Health Benefits if Seed & Nuts

 

Types of nuts

A nut is a simple dry fruit consisting of one or two edible kernels inside a hard shell. Nuts include:

• Almonds
• Brazil nuts
• cashew nuts
• hazelnuts
• macadamias
• pecans
• pine nuts
• pistachios
• walnuts
• peanuts are legumes, they are classified as nuts due to their similar characteristics to other tree nuts.

Benefits of nuts

Most nuts have very similar macronutrient (protein, carbohydrate, and fat) profiles, but different types of nuts may have slightly different micronutrient (vitamin and mineral) content.

Nuts help with:

• Fat absorption – fats in nuts are not fully digested and absorbed by the body. When less fats are absorbed it means that less energy from nuts is absorbed too.
• Hunger and fullness – nuts help to suppress our hunger. As a result, food intake is reduced. This effect is due to the protein, fat, and fibre content of nuts.
• Energy expenditure – research suggests that nuts can increase the amount of energy we burn. Energy we burn following a nut-enriched meal comes from fat sources, meaning that we burn more and store less fat.

The effect of seeds on body weight has not been researched extensively but is likely to be similar to nuts as they are also high in protein, healthy fat and fibre.

Nuts and heart disease risk

Including nuts as part of your diet has been linked with a lower risk of heart disease.
Although high in fats, nuts are good sources of healthy fats (such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats), and are low in (unhealthy) saturated fats.

This combination of ‘good fats’, makes nuts heart healthy – they help to reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, (known as ‘bad’ cholesterol) in the body.

LDL cholesterol can add to the build-up of plaque (fatty deposits) in your arteries, which can increase your risk of coronary heart disease.

Nuts also help to maintain healthy blood vessels and blood pressure (through their arginine content), and reduce inflammation in the body as they are high in antioxidants.

Types of seeds

The nutrient profiles of seeds are also very similar to those of nuts. Common seeds include:

• pumpkin seeds
• flax seeds
• sesame seeds
• poppy seeds
• sunflower seeds
• psyllium seeds
• chia seeds.

Benefits of seeds

Most seeds are rich in:

• protein, healthy fats, and fibre
• minerals (such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, plant iron and zinc),
• vitamins B1, B2, B3 and vitamin E.

Oily seeds also contain antioxidants that stop the fats from going rancid too quickly.

Due to the unique nutrient profiles of nuts and seeds, they are known to provide several health benefits, such as:

• ·         helping to maintain your weight
• ·         reducing your heart disease risk
• ·         reducing your diabetes risk.

NUTS & SEEDS AND THEIR SOAKING TIMES

Nuts, seeds, and grains have things in them called phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors. These are helpful in that they help prevent them from germinating before they're in the proper environment, however, they're not so helpful when we eat them. They bind with minerals and prevent us from digesting them and absorbing all the goodness they have to offer. This can cause nutrient deficiencies and digestive irritation for some people (bloat, the runs, lower belly pain, cramps etc.)

Once nuts and seeds are soaked in salted water they can either be rinsed well and dehydrated at a low temperature (around 115F)to preserve the enzymes, which are destroyed at high heat.

EDIBLE NUTS & SEEDS AND THEIR SOAKING TIMES ~

Soaking releases the enzyme inhibitors in nuts and seeds that basically make them challenge your body's digestion and absorption. Thus, if you want maximum nutrient efficiency and a happy tummy, soak nuts and seeds, then rinse them well!

Food	Soaking Time (Hours)
Almonds	8 to 12
Amaranth	8
Barley	6
Black Beans	8 to 12
Brazil Nuts	3
Buckwheat	6
Cashews	2 to 4
Chickpeas	8
Hazelnuts	8 to 12
Lentils	7
Pistachios	8
Walnuts	4
Sunflowers Seeds	8
Wild Rice	9
Wheat Berries	7
Pumpkin Seeds	8
Quinoa	5
Radish Seeds	8
Pecans	6
Millet	5
Oat Groats	6
Mung Beans	8 to 12

Health Benefits of Red Vegetable

 

Red veggies consist of tomatoes, red peppers, red onions, and red cabbage are packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium and antioxidants.. These colorful and tasty foods are gifts from nature. They offer many health benefits because they have some of the following nutrients; lycopene, quercetin, hesperidin, fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C.

