Wonderfully delicious pistachio nuts have long been revered as the symbol of wellness and robust health since ancient times.
Pistachio's health benefits include healthy heart, weight management, protection against diabetes and hypertension, and improved digestion. The vitamins, minerals, fats and protein found in pistachio are all great for your health.
Pistachios are one of the oldest nuts to be consumed and used in the world.
Pistachios are native to Asia, particularly in Iran and Iraq. Archaeological evidence dates the association of pistachios and man as early as 6,000 BC. Introduced to Iran, Iraq, and Syria by the the Romans in 100 AD, Pistachios are today produced in many countries such as the United States, Australia, Turkey, and China, among others.
Pistachio nuts belong to the anacardaceae family in the genus Pistacia. It takes 10 to 12 years for a pistachio tree to produce the first crop. Pistachios are a drupe, where the fruit has a large seed in the center. This seed is edible. The nuts of pistachio are not seasonal and are available all year long. They can be bought from almost any grocery store.
Health benefits of Pistachios:
Healthy Heart: One of the biggest health benefits of pistachios is that they are heart-friendly nuts. Research on pistachios suggests that regular pistachio consumption can decrease the levels of bad LDL cholesterol in the body. The antioxidants, phytosterols, unsaturated fatty acids (both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids) are great for promoting a healthy heart.
Weight Management: Pistachios are also the first choice for people who are dieting. Evidence suggests that pistachios, with their lower calories, high protein, low saturated fat, and high unsaturated fats, are an ideal contender as compared to other nuts and dried fruits for ideal weight management.
Reduced Risk of Age-Related Macular Disease or (AMD): Pistachios contain carotenoid antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants help in reducing the risk of contracting age-related macular disease in the elderly, according to the research conducted by Chen CYO and Blumberg JB from Tufts University, Boston, USA. They can be included, along with vegetables, for an increased supply of lutein and zeaxanthin.
Eliminates Skin Dryness: Pistachios also help in eliminating dryness from the skin. The saturated fat plays a major role in this aspect. The fat also acts as a good carrier or base oil as it is used as an ingredient in traditional therapies like aromatherapy and traditional massage therapy.
Dietary Fiber: One of the other health benefits of pistachios is that it is a good source of dietary fiber, which helps in the smooth digestion of food. A serving of about 1 ounce or 30 grams of pistachios contains about 3 grams of dietary fiber, more than enough to get your digestive tracts working at optimum capacity.
Aphrodisiac Properties: According to research conducted by Aldemir et al (2011), pistachios greatly influence sexual vitality in men. Studies have shown that those men who had a daily intake of about 100 grams of pistachios for three weeks improved their erectile function by around 50 percent. This was confirmed with ultrasound scans of blood flow in the penis. (source)
Antioxidant Properties: Even the shells of pistachios are found to contain a considerable amount of antioxidants. Researchers from Tarbiat Modarres University, in Tehran, Iran were able to successfully identify and extract these antioxidants to be added to other foods. Antioxidants neutralize the free radicals that form in the body after cellular metabolism and can cause conditions like cancer and heart disease.
Defense Against Diabetes: In people suffering from diabetes, the sugars form inappropriate bonds with proteins and make them unusable. This process is known as glycation. The antioxidants present in pistachios help in reducing the process of glycation and thus can help in controlling diabetes.
Absorption of iron: Pistachios have a high copper content, which helps in the higher absorption of iron into the body from food sources. This can help combat conditions like anemia.
Nutritiousness: Pistachios are delicious tree nuts recognized for their wholesome nutrition properties
Pistachios contain fewer calories and more potassium and vitamin K per serving than other nuts. A 1-ounce serving of dry-roasted pistachios contains 160 calories, 6 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber and 15 grams of fat, including only 2 grams of saturated fat. It also provides you with 25 percent of the daily value for vitamin B-6, 15 percent of the daily value for thiamine and phosphorus and 10 percent of the daily value for magnesium.
