mojo – Page 20 – Juice Health Benefits & Recipes

22 Jan

Which Fruit Has The Most Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)?

The importance of having a balanced diet continues to make headlines in medical journals. A diet that provides all of the nutritional daily needs should include fruits, vegetables and low-fat proteins that supply a full spectrum of vitamins including the vital riboflavin vitamin B2. This important nutritional element helps prevent disorders related to the skin and eyes and reduces the risk of hair loss, lesions and inflammation. Riboflavin is a key factor in regulating metabolism and can affect a person’s energy level and their ability to concentrate. Including vitamin B2 in the diet by consuming natural foods is an important part of ensuring a healthy daily nutrition routine.

Benefits of Riboflavin Vitamin B2

One of the main benefits of riboflavin, or vitamin B2, includes the ability of this element to convert carbohydrates to sugars which provide energy for our daily activities. When the vitamin is absorbed, it helps form healthy red blood cells that continually nourish the body. The immune system is also enhanced by protecting against free-radical damage. Both children and adults need to maintain the minimum daily requirement of vitamin B2 to ensure overall good health.

Other benefits found from riboflavin include improved skin and hair texture. Eating foods rich in riboflavin helps prevent cataracts and acts as an anti-aging medium.

Health Risks from Deficiencies from Riboflavin Vitamin B2

Having an insufficient supply of riboflavin can lead to disorders that range from mild to severe. People under stress are often affected by the lack of vitamin B2 and may have difficulty sleeping or experience a lack of energy. During pregnancy, sufficient amounts of vitamin B2 helps prevent damage to the unborn fetus. Skin lesions are another symptom from riboflavin deficiencies as is hair loss. Migraine headache sufferers may have a riboflavin deficiency that is correctable by changing dietary habits.

Top Fruits For Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) Content

The amounts of Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) are given for 100g of each fruit.

1 Durian 0,20 mg
2 Cranberry 0,20 mg
3 Pumpkin 0,10 mg
4 Lychee 0,10 mg
5 Redcurrant 0,10 mg
6 Grape 0,10 mg
7 Mulberry 0,10 mg
8 Elderberry 0,10 mg
9 Passion Fruit 0,10 mg
10 Mango 0,10 mg
11 Blackcurrant 0,10 mg
12 Mangosteen 0,10 mg
13 Pomegranate 0,10 mg
14 Fig 0,10 mg
15 Banana 0,07 mg
16 Jackfruit 0,06 mg
17 Tangerine 0,04 mg
18 Grapefruit 0,03 mg
19 Cucumber 0,03 mg
20 Melon (Cantaloupe) 0,03 mg
21 Kiwi 0,03 mg
22 Lemon 0,02 mg
23 Pineapple 0,02 mg
24 Blueberry 0,00
25 Plum 0,00
26 Watermelon 0,00
27 Cherry (sweet) 0,00
28 Papaya 0,00
29 Peach 0,00
30 Strawberry 0,00
31 Orange 0,00
32 Apple 0,00
33 Pear 0,00
34 Lime 0,00
35 Gooseberry 0,00
36 Raspberry 0,00
37 Guava 0,00
38 Blackberry 0,00
39 Carrot 0,00
40 Tomato 0,00
41 Apricot 0,00

22 Jan

Which Fruit Has The Most Phytonutrients?

Phytonutrients play a part in everything from good eyesight to preventing cancer. They are an important part of good health. You can protect and improve your well-being by understanding what phytonutrients are and what they do to help us.

What are Phytonutrients?

Phytonutrients are organic components found in plants. Some good sources are fruits, vegetables, nuts and teas. There are a lot of different classes of phytonutrients including lignans, saponins and phenols. The ones most people are familiar with are carotenoids and flavonoids. Each class of phytonutrients offers different health benefits and has different plant sources they can be found in, so it is possible to eat a wide variety of them.

The Effects of Phytonutrients in Our Bodies

There is evidence that phytonutrients found in fruits and vegetables can protect us from some forms of cancer and macular degeneration. They may work as antioxidants and destroy free radicals. Phytonutrients enhance cell communication and immune responses. They may also destroy cancer cells and repair DNA damage caused by exposure to smoke and other toxins. It is possible they can activate some of our enzyme systems and detoxify carcinogens as well.

Studies have shown that consuming fruits, teas, grains and vegetables with high levels of phytonutrients decreases the risk of strokes and prostate cancer. With heart disease, not only is the risk significantly lower from eating phytotnutrient-rich foods, so is the mortality rate associated with it. Other benefits include lowering cholesterol levels, protecting lung tissue and blocking tumor growth. Research suggests that even making small but consistent increases in the amount of phytonutrients we eat can make a difference in health. Overuse may trigger an allergic reaction in some people or have a mild effect such as a change in skin tone from beta carotene, but overall they are considered safe.

