Tuesday, 1 November 2011

Benefits of Roselle

The roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a species of Hibiscus native to the Old World tropics, used for the production of bast fibre and as an infusion. It is an annual or perennial herb or woody-based subshrub, growing to 2–2.5 m (7–8 ft) tall. The leaves are deeply three- to five-lobed, 8–15 cm (3–6 in) long, arranged alternately on the stems.

The flowers are 8–10 cm (3–4 in) in diameter, white to pale yellow with a dark red spot at the base of each petal, and have a stout fleshy calyx at the base, 1–2 cm (0.39–0.79 in) wide, enlarging to 3–3.5 cm (1.2–1.4 in), fleshy and bright red as the fruit matures. It takes about six months to mature.

The scientists from University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) found certain varieties of roselle to contain high levels of organic acid called hydroxycitric acid (HCA) which is currently used in some weight loss products and supplements. This finding has added further value to the fruit which is already known to be rich in both vitamin C and anthocyanins (potent antioxidants).

Although the potential of HCA as a weight lowering compound has been recognised since 1970s, few clinical studies have been conducted with this compound. These few studies resulted in both positive and negative results, the negative ones are most likely due to HCA being poorly available in the cytosol of a target cell. Better HCA compounds, such as potassium HCA, are being developed to address this, i.e. to further improve the bioavailablity and the efficacy of HCA.

In any case roselle is already known as a health drink due to its high contents of vitamin C and anthocyanins (antioxidants). Vitamin C and anthocyanins found in roselle juice or tea drink are good for our health and can increase the level of resistance of our body to diseases. In some countries roselle is becoming increasingly popular for health purposes, for example its leaves and fruits are claimed to be effective in controlling high blood pressure.



Roselle, or Rosella Fruit, or Binomially speaking Hibiscus Sabdariffa. This annual or perennial herb is one of the species of Hibiscus. The fruit of Roselle plant become mature in about six months and that is when it gets beautiful bright red color. While still immature, this plant can have whitish or yellowish colors with a dark reddish spot at the bottom of each petal. The stem of the Roselle plant is cultivated for the production of Bast Fiber or Skin Fiber which is then used to make burlap (Woven Fabric, Gunny Cloth, or Coarse Fabric).

Roselle plant has been and still is considered as an AntiHypertensives (used to treat hypertension or high blood pressure), Mild Laxative (used to induce bowel movements), and Diuretic (used to elevate the rate of urination to treat drug overdose or poisoning). The Red Calyces or Sepals of this plant are used by some countries for food colorings, for flowers, for syrups, for jams, or for many different kinds of drinks. And the green leaves of Roselle can be used for salads, for curry, for teas, for lotions, for wounds, and for sores.

So, the Nutrients in one cup (57 grams) of Raw Roselle Plant without any refuse are:

- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B2, Riboflavin
- Vitamin B3, Niacin
- Vitamin C
- Protein
- Calcium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Natural Fats
- Carbohydrates
- Calories

According to these Nutrients we can come up with these Health Benefits of Roselle Plant:

Vitamin C:
- Improves wound healing
- Prevents cells from damages
- Improves gums health
- Improves teeth health
- Improves Immune System
- Protects from free radicals
- Reduces Aging
- Lowers Risks of some Cancers
- Improves Iron absorption
- Improves Lung health
- Prevents from frequent colds
- Protects from frequent infections

Calcium:
- Maintains healthy bones
- Improves nerve function
- Improves muscle function
- Supports Healthy blood clotting
- Reduces feet tingling
- Reduces hand tingling
- Lowers chance of retardation in children
- Reduces chance of bone deformities
- Reduces feet numbness
- Reduces hand numbness
- Improves teeth health

Benefits Pigeon Meat (Squab) For Health

 
Pigeons are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. In culinary terminology, squab is a young domestic pigeon or its meat. The meat is widely described as tasting like dark chicken. The term is probably of Scandinavian origin; the Swedish word skvabb means "loose, fat flesh". It formerly applied to all dove and pigeon species, such as the Wood Pigeon, the Mourning Dove, and the now-extinct Passenger Pigeon, and their meat. More recently, squab meat comes almost entirely from domesticated pigeons. The meat of dove and pigeon gamebirds hunted primarily for sport is rarely called squab.

