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May, 1323
May, 13Tropical
JACK FRUIT: ( Artocarpus heterophyllus )
PART USED: Fruit, seeds, roots.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES: Fresh fruit is a good source of potassium, magnesium, manganese, and iron. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. It is one of the rare fruits that is rich in B-complex group of vitamins. It contains very good amounts of vitamin B-6, niacin, riboflavin, and folic acid. Rich in dietary fiber, which makes it a good bulk laxative. The fiber content helps to protect the colon mucous membrane by decreasing exposure time and as well as binding to cancer causing chemicals in the colon.
It has a good amount of Vitamin-A and flavonoid pigments such as carotene-ß, xanthin, lutein and cryproxanthin-ß when eaten fresh. Together, these compounds play vital roles in antioxidant and vision functions. Vitamin A is also required for maintaining integrity of mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural fruits rich in vitamin-A and carotenes has been found to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers. Also, it is a good source of antioxidant vitamin-C. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful free radicals.
Health benefits of Jackfruit seeds are numerous. It is a rich source of Vitamin B & C, Niacin, Potassium, Protein, Fat, Calories and Carbohydrates. In general, the seeds are gathered from the ripe fruit, sun-dried and stored for use its seeds like Chestnuts. You can roast them or boil them.
Jackfruit is the summer season fruit that coincides with other tropical commoners like mango, durian and mangosteen.
In the store, buy the fruit that emits mild yet rich flavor and just yields to thumb pressure. Thorn like projections becomes soft in the ripened fruit. Once ripen, the fruit deteriorates rather quickly unless stored in the refrigerator.
Lychee, Longan, Rambutan, and Dragon Fruit.
LONGAN FRUIT: ( Dimocarpus longan )
PART USED: Fruit, seeds.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES: Longan fruit contains multiple vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium and large amounts of vitamins A and C. The fruit indicating that the fruit may have chemo preventive, antioxidant and liver protective properties.
Longan fruit stimulate the spleen and hearth, therefore it is nourish blood circulation and calming effect on nervous system. Furthermore they contain a relaxing effect on the nervous system, they are proven to enhance nerve function, lower irritability and reduce fatigue. Longans also are able to treat neurasthenic neurosis and insomnia.
They are known to contain anti-ageing effect and are proven to improve skin health. The fruit is particularly identified to benefit the delicate skin close to the eyes, minimize peeling and cracking of skin and therefore enhance your complexion. It also benefits eyesight, treat teeth and gums problems and oral cracks and sores effectively.
The seeds are administered to counteract heavy sweating, the pulverized kernel, which contains saponin, tannin and fat, serves as a styptic (substance that draws together or constricts body tissues and is effective in stopping the flow of blood or other secretions). Longan seed when pulverized and pressed against snakebite – it will absorb the venom.
Select Longans attached to the branches. The fruit ought to be plump and having a fresh pliable shell.
Ripe longans feature an intense tan. Pick fruit that is firm and without any blemishes and bruises. Store longans in a breathable plastic container or bag in the fridge for around 5-7 days.
LYCHEE FRUIT: ( Litchi chinensi )
PART USED: Fruit.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES: Lychee fruits are low in calories, contains no saturated fats or cholesterol, but rich in dietary fiber, which, can be very important for individuals who are concerned about their excess body weight. Contains a good amount of vitamin C, a very good source of B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, niacin, and folates. Consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals.These vitamins are essential since they function by acting as co-factors to help body metabolize carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
A great source of minerals like Iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids help control heart rate and blood pressure; thus offers protection against stroke and coronary heart diseases. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells.
Also contains a compound called oligonol, a low molecular weight polyphenol found abundantly in lychee fruit. Oligonol has been found to have several anti-oxidant, anti-influenza virus actions. In addition, it helps improve blood flow in organs, reduce weight, and protect skin from harmful UV rays.