The Apricot kernel(Prunus armeniaca), like most nuts and seeds, are very nutritious, featuring high levels of B17. Although technically not a vitamin, B17 has consistently been referred to as such, which is also known as amygdalin. The Vitamins and Health Supplements Guide describes B17--also known as amygdalin--as possessing properties helpful for reducing pain associated with arthritis and lowering blood pressure. However, amygdalin's most commonly referenced attributes revolve around its purported cancer fighting and prevention capabilities.
Amygdalin attacks cancer cells, and thus can help prevent cancer from breaking out in our bodies.
Amygdalin (vitamin B17) is contained in many hundreds of foods, but ones that are particularly rich in amygdalin have disappeared to a large extent from our Western diet. People throughout the world who still eat a traditional diet, have been found to be largely free from cancer. These diets are rich in foods containing amygdalin.
For prevention, however, Dr Ernst T Krebs Jr., the biochemist who first produced laetrile (concentrated amygdalin) in the 1950s, recommended that if a person would eat ten to twelve apricot kernels a day for life, then barring the equivalent of Chernobyl, he is likely to be cancer free.
Health benefits of Apricot Seeds
Apricot kernel signifies the seed of the fruit of Prunus armeniaca, commonly referred to as apricot tree. Since the seed is surrounded in a extremely hard shell, it is usually known as a “stone.” In any case, apricot kernels flavor baked goods and liquors, while oil extracted from the seed is utilized as cooking oil as well as in the creation of cosmetics. The kernel also yields active compounds that could have got anti-cancer value, even though clinical proof is contradictory. Apricot kernel also includes a substance considered to be toxic at high doses. As with all pharmaceuticals, don’t use apricot kernel preparations while pregnant or even to self-treat any condition without checking together with your physician.
Apricot seeds are obtained from the hard pit of the fruit. These seeds or even kernels have been in the limelight for several years thanks to their medicinal purposes. Known clinically as Prunus armeniaca, apricots are said to have originated from different parts of Asia, the Himalayas, Northern China and Armenia, too.
1. Curing Arthritis
The anti-inflammatory qualities of apricot seeds turn it into a ideal home remedial cure for treating arthritis. It relived the pain and swelling within the affected areas if taken on regularly. Include it within the numerous meals to get maximum results on the arthritis pain.
2. Blood pressure
Apart from healing cancer, Vitamin B17 is additionally very theraputic for maintaining the blood pressure levels within the body and keeping it normal. If you suffer from high blood pressure levels, take in apricot seeds, that is a rich source of Vitamin B17. This will assist in reducing the high blood pressure as well as safeguards you from many other illnesses associated with high blood pressure.Therefore, you can see that apricot seeds and also the oil obtained from it have a lot of health advantages. Include them within your daily diet and apply the oil topically on the skin and hair, and you’ll benefit a lot.
3. Colds and flu
If you wish to boost the immunity power of your body, consume apricot seeds on a regular basis. This may cause your immunity system strong and helps the body to combat against infections, which includes cold and flu.
4. Apricot seed as aphrodisiac
Just like almonds, apricot seeds are thought aphrodisiac. In Europe they’ve traditional reputation of increasing sexual drive. References are normally found in writings of William Shakespeare (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) and John Webster. However no scientific study have confirmed such claims.
5. Apricot seeds help in relieving pain
Apricot seeds have been discovered to have a natural pain relieving effect. This particular effect is related to the existence of benzaldehyde, that is a well-known analgesic. Apricot seeds are a fantastic solution for arthritis. It is important in relieving the pain as well as in lowering the signs and symptoms in individuals struggling with rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally it is useful in decreasing pain in cancer patients.
6. Apricot seeds for relieving constipation
Apricot seeds are thought to have laxative qualities and therefore several doctors suggest apricot seeds for making the bowel movements regular as well as in reducing bowel problems.
7. Skincare
Whenever pressed into oil, apricot kernel may be used in a number of cosmetic methods, especially in the arena of skin care. By adding it to the cup of sugar as well as combining to make a paste, you may make a lavish exfoliating cream that can help slough away dead skin and leaves the skin extremely moisturised as well as glowing. Apricot kernel oil also is effective like a moisturiser, thanks to its quick-absorbing qualities which leave the skin feeling hydrated naturally. Just keep a bottle within your bathroom and also smooth a few over the skin whenever you hop out of the shower for the best results.