Some of those benefits include:

1. Reducing the risk of prostate cancer.
2. Protecting the body from prostate, cervical and lung cancer.
3. Reducing tumor growth.
4. Protecting the body from harmful free radicals.
5. Protecting the body against heart disease.
6. Lowering blood pressure.
7. Lowering LDL cholesterol, which is the bad cholesterol in the body.
8. Supporting joint tissue for those with arthritis.

1. Red Tomatoes

If you want the most exquisite accompaniment to any dish, look no further. Tomatoes are flavorful, healthful vegetable. The main compound in tomatoes is lycopene which is researched for its valuable health benefits.

Because the high content of lycopene, tomatoes are considered beneficial for sunburn protection. Furthermore, clinical studies show that lycopene could be helpful in lowering LDL cholesterol.

2. Beets

These colorful root veggies are low in calories, but high in essential nutrients as Vitamin B9, Manganese, Iron, Vitamin C. Beets have high levels of nitrates which have been studied for their blood pressure lowering properties.

The nitrates are also linked to increased athletic performance. Beets are an excellent source of dietary fiber, and you can easily include them in your diet.

3. Red Cabbage

Even though it looks more purple than red, this cabbage has impressive health benefits. The color comes from the presence of anthocyanins. Only one cup of cabbage has 85% of the RDV for Vitamin C, 42% of the RDV for Vitamin K and 20% of the RDV Vitamin A.

Because of the high content of Vitamin C, the cabbage is a great immune system booster and provides protection from oxidative stress. According to one study, the best way to get the most nutrients is if you eat the cabbage raw.

4. Red Bell Pepper

 

The red bell pepper is one of the most abundant sources of Vitamin C. One medium sized red bell pepper has 169% of the RDV for Vitamin C. The healthy antioxidants available in bell peppers (capsanthin, violaxanthin, lutein, quercetin, luteolin) make them outstanding healthy food.

Consuming bell peppers has been linked to reduced risk of chronic diseases and improved eye health.

5. Radishes

Radishes often underestimated root vegetable, are exceptional for your health. They have only nine calories in half cup which makes them an ideal snack.

The high fiber content in radishes will help you feel full and satisfied, so you can maintain a healthy weight and maybe even shed a few pounds.

They can also help with detoxification, heart and skin health. So don’t wait, snack on radishes and obtain all the wonders of their nutrition.

6. Red Chili Pepper

The main bioactive compound in red chili peppers is capsaicin which is responsible for the burning taste, but also for the remarkable health benefits. The capsaicin can promote weight loss by increasing fat burning.

7. Radicchio

This plant is often confused with red cabbage. It has characteristically bitter taste, and it’s a great flavorful addition to your salads. It’s good for the heart because of the Vitamin K content which helps in prevention of calcification of the arteries.

On the other hand, the high concentration of Vitamin K in radicchio helps for healthy, strong bones.

8. Red Leaf Lettuce

The red leaf lettuce has characteristic red-tinged leaves. This vegetable has a very high concentration of Vitamin A. One serving (85g) has 127% of the RDV for vitamin A. The high content of fiber and water make you feel full which can help in your weight management plan.

9. Red Onion

Even though many people dislike their pungent flavor, we cannot deny that onions are packed with antioxidants, making them a powerful vegetable. The sulfur compounds in red onions help for lowering LDL cholesterols which result in improved cardiovascular health.

The red onions are also a good source of chromium which aids in blood sugar regulation. You can reduce the bad breath after eating onions by consuming herbs like parsley, cilantro, rosemary or peppermint.

10. Red Sweet Potatoes

Red potatoes are a fantastic source of vitamin A.  Based on a research red potatoes are healthier than regular potatoes. They have more fiber and lower glycemic index. The skin of red potatoes has twice the antioxidants than white potatoes.

The high content of antioxidants can help in reducing free radicals.

 

Health Benefits of Red Fruits

Red fruits, including watermelon, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, apples are packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium and antioxidants. These colorful and tasty foods are gifts from nature. They offer many health benefits because they have some of the following nutrients; lycopene, quercetin, hesperidin, fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C.

Some of those benefits include:

1. Reducing the risk of prostate cancer.
2. Protecting the body from prostate, cervical and lung cancer.
3. Reducing tumor growth.
4. Protecting the body from harmful free radicals.
5. Protecting the body against heart disease.
6. Lowering blood pressure.
7. Lowering LDL cholesterol, which is the bad cholesterol in the body.
8. Supporting joint tissue for those with arthritis.
9. Keeping one regular by aiding in gastrointestinal health.

 

Red Apples

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”  They are healthy, nutritious fruit with numerous studies to support their benefits. Apples are high in fiber (4.4g which is 17% of the RDV) and water which can aid weight loss.

