Posts Tagged ‘whole fruits’

Intake of citrus fruits—prevents Kidney stones. Really?

Kidney stones strike more than a million Americans every year. Sometimes, it causes hurting to bring them factually to their knees.
Along with medication to dampen the formation of kidney stones, fatalities are often buoyant to make nutritional changes, among them intake of more citrus juices. Citrate in the fruit juices often reduces the creation of calcium oxalate stones and also lowers urine acidity, almost like the kidney stone prescription potassium citrate.

But not all juices include the same outcome. Diluted lemon juice or Lemonade is the usual suggestion for people with calcium stones. But in 2006 a study financed by the National Institutes of Health which compares lemonade with orange juice in patients with calcium stones and it finally found that three cups of orange juice a day along with other nutritional changes for kidney stone patient’s .It mainly did a better job of raising citrate levels and lessening urine acidity than lemonade.

According to studies, the fruits like cranberry and apple juices are good for some stones and bad for others. It almost raises the repetition risk of calcium stones, but help to avert a far less common subset of kidney stones called brushite. Grapefruit juice raises the risk across the board. One large study in the archives of Internal Medicine found that –a daily cup of grapefruit juice raise the risk of stone formation as much as 44%.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Market offers free fruit, veggies


Today, Community Food Bank unveils its newest program to bring such food to the poor. A neighborhood market takes place 9 a.m.-noon in a parking lot belonging to Mount Olive Baptist Church at Clinton of prefer the fruits and vegetables they want. The food is free.

The produce is supplied by the Farm to Family Program of the California Association of Food Banks, which gather donations of fruits and vegetables from farmers.

This is a great idea, particularly since donations are fruits and vegetables that are tasty but don’t meet the size or shape standards desired by stores.

Community Food Bank plans to create neighborhood markets throughout Fresno, Madera and Kings counties, says Dana Wilkie, its president and chief executive officer. She expects to give away 1 million pounds of fruits and vegetables per year.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Study: Fruit and vegetable consumption insufficient worldwide

A new study that looks at the fruit and vegetable consumption of nearly 200,000 people discovers that the prevalence of insufficient diet is “remarkably high” across the globe. Overall, 77.6 percent of men and 78.4 percent of women consumed less than the recommended five daily servings of produce.

“Low fruit and vegetable consumption is a risk factor for overweight and obesity, and sufficient consumption decreases risk of raising several chronic diseases,” said lead author Spencer Moore. “The release of the 2002-2003 World Health Survey data offered an exclusive opportunity to inspect global differences in low fruit and vegetable consumption in a way that has until now simply not been possible.”

Moore is an assistant professor in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada. He and his colleagues looked at data from 196,373 adults in 52 mainly low- and middle-income countries.

The study appears in the May issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. There were wide variations among nations, ranging from 37 percent of men in Ghana who did not meet that standard — to 99 percent of Pakistani men. The researchers saw similar results in women with the same two countries at the high and low ends of the spectrum.

The occurrence of low fruit and vegetable intake increased with age and decreased with income. These results astonished Moore, as surveys from the United States and other developed countries again and again show that fruit and vegetable intake increases with age.

“Most people despite the country that they live in simply do not meet the suggested guidelines for adequate fruit and vegetable consumption,” said co-author Justin Hall, a graduate student at Queen’s University. “Some countries appear to be better off than others in relative terms, but the overall prevalence of low fruit and vegetable consumption is remarkably high across the globe.”

Popularity: 10% [?]

Fruit juices reduce the effectiveness of heart and cancer drugs

Fruit juices including GrapeFruits, Orange and Apple can dramatically reduce the effectiveness of heart and cancer drugs. Potentially the medicines could be rendered useless if they are taken at the same time as drinking juice, Canadian researchers said.The evidence emerged from a study in which grapefruit juice was found to shut certain drugs out of the body.Other fruit juices, notably orange and apple, are thought to have the same effect.

Patients consuming fruit or juice to be healthy run the risk of wiping out the benefits of their medicines — among them vital treatments for heart disease, cancer, organ transplant rejection and infection, the scientists warned. For 20 years it has been known that grapefruit juice can boost the potency of some drugs, increasing the risk of an overdose. Some prescription drugs now carry labels warning patients not to drink grapefruit juice or eat fresh grapefruit at the same time as taking the medicines.

