Dietary fiber – Juice Health Benefits & Recipes

30 Mar

Grapefruit Juice Side Effects – What Happens If You Drink Too Much?

Grapefruit is such a powerful natural nutrient that it can actually act as a drug in the body. Both juice and the fruit itself can significantly slow down the body’s ability to metabolize many drugs. Drugs that usually conflict with grapefruit require metabolizing by the same enzyme in the body, called CYP3A4.

Prescription Drugs

There is a long list of prescription drugs that interact with grapefruit. Researchers are constantly finding more drugs to add to the grapefruit juice side effects precaution list. The most notable grapefruit juice side effects are with statins, which are cholesterol lowering drugs. Other common drugs with potential serious side effects are antidepressants, antibiotics, antihistamines, antifungals, and cancer fighting drugs. Always ask your doctor how grapefruit interacts with your medication. They may suggest that you stop drinking grapefruit entirely or adjust the dosage of the drug to better suit how it interacts with grapefruit.

Pheromones

Pheromones are also managed by the CYP3A4 enzyme. Grapefruit juice can contribute to increased amounts of testosterone and estrogen in the body. One needs to take precaution when taking any kind of supplement or medication that increases hormones, such as birth control. Exceptionally higher levels of hormones can be linked with a number of cancers and blood clots.

Food High in Fiber

Grapefruit juice can go down easy and quickly for a grapefruit aficionado. You may want to go easy though. Grapefruit is packed with fiber. Drinking large quantities can lead to feeling uncomfortably full and bloated. Be careful not to drink too much grapefruit with other high fiber foods such as rolled oats.

Grapefruit Juice Side Effects As A Result Of Acidity and Sugar

Grapefruit is higher in citric acid compared to other types of citrus. If too much is consumed in one sitting, it can play havoc on the stomach and gastroesophageal flap, which is responsible for heartburn and acid reflux. Someone prone to these symptoms should consume smaller portions of grapefruit at a time. The acidity may also cause tooth decay in some individuals. Grapefruit juice products can also have large amounts of added sugars depending on the product and brand. Always read the label to be aware of how much sugar and calories are in a serving.

Play it safe and monitor your own situation

Pharmacists and doctors tend not to be as attuned to what your diet may be outside of your prescribed drug regimen. It is your responsibility to bring it to their attention. As little as eight ounces can make an impact in drug toxicity. Be astute to any sensitivity that may occur.

07 Mar

Blackcurrant Juice Side Effects – Can You Drink Too Much Of It?

The recommended dose of blackcurrent juice is 1.5 liters per day, because safety has not been reliably demonstrated when this juice is ingested in large quantities. Some individuals report blackcurrant juice side effects, and the juice is not recommended at all for persons suffering from some medical conditions.

Diarrhea

Individuals with sensitive digestion may report diarrhea or mild gastrointestinal upset upon drinking large quantities of this juice.

Do You Suffer From High Blood Pressure?

Drinking more than 1.5 liters a day is not recommended for people who suffer from high blood pressure as blackcurrent juice contains gamma-linolenic acid, which can alter blood pressure and counteract the effect of blood pressure medications.

Blackcurrant Juice Side Effects For People That Suffer From Blood Clotting Disorders And Venous Disorders

Blackcurrant juice contains anticoagulants, so it is not recommended for persons who suffer from blood clotting disorders, such as hemophiliacs. Similarly, the active ingredients in blackcurrant juice may increase peripheral blood flow and circulation, so it should not be consumed by those with venous disorders.

Other Negative Interactions

In addition, blackcurrent juice side effects have been reported in those taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), as the juice can negatively interact with this medication.

Epilepsy

Blackcurrant juice side effects have been reported in those with epilepsy, as the juice may interact poorly with medications prescribed for this disorder.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as children and the elderly, should monitor their intake as immunity and bodily functions may be compromised or underdeveloped in these demographic groups.

17 Feb

Health Benefits of Tangerine Juice

Aside from being sweet and flavorful, tangerine juice has many benefits for your health. In terms of nutritional value and disease-fighting properties, tangerine juice has several advantages over orange juice. From protecting you from diseases and cancer to keeping you fuller longer, this juice has a health benefit for nearly everyone.