Which Fruit Has The Most Phosphorus?

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is both a chemical element and a mineral nutrient that is vital to human, animal and plant life. Phosphates are salts that contain phosphorus and other minerals. Phosphorus derivatives and compounds are used commercially as components of fertilizer and also as food additives and leavening agents. Most of the foods we eat contain phosphorus.

Phosphorus In Our Body

Phosphorus is second only to calcium as the most plentiful mineral in the human body. Eighty-five percent of phosphorus is found in bones and teeth, but it is present in every cell of the body. It is even found in bodily fluids, cell membranes and DNA. The presence of phosphorus is necessary for the utilization of other nutrients such as: calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium and potassium.

Phosphorus is essential to many bodily functions. Its main purpose is to combine with calcium and assist the formation of healthy bones. Phosphorus also enables the body to convert carbohydrates into energy, helps synthesize proteins and aids in both the growth and repair of cells and tissues. It helps maintain a regular heartbeat and also assists in muscle contraction, kidney function and nerve conduction.

The recommended intake of phosphorus for a healthy adult is 700mg per day. Since most foods contain this mineral, deficiency is uncommon. However, certain medications, calcium carbonate supplements and antacids can cause low phosphorus levels. Deficiency may result in weight loss, poor bone growth, bone pain, poor nerve and brain function, skin sensitivity and brittle hair and nails.

The kidneys rid the body of excess phosphorus, so toxic levels are not common in those with healthy kidneys. An excess of carbonated drinks in the diet can lead to higher than normal levels; this may increase the risk of heart disease and cause brittle bones and diarrhea.

Which Fruit Has The Most Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)?

What Is Pantothenic Acid?

Pantothenic Acid is a water-soluble vitamin that we do not synthesize in our own bodies. Panothenic acid, also called Vitamin B5, must be obtained from dietary sources. Pantothenic acid is chemically an amide, a specific type of nitrogen-containing chemical. It is important for the synthesis of biologically active compounds in the body.

The most important role of panthothenic acid is in the synthesis of a chemical called coenzyme A, or CoA. Coenzyme A is a chemical that is involved in multiple important metabolic pathways, including fatty acid oxidation and the citric acid cycle. The citric acid cycle, also called the Krebs cycle or the tricarboxylic acid cycle, is a metabolic pathway that is used to generate energy in all aerobic (oxygen-using) organisms.

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) In Our Body

The name “pantothenic acid” refers to the chemical’s presence in a wide range of sources. A deficiency of Vitamin B5 is extremely rare due to the easy availability of the vitamin in almost all food sources. However, Vitamin B5 supplements are manufactured. The documented cases of pantothenic acid deficiency have mostly been in experimental settings and in victims of starvation. The main effects of such a deficiency include fatigue due to decreased energy, neuropathy, muscle cramps, abdominal pain and hypoglycemia. These symptoms are usually reversed when the person with the deficiency replaces the pantothenic acid in their diet.

A toxic dosage for pantothenic acid has not been determined. The vitamin is water-soluble, meaning that it is excreted in urine if there is an excess of the vitamin in the body.

Top Fruits For Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) Content

The amounts of Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) are given for 100g of each fruit.

1 Guava 0,50 mg
2 Blackcurrant 0,40 mg
3 Carrot 0,40 mg
4 Pomegranate 0,40 mg
5 Banana 0,33 mg
6 Pumpkin 0,30 mg
7 Orange 0,30 mg
8 Grapefruit 0,30 mg
9 Gooseberry 0,30 mg
10 Raspberry 0,30 mg
11 Blackberry 0,30 mg
12 Cranberry 0,30 mg
13 Fig 0,30 mg
14 Cucumber 0,27 mg
15 Watermelon 0,22 mg
16 Kiwi 0,20 mg
17 Cherry (sweet) 0,20 mg
18 Papaya 0,20 mg
19 Peach 0,20 mg
20 Lime 0,20 mg
21 Mango 0,20 mg
22 Tangerine 0,20 mg
23 Durian 0,20 mg
24 Tomato 0,20 mg
25 Apricot 0,20 mg
26 Lemon 0,19 mg
27 Strawberry 0,13 mg
28 Blueberry 0,10 mg
29 Plum 0,10 mg
30 Pineapple 0,10 mg
31 Redcurrant 0,10 mg
32 Apple 0,10 mg
33 Melon (Cantaloupe) 0,10 mg
34 Elderberry 0,10 mg
35 Pear 0,10 mg
36 Lychee 0,00
37 Jackfruit 0,00
38 Grape 0,00
39 Mulberry 0,00
40 Passion Fruit 0,00
41 Mangosteen 0,00

20 Jan

Which Fruit Has The Most Niacin (Vitamin B3)?

One of the most important nutrients for the body is Niacine. For proper nutrition, a daily intake of niacin is recommended. The recommended dosage will vary according to age. For pregnant women or those who are breast-feeding, recommended dosage is eighteen milligrams a day. Adult men should get sixteen milligrams per day, the daily requirement for adult women is fourteen milligrams, and the required dosage for children is between two, and twelve milligrams each day.

What Is Niacin (Vitamin B3)?

Niacin, which is a B Vitamin, is also known as nicotinic acid. This organic compound is a natural substance found in plants, and is widely used as a nutritional supplement. It is water soluble and easy for the body to digest. Generally recognized as Vitamin B3, niacin is found in a wide range of foods like sun-dried tomatoes, bacon, peanuts, tuna, liver, wheat bran, rice bran, and chicken. Niacin is also found in yeast extract and paprika. One teaspoon of paprika supplies five percent of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for niacin.

How Niacin Helps The Body

Niacin is needed to help the body process fat. It has been used to regulate levels of blood sugar, and lower cholesterol. A deficiency in niacin can lead to a number of health related problems such as depression, anxiety, and fatigue. In cases of severe niacin deficiencies, patients can suffer from a disease known as pellagra. This is a serious vitamin deficiency disease that is accompanied by dementia, dermatitis, diarrhea, and death if left untreated. Pellagra is often found in patients who suffer from long-term alcoholism.

While niacin tablets are a commonly used supplement, those who are interested should consult their doctor or health care provider. Follow the pharmacy or label directions, and only take the daily allowance that has been prescribed by your doctor.

Which Fruit Has The Most Magnesium?

What is Magnesium?

Magnesium is a type of chemical element. In the context of health and nutrition, it is referred to as a “mineral”, is one of the ten most common elements in the earth’s crust, and occurs naturally in most rocks, in sea water, and in most living things. Arguably, it’s most important natural role is as part of chlorophyll, which is the molecule that makes photosynthesis possible in plants and is thus the basis of the food chain.

Magnesium In Our Body

Magnesium plays several major roles in human health. It is essential in every major organ, as well as in teeth and bones.

Many of its most import roles are in regulating other chemical reactions. First, it regulates the movement of chemical compounds in and out of our cells. Many essential functions occur within cells, which are protected from the surrounding environment with an impermeable membrane. Magnesium acts as a gate-keeper to this membrane, allowing essential chemicals into the cell when they are needed. Second, it is part of many cofactor enzymes. Cofactors attach to protein molecules and help them perform chemical transformations. Third, in many cases, these cofactors build new proteins, so magnesium is essential for the construction of proteins.

Magnesium deficiency isn’t common in Western countries but does occur and can be lethal. Certain intestinal viruses or diseases can cause magnesium deficiency. Also, excessive alcohol, coffee, salt or soda may lead to magnesium deficiency. Symptoms of deficiency include anxiety, irritation, sleep problems, restless leg syndrome, muscle weakness and poor nail growth, among others.

Overdose of magnesium is rare, but can also be fatal. Magnesium salts, such as Epsom salts, were once commonly used as laxatives, and excessive use can lead to overdose. Symptoms of overdoes include very low blood pressure, nausea and confusion. Ultimately, excess magnesium can cause respiratory paralysis or cardiac arrest.

Which Fruit Has The Most Iron?

What Is Iron?

Iron is a metal that is very commonly found on Earth. The core of the planet is primarily composed of molten iron, and large amounts of iron are found in various forms on the Earth’s crust as well. Iron is a chemical element (abbreviated Fe), so pure iron is composed of iron atoms, and iron is capable of binding to other substances and forming compounds. Oxidized iron, or rust, is one example of an iron compound.

Iron And Our Health

Iron also plays a critical role as a nutrient in our bodies. The reason for this is that iron ions, which have a charge of either 2+ or 3+, are capable of being bound by proteins. Metal ions commonly act as cofactors to enzymes, and iron is one of the most important of the metal cofactors found in our bodies. Iron is a part of the hemoglobin molecule, cytochrome P450 and myoglobin. All of these molecules have a common heme group, but they have diverse biological functions. Hemoglobin is the molecule in red blood cells that is responsible for oxygen binding in the lungs, transfer of oxygen to the body and elimination of carbon dioxide as a gaseous waste. Myoglobin is a similar molecule found in muscle tissue. Cytochrome P450 is group of enzymes that are involved in oxidation in metabolism.

Iron is easily obtained from foods such as red meat, fish, poultry, green leafy vegetables, legume and soy products, such as tofu. A nutritional deficiency of iron can lead to anemia, or low red blood cells, fatigue, muscle weakness, changes in the hair, skin and nails, irritability and decreased immune system function. Consuming too much iron from an overdose of supplements can cause iron poisoning and liver failure, especially in infants and very young children.

