High blood pressure or hypertension

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one third of American adults have high blood pressure, or hypertension. A number of factors contribute to elevated blood pressure, including stress, diet, and lack of exercise.

Having high blood pressure increases your risk for several health problems: heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, vision loss, and metabolic syndrome. To prevent or to treat high blood pressure, you should have your numbers checked regularly by your doctor.

Part 2 of 10: Herbs

Herbs and Supplements

There are many ways to treat high blood pressure, including lifestyle changes and/or medications. If you are interested in turning to traditional and herbal treatments for lowering your blood pressure, you have many options.

If you are thinking of trying herbs for medical reasons, whether that means using the whole herb or a supplement, speak to your doctor first. Some herbs, especially in large quantities, may produce undesirable side effects or interfere with other medications.

Part 3 of 10: Basil

Basil

Basil is a delicious herb that goes well in a variety of foods. It also might help lower your blood pressure. Extract of basil has been shown to lower blood pressure, although only briefly. Adding fresh basil to your diet is easy and certainly can’t hurt. Keep a small pot of the herb in your kitchen garden and add the fresh leaves to pastas, soups, salads, and casseroles.

Part 4 of 10: Cinnamon

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is another tasty seasoning that requires little effort to include in your daily diet, and that may bring your blood pressure numbers down. Consuming cinnamon every day has been shown to lower blood pressure in people with diabetes.

Include more cinnamon in your diet by sprinkling it on your breakfast cereal, oatmeal, and even in your coffee. At dinner, cinnamon enhances the flavor of stir fries, curries, and stews.

Part 5 of 10: Cardamom

Cardamom

Cardamom is a seasoning that comes from India and is often used in the foods of South Asia. A study investigating the health effects of cardamom found that participants given powdered cardamom daily for several months saw significant reductions in their blood pressure readings.

You can include cardamom seeds or the powder in spice rubs, in soups and stews, and even in baked goods for a special flavor and a positive health benefit.

Part 6 of 10: Garlic

Garlic

This pungent seasoning can do more than just flavor your food and ruin your breath. Garlic has the ability to lower your blood pressure by causing your blood vessels to relax and dilate. This lets blood flow more freely and reduces blood pressure.

You can add fresh garlic to a number of your favorite recipes. If the flavor of garlic is just too strong for you, roast it first. And if you simply can’t eat the stuff, you can get garlic in supplement form.

Part 7 of 10: Hawthorn

Hawthorn

Hawthorn is an herbal remedy for high blood pressure that has been used in traditional Chinese medicines for thousands of years. Decoctions of hawthorn seem to have a whole host of benefits on cardiovascular health, including reduction of blood pressure, the prevention of clot formation, and an increase in blood circulation. You can take hawthorn as a pill, a liquid extract, or a tea.

Part 8 of 10: Celery Seed

Celery Seed

Celery seed is an herb used to flavor soups, stews, casseroles, and other savory dishes. Celery has been long used to treat hypertension in China, but studies also shown that it may be effective. You can use the seeds to lower blood pressure, but you can also juice the whole plant. Celery is a diuretic, which may help explain its effect on blood pressure.

Part 9 of 10: Lavender

French Lavender

The beautiful, perfume-like scent of lavender is not the only useful aspect of the plant. Oil of lavender has long been used as a perfume ingredient and also to induce relaxation. The herb may also lower your blood pressure. Although not many people think to use lavender as a culinary herb, you can use the flowers in baked goods and the leaves can be used in the same way you would use rosemary.

Part 10 of 10: Cat's Claw

Cat’s Claw

Cat’s claw is an herbal medicine used in traditional Chinese practice to treat hypertension as well as neurological health problems. Studies of cat’s claw as a treatment for hypertension indicate that it may be helpful in reducing blood pressure by acting on calcium channels in your cells. You can get cat’s claw in supplement form from many health food stores. 

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The Dangers of Hypertension,high blood pressure

Herbs and Supplements

There are many ways to treat high blood pressure, including lifestyle changes and/or medications. If you are interested in turning to traditional and herbal treatments for lowering your blood pressure, you have many options.