8. Apricot seeds for respiratory diseases
Apricot seeds or even Xing Ren have been long utilized in Chinese medicine for the treatment of several respiratory problems just like cold, bronchitis, asthma and emphysema. Additionally it is utilized as a cough suppressant as well as expectorant, as it is great at expelling phlegm.
9. Anti-Inflammatory
Some users of apricot kernel have reported its usefulness just as one anti-inflammatory. Enflamed muscles and joints are frequently what causes aches and pains, especially if you’re an arthritis sufferer. By taking apricot kernel in pill or powder form, you might find that your daily pain subsides, providing relief quickly and naturally.
10. Immune System Support
Sick of being sick? Certain seasons – like winter- make the ideal conditions for immune system failure. Being inside all day in close proximity with other germ-harbouring humans means it’s almost impossible to not to be forced into sick days. But apricot kernel is shown to have a positive effect on the immune system, that could help feel well and stay well. Speak to your doctor regarding adding apricot kernel in your regular routine and you’ll benefit from a stronger, tougher immune system, no matter the season.
11. Heart Health
Your body processes two kinds of cholesterol – good and bad. The bad cholesterol arises from eating foods which are loaded with saturated fats, that is best described as fats which become solid at room temperature. Healthy cholesterol, however, is supported by healthy fats which help reduce bad cholesterol and raise healthier numbers. Apricot kernel is a superb source of unsaturated fats, much like fish and olive oil. It may help support lower cholesterol and heart function overall for the healthier heart and body.
12. Hair care
We said that apricot kernel oil may help you from head to toe, so make sure you remember your hair. Utilized as a hot oil treatment, apricot kernel can leave your locks feeling smooth as well as supple. Try this simply mask: warm up a few apricot kernel oil within the microwave for 10 to 20 seconds. Test the temperature together with your finger and then pour over dry hair. Wrap the hair in plastic wrap and sit in the warm room for around Half an hour before rinsing the oil out and enjoying your suddenly smooth strands.
13. Apricot seeds help in preventing cellular damage
Apricot seeds are thought to have antioxidant effects which help in eliminating the harmful free-radicals as well as in avoiding cellular damage. The oxidative stress due to free radicals is usually in charge of premature aging as well as in creating numerous severe health problems just like cancer. And so the consumption of apricot seeds can safeguard the body from the damages brought on by the free radicals.
14. Apricot seeds and cancer
Apricot seeds are abundant with an ingredient known as Amygdalin, also known as vitamin B-17. It is really an essential nutrient which has gained popularity due to its capability to kill cancer cells. Despite the fact that there isn’t any definitive evidence to this finding, it really is utilized in numerous nations like a potential treatment for cancer. In accordance with numerous studies, the vitamin B-17 in apricot seeds releases cyanide within your body, that attacks and destroys the cancer leading to cells, whilst keeping the healthy cells intact.
As a result your body’s capability to fight the cancer cells is elevated by the usage of apricot seeds. There are many researches that show that cancer might be brought on by malnutrition and because of the lack of vitamin B-17 in the body. It’s been discovered that a number of different populations who had restricted food consumption but regular consumption of vitamin B-17 in their diet were able to keep cancer away.
15. As a Natural Scrubber
You are able to prepare a highly effective scrub through apricot seeds in a couple of minutes. By combining the powdered form of apricot seeds along with olive oil and ultizing it onto the skin, you are able to achieve not just proper exfoliation but additionally skin radiance which brings attraction. Additionally, it deep cleanses the skin well. The glowing complexion is something you’ll love.
16. Immune System Support
Sick of being sick? Apricot kernel is shown to have got a positive effect on the immune system, that could help feel well and remain well. Talk to your doctor regarding including apricot kernel in your regular routine and you’ll benefit from a stronger, tougher immune system, no matter what season.
17. Apricot seeds have anti-microbial properties
Apricot seeds have been discovered to have anti-fungal as well as antibacterial qualities. It really is great at combating Candida albicans, that is a kind of fungus that may cause many different types of infections.
