Mangosteen - Health Benefits

Mangosteen is a dark purple tropical fruit. Mangosteen known as the 'Queen of fruits'. The outer skin is a hard rind about an inch thick. Its is opened by pressing it a little hard at the center. The center is a soft white juicy fruit. The fruit tastes slightly tart but basically sweet. The taste of the fruit cannot be compared with any other fruit as such. The fruit grows best in hot tropical climates. The plant is a slow growing plant. The harvest is also not known to be irregular. The Mangosteen rind contain tannin which is known for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent properties. They are used to treat conditions like diarrhea. The rind is rich in pectin. Some of the chemicals that are present in the rind of the fruit help prevent breast cancer, leukemia and colon cancer. Mangosteens are potential sources of 'Xanthones' that aid in support of the entire health. It helps to protect the body against the free radicals by killing the bacteria and fungus. Mangosteens are also know for their anti bacteria, anti-diabetic, anti-ulcer properties. They help in improving the joint flexibility. Mangosteen loses its flavor once canned. Mangosteen juice is a delicacy. The fruit as well as the beverages are costly. The Mangosteen grows well in warm climate. These are evergreen trees. The yield varies from plant to plant. For more tips on nutrition visit http://www.healthtips.in/nutritious-food.asp

Sweet Corn - Health Benefits

Corn is one of the most popular vegetables. Corn on the cob is a real great treat. Its not only a tasty vegetable but also brings in many health benefits with it. It is rich in several nutrients. Corn is a low-fat complex carbohydrate. Its high fiber content helps prevent colon cancer. Corn is helpful in curing kidney problems including renal dysfunction.   Corn is a good source of folic acid, niacin, and vitamin C. The folic acid in corn is helps prevent risk of  certain birth defects. Corn starch helps prevent diaper rash in babies.  It is a known body building food.  Corn contains beta-carotene, which increases supply of hemoglobin, a protein that delivers oxygen to cells, preventing fatigue. Sweet corn is great with soups and stews.  Its an important ingredient in salads

Health Benefits of Cherries

The word cherry refers to both the tree and the fleshy fruit (drupe) that contains a single stony seed. Cherry belongs to the family Rosaceae, genus Prunus, along with almonds, peaches, plums, apricots and bird cherries. The cherries selected for eating are derived primarily from two species – the wild cherry, which has given rise to the Sweet Cherry to which most cherry cultivars belong, and the Sour Cherry, used mainly for cooking.Besides fruit, cherries have attractive flowers, and are commonly planted for their flower display in spring. Several Asian cherries are particularly noted for their attractive flowers. The Japanese sakura, in particular, is a national symbol and is celebrated in the yearly Hanami Festival.

Health Benefits of Chives

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) is the smallest species of the onion family alliceae, native to Europe, Asia and North America. Chives can be used for control of high blood pressure. The whole plant has a beneficial effect on the digestive system and blood circulation. Shredded Chives are used for garnishing and flavoring many food preparations like soups etc.,

Cardamom - Health Benefits

Cardamom, commonly known as Elaichi is a spice variety native to India. However, countries like Nepal , Srilanka, Guatemala, Mexico also cultivate Cardamom to a greater extent. It is a perennial plant with a thick rootstock. It grows to a height of 6-12 feet. It is the dried unripened fruit of the plant. The pod contains tiny brown aromatic seeds which are slightly pungent to taste. The Indian cardamom is said to be of superior quality than the others. Cardamom is best stored in pod form, because once the seeds are exposed or ground, they quickly lose their flavor. It is often referred as the ‘Grains of Paradise’.
Cardamom is usually used to flavor a variety of dishes. The spice is also very popular in the Scandinavian countries. cardamom is broadly used to treat infections in teeth and gums, to prevent and treat throat troubles, congestion of the lungs and pulmonary tuberclosis, inflammation of eyelids and also digestive disorders. It is also reportedly used as an antidote for both snake and scorpion venom.