Vol.V, No.4
www.realestatenewsline.com
April 2019
Another Side To Bananas And Berries, Etc By Pat Farrell
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID San Antonio, Texas Paid Permit #1590
By now you know that bananas are berries, but berries are not, and potatoes are, well, potatoes. But did you know that both of the above mentioned fruits, along with many other food items, are capable of contributing some healing or curative powers when it comes to human body health? This is due to specific substances (phytochemicals) that are produced by each plant, and when released are thought to be responsible for those special powers as they go about the business of interacting with a body’s cells, organ functions and/or general daily activities. However, keep in mind that phytochemicals can be either phytotoxins (poisonous) or phytonutrients (healthful), so if one plans to remain on this side of the grass it would be most important to focus on the phytonutrients! Most of us would consider it ideal if our health were to remain manageable which would mean that we are able have the levels of everything (cells and activities) in our bodies remain at the prescribed levels, i.e. neither too high nor too low. For
that to happen we need to be able to overcome threats of disruptions from things like inflammations, organic malfunctions and the oxidative stress associated with the damage of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids in the body. We can all help ourselves if we remember - “You are what you eat!” We have all heard it said that you should not try to compare apples and oranges and that caveat would certainly apply here as well. Even though both their particular phytonutrients are busy trying to maintain the body’s health, the apple and the orange each take particular aim at different targets. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties the apple should be the go-to fruit anytime one is concerned with warding off any inflammatory condition which could include those affecting the brain, kidney, liver or intestines, to name a few. If your major concern is maintaining the health of your heart then the apple is a primary fruit for you! And, although it has been said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away that should be taken only as a means of prevention and is not an established cure. Should any of these conditions begin to rear their ugly heads for you then a trip to the doctor’s office is in order. Most scientists agree (which in itself is an oxymoron) that the health benefits from regularly eating apples can be many and significant. Research has indicated the apple’s role in protecting us from developing heart disease is most likely due to its ability to lower cholesterol, and the results from a study in Europe showed that for those who ate just under two ounces of apples a day, women were 43% and men 19% less likely to die from heart disease. And the apple’s role in protection against developing Diabetes (Type 2) comes from its ability to lower blood sugar, and this was apparent in the results of a study in SouthAmerica where more than 35,000 women, who routinely ate more than one apple a day, were shown to be linked to a 28% lower risk of developing the disease. And then there is the orange. Examination of the Mediterranean diet along with recent orange studies have demonstrated that
oranges play a very significant role in the prevention of cancers, especially those of the lung, pancreas, breast, cervix, colon and rectum. There is also indication that the whole orange may come into play in the treatment of cancer as it contains every natural anticancer inhibitor known, but all of this power of the orange may not be exclusive to it as some extends across the varieties of citrus fruits such as mandarins, lemons and limes. It is in the oil of the citrus fruit peel where we find a phytonutrient known as limonene, accepted as one that helps stop cancer before it begins, but unfortunately that is the exceptionally potent part of the orange that we routinely throw away! Limonene acts to reduce activities of those proteins that can trigger abnormal cell growth. Studies have shown that for those who routinely use the citrus fruit peel in their cooking, as do the Mediterranean people, their risk for squamous cell carcinoma is reduced by 50%. And, it is oranges that are known for their high Vitamin C content and it too is anticarcinogenic and thought responsible for helping reduce the incidence of stomach, oral and esophageal cancers. And speaking of cancer fighters, most folks don’t pay much attention to the sweet potato (or yam) except around Thanksgiving time when it might be included in the array of foods set on the dinner table, but this food is the “super hero” in the cancer fight. The primary phytonutrients of the sweet potato consist of more than 600 Carotenoid compounds, one of which is Vitamin A (betacarotene), and another substance called Sporamin. The Carotenoids act as antioxidants, protecting the cell DNA against oxidative damage while inhibiting cancer cell growth and improving immune functions. Sporamin, which makes up 80% of the sweet potato’s proteins slows the growth of colon cancer cells but also decreases the ability of cancer cells to metastasize to other parts of the body. So, let’s hear it for the sweet potato, which has actually been shown to improve cancer survival. And then there is the avocado, sometimes called an alligator pear because of its shape
and color, which is also in the fight against many of the afore mentioned debilitating diseases. It is commonly prescribed for fat intake to be reduced when treating cardiovascular diseases, but, though 80% of the avocado’s total calories come from fat, it is still considered to be one of the most heart friendly foods. As with many of the other fruits we eat, it is the part we throw away, which in this case is the large pit, that could be the most beneficial for treatment of disease. In the fight against diabetes, oil extracted from the avocado seed has been found to have cell rejuvenation potential, can significantly reduce blood sugar and reduces oxidative stress on the liver. That same oil has been combined with oils from soybeans to produce a dietary supplement known as ASU (avocado soybean unsaponifiables) which has been seen to have beneficial effects on osteoarthritic conditions. As we age this is one fruit one might want to include in their diet! But let’s not forget the bananas and berries! Another big player in heart health is potassium which can help manage blood pressure, may lower the risk of stroke and can help with muscle cramps, and the banana provides plenty of potassium. A study of women over a 13 year period showed that those who ate bananas just two to three times a week were 33% less likely to experience kidney disease. And then there are the numerous disease-fighting benefits of the nonberries: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. All are recognized as active in preventing heart disease and in slowing some forms of cancer (strawberry- breast, colon and leukemia; blueberry – prostate; raspberry – esophageal and liver; blackberry – esophageal, liver, colon and lung). And finally, some research has shown that an extract from the blueberry may be promising in helping to improve memory, balance and coordination which could certainly be helpful for Alzheimer patients. So, should you consider adding apples, oranges, sweet potatoes, avocados, bananas and/or berries to your diet? Couldn’t hurt!