Some fruit drinks have no fruit in them

And to make matters worse, many are loaded with added sugar.

The experts found Ribena squash promotes its vitamin C content without making clear that 90 per cent of the vitamin content is artificially added to the drink because it contains such a small amount of fruit juice.

Fruit Shoot Hydro doesn't contain any fruit at all, while Still Vimto and Ribena have only 5 per cent fruit and contain more added sugar than fruit.

A Vimto marketing campaign emphasises the drink's raspberry content, says the report, despite the fact that raspberry juice makes up just 0.1 per cent of its ingredients, equivalent to about ten drops in a 500ml bottle.

Less than one-eighth of Capri-Sun drink is fruit, and it has significant added sugar, says the report.

The report, called Soft Drinks, Hard Sell, comes after the soft drinks industry reported its highest growth rate in seven years in 2010, with UK consumption reaching 14.6billion litres annually.

"Our survey found some truly misleading marketing blatantly used to drive sales and increase children's soft drinks consumption, which contributes to tooth decay and the UK's record rates of childhood obesity," the Daily Mail quoted The Children's Food Campaign's Clare Panjwani, who wrote the report, as saying.

"We need better regulation to protect children from marketing for soft drinks and other junk food, and better food labelling so that parents and children can tell more easily what's in the products they are buying," Clare added.

The report calls for a ban on junk food and drink advertising on TV before the 9pm watershed, as well as traffic light labelling on packaging that would display 'red' for added sugars.

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Potassium Diet is a Healthy Diet

Potassium is a mineral involved in electrical and cellular body functions. In the body, potassium is classified as an electrolyte. Potassium is a dietary mineral that is generally quite abundant in most people's diets, so most healthy people get plenty from their diets. Due to illness, however, some people need to restrict their dietary potassium intake and some people may actually need to increase their intake.

Function

Potassium is a very important mineral to the human body. It has various roles in metabolism and body functions and is essential for the proper function of all cells, tissues, and organs:

• It assists in the regulation of the acid-base balance.
• It assists in protein synthesis from amino acids and in carbohydrate metabolism.
• It is necessary for the building of muscle and for normal body growth.
• It is essential for the normal electrical activity of the heart.

Food Sources

Many foods contain potassium. All meats (red meat and chicken) and fish such as salmon, cod, flounder, and sardines are good sources of potassium. Soy products and veggie burgers are also good sources of potassium.

Vegetables including broccoli, peas, lima beans, tomatoes, potatoes (especially their skins), sweet potatoes, and winter squashes are all good sources of potassium.

Fruits that contain significant sources of potassium include citrus fruits, cantaloupe, bananas, kiwi, prunes, and apricots. Dried apricots contain more potassium than fresh apricots.

Milk and yogurt, as well as nuts, are also excellent sources of potassium.

People on dialysis for kidney failure should avoid consuming too many of these potassium-rich foods. These people require specialized diets to avoid excess potassium in the blood.

Side Effects

Having too much or too little potassium in the body can have very serious consequences.

Because so many foods contain potassium, too little potassium (potassium deficiency) is rarely caused by inadequate diet. However, even a moderate reduction in the body's potassium levels can lead to salt sensitivity and high blood pressure. The recommended dietary intake of 4.7 gm or higher can slightly lower blood pressure.

A deficiency of potassium (hypokalemia) can happen in people with certain diseases or as a result of taking diuretics (water pills) for the treatment of high blood pressure or heart failure. Additionally, many medications -- such as diuretics, laxatives, and steroids -- can cause a loss of potassium, which occasionally may be very severe. You should have your blood levels of potassium checked from time to time if you take any of these medicines. Diuretics are probably the most common cause of hypokalemia.

A variety of conditions can cause potassium loss from the body. The most common are vomiting and diarrhea. Several rare kidney and adrenal gland disorders may also cause low potassium levels.

Too much potassium in the blood is known as hyperkalemia. Some common causes of this are reduced renal (kidney) function, an abnormal breakdown of protein, and severe infection. The most common cause of hyperkalemia is reduced kidney function, especially in people receiving dialysis for kidney failure. Certain medicines affect the body's ability to get rid of potassium. These include potassium sparing diuretics and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

Recommendations

The Food and Nutrition Center of the Institute of Medicine has established the following recommended dietary intakes for potassium:

Infants

0 - 6 months: 0.4 grams a day (g/day)

7 - 12 months: 0.7 g/day

Children and Adolescents

1 - 3 years: 3 g/day

4 - 8 years: 3.8 g/day

9 - 13 years: 4.5 g/day

14 - 18 years: 4.7 g/day

Adults

Age 19 and older: 4.7 g/day

Women who are producing breast milk need slightly higher amounts (5.1 g/day). Ask your doctor what amount is best for you.

