Papaya

Papaya commonly known as 'PawPaw' is a delicious fruit with butter-like consistency. Once considered quite exotic, they can now be found in markets throughout the year. Although there is a slight seasonal peak in early summer and fall, papaya trees produce fruit year round, with the peak season running from April through October. Originally from southern Mexico and neighbouring countries, the papaya plant is now cultivated in most tropical countries. Papayas are grown in both tropical and subtropical regions, including Mexico, Brazil, India, and Southeast Asia. The trees, related to the North American pawpaw, grow quickly and do not live long, but nevertheless seed easily and yield fruit year-round. There are about 50 varieties of papayas, many of which are inedible and not sold commercially.

The papaya, is the fruit of the Carica papaya tree. Papayas are spherical or pear-shaped fruits that can be as long as 20 inches. The ones commonly found in the market usually average about 7 inches and weigh about one pound. Their flesh is a rich orange color with either yellow or pink hues. Inside the inner cavity of the fruit are black, round seeds encased in a gelatinous-like substance. Papaya's seeds are edible, although their peppery flavor is somewhat bitter.

Papayas are picked completely green and firm, they will usually not ripen, but can be used in cooking. Choose fruit that is free of black spots and damage to the skin. The spreading yellow color indicates the papaya is softening and shows how far along it is in ripening; fruit with a little yellow near the end takes five to seven days to ripen. Ripe yellow papayas may be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. Refrigeration will also slow the ripening process in fruit intended for cooking.

For the biggest nutritional benefits, the fruit, seeds and/or skin should be eaten. But tea made from the leaves or dried fruit has shown many of the same properties. Papaya is most often taken in the form of supplements (papaya enzymes) but if you enjoy tea, you might as well give it a try. The fruit, as well as the other parts of the papaya tree, contain papain, an enzyme that helps digest proteins. This enzyme is especially concentrated in the fruit when it is unripe. Papain is extracted to make digestive enzyme dietary supplements and is also used as an ingredient in some chewing gums. Papayas are rich sources of antioxidant nutrients, minerals and fibre. Papayas may be very helpful for the prevention of diabetic heart disease. Papayas are an excellent source of vitamin C as well as a very good source of vitamin E and beta-carotene, three very powerful antioxidants. These nutrients help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. They are rich in Fibre. The Ayurveda experts have regarded papain as a remedy for abdominal disorders. It is a good medicine for dysentery, hyper-acidity, dyspepsia and constipation. Pimples are removed by rubbing the white pulp of raw papaya on the face. It brings lustre to the face and removes wrinkles.

Mango

The mango is the most commonly eaten and popular fresh fruit. The fruit flesh of a ripe mango is very sweet, with a unique taste. Mango leaves occupy a prime position in Hindu tradition. On festival occasions it is used to decorate the entrance of the house. Although it is believed that mangoes originated in southeast Asia however, it is cultivated in mostly all the tropical regions.

The mango is an excellent nutritional source, containing many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Magneferin and lactase in mangoes aid in digestion and intestinal health. Mangoes are rich in vitamin A and have good amounts of vitamins B and C as well as Potassium, Calcium and Iron. Mangoes are high in water content. Mangoes also supply ample potassium, making them ideal for hypertensive patients or anyone looking to replenish energy after physical activity. Mangoes are a rich source of fibre and prevents colon cancer. The high iron content in mangoes aid in treatment of anaemia and are beneficial to women during pregnancy. People who suffer from muscle cramps, stress, and heart problems can benefit from the high potassium and magnesium content. Mangoes are said to be good for the skin too. Ripe mangoes are rich in Beta-carotene which helps prevent heart diseases. Raw mangoes are rich in 'Vitamin C'. Mangoes also aid in maintaining low cholesterol levels.



Mangoes can be eaten both raw and ripe. Mangoes in pickled form are most popular. There are many varieties of mangoes and 'Alphonso' is said to be topping the list. It is cultivated in 'Ratnagiri' in India and is exported world wide. Mangoes are generally plucked when raw and are stored in cool dry places to ripen. Once ripe they impart a sweet fragrance the fruit changes to a bright yellowish-orange colour. Sweetened and dehydrated mango pulp is a available in the market and makes a good dessert. There are many thirst quenchers like juices and milk shakes that are prepared from mangoes. Mango jams are also very delicious to eat.

Plums

Plums belong to the Prunus genus of plants and are relatives of the peach, nectarine and almond. They are all considered "drupes," fruits that have a hard stone pit surrounding their seeds. When plums are dried, they become the fruit we know as prunes. The plum season extends from May through October with the Japanese varieties first on the market from May and peaking in August followed by the European varieties in the fall. There are thousands of varieties of plums that are available throughout the world, ranging in colors like red, blue-black, purple, yellow, green or amber. Plums are believed to have originated in Asia and since then have been grown all over the world.
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Plums are a very good source of vitamin C. They are also a good source of vitamin A, vitamin B2 and potassium. In addition, plums are a good source of dietary fiber. Eating three or more servings of fruit a day can lower by about one-third your risk of age-related macular degeneration, the primary cause of vision loss in older adults. Eating plums also reduces your chances of contracting a heart disease in the long run. Plums have certain cleansing agents that keep the blood pure and also prevent complications of the heart.

