Archive for the ‘Fruits Basket’ Category

Top Vegetables and Fruits Rich in Vitamin C

July 29th, 2015

Vitamin C is a crucial nutrient occurring naturally. It is needed by the human body on a daily basis for diverse needs like rebuilding bones and tissue, preventing colds and flu and for synthesizing calcium. Deficiency in vitamin C for a long period will cause serious health problems.

We have been drilled to realize the fact that citrus fruits are the best source of vitamin C. But this is only part of the story. Citrus fruits are not the only containers of Vitamin C. Vitamin C in one serving of pineapple, Brussels sprouts, papaya, straw berries and broccoli far exceeds that found in one orange.

Here is a list of top fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C:

  • Strawberries: The tastiest and healthiest berries in nature, they are rich in vitamin C. They have high fibre and anti-oxidants, which reduce oxidative stress and free radicals. They also lower LDL cholesterol.
  • Acerola cherry: It is a tiny red fruit rich in vitamin C. In fact, it contains 65 times as much Vitamin C as an orange. When out of season, they can be had in powder form

 

  • Papayas: Rich in vitamin C, one serving holds 100% of your daily requirement. Also rich in Vitamin A, you can add this fruit to your smoothies.
  • Black currant: Blessed with a rich purple colour, it is naturally rich in Vitamin C. It contains 180 mgs of vitamin C per serving as also iron, potassium and phyto-chemicals

 

  • Kiwi: This little green fruit from New Zealand is packed with more Vitamin C than an orange. They are also rich in flavonoids and have as much potassium as in a banana.
  • Bell peppers: Another vegetable rich in Vitamin C and beta carotene. These have been studied for their cardio vascular health benefits preventing blood clot formation thus helping to control heart disease and stroke. There is 140 mg of vitamin C in half cup of raw red pepper. All peppers are rich in Vitamin C, but yellow has highest followed by red

 

  • Guavas: This fruit is rich in Vitamin C with one medium size containing 250 mg of vitamin C. It is also rich in Magnesium and potassium, folic acid and dietary fibre making it one of the most nutritious foods.
  • Brussels sprouts: Though not liked by everyone, it has a good reputation as a source of vitamin C. One cup of Brussels sprouts cooked has 50 mg of Vitamin C. It is also rich in Vitamins A and K, folate, potassium, manganese and dietary fibre.

 

  • Melons: Most melons are rich in Vitamin C. One cup of Cantaloupe gives you 67 mg of Vitamin C and also potassium and Vitamin A. One serving of water melon will give over 100 mg of Vitamin C.
  • Green leafy vegetables: Watercress, spinach, chard, turnip greens, mustard greens and Kale are all rich sources of vitamin C for your diet. Kale is the best source of vitamin C having 130 mg of vitamin C in one serving.
  • Gooseberry: One of the richest sources of vitamin C, this nutrient rich fruit used widely in naturopathy and Ayurveda. It has one of the most concentrated contents of Vitamin C

 

Other foods rich in Vitamin C include broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes and herbs (parsley, Cilantro), etc. Include an assortment of these fruits and vegetables when you try to deliver fruit basket to a loved one, especially one who is recovering from an illness.

 

Collection of exotic fruits worth tasting

July 15th, 2015

A popular trend of today is to gift hampers and baskets that contain assorted items. Such gifts give the flexibility of packaging myriad kinds of items satiating one’s appetite. One such popular item is fruits baskets. Pronouncing a healthy gifting option, fruit baskets are quickly catching up in the gifting world. One can add in simple ordinary fruits with exotic range that have a different tinge, getup and taste, exciting the very taste buds. Exotic fruits are unique in appeal and add an extra charm to the fruit basket. While one can add in the usual apples, oranges and banana, here is a list of some exotic fruits, which are sure to allure the minds of the receivers.