Persons who are being treated for hypokalemia need potassium supplements. Your health care provider will develop a supplementation plan based on your specific needs.

Potassium in Foods

If your potassium levels are too high, you doctor may tell you to go on a potassium-restricted diet. If your potassium levels are too low, your doctor may tell you to get more potassium in your diet. Here is a list of foods rich in potassium:

• raisins
• prunes
• apricots
• dates
• strawberries
• bananas
• watermelon
• cantaloupe
• citrus fruits
• beets
• greens
• spinach
• tomatoes
• mushrooms
• soy products
• veggie burgers
• peas
• beans
• turkey
• fish
• beef
• salmon
• cod

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Is orange pulp good for you?

The orange is one of the most common and popular fruit. It is well-liked because of its easy availability all year round, dense nutrition, and it tastes good.

Health Benefits

An orange packs over 170 different phytonutrients and more than 60 flavonoids, many of which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and blood clot inhibiting properties, as well as strong anti-oxidant effects.

The combination of the high amount of anti-oxidant (vitamin C) and flavonoids in oranges makes it one of the best fruits in helping to promote optimal health.

Arteriosclerosis: Regularly consuming vitamin C retards the development of hardening of the arteries.

Cancer prevention: A compound in oranges called liminoid, has been found to help fight cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon. The high vitamin C content also acts as a good anti-oxidant that protects cells from damages by free radicals.

Cholesterol: The alkaloid synephrine found under the orange peel can reduce the liver's production of cholesterol. Whereas the anti-oxidant fights oxidative stress that is the main culprit in oxidizing the LDLs in our blood.

Constipation: Even though the orange "tastes acidic", it actually has an alkaline effect in the digestive system and helps stimulate the digestive juices, relieving constipation.

Damaged sperms, repair: An orange a day is sufficient for a man to keep his sperms healthy. Vitamin C, an anti-oxidant, protects sperms from genetic damage that may cause a birth defect.

Heart disease: A high intake of flavonoids and vitamin C has been known to halve the risk of heart diseases.

High blood pressure: Studies have shown that a flavonoid called hesperidin in oranges can lower high blood pressure.

Immune system: The strong content of vitamin C stimulates white cells to fight infection, naturally building a good immune system.

Kidney stones, prevent: Drinking orange juice daily can significantly drop the risk of formation of calcium oxalate stones in the kidney.

Skin: The anti-oxidant in orange help protect the skin from free radical damage known to cause signs of aging.

Stomach ulcer: Consuming vitamin C rich foods helps to lower the incidence of peptic ulcers and in turn, reduce the risk of stomach cancer.

Viral infections, protection against: The abundance of polyphenols have been shown to provide protection against viral infections.

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Acai Berry Diet – How to Lose Weight on Acai Berries for Adults

How to Lose Weight on Acai Berries Diet for Adults

We have been researching and monitoring the new super food called acai berry and how they are used for weight loss. We decided to look a little deeper before just jumping on board. The large number of companies claiming this made us a little skeptical at first.

Well the jury is in, and we have discovered that Acai Berry is rich with minerals and vitamins that do aid in weight loss, building muscle and raising energy levels. It is also very rich in antioxidants, fatty, acids, fiber and other natural structures found in plants that can help you be healthy.

We also do not think that Acai Berries are “supernatural” and will just wash the weight away, although they do help you stay healthy. The key to maintaining your health is to keep your diet well balanced; this allows you to reach that perfect weight.

Here is a step by step to enjoy the perks of Acai Berries.

First 

Often health food stores will carry fresh, frozen or dried Acai berries. You can also buy this from online stores. These are nutrient rich food that you can cook or use it to spice up recopies like cereal, ice-cream, yogurt and low fat muffins.

Second

Often online you can find the Acai in the liquid extract. These can easily be worked into your Acai berry diet, by putting them in foods you already eat in your day to day. Also if you are living in an area where Acai berries are not grown thisc an be the most efficient way to get a good supply of Acai berries.