Fresh lychee fruits are available in the markets from June to October. The Fruit must be allowed to ripen fully on the tree itself since the ripening process stops soon after harvested. Overly maturity makes them turn dark-brown in appearance and lose their luster and flavor. While harvesting, snip off entire fruit brunch, keeping a short piece of the stem attached.
RAMBUTAN FRUIT: ( Nephelium lappaceum )
PART USED: Fruit, skin, seeds.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES: Carbohydrates, dietary fiber, protein, water, vitamin A, beta-carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C, calcium, Iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium. Treatment for diabetes, hypertension and various ailments. Besides the antioxidants obtained in its beta carotene and vitamin C, the rambutan pulp, seeds and skin have strong, plant based, antioxidants called flavonoids. Certain kinds of flavonoids are believed to reduce cholesterol and possess anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory attributes.
One of many organic compounds contained in the skin is Gallic acid. This compound behaves like a free radical scavenger as it helps protect against oxidative damage in our body and is regarded as a strong aid in the battle against cancer. Due to its extensive antioxidant activity, compared to other exotic fruits like pomegranate, rambutan skin extract may be promoted as a drug or health supplement product.
The rambutan is abundant with vitamin C. 10-12 rambutans provide 75-90 mg ascorbic acid, more than double the amount recommended to take daily. An essential antioxidant, vitamin C prevents body cells from being damaged by free radicals and helps the absorption of iron. A single serving of rambutan functions as an excellent iron source. The iron in what you eat promotes the correct amount of oxygen inside you, which help stop the dizziness and fatigue due to anemia, an illness caused by low iron.
Besides nutritional benefits, rambutan also has therapeutic functions. Consuming the fruit can help kill intestinal parasites, while help relieve symptoms of diarrhea, and can cure fever.
Select rambutans that is firm when touched gently. The spines have to be firm and not brittle to touch. Try to find brightness in color. Refrain from rambutans that are blemished or bruised by any means. Keep rambutans in the refrigerator. Put them in a plastic container and cover with a lid. They are going to keep for about a week.
DRAGON FRUIT: ( Hylocereus ) – Pitaya
PART USED: Fruit, seeds.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES: Niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin C, vitamin B3, vitamin B2, vitamin B1, iron, phosphorus, calcium, carotene, fiber, protein.
The edible parts of raw pitaya consist of mostly water and carbohydrates, with some protein and fat content. Pitayas contain slight amounts of calcium, iron, phosphorus, a good source of Vitamin C. In taking high amounts of vitamin C helps in healing bruises and cuts quickly, and enhancing the immune system.
Vitamin B2 present in dragon fruit acts like a multivitamin and helps to improve and recover the loss of appetite. Vitamin B1 in this fruit helps in increasing the energy production and also in metabolizing carbohydrates. Due to the presence of vitamin B3, it helps in lowering bad cholesterol levels. It improves the appearance of your skin by smoothing and moisturizing it. It improves eyesight and prevents hypertension.
Rich in fiber and minerals. As it is a good source of phosphorus and calcium, it reinforces bones, helps in tissue formation and forms healthy teeth. Red pitayas seem to be richer in the former, yellow ones in the latter. The fruit also contain significant quantities of phytoalbumin antioxidants, which prevent the formation of cancer-causing free radicals.
Dragon fruit is also helpful in reducing blood sugar levels in people suffering from type 2 diabetes. Diabetics use the fruit as a food substitute for rice and as a source of dietary fiber. Pitaya supposedly increases excretion of heavy metal toxins and lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. Eaten regularly, it is credited with alleviating chronic respiratory tract ailments – fighting against cough and asthma.
The seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, and in particular Red Pitayas contain very little saturated fat. The fatty acid compositions of pitaya seed oils are myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, cis-vaccenic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid.
