Saturday, March 17, 2007

From Phytochemicals.info on Mangosteen:







Other names:

Mangosteen

Garcinia mangostana


Mangis, mangu, mangostan, mangostanier, mesetor, semetah

Description:The mangosteen tree reaches on average an height of 15 meter but can grow as high as 30 meter. Mongosteen tree is rather slow growing and forms a pyramidal crown. The bark is very dark coloured and flaking. The thick dark green leathery mangosteen leaves are evergreen and opposite positioned. Flowers are about 5 cm large and contain four leaves. The dark purple coloured mangosteen fruits reach a size of about 7 cm. Inside the mangosteen fruit are 4 to 7 triangular segments containing juicy white flesh and seeds. The juice is sweet and slightly acid with a delicious flavour.

Parts used:Mainly to mangosteen fruits are used, but also the leaves, bark and rind.

Phytochemicals:Mangosteens contain following phytochemicals: Catechins, Rosin, Mangostin, Normangostin, Xanthones, Gartanin,

Medicinal properties:The dried mangosteen rind is use to treat dysentery, diarrhoea and gonorrhoea. Made into an ointment, mangosteen rind powder is used to treat skin disorders such as eczema and other skin disorders. Mangosteen pulp and rind contains many antioxidant which may have anti-tumor activity. Mangosteen also appears to have anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have demonstrated that prenylated xanthones can help to treat tuberculosis. Of the xanthones tested, alpha- , beta-mangostins and garcinone B had the strongest inhibitory effect against mycobacterium, which causes tuberculosis.

Other facts:The mangosteen originates from the Sunda Islands and the Moluccas. Most of the mangosteens are grown are harvested in the Far East, mainly in Thailand, Vietnam, China and Taiwan. It takes about 15 years before the mangosteen tree fruit bears fruits. Mangosteen fruit does not ripen well after harvesting, so it should be harvested when ripe or almost ripe. It is usually eaten fresh but it can be stored for a few weeks.

Research Reviews:
Abstracts:
More at MyMangosteen.com

Interesting Site for Reference on Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals - recomends these strategies for increasing their level in your diet:

Tips to increase your intake of phytochemicals

To maintain health, it is important to take at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables. Studies have shown that the intake of fruits and vegetables increases antioxidant capacity and improve immunity. These easy (and almost free) tips can help you to increase your daily intake of phytochemicals from herbs, fruits and vegetables:

Tip 1: Eat at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables.

The World Health Organisation recommends that we eat daily at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables. This 5 PLUS a day strategy is adopted by many countries. The 5 PLUS a day message is the most successful health promotion idea because research has shown that eating at least five portions of fruits and vegetables each day could reduce cancer rates by 20 percent.

Tip 2: Eat more tomato ketchup

You should use tomato ketchup as condiment on your meals instead of mayonnaise. Not only does ketchup contain a lot less calories, it is rich in the phytochemical lycopene. However, you should check that it is real ketchup made from tomatoes and does not contain colourings. Lycopene is found in fresh tomatoes but cooking breaks down the cell wall and increase the availability of lycopene. Research indicates that lycopene and tomato products lower the risk of some cancers and heart diseases.

Tip 3: Eat the albedo of citrus fruis

Whenever you eat or press citrus fruits, you should also eat the albedo, which is the white part of the citrus fruit. You should not eat the coloured part, which tastes very better and could be contaminated with pesticides. Albedo tastes quite neutral and sweet. The orange flesh and juice are also healthy and loaded with vitamin C, but the albedo is very rich in pectin and the phytochemicals limonin and glucarates. The pectin of the albedo lowers your cholesterol, curbs appetite and suppresses your hunger for a few hours. The albedo is also rich in vitamin C.

Tip 4: Increase soy consumption

Soy is packed with healthy ingredients: omega-3 fatty acids, cholesterol reducing proteins and minerals. The main phytochemical in soy is isoflavone, which improves bone health, reduces risk of certain cancers and reduces menopausal symptoms.

Tip 5: Drink herbal teas

Reduce your intake of coffee and soft drinks and increase the intake of herbal tea, including ordinary tea. Today there is a large selection of teas available: camomile, linden, sage, green teas, etc.

Tip 6: Eat dried fruits as snack

You should substitute your candy and snacks with dried fruits such as prunes, apricots, dades and raisins.

