Benefits Of Passion Fruit

Passion fruit is a small egg-shaped tropical fruit, which is also known by the name of Purple Granadillas. Passion fruit contains several seeds and has wrinkled purple brown rind on maturing. The seeds and the pulp inside, both are edible, making it easier to consume the fruit. Moreover, the pulp of the fruit has a distinct aroma and has a slightly sweet taste. In tropical countries, passion fruit is primarily used for juicing. The fruit is about 1 - 3 inches wide, with a smooth and waxy coating outside. Apart from its pleasant taste and appearance, the fruit is known for its various health benefits. To know about the nutritional value and benefits of Passion fruit, read on.

 

Nutritional Value of Passion Fruit

• ·         Given below is the nutrient value per 100 g of Passion Fruit 
• ·         Total Fat -1g
• ·         Sodium - 28mg 
• ·         Total Carbohydrates - 23g 
• ·         Dietary Fiber - 10g 
• ·         Sugars - 11g
• ·         Protein - 2g
• ·         Vitamin A - 1272 IU
• ·         Retional Activity Equivalent - 64 mcg 
• ·         Beta Carotene - 743 mcg 
• ·         Beta Cryptoxanthin - 41 mcg 
• ·         Vitamin C - 30 mg
• ·         Vitamin E - 0.02 mg
• ·         Vitamin K - 0.7 mcg
• ·         Riboflavin - 0.13 mg
• ·         Niacin - 1.5 mg
• ·         Vitamin B6 - 0.1 mg
• ·         Folate - 14 mcg  
• ·         Food Folate - 14 5.6 mcg
• ·         Dietary Folate Equivalents - 14 mcg
• ·         Calcium - 12 mg  
• ·         Iron - 1.6 mg  
• ·         Magnesium - 29 mg
• ·         Phosphorus - 68 mg
• ·         Potassium - 348 mg
• ·         Sodium - 28 mg
• ·         Zinc - 0.1 mg
• ·         Copper - 0.086 mg
• ·         Selenium - 0.6 mcg
• ·         Total Fat - 0.7 mg
• ·         Saturated Fat - 0.059 mg
• ·         Monounsaturated Fat - 0.086 mg
• ·         Polyunsaturated Fat - 0.411 mg 

 

Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Passion Fruit 

• ·         The juice of passion fruit reduces cancer cell growth. Though research is underway on this issue, the phytochemicals in the fruit juice are considered to inhibit cancer cell growth.
• ·         The phenolic acids and flavonoids present in the fruit are supposed to possess heart-protecting function.
• ·         The phenolic profile of the fruit is known for its anti-microbial activity.
• ·         Passion fruit is a good source of antioxidants, both water soluble and fat soluble ones.
• ·         Passion fruit is considered good for products which require pasteurization.
• ·         The fruit is quite high in carbohydrates and simple sugars, which improves athletic performance.
• ·         It contains plant sterols, which help in lowering the levels of cholesterol.
• ·         Passion fruit is a reservoir of Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Potassium.
• ·         The seeds of the fruit are very vital sources of fiber.
• ·         It is supposed to possess somniferous properties, which when taken before going to bed, help the person to relax and have a restful sleep.
• ·         It is very good for attaining optimum health and to reduce weight.

 

 Benefits of Passion Fruit :

- The juice but mainly the leaves of passion fruit contain the alkaloids, including Harman, which has blood pressure lowering, sedative and antispasmodic action. The passion fruit leaves are used in many countries as medicines.

 

- The flower of passion fruit has a mild sedative and can help to induce sleep. Passion flower has been used in the treatment of nervous and easily excited children, bronchial asthma, insomnia, nervous gastrointestinal disorders and menopausal problems. Passion flower is sometimes used as a mild hallucinogen. 

- Researchers at the University of Florida have found that yellow passion fruit extracts can kill cancer cells in vitro. The phytochemicals which are responsible for this anti-cancer effect are carotenoids and polyphenols. 

- A study by Watson and his co-workers showed that the consumption of purple passion fruit peel extract can reduce asthma symptoms. They selected 42 patients received an oral administration of purple passion fruit extract. The passion fruit extract supplementation reduced the wheezing by 75 percent and increased forced vital capacity.

Health Tips If You Work at a Computer..

Getting work done in today’s modern world typically involved spending time at a computer. For some, almost all of their work hours are spent in front of a computer. Computers are great, don’t get me wrong, but they certainly do not go hand in hand with a healthy lifestyle. Because of this, it’s even more important to take some of these tips into consideration so that you feel better and stay healthy.

 Sit Up Straight :

When you’re sitting at your computer, you’re in the same position for a long time. Since you’re in that position for a long time, you should be in a good one! Good posture will make you feel better and look better over time. If you slouch for a decade, your spine will react accordingly. Additionally, I feel that I work more productively