  • Prickly Pears– Commonly known as cactus pears, this exotic fruit comes in myriad and vibrant hues which is the basic attraction. The pulpy fruit has golden tinge which has a bit of tangy taste. Rich in magnesium, prickly pears can be had with their skin removed to enjoy the pulp and the crunchy seeds. This surely will add to bring in a dash of colors to the fruit basket
  • Longans– If you love lychee, this will be one of your favorites. Long-ans- the brown to reddish skin fruit comes with a translucent skin and a black single seed inside covered in sweetish pulp. Has a different kind of taste, but well that’s what makes it exotic in the first place.
  • Star Fruit– Enunciating a wow shape, star fruits are one of the best items of assortment. Their glossy skin, appeasing taste and crunchy texture seem a feast for the eyes and golden for the taste buds. They are highly rich in Vitamin C and dietary fibres. So apart from the look, star fruits are also power packed with nutritional value. Apart from the seeds, the entire fruit can be had and it truly forms of the best exotic fruits.
  • Kumquats– Resembling small sized oranges, kumquats is an exotic fruit, which is a good source of Vitamin C. Having a single serve of kumquats, can be really useful since it helps to fight infections, and its antioxidant properties keep the skin pure while fighting for germs. This unique exotic fruit can be had along with the skin.
  • Physalis– A typical lantern type of shape can be seen with this exotic fruit that comes in shades of yellow and green. It tastes somewhat like a tomato with a tangy sour flavor. It can definitely enhance the look of your fruit basket by addition of one or two of them.
  • Jabuticaba– This exotic fruit has a different tinge of purple which all it takes to make it look stunning. The fruits can be seen lined in the branch of the trees, covered with wart like symbols. Though it looks similar to that of plum, there is a huge variation in terms of taste
  • African Horned Cucumber– Native to Africa, this beautiful fruit has a prickly yellow exterior and a green interior resembling that of cucumber. Rich in fiber and vitamin C and great in appeal, this is one unique exotic fruit

So, add some of these exotic fruit collection and make your fruit basket a unique one.

Know Your Favourite Fruits Better

July 7th, 2015

Fruits are a favourite among all age groups, in all seasons. Nowadays, people believe in delicious celebrations by sending fruit baskets to their loved ones. It not only gives a taste of love but also a taste of care with all its nutritional values. Here is a list of fruits that you had no idea were so beneficial to your health.

Apple -Antioxidants called flavonoids found in apple aid in eliminating the possibility of developing asthma and diabetes. Also, apples act as nature’s own mouth freshener, cleaning your mouth and teeth with each crisp bite. Who can forget, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away!”

Banana-Bananas are the richest in potassium among all other fruits which are very important to maintain normal blood pressure. Its high fibre content lowers cholesterol, thus ensuring a healthy functioning heart.

BlackBerry-Blackberries contain anthocyanin, a very powerful antioxidant which helps reduce the risk of cancer and stroke. Blackberry extracts, according to studies, fight the development of lung cancer cells.

Grapes-A good content of resveratrol in grapes helps the prevention of heart diseases by maintaining the required blood pressure and also removing the possibility of blood clots. The spread of stomach, breast and cancer cells are also stopped by resveratol.

Mango-A very high content of the antioxidants zeazanthin and lutein is found in mangoes. They help in protecting eyesight and lower the possibility of macular degeneration which occurs with age. Macular degeneration is the main cause of adult blindness.

Orange-Orange is an excellent fruit for pregnant women. They contain folate, which is an important vitamin for expecting mothers that help to prevent defects related to neural tube in their infants. Oranges also contain hesperidin, a phytochemical which reduces blood cholesterol levels.

Papaya-Papayas hold papain, an enzyme which helps digestion. Also, their rich vitamin A content helps in maintaining the beauty and health of one’s skin.

Pear-Pears are the natural solution to constipation owing to their soluble content of fibre. They also aid in reducing blood cholesterol levels and combat heart diseases.

Pineapple-Lamebrain, a natural enzyme, breaks down protein along with aiding digestion. Pineapples are rich in bromelain, which also aid in preventing blood clots and help in healing wounds faster.

Pomegranate-The antioxidant called tannins is found in pomegranates, which protect the heart. According to studies, if pomegranate is consumed daily, it will promote a normal level of blood pressure and also lower the possibility of a heart attack.

Watermelon-Considering that 92 percent of this fruit is water, it is very aptly named.  Not only is it low in calories, it is also makes for a mouth-watering treat for the sweet tooth. It is perfect for a person on a weight loss diet.

Cherry-The antioxidant anticyclonic is the richest in your all time favorite cherries. These help lower inflammation and caress the pain of gout and arthritis.

Since you know the power of fruits now, so the next time you are planning to send a gift to someone, send a basket full of nutritious fruits as a token of your love.

Amazing health benefits of raspberry

June 17th, 2015

A popular gifting item in today’s scenario is fresh fruit basket gifts. Consisting of assortment of fruits, it serves the purpose of a sweet present along with a healthy quotient attached to it. Lots of choices are available for fruits; however, one choice is really worth giving a try- the raspberry. With a beautifully red hue, this fruit is a pool of vitamins and minerals which make it an ideal healthy fruit. So let’s explore some of the nutritive and health benefits of this exotic fruit.

