Food Diet Remedy

If you have been eating only oranges for their high Vitamin C content, then you may have missed out on guava altogether. Studies show that the edibile rind of a guava contains 5 times more Vitamin C than an orange.

Guavas are one of the best fruits around. Other than Vitamin C, it contains the following: folate, carotenoids, potassium, fiber, calcium and iron. Calcium is typically not found in high amounts in many fruits. The guava fruit is also cholesterol, saturated and sodium free, plus low in fat and calories. It is high in fiber. With its nutritional content, it is said to also help reduce cancer risks and lower coronary heart disease risks.

In recent studies, guava has been found to have sugar lowering properties which can help diabetics lower their sugar count. While testing is not fully conclusive, results have been promising as a natural means to help diabetics combat high sugar.

Traditionally, guava leaves are used for medicinal purposes, as a diarrhea remedy and their antimicrobial properties. However, excessive consumption of guava leaves and fruits may cause constipation.

You can boost your energy levels by eating this tropical fruit called durian, cultivated mainly in South East Asia. Durian is a good source of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It is high in sugar, Vitamin C, potassium and the serotoninergic amino acid tryptophan. Many raw food advocates recommend this fruit as a good source of raw fats. However, it is best not to eat too much of it as it is considered a high-glycemic or high-fat food.

“Durian” is an Indonesian word. It simply means thorny. It is dangerous to throw this fruit as it looks like a ball of spikes. Although it has a strong smell, fans swear by its unique distinctive taste. Many of them can even eat this fruit as a meal. When in season, you can see hordes of customers crowding around durian stalls. No one is deterred by the sharp thorns of the fruit. A big chopper knife is needed to cut open the fruit in order for you to reach the creamy colored pulp. Despite its great local popularity, the raw fruit is forbidden from public establishments such as hotels, buses, subways and airports in Southeast Asia.

The Chinese consider the durain fruit as a warming food. They say that it helps to induce sweating. Hence this fruit is often eaten together with mangosteen known to have cooling benefits. If you have high blood pressure or are pregnant, the older folks may advise you not to eat durian.

The Javanese believe durian to have aphrodisiac qualities, and impose a strict set of rules on what may or may not be consumed with the durian or shortly after.

Durians are like wine or cheese. For loyal durian fans, differentiating tastes according to the variety and region in South East Asia is an art. Paying more for higher grades of durian is well worth the price!

Adding more colors to your diet can mean more nutrition. Food manufacturers process white foods, particularly grains and rice, to remove the perishable kernel and germ. This helps them extend the shelf life and ensure bigger profits. However, processing decreases the nutritional value. It is important therefore to color your diet by eating less refined white sugar and processed or bleached white flour.

Since whole grain products are not bleached and refined, they contain the entire germ and bran layer, which is perishable. You will need to store them in the refrigerator. So only buy what you need to last for a week or two. They are definitely worth the extra effort because you will be eating nutritional foods.

Forget about eating white rice. Vital nutrients, including fiber, Vitamin Bs and other important minerals making up the bran layer are stripped off white rice and left with just simple carbohydrate. Even though some manufacterers claim that their rice is “enriched”, it does not compare with eating say brown rice. Although white and brown rice has the same amount of calories, brown has three times more fiber (3.5 grams versus 1 gram) and other minerals. Replace white rice with whole grain brown rice and wild rice, which is actually the seed. Like brown rice, wild rice offers 3 grams of fiber per serving.

The same goes for flour and pasta. Avoid white flour and go for whole wheat. Whole wheat may cost more but you are really paying for the higher nutritional value and you do not have to eat too much for adequate intake.

Color your diet with vegetables and fruits of all colors. They offer different Vitamins and minerals. You will not go wrong with choosing dark green leafy vegetables and throw in red tomatoes, yellow peppers and orange pumpkin.

Still, not all white foods are bad. Some are great for you. Think of foods such as toufu, turnips and water chestnuts.