18. Heart Health
Apricot kernel is a superb method of obtaining unsaturated fats, much like fish as well as olive oil. It may help support lower cholesterol as well as heart function overall for the healthier heart and the body.
19. Apricot seeds help in maintaining proper pH balance
The pH of the blood is somewhat alkaline (7.35 to 7.45). Any change in this range can impact your health as well as result in numerous ailments. Over acidity is really a sign that the body is weak and not healthy. Maintaining proper acid base balance is important for enhancing your all around health. Apricot seeds really are a rich source of vitamin B-17, that is very alkaline naturally. Usage of these seeds works well for neutralizing mild cases of acidity as well as in maintaining an excellent pH balance.
Types of Apricot Seeds
Usually there’s two kinds of apricot seeds. One is bitter and the other is sweet to taste. In accordance with the researchers, the look of the bitter one is pale. The bitter seeds are sometimes considered bad for the health since they consist of greater levels of B17 that usually releases cyanide whenever ingested. On the other hand, the sweet seeds consist of lower amounts of B17 and doesn’t have got any threat to the health.
Selection of Apricot Seeds
Apricot seeds are available in 2 types, you will find bitter as well as sweet apricot seeds. Sweet apricot seeds are ideal for snacking but aren’t as famous as their bitter counterparts. It is because they’ve lower levels of the cancer combating compound, amygdalin. On the other hand, bitter apricot seeds have got numerous healing qualities as we have mentioned before. To utilize bitter apricot seeds, it’s a smart idea to first soak them in water.
This can help in lessening their bitter taste and makes them more tolerable to consume. However, the practice of soaking bitter apricot seeds in water also lowers the levels of amygdalin.You can buy these bitter kernels in stores that sell organic foods. In America, Australia and Asia, bitter kernels are sold like a dietary product and you may find them in supermarkets in addition to online stores. The seeds are sold whole where they’re simply pre-dried and you may also purchase processed bitter apricot seeds.
Side effects of apricot seeds
Apricot seeds are very well recognized for the existence of amygdalin, a compound which is claimed to have anti-cancer properties. Although many laboratory research support this claim, it’s not yet approved. A major side-effect of apricot seeds is it may release cyanide in your body. Therefore excessive usage of these seeds can lead to cyanide poisoning. A few of the mild symptoms related to cyanide poisoning consist of nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness. Serious cyanide poisoning can result in minimal amount of oxygen inside your bloodstream, reduced alertness, ptosis, nerve damage and low blood pressure level.
It may also result in damage of your liver. In some cases it may cause coma as well as death. Use of apricot seeds along with vitamin C or foods just like carrot, celery, peaches etc is not recommended since these foods include enzymes which encourages the release of cyanide within your body, therefore intensifying the toxic effects.Aside from having the capacity to fight against cancer, apricot seeds are full of nutrition that can help in maintaining all around health and well-being.
Despite the fact that the claims to cure cancer with apricot seeds are very controversial, the nutritional advantages of these seeds do not quit individuals from consuming it.
The dangers of sugars and refined carbohydrates in the diet have been well documented. Excess consumption of sugar can cause hypoglycemia and weight gain, leading to diabetes and obesity.
Sugar also raises blood pressure, triglycerides and bad cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease. Children who consume excess sugar have difficulty concentrating and learning. These are just some of the havoc sugar can cause in our bodies.
Xylitol was discovered late in the 1890’s. It wasn’t until the 1930’s that xylitol was synthesized into a pure form, much like what we use today. It was used as a sugar replacement during World War II in some countries when sugar shortages occurred. Today you find it on health food store shelves and also added to a number of products including chewing gum, mouthwash, floride treatments, toothpaste, and in some pharmaceuticals.
Xylitol is in a class of substances called “polyols,” more commonly known as sugar alcohols. Sugar alcohols are neither sugar nor alcohol, but have a chemical structure that has similarities of both sugar and alcohol (I won’t bore you with anymore chemistry). There are a number of other sugar alcohols including maltitol, erythritol, mannitol, and sorbitol, amongst others.
