Beetroot- good for the immune system, nervous system and circulatory system and said to be anti-carcinogenic.

Beetroot is eaten raw, cooked, pickled or canned. It is considered to be very good for the immune system and is also said to have cancer fighting properties. It contains vitamins, minerals and has a considerable amount of sugar. Raw beetroot contains a higher level of folate compared to cooked beetroot. Folate is a vitamin that is essential for healthy cells .

Fresh raw beetroot juice is a good tonic for convalescents because it contains vitamins and minerals in large quantities. Freshly boiled beetroot has higher levels of most minerals especially potassium, this mineral maintains normal blood pressure and nerve function and also regulates heartbeat. It also contains Vitamin C. The picked form reduces the amount of vitamins and minerals.

Betacyanin, the red pigment, is extracted to create a food coloring agent.Although the root is extensively eaten today, in the days of old, only the leafy tops were eaten, which contain beta carotene, calcium and iron. The leaves are cooked in the same way as spinach is cooked.

Artichokes- helps in gallstone disease, reduces cholesterol disease and helps in liver functioning

Artichokes are either eaten with or without the leaves. Some parts of the vegetable are not edible like the scaly, outer petals and the hairy layer beneath the leaves which is called the choke. It is best to boil these without covering it so that the acids can evaporate. They are considered a delicacy by many.
Artichokes are a good source of magnesium, Vitamin C, potassium and folic acid. The leaves contain cynarin and studies have indicated that this and other related compounds in the leaves helps in gallstone disease. The leaves can be dried or fresh and sometimes even the stems are used to increase bile flow. It also helps in improving the functioning of the liver and therefore used to treat jaundice. They also help in controlling cholesterol levels. It is said that artichokes have a negative effect on inflamed bowels so those suffering from this should avoid eating artichokes.

Apricots- beta carotene source found to prevent heart disease and cancer.

Apricots are eaten fresh as well as dry. When fresh ripe apricots are eaten we get beta carotene, which is the plant form of Vitamin A. Beta carotene is an antioxidant that are said to prevent diseases like heart disease and cancer. Apricots are also high in fiber and low in calories. Natural juice with apricots provides Vitamin C but have less than half the quantity of beta carotene. In the process of drying apricots, the concentration of beta carotene is increased. The concentration of potassium and iron is also increased. When blood pressure is caused by salt sensitivity, potassium intake is said to reduce blood pressure. Potassium is a natural diuretic which influences the body in such a way that it excretes water and sodium.

Some people with asthma have had an asthma attack after having dried apricots. This is actually not due to the apricots, but due to the treatment given to apricots to preserve their color. Certain substances are produced when they are treated with sulphur dioxide and these can trigger asthma attacks so it’s safest to avoid dried apricots unless you are absolutely sure that they are free of sulphite.

Dates- nutritious, gentle laxative, rich in potassium

Dates are very nourishing with dried dates having two times more calories as compared to fresh dates. Fresh dates contain more Vitamin C than dry dates and are also a good source of soluble fiber which serves as a gentle laxative. Dried dates contain more potassium, copper, iron and niacin.
It is said that dates help to increase the amount of healthy bacteria in the intestines. It is also said that dates help prevent abdominal cancer but sufficient evidence is not available to prove this. Since dates contain sugar, fats, proteins and vitamins, one can include dates in one’s diet. Many people substitute dried dates for sweets as a healthier option but there is something to note here. Dried dates, due to the high sugar content, can lead to formation of dental plaque causing tooth decay and gum disease. Dates can also cause migraines in some people due to the presence of an organic compound called tyramine.

Carrots- good for eyesight, diarrhoea relief and maintenance of mucous membranes

Carrots contain beta carotene which is converted into Vitamin A by the body. Vitamin A is required for healthy vision and a person with Vitamin A deficiency cannot see at all even in dim lighting. This symptom is called night blindness. If eaten raw only 25% can be converted into Vitamin A due to the tough cellular walls. When cooked and served along with some fat more than 50% is absorbed. So cooked carrots are a better option compared to raw carrots. It is best to peel off the skin and cut off the top as studies have shown a high content of pesticides in them. Vitamin A is also required for mucous membrane maintenance.It also contains fiber. Pureed carrots can be given to babies suffering from diarrhea as they provide natural sugars as well as the required nutrients.

Bananas- good for stomach upsets, a quick energy booster too.

Go bananas?! It is not such a bad idea if you take this saying literally. Bananas are a good source of potassium, thus helping in nerve function and muscle function. They are very easy to digest although if eaten raw, bananas can cause intestinal wind. Although they are known to cause migraines in some adults, they otherwise hardly lead to allergic reactions. In fact, people with stomach ulcers say that eating bananas has a soothing effect on their stomachs. More research is required before drawing conclusions.
Sports persons normally eat bananas because they contain a large amount of natural sugar which is quickly metabolized. Bananas are given to heal stomach upsets. Bananas are also dried but they contain at least five times more calories than the fresh ones.
Green bananas which are called plantains are only eaten cooked as they are difficult to digest and are also bitter to taste when raw. This bitterness is due to the presence of large amounts of tannin. It also contains much more starch than the ordinary bananas.

Apple Facts - Apple Good for Constipation and Diarrhea

We have often heard the saying, ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’. What’s in an apple? Most varieties are good sources of Vitamin C thus making them an antioxidant which helps maintain the immune system. They also help control blood sugar levels as they contain fructose, a simple sugar, which is broken down slowly. In case of constipation, apples are helpful. Stewed apples are eaten to treat diarrhea. Apple poultices are used for skin inflammations. For the weight conscious, they are relatively low in calories and therefore make a healthy snack to carry around.
Dried Apples, although higher in calories, are quick sources of energy as the sugars are concentrated. They are high in fiber and a moderate source of iron but they lose their Vitamin C when dried.There are a large variety of apples available. They are available even out of season as they are stored in cool conditions- this stops the apples from ripening.