Nutritional Value – The Source Of The Health Benefits Of Tangerine Juice

Tangerine juice has all of the tangy flavor of orange juice but with added nutrition. This juice is an excellent source of many antioxidants, such as hesperetin, xanthins, lutein, beta-carotene, and narigenin. Anti-oxidants eliminate free radicals that can cause cancer, as well as fight aging. The anti-oxidant beta cryptoxanthin may reduce inflammation from arthritis. Lutein protects the eyes and helps you keep your eyesight sharp. The flavenoid tangeretin is a powerful agent that has been shown in studies to prevent skin cancer and helps stop the spread of breast-cancer cells. The flavonoids tangeretin and nobiletin have blood thinning and anti-inflammatory properties, which may reduce your risk of heart attacks.

Additionally, tangerine juice is chock-full of vitamin C, which boosts your immunity. Consuming adequate amounts of vitamin C helps your body fight infections from the common cold to the flu. In addition to helping increase your immune function, vitamin C helps your body absorb iron, and helps boost wound healing.

Tangerine juice contains folic acid and potassium, and it is also an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which promotes regularity. Being regular has been proven to reduce your risk for developing some forms of cancer, such as colon cancer. The fiber also helps prevent your body from absorbing cholesterol. Fiber whisks some of the cholesterol content from your food out of your system, which can lower your blood levels of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol.

One serving of tangerine juice provides 20-percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A. This is 10-times as much vitamin A as orange juice. Vitamin A is instrumental in protecting your eyesight, promoting immune function and bone and tissue health. The vitamin A in tangerine juice may also stimulate cell growth and cell division.

Antiseptic Properties

Tangerines have natural germ-fighting properties. Tangerine juice may help your body defend itself against an infection from the staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus is highly contagious and causes painful lesions and boils on the skin, particularly on the face or in other tender areas such as the groin or the armpits.

In addition to fighting harmful bacteria, the pectin in tangerine juice has been proven to help increase the number of beneficial bacteria in your intestines. These bacteria improve digestion and increases your body’s ability to defend against harmful bacteria which can cause inflammation and intestinal disorders. When harmful bacteria enter the gut, beneficial bacteria help usher the bad bacteria out of your system before they can cause an infection.

Diet Support

Tangerine juice is an excellent way to start your day if you are dieting. The fiber and carbohydrates in the juice help keep you feeling full, which will prevent over-indulgence later on. Additionally, the sweet finish of the tangerine flavor can help prevent the cravings for sugar that can derail a diet.

Starting your day with tangerine juice is a tasty and healthy way to boost your immunity, bolster your digestive and tissue health and protect your body against the ravages of cancer. Tangerine juice is powerful enough to do all of those things, yet it is so tangy-sweet and flavorful that you will forget all about its many health benefits and simply enjoy the flavor.

14 Feb

Health Benefits of Lychee Juice

Though the lychee, a fruit from the soapberry family that is native to China and Southeast Asia, appears to be inedible due to its tough, spiny exterior, it actually harbors numerous proven health benefits once the outer shell is cracked open. Inside is a soft, supple white flesh that is home to many different vitamins and minerals that work to improve a person’s overall health.

Nutritional Benefits

The nutritional benefits of eating a lychee or drinking lychee juice are well documented, and start with its plentiful supply of Vitamin C. Each normal sized fruit or glass of juice contains 72 mg of Vitamin C, which meets or exceeds the daily amount recommended for adults all in one serving. Vitamin C is known to help bolster the immune system, and also helps heal wounds, repair scar tissue and form blood vessels essential to the body.

Calcium is another beneficial ingredient of lychee juice. A regular serving contains up to 5 mg of calcium, which is necessary to help build and maintain strong bones and other functions in the body. Other daily nutritional values satisfied by a serving of lychee juice include Vitamin B2 and Vitamin B6, which are necessary to normal function and energy in adults. A single serving of lychee juice also contains 171 mg of potassium, 31 mg of phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium and selenium.

The juice of the lychee is also packed with dietary fiber, which helps promote heart health as well as aid in digestion. People are encouraged to have a minimum of 25 grams of fiber in their diet every day, and lychee juice contains as much fiber as an apple with even more taste. The juice is also totally free of artery-clogging cholesterol and is also low in both sodium and saturated fats. And, since a cup of lychee contains only about 120 calories, it is also a very healthy food for those watching their waistlines.