Third

Acai berries can also come in a capsule form, these can be taken with a morning shake, or any beverage. The goal is to work the benefits of acai berry diets into your everyday life with as minimal impact to your routine as possible.

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Mango Juice

English name:Mango Botanical name:Mangifera indica Hindi name: Aam Sanskrit name:Aamra Tamil name:Mampazham

Indications:Extremely beneficial to consume during following conditions : Constipation Excessive thirsty condition Cancer  Heart diseases Anaemia Pregnancy  Mental weakness Stress

Properties: Relieves Vata, increases pitta & kapha  Hot in potency Removes toxins An aphrodisiac Rich in carotene, niacin, & vitamin C Invigorates nerve tissues Energises the body Improves complexion

Ingredients:  Mango – 1 fruit Water – quantity sufficient Palm Sugar – 3 spoons full Yoghurt – 1 cup

Preparation: 1. Remove the skin and seed of Mango. 2. Blend the pulp of mango in a mixer to make it juice. 3. Add required amount of water. 4. Stir well after adding palm sugar.

Glossary:  Vata – It refers to one of the three doshas. This is made of air and ether. This functional unit is characterized by movement, coldness, lightness and dryness in the body. When imbalanced it produces pain in various parts of the body. Pitta – It refers to one of the three doshas. This is made of fire and water. This functional unit is characterized by heat, temperature and digestion in the body. When imbalanced it produces heat and burning sensation in the body. Kapha – It refers to one of the three doshas. This is made of earth and water in our body. It is characterized by fluidity, strength and nourishment. When imbalanced it produces heaviness and phlegm in the body Doshas – Literally that which can go out of balance. Bodily humor

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How Grapes are healthy?

Grapes is a small round or oval fruit, some grapes are seedless. Grapes is a rich source of flavonoids, this gives the vibrant purplish color to grapes , grape juice and red wine, the stronger the color, the higher the flavonoid content.

Nutritive Values of Grapes : Per 100 gm.

• Vitamin A : 80 I.U.
• Vitamin B : Thiamine .06 mg.;
• Vitamin c : 4 mg.
• Calcium : 17 gm.
• Phosphorus : 21 mg.

• Fat : 1.4 gm.
• Carbohydrates : 14.9 gm.
• Protein : 1.4 gm.
• Calories : 70

Benefits of Grapes

• Good blood and body builder, it is also a quick source of energy.
• Grape juice is easily assimilated and called the “nectar of the gods”. It is indicated in cases of constipation, gout, rheumatism, skin and liver disorders.
• This alkaline fruit (also called “the queen of fruits”) helps greatly to decrease the acidity of the uric acid and lends itself further in aiding the elimination of the acid from the system, thus benefiting the kidneys greatly.
• Studies shown that grape juice, red wines and raisin tea showed strong antiviral activity against poliovirus, herpes simplex virus.
• Helps reduce platelet clumping and harmful blood clots.
• Asthma: Due to its eminent therapeutic value, grapes can be used for cure of asthma. In addition to it, the assimilatory power of grapes is also higher. It increases the moisture present in lungs.
• Heart diseases: Grapes increase the nitric oxide levels in the blood, which prevents blood clots thereby reducing the chances of heart attacks. In addition the antioxidant present in grapes prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which blocks the blood vessels.
• Migraine: Ripe grape juice is an important home remedy for curing migraine. It should be taken early in the morning, without mixing additional water.
• Constipation: Grapes are very effective in overcoming constipation. They are considered as a laxative food, as they contain organic acid, sugar and cellulose. They also relieve chronic constipation by toning up intestine and stomach.
• Indigestion: Grapes play an important role in dyspepsia. They relieve heat and cure indigestion and irritation of the stomach. They are also preferred as they constitute a light food.
• Fatigue: Light and white grape juice replenishes the iron content present in the body and prevents fatigue. Though, the dark grape juice might not give an iron boost and on the other hand, decrease the iron levels. Drinking grape juice also provides you with instant energy. The anti-oxidants present in grapes also provide the needed boost to your immune system.
• Kidney disorders: Grapes can substantially reduce the acidity of the uric acid and helps in the elimination of the acid from the system, thereby reducing the work pressure of kidneys.