Nutritive Value

Raspberry is a good source of vitamins and minerals. In fact, these vitamins and minerals are essential requirements in the development of the body which can be easily achieved by having this fruit.

  • Vitamins– Raspberry is a good source of vitamins. The main vitamins consist of Vitamin C, Vitamin K and Vitamin E. Vitamin C consists of about 43%, vitamin K about 11% and vitamin E about 7% of the total nutritive value of the fruits. All these vitamins are essential for the body. Vitamin C is a water soluble rich source of antioxidants which help to destroy the free radicals reducing the risk of the body for allergies towards allergy. Vitamin C is also very good for skin. Vitamin K is helpful in blood clotting and preventing internal bleeding of the body. It is also useful in bone built up. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant and helps to protect the tissues of the blood vessels.
  • Minerals-Raspberry is a rich source of minerals such as manganese (41%), fibre (32%), copper, magnesium and omega 3 fats. Manganese is a quintessential mineral for producing certain enzymes which are essential for bone formation. Fibre is necessary for cleaning the tract of the intestine and removing all the unwanted food. Copper helps in body metabolism, effective utilization of iron and helps to prevent premature aging. Magnesium, on the other hand, helps in absorption of calcium and also aids in protein synthesis. Omega 3 is a part of the poly-unsaturated fats which help to reduce the risk of heart stroke and related diseases. Overall, the mineral content in raspberry is quite crucial for our body needs.

Health benefits of raspberry

In addition to the nutritive value, raspberry has umpteen health benefits. Some of them are as follows:

  • Research suggests that raspberry has certain poly-nutrients which aid in  providing anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
  • There is a special compound found in raspberries called ketone which consists of rheosmin which increases the fat enzyme activity in the cells thus increasing their metabolism. As a result, it reduces obesity by a considerable amount.
  • Raspberry has been found very effective in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes if 2 bowls are consumed per week.
  • According to a recent research, the risk of cardiovascular diseases which are caused by inflammation can be prevented by compounds called anthocyanin which is found in high amount in raspberry.
  • Raspberry anti-oxidants can help to fight cancer and reduce its risk by a considerable amount.

With all these health benefits, raspberry is surely a great fruit to have.

Some reasons to have guava this season!

June 17th, 2015

Guava is a great fruit to have. Apart from its specific sweet taste, it forms a main component for fresh fruit basket gifts. Although you may or may not like this fruit, we give you solid reasons that are proven beneficial to your health.

  • Helps in improving immunity– Guava is a rich source of vitamin C which is one of the factors that help to improve the immunity level of the body. It also acts as a protective shield against common infections
  • Reduces the risk of cancer– Guava has certain chemical compounds such as lycopene, quercitin and other polyphenols which are attributed to reducing the levels of cancer or tumour growth by acting as strong antioxidants against the free radicals that are generated.
  • Controls blood sugar level– Guava has a high content of fibres which are essential for controlling the blood sugar level. All the more it has a very low glaucoma index which keeps a check on the sudden increase of sugar levels in the body.
  • Guava is rich in contents such as vitamin C, lycopene and carotene which work wonders for prolonging the process of aging and wrinkles and hence is quite helpful for the skin.
  • Guava is a good fruit to help regularize the heart health. It helps to maintain the sodium and potassium balance in the body and thus prevent heart strokes. In addition, guava also helps to lower down the bad cholesterol levels in the body.
  • Guava is a good source of fibres which help to clean out the blocked colon tract and thus improve the digestive capacity of the body.
  • Guava contains vitamin A which is essential for improving the vision. All the more, vitamin A is required for relieving one from night blindness and hence a good amount should be had on a weekly basis.
  • Guava has been proven to be a good stress buster since it contains high level of magnesium. So, it is a natural way to beat the stress and keep the nerves in a relaxed state of mind.
  • Guava is considered quite well for brain. It has essential vitamins such as vitamin B3 (niacin) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) which help to increase the blood circulation to the brain and helps to boost its level.
  • Guava has an anti-bacterial activity which helps to fight germs and bacteria and hence the leaves can be used as an agent for reducing tooth ache naturally

All these health benefits are attributed to the fact that guava has a very high nutritional value. Let’s explore them:

  • Guava is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C constitutes a major portion of the entire content. Vitamin C is very good for skin and also helps in boosting the immunity. In addition, it also contains Vitamin K, vitamin B3 and B9 which all help in body metabolism. Amongst minerals, the content of magnesium and potassium which are good for the body as they help in reducing stress levels and help in bone formation respectively.

Hence, have a guava on a regular basis.