Dragon fruit was originally called pitaya, because of the scales on its body. It is a beautiful fruit with an intense color and shape and also with dazzling flowers. As it blooms in night, it is also called Moonflower, Queen of the night and Lady of the Night. Usually the fruit is in dark red color, it may also be found in yellow or pink color. The rind of this fruit is covered with big green scales. In the center of the fruit, sweet pulp is present in white or red color, with small black seeds. The nutritional benefits of this fruit makes it a very popular choice among people.
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May, 13L.E.S. Skatepark
Located in the New York City’s Lower East Side, the Manhattan Bridge Skatepark, aka L.E.S. Skatepark, was a once neglected skatepark. Because of its location and the recent closing of the popular skate spot the Brooklyn Banks, it has become one of the most heavily trafficked skateparks in New York City.
In Summer 2012, under the Manhattan Bridge, a run down skatepark received a major facelift. Thanks to a NIKE GAMECHANGERS grant, community skate advocate Steve Rodriguez (5boro Skateboards) worked with design collaborator and builder California Skateparks, the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, Architecture for Humanity, stakeholders and community members on the redesign that has revamped and literally reramped the existing skatepark.
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May, 13
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May, 1315
May, 13Capsicum Genus
PEPPER: (Capsicum)
PART USED: Fruit, Seeds.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES: Beneficial use for digestive aid, antihelmentic, antimalarial, antiviral cardioprotective, immunodulator, inflammatory, anti diabetic, anti-cancer, blood purifier, circulatory, analgesic and as a stimulant to speed the body’s natural healing processes. Also, it has the ability to cure flu, headaches, dyspepsia, fever, and common colds.
The fruit of most species of Capsicum contains capsaicin (methyl vanillyl nonenamide), a lipophilic chemical that produces a strong burning sensation in the mouth. Most mammals find this unpleasant, whereas birds are unaffected. The secretion of capsaicin protects the fruit from consumption by mammals while the bright colors attract birds that will disperse the seeds.
The seeds themselves do not produce any capsaicin, although the highest concentration of capsaicin can be found in the white pith around the seeds.
The amount of capsaicin in the fruit of Capsicums is highly variable and dependent on genetics and environment, giving almost all types of Capsicums varied amounts of perceived heat.
The only Capsicum without capsaicin is the bell pepper, a cultivar of Capsicum annuum, which has a zero rating. The lack of capsaicin in bell peppers is due to a recessive gene that eliminates capsaicin and, consequently, the “hot” taste usually associated with the rest of the Capsicum family.
Capsaicin is used in modern medicine mainly in topical medications. Although black pepper and Sichuan pepper cause similar burning sensations, they are caused by different substances called piperine and hydroxy-alpha sanshool, respectively.
Here are health benefits to eating scotch bonnet peppers as well. The active ingredient in scotch bonnet peppers [and all chili peppers] is Capsaicin. It has been said to be a miracle drug. I take it to increase my circulation, especially in the winter.
Here are some beneficial information on the medicinal properties:
1. Fight Cancer
A study published in Cancer Research found that capsaicin caused cancer cells to commit suicide. The substance caused almost 80 percent of prostate cancer cells to die in mice, and prostate tumors treated with capsaicin were about one-fifth the size of those in untreated mice.
“Capsaicin inhibits the growth of human prostate cancer cells in petri dishes and mice,” says lead researcher Dr. H. Phillip Koeffler, director of hematology and oncology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and a professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Further, researchers say capsaicin pills may one day be used to prevent the return of prostate cancer.
2. Provide Pain Relief
A topical form of capsaicin is a recognized treatment for osteoarthritis pain, and may also help alleviate pain from diabetic neuropathy.
Capsaicin is also known to inhibit Substance P, a neuropeptide that is the key transmitter of pain to the brain. Substance P can cause swelling of nerve fibers, which may result in headaches and sinus symptoms. Studies have found that capsaicin both relieves and prevents cluster headaches, migraine headaches and sinus headaches.