Medical Benefits

In addition to being packed full of essential nutrients, lychee juice is also used for a variety of medical applications. Many of these medical uses have been in place for thousands of years, ever since the fruit was originally used by those in the ancient Chinese culture. More recently, research published in 2006 in the “Journal of Nutrition” showed that the fruit’s high concentration of polyphenol, an antioxidant, gives it qualities that help protect a person from cardiovascular disease and different forms of cancer. In fact, the study showed that lychees rank only behind strawberries in concentration of polyphenol.

Lychee juice and the fruit itself have been used in Asia and beyond as alternative medical treatments for problems relating to digestion, pain relief and even in fighting the growth of cancer cells in the breasts and liver. Many also believe that lychee juice can help stop coughing and have positive effects on tumors and enlarged glands. The ancient Chinese also used the fruit and its juices to promote positive energy circulation in the body and promote general, overall well-being.

No matter how you consume it, whether in juice form or in fruit form, lychee is a wonderful fruit to have around. The taste is divine, the fruit is succulent and with all the added health benefits of lychee juice, there’s nothing to lose from indulging in lychee juice daily.

13 Jan

Which Fruit Has The Most Dietary Fiber?

If you’re confused about dietary fiber, you’re not alone. We all know we need it, but it’s difficult to know how much and what kind. Fiber plays an important role, and understanding that role and how to get the fiber you need is essential for good health.

What is Dietary Fiber?

Dietary fiber is the parts of fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains that our bodies can’t digest. Unlike fat, protein and carbohydrates, fiber just passes through the stomach, intestines and out of the body mostly intact. There are two kinds of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber is found in apples, whole grains and beans. It helps lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels. Insoluble fiber is found in whole-wheat flour, nuts and lots of vegetables. It helps with constipation.

Dietary Fiber in Our Bodies

Fiber is important because it helps keeps our bowels healthy. It gives us normal bowel movements by making stool soft and bulky so it passes easily through the body. This decreases the risk of constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticular disease. Fiber also helps lower cholesterol by lowering “bad” cholesterol levels. It helps improve blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of sugar by the body. Fiber also helps us feel fuller longer when we eat, so we eat less.

Adults should eat 25 to 40 grams of fiber a day. It should be a combination of soluble and insoluble fiber. Not eating enough fiber can cause constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease and many other health problems. When you start adding more fiber to your diet, do it slowly: adding a lot of fiber too quickly can cause gas and cramping. Increase the amount gradually over a few weeks. Also increase the amount of water you drink. Fiber needs to absorb water for bulky stools.

Health Benefits of Guava Juice

With its high profile of vitamins, minerals and fiber, the guava fruit has quickly become known as a super fruit. In comparison to an orange, the guava fruit has almost five times the amount of Vitamin C. Other abundant vitamins are vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin D. The rich dietary minerals of potassium, manganese and copper are also prevalent in this fruit. With both polyphenols and carotenoids, the guava has a high antioxidant value in preventing disease. To reap the health benefits of guava juice, you should make drinking guava juice part of your daily regime. There are a myriad of health benefits from consuming this amazing juice.

Guava Juice Boosts the Immune System

Rich in Vitamin C and iron, guava juice is helpful as a protectant against cold and viral infections. With its anti-microbial and astringent properties, guava is helpful in the reduction of decreasing infections in the respiratory system and mucus.

Cancer and Diabetes

With its high levels of polyphenols and carotenoids, guava juice helps fight the free radicals of cancers, such as prostate cancer and breast cancer. Guava juice can help lower the risk of developing numerous cancers with its high antioxidant value. It has also been shown to lower blood glucose levels of those suffering from diabetes.

Health Benefits of Guava Juice For Your Heart Health

Guava naturally helps keep cholesterol levels low in the blood. Its natural dietary fiber and hypoglycemic lower blood pressure by regulating blood fluidity. The minerals of potassium, copper and manganese help regulate a stable and smooth heartbeat.

Gastrointestinal System

The guava is rich with astringents that help get rid of diarrhea. These astringents contain anti-bacterial elements that suppress microbial growth and will also eliminate mucus in the intestinal tract. In addition, the carotenoids and vitamins in guava will disinfect and strengthen the gastrointestinal system.