Xylitol naturally occurs in the Fibers of fruits and vegetables naturally contain. It can be extracted from various berries, oats, mushrooms, corn husks, sugar cane, and birch trees. This fermented sweetener is made from whole plant pulp, but must undergo an extensive treatment and processing to become the sugar like crystals you find sitting on the shelf at health food stores. It’s hotly debated whether this sweet substance resembling sugar should actually be called a “natural” sweetener.
Benefits of Xylitol
This sweetener with a strange name actually has a number of well established benefits.
Dental Health
It’s been documented since the 1970’s that xylitol, when used regularly, can help to prevent tooth decay. The research on xylitol for dental health did not stop in the 1970’s. A quick survey of the literature reveals a veritable cornucopia of peer reviewed journals indicating the dental benefits associated with xylitol. Xylitol not only prevents bacterial growth, but also helps to remineralize teeth that already have begun to decay.
Osteoporosis
For this reason, scientists speculate that xylitol may help to prevent and treat osteoporosis. There are a number of articles demonstrating these effects in rats, but I did not come across any studies using humans at this point.
Ear Infections
There have been numerous studies that support decreased ear infections with the use of xylitol. This is probably due to xylitol’s anti-bacterial properties.
Yeast & Bacteria in the Gut
Xylitol is a prebiotic, which encourages a good gut flora of helpful microorganisms in your digestive tract. Sugar on the other hand encourages the growth of unhealthy bacteria and yeast in the gut. Xylitol is a fantastic option for those who deal with chronic yeast infections such as candida. Unlike some artificial sweeteners (like splenda and aspartame) xylitol does not encourage the growth of yeast in the gut.
Blood Glucose & Insulin
Xylitol is absorbed more slowly than sugar, in fact it’s not even completely broken down in our system. As such, it does not cause a rapid spike in blood glucose. Xylitol is typically a wonderful substitute for diabetics as it has little effect on glucose and none on insulin.
Infection
Some scientists have indicated that xylitol increases WBC (specifically netrophil’s). These are cells that help us fight off infection.13
Downsides to Xylitol?
With all of those potential positives to be gained from use of xylitol, you might wonder: What’s not to like?
For one, as mentioned previously, xylitol is a processed food. We are not eating xylitol in it’s natural whole food form. This has caused much debate regarding the healthfulness of xylitol. Some argue that xylitol, as a processed food, cannot be part of a healthy diet. Others, argue that because of the many benefits, it is a perfect sugar substitute.
Xylitol can also have the propensity to cause gastrointestinal problems in some individuals. Because xylitol is not fully broken down in your system it can have a laxative effect. Other reported discomforts include bloating, gas, and abdominal pain and cramping. Adaptation can occur in individuals who are particularly sensitive to xylitol if it is introduced very slowly into the diet. Despite the abdominal discomfort and gastrointestinal distress that occur in some individuals, there are no known serious side effects from consuming xylitol.
Many companies that market xylitol produce their xylitol from genetically modified corn. Though there are several out there that sell non-GMO xylitol, it’s important to do your investigative work prior to investing in a GMO derived product.
Finally, it is important to note that xylitol is dangerous to dogs. It can be toxic and can cause dangerously low blood sugar if your sweet poochy gets ahold of it.
Nutrition & Effects on Blood Sugar
Xylitol has the same approximate sweetness as table sugar, but with 1/3 less calories. 1 gram of xlitol has just 2.4 calories to sugar’s 3.87 calories. Xylitol has the same amount of carbohydrates per serving as sugar, but remember because xylitol is not broken down and metabolized well in our systems it has very little effect on blood glucose and insulin levels. Because of this xylitol is on a 7-13 (depending on the source) on the glycemic index.
Most individuals do not have problems with their blood sugar when using xylitol. But, there are exceptions. If you peruse the Internet you can read comments from people that say it causes a rise in their blood glucose levels—not good. If you’re on a very low carb, ketogenic diet, it may also cause problems: some claim that it knocks them out of ketosis. I have checked my blood glucose after using xylitol and ketones and it does not seem to have any negative impacts on me, but your mileage might vary.