If you are thinking of trying herbs for medical reasons, whether that means using the whole herb or a supplement, speak to your doctor first. Some herbs, especially in large quantities, may produce undesirable side effects or interfere with other medications.

Basil

Basil is a delicious herb that goes well in a variety of foods. It also might help lower your blood pressure. Extract of basil has been shown to lower blood pressure, although only briefly. Adding fresh basil to your diet is easy and certainly can’t hurt. Keep a small pot of the herb in your kitchen garden and add the fresh leaves to pastas, soups, salads, and casseroles.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is another tasty seasoning that requires little effort to include in your daily diet, and that may bring your blood pressure numbers down. Consuming cinnamon every day has been shown to lower blood pressure in people with diabetes.

Include more cinnamon in your diet by sprinkling it on your breakfast cereal, oatmeal, and even in your coffee. At dinner, cinnamon enhances the flavor of stir fries, curries, and stews.

Cardamom

Cardamom is a seasoning that comes from India and is often used in the foods of South Asia. A studyinvestigating the health effects of cardamom found that participants given powdered cardamom daily for several months saw significant reductions in their blood pressure readings.

You can include cardamom seeds or the powder in spice rubs, in soups and stews, and even in baked goods for a special flavor and a positive health benefit.

Garlic

This pungent seasoning can do more than just flavor your food and ruin your breath. Garlic has the ability to lower your blood pressure by causing your blood vessels to relax and dilate. This lets blood flow more freely and reduces blood pressure.

You can add fresh garlic to a number of your favorite recipes. If the flavor of garlic is just too strong for you, roast it first. And if you simply can’t eat the stuff, you can get garlic in supplement form.

Hawthorn

Hawthorn is an herbal remedy for high blood pressure that has been used in traditional Chinese medicines for thousands of years. Decoctions of hawthorn seem to have a whole host of benefits on cardiovascular health, including reduction of blood pressure, the prevention of clot formation, and an increase in blood circulation. You can take hawthorn as a pill, a liquid extract, or a tea.

Celery Seed

Celery seed is an herb used to flavor soups, stews, casseroles, and other savory dishes. Celery has been long used to treat hypertension in China, but studies also shown that it may be effective. You can use the seeds to lower blood pressure, but you can also juice the whole plant. Celery is a diuretic, which may help explain its effect on blood pressure.

French Lavender

The beautiful, perfume-like scent of lavender is not the only useful aspect of the plant. Oil of lavender has long been used as a perfume ingredient and also to induce relaxation. The herb may also lower your blood pressure. Although not many people think to use lavender as a culinary herb, you can use the flowers in baked goods and the leaves can be used in the same way you would use rosemary.

Cat’s Claw

Cat’s claw is an herbal medicine used in traditional Chinese practice to treat hypertension as well as neurological health problems. Studies of cat’s claw as a treatment for hypertension indicate that it may be helpful in reducing blood pressure by acting on calcium channels in your cells. You can get cat’s claw in supplement form from many health food stores. 

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Take control of Your Blood Pressure

Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a very serious health concern that can lead to heart disease and increased risk for stroke. The good news is, by optimizing your dietary intake, exercising, and effectively managing your stress, the odds of lowering your blood pressure are greatly in your favor.

If you or someone you love is affected by high blood pressure, then please review and share the guidelines given below. A list of supplementary articles is also included, if you desire further information. Hypertension is actually an easily treated condition, but one that can cause serious damage to your health if ignored.

Your Diet Will Raise or Lower Your Blood Pressure

Are you on a high grain, low fat regimen? If so, I have bad news for you, because this nutritional combination is a prescription for hypertension and can absolutely devastate your health.

Groundbreaking research published in 1998 in the journal Diabetes reported that nearly two-thirds of the test subjects who were insulin resistant (IR) also had high blood pressure, and insulin resistance is directly attributable to a high sugar, high grain diet, especially if accompanied by inadequate exercise. So, chances are that if you have hypertension, you also have poorly controlled blood sugar levels, because these two problems often go hand in hand.

As your insulin level elevates, so does your blood pressure.

