Pineapple that has been properly matured contain  approximately 11% carbohydrates, most of which are sugars. Their fat and protein contents are negligible. The prevalent vitamins in pineapple are  C, B1, and B6.It is also a good source of folates. Among the minerals it contain are manganese, followed by copper, potassium, magnesium, and iron. For the most antioxidants, choose fully ripened pineapple. Varieties of  Pineapple There are four types of pineapples mainly found in the marketplace. These include the Gold, smooth Cayenne, Red Spanish and Sugar Loaf. They are sold fresh and canned and all have a sweet flavor. The Gold variety features an extra sweet flavor, golden color, and higher vitamin C content. Fresh pineapple juiceslices of pineapple Pineapple from my garden Health Benefits :  Potential Anti-Inflammatory and Digestive Benefits Bromelain is a complex mixture of substances that can be extracted from the stem and core fruit of the pineapple.This is a protein-digesting enzyme capable of breaking down proteins and releasing the amino acids that form them. .Because of this, the pineapple bromelin has long been used in the food industry as meat tenderizer. It has been shown that pineapple is a powerful inhibitor of the formation of nitrosamines. These carcinogenic substances form in the stomach as a chemical reaction between nitrites and certain proteins contained in foods. Nitrosamines are known to be one of the leading causes of stomach cancer. Vitamin C  alone impedes the formation of nitrosamines, but pineapple whole or fresh juice has been shown much more effective.Pineapple is recommended as a preventative for those at high risk for stomach cancer. Those who suffer from the disease can also benefit from this delicious fruit in preventing the recurrence. How to Select and Store Pineapples Look for pineapples that are heavy for their size. While larger pineapples will have a greater proportion of edible flesh, there is usually no difference in quality between a small and large size pineapple. Pineapples should be free of soft spots, bruises and darkened “eyes,” all of which may indicate that the pineapple is past its prime. Pineapple stops ripening as soon as it is picked, so choose fruit with a fragrant sweet smell at the stem end. Avoid pineapple that smells musty, sour or fermented. Pineapple that has been cut up should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will stay fresher and retain more taste and juiciness if you also place some liquid, preferably some juice from the pineapple, in the container. Although pineapple can be frozen, this process greatly affects its flavor. For more information click here Source : CDC, Foods that Heal- George D. Pamplona,  Natural Remedies...

Broccoli: Anticarcinogens An anticarcinogen is any chemical which reduces the occurrence of cancers, reduces the severity of cancers that do occur, or acts against cancers that do occur, based on evidence from in vitro studies, animal models, epidemiological studies and/or clinical studies.Its phytochemicals retard or stop the growth of cancerous cells. Other anticarcinogenic foods are; Cauliflower, cabbage, oranges, lemons, plums, grapes and tomatoes. Eat some brocolli today. Its heart healthy.   Source: Foods that Heal George D. Pamplona-Roger,M.D. Wikepedia...

 Your skin helps maintain your health by providing: Protection. Your skin helps prevent infectious agents and other harmful substances from entering your body and protects your internal organs and structures against injury. It also keeps you from losing the life-sustaining fluids that keep your body tissues hydrated and nourished. Heat regulation. Blood vessels in your skin expand or contract according to how warm or cold you are. When you’re hot, you sweat. The evaporation of the sweat on your skin lowers your body’s temperature. When you’re cold, the blood vessels in your skin narrow, causing your skin to become pale and cold. With decreased blood flow in your skin, you lose less heat, conserving it for your vital organs. Sensation. Sensory nerves in your skin send signals to your brain about hazards, such as injury, extreme heat or extreme cold. Another group of specialized nerve endings in your skin stimulates nerve and endocrine systems that lead to sexual excitement. Waste disposal. Sweat glands in your skin excrete waste products, such as urea , a by-product of protein metabolism. However, this is a minor pathway of waste disposal compared with your kidneys’ production of urine. Early warning of health problems. Your skin’s texture, temperature, color and clarity all give information about your general health. For example, a yellowish cast to your skin may be a sign of liver disease. (Jaundice) Your hair and nails serve important health functions, too. The hair on your head helps keep you warm, helps protect your scalp from excessive sun exposure and cushions your head in the event of trauma. The hair around your nose, ears and eyes, including your eyebrows and eyelashes, helps screen out dust and other irritating particles. Your nails help protect the sensitive tips of your fingers and toes and provide signs as to your general health. For example, certain changes in the appearance of your nails can be an early sign of illness. Optimal health of skin, hair, and nails is very much dependant on adequate daily intake of key nutrients including vitamins, minerals, trace elements, essential fatty acids and various phytonutrients. Proper nutrition and dietary supplementation help ensure smooth and clear skin, firm and healthy nails, as well as shiny and vital hair. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and hydrate your body. Take proper care of your hair and nails. For more  information about  what your nails may be saying about you. Watch this slideshow Source: Mayo Clinic, Medical Encyclopedia, Anatomy and...

Oranges are highly valued for their vitamin C content. And contain four potent antioxidants: vitamin C, beta-carotene, ( provitamin A), flavonoids and folic acid. It is a primary source of vitamin C for most Americans. This wonderful fruit has more to offer nutritionally than just this one nutrient, containing sufficient amounts of folacin, calcium, potassium, thiamin, niacin and magnesium. This sweet, juicy fruit contains the cholesterol-fighting fiber pectin — as well as potassium, which helps control blood pressure. A small study shows that orange juice may improve blood vessel function  (arteriosclerosis and thrombosis) and modestly lower blood pressure through the antioxidant hesperidin. There are many different varieties of oranges. sweet orange, the sour orange, and the mandarin orange, or tangerine. Seville orange is sour and used to make liquers and marmalades. Sweet favorites include the Blood, Hamlin, Jaffa, Navel, Pineapple and  Valencia. Other oranges are Parson Brown,Red Cara Navel and the Moro orange (a type of blood orange) Tip: A medium orange averages 62 calories, with 3 grams of fiber. Eat an orange everyday, its heart healthy food. See Safe Handling of Raw Produce and Fresh-Squeezed Juices Sources: CDC Center for Disease Control Wellness Encyclopedia of Food and Nutrition Dept of Health and Human Service Foods that Heal WebMd Disclaimer...

Heart Healthy Foods:  Some are: Flaxseed, Low-Fat Yogurt, Cayenne Chili Pepper, Cherries, Blueberries, Kosher Salt, Fresh Herbs- such as (thyme, rosemary, sage, and oregano), Black Beans, Salmon: Super Food, Tuna for Omega-3s, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Walnuts, Almonds, Tofu, Edamame, Sweet Potatoes and Oranges. Health Fact:Rosemary, sage, oregano and thyme contain antioxidants. Fresh herbs make many other foods heart-healthy when they replace the use of salt, fat, and cholesterol. These flavor powerhouses, along with nuts, berries; form a global approach to heart-wise eating. Eat healthy to help  fight heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.  Salmon   Tuna:    Extra Virgin Olive Oil:  Walnuts:  Almonds :  Edamame:  Tofu:   Sweet Potatoes:   Oranges:  Swiss Chard:  Carrots Barley: Try this nutty, whole grain in place of rice with dinner or simmer barley into soups and stews. The fiber in barley can help lower cholesterol levels and may lower blood glucose levels, too. Barley contains antioxidants, which are also important for maintaining good health. Barley contains several vitamins and minerals including niacin (Vitamin B3), thiamine ( Vitamin B1), selenium, iron, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and copper. Barley contains phytochemicals, which are natural plant-based chemicals, (are responsible for color and organoleptic properties, in plants) The  “whole grain” or hullness /hulled barley is the most nutritious.  Pearl barley is quick, but much of the heart-healthy fiber has been removed during the refining process. Make  barley one of  your heart health  choice food  for its soluble fiber content, along with its naturally low-fat content and zero cholesterol.  Barley is available in several forms (pearled, flour and flakes), Barley can be used in many different recipes  for  breakfast, lunch and dinner. Oatmeal: Flaxseed: Foods Fortified With Sterols Low-Fat Yogurt Cayenne Chili Pepper: Kosher Salt Cherries: Blueberries: Black Beans: Mild, tender black beans are packed with heart-healthy nutrients including folate, antioxidants, magnesium for lowering blood pressure, and fiber — which helps control both cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Brown Rice: B-complex vitamins; fiber, niacin, magnesium, fiber. Broccoli: Beta-carotene (a carotenoid); Vitamins C and E, potassium, folate, calcium, fiber. Asparagus: Beta-carotene and lutein (carotenoids); B-complex vitamins, folate, fiber Spinach: Lutein (a carotenoid); B-complex vitamins, folate, magnesium, potassium, calcium, fiber. Red Bell Peppers: Beta-carotene and lutein (carotenoids), B-complex vitamins, folate, potassium, fiber. Papaya: Beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein (carotenoids); Vitamins C and E; folate; calcium; magnesium; potassium Cantaloupe: Alpha- and beta-carotene and lutein (carotenoids); B-complex and C vitamins; folate; potassium; fiber. Tea:  Catechins and flavonols (flavonoids). B-complex vitamins — like Vitamin B-12 (folate) and Vitamin B-6 — protect against blood clots and atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Niacin (vitamin B-3) helps increase HDL “good” cholesterol. Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that protect cells from free radical damage. Magnesium, potassium, and calcium help lower blood pressure. Fiber-rich foods help to lower cholesterol levels. Further Readings:...

Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules produced when your body breaks down food or by environmental exposures like radiation,and tobacco smoke. Free radical damage may lead to cancer, heart disease and other diseases.  Antioxidants interact with and stabilize free radicals and may prevent some of the damage free radicals might otherwise cause. Examples of antioxidants include   beta-carotene,  lycopene,  vitamins  C, E, and A,  lutein, selenium, and other substances. Antioxidants are found in many foods. These include fruits and vegetables, nuts, grains, and some meats, poultry and fish. Selenium: A mineral that is needed by the body to stay healthy. It is being studied in the prevention and treatment of some types of cancer. Selenium is a type of antioxidant. Lycopene : A red pigment found in tomatoes and some fruits. It is an antioxidant and may help prevent some types of cancer. Beta carotene:  A substance found in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables and in dark green, leafy vegetables. The body can make vitamin A from beta carotene. Beta carotene is being studied in the prevention of some types of cancer. It is a type of antioxidant. References: National Cancer Institute,  MedlinePlus, Medical Dictionary...