Crave Bits

Author: urvashi beniwal

  • Cherries- sweet and sour

    Cherries- sweet and sour

    There are over a thousand varieties of cherries existing on our planet. The cherry is a fruit of a single seed and they are in the same family as the peach. It can be characterized by its small round shape and often slightly heart-shaped, this fruit grows in small bunches. Sweet and juicy cherries are included on the board of different varieties. These cherries are cultivated in the Northern Hemisphere in at least twenty different countries. They are tasty antioxidant fruits which grow best in specific climates having their peak season as summer. The seeds of a cherry require some cold to germinate hence they cannot grow in tropical weather. There are many types of cherries, though they can be divided into two basic groups-

    • Sweet Cherries- They are characterized by their sweet taste. These cherries are often eaten raw and used in sherbets and ice cream.
    • Sour or Tart Cherries- Commonly used to cook or preserve.

    BLACK CHERRY-

    black cherry

    Black cherry is the largest of the native cherries and the only one of commercial value. It is also called wild black cherry and mountain black cherry. It can be anywhere, because it can grow almost in any soil. Black cherry leaves are dark green on top and light green on bottom. They grow up to five inches long and two inches wide. Black cherry flowers are solitary, white and borne in umbel-like racemes. These cherries are an important source of mast for various types of wildlife. They can be cooked with herbs and spices. These cherries are used as sweetener and thickener and in ice creams, cakes and sauces etc. They contain high amount of nutrients which are important for our body. They also contain anti-oxidants, anthocyanin and melatonin which are significant to lower the risk of stroke and heart attacks.

    BING CHERRY-

    bing cherry

    Bing cherries are extra-large in size and heart shaped with a deep maroon color. They come from the Pacific Northwest and are beloved for their sweet flavor. Studies have shown that they reduces the risk of chronic diseases and metabolic syndrome. Bing cherries are generally consumed raw and sold in the market right after they are harvested. These cherries contains high level of anti-oxidants and are very useful in treating arthritis, gouts and heart diseases. Bing cherries contain antioxidants and other nutrients which helps to relieve inflammation, arthritis pain, prevent cancer and lower blood pressure.

    RAINIER CHERRY-

    raineir cherry

    Rainier cherry is also known as white cherry because of its white and creamy flesh. Their skin is yellowish red. It is the sweetest, prettiest and most pampered of all cherries and it as delicate as lucrative. Rainier cherries also have some skin discoloration, slight brown spotting which indicates its high sugar content. These cherries also contain fiber, which is important for a healthy digestive system. It has 22 grams of carbohydrates in a full serving which helps in providing long-term energy. It contains vitamin C which helps to strengthen the immune system and fight off diseases. It also has skin brightening antioxidant.

    BROOKS CHERRY-

    brooks cherry

    The brook cherry is relatively new variety of cherries which offers some outstanding qualities. Brooks are actually hybrid between Bing and Rainier. Its most chilling requirement is 400 hrs. Brooks is a large, dark red cherry very similar to Bing.It’s a cherry with sweet taste with a bit of tart bite. Its flesh is firm and crisp with some shades of pink and red. It’s a semi freestone cherry which pollinates with Tulare and Coral.

    CHOKE CHERRY-

    choke cherry

    ChokeCherry is commonly a shrub, and a small tree which grows in North America, with a twisted or crooked trunk and an irregular crown. This wild cherry is a member of rose family. The fruits of chokecherry are true cherries, which contains single seed or stone. They are from 4-9mm in diameter and varies in color from yellow, red to purple-black. The choke cherry wood is used for handles and for decorating basket rims. They also helps in reducing risk of coronary heart diseases, stroke and some cancers. Its roots can be used to make appetite stimulants, medicinal teas for treating coughs, tuberculosis and malaria etc.

     

    HEALTH BENEFITS-

    Cherries are an excellent source of magnesium and potassium which helps to protect our body from high blood pressure. Eating cherries can help you lose weight and stay slim. Cherries are source of many vitamins and minerals. Cherries can also help to reduce painful inflammation by decreasing the amount of C reactive protein produced. Cyanidin is a flavonoid which is found in cherries, it helps in keeping cancerous cell from going out of control. Cherries contain vitamin B6, which is crucial for metabolism and converts nutrients into energy. Cherries are also a source of Anthocyanin, an amino acid which protects the cell of body from damaging, aging, and ultraviolet radiations.

