carrots being “good for the eyes” is one of the few we got right. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the liver. Vitamin A is transformed in the retina, to rhodopsin, a purple pigment necessary for night vision.

Beta-carotene has also been shown to protect against macular degeneration and senile cataracts. A study found that people who eat the most beta-carotene had 40 percent lower risk of macular degeneration than those who consumed little.

2.  Cancer Prevention
Studies have shown carrots reduce the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. Researchers have just discovered falcarinol and falcarindiol which they feel cause the anticancer properties.

Falcarinol is a natural pesticide produced by the carrot that protects its roots from fungal diseases. Carrots are one of the only common sources of this compound. A study showed 1/3 lower cancer risk by carrot-eating mice.

3.  Anti-Aging
The high level of beta-carotene acts as an antioxidant to cell damage done to the body through regular metabolism.  It help slows down the aging of cells.

4.  Healthy Glowing Skin (from the inside)
Vitamin A and antioxidants protects the skin from sun damage. Deficiencies of vitamin A cause dryness to the skin, hair and nails. Vitamin A prevents premature wrinkling, acne, dry skin, pigmentation, blemishes, and uneven skin tone.

5.  A Powerful Antiseptic
Carrots are known by herbalists to prevent infection. They can be used on cuts – shredded raw or boiled and mashed.

6.  Beautiful Skin (from the outside)
Carrots are used as an inexpensive and very convenient facial mask.  Just mix grated carrot with a bit of honey. See the full recipe here: carrot face mask.

7.  Prevent Heart Disease
Studies show that diets high in carotenoids are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.  Carrots have not only beta-carotene but also alpha-carotene and lutein.

The regular consumption of carrots also reduces cholesterol levels because the soluble fibers in carrots bind with bile acids.

8.  Cleanse the Body
Vitamin A assists the liver in flushing out the toxins from the body. It reduces the bile and fat in the liver. The fibers present in carrots help clean out the colon and hasten waste movement.

9.  Healthy Teeth and Gums
It’s all in the crunch! Carrots clean your teeth and mouth. They scrape off plaque and food particles just like toothbrushes or toothpaste.  Carrots stimulate gums and  trigger a lot of saliva, which being alkaline, balances out the acid-forming, cavity-forming bacteria.  The minerals in carrots prevent tooth damage.

10.  Prevent Stroke:
From all the above benefits it is no surprise that in a Harvard University study, people who ate more than six carrots a week are less likely to suffer a stroke than those who ate only one carrot a month or less.

Source: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-benefits-of-carrots.html

Health Benefits of Eggplant

Eggplant or Brinjal, is a very low calorie vegetable and has healthy nutrition profile; good news for weight watchers! The veggie is popularly known as aubergine in the western world.

The plant reaches about 3-4 feet tall in quick time aand bears many bright fruits. Each fruit has smooth, glossy skin. Internally, it features off-white color pulp with numerous centrally arranged small, soft seeds. Fruits are generally harvested when they reach maturity but short of full stage ripeness.

Health benefits of Eggplant (aubergine)

• Eggplant is very low in calories and fats but rich in soluble fiber content. 100 g provides just 24 calories but contributes about 9% of RDA of fiber.
• Research studies at the Institute of Biology of São Paulo State University, Brazil showed that eggplant is effective in the treatment of high blood cholesterol.
• It contains good amounts of many essential B-complex groups of vitamins such as pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and thiamin (vitamin B1), niacin (B3). These vitamins are essential in the sense that body requires them from external sources to replenish and required for fat, protein and carbohydrates metabolism.
• It is also good source of minerals like manganese, copper, iron and potassium. Manganese is used as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Potassium is an important intracellular electrolyte helps counter the hypertension effects of sodium.
• The peel or skin (deep blue/purple varieties) of aubergine has significant amounts of phenolic flavonoid phyto-chemicals called anthocyanins. Scientific studies have shown that these anti-oxidants have potential health effects against cancer, aging, inflammation, and neurological diseases.

Preparation and serving methods

Wash eggplant thoroughly in cold water before use. Trim the stalk end using sharp knife. Sprinkle a pinch of fine salt or soak the pieces in salt water to remove the bitter compounds. Whole fruit including its skin and fine seeds are edible.

Whole, cubed, or sliced aubergine used in variety of recipes.

Here are some serving tips:

• Spicy aubergine slices in general used as favorite side dish in salads and appetizers.
• Brinjals, as they popularly known in South-Asian region, feature mainly in many kinds of Indian cuisines. It can be stew fried, roasted, baked or ground (baingan bartha, baingan chutney) in the preparation of variety of recipes.
• In Southern India, it is chopped into cubes and used in curry, chutney, and with rice (brinjal pulao).
• In Southern Europe, Turkey, and Middle-East where aubergines are one of the common ingredients used in variety of delicious recipes like mousaka (eggplant casserole), baba ghanoush (mashed eggplant preparation similar to South Asian baingan ki bartha), breadcrumbs, imam bayildi (stuffed) etc.
• Stewed Asparagus spears sandwiched with aubergine slice is a popular recipe in Mediterranean region.
• It is also widely used in pickling.

