Grape juice benefits

Want to try something new at your breakfast? Something more refreshing than the orange juice and even more revitalizing? How about you start with something that gives you twice as much antioxidant as orange juice? We are talking about grape juice.

Now you must be told time and time again to limit the use of alcohol. So the good news is that by taking grape juice you will be getting the same benefits that you may find from red wine. Even the kids can have this juice too. A glass of grape juice would give you high powered natural antioxidants.

Wait that’s not all! We have a list of other benefits you can get from grape juice, but first we will tell you a little about this juicy little fruit.

 

 

Grapes belong to the family of berries; they are non-climatic and are found abundantly in clusters. The cultivation of this fruit began 6000 to 8000 years ago in the Near East. The evidence of its use in wine making dates back to 8000 years in Georgia. They say that the naturally occurring microorganism on its skin called yeast made it ideal for the production of alcoholic drinks such as wine. China is the largest producer of grapes.

A hundred grams of grape would give you 69 calories. It is richly blessed with a large number of nutrients such as Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic acid), B9 (Folate), B12, C and K. It also contains minerals like Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Potassium, Manganese, Iron, Zinc and Sodium. So here are its benefits

Rich source of Antioxidants
As mentioned earlier grape juice is one of the most antioxidant containing juice, antioxidants such as flavonoids and resveratrol. However the amount of antioxidants present in them depends on their geographic origin and also their color. The purple and red grapes have more antioxidants than the green and white ones.

A research published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry ranks the purple Concord grape juice is highest among 13 juices that contain high level of antioxidants.

Improves Heart Health
You will find many types of phytonutrients in grapes and its juice. These phytonutrients are found to improve heart health by preventing heart diseases, if consumed frequently.

How do these phytonutrients work? They reduce blood clotting and help to maintain cholesterol levels by reducing LDL (bad cholesterol). Phytonutrients also protects the blood vessels from harmful damages.

Studies prove that 2 cups of Concord grape juice consumed daily for two weeks promotes healthy arteries. It makes the arteries flexible. This research has been published in the American Journal of Cardiology in 2001.

Grape juice is also helpful in maintaining healthy blood pressure and reduces high blood pressure, so it is ideal for hypertensive patients.

Healthy Muscles
People with weak muscles should try drinking grape juice. It will provide your body with essential nutrients that will help to improve the health of the muscles and would also make them flexible. Not to forget our heart which is also one of the most important muscles in our body, it is also strengthen by grape juice.

Prevents Cancer
The combination of antioxidants and phytonutrients found in grapes works as a shield against various types of cancer and especially cancers that are estrogen dependent such as breast and ovarian cancer. How the risk of developing these cancers is reduced? The nutrients found in grapes help to regulate the hormones and as a result prevents cancer. Grape juice is also found to prevent colon cancer if consumed on a regular basis.

Grapes for Younger looking Skin
Resveratrol found in grape juice is very beneficial for maintaining healthy younger looking skin. It prevents wrinkles and slows down the process of aging. How? When we digest the grape juice the antioxidants are released that help repair the damaged cells as a result aging process slows down.

Cure for Alzheimer’s Disease
Grape juice is not only beneficial for heart but also for your brain. If consumed daily the grape juice can help maintain the brain health. The key ingredient resveratrol found in grapes reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. It also helps to boost memory.

Anti-Bacterial Properties
There are some anti-microbial agents found in grapes that help to combat various types of bacteria. Infections that are caused by food borne bacteria can be effectively cured by consuming grape juice.

Effective for Metabolic Syndrome
A research conducted by National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey proposed that by consuming purple grapes the risk of metabolic syndrome is lowered. Metabolic syndrome is a state where a person develops heart disease and Type 2 diabetes at the same time.

It is very easy to incorporate grape juice to your diet says Ruth Carey a registered dietitian. You can make it a replacement for the sodas and other carbonated drinks that you use to complement your meals. She also suggests that 2 servings of the grape juice are enough to make up for the 5 to 9 servings of daily recommended fruit and vegetable servings.

It is also suggested that you juice the grapes yourself rather than buying it from supermarket that contains artificial flavors and preservatives. Also while juicing, make sure you do not miss out on those flavanoid enriched seeds.