Specifically, apples contain a high content of soluble fiber which can help in lowering the “bad” blood cholesterol levels. Due to their polyphenol antioxidant content, eating apples is linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. The apple skin contains quercetin, a flavonoid which can help keep the immune system strong and reduce inflammation.

 Blood Oranges

Besides the fact that blood oranges are so darn tasty, they are also rich in essential nutrients, Vitamin A and dietary fiber.

The red pigmentation of oranges is due to anthocyanin, a molecule found in many red fruits and vegetables.

Elementary evidence suggests that some anthocyanins have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Blood oranges also are rich in folic acid (Vitamin B9) which helps the body to produce new cells or more specifically, the formation of red cells depends on the appropriate levels of this vitamin.

Cherries

The intake of cherry juice before intense physical exercise may reduce muscle strength loss and could speed up muscle recovery.

Also, the consumption of tart cherry juice resulted in increased melatonin levels which helped people to improve sleep quality. Research also links cherries with reduced inflammatory and oxidative stress due to their high content of anthocyanin.

Cranberries

The antioxidants found in cranberries make them one of the healthiest fruits. Studies indicate that consuming cranberries may reduce urinary tract infections, decrease inflammation and improve immune function.

Because of the fruit’s ability to balance bacteria in the body, the cranberries are good for digestive health, and they also aid in the absorption of the nutrients.

Red Grapes

In addition to good genes, longevity is also linked to your diet and lifestyle choices. Resveratrol, found in grapes researchers connect it with increased longevity.

On the other side, due to the high amount of phytonutrients in grapes, they offer better blood insulin regulation.

Grape flavonoids can improve memory function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment by preventing neurodegenerative processes.

Red Grapefruit

This fruit is incredibly nutritious. One medium-sized grapefruit contains 64% of the RDV for Vitamin C, and 28% of the RDV for Vitamin A.

Because of the high content of Vitamin C grapefruits can aid in improving or maintaining your immune system strong. Also, studies show that eating grapefruit before a meal could help weight loss.

Red Pears

Pears are high in fiber, particularly pectin fiber which is water soluble and helps in lowering cholesterol. Pectin attaches to fatty substances in the digestive system, including cholesterol and leads to their elimination.

This process helps the body to detox and improves the digestive health. Like all other red fruits, they contain a high amount of antioxidants.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates could be one of the most powerful superfoods.  They contain punicic acid and punicalagin which are responsible for their health benefits.

The punicalagin’s have been shown to reduce inflammation which is one of the leading causes of many life-threatening diseases. Also, researchers link pomegranate with boosting cognitive function. 

Raspberries

The phytonutrients in raspberries are what makes their nutrition extraordinary.

The anthocyanins with their anti-inflammatory properties and the polyphenols with their ability to narrow the peripheral arteries make them immensely efficient for boosting heart health.

Besides the high fiber content (8g or 32% of the RDV in just one cup), the raspberry ketones and specific nutrients rheosmin could help in managing weight.

The high Vitamin C content (53% of the RDV) and the presence of the antioxidant carotenoids and quercetin can help reduce the signs of aging by fighting free radicals.

Strawberries

Strawberries are super tasty, but they are also incredibly nourishing.  They are a great source of manganese, Vitamin C, potassium and Vitamin B9 (folate). The bright red color is due to pelargonidin, the major anthocyanin in strawberries.

Because of their high content of antioxidants they can help in lowering blood pressure and reducing oxidative stress. 

Watermelon

The watermelon is packed with great nutrients including citrulline and lycopene. These two nutrients have been linked to improved metabolic health, lowered blood pressure and decreased muscle soreness after exercise.

The high content of water makes the watermelon great for maintaining hydration.

Schizandra

The Schizandra berry most often people use it as extract or powder form which you can add to smoothies. This fruit has been used in Chinese medicine for a wide range of health-related issues.

According to a recent study, Schisandrin B, a bioactive compound present in the Schizandra could have a positive effect on Alzheimer’s. Another research shows that Schizandra extract helped ease the menopausal symptoms in women.

Goji Berries

They have a high content of antioxidants, especially zeaxanthin which makes them fantastic for eye and skin health.

Goji berries tend to be more expensive than other berries, but the recent studies show that they are fantastic superfood which could help increase your quality of sleep, focus, calmness, energy, and athletic performance.

DRUGS TESTED FOR CORONA VIRUS COVID-19

CHLOROQUINE AND HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE (SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAME PLAQUENIL AND OTHERS):

 The compounds are already widely available, as they’re used to treat existing ailments like malaria and arthritis — but it is cautioned that they haven’t yet been approved as treatment for coronavirus.

 The medicines have been used for centuries to treat malaria, which is caused by a parasite, unlike the coronavirus. Some studies have found it can still be effective in treating and preventing SARS, a close relative of COVID-19.

One of those studies was conducted in primate cells in 2005 amid the SARS outbreak, but never used as treatment as the disease was contained, Dr. Len Horovitz, a pulmonologist and internist at Lenox Hill Hospital told The Post.

“There was no reason to use it at that time but looking back, there was a feeling it could be used to reduce the possibility of being infected or as treatment,” for coronavirus, especially since “we know that its tolerated in people,” Horovitz said

A recent French study of hydroxychloroquine, sold under the brand name Plaquenil, was also promising — reporting that after 24 patients were treated for six days with the drug, the virus had disappeared in all but a quarter of them. But the research hasn’t yet been peer reviewed or published.

Horovitz warned that the drug hasn’t been approved as treatment for coronavirus.

“If you decide you’re going to take chloroquine, it doesn’t mean you should abandon all the prevention methods — it doesn’t take the place of social distancing,” he said.

Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are also among four treatments being tested in an international clinical trial announced Wednesday by the World Health Organization.

REMDESIVIR

Originally tested as an Ebola treatment, Gilead Sciences’ experimental antiviral drug Remdesivir has been found to work against SARS and MERS, two other coronaviruses.

The drug works by shutting off the virus’ ability to replicate inside cells.

Multiple trials are underway to evaluate the drug in China and other countries, and in the US, last month the National Institutes of Health began a randomized trial for the treatment of COVID-19 using the antiviral.

“There are promising therapies produced by Gilead and that’s Remdesivir,” Trump said Thursday. “It seems to have a very good result, having to do with this virus.”

FAVIPIRAVIR (AVIGAN)

The Japanese anti-flu drug developed by a subsidiary of Fujifilm   has had encouraging outcomes in clinical trials in China.

Patients who were given the drug in Shenzhen tested negative for the virus after a median of four days after becoming positive. That was compared with a median of 11 days for those who were not given the medicine, Japanese public broadcaster NHK said.

Chest scans supported the findings, revealing less damage in those who took the drug. But some officials said it may not be effective in people who are already severely ill.

LLPINAVIR AND RITONAVIR (KALETRA)

Lab studies have suggested that the HIV drug Kaletra — which is a combination of antivirals lopinavir and ritonavir — could be effective in treating COVID-19.

The meds belong to a class of drugs known as protease inhibitors, which block a key enzyme that helps viruses replicate. Previous studies found the mixture was helpful in preventing SARS from maturing and replicating.

Doctors in Thailand and Japan have reported using lopinavir and ritonavir to successfully treat the coronavirus — but a recent study in China of 200 seriously ill patients found that it had no benefit.

ANTI-CAKING AGENT

ANTI-CAKING AGENT

An anti-caking agent is an additive placed in powdered or granulated materials, such as table salt, to prevent the formation of lumps and for easing packaging, transport, and consumption.

Anticaking agents function either by adsorbing excess moisture, or by coating particles and making them water repellent. Some anticaking agents are soluble in water; others are soluble in alcohols or other organic solvents. Calcium silicate (CaSiO3), a common anti-caking agent which is added to table salt etc. adsorbs both water and oil. Although they are food additives, anti-caking agents have other applications too. For example, anticaking agents are popularly used in non-food items like road salt, fertilizers, cosmetics, synthetic detergents, and in other such manufacturing applications.


An anti-caking agent in salt is denoted in the ingredients, for example, as "anti-caking agent (554)", which is sodium aluminosilicate, a man-made product. This product is present in many commercial table salts as well as dried milks, egg mixes, sugar products, and flours. In Europe, sodium ferrocyanide (535) and potassium ferrocyanide (536) are more common anti-caking agents in table salt. Natural anticaking agents used in more expensive table salt include calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate.

Some anti-caking agents are soluble in water; others are soluble in alcohols or other organic solvents. They function either by adsorbing excess moisture, or by coating particles and making them water repellent. Calcium silicate (CaSiO3), a commonly used anti-caking agent, added to e.g. table salt, absorbs both water and oil.

Anti-caking agents are also used in non-food items such as road salt, fertilizers,cosmetics,synthetic detergents, and in manufacturing applications.

Examples of Anti Caking Agents Food
Some of the common examples of foods that contain anti-caking agents include:

• Vending machine powders (coffee, cocoa, soup)
• Milk and cream powders
• Grated cheese
• Icing sugar
• Baking powder
• Cake mixes
• Instant soup powders
• Drinking chocolate
• Table salt

Function of anti-caking agents

Is created by coating particles and making them water repellent. Some anticaking agents are soluble in water; others are soluble in alcohols or other organic solvents. Calcium silicate (CaSiO3), a common anti-caking agent which is added to table salt etc. adsorbs both water and oil. Although they are food additives, anti-caking agents have other applications too. For example, anticaking agents are popularly used in non-food items like road salt, fertilizers, cosmetics, synthetic detergents, and in other such manufacturing applications.

Anticaking Agent
 E500 - Sodium carbonate
E510E341 - Tricalcium Phosphate
E501 - Potassium carbonate
E503 - Ammonium carbonate
E504 - Magnesium carbonate
E507 - Hydrochloric acid
E508 - Potassium chloride
E509 - Calcium chloride
E510 - Ammonium chloride
E511 - Magnesium chloride
E512 - Stannous chloride
E513 - Sulphuric acid
E514 - Sodium sulphates
E515 - Potassium sulphate
E516 - Calcium sulphate
E517 - Ammonium sulphate
E518 - Magnesium sulphate, Epsom salts
E519 - Copper sulphate
E520 - Aluminium sulphate
E521 - Aluminium sodium sulphate
E522 - Aluminium potassium sulphate
E523 - Aluminium ammonium sulphate
E524 - Sodium hydroxide
E525 - Potassium hydroxide
E526 - Calcium hydroxide
E527 - Ammonium hydroxide
E528 - Magnesium hydroxide
E529 - Calcium oxide
E530 - Magnesium oxide
E535 - Sodium ferrocyanide
E536 - Potassium ferrocyanide
E538 - Calcium ferrocyanide
E540 - Dicalcium diphosphate
E541 - Sodium aluminium phosphate
E542 - Bone phosphate, edible bone phosphate (derived from steaming animal bones and used as anti-caking agent, emulsifier and source of phosphorous in food supplements.)
E550 - Sodium silicate
E551 - Silicon dioxide
E552 - Calcium silicate
E553(a) - (i) Magnesium silicate and (ii) magnesium trisilicate
E553(b) - Talc
E554 - Sodium aluminium silicate
E555 - Potassium aluminium silicate (Produced from several natural minerals.)
E556 - Aluminium calcium silicate (Produced from several natural minerals.)
E558 - Bentonite (A natural type of clay from volcanic origin. It is a decolorising agent, filter medium, emulsifier and anti-caking agent. Bentonite is used in pharmaceutical agents for external use, edible fats and oils, sugar, wine.)
E559 - Kaolin
E570 - Stearic acid
E572 - Magnesium stearate, calcium stearate
E574 - Gluconic acid
E575 - Glucono delta-lactone
E576 - Sodium gluconate
E577 - Potassium gluconate
E578 - Calcium gluconate
E579 - Ferrous gluconate
E585 - Ferrous lactate
E900 - Polydimethylsiloxane

calcium silicate

Description: the chemical compound Ca2SiO4, also known as calcium orthosilicate and sometimes formulated 2CaO.SiO2.

Magnesium Stearate

Description: also called octadecanoic acid, magnesium salt, is a white substance which is solid at room temperature. It has the chemical formula Mg(C18H35O2)2.

sodium aluminosilicate

Description: an acid salt comprising sodium, aluminium, silicon and oxygen. These include synthetic amorphous sodium aluminosilicate, a few naturally occurring minerals and synthetic zeolites. Synthetic amorphous sodium aluminosilicate is widely used as a food additive, E-554.

talc

Description: Talc is a mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate with the chemical formula H2Mg3(SiO3)4 or Mg3Si4O10(OH)2. In loose form, it is the widely used substance known as talcum powder.

calcium stearate

Description: Calcium stearate is carboxylate of calcium that is found in some lubricants and surfactants. It is a white waxy powder.

potassium stearate

Description: Potassium stearate is anion type surface active agent,which widly applied in acrylate rubber soap/sulfur and vulcanized system.

silicon dioxide

Description: an oxide of silicon with the chemical formula SiO2. It has been known for its hardness since ancient times. Silica is most commonly found in nature as sand or quartz, as well as in the cell walls of diatoms.