Plums have high content of Vitamin C, which means it helps protect against health conditions like asthma, colon cancer, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. They are a good source of unique phytonutrients called neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid. These substances are especially effective in neutralizing a particularly destructive oxygen radical called superoxide anion radical, and they also help prevent oxygen-based damage to fats, such as the fats that comprise a substantial portion of our brain cells or neurons, the cholesterol and triglycerides circulating in our bloodstream, or the fats that make up our cell membranes. Consumption of plums helps in the production and absorption of iron in the body, thus leading to better blood circulation in the body, which further leads to the growth of healthy tissues. Regular consumption of plums will prevent macular degeneration and any other infection of the eye in the long run. Your eyes will be healthy and strong for long time and you can also retain a sharp eye-sight.


Plums are sweet, juicy and great for baking. Eating fruit, especially at the peak of its season, is a delicious way to incorporate many diverse phytonutrients into your diet. Plums contain a unique antioxidant that is effective at neutralizing a particularly harmful type of free radical. And like other fruits, plums also contain a healthy amount of fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Cherries

Cherries are a very tasty and nutritious fruit. They contain many vitamins, minerals and compounds which have many health benefits. The word cherry refers to both the tree and the fleshy fruit (drupe) that contains a single stony seed. Cherry belongs to the family Rosaceae, genus Prunus, along with almonds, peaches, plums, apricots and bird cherries. The cherries selected for eating are derived primarily from two species – the wild cherry, which has given rise to the Sweet Cherry to which most cherry cultivars belong, and the Sour Cherry, used mainly for cooking. Besides fruit, cherries have attractive flowers, and are commonly planted for their flower display in spring. Several Asian cherries are particularly noted for their attractive flowers. The Japanese sakura, in particular, is a national symbol and is celebrated in the yearly Hanami Festival.

Cherries contain anthocyanins, the red pigment in berries, which help reduce pain and inflammation. Anthocyanins are also potent antioxidants. Cherries contain high levels of melatonin. Besides being an anti-oxidant, melatonin has also been shown to be important for the function of the immune system. The skin of the cherries holds most of the essential antioxidants vital to their health benefits. There is considerable interest, at present in the use of fresh cherries or cherry juice to treat gout, a painful, inflammatory condition affecting the joints. Although a good source of vitamins, they are not as high in vitamin C or vitamin A as fruits like strawberries or blackcurrants but its the presence of other antioxidants and compounds that are responsible for the many health benefits of cherries. Cherries are low in calories, low in fat and contain a high percentage of water.Increasing water consumption will boost energy levels and help increase the metabolism. Many people are discovering the benefits of eating high water fruits like cherries for help in losing weight. Cherries help stimulate the secretion of digestive juices and of the urine and are effective cleansers of the liver and kidneys. Cherries are particularly beneficial in reducing the risk of colon cancer.

Cherry tastes sweet and sour. It is used in many deserts, drinks, cookies, cake, pastry, shakes, ice creams, pies, jams and jellies as flavoring. It can be used for gelatin desserts, punch or sherbtet, and has been added as an ascorbic acid supplement to other fruit juices. The fruits may be made into syrup or, with added pectin made into jelly, jam, and other preserves.

Coconut

The coconut palm is a member of the family Arecaceae (palm family). It is large, growing up to 30m in height, with pinnate leaves. The term coconut refers to the fruit of the palm. The palm is grown throughout the tropical world, for its decorative as well as for its culinary and non-culinary uses.
The coconut is a dry nut known as a fibrous drupe. The husk is composed of fibers called coir and there is an inner stone. The endocarp is the hardest part. It has three germination pores, visible on the outside surface once the husk is removed. Although coconut meat contains less fat than other dry nuts such as peanuts and almonds, it is noted for its high amount of saturated fat. The endosperm surrounds a hollow interior space, filled with air and often a liquid referred to a s coconut water, not to be confused with coconut milk. Coconut water from the unripe coconut, however, can be drunk fresh.
The white, fleshy part of the seed is edible and used fresh or dried in cooking. The cavity is filled with coconut water which contains sugar, fiber, proteins antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Coconut water provides as isotonic electrolyte balance, and is a highly nutritious food source. It is used as a refreshing drink throughout the humid tropics and in isotonic sports drinks. The roots are used as a mouth wash, and a medicine for dysentery. A frayed out piece of root can also be used as a tooth brush.