Skin

The many properties in guava help promote healthy skin. Because of its astringents, guava enhances smooth skin and helps prevent breakouts. The abundance of Vitamin A and Vitamin B gives the skin a glow and slows down the aging process. Guava is also helpful in the production of collagen which helps skin elasticity.

Brain Health

It is a known fact in the medical community that the B group of vitamins play an important role in the overall function of the brain. Guava is rich in the vitamin B6 and B3. Also known as niacin, vitamin B3 promotes brain flow and stimulates brain function. Vitamin B6 is an important nutrient for nerve and brain function.

Weight Management With Guava Juice

The health benefits of guavas can also extend to weight management. Guava can be helpful for those wishing to lose weight without cutting back on protein, fiber and vitamins. Since guava is both high in proteins and roughage, a small amount is filling. This can help reduce snacking between meals and overeating at meal time.

Because of its extensive range of health benefits, juicing and drinking guava juice has become popular among health enthusiasts. Health benefits of guava juice have surpassed that of oranges, strawberries and blueberries. You should drink guava juice every day to prevent disease and maintain good health.

27 Nov

The Multiple Health Benefits of Redcurrant Juice

The health benefits of redcurrant juice are considerable; the antioxidant properties of bright red fruits, such as redcurrants, have long been regarded as some of the strongest natural sources to be found, and for thousands of years, the healing properties of redcurrants have helped to treat a variety of wounds and illnesses. Drinking the juice squeezed from fresh fruit juice is a great way to ensure that you get your required daily dose of vitamins and minerals, and the juice obtained from the redcurrant is no exception to this rule.

Redcurrants Contain a Significant Amount of Vitamin C

Redcurrants contain a significant amount of vitamin C. However, because of their slightly sour taste, if the juice is found to be unpalatable, it may be preferable to mix it with a little natural sweetener, such as honey, before drinking. Vitamin C is highly regarded for its properties which help protect the immune system, as well as those which keep the skin healthy. It is a potent antioxidant, which helps to fight against free radical damage caused by exposure to environmental toxins such as pollution, or smoke produced by tobacco products.

Lots Of Other Nutrients And Vitamins

A wonderful natural nutritional source – as well as being packed with vitamin C – redcurrants are rich in potassium, magnesium and iron, and are an excellent source of vitamin B1. In addition, this tiny super-fruit is high in fiber, and possesses superb anti-inflammatory properties.

Healthy Immune And Cardio-vascular System, Diabetes, Cancer, Blood Pressure And More…

The health benefits of redcurrant juice can be further attributed to helping maintain a healthy immune system, and offer protection against cardio-vascular disease, diabetes, and certain forms of cancer. The potassium contained in redcurrants will help to maintain a healthy blood pressure and prevent muscle cramps; just one cup of redcurrants will provide a little under one-sixth of the recommended adult daily intake of potassium.

The health benefits of redcurrant juice are further illustrated by the presence of magnesium, which, amongst other things, helps to promote healthy nerve and muscle function, and strong and healthy bones.

Redcurrant Juice is Also a Mild Laxative

Due to their high fiber content – a cup yields almost 5g of fiber – redcurrants possess mild laxative and diuretic properties. As such, their juice can be used to great effect as a tonic to help calm minor stomach upsets, to help flush the bladder through and to keep bowel movements regular. Consuming a fiber-rich diet is also recommended for helping to maintain a healthy cholesterol level.

Regular consumption of redcurrant juice will help to ensure that the digestive system and gut are kept in a healthy condition, and that they perform at an optimum level.

Additionally, the Health Benefits of Redcurrant Juice Include

* Being used as a mouthwash and gargle to help protect against infections and keep the mouth healthy
* Helping to induce an appetite
* Encouraging the body to perspire
* Helping to keep the blood healthy
* Assisting in reducing fevers
* Helping to alleviate problems with menstrual flow
* Reducing the symptoms of arthritis, gout and rheumatism with their natural anti-inflammatory properties
* Being used as a natural antiseptic to help soothe cuts, grazes, spots or rashes

It should be noted, though, that some of the health benefits of redcurrant juice are diminished when the fruit is subjected to certain processes involving heat and light. With this in mind, freshly squeezed juice should always be the first choice to ensure that the maximum benefits are obtained.

