Red or Yellow: Which Tomato is Better

Other than their colors, red tomatoes and yellow tomatoes have many key differences. For one, red tomatoes taste more acidic than yellow tomatoes, which boast of a milder and slightly sweeter flavor. Then they also differ when it comes to their nutritional profile.



Continue reading to know which tomato is healthier for you!

Why Red is Ahead

Just like what’s mentioned earlier, red tomatoes are more acidic than yellow ones. This only means that they can trigger acid reflux more. However, red tomatoes certainly offer so many perks.

Although yellow tomatoes have fiber too, red tomatoes pack slightly more of it. This only means that it is much better at flushing out toxins in the gut and promoting regular bowel movement. According to medical professionals, a diet that’s rich in fiber can help considerably reduce one’s risk of heart disease.

Both red tomatoes and yellow tomatoes are regarded as low-sodium foods. However, nutrition experts say that red tomatoes are way lower in sodium — a piece of it contains only 11 milligrams of sodium, while a yellow counterpart has about 49 milligrams of it.

Regardless of the color, tomatoes are phenomenal sources of vitamin C — a nutrient with antioxidant properties that helps in strengthening your immune system. However, it is said that red tomatoes carry more vitamin C in them than the yellow varieties.



 So if the flu season is just around the bend, consider including more red tomatoes in your diet on a regular basis to have your body prepared for it!

Another nutrient found in impressive amounts in red tomatoes is vitamin A. We all know that the said vitamin is vital for keeping your eyesight in optimal condition. Having antioxidant properties, vitamin A keeps the sensitive parts of your eyes from being damaged by free radicals, thus reducing your risk of blurring of vision or vision loss.



Perhaps the most noteworthy edge red tomatoes have over yellow ones is this: red tomatoes are wonderful sources of lycopene! There is no lycopene in yellow tomatoes because it’s found in the red pigments that make red tomatoes appear as such — bright and beautiful. So why is lycopene good for you? 

Well, it is considered by nutrition experts as one of the most powerful antioxidants on the face of the planet — it is scientifically-proven to help fight off cancer. Lycopene is also said to be effective in strengthening the bones, as well as keeping your brain and heart in tip-top shape.

Why Say “Hello” to Yellow

Despite of lacking in cancer-fighting lycopene, you should refrain from crossing out yellow tomatoes on your grocery list. It’s for the fact that consuming them comes with an assortment of benefits.

While it’s true that both red tomatoes and yellow tomatoes contain iron, there’s slightly more of the said mineral present in yellow ones. 

This means that they are a tad better at preventing iron-deficiency anemia. You see, iron is important for the production of red blood cells that permit oxygen to be transported via the bloodstream.

If want to keep your winning smile intact, go for yellow tomatoes. That’s because they contain more phosphorous, which is necessary for strong teeth (as well as bones!) than their red-colored counterparts.


Compared to red tomatoes, yellow tomatoes are slightly richer in potassium. We all know that potassium helps in lowering blood pressure because the said mineral causes the blood vessels to relax or dilate. 

According to heart doctors, keeping your blood pressure low helps in lowering your heart disease, heart attack and stroke risk.

Nutrition experts say that the amount of zinc in yellow tomatoes is double the amount found in red tomatoes. Zinc is a mineral that’s important in keeping the immune system strong.

Finally, yellow tomatoes boast of more B vitamins that their red rivals. For instance, yellow tomatoes have higher amounts of vitamin B3 or niacin, which is said to help lower bad cholesterol levels and ultimately your risk of heart disease. Also, yellow tomatoes are loaded with vitamin B9 or folate, something that helps in the formation of red blood cells.

Purple Carrots Why You Should Eat...

Did you know that carrots were purple until the 17th century struck? Farmers developed orange-colored ones and more and more people turned to them as they taste so much better than their deep-colored counterparts. These days, however, purple carrots are back with a vengeance, stealing the hearts of a growing number of health-conscious people.