Tip 7: Add herbs and spices to your meals

Spices and herbs do not only add flavour to your meals but many are loaded with phytochemicals. Try to add following herbs and spices: parsley, sage, thyme, oregano, basil, etc.

Q Health Zone

At this site you will find loads of supplements and foods that are of the highest quality and good taste:

QHealthZone

French Toast

Start with whole grain bread and soak it in a mixture of organic, omega 3 enriched eggs or egg whites with soy milk.

Save some of the mixture to pour over the top since this bread is porous. Pour it over the toast in the skillet.

In the microwave or on the stove, melt a mixture of butter or your favorite healthy substitute, cinnamon, and honey You can add some soy milk or water if you like.

Pour the mixture over the toast as it cooks. Coat both sides.

Watch the temperature and do not let your french toast burn.

Remove from the stove and serve with a little honey. It is already buttered and delicious.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Here Is a Great Site for Healthy Foods

The World's Healthiest Foods
The George Mateljan Foundation is a non-profit organization free of commercial influence, which provides this website for you free of charge. Our purpose is to provide you with unbiased scientific information about how nutrient-rich World's Healthiest Foods can promote vibrant health and energy and fit your personal needs and busy lifestyle.

eating healthycooking healthyfeeling great

Check it out for some great recipes.

Here is an example ...

Recipe from our new book
Super Carrot Raisin Salad
An easy to prepare salad with great flavor!
  • 2-3 medium carrots, peeled and shredded
  • ½ cup raisins
  • ½ cup chopped fresh/canned pineapple
Toss with Healthy Vinaigrette dressing:
  • 3 TBS extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 TBS fresh lemon juice
  • sea salt and pepper to taste


Also ...




Food Network
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Recipes Topics Search Tips


check out their categories:

GET HEALTHY
• 10 Foods for Better Health
• Diabetic Recipes
• Diabetes
• Fat & Calorie Calculator
• Healthy Summer Desserts
• Healthy Winter Desserts
• Kick-Start Your Health
• Low Calorie
• Low Cholesterol
• Low Carbohydrate
• Low Fat
• Meal Makeovers
• Vegetarian
• Whole Grains Guide

And their top 10 ...

Top 10 Get-Healthy Recipes
Top 10 Get-Healthy Recipes
Healthy Tips Carrot Salad
Healthy Tips Wheatberry Salad
Healthy Tips Parker's Split Pea Soup
Healthy Tips Sauteed Greens with Vinegar
Healthy Tips Black Beans and Rice with Cilantro Pesto
Healthy Tips Sloppy Joes
Healthy Tips Garlic and Citrus Chicken
Healthy Tips Seared Pork Tenderloin with Cocoa Spice Rub
Healthy Tips Thai-Style Halibut with Coconut-Curry Broth
Healthy Tips Raspberry Fool

Finally for today ...

Welcome

Welcome to Recipesia! We have kept over 25,000 recipes on yummy, nutritious, or basically natural foods. So no matter if you are seeking health-promoting foods, diet related food, or just for your appetite, there must be more than one recipe that suits your requirement. Enjoy and please bookmark. del.icio.us


Friday, March 9, 2007

Tips for Healthy Eating

From the American Heart Association:

Here are some tips for healthy eating:

  • Coconut is high in saturated fat; olives and avocados are high in monounsaturated fat and calories. Use these items sparingly to avoid getting too many calories from fat.
  • When vegetables, grains or legumes are cooked or processed, saturated fats or cholesterol are often added. For instance, egg yolks may be added to breads or pastas.
  • Canned, processed and preserved vegetables also may contain added sodium. And in some people, too much sodium (salt) can lead to high blood pressure. Some food companies are canning vegetables with less salt. "No salt added" varieties are also available. Look for these in the market or choose fresh or frozen vegetables.
  • Nuts and seeds tend to be very high in fat and calories, but most of the fat is polyunsaturated or monounsaturated (e.g., walnuts, almonds, pecans). Some varieties, such as macadamia nuts, are also high in saturated fat, so check the label. Nuts and seeds don’t have cholesterol and are good sources of protein.

Thursday, March 8, 2007

Banana Shake Stock

Take as many over-ripe bananas as you can find and pulverize them.
Add some soy milk.
Add some honey
Add any fruit you like.
Refrigerate.
When you have something fresh to add, do so. I like a little vanilla, some more honey, and some extra soy milk.