• Breast cancer: Through a latest study, it has been discovered that purple colored Concord grape juice helps in preventing breast cancer. Significant reduction in mammary tumor mass of laboratory rats was seen after they were fed the grape juice on the experimental basis.
• Alzheimer’s disease: Resveratrol, a beneficial polyphenol present in grapes reduces the levels of amyloidal-beta peptides in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Studies suggest that grapes can enhance brain health and stall the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.
• Macular degeneration: Grapes can prevent the age related loss of vision or macular degeneration. Three servings of grapes a day can reduce the risks of macular degeneration by over 36 %.
• Prevents cataract: Flavonoids present in grapes have antioxidants, which can reduce and fight the damage caused by free radicals such as cataract apart from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and age related problems.
• Blood cholesterol: Grapes contain a compound called pterostilbene, which has the capacity to bring down cholesterol level. Saponins present in grape skin can also prevent the absorption of cholesterol by binding with it.
• Antibacterial activity: Red grapes have strong antibacterial and antiviral properties and can protect you from infections. They have a strong antiviral property against poliovirus and herpes simplex virus.
• Anticancer properties: Grapes are found to have strong anti cancer properties due to the anti-inflammatory effect of resveratrol present in grapes. It is particularly effective in colorectal cancer and breast cancer. Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins present in grapes have properties of an anti-proliferate and can inhibit the growth of cancer causing agents. Grape juice not just prevents the risk of cancer but also suppresses the growth and propagation of cancer cells. The pigments contained in grapes enhance the overall immunity of the body.

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Benefits of Orange

Orange is one of the most favorite fruit in the world. Orange is loaded with vitamins, and the most abundant vitamin in orange is Vitamin C. This powerful vitamin protect our body against harmful elements.

Nutritional Contents of Orange :

• Betacarotene, another powerful antioxidant that protects our cells from being damage.
• Calcium that helps protect and maintain the health of our bone and teeth.
• Folic Acid for proper brain development.
• Magnesium helps maintain blood pressure.
• Potassium helps maintain electrolyte balance in the cells, and is important in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.
• Thiamin helps to convert food into energy.

• Vitamin B6 helps support the production of hemoglobin that carries oxygen to all parts of the body.
• Nutritional Contents of Orange :
• Betacarotene, another powerful antioxidant that protects our cells from being damage.Calcium that helps protect and maintain the health of our bone and teeth.Folic Acid for proper brain development.Magnesium helps maintain blood pressure.Potassium helps maintain electrolyte balance in the cells, and is important in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.Thiamin helps to convert food into energy.Vitamin B6 helps support the production of hemoglobin that carries oxygen to all parts of the body.

Nutritive Values : Per 100 gm.

• Vitamin A : 190 I.U.
• Vitamin B : Thiamine .08 mg.;
• Vitamin C : 49 mg.
• Calcium : 33 mg.
• Phosphorus : 23 mg.
• Potassium : 300 mg.

Orange is Beneficial in the following cases :

• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Tuberculosis
• Pneumonia
• Rheumatism
• Prevent kidney stone
• Helps lower cholesterol
• Helps prevent diabetes
• Arthritis
• High blood pressure
• Persons addicted to alcohol have found that the desire for liquor is greatly reduced by drinking of orange juice.
• Consumption of large quantities of oranges will decrease the outpouring of mucus secretions from the nose.
• Orange contains Beta carotene, which is a powerful antioxidant guarding the health of our cells.
• Orange contains Calcium, which a school going knows how important is in healthy bones and teeth’s.
• Our brain needs folic acid for proper development which is found in Oranges.
• Blood pressure can be kept in balance with magnesium found in Oranges.
• To maintain a healthy cardiovascular system and to maintain electrolyte balance of cells, one can eat oranges for potassium it provides.
• The food we take is converted into energy by thiamin found in orange.

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Health Benefits of Apple

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. The health benefits of apple are enormous making it one of the most valuable and savored fruits throughout the world.

Nutrition Facts and Information about Apple: Apple contains minerals such as magnesium, copper, manganese, copper, calcium, iron, potassium and phosphorus in small quantities. Apple also contains dietary fiber, which help in reducing the bad cholesterol levels.




Fruits

Vitamin Content: Apple is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Vitamin A concentration is higher in the outer skin than the flesh. Like potatoes, Vitamin C concentration is higher just below the skin in apples also. Hence the skin of the apple should not be discarded. Other vitamins present in apple include Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, and Vitamin B6.

Calorie Content of Apple: Apple does not have calories as high as avocado or olives, yet, it is an excellent source of energy. The calorie content varies as per the type of apple. Further, apple contains sugars which are easily absorbed by the body. Hence, the weak and ill are often advised to eat apples for gaining weight and fast recovery.