Both purple and orange carrots are packed with antioxidants, which are the ones that give them their characteristic colors. Carotenoids are the ones responsible for the appearance of orange carrots, while anthocyanins are the ones behind the striking coloration of purple carrots — and they’re also the ones that make them super nutritious!

Scientists say that purple carrots also have carotenoids in them, making these crunchy root vegetables boast of a really impressive nutritional profile. 

Every serving of purple carrots floods your body with antioxidants, and every health-conscious person on the planet is well-aware just how beneficial and powerful those antioxidants are.

Without any more ado, let’s take a look at some of the most important reasons for you to consume purple carrots:

Optimized Vision

Just like orange-colored carrots, purple ones supply your body with tons of antioxidants that protect the eyes from being damaged by free radicals. Because of this, the light-sensitive structures in your peepers can stay in a tip-top shape, lowering your risk of having cataracts, macular degeneration and others that can rob you of your vision.

Reduced Breast Cancer Risk

Studies have shown that powerful antioxidants found in purple carrots could help lower a woman’s risk of having breast cancer. Since the said antioxidants are very good at reducing oxidative stress, which can be blamed for cancer development, it’s very much possible that purple carrots can also ward off other types of cancer.

Increased Immunity

Vitamin C can also be found abundantly in purple carrots. As everybody knows, the said nutrient is important for making the immune system strong, which results in lowered infection risk. Consuming purple carrots also helps make your skin appear youthful as vitamin C is an antioxidant as well as a contributor to the synthesis of more collagen.

Lowered Constipation Risk

Just like orange carrots, purple-colored ones are rich in dietary fiber. This only means that consuming them on a regular basis can help save you from winding up constipated. Since they are fiber-rich plus the fact that they are very low in calories, purple-colored carrots are also perfect for people who are trying to lose excess pounds.

Improved Heart Health

Dietary fiber that purple carrots pack also help clean the arteries, saving them from ending up clogged with plaque, which is something that can endanger your life. What’s more, purple carrots supply your body with potassium. It’s no secret that the said mineral is very good at lowering the blood pressure by causing the blood vessels to widen.

These are some of the perks that you can obtain from the consumption of purple carrots. Indeed, these root vegetables can astonish not only with their coloration, but also the health benefits they bring!

So how do you add purple carrots in your diet on a regular basis?

Well, it’s a good idea to consume them raw, just like orange-colored carrots. You may slice up purple carrots into sticks and snack on them or add them to fresh-garden salads. You may also turn these purple gems into juice or smoothie, either on their own or together with other fruits and/or vegetables that are perfect for such job.

Health Benefits of Baby Corn

No, a baby corn does not come from another plant — it’s just your average corn, only that it is harvestedbefore it had the chance to get bigger and reach its prime. But just because it’s just a tiny fraction of the size of a mature corn does not mean right away that it’s short on health benefits!

Actually, a baby corn is just as good for you as a fully-grown corn. However, there are a couple of differences between them, and they are:

 You can eat a baby corn raw — try consuming a mature corn uncooked and you will surely get your pearlywhites chipped and your tummy achy! However, you may still choose to consume a baby corn steamed, grilled, baked, sautéed and stir-fried. It’s a highly versatile veggie! 

 It doesn’t taste like its bigger counterpart. A baby corn has a mild and almost bland flavor, but nonetheless has a hint of a mature corn’s characteristic flavor. Because of this, a baby corn can be combined with many different ingredients — it won’t overshadow them in any way.

However, it’s not just the sheer versatility of a baby corn that’s impressive, but also the numerous health benefits that it’s known to offer. Here are some of most noteworthy of them all:

It Helps Lower Blood Pressure

One of the many nutrients found in a baby corn is potassium — yup, that mineral that makes banana sought after by people who are suffering from high blood pressure. So if you are hypertensive and you want to put the condition under control, include more baby corn in your diet as regularly as you can.

