It's what I want to know...Volume 1

I don't know about you, but I certainly like to know what I am eating and why I am eating it. So, periodically I do some research on the health benefits of some of the items that tend to be main staples in my fridge. The real reason why I am blogging about this stuff is so that I can go back to this info from time to time and remember what kind of foods I need to continue eating--and hopefully help other with getting healthy as well.

Cucumbers. ;-) Exciting right? LOL.


Health benefits of Cucumber
-Very low in calories; provides just 15 calories per 100 g. Contains no saturated fats or cholesterol. Cucumber peel is a good source of dietary fiber that helps reduce constipation and offers some protection against colon cancers.

-It is a very good source of potassium, an important intra-cellular electrolyte. Potassium is a heart friendly electrolyte; helps reduce blood pressure and heart rates by countering effects of sodium.

-It contains unique anti-oxidants in good ratios such as beta-carotene and alpha-carotene, vitamin-C, vitamin-A, zea-xanthin and lutein. These compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease process.

-Cucumbers have mild diuretic property probably due to their high water content which is helpful in checking weight loss and high blood pressure.

-Cucumbers surprisingly have relatively high amount of vitamin K, provides about 17 mcg of this vitamin per 100 g. Vitamin K has potential role in the increase of bone mass by promoting osteotrophic activity in the bone. It also has established role in Alzheimer's disease patients by limiting neuronal damage in the brain.
This information was found on this website "http://health.learninginfo.org/nutrition-facts/cucumber.htm".


Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Sweet Potatoes



-Being rich in dietary fiber, sweet potato lowers the risk of constipation, diverticulosis and colon and rectal cancer.
-Sweet potatoes have been found to helpful in minimizing the risk of heart disease, diabetes and obesity.
-Sweet potato is a good snack for those trying to lose weight. It induces a feeling of fullness soon and thus, helps control food intake.
-Consumption of sweet potatoes has been known to help avoid stroke, by bringing down the harmful effects of low-density cholesterol & preventing blood clots.
-The presence of beta-carotene in sweet potato helps the body fight against free radicals and thus, prevents cancer.
-Since sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index, they can be consumed by those suffering from diabetes, without any apprehensions.
-The high amount of potassium in sweet potato helps the body in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance as well as cell integrity.
-Sweet potatoes have been found to be beneficial for blood purification as well as lowering of blood pressure.
-Owing to the presence of iron and calcium, sweet potatoes ensure proper blood flow and also improve bone density.
-Regular consumption of sweet potato is good for stomach ulcers and inflamed conditions of the colon.
-Being rich in vitamins and minerals, sweet potato is good for people involved in heavy muscular work
This information was found on this website "http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/benefits-of-sweet-potato-2119.html"