The new research, presented at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society in Philadelphia in America, shows that taking fruit juices with drugs may negate their effects. In tests, healthy volunteers took fexofenadine — an antihistamine used to fight allergies. They swallowed the drug with either a single glass of grapefruit juice, water containing naringin — the chemical responsible for the fruit’s bitter taste –or plain water. When the medicine was taken with grapefruit juice, only half as much of the drug was absorbed into the body as it was with water.

Study leader Professor David Bailey, from the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, said losing half of a drug dose could be critical.” The concern is loss of benefit of medications essential for the treatment of serious medical conditions,” he said. Grapefruit, orange and apple juices all lowered the absorption of the anti-cancer agent etoposide, Prof Bailey added. They also reduced the potency of certain beta blockers — used to treat high blood pressure and prevent heart attacks

Popularity: 9% [?]

Community orchard project bears fruit

Located in Philips Park in Clayton, the orchard boasts 26 trees offering twelve different varieties of apple as well as pears, plums and cherries. Situated on the allotment site, the community facility also has bushes and plants including rhubarb, grapes, strawberries , raspberries and a variety of other berries.
Sean McGonigle, Director of Regeneration at New East Manchester said: “This is a fantastic initiative that shows what can be achieved when we work in partnership with local people who have real passion and tremendous pride in their area. This orchard not only provides the community with fresh fruits but gives people who live in an urban environment access to nature. The Community Orchard Working Group led by local resident, Bill Booth, has shown steadfast commitment to the project and without them we couldn’t have got it off the ground.”
Councillor Mike Amesbury, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure at Manchester City Council said: “This is a wonderful community resource where people can literally help themselves. The orchard has so many benefits for the local community and we plan to introduce similar schemes in parks and allotments across the city in the near future.”
Local resident, Bill Booth from the Community Orchard Working Group added: “After all the hard work, it’s great we’re able see local people enjoy the fruits of our labour. Philips Park is a wonderful green space and the orchard adds to the facilities already on offer for local residents. I hope everyone makes the most of all the free fruit we have here.”
A range of activities are scheduled throughout May to celebrate the opening including Tai Chi session, tours, talks and advice.

The orchard is in an enclosed site, and opening times will vary depending on the time of year. These will be displayed on a notice board outside the space together with details of any planned activities and events taking place on the site.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Fruit of the month : Apple

Apples
Serving size 1 medium (154g)

Amounts Per Serving % Daily Value
Calories 80
Calories from Fat 0 0
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 0mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 22g 7%
Dietary Fiber 5g 18%
Sugars 16g
Protein 0g
Vitamin A 2%
Vitamin C 8%
Calcium 0%
Iron 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.


The Apples can be traced back to the Romans and Egyptians who introduced them to Britain and finally to America. Today, Americans eat about 120 apples apiece each year. At least 50% of the domestic crop is used in items we use every day such as, applesauce, juice, jellies, pies and other popular desserts.

Selection
Choose apples that are firm with no soft spots. Avoid apples that are discolored for their variety.

Storage
Keep apples in plastic bags in the refrigerator after purchasing to prevent further ripening. Apples should keep up to six weeks. However, check apples often and remove any apples that begin to decay or the others will do the same.

Preparation
Wash apples well with soap and rinse with water. Prepare apple dishes just before serving to minimize browning (oxidation). Protect cut apples from oxidation by dipping them into a solution of one part citrus juice and three parts water.

Varieties
There are about 2500 known varieties grown in the US. Thirty-six states grow them commercially with the following as top producers, WA, NY, MI, CA, PA, & VA. 56%of the 1999 crop was eaten as fresh fruit and 42% was processed.

  • Braeburn
  • Golden & Red Delicious
  • Fuji
  • Gala
  • Jonagold
  • Rome Beauty
  • Granny Smith
  • Winesap
  • McIntosh

Popularity: 31% [?]

Vegetables prices drop slightly, fruits go up in Rawalpindi Sunday bazaars

The Rawalpindi Sunday bazaars prices of food items at weekly witnessed a mixed trend on Sunday, as the prices of vegetables slightly dropped and the prices of fruits and poultry products increased.