The practice of domesticating pigeon as livestock may have come from the Middle East; historically, squabs or pigeons have been consumed in many civilizations, including Ancient Egypt, Rome and Medieval Europe. Although squab has been consumed throughout much of recorded history, it is generally regarded as exotic, not as a contemporary staple food; there are more records of its preparation for the wealthy than for the poor.

The modern squab industry uses utility pigeons. Squabs are raised until they are roughly a month old, when they reach adult size but have not yet flown, before being slaughtered.

 Benefits Pigeon Meat (Squab)  For Health


The Nutrients in one Raw Meat-Only Squab which is about 168 grams are:

- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B1, Thiamin (good amount)
- Vitamin B2, Riboflavin (good amount)
- Vitamin B3, Niacin (large amount)
- Vitamin B5, Pantothenic Acid
- Vitamin B6, Pyridoxine (good amount)
- Vitamin B9, Folate
- Vitamin B12, Cobalamin
- Vitamin C (good amount)
- Protein (large amount)
- Calcium
- Iron (good amount)
- Phosphorus (large amount)
- Selenium (good amount)
- Zinc (good amount)
- Copper (large amount)
- Natural Fats
- Cholesterol (large amount)
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- Omega 6 Fatty Acids
- Calories

Protein:
- Improves Immune system function
- Supports Healthy skin
- Supports Healthy nails
- Supports Healthy hair
- Supports enzyme production
- Reduces weight loss
- Lowers chances of fatigue
- Lowers chance of weakness
- Improves healthy development
- Supports blood clotting
- Improves healthy growth

Vitamin B3:
- Lowers Bad Cholesterol Levels (LDL)
- Raises Good Cholesterol Levels (HDL)
- Normalizes Blood Sugar Levels
- Supports Healthy Fat process
- Reduces Weakness
- Normalizes appetite
- Reduces skin infections
- Reduces digestive issues
- Provides Healthy Energy
- Improves Skin health

Copper:
- Reduces tissue damage
- Supports bone health
- Supports thyroid gland function
- Support Nerves health
- Increases Good Cholesterol (HDL)
- Decreases Bad Cholesterol (LDL)
- Reduces Fatigue
- Reduces Weakness

Vitamin B6:
- Supports Brain Function
- Provides Healthy Energy
- Reduces Risk of Heart attack
- Supports Nervous system
- Protects from homocysteine build-up
- Reduces fatigue
- Lowers chance of anemia
- Helps protect from eczema
- Helps protect from dermatitis
- Supports healthy skin
- May reduce seizures

Iron:
- Improves Oxygen distribution
- Improves Immune System
- Provides Healthy energy
- Reduces fatigue
- Reduces weakness
- Improves concentration ability
- Lowers chance of infections
- Supports healthy hair
- Reduces Dizziness
- Lowers chances of headaches
- Strengthens nails
- Protects from apathy
- Lowers risks of depression

Zinc:
- Helps prevent warts
- Helps cure from warts
- Improves Immune system function
- Supports cell growth
- Improves Wound Healing
- Improves smelling ability
- Improves tasting ability
- Normalizes blood sugar level
- Regulates metabolism
- Normalizes appetite
- Reduces depression
- Supports healthy growth in children
- Protects from frequent colds
- Protects from frequent infections

Vitamin B1:
- Regulates Energy Supplies
- Supports Healthy Heart Function
- May Increase appetite
- Reduces Numbness in Legs
- Supports Muscles
- Supports Nervous system
- Supports Cardiovascular function

Selenium:
- Protects from free radicals
- Improves thyroid function
- Reduces risk of joint inflammation
- Lowers chances of muscle pain
- Reduces weakness
- Protects from skin discoloration
- Protects from hair discoloration
- Lowers risk of some cancers
- Reduces risk of heart disease