Health Benefits of Apple:

The nutritional value of apple makes it useful for digestion, stomach disorders, anaemia, wekness, dental care, dysentry, heart disease, rheumatism, eye disorders, cancer, gout, and skin care.

Bone Protection

French researchers found that a flavanoid called phloridzin that is found only in apples may protect post-menopausal women from osteoporosis and may also increase bone density. Boron, another ingredient in apples, also strengthens bones.

Asthma Help

One recent study shows that children with asthma who drank apple juice on a daily basis suffered from less wheezing than children who drank apple juice only once per month. Another study showed that children born to women who eat a lot of apples during pregnancy have lower rates of asthma than children whose mothers ate few apples.

Alzheimer’s Prevention

A study on mice at Cornell University found that the quercetin in apples may protect brain cells from the kind of free radical damage that may lead to Alzheimer’s disease.

Lower Cholesterol

The pectin in apples lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. People who eat two apples per day may lower their cholesterol by as much as 16 percent.

Lung Cancer Prevention

According to a study of 10,000 people, those who ate the most apples had a 50 percent lower risk of developing lung cancer. Researchers believe this is due to the high levels of the flavonoids quercetin and naringin in apples.

Breast Cancer Prevention

A Cornell University study found that rats who ate one apple per day reduced their risk of breast cancer by 17 percent. Rats fed three apples per day reduced their risk by 39 percent and those fed six apples per day reduced their risk by 44 percent.

Colon Cancer Prevention

One study found that rats fed an extract from apple skins had a 43 percent lower risk of colon cancer. Other research shows that the pectin in apples reduces the risk of colon cancer and helps maintain a healthy digestive tract.

Liver Cancer Prevention

Research found that rats fed an extract from apple skins had a 57 percent lower risk of liver cancer.

Diabetes Management

The pectin in apples supplies galacturonic acid to the body which lowers the body’s need for insulin and may help in the management of diabetes.

Weight Loss

A Brazilian study found that women who ate three apples or pears per day lost more weight while dieting than women who did not eat fruit while dieting.

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Health Benefits Of Mango

Mangoes are abundant during the summer season. Mango is widely known as the “king of fruit”, and that is not without a purpose. It is regarded as a valuable item of diet and a household remedy. It is rich in amino acids, vitamin C and E, flavonoids, beta carotene, niacin, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium.

Nutritive Values : Per 100 gm.

• Vitamin A : 6,350 I.U.
• Vitamin B : Thiamine .06 mg.;
• Vitamin C : 41 mg.
• Calcium : 9 mg.
• Phosphorus : 13 mg.
• Protein : .7 gm.
• Calories : 66

Nutritional Value of Mango:

Nutrition Facts and Information about Mango: Mango is a good source of minerals such as copper and potassium. It contains traces of magnesium, manganese, selenium, calcium, iron, and phosphorus.

Vitamin Content: Mango is rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Vitamin C content is more in raw mango as compared to that in ripe mango. It also has traces of Vitamin E, Vitamin B and Vitamin K.

Calorific Content of Mango: 100g of mango contains about 75 calories. Raw mangoes contain starch, which is converted into sugar as the fruit ripens. These sugars are very useful in weight gain when consumed with milk, which is rich in proteins.

Health Benefits of Mango: The nutritional value of mango makes it good for weight gain, eye disorders, hair loss, heat stroke, prickly heat, diabetes, bacterial infections, sinusitis, piles, indigestion, constipation, morning sickness, diarrhea, dysentery, scurvy, spleen enlargement, liver disorders, menstrual disorders, leucorrhea, and vaginitis.

Nutritional Value of Mango:Nutrition Facts and Information about Mango: Mango is a good source of minerals such as copper and potassium. It contains traces of magnesium, manganese, selenium, calcium, iron, and phosphorus.

Other Health Benefits of Mango :

• Mangoes contain phenols, this phenolic compound have powerful antioxidant and anticancer abilities.
• Mango is high in iron, pregnant women and people with anemia are advised to eat this fruit regularly.
• Mango is effective in relieving clogged pores of the skin.
• It is also valuable to combat acidity and poor digestion.
• Mango is high in antioxidant and low in carbohydrates.
• Mango is a rich source of vitamin A(beta-carotene), E and Selenium which help to protect against heart disease and other ailments.

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