The Unique Pomegranate has a Long History!

Punica granatum or as we know it Pomegranate.  Pomegranate gets some early mentions, from some ancient texts, like the Book of Exodus and the Quran.  The Pomegranates indigenous roots are modern day Iran and Iraq.  Contemporary cultivation of the pomegranate is much more wide spread then those times, existing all the way from the Himalayas in Northern India to Latin America and California.

The Caloric Ratio of Pomegranates is 81% Carbohydrates, 12% Fats, and 7% Protein.  They are also a power house of nutrition consisting of Vitamins C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, and B9, Pantothenic Acid, Choline, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese and Selenium.  Only down side is most of the caloric intake is from sugar.  So moderation is the key.

The Pomegranate has many culinary uses as well as deep roots in Ayurvedic Medicine going back thousands of years.  In the Ayurvedic tradition the juice and seeds of the pomegranate are considered a tonic for the heart and throat, and classified as a bitter-astringent component under the Ayurvedic system, and considered a healthful counter balance to a diet high in sweet and fatty components. It has even been used as a contraceptive as recorded in ancient Indian literature.  Hypertensive patients involved in a limited study drank pomegranate juice for 14 days and showed drops in systolic blood pressure. Pomegranate juice may also inhibit viral infections, extracts have an antibacterial effect against dental plaque.  This unique looking and tasting fruit is sure appease your senses as well as your health!!

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Cacao, Food of the Gods!

Cacao or Theobroma Cacao, the bean which founded that treat we all love, Chocolate. Delicious to say the least! Cacao's cultivation, use and culture was extensive by Mesoamericans.  Residues in ceramic vessels from cacao beverage preparations where dated back to 1900-900 BC, thought to have been fermented and alcoholic.  These beans not only acted as a ritual beverage but a major currency system for Mesoamericans.  80-100 quality beans could fetch a new cloth mantle and apparently counterfeit beans existed.

Cacaos calories are divided, 34% Carbohydrates, 50% Fats and 16% Protein. Considered a super food Cacao is loaded with Cacao contains a bitter alkaloid named Theobromine, similar to caffeine and also belongs to the same group, known as xanthines. Theobromine is known for its stimulating and up lifting effects.

The main uses of Cacao today are culinary in nature and involving chocolate of course.  However, this bean has a list of positive effects on human health, short term studies have found it to benefit LDL cholesterol levels, may reduce blood pressure and raises levels of serotonin.   It is also believed that the increased blood flow after drinking or eating of cacao may help to achieve health benefits in hearts and other organs. Cacao was also believed to be ground by the Aztecs and mixed with tobacco for smoking purposes.  This powerful bean well do wonders worked into any diet!!

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Lemon and Your Health!!

Although the orgin of lemons is a mystery, a study of the lemons genetic origin, once concluded that it was a hybrid between citron and sour orange.  Lemons Binomial name is Citrus x limon.  With early recordings in Europe showing the arrival of Lemons as early as the 1st Century AD they have a ecclectic history.   Now the Lemon is wide spread and sold in one of its many varieties worldwide, with India being the largest producer.

Lemons are very nutrient rich and are made up of 95% Carbohydrates, 0% Fats and 5% Protein.They contain vitamins A, C, E, B1, B3, B6, and B9, Pantothenic Acid, Choline, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese and Selenium.

Known mainly for their culinary uses, Lemons have a list of alternative uses from Ayurvedic medicine to cleaning.  Also known to treat throat infections, indigestion, constipation, dental problems, fever, hair care, skin care, internal bleeding, rheumatism, burns, overweight, respiratory disorders, cholera and high blood pressure.  Add this wonderful fruit to your water daily for some added nutritional benifits and some wonderful color!!

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Beets for the Nutritional WIN!

Beta Vulgaris or as its commonly called the beet, comes from the Chenopodiaceae family.  This root vegetable has a rich history.  Once renowned in Roman times as an aphrodisiac, which is not far from the truth as it contains large amounts of Boron.  Boron is directly related to the production of human sex hormones. 

Beets are a mass of nutrition consisting of 86% Carbohydrates, 3% Fats and 11% Protein.  Loaded with Vitamins A, C, B3, B6 and K, Pantothenic Acid, Choline, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc, Copper,Manganese and Selenium. 

Beets have also been known to elevate Glutathione production in the body.  Glutathione is known as the bodies master antioxidant and detoxifies.  Almost every cell in the body takes advantage of Glutathione in order to neutralize toxins and pull them into the colon for disposal. Also known to regulate blood pressure, lower bad cholesterol and increase LDL cholesterol, improve stamina, detox the liver and much more!  Include these into your diet for some much added benefits!

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