Compounds in apples and apple juice called phytonutrients act in much the same way that red wine and tea do to delay the break down of LDL or "bad" cholesterol.
So is grape juice
The brain benefits of grape juice stem from its flavonoids, natural plant chemicals that act as antioxidants. Antioxidants mop up the harmful free radicals generated when cells burn oxygen for energy, and their activity seems to help the brain in two ways.
First, the very same general antioxidant activity that protects the heart also protects the brain, since the brain -- a metabolic furnace that is the body's biggest user of oxygen -- depends on a constant blood flow. Grape juice flavonoids help keep arteries clear by reducing the production of clotting factors while increasing the production of nitric oxide, a substance that keeps arteries open.
Flavonoids may also increase the production of "good" HDL cholesterol and lessen the risk of clogged arteries posed by "bad" LDL cholesterol. And a recent preliminary study hints that daily glasses of grape juice may even help matters further by reducing blood pressure.
And cranberries are good for you too
…since these little red bombshells are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium and fibre. But there is more to them than just vitamins. Cranberries contain hippuric acid, which has antibacterial effects on the body, as well as natural antibiotic ingredients. Cranberries also contain plant pigments called bioflavanoids which help repair damaged molecules formed when the body uses up oxygen. Research in Europe has shown that anthocynin, one of these bioflavanoids, aids the formation of visual purple, a pigment in the eyes instrumental in colour and night vision.
And let us not forget red raspberries
The most promising benefit that red raspberries hold for consumers is their substantial quantity of ellagic acid. … a phenolic compound that has become a known as a potent anti-carcinogenic/anti-mutagenic compound. … a naturally occurring plant phenol may help prevent cancer, inhibit the growth of cancer cells, and arrest the growth of cancer in subjects with a genetic predisposition for the disease
Or tart cherries, whose health benefits include:
Inflammation - Eating the equivalent of 20 tart cherries a day may be ten times more effective in fighting inflammation than aspirin.
Antioxidants - High in antioxidants, that help fight cancer and heart disease.
Melatonin - Cherries are also rich in melatonin said to destroy "free radicals" which are toxins believed to cause or worsen diseases.
Cancer - Research is continuing to see whether tart cherries could prevent colon or other cancers.
Gout - Cherries may lower uric acid levels when consumed daily.
Arthritis - Anthocyanins in Tart Cherries contain natural anti-inflammatory properties for Arthritis relief.
Glycemic Index - Tart Cherries score a very low 22 on the Glycemic Index.
Or blueberries
one-cup serving of Wild Blueberries had more antioxidant capacity than a serving of cranberries, strawberries, prunes, and even raspberries. Also, this is the first USDA study that evaluated the antioxidant capacity of both Wild (lowbush) and cultivated (highbush) blueberries, with Wild Blueberries topping cultivated by more than 48%.
Antioxidants are important in terms of their ability to protect against oxidative cell damage that can lead to conditions like Alzheimer’s, cancer and heart disease - conditions also linked with chronic inflammation. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of blue-purple foods like Wild Blueberries may have the potential to help prevent these diseases.
Okay, we know the benefits from grapes are also contained in red wines. Can we assume the others can also give us benefits as, oh, say, Apple Jack or apple pie, cherry liquor (or pie), cranberry sauce, blueberry pies, ...etc.?
Today’s health tip was inspired by Appalachian Gun Trash
No comments:
Post a Comment