The best redcurrants are firm in texture, with a bright color. After purchase, they should be used as soon as possible, but if they cannot be used straight away, they should be removed from any plastic packaging, put onto a plate or into a paper bag, and stored in a refrigerator. Under these conditions, they should last for about a week. To ensure that they keep as well as possible, they should not be washed until just before they are ready to be used.

It should be noted that the health benefits of redcurrant juice will not be compromised too much by juicing fruit which has been stored for a while, providing it has been kept in a cool, dark, place. In addition, if fresh redcurrants cannot be found, frozen redcurrants can be used for their juice, although their nutritional value will be somewhat diminished.

If you are keen to introduce fresh fruit into your diet as a natural way to obtain the necessary vitamins and minerals for a healthy constitution, the healthy redcurrant juice will certainly help you to achieve your goal.

24 Nov

Health Benefits Of Plum Juice – Constipation, Antioxidants, Heart Rhythm And More

Plum juice also known more commonly as prune juice is created by softening prunes by steaming and squeezing them with a pulping tool to create liquid purees. Plum juice has always been a popular natural juice enjoyed in some countries around the world but with the discovery of the many health benefits of plum juice, it has become an important nutrient source for many people worldwide who want a healthy substitute to artificial drinks or juices.

Prunes are now cultivated more for their juices than for the consumption of the fruits because of their numerous health benefits.

Health Benefits Of Plum Juice

Constipation Treatment

One of the biggest health benefits of plum juice is its ability to treat constipation by helping in the transportation of liquids to the intestine because of sugars such as sucrose, fructose, and sorbitol thereby softening stool and aiding in bowel movement. Plum juice also contains dihydropheylisatin which is a natural laxative that helps in muscle contractions.

Rich Source of Fiber

The nutrient in plums that further proves their positive effect is soluble fiber. According to the USRDA, 12.1% of soluble fiber helps in normalizing blood sugar and lowering the body’s intake of glucose or sugar. Some studies have also been conducted and have shown how soluble fiber can help in producing insulin which in turn decreases the chances of contracting diabetes.

Antioxidant Source

Among the important benefits of plum juice is its richness in antioxidants that help in warding off free radicals. Free radicals cause damage to the body and are one of the biggest causes of aging.

Two of the main antioxidants found in plum juice are phenols and beta-carotenes. Phenols block free radicals that are oxygen-based to prevent them from damaging the fats in the body. This helps keep the membranes of brain cells and skin cells healthy because these are composed mostly of fats. Beta-carotene on the other hand is a form of vitamin A that helps protect the body from the damages caused by free radicals such as aging and diseases including heart disease and cancer.

Acidity Control

There is a Chinese form of sour plum juice known as ‘suanmeitang’ that controls the buildup of lactic acid to help reduce acidity. Although its acidity benefits are not considered one of the popular health benefits of plum juice, the suanmeitang is very popular in oriental countries and is even being introduced in Western countries as well.

Heart Rhythm

The high levels of potassium in plum juice make it beneficial for people suffering from high blood pressure or those who are likely to suffer from stroke. In addition, the high potassium levels of plum juice helps in regulating normal heart rhythm. This is one of the main benefits for heart disease sufferers.

Regulated Blood Sugar Levels

Unlike other sources of sugar, plum juice has a higher level of natural sweetening agents such as sorbitol and fructose compared to sucrose making it a good substitute for sweet juices that cause huge spikes in blood sugar levels. The high amount of soluble fiber also helps in stabilizing blood sugar and improves cholesterol levels. Furthermore, the sweet nature of plum juice makes it advisable as a drink for people who worry about high blood sugar levels because it can keep sugar cravings low throughout the day. The regulation of blood sugar is not among the biggest health benefits of plum juice because natural juice always has more sugar than fruit. It is more advisable to eat prunes instead. However, compared to other natural juices, plum juice has among the least sugar count.

Weight Loss

Plum juice also aids people wanting to lose weight. Plum juice is advisable for these people because intake of this juice can help satisfy appetite faster and curb overeating. This helps dieters from consuming more unhealthy food that may cause disastrous effects on their diet. However, like all other things, plum juice should be taken in moderation because it also contains calories that may boost weight when taken excessively.

Prevention of Chronic Diseases

The abundance of phenols is one of the main health benefits of plum juice because this antioxidant can help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and heart diseases. Chronic diseases caused by LDL oxidation is curbed because of the production of 2 main types of phenolic compounds in plum juice – chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids.