Berries - Your Overall Fruit

If you are asking what fruit is best for your health, the answer is berries. Berries have a good reputation when it comes to health-giving nutrients. These little fruits are packed of phytochemicals to normalize and improve health. I have listed here all berries that I know as well as their benefits.

Blueberries

Blueberries ranked number one antioxidants as compared to other fruits and vegetables. Blueberries are rich in antioxidant called anthocyanins rich in memory enhancers even as you grow old. It can help protect against urinary-tract infection also known as UTI, age-related health conditions, brain damage caused by stroke and cancer. This also helps fight the build-up of bad cholesterol that leads to heath diseases and stroke. Bilberry, a European blueberry, is known to prevent blindness and mascular degeneration.

Raspberries

Raspberries are another perennial bush-type plant that is rich in healthy nutrients. This small fruit contains ellagic acid which is a compound that contains anti-cancer properties. It is also a good source of fiber which can gradually help in digestion. This is beside the fact that raspberries are also good for the heart and bones. Red raspberries on the other hand can treat a lot of illness including hangovers, flu, fevers, gum disease, upset stomach, diarrhea, menstrual problems, vomiting and inflammation.

Marionberry

These are the bright purple type of blackberries. These berries contain antioxidants and are full of vibrant berry flavor. A native bush from Oregon, large berries is said to capture the best attributes of both berries and yields an aromatic bouquet and an intense blackberry flavor. Its juicy taste and bouquet are described as earthy, sweet and tart. It is also a good source of antioxidants. Marionberries are better for immunity because it controls the unstable oxygen compounds in our bodies which are commonly associated with heart disease and aging.

Strawberry

The most common, luminously red, heart-shaped type of berries is an adaptable fruit that grow in all manner of climates. Ancient Romans believed that these berries alleviate the symptoms of melancholy. Strawberries are also known to enhance the radiance of the skin with its antioxidant compounds. It is also a good source of Vitamins like Vitamin C, K, vitamin B5, B6, potassium, manganese, folic acid, riboflavin, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acid which is good for the heart.

To sum it all up, people must learn to try and include all or even some types of berries on their meals. It’s because these types of fruits are not only sweet and nutritious, but also gives total amount of body benefits through its polyphenol content. Polyphenols help increase the levels of nitric oxide which is a molecule that produces positive body effects like having a healthy heart. Polyphenols that helps relax blood vessels are surely found in different types of berries.

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6 Bottled Water Myths

 6 Bottled Water Myths

It is a good thing that there’s now a convenient way to drink and bring water just about anywhere we go. However, a lot of issues arise on whether or not bottled water is safe and healthy to drink.

I’ve just read a recent article about this issue and I’d like to share this information to you. There are actually 6 concerns on bottled water that we can consider as myths:

MYTH #1:

BOTTLED WATER IS BETTER THAN TAP. Not necessarily because water is enclosed in a container, it can be considered better than the water we can directly get from the faucet. In fact, 25%-40% of bottled water comes from a less exotic source which is mainly on the US municipal water supplies.

MYTH #2:

PURIFIED WATER TASTES BETTER. Substances like sodium, calcium, magnesium and chloride are the contents that give water its flavor. And for distilled water to be tasteless, all minerals and salts should be removed. For tap water, chlorine is the reason why it has an “off” taste. Removing or adding these substances are the only reason why water tastes better than the other.

MYTH #3:

BOTTLED WATER WITH VITAMINS, MINERALS, OR PROTEIN IS HEALTHIER THAN REGULAR WATER. Many nutritionists believe that these natural additives to bottled water are just part of the manufacturer’s marketing strategy. Enhancing the taste with the use of sugar and artificial flavors is one of their tactics. But when it comes to original contents, regular water and bottled water are just the same.

MYTH #4:

YOU NEED EIGHT 8-OUNCE GLASSES OF WATER EACH DAY. According to The Institute of Medicine, 91 ounces are the recommended amount of fluid that women need everyday. This comes commonly from the water, juice, coffee, tea, or other beverages that we drink and the remaining 20 percent comes from the food we eat.

MYTH #5:

AFTER AN INTENSE WORKOUT, BOTTLED WATER IS BEST. Since most bottled water, particularly sports drinks contain sodium and potassium mainly on the additional flavoring added on it, it can certainly quench anyone’s thirst. However, regular water can very well provide stimulants even after workout.

MYTH #6:

WATER BOTTLES ARE EASY ON THE ENVIRONMENT BECAUSE THEY CAN BE RECYCLED. It is a good thing if recycling can be done at all times on all water bottles being used. But unfortunately, 86% of the 70 Million empty water bottles being produced per day and sold in US ends up in trash.

Based on these given bottled water myths, we can say that there are a lot of advantages and disadvantages on its formulation and invention. Maybe it will just depend on the way we utilize it to know if it is for our own good or not.

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