As explained by Dr. Rosedale, insulin stores magnesium. If your insulin receptors are blunted and your cells grow resistant to insulin, you can't store magnesium so it passes out of your body through urination. Magnesium stored in your cells relaxes muscles. If your magnesium level is too low, your blood vessels will constrict rather than relax, which will raise your blood pressure and decrease your energy level. Insulin also affects your blood pressure by causing your body to retain sodium. Sodium retention causes fluid retention. Fluid retention in turn causes high blood pressure and can ultimately lead to congestive heart failure. If your hypertension is the direct result of an out-of-control blood sugar level, then normalizing your blood sugar levels will also lower your blood pressure readings into the healthy range.

Fructose Can Cause Your Blood Pressure to Skyrocket

The first thing you need to do is remove all grains and sugars from your diet, particularly fructose, until both your weight and your blood pressure have normalized. Eating sugars and grains -- including any type of bread, pasta, corn, potatoes, or rice -- will cause your insulin levels and your blood pressure to remain elevated.

A study1 published earlier this year discovered that those who consumed 74 grams or more per day of fructose (the equivalent of about 2.5 sugary drinks) had a 77 percent greater risk of having blood pressure levels of 160/100 mmHg. (For comparison, a normal blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mmHg.) Consuming 74 grams or more of fructose daily also increased the risk of a 135/85 blood pressure reading by 26 percent, and 140/90 by 30 percent.

This is significant because the average American now consumes 70 grams of fructose EVERY day!

Fructose breaks down into a variety of waste products that are bad for your body, one being uric acid. Uric acid drives up your blood pressure by inhibiting the nitric oxide in your blood vessels. Nitric oxide helps your vessels maintain their elasticity, so nitric oxide suppression leads to increases in blood pressure. In fact, 17 out of 17 studies demonstrate that elevated uric acid levels lead to hypertension. For more information on the connection between fructose, uric acid, and hypertension, please see this article that explains it in greater depth.

I've also interviewed Dr. Richard Johnson, one of the leading medical researchers in this field, about his research into the health dangers of fructose, specifically how fructose causes health problems such as high blood pressure.

My Recommended Fructose Allowance

As a standard recommendation, I strongly advise keeping your TOTAL fructose consumption below 25 grams per day. Since the average 12-ounce can of sodacontains 40 grams of sugar, at least half of which is fructose, this can of soda ALONE would exceed your daily allotment.

In addition, most people would be wise to also limit the amount of fructose you get from fruit to 15 grams or less, because you're virtually guaranteed to consume "hidden" sources of fructose (typically in the form of high fructose corn syrup) from most beverages and just about any processed food you eat.

Fifteen grams of fructose is not much -- it represents two bananas, one-third cup of raisins, or just two Medjool dates. In his book, The Sugar Fix, Dr. Johnson includes detailed tables showing the fructose content in different foods, and I've included a sample of these values in the linked article.

Additional Dietary Considerations

1. Normalize your omega 6:3 ratio -- Both omega-3 and omega-6 fats are essential for your health. Most Americans, however, are getting too much omega-6 in their diet and far too little omega-3. Consuming omega-3 fats is one of the best ways to re-sensitize your insulin receptors if you suffer from insulin resistance. Omega-6 fats are found in corn, soy, canola, safflower and sunflower oil. If you're consuming a lot of these oils, you'll want to avoid or limit them.
   Omega-3 fats are typically found in flaxseed oil, walnut oil and fish, with fish being by far the best source. Unfortunately, most fresh fish today contains dangerously high levels of mercury. Your best bet is to find a safe source of fish, or if this proves too difficult, supplement with a high quality krill oil, which has been found to be 48 times more potent than fish oil.
2. Eliminate caffeine -- The connection between caffeine consumption and high blood pressure is not well understood, but there is ample evidence to indicate that if you have hypertension, coffee and other caffeinated drinks and foods can ex­acerbate your condition. Caffeine is a drug, and while it's entirely legal and widely consumed, it can have a powerful effect on your individual physiology. If you want to eliminate caffeine from your diet, try to do it gradually over a period of days or even weeks in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms like headaches.  
3. Consume Fermented Foods – Differences in gut flora from one person to another appears to have a large effect on whether or not you develop heart disease. If your gut flora is not healthy, your risk is much greater for heart disease, as well as many other chronic health problems. The best way to optimize your gut flora is by including some naturally fermented foods in your diet, such as sauerkraut and other fermented vegetables, yogurt, kefir, and natto. An additional benefit of fermented foods is that some of them are excellent sources of vitamin K2, which is important for preventing arterial plaque buildup and heart disease.