It Improves Eye Health

You can also obtain good amounts of vitamin A from a young corn, which means that the tiny vegetable is perfect for you if you cannot imagine living a life without seeing everything around you clearly. Eye experts say that vitamin A not only helps keep your vision sharp, but also wards off eye problems that can lead to loss of vision.

It Strengthens Your Immunity

We all know that consuming citrus fruits is great for making the immune system strong because they supply the body with vitamin C. But if you are not happy with the way that those fruits make your face contort, then simply consume baby corn because it actually contains lots of vitamin C.

It Wards Off Constipation

Adding baby corn to your diet regularly can help make moving your bowels a regular thing. That’s because this little version of a mature corn is loaded with fiber. A kind of carbohydrate that cannot be digested by the body, fiber helps make it easier for your intestines to get rid of toxins and the by-products of digestion.

It Lowers Colon Cancer Risk

The consumption of fiber-rich baby corn on a regular basis may also help lower your odds of having coloncancer, which is one very deadly form of the big C when already in its later stages. Aside from colon cancer, doctors say that piles or hemorrhoids may also be prevented by the consumption of baby corn and other fiber sources.

It Helps You Lose Weight

Did you know that eating young corn is something that can make it easier for you to attain your dreamfigure? Being high in fiber, it makes you tummy feel heavy for a long period of time, thus helping you to fight off food cravings. Also, a baby corn is naturally very low in fat as well as calories. 

Source

This is Reasons for You to Eat Napa Cabbage More

It looks just like romaine lettuce but it’s actually a cabbage. However, unlike most other types of cabbage out there, its leaves and stems are more tender and taste sweeter, too. That’s napa cabbage! Since it originates from China, it is also known in many parts of the planet as “Chinese cabbage”.

Just like any other type of cabbage, napa cabbage is so versatile in the kitchen — it may be eaten raw or cooked. Either way, you are not going to have a hard time including it in your diet on a regular basis because, just like what’s mentioned earlier, its taste is kind of on the sweet side.

One of the most impressive things about napa cabbage is it’s a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables, which means that it is related to the likes of broccoli, cauliflower, mustard greens and kale. Because of this, it only means that napa cabbage is very good at detoxifying the body, just like other cruciferous vegetables.

Raw, steamed, boiled, sautéed, stir-fried — no matter the case, it’s a wonderful idea to have napa cabbage included in your diet on a regular basis. If you do so, you will find it easier to stay in the pink of health. According to nutrition experts, napa cabbage offers the following benefits:

Strengthens Bones

There are a couple of reasons why napa cabbage is very good at strengthening the bones and thus keeping osteoporosis from striking. First, it’s a good source of calcium which, as everybody knows, is vital for toughening up the bones. Second, napa cabbage contains vitamin K which helps calcium stay in the bones, not in the blood.

Prevents Unnecessary Bleeding

Speaking of vitamin K, this nutrient found in abundant amounts in napa cabbage is important for proper clotting of the blood. Without vitamin K, it’s very much likely for you to bleed heavily and continuously. By the way, medical experts say that vitamin K is also good for preventing heart disease and cancer.

Lowers Blood Pressure

One of the many, many nutrients present in napa cabbage is potassium. Needless to say, the inclusion of this Chinese vegetable in the diet on a regular basis can help in keeping high blood pressure at bay. Maintaining a healthy and normal blood pressure is very helpful in keeping heart disease, heart attack and stroke away.

Removes Poisonous Substances

Because it is a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables which are known as superb detoxifiers, napa cabbage can help neutralize poisonous substances in your body before they cause problems. There is another reason why napa cabbage is very good at eliminating toxins, and it will be discussed next.

Wards Off Constipation

Since napa cabbage is a leafy vegetable, it is a very good source of fiber. Consuming it regularly helps make the emptying of the bowels regular, and this is a good thing — the poisonous by-products of digestion are constantly flushed out of the body. By the way, fiber also helps lower risk of hemorrhoids and colon cancer.