 

Benefits of Cinnamon

The magic stick of cinnamon can have astounding effects on human health. It is believed that in ancient times cinnamon was more expensive than gold. Its name has also been mentioned in the Bible. The well known herb is actually a bark of several trees from the genus Cinnamomum that is dried and then rolled into sticks called quills. The dried cinnamon barks are also grounded to make cinnamon powder. This small tree is mostly grown in Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Egypt. Found in it is an essential oil called cinnamonaldehyde, which gives it a magnificent taste and aroma.

 

There are 4 varieties of this spice; out of which two are the most popular ones, Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon is also known as true cinnamon; it has a sweet taste and is more expensive than Cassia cinnamon. You can find them in specialty stores. Its quills are soft enough to be grounded for coffee.

The cinnamon mostly found in North American supermarkets is Cassia cinnamon and is relatively cheap. It is dark in color and its quills are hard. It has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine and in Indian Ayurvedic medicines. Let’s find out why is it known as a natural medicine?

Cure for diabetes
Research has proved that cinnamon is beneficial for curing Type 2 Diabetes. The evidence was first revealed in the journal, “Diabetes Care” in the year 2003.

This study was conducted by US department of Agriculture, on 60 participants from Pakistan with type 2 Diabetes. Each participant was given 1 mg of cinnamon for 40 days. It was evident from the research that the blood sugar level, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol was significantly reduced. The beneficial after effects of the cinnamon persisted for 20 days even after stopping its use.

However it is highly recommended that patients taking prescribed medicines for cholesterol should not substitute them with cinnamon supplements.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties
Preliminary lab research and animal studies helped to find the antifungal and antibacterial properties of Cinnamon. This amazing spice helps to fight Candid albicans, a fungus that is known to cause yeast infection. The bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, is also curable with the help of cinnamon, responsible for causing stomach ulcers.

Cinnamon as an anti-inflammatory spice
Today the growing problem is increased intake of processed, fatty and fried foods that cause inflammation of internal organs and tissues, and further cause heart diseases. In a book called “Natural

Health, Natural Medicine”, Andrew Weil claims cinnamon to be beneficial for decreasing inflammation of the artery walls that causes atherosclerosis and other heart diseases.

Rich source of Minerals and Dietary fibers

Cinnamon contains essential minerals such as manganese, iron and calcium. The perfect combination of fiber and calcium has proven to protect the colon cells from getting damaged by removing bile; as a result it prevents colon cancer.

Cures Constipation
The dietary fibers found in cinnamon have also been found helpful in curing IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and constipation.

Improves Memory
Quiet unbelievable, but true! Some doctors claim that memory and performance of certain mental tasks can be improved just by smelling cinnamon. It is also beneficial in curing Alzheimer’s disease. Migraine and headaches can also be relieved with the use of cinnamon.

Cures Cough
Cinnamon has been used in Chinese medicine for a long time. It is a natural remedy for common cold and coughs. You can treat your sore throat by drinking a cup of cinnamon tea. Take a cup of water and add a cinnamon stick to it, bring it to a boil and remove the stick. Use this tea twice a day you will feel better within 3 days; otherwise consult a doctor.

For cough take a teaspoon of warm honey with a pinch of cinnamon powder in it. It will cure your cough in a few days.

Relieves Toothache
An easy home remedy for toothache lies in cinnamon. Make a paste of 5 teaspoon honey with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder and apply it to your aching teeth 2 to 3 times in a day. You can store this paste at room temperature in a container.

How can you use cinnamon?
Cinnamon can be added to a number of foods and cereals in powdered form. A small stick can be added to give flavor to the soups. Even an herbal tea made out of cinnamon can be taken once a day.

Cinnamon is also available in the form of capsules which helps in its consumption process.

Risks of taking Cinnamon
Just like most of the medicines, cinnamons have side effects too.

Taking too much of cinnamon can cause soar mouth and lips. Some people might develop allergic reactions to it. Cassia cinnamon can prove to be toxic especially for people having liver problems. Patients having cancer that is affected by change in hormone levels such as breast cancer should avoid taking cinnamon.

Cinnamon has blood thinning properties. Therefore it is important for you to consult your doctor before taking cinnamon supplements with other medicines.