Use Exercise as a Drug

Physical activity is by far one of the most potent "drugs" there is, and its side effects are exactly the kinds you want to experience. Regardless of the primary reason you start an exercise program, your efforts will be rewarded in countless other ways.

A comprehensive exercise regimen, such as my Peak Fitness program, is very important in producing long-term benefits in people with high blood pressure. Nearly every program should incorporate anaerobic sprint or burst-type exercises one to three times a week, as these have been shown to be even more effective than aerobic exercises at reducing your risk of dying from a heart attack.

If you are insulin resistant, you'll definitely want to include weight training in your exercise program. When you work individual muscle groups, you increase blood flow to those muscles. Good blood flow will increase your insulin sensitivity. Depending on your physical condition when you embark on your exercise program, you may need to consult with a health care professional for help increasing to the intensity required to lower your insulin level. Exercise in combination with the supplement L-arginine has been shown to correct the abnormal functioning of blood vessels seen in people with chronic heart failure. However, I would view this more as a drug approach and not necessarily a supplement you would consider using for optimizing health in general. L-arginine probably works through its interaction with nitric oxide. I would consider it an adjunct, not a replacement, for coenzymeQ10, which is a well-proven therapy for heart failure.

Optimize Your Vitamin D Levels

Believe it or not, the farther you live from the equator, the higher your risk of developing high blood pressure2. And did you know that blood pressure is typically higher in winter months than in summer?

Sunlight actually affects blood pressure in several ways:

• Sun exposure causes your body to produce vitamin D. Lack of sunlight reduces your vitamin D stores and increases parathyroid hormone production, which increases blood pressure.
• Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to insulin resistance (IR) and Syndrome X (also known as Metabolic Syndrome), a group of health problems that can include IR, elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, obesity, and high blood pressure.
• Vitamin D is also a negative inhibitor of your body's renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which regulates blood pressure. If you're vitamin D deficient, it can cause inappropriate activation of your RAS, which may lead to hypertension.
• Additionally, exposure to UV rays is thought to cause the release of endorphins, chemicals in your brain that produce feelings of euphoria and pain relief. Endorphins naturally relieve stress, and stress management is an important factor in resolving hypertension.

Exposure to appropriate amounts of sunlight is a basic health requirement that extends far beyond blood pressure normalization. Vitamin D helps systems and organs throughout your body to function properly. Ideally, you'll want to get yourvitamin D through safe exposure to sunshine or a safe tanning bed, but vitamin D3 supplements can also be used. Please do NOT let your doctor give you a "prescription" vitamin D. That is vitamin D2, which is synthetic, and not nearly as beneficial as the real vitamin D, which is D3 (cholecalciferol).

Keep in mind that if you decide to supplement with oral vitamin D3, you must carefully monitor your vitamin D blood levels to avoid overdosing. (This is why it is highly preferable to get your vitamin D through sun exposure, since there is virtually no chance of overdosing.)

One in three American adults have high blood pressure (hypertension), and just as many, if not more, battle emotional and mental stress on a day-to-day basis.

Are these two conditions connected?

You bet. As reported by ABC World News on September 16, 20103, one cardiologist believes the connection between stress and hypertension is undeniable, yet still does not receive the emphasis it deserves. In response, Dr. Kennedy developed a stress-relieving technique he calls "The 15 Minute Heart Cure," a set of breathing and creative visualization techniques that can be done anywhere, anytime. The technique is demonstrated in the ABC World News video above. By teaching your body to slow down and relax when stress hits -- essentially short-circuiting your physical stress reaction -- you can protect your health.

My preferred method is the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), an easy to learn, easy to use technique for releasing negative emotions. EFT combines visualization with calm, relaxed breathing, while employing gentle tapping to "reprogram" deeply seated emotional patterns.