  • Benefits of Healthy Food

    Benefits of Healthy Food

    Food is essential. Everything what we do happens because of nutrients we give to our body. People take it for granted but our body need nutrients. Food is a fuel for our body to move it, to think and to give energy to our muscles. The minerals and vitamins are there so that our bodies can function. Protein has developed an image of containing calories. Food is not only for sustaining health but to feel better. And the only way to keep our body healthy by eating a wide variety of healthy foods.

    Eating a healthy diet will go a long way to make sure that you have all the nutrients to make your body fit. Our body utilizes everything we put into it, and what we give is determined by how it is used- for bad health or good.

    BENEFITS OF HEALTHY FOOD-

    EFFECT OF FOOD ON HEALTH-

    Fruit is a carbohydrate rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibers. The fiber in the fruits can be a big help when it comes to weight loss. Fresh fruits are rich in water content and tend to be low in calories. The water content and high fiber helps you in a minimal calorie cost and makes fruit a smart addition to any weight-loss plan. Fruit is beneficial for the people who are fighting with cardiovascular disease because diet rich in vegetables and fruits makes us strong to fight with heart diseases. Vitamin A helps against macular degeneration. Vitamin B helps in improving memory, and gives healthy hair. Vitamin C enhances your natural beauty. So you need to watch your calories, and should add fruits a part of your daily routine.

    Whole Grains contains three layer of seeds nutrient dense germ, fiber rich bran and the starchy endosperm. Regular consumption of whole grains reduces risk of high blood pressure, heart diseases, and diabetes. It also helps in weight loss and maintenance. Whole grains also contain vitamin B which gives fuel to our body and promote heart health. The vitamin E in whole grains helps in boosting eye health, reduces risk of cataracts and slows the progress of vision loss.

    HEALTHY FOOD GIVES HEALTHY SKIN-

    Skin is a vital part of our body. Without skin we are just bones and blood. A part of your body’s makeup comes from what you put in it. There are many tasty food that can give you great skin and including them in your daily routine is essential. Healthy skin makes you look younger and fresher. Glossy hair and glowing skin can be yours in days, all you have to do is eatthe foods your body needs to look its best. Also there are certain foods to give your skin a natural beauty. Fatty acids have effects on skin and hair condition. But the body can’t make essential fatty acids, so they are provided to our body by food. Oily fish, Salmon are good sources of fatty acids. You must include soya beans, prawns, and eggs in your diet to make your skin as well as hair healthy.
    When you cook food, it loses its vital nutrients. When you eat cooked food, you don’t get nutrients which your body needs for its functioning and it is shown in your skin. Your skin cells also require nourishment to look fresh and natural.

    EFFECT OF FOOD ON YOUR BRAIN-

    The brain is the platform for our mental health and therefore for our mind. The brain is made up of water, fatty acids and other essential nutrients. Most of the brain is derives from food. Essential fatty acid performs a vital function in brain. It helps in the structuring of brain cells, and ensures that smooth communication is possible within the brain. It is called “essential” because it is not made inside our body so we need to intake food rich in fatty acid.

    Secondly there are some foods which affect our brain slowly over a period of weeks. It includes carbohydrates such as potatoes and rice, lecithin containing products such as eggs and cakes. Their purpose is to bias the function of a transmitter system by enhancing the functioning of brain. In terms of second system, insulin helps in uptake of glucose through neurons, as well as in maintain their function. Diets that are higher in fats promotes insulin resistance which reduces the ability of body to utilize insulin and increases the risk of dementia.

    EFFECT OF FOOD ON YOUR MOOD-

    Several studies have shown that food might be used to treat such common problems as depression, hyperactivity, and insomnia etc. Specific foods and nutrients can produce changes in chemical balance of our brain. Also the way people feel is affected by what they eat. For example, we give candy to soothe a crying child and hot milk to induce sleep. Consumption of certain nutrients can change the levels of brain chemicals that transmit messages between nerve cells. Research shows that people with vitamin B1, vitamin B12 deficiencies are at the risk of depression.

    It is therefore essential to eat more whole foods and pay specific attention to fruits, vegetables, vitamins and minerals. Introduce a few changes in your diet and feel the difference.