3. Prevent Sinusitis and Relieve Congestion
Capsaicin has potent antibacterial properties that fight and prevent chronic sinus infections, or sinusitis. Because it is so hot, it also helps to stimulate secretions that help clear mucus from your nose, thereby relieving nasal congestion. This phytochemical may also help relieve sinus-related allergy symptoms.
4. Fight Inflammation
Capsaicin is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It works by inhibiting Substance P, which is associated with inflammatory processes. Capsaicin is being looked at as a potential treatment for arthritis, psoriasis and diabetic neuropathy.
5. Soothe Intestinal Diseases
A Duke University study found that capsaicin may lead to a cure for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The substance can also help to kill bacteria such as H. pylori, which can help prevent stomach ulcers.
6. Burn Fat and Lose Weight
Capsaicin is a thermogenic agent, which means it increases metabolic activity. This, in turn, helps to burn calories and fat. Many popular “fat-burning” supplements on the market contain capsaicin, as the substance may significantly increase metabolic activity for over 20 minutes after it’s eaten.
7. Protect Your Heart
Capsaicin may help to protect the heart by reducing cholesterol, triglycerides and platelet aggregation. It may also help the body dissolve fibrin, which is necessary for blood clots to form. Further, cultures around the world that use hot peppers liberally in their meals have significantly lower rates of heart attack and stroke than cultures that do not.
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May, 13
13
May, 13Daucus carota | Carrot
CARROT: ( Daucus carota )
PART USED: Leaves, Roots.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES: The carrot gets its characteristic and bright orange colour from beta-carotene, which is metabolised into vitamin A in humans when bile acids are present in the intestines. Lack of vitamin A can cause poor vision, including night vision, and vision can be restored by adding it back into the diet. Carrots are also rich in dietary fibre, antioxidants, and minerals. Ethnomedically, carrots are used to treat digestive problems, intestinal parasites, and tonsillitis or constipation.
Prevent Cancer
Eating carrots can help lower the risk of breast cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer. A compound called falcarinol in carrots that is largely responsible for anti-cancer benefits. Falcarinol is a natural pesticide found in carrots that protects roots from fungal diseases. In daily diet, carrots are almost the only source of these compounds.
Improve Vision
The retina of the eye needs vitamin A to function, lack of vitamin A causes night blindness. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a substance which converted into vitamin A in the liver. In the retina, vitamin A is transformed into rhodopsin, a purple pigment that necessary for night vision. In addition, beta-carotene help protect against macular degeneration and the development of senile cataracts. People who eat most Beta-carotene had 40 percent lower risk of macular degeneration than those who consumed little.
Prevent heart disease
A diet high in carotenoids are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Also, it is known that regular consumption of carrots reduces cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber in carrots can help lower blood cholesterol levels by binding with and removing bile acids, cholesterol triggers would be pulled out from the bloodstream to make more bile acids.
Nourish Skin
Carrot has a strong cleansing properties that are effective in detoxifying the liver, so that the overall effective for acne that is caused by toxins from the blood. Carrot is also useful for treating uneven skin tones because of pigmentation. The vitamin A and other nutrients contain in carrot efficiently nourish the skin, prevent dry skin and other skin blemishes.
Anti-aging
Carrots contain a lot of beta-carotene, which serves as an antioxidant that helps the body to fight the cell damage done to the body with dirt in the bloodstream and even oxygen. It also help slows down the aging of cells and various negative effect associated with aging.
Dental Health
Carrots can even help clean your teeth, and is the best way to keep your mouth clean after meals. They act as natural abrasives, help in eliminate the sticky dirt from the teeth and stimulate gums. They also trigger a lot of saliva, which helps to scrub away stains on your teeth. Minerals in carrots helps to kill germs in the mouth and prevent tooth damage.
Carrot are really an amazing root vegetable. There are many benefits of carrots and they are easy to add to your diet without much extra preparation. Carrots, as raw fruit juice or in cooked form are good for health.
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May, 13
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