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.

Lychee and it's health benefits

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.

Chinese medicine man

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.

29 Jan

Which Fruit Has The Most Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)?

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)

Pyridoxine is the most common of the seven forms of vitamin B6. In supplement form, the vitamin is water-soluble and can be found in many foods we eat. It is a member of the key family of vitamins, B-complex. The many benefits of these key vitamins affect crucial body systems.

The Role Of Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) In Our Body

Together with B12, B6 creates red blood cells and other cells necessary in the immune system.

While vitamin B6 deficiency is rare, when it does occur symptoms include muscle weakness, nervousness and irritability. Severe deficiencies can result in short term memory loss and inability to concentrate on simple tasks.

B complex vitamins all work to help our bodies metabolize fat and protein. B6 is also highly involved in aiding nervous system function and contribute greatly to healthy hair, skin and eyes.

Since water-soluble vitamins aren’t stored in the body, daily intake is important to keep enough B6 in the system for good health. Of particular interest is a recent study that suggests people with heart disease do not get enough B6 in their diet. While the direct correlation is still unknown, doctors suggest making sure to get enough B6 for heart health. A large study has shown that 500mg of B6 with 1000mg of B12 taken daily significantly reduces the risk of age related macular degeneration, a condition that leads to blindness.

B6 also helps the body produce serotonin, an important key in depression prevention. Another amazing function of B6 is the ability to reduce inflammation. This ability benefits many sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis and carpel tunnel syndrome.

There can be too much of a good thing. At very high dosages of B6, side effects can include skin rash, nausea, abdominal pain, imbalance and numbness of legs and toes. The good news is that by ceasing excessive use, typically all side effects will fade within 6 months time.

Banana

Top Fruits For Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) Content

The amounts of Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) are given for 100g of each fruit.

1 Banana 0,37 mg
2 Jackfruit 0,33 mg
3 Durian 0,32 mg
4 Blackberry 0,30 mg
5 Carrot 0,14 mg
6 Mango 0,13 mg
7 Fig 0,11 mg
8 Pineapple 0,11 mg
9 Guava 0,11 mg
10 Kiwi 0,10 mg
11 Lychee 0,10 mg
12 Passion Fruit 0,10 mg
13 Cranberry 0,10 mg
14 Grape 0,09 mg
15 Lemon 0,08 mg
16 Tomato 0,08 mg
17 Tangerine 0,08 mg
18 Pomegranate 0,08 mg
19 Melon (Cantaloupe) 0,07 mg
20 Redcurrant 0,07 mg
21 Blackcurrant 0,07 mg
22 Pumpkin 0,06 mg
23 Orange 0,06 mg
24 Raspberry 0,06 mg
25 Apricot 0,05 mg
26 Grapefruit 0,05 mg
27 Blueberry 0,05 mg
28 Mulberry 0,05 mg
29 Cherry (sweet) 0,05 mg
30 Watermelon 0,05 mg
31 Apple 0,04 mg
32 Mangosteen 0,04 mg
33 Cucumber 0,04 mg
34 Plum 0,03 mg
35 Pear 0,03 mg
36 Peach 0,03 mg
37 Papaya 0,02 mg

17 Jan

Which Fruit Has The Most Vitamin B6?

What is Vitamin B6?

Vitamins are substances required by your body in tiny amounts. Your body cannot make its own vitamins. They must be acquired from the diet. Vitamin B6 is a part of a larger group of vitamins known as Vitamin B compound. These vitamins are water soluble, so they dissolve easily in water. Your body cannot store water-soluble vitamins. Vitamin B6 must be acquired daily. Its scientific name is pyridoxine.

Vitamin B6 In Our Body

Vitamin B6 is involved in many body functions. It helps you metabolize macronutrients such as proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It helps convert carbohydrates into glucose for energy. It is necessary to synthesize neurotransmitters that control mood and assists with many functions of the immune system. It participates in keeping electrolytes balanced, promotes the production of red blood cells and helps to keep homocysteine levels low. It contributes to healthy hair, skin, eyesight and good liver function.

Vitamin B6 deficiency includes general weakness, nervousness and irritability. It is responsible for pre-menstrual problems like fluid retention, emotional outbursts and depression. It is essential for the body to make melatonin. Insomnia often results from not enough melatonin. Low levels of Vitamin B6 can also manifest in skin conditions, ridged fingernails and serious bone problems such as arthritis and osteoporosis. One of the most noticeable deficiency symptoms is a swollen or painful tongue.

Many people resort to taking vitamin and mineral supplements when they believe they may not be getting enough in their diet, but sometimes that can be dangerous. Too much Vitamin B6 can cause neurological problems. Numbness, tingling hands or feet, and trouble walking are signs that you may be getting too much Vitamin B6 as well as too little. It is always best to get the vitamins and minerals you need from whole foods.

Banana

Top Fruits For Vitamin B6 Content

The amounts of Vitamin B6 are given for 100g of each fruit.

1 Banana 0,37 mg
2 Durian 0,30 mg
3 Elderberry 0,20 mg
4 Kiwi 0,10 mg
5 Blueberry 0,10 mg
6 Pumpkin 0,10 mg
7 Lychee 0,10 mg
8 Jackfruit 0,10 mg
9 Pineapple 0,10 mg
10 Orange 0,10 mg
11 Lemon 0,10 mg
12 Redcurrant 0,10 mg
13 Grape 0,10 mg
14 Melon (Cantaloupe) 0,10 mg
15 Mulberry 0,10 mg
16 Grapefruit 0,10 mg
17 Passion Fruit 0,10 mg
18 Gooseberry 0,10 mg
19 Mango 0,10 mg
20 Tangerine 0,10 mg
21 Raspberry 0,10 mg
22 Guava 0,10 mg
23 Blackcurrant 0,10 mg
24 Carrot 0,10 mg
25 Apricot 0,10 mg
26 Pomegranate 0,10 mg
27 Fig 0,10 mg
28 Tomato 0,08 mg
29 Cranberry 0,06 mg
30 Watermelon 0,05 mg
31 Cucumber 0,04 mg
32 Plum 0,00 mg
33 Cherry (sweet) 0,00 mg
34 Papaya 0,00 mg
35 Peach 0,00 mg
36 Strawberry 0,00 mg
37 Apple 0,00 mg
38 Pear 0,00 mg
39 Lime 0,00 mg
40 Blackberry 0,00 mg
41 Mangosteen 0,00 mg