Which Fruit Has The Most Fluoride?

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is present throughout the earth. It is concentrated in water, soil, plants and many foods. Fluoride can be introduced to our body both systemically through ingestion of water, foods and supplements containing it. It can also be introduced topically to the teeth using pastes and rinses.

Fluoride in Our Bodies

When fluoride is ingested it is absorbed into our bones. This causes them to become stronger and fracture less easily. Because teeth are bones, fluoride helps strengthen teeth and prevent decay. The constant addition of fluoride causes re-mineralization of our bones. This means that even if it has been lacking for many years, the addition of it can help repair teeth and bones.

Lack of fluoride can increase the likelihood of significant tooth decay. This in turn can cause low self esteem, problems in careers or school and can even contribute to speech problems. Children with tooth decay are often affected by other serious health problems. Having enough fluoride can help prevent pain and reduce health care costs.

Though rare, sometimes an individual can have too much fluoride. This is often caused by taking to high of a supplement dose or swallowing toothpaste. For someone who steadily is getting too much fluoride, it can lead to fluorosis. Fluorosis is a relatively harmless staining of the teeth. It causes white spots to appear on the surfaces. A continuous high level of fluoride has been linked to reduced bone strength, kidney problems, and an increase risk of DNA damage.

Studies have shown that the majority of people do not receive enough fluoride, especially in communities that do not fluorinate their water. Besides taking a supplement and using fluorinated toothpastes, you can also increase your fluoride intake by eating a variety of foods.

Which Fruit Has The Most Copper?

What is Copper?

A chemical element that holds the number 29 spot on the periodic table, copper is a soft, rosy orange metal best known for coating the U.S. penny. Copper and its alloys have been used for centuries because of their malleability and heat and energy conductivity. In addition to being used for pipes, wires and cookware, copper is a necessary trace nutrient in the human diet. Food sources of copper include whole grains, nuts, liver and molasses.

Copper in Our Body

The U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) is between 1 and 3 mg per day depending on the weight of a normal, healthy adult. Though we only need a tiny does of copper, this nutrient is essential for healthy blood, bones and brains. Because copper is needed in the production of hemoglobin, a deficiency can cause symptoms similar to anemia, such as fatigue. Copper deficiency is often coupled with low iron levels, which can lead to osteoporosis, slowed growth, loss of hair pigmentation and problems metabolizing cholesterol.

Copper can also leech into water that runs through copper pipes or foods prepared or stored in copper cookware, increasing the possible ways people might ingest the metal. An extreme overdose of copper will cause diarrhea, vomiting and liver damage. Those with toxic levels will also see a discoloration of skin and hair. A small excess of the element can cause a person to feel tired, irritable and depressed. It may also manifest itself in learning disabilities or problems with concentration. Likewise, children who get too much copper in their diet might exhibit hyperactivity. Another cause for excessive copper in the system is Wilson’s disease, a genetic disorder that causes too much copper to be stored in human tissues.

Which Fruit Has The Most Choline?

What Is Choline?

Choline, which is found in every cell in the human body, is a newly recognized type of B vitamin. In 1998, the National Academy of Sciences established adequate intake (AI) levels for choline: between 425 and 550 mg daily for adults, and between 150 and 300 mg daily for children. The average dietary intake of choline is between 200 and 600 mg daily. Choline is available in supplement form or from foods, including egg yolks, soybeans, spinach, whole wheat, bananas and oranges.

Choline In Our Bodies

Cell membranes

Cells need choline for cell membrane health and for the transport of fat molecules through cell membranes. Choline can modify fat molecules so that they can combine with water and flow through the bloodstream. Cell membranes, which are made up of fats, need choline to maintain flexibility and strength.

Nervous system

The nervous system needs choline for the communication between nerve cells. A key chemical in this transfer of messages is acetylcholine, which contains choline. Research suggest that choline may be useful in treating and preventing brain and nerve disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease in adults and neural tube defects in babies.

Liver

Choline’s ability to modify fat molecules makes it an important factor in liver health. As choline promotes the transport of fat molecules, it helps to prevent fat accumulation in the liver. Therefore, choline may help to prevent cirrhosis and other liver disorders.

Deficiency

Choline deficiency is associated with increased levels of inflammatory markers, and with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, osteoporosis and other inflammatory disorders. Choline deficiency may also lead to anemia, nerve disorders and folic acid deficiency.

Overdose

Excessive choline intake can cause toxicity symptoms and side effects, including low blood pressure, dizziness, body odor and sweating. Adults should not take more than 3.5 grams in one day.