Supplements and Other Alternatives

Although certain supplements may be helpful, it's important to understand they should never be used as a substitute for basic lifestyle choices that treat the real cause of the problem. Using only supplements without modifying your lifestyle is an allopathic approach not very different from using drugs. In most instances, it is not likely to be effective. Once you have made some beneficial changes to your lifestyle, you can then consider some of the following supplements as a way to further enhance your health:

• Calcium and magnesium. Daily calcium and magnesium supplementation can be useful in lowering blood pressure, especially if yours is on the high end of high. However, if you avoid sugars and grains and eat for your Nutritional Type™ (see above), it's unlikely additional calcium or magnesium supplements will be necessary.
• Vitamins C and E. Studies indicate that these vitamins can be helpful in lowering your blood pressure. Ideally, you'll want to get the right amount of both these nutrients through diet alone. If you decide you need a supplement, make sure to take a natural (not synthetic) form of vitamin E. You can tell what you're buying by carefully reading the label. Natural vitamin E is always listed as the "d-" form (d-alpha-tocopherol, d-beta-tocopherol, etc.) Synthetic vitamin E is listed as "dl-" forms.
• Olive leaf extract. In one 2008 study, supplementing with 1,000 mg of olive leaf extract daily for eight weeks caused a significant dip in both blood pressure and LDL ("bad cholesterol") in people with borderline hypertension. If you want to incorporate olive leaf extract as a natural adjunct to a nutritionally sound diet, you should look for fresh leaf liquid extracts for maximum synergistic potency. You can also prepare your own olive leaf tea by placing a large teaspoon of dried olive leaves in a tea ball or herb sack. Place it in about two quarts of boiling water and let it steep for three to 10 minutes. The tea should be a medium amber color when done.
• Electrical acupuncture. Acupuncture combined with electrical stimulation has shown to temporarily lower elevations in blood pressure in animals by as much as 50 percent. It's currently undergoing testing in humans and could be a promising alternative treatment for controlling blood pressure.
• Breastfeeding. Studies have shown that babies who are breastfed for more than 12 months have a dramatically lower risk of developing hypertension. Researchers believe long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (the same found in fatty fish) in breast milk provide a protective effect for newborns.
• Quick tricks. Increasing nitric monoxide in your blood can open constricted blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Methods of increasing the compound include taking a warm bath, breathing in and out through one nostril (close off the other nostril and your mouth), and eating bitter melon, rich in amino acids and vitamin C.

Like obesity, high blood pressure is an epidemic. And like obesity, your best treatment is to evaluate your lifestyle and make the necessary adjustments.

A natural approach to preventing disease and healing yourself when illness strikes is always the better choice. In the case of high blood pressure, lifestyle changes -- with particular emphasis on normalizing your insulin levels -- can put you on the road to a drug-free, all-natural return to optimal health.

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Banana benefits and Healing Properties

Banana benefits the heart and improves nerve function. It also works as a natural antacid andmild laxative.

Moreover, banana affects your mood and makes you feel relaxed. It is low in fat and rich in dietary fiber and phytonutrients.

There are over 300 varieties of banana in the world. It is a healthy snack and consideredparticularly good for athletes as it helps sustain energy levels. Bananas contain plenty of carbohydrates but they are cholesterol-free and low in fat.

Scientific Name: Musa acuminata, Musa balbisiana
Other Names: Plantain, Kela, Kadali, Kadalamu, Ariti, Baelehannu

Native Region

Banana is native to the Indo-Malaysian region. It is primarily cultivated in India, China, Brazil, Philippines, Indonesia, Mexico, Thailand, Costa Rica and Colombia. It belongs to the Musaceae family.

Healing Properties

Eating bananas on a regular basis strengthens the immune system (because of vitamin B6) and regulates the bowel system. Plus, scientific studies suggest that this fruit lowers the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.

Banana benefits in controlling high blood pressure as it is high in potassium and low in sodium. In fact, in a recent study, researchers found that subjects who ate two bananas in a day for a full week reported 10% reduction in the blood pressure.

Moreover, banana lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke. Regular consumption of bananas reduces the risk of breast cancer and renal cell carcinoma.

This fruit is good for bone health and kidneys, too, as its high potassium content suppresses the excretion of calcium through urine.

Plus, this fruit (when ripe) promotes healthy digestion and cures issues like indigestion,diarrhea, constipation, hyperacidity and heartburn. Banana is particularly good when dealing with gastrointestinal problems in case of children.

Another benefit of banana is that it protects against stomach ulcers and damage caused by such ulcers because it neutralizes the acidity of gastric juices and builds a protective coating against stomach acids.

Taking bananas along with a high fiber diet is useful in maintaining proper blood sugar levels in the body. Usually, under ripe bananas are considered better for people suffering from diabetes.

Relieving menstrual cramps, reducing water retention, controlling morning sickness, and curing anemia are some other benefits of banana.

Plus, banana is good for those who are trying to quit smoking because it helps the bodyrecover from nicotine withdrawal effects.

In terms of nutrition, banana is rich in vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, dietary fiber, potassium, calcium, copper, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, sodium, and sulfur.

Moreover, it contains thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants. It has a an amino acid called tryptophan that helps reduce depression and relieves symptoms like irritability and lack of sleep.

Medicinal Uses of Banana

• • Mash a ripe banana with help of a folk, add a cup of milk in it, and consume it to get rid of indigestion. Taking this banana home remedy two to three times in a day helps curepiles.
  
  
• • Having a mashed banana mixed with one teaspoon each of tamarind pulp and salt is useful in getting rid of diarrhea. Children can be given a mixture of boiled white rice and mashed banana.

• • Regular consumption of a ripe banana benefits individuals suffering from constipation. Eating a banana after a meal relieves heartburn.
  
  
• • Being high in potassium and vitamin C, bananas play an important role in the natural treatment of gout.

• • When dealing with anemia, consume a mashed banana (ripe) mixed with a tablespoon of Indian gooseberry (amla) juice.
  
  
• • Prepare a mixture by half a cup of yogurt, a teaspoon of honey and a ripe, mashed banana in a cup of coconut water. Consume this mixture two times in a day to help in the treatment of tuberculosis.
  
  
• • Consume a mashed banana mixed with a tablespoon of honey is beneficial in healing ailments like typhoid and jaundice. Follow this therapy two times in a day for a few days.
  
  
• • Benefits of banana can also be derived by having banana stem juice about three times in a week in order to heal urinary tract infection. It helps dissolve kidney stones as well. Extract this juice from the soft inner white portion of a plantain bark.
  
  
• • Simply eating more bananas helps relieve PMS. Plus, it works as a natural mood enhancer. Consuming cooked banana flower along with yogurt works as a home medicine to reduce bleeding.
  
  
• • Eating a ripe banana mixed with a quarter teaspoon of powdered black pepper is useful in getting rid of cough. Follow this therapy two to three times in a day.
  
  
• • Having banana milkshake sweetened with honey works as a wonderful home remedy forhangover.

• • When dealing with bed sores, spread honey on a banana leaf and lie on it for a few hours to cure the problem. You can follow this procedure for treating small pox, too.
  
  
• • Another benefit of banana is that the soft inner portion of its peel can be applied on skin overnight to heal warts naturally. You can use a surgical tape to hold the banana skin on the affected area. Follow this therapy daily for a couple of weeks.
  
  
• • Applying a fresh banana leaf on skin for a few hours is valuable in the natural treatment of boils and psoriasis. It relieves skin irritation, too.
  
  
• • Rubbing the inside of a banana peel on mosquito bites provides relief from symptoms like itching and inflammation. It can be applied to soothe poison ivy rashes as well.
  
  
• • Applying juice extracted from banana flowers or leaves is helpful in healing burns. You can also apply mashed banana and cover the affected area with betel leaves.
  
  
• • Massaging your face with mashed banana and washing it off after 15-20 minutesreduces wrinkles on skin.
  
  
• • Using a banana hair pack on scalp and hair can help you get rid of dry, damaged hair. Mix half a banana and half an avocado in a blender. Apply this thin paste on your hair and rinse it off after half an hour. You can also add a few tablespoons of yogurt and vitamin E oil in this hair pack.

Unripe green tipped bananas are often used for cooking. Brown specked ones, on the other hand, can be used for baking breads, cookies, etc. Yellow bananas can be eaten as high calorie snacks or mixed in salads, shakes, smoothies, and so on.

Ripe bananas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks as it prevents the fruit ripening further. On the downside, it makes the banana turn black.

Interestingly, it is believed that eating food served on banana leaves helps avoid the risk of food poisoning and infection.

Precautions

Individuals suffering from latex allergyare likely to be allergic to bananas as well. Though banana benefits in curing a number of ailments still, excessive consumption of this fruit can causeindigestion.

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The benefits of dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit – the new super fruit, is also known as Pitaya. It is said to possess remarkable health-giving properties.

It is native to South America and grows from a cactus plant. Because of the growing nature of its popularity it is being widely harvested in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Philippines and even Bangladesh.

The dragon fruit has a delicate smell. The taste and texture is often said to be a blend of kiwi fruit and pear. Sometimes it is also likened to a melon. Its flesh is filled with edible black seeds. The skin is scaly and experts suggest that it is not fit for eating.

The dragon fruit has three varieties –

• • Red skin and white flesh
• • Yellow skin and white flesh
• • Red skin and pink flesh

The benefits of dragon fruit may be listed as follows

1. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
   Dragon fruit is said to be rich in Vitamin C, Vitamins B1, B2 and B3. The yellow Pitaya is said to be a good source of calcium which strengthens teeth and bones naturally, while the red skinned ones have significant amounts of phosphorous which is also essentially needed by the body to function properly.
   Sufficient amounts of phosphorous in the body, in particular, help increase energy levels. Iron is also one of the main components of this fruit, which is good for the blood.
2. Rich in Fiber and Protein
   The flesh of the dragon fruit is rich in fiber which benefits those suffering fromconstipation. Plus, its high protein content makes it a good choice for those striving to lose weight as it boosts the metabolism.
3. Good for Diabetes
   Dragon fruit is said to have the ability to lower blood glucose levels, thereby making it a healthy fruit for people with diabetes. In Taiwan especially, people with diabetes are urged by doctors to consume dragon fruit.
4. Contains Healthy Fats
   The tiny black seeds of the dragon fruit are a rich source of Omega-3 fats and mono-unsaturated fats, both of which are healthy fats that do not increase the cholesterol levels in the body. On an average, there are over a 1000 seeds in a dragon fruit.
5. Loaded with Antioxidants
   Dragon fruit, being a real food is extremely rich in antioxidants. It has a large variety of antioxidant substances which help the body fight free radicals that may damage the cells and DNA, thus acting as deterrents to many diseases, including cancer.
6. Boosts Immune System
   As this super fruit is rich in Vitamin C, it helps a great deal in boosting the immune system and protecting the body from harmful infections.
7. 
   

1. Vitamin C is also said to rid the body of harmful toxins and metals. It also enables quick healing of wounds, cuts and bruises. Eating this fruit on a regular basis is said to be beneficial in fighting against asthma and cough.
2. Protects the Heart
   Dragon fruits are rich in flavonoids that have been linked to having a favorable effect inprotecting the heart from cardio related diseases. Furthermore, the healthy fat content prevents cholesterol build-up. Low levels of cholesterol always help maintain a good condition of the heart.
3. Helps in Digestion
   Having rich fiber content, eating a dragon fruit will help in digestion as fiber rich foods are known to aid in digestion and relieve constipation.
   In addition, it can help clear the colon of toxic elements and thus, reduce the risk of colon cancer. Some studies also suggest dragon fruit to have pro-biotic components.
   Moreover, it is believed that eating this fruit helps increase the appetite, making it a healthy choice for those suffering from a loss of appetite due to an illness or some other reason.
4. Good for the Skin
   With nearly 90% water content, the dragon fruit is rich in moisture, and moisture is good for the skin. The dragon fruit hence, provides for ample moisture in the diet which, in turn, helps maintain a healthy and glowing skin.

Consumption of dragon fruit has no known side effects. However if having it for the first time, eat it early in the day so that if there any adverse reactions, they can be easily taken care of.

Including this fruit in the daily diet shall help gain maximum benefit from this super fruit, along with ensuring an overall state of good health.

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