Archive for category Fruits
Vitamins in Fruits
Fruits are a source of many essential vitamins and nutrients, besides being loved for their delightful taste. They contain many important vitamins required for carrying out biochemical reactions crucial for human growth and development. Let’s find out some fruits exuberant with vitamins, which play a significant role in life-sustaining processes.
Vitamins in Fruits
Vitamin A
Orange, watermelon, blackberry, peach, kiwi and apple are some of the fruits rich in vitamin A. This vitamin plays a crucial role in cell reproduction and formation of hormones. It is also essential for the stimulation of immune system and improvement of vision and hair growth. Vitamin A also promotes proper growth and development of bones and teeth. Deficiency of this important vitamin can trigger diseases like, night blindness, dryness of skin, weak bone and teeth.
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is found in banana, pear, lemon, raspberry, orange, mango, grapefruit and pineapple. However, most of the fruits are not rich in thiamine. Vitamin B1 is an important vitamin required in carbohydrate metabolism or conversion of carbohydrate into energy. It is also important for ensuring normal functioning of heart, nervous system and muscles. Deficiency of vitamin B1 causes a disease known as beriberi, the symptoms of which includes, tiredness, numbness of hands and feet, muscle pain, loss of appetite and vomiting. This disease can sometimes affect the cardiovascular and nervous system.
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 or riboflavin plays a significant role in the production of red blood cells, growth and development of body and reproduction. It can be found in kiwi, though most fruits are not substantial sources of vitamin B2. Riboflavin is also required in carbohydrate metabolism.
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3 is found in banana, peach,watermelon, kiwi and cantaloupe, and is essential for the smooth operation of digestive and nervous systems. It is also important for a healthy skin and normal growth. Sufficient intake of vitamin B3 prevents the occurrence of the disease ‘pellagra’, which causes gastrointestinal disorders, dermatitis, mental confusion, insomnia and even dementia. Vitamin B3, known as niacin is also required in releasing energy from food, and for the proper functioning of over 50 enzymes. Read the rest of this entry »
High Fiber Fruits
John was an extremely health-conscious individual who always watched what he ate. His sister Genelia was the exact opposite, and used to binge on anything and everything that was kept in front of her. John’s friend Neil was a fast food freak who cared two hoots about nutrition. John’s girlfriend Bips had a worry of her own. Obsessed with attaining a size zero figure, she was a weight watcher of the highest order and was constantly on the lookout for the best low calorie foods. Bips’ best friend Katrina had just begun a new career in show business. All the late nights began to take a toll on her body and she soon developed constipation. One fine day, John decided that he’d had enough. He bundled everyone into his car and took them to a nutrition seminar being delivered by an eminent nutritionist of the city, Dr. Jones. The seminar had a huge impact on the entire audience including John’s friends. Here is a gist of what Dr. Jones said.
What comes to mind when we think of the words ‘balanced diet’? Proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals, salts, even fat. What about fiber? Most people don’t even know what fiber is, let alone incorporating it in their diet.
Looking towards John’s friends, Dr. Jones said, “Fiber is what will keep Genelia away from binging and over-eating. Fiber is what will lower Neil’s cholesterol levels and protect him from heart ailments. Fiber is what Bips can eat to her heart’s content and yet be successful in achieving weight control. Fiber is what will cure Katrina’s constipation and will improve her digestion.”
Fiber, fiber, fiber. But what exactly is fiber? Is it something that is readily available? If yes, then where, how and in what form? If you too, like John’s friends, are still in the dark about fiber, do not worry. Here is a list of high fiber fruits and vegetables that has been specially provided by Dr. Jones.
High Fiber Fruits List
The following is a list of high in fiber fruits that are readily available and are a natural and rich source of fiber.
* bananas
* pears
* apples
* strawberries
* oranges
* raspberries
* kiwi
* guavas
* avocados
* figs
* blueberries
* grapefruits.
In addition to the above, dried fruits like raisins, almonds, apricots and dates are extremely good sources of fiber. At the same time, nuts in the form of peanuts, walnuts, cashews and pistachios are also rich sources of fiber. So, after that longish high fiber fruits list, it’s time to move on to an even longer list, one that once again has been provided by, none other than Dr. Jones. Read the rest of this entry »