Coconut oil contains lauric acid. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which is claimed to help in dealing with viruses and bacteria causing diseases such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. It helps in fighting harmful bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia. As a result of these various health benefits of coconut oil, though its exact mechanism of action was unknown, it has been extensively used in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicinal system.
Coconut oil is one of the best natural nutrition for hair. Regular massage of coconut oil helps prevent dandruff and gives shine to the hair. It acts as an effective moisturizer on all types of skins including dry skin. There is no chance of having any adverse side effects on the skin with the application of coconut oil. Coconut oil helps in preventing premature aging and degenerative diseases due to its antioxidant properties. Coconut oil is very effective against a variety of infections due to its antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Coconut oil helps in preventing kidney and gall bladder diseases. It also helps in dissolving kidney stones. Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections.
Coconut water can be used as an intravenous fluid. Oil can be extracted from the fresh flesh, and used in many ways, including as a medicine and in cosmetics, or as a direct replacement for diesel fuel. The leaves provide materials for baskets and roofing. The husk and shells can be used for fuel and are a source of charcoal. The stiff leaflet midribs can be used to make cooking skewers or are bound into bundies, brooms and brushes. Dried coconut leaves can be burned to ash, which can be harvested for lime. Dried half shells are used as the bodies of musical instruments. Coconut trunks are used for building bridges, and are preferred for their straightness, strength and salt resistance.
Coconut milk is made by processing grated coconut with hot water or milk, which extracts the oil and aromatic compounds. When refrigerated and left to set, coconut cream will rise to the top and separate the milk.
The sap derived from incising the flower cluster of the coconut is fermented to produce palm wine, also known as toddy. The sap can also be reduced by boiling to create a sweet syrup or candy. Coconut water is great for poaching eggs or fish. It is also suitable for adding a tangy taste to soups, meat and poultry. Coconut milk blends beautifully with many dishes, including curries soups and sauces.

Botanical Name : Cocos nucifera

Nutritious and Healthy food

Hi friends, to day I will tell you about the good food for our good health.Because you know--Healthy and nutritious food is very important for maintaining a good health.Healthy food is that regular and timely taken food, juices, nuts, snakes and much more.
A balance diet, good food habits are essential for a healthy and normal course of life, we forget to take necessary nutrition that is required for our body and so we are very prone to many life style disease. So I suggest it is very very essential to know the benefits of nature's gift like fruits, vegetables, nuts etc. Did you agree with me?

Here you can find useful articles on nutrition and health benefits of various fruits and vegetables.I think you should follow it for your good,healthy life.So starts bite and take care.

• Apples : Apples are rich in vitamins and help to reduce risk of colon cancer, prostrate cancer, lung cancer etc.

• Radish : Radishes and their green parts an excellent source of vitamin C and a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties too, Radish leaves are good source of calcium. It contains cancer-protective properties.

• Chives : Chives are known for their beneficial effect on the digestive system and blood pressure and many more.

• Coconut : It is known for its anti-fungal, anti bacterial properties. Coconut oil forms the the base of many Ayurvedic medicinal preparation.

• Cherries: Good source of many vitamins, minerals and tasty to eat. 

• Plums : Its a sweet and juicy fruit and good source of vitamin C.

• Spinach :Rich in iron and calcium. It helps to overcome iron deficiency.

• Beetroot : it contain good amount of foliate, potassium and manganese . They help to curing skin problem.

• Cabbage - Healing Properties : Cabbage is a well known common vegetable. Its is low in calories and is long known for its healing properties.

• Cauliflower : Highly nutritious and is effective in curing aliments. It is rich in foliate and good for pregnant woman.

• Mango : Mangoes are very popular and widely available fruit. It rich in Potassium and is known as antioxidant.

• Tomatoes : Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene and is a potent antioxidant.

• Musk Melon - Tropical Delight : Musk melon is a tropical fruit which is been cultivated for a very long time. It is a rich source of vitamin 'C' and is effective in reducing body heat.

• Bitter Gourd : It is a tropical vegetable and It is a well known cure for diabetes.

• Avocado - for fitness and health : Avocado is rich in potassium content. The fruit is also a good source of vitamins.

• Papaya : A rich source of Minerals and Fibre and has high nutritional benefits.t is rich in Anti-oxidants, Minerals and Fibre. It also helps in Skin Treatments.

• Oats : Fibre food that cures constipation. It have some unique fatty acids andantioxidants which together with Vitamin E slow cell damage.

• Watermelon : It is highly refreshing during summer.It does not contain cholesterol and helps in eye sight also.

• Banana : Banana helps in the treatment of Depression.Anemia, Blood Pressure, Brain power, Constipation, etc.

• Almond : A highly Nutritious fruit. Consumption of Almond lowers cholesterol levels,reduces the risk of lifestyle diseases and gives overall wellness.

• Egg : Egg is a healthy and nutritious food. Lecithin in eggs prevents the absorption of cholesterol of egg and other sources too.

• Mushrooms : It is also a highly nutritious food. Mushrooms are rich in minerals, vitamin D (ergosterol), thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), dietary fibre as well as all the essential amino acids and are low in fat and calories.

• Gooseberry (Amla) : Rich in Vitamin C: Amla or Gooseberry has many nutritious benefits. The amla has been found to be the most abundant source of Vitamin C in the plant kingdom.