Stallholders told Daily Times that prices of vegetables had dropped due to improvement in their supply. However, the stallholders said it was usual that prices of vegetables decrease during summer season, as there were no godowns where the traders could store the vegetables.

On Sunday, onions were being sold at Rs 55 per five kg, potatoes price decreased from last week’s Rs 148 to Rs 145 per 5 kg this week. Garlic (Chinese) was being sold at Rs 28 per kg and its local variety at Rs 30 per kg as compared to its last week price Rs 34 per kg. Ginger price also decreased from Rs 62 to Rs 60 per kg this week. Green chillies were being sold at Rs 48 per kg this week as compared to Rs 60 per kg last week.

Ladyfinger price also decreased from Rs 70 per kg last week to Rs 60 per kg this week, however, there was no change in price of bitter gourd, which were being sold at Rs 40 per kg.

Cucumbers were being sold at Rs 20 per kg against Rs 18 per kg last week. The price of tomatoes also witnessed an increase as they were being sold at Rs 40 per kg against Rs 24 per kg last week. Lemon price increased from Rs 56 per kg to Rs 68 per kg. There was no change in prices of cabbage and radish as they were being sold at same prices of last week Rs 16 and Rs 12 per kg respectively.

Good quality bananas were being sold at Rs 40 per dozen against Rs 30 per dozen last week, apple at Rs 70-60 per kg against Rs 80-65 per kg last week, pear (Chinese) at Rs 70 per kg against Rs 65 per kg last week, guava at Rs 45 per kg against Rs 40 per kg last week. The price of dates remained same as that of last week Rs 100 per kg. Oranges were being sold at Rs 80 per dozen this week against Rs 60 per dozen last week price.

Chicken was being sold at Rs 130 per kg this week against Rs 120 per kg last week, eggs at Rs 52 per dozen against Rs 54 per dozen last week. Fish was being sold at Rs 220, Rs 170 and Rs 155 per kg according to its varieties against last week’s prices Rs 210, Rs 150 and Rs100 per kg respectively.

Popularity: 13% [?]

Proper nutrition is necessary to stay healthy

Stay away from foods that are high in calories, instead have foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals. A full diet consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and good fat. Whole grains mean bulgur, oatmeal, whole cornmeal, brown rice, popcorn and quinoa. Good fats are unsaturated fats. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are part of a healthy diet, and should be eaten in moderation. Monounsaturated fats include avocado, seeds, nuts and nut butters, olive, canola, peanut, sunflower and sesame oils. Polyunsaturated fats are also known as omega 3 fatty acids. Polyunsaturated fats are found in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring and trout. These fats are also found in flax seed, walnuts, and soybean, corn and safflower oils.

Instead of drinking soda, drink water. Instead of fruit juice eat the whole fruit instead. It has fewer calories. In a day drink at least 8-10 glasses of water. This can reduce your calorie intake and you will not face dehydration problem.

Power foods are rich in antioxidants, protein, vitamins and minerals. They are low in calories. Flaxseed is rich in omega 3 which can reduce the risk of heart disease, and cardiovascular problems. Flaxseed can be added to yogurt, breakfast cereal or salads. Avocado is rich in heart healthy fat, antioxidants, fiber and other nutrients. Blueberries are low in calorie. It improves concentration and memory.

Try to exercise regularly. Exercise can reduce stress and anxiety. Instead of using elevator, try to use stairs. Make sure that you are getting enough sleep. Try to sleep for 6-8 hours.

Popularity: 27% [?]

Eat fruits & veggies, cut miscarriage risk

London: Including fruit and vegetables in one’s daily diet can lessen the chances of miscarriage by almost half of the frequency, says a new research that stresses the significance of a healthy, balanced diet during any pregnancy.

The study of nearly 7,000 pregnant women by researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine proved for links among diet, lifestyle and miscarriage, reported the online edition of Daily Mail.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Fruits and Vegetables Out With the Season

It’s no surprise that as the temperature dropping, the selection of fresh fruits and vegetables in the U.P. Many fruits and vegetables are on their own way out, but pumpkin season is reaching its huge peak and apple season is coming on strong.

After the first frost sets in, vegetables like broccoli, onions, and also cauliflower would all be gone. But some fruits and vegetables would stay good throughout the winter if you buy them now and store them in cool, dry places.

Popularity: 1% [?]