Health benefit of Banana

Rich in nutrients including vitamins A, B, C and E along with minerals like potassium, zinc, iron, etc, banana is a strong source of energy. Here are some other health benefits of this versatile fruit.

Controls blood pressure: According to research, the potassium in this fruit keeps the blood pressure levels in check and it can also help decrease its levels.

Improves brain power: A good source of vitamin B, banana helps perk up nerve function and boosts learning abilities.

Decreases the risk of stroke: According to studies, regular consumption of a banana helps reduce the occurrence of stroke. Rich in antioxidants and dietary fibre, consumption of bananas is also said to reduce the risk of cancer.

Maintains bones: Probiotic bacteria present in bananas is known to absorb calcium in the body. Hence, it helps in building better bones.

Enhances digestion: The priobotics in banana help produce enzymes that enable absorption of nutrients, thus enhancing the digestive ability and preventing unfriendly bacteria from harming the body. Astringent in nature, raw bananas are effective in treatment for diarrhoea.

Relieves constipation: Pectin found in bananas helps to alleviate constipation and improves bowel function.

 

Courtesy:http://www.postalinspectors.blogspot.in/

Five foods to avoid in summer

While it's hot outside, there is also more heat generated in the body, which can make a person feel irritable, tired, have trouble sleeping and make him/her lose concentration. 

While drinking enough water is crucial, one must also have the right foods to stay fit and healthy in summer. And some foods can play havoc on the system at this time. Here are the foods that should be avoided...

Too much spice: Spice powders can certainly liven up a meal, but spices also can heat up the body eating as they boost the rate of metabolism.

Rich non-vegetarian fare: Summer is not the time to tuck into rich meat gravies or tandooris, fish and chicken, or even seafood. In fact, this makes a person sweat more and causes digestive problems. It can also lead to diarrhea.

Oily junk food: You must avoid burgers with meat patties, fries and other oily fare.

Tea and coffee: These are beverages that increase heat in the body so they are definitely avoidable. Did you know that caffeine and other beverages with sugar can actually dehydrate your body, making your face flushed?

Avoid sauces: A cheese sauce is very avoidable too. It has close to 350 calories and it leaves you feeling bloated and sluggish. Some sauces also have too much MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) and salt. Instead, keep the meal nutritious and natural.

10 high cholesterol foods to avoid

10 high cholesterol foods to avoid

Cholesterol is a fat found in the blood and is necessary for production of hormones and functioning of membranes.

When it comes to good cholesterol, our body makes it with the help of correct diet. But when it comes to high cholesterol, you are at a high risk of heart disease and stroke.

We give you a list of high cholesterol foods that you should avoid especially if you care for your health.

High cholesterol foods to avoid: Egg yolk

According to healthaliciousness.com, "egg yolks have the most cholesterol of any food with 1234mg per 100 gram serving or 411% of the daily value . A single egg yolk will provide 210mg of cholesterol, while a whole egg provides slightly more with 212mg. Thus all the cholesterol in eggs is found in their yolks." One needs cholesterol in moderation, so if you had an egg in the morning then avoid a bulky cheese burger for your lunch.

High cholesterol foods to avoid: Liver

According to healthaliciousness.com, Cholesterol is produced by the hence liver dishes in itself are high on cholesterol. "The liver from most any meat will contain 564mg of cholesterol per 100 grams or 188% of the daily value."

According to American Heart Association says no more than 300 mg of cholesterol for a healthy adult. Three ounces of cooked beef liver will give you 331 mg of cholesterol.

High cholesterol foods to avoid: Butter

According to healthaliciousness.com, we Indians love butter, its flowing everywhere, on our breads, cakes, parathas and Indian cuisines. "100 grams of butter packs 215mg (72% daily value) of cholesterol and one tablespoon contains 30mg (10% daily value)."

High cholesterol foods to avoid: Shrimp

According to healthaliciousness.com, "100 grams of shrimp will contain 195mg (65% daily value) of cholesterol. A single large shrimp contains 11mg (4% daily value) and an ounce of shrimp will provide around 55mg.

A few seafoods work great for you but there are few that are loaded with cholesterol. When opting for seafood go for boiled once then fried.

High cholesterol foods to avoid: Chicken

Though chicken is a low fat meat option, the way it is cooked makes a lot of difference. One chicken leg with the skin has more fat and cholesterol than a cup of ice cream or a burger. The chicken skin on makes it a high-cholesterol food.

High cholesterol foods to avoid: Fast foods

According to healthaliciousness.com, "Fast foods, are packed with cholesterol. A chip, egg, and cheese biscuit will provide 172mg (57% daily value) per 100g serving, or 246mg (82% daily value) of cholesterol per biscuit."

Trans fats turns all your snacks and fast foods into a high-cholesterol food. Trans fats are a result of adding hydrogen to vegetable oils, which are then used in many commercial baked goods or fried foods such as cookies, cakes, fries and potato chips.

High cholesterol foods to avoid: Cheese

According to healthaliciousness.com, "A vegetarian source of protein, and also a good source of calcium, cheese is a tasty addition to most any dish. Cheese contains the most cholesterol with 123mg (41% daily value) per 100 gram serving. That is 21mg (7% daily value) per one inch cube."

High cholesterol foods to avoid: Processed meats

According to healthaliciousness.com, "The amount of cholesterol in any processed meat depends on the cut used, and the amount of fat added during processing. In terms of meats, lamb and duck will contain the most cholesterol all things being equal."

High cholesterol foods to avoid: Cheese burger

A big cheese burger has approximately has 175 mg of cholesterol. You might want to hold off fries and the shake, or better yet, order a plain burger instead.

High cholesterol foods to avoid: Ice cream

According to everydayhealth.com, "Did you know that a single cup of ice cream has more fat than a hamburger and more cholesterol than 10 glazed doughnuts? Skip the scoop and try a cup of fresh fruit for dessert instead. Fruit is low in calories and high in the fiber, vitamins, and nutrients you really need — making it one of the best things you can eat for lower cholesterol."

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Source : TOI