Lowers Risk of Deadly Cancer

Speaking of which, napa cabbage’s consumption on a regular basis may help reduce a person’s risk of having cancer, say scientists. It’s for the reason that this cruciferous vegetable contains glucosinolates. Once inside the body, glucosinolates are transformed into molecules that hunt down and kill off cancer cells.

Vegetables Healthy Root to Include in Your Diet

Plants need sunlight for survival. They also need soil which is packed with all sorts of nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen, magnesium, sulfur and calcium. It’s no wonder why root vegetables are some of the most wholesome foods on the planet. 

Grown beneath ground level, many of them should be placed on the top of your shopping list the next time you hit the grocery store or farmers’ market! Continue reading to know some of the healthiest root vegetables that everyone should include in the diet.

Onions

Boasting of superb antimicrobial properties, including onions in your daily diet helps strengthen the immune system and reduce your risk of suffering from cough, colds and other infections. Onions are also known to help ward off oral and esophageal cancer. They are also good for strengthening the bones and preventing osteoporosis.

Ginger

Whether added to dishes or turned into tea, ginger offers so many health benefits. For centuries now, it’s used to help with various digestive tract disorders such as indigestion, nausea, acid reflux, and abdominalbloating and cramping. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, and that is why traditional healers have been using it for arthritis and heart problems.

Turmeric

Used in so many popular Indian dishes, turmeric is related to ginger. Turmeric is revered for its ability to deal with inflammation, a condition linked to a variety of health problems such as heart disease, cancer, obesity, arthritis, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis. You can easily buy turmeric in powdered form at the supermarket and health food stores.

Garlic

No one can mistake the aroma of garlic for anything else on the planet. Packed with sulfur, garlic is revered for its ability to kill off bacteria, viruses and fungi. Garlic is known to be very good for the cardiovascular system and metabolism, and it also helps prevent certain types of cancer. Aside from adding it to dishes, consuming 2 to 3 raw cloves daily may be done too.

Carrots

Everyone knows that carrots help make your eyes healthier and your vision sharper. The orange coloration of carrots is caused by beta carotene, a plant pigment that is converted into vitamin A by the body. 

Certain studies have concluded that the regular consumption of these crunchy orange root vegetables is beneficial for the lungs.

Yams

Available in all sorts of varieties and colors, yams are excellent sources of potassium and vitamin B6. Potassium is an electrolyte needed by your cells, tissues and organs for their proper functioning. Vitamin B6 is necessary for the conversion of at to energy, production of red blood cells, optimum health of the nervous system and so many others.

Sweet Potatoes

There are a couple of things that make sweet potatoes loved by many. First, it boasts of a sweeter flavor than regular potatoes. Second, it is also packed with more nutrients! Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins C and E, both of which are antioxidants that promote healthy and younger skin. These root vegetables also contain vitamin B6.

Radish

Aside from strengthening your immunity against invading microbes, vitamin C in radish also helps in keeping your cardiovascular system healthy. This nutrient is also important for your skin. If you like to ward off the various signs of aging, include radish in your diet because its impressive vitamin C content helps in the production of collagen.

Beets

The lovely color of beets is a clear sign that they are loaded with antioxidants. True enough, beets contain excellent amounts of betalains. 

These plant pigments are known to help in neutralizing toxic compounds that have accumulated in the body. Experts say that betalains also possess impressive ant-inflammatory properties.

Fennel

Although related to carrots, fennels do not look like them in terms of color and shape. Fennel is known to help provide relief from various digestive tract problems such as indigestion and constipation. This root vegetable is also packed with iron, a mineral that helps in the production of red blood cells so that the blood may be able to transport oxygen molecules.

Cassava

Thanks to its loads of complex carbohydrates, cassava helps in giving your body the fuel it needs for proper functioning. It is also a good source of iron, thus helping to ward off iron-deficiency anemia. Cassava also contains immune system-boosting minerals such as copper, zinc, magnesium and manganese.