Moral of the story: always test things out on yourself to see how you’ll respond!
How to Substitute Xylitol for Sugar
Because xylitol has approximately the same sweetness as sugar it makes it quite easy to substitute in existing recipes. Here are a few things you might want to keep in mind if you decide to try out xylitol:
The same action that prevents yeast and bacteria from proliferating in the presence of xylitol prevents xylitol from working in yeast-based breads. If you’re making a yeast bread, you’ll have to use good ole’ fashioned sugar.
Be sure to grind xylitol if a recipe does not have a significant amount of moisture or your final product will be gritty.
A food processor, magic bullet, or coffee grinder all work wonderfully for this.
Xylitol absorbs more moisture than sugar, so you may need to increase liquid content.
Cooling is sometimes present when using xylitol. By cooling, I mean a menthol-type effect. The sensation you get with a strong mint. This can be decreased or eliminated by cutting down on the xylitol and using other sweeteners.
If you would like to use xylitol as a brown sugar replacement, add 2 teaspoons of molasses per 1 cup of xylitol.
Xylitol acts as a preservative and increases the shelf life of baked goods.
Xylitol will not caramelize or brown your baked goods the way sugar will.
Kidney beans are a variety of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), a legume native to Central America and Mexico.
Kidney beans are a important food crop, and a major source of protein throughout the world.
It's a very popular legume because of its great taste, texture and flavor. Their seed coat is dark red in color and their cotyledon are kidney shaped.
Kidney beans are full of potassium, magnesium, iron and protein. Hence, this is a good meat substitute for vegetarians. Kidney beans also have several disease-fighting antioxidants that promote a healthy and strong immunity.
Kidney beans are also useful as a part of a weight loss diet, while also promoting colon health and moderating blood sugar levels.
Used in a variety of traditional dishes, kidney beans are usually eaten well cooked.Kidney beans are an excellent plant-based source of protein.
They are also rich in various minerals, vitamins, fibers, antioxidants, and other unique plant compounds.
Vitamins and Minerals in Kidney Beans:
- Molybdenum: Beans are high in molybdenum, a trace element mainly found in seeds, grains, and legumes .
- Folate: Also known as folic acid or vitamin B9, folate is considered particularly important during pregnancy.
- Iron: An essential mineral that has many important functions in the body. Iron may be poorly absorbed from beans due to their phytate content.
- Copper: An antioxidant trace element that is often low in the Western diet. Aside from beans, the best dietary sources of copper are organ meats, seafood, and nuts.
- Manganese: Found in most foods and drinks, especially in whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.
- Potassium: An essential nutrient that may have beneficial effects on heart health .
- Vitamin K1: Also known as phylloquinone, vitamin K1 is important for blood coagulation.
- Phosphorus: Found in almost all foods, phosphorus is high in the Western diet.
Other Plant Compounds in Kidney beans:
Kidney beans contain a variety of bioactive plant compounds, both good and bad. Phytohaemagglutinin is a toxic lectin only found in raw or improperly cooked kidney beans.
Isoflavones: A class of antioxidants found in high amounts in soybeans. They have all sorts of health effects and are categorized as phytoestrogens due to their similarity to the female sex hormone, estrogen.
Anthocyanins: A family of colorful antioxidants found in the skin of kidney beans. The color of red kidney beans is mainly due to an anthocyanin known as pelargonidin.
Phytohaemagglutinin: A toxic lectin (protein) found in high amounts in raw kidney beans, especially red kidney beans. It can be eliminated with cooking.
Phytic acid: Found in all edible seeds, phytic acid (phytate) impairs the absorption of various minerals, such as iron and zinc. It can be reduced by soaking, sprouting and fermenting the beans.
Starch blockers: A class of lectins, also known as alpha-amylase inhibitors. They impair or delay the absorption of carbs from the digestive tract, but are inactivated with cooking.
Pistachio's health benefits include healthy heart, weight management, protection against diabetes and hypertension, and improved digestion. The vitamins, minerals, fats and protein found in pistachio are all great for your health.
