Healthy foods

health benefits of some foods

The avocado, a tree likely originating from South Central Mexico, is classified as a member of the flowering plants family known as lauraceae

Benefits of ? avocado

1. Rich in nutrients: they are good source of vitamin C, E,K and B6, niacin, folate, magnesium and potassium e.t.c

2. Healthy for heart

3. Great for vision: avocado contains lutein and zeaxanthin, two phytochemicals present in eye tissue. They provide antioxidant protection to help minimize damage including from UV light.

4. It may help prevent osteoporosis: this nutrient is often overlooked but it essential for bone health.

5. Supporting fetal health: folate is important to a healthy pregnancy. Adequate intake reduces the risk of miscarriage and neural tube abnormalities.

6. Improving digestion: eating foods with natural fiber can help prevent constipation, maintain digestive tract health and lower the risk of colon cancer.

7. Natural detoxification: adequate fiber promotes regular bowel movement, which are crucial for the excretion of toxins through the bile and stool.

Ways avocado can be eaten

Seasoned, stuffed, in scrambled eggs, on toast, in guacamole, as a substitute for mayo, in salads, in soups, as a substitute for sour cream, in sushi rolls, grilled, pickled, as fries, in smoothie e.t.c

Health benefits of cherry ( Africa star Apple)

The African star Apple, locally called cherry is in full bloom.

Cherry botanically called chrysophylum albidum, belongs to the family of sapotaceae. Cherry is a good source of calcium providing about 10% of the of amount needed by the body. Calcium lends strength to bones and teeth, and it may also lessen symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Cherry is highly recommended for pregnant women because it reduces salivation and is one of the best natural source of vitamin A and C. Infact, the vitamin C found in the pulp of cherry is said to be higher than the ascorbic acid content of orange and guava.

The fruit possess antioxidant properties which gives the body a better chance of fighting and avoiding heart diseases and cancer. The fruit contains fibre which aids digestion, and it is also ideal for weight watchers.

The leaves contains hypoglycemic (lowering of blood sugar) properties and antiplatelet activities.

The stem can be used as chewing stick as it contains antibacterial properties and its a natural remedy for toothache, constipation, and indigestion.

The roots and barks when boiled are excellent remedies for cough, yellow fever, high blood pressure and diabetes.

The skin contains fibres which help in weight loss.

Benefits of Banana

Bananas are one of the most popular fruit worldwide. They contain essential nutrients that can have a protective impact on health.

Benefits are

Blood pressure : potassium can help manage blood pressure and reduce strain on the cardiovascular system. A medium banana provides almost 9% of a person's daily potassium needs.

Cancer: lectin, a protein that occurs in bananas, may help prevent leukemia cells from growing. Lectin acts as an antioxidant which helps the body remove molecules known as free radicals. If there are too many radicals build up in the cell, cell damage can occur, potentially leading to cancer.

Heart health: bananas contain fibres, potassium, folate, and antioxidant such as vitamin C.

May improve blood sugar levels.

May improve digestive health.

May aid weight loss.

May help you feel Fuller.

May improve insulin sensitivity when unripe

May improve kidney health.

May support exercise recovery.

Easy to add to your diet.

But if you eat too much bananas, you can develop hyperkalemia. This means you have too much potassium in your blood.

White fish

Their flesh have no fat, any fat present in them is stored in their liver. They are found in the sea bed and they are sea water fish eg, Cod, Haddock, Sole e.t.c.

Cod (okporoko)

It is rich in proteins, that's it should be used to prepare dishes, it also comes without the enormous amount of calories and fat in other meats.

Health benefits of cod

It improves heart health because of the Omega-3-fatty acids in them.

It improves skin health due to the presence of selenium and vitamin E.

It improves hair health because it contains vitamin B.

Haddock

Haddock fishes are good source of vitamin B

Health benefits of Haddock

Strengthens immunity

Brain functioning: phosphorus ensure cognitive development and growth as well as brain function.

Muscles relaxation: potassium is essential for the contractionof muscles. It maintians the functions of nerve and optimal muscles.

Note: Due to the Mercury content in fish, it is should be consumed in limited amount to avoid kidney stones.

Sole fish

Sole fish is a type of lean flat fish that belongs to the soleidae family.

Health benefits of sole fish

Thyriod hormone synthesis: sole fillet is rich in minerals like calcium, zinc, iodine e.t.c and iodine is an important trace element.

Development of nervous system: it has Docosahexaenoic acid DHA fatty acids.