Source: Healthdigezt.com

28 Health Benefits and Uses of Cuccumber...

The cucumber, originally from India, is a widely cultivated creeping vine which bears edible fruit when ripe. Among fruits and vegetables, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more versatile food item, as it has not only a countless number of nutritional benefits, but also household uses that can save you both time and money.

 Below you’ll find some self-evident nutritional benefits of cucumbers, along with some lesser-known uses that will leave you both scratching your head in disbelief and ecstatic that something so accessible and inexpensive has so many practical uses.

1. Aid in weight loss: Due to its low calorie and high water content, cucumber is an ideal diet for people who are looking for weight loss.

2. Hydration: They are 95% water but far more nutritious.

3. Diuretic: It encourages the elimination of waste products from the body through urination. Regular intake of cucumber helps to dissolve bladder or kidney stones.


4. Nutrition: They contain  vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, folic acid, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.

5. Energy: They are a good source of B-vitamins and carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up when needed!



6. Skin care: The high water content, antioxidants, and the presence of certain minerals like magnesium, potassium, and silica make cucumbers an essential part of skin care. Facial masks containing cucumber juice can be used for skin tightening. Ascorbic acid and caffeic acid present in cucumbers can bring down the water retention rate which in turn diminishes the puffiness and swelling under the eyes. Cucumber skin also can bring relief to the skin caused by sunburn or windburn.

7. Anti-fog: Rub a slice of cucumber on mirrors to prevent fogging.

8. Fight cancers: Cucumber are known to contain lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol which are linked to a reduced risk of several types of cancer.

9. Pest control: Place a few slices in a small pie tin in your garden soil and the scent produced from the reaction with the aluminum drives grubs and slugs away

10. Control blood pressure: Cucumber juice contains a lot of potassium, magnesium, fiber, and phytonutrients that work effectively for regulating blood pressure.

11. Diminishing cellulite: Try rubbing a slice of cucumber along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and instantly reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!

12. Stimulate hair growth: They contain silicon and sulphur and thus a regular intake of cucumber can help promote healthy hair growth. For best results, mix cucumber juice with the juices of carrot, lettuce or spinach.

13. Appetite control: They are filling, yet low-calorie. They’ve been used for centuries–they were used by European trappers, traders, and explorers for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

14. Shoe polish: Rub a cucumber slice over you shoes to provide a quick and durable shine.

15. Teeth and gum health: They are a good source of dietary fiber and this fiber massages the teeth and gums.

16. Natural WD40 (lubrication): need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic area.

17. Relaxer: Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water. The chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber will react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown by studies to reduce stress in new moms and college students during final exams.

18. Halitosis control: Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath. The phytochemicals will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

19. Shining metals: Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on faucets, sink, stainless steel, or surfaces you want to clean. It will remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine.

20. Ink eraser: Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing; also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls.

21. Aid digestion: Their high water and dietary fiber are very effective in driving away the toxins from the digestive system. Daily consumption of cucumbers can be regarded as a remedy for chronic constipation.



22. Promotes joint health: Cucumbers are an excellent source of silica, which is known to help promote joint health by strengthening the connective tissues.

23. Treat tapeworms: Cucumber seeds are used as a natural remedy for treating tapeworms. Bruised cucumber seeds mixed with water are also effective in the treatment of swellings of the mucous membranes of the nose and the throat.

24. Nail care: The high silica content of cucumbers also helps to prevent splitting and spoiling of nails of the fingers and toes.

25. Relieve gout and arthritis pain: Cucumbers are rich in vitamin A, B1, B6, C & D, Folate, Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium. When mixed with carrot juice, they can relieve gout and arthritis pain by lowering uric acid levels.

26. Helps diabetes: Cucumbers contain a substance needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin.

27. Reduces cholesterol: Researchers have found that sterols in cucumbers help reduce cholesterol levels.

28. Teething toy: Frozen slices of cucumber help soothe babies’ gums. (adult supervision at all times)