Fruits and Veggies for Spring

As temperatures rise, nothing beats a sweet, juicy piece of fruit or the crisp crunch of a fresh veggie.

Here are delicious fruits and veggies to enjoy in spring!

Cherries
Cherries begin to ripen in April, making their tart taste perfect for your favorite spring recipes. Health benefits include:

• The ability to reduce inflammation
• Anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that may protect against heart disease and diabetes

Strawberries
The most popular berry in the world, strawberries are a sweet and juicy addition to any meal. They start to ripen in March, so enjoy them now! Health benefits include:

• High levels of phenols, heart-protecting phytonutrients
• Decreasing the activity of the inflammation-causing enzyme COX
• 3 grams of fiber per serving

Asparagus
The mild taste of asparagus makes it perfect in both savory and tangy dishes. Plus, it's a cinch to prepare. Health benefits include:

• Folate—essential for a healthy cardiovascular system
• Blood pressure-lowering potassium
• High levels of tryptophan, which is associated with elevating mood

Spinach
One of the most nutrient-packed vegetables, spring spinach has a refreshing taste. Health benefits include:

• 25% of your daily dose of calcium (per serving)
• Lutein, which protects against eye diseases such as macular degeneration
• High levels of iron

Peas
These tiny veggies can be tossed in a salad, soup, or pasta dish. Health benefits include:

• Over 40% of your daily recommended amount of manganese, which keeps bones healthy
• Dietary fiber
• Folic acid and vitamin B6, which keep your cardiovascular health in tip-top shape

Nutrition Benefits of Going Vegan

All of the following nutritional benefits come from a vegan diet full of foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, and soy products.

1. Reduced saturated fats. Dairy products and meats contain a large amount of saturated fats. By reducing the amount of saturated fats from your diet, you’ll improve your health tremendously, especially when it comes to cardiovascular health.

2. Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide energy for your body. When you don’t have enough carbohydrates, your body will burn muscle tissue.

3. Fiber. A diet high in fiber (as vegan eating usually is) leads to healthier bowel movements. High fiber diets help fight against colon cancer.

4. Magnesium. Aiding in the absorption of calcium, magnesium is an often overlooked vitamin in importance to a healthy diet. Nuts, seeds, and dark leafy greens are an excellent source of magnesium.

5. Potassium. Potassium balances water and acidity in your body and stimulates the kidneys to eliminate toxins. Diets high in potassium have shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

6. Folate. This B vitamin is an important part of a healthy diet. Folate helps with cell repair, generating red and white blood cells, and metabolizing amino acids.

7. Antioxidants. For protection against cell damage, antioxidants are one of the best ways to help your body. Many researchers also believe that antioxidants help protect your body against forming some types of cancer.

8. Vitamin C. Besides boosting your immune system, Vitamin C also helps keep your gums healthy and helps your bruises heal faster. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant.

9. Vitamin E. This powerful vitamin has benefits for your heart, skin, eyes, brain, and may even help prevent Alzheimer’s Disease. A diet high in grains, nuts, and dark leafy greens is full of Vitamin E.

10. Phytochemicals. Plant-based foods provide phytochemicals, which help to prevent and heal the body from cancer, boost protective enzymes, and work with antioxidants in the body.

11. Protein. That protein is good for your body is no surprise. It may be a surprise to learn that most Americans eat too much protein and in forms such as red meat that are not healthy ways of getting protein. Beans, nuts, peas, lentils, and soy products are all great ways to get the right amount of protein in a vegan diet.

Banana Beauty!

From now on never ever throw a ripe banana because it can easily be used for skin care . Read on to learn about the amazing ways of using bananas in your daily beauty routine.

Dry feet

Ripe bananas are a common household remedy to treat dry feet . Apply the pulp of ripe banana on the dry and cracked area of your feet. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then wash with warm and cold water alternatively. The results are really amazing, you will experience soft and supple feet just by one application.

Acne, blemishes and pimples

Bananas are anti-bacterial in nature and are excellent in treating skin blemishes, acne and pimples. The antioxidants and vitamins in bananas restore collagen in the skin and are useful for anti-aging skin too.

Banana Mask Recipe

What you’ll need:1 banana,1 tablespoon agave (optional),1/2 teaspoon lemon juice.

Mash the banana and combine it with the agave (optional) and lemon juice until it’s creamy.  Spread all over face and leave for 30 minutes before rinsing off.

Another great mask is fresh pineapple & banana- mix well in a blender- U can use this for both hair, face and décolletage.

Dry Eyes

Eating a banana every day can be very useful, if you suffer from dry eyes. Since bananas are very rich in potassium, they help to control the balance of sodium and release of fluid in your cells, which results in preventing dry eyes. Simply eat banana a day and get rid of dry eyes.

Dry Skin

Bananas are rich source of Vitamin A and Potassium, and they are very good at softening and hydrating the skin. Take a ripe or over ripe banana, and mash it in a bowl. Add a spoon of granulated sugar to the banana mash. Apply this mix to your face and hands. Banana mash works as an excellent exfoliate scrub and moisturizer for buffing away dead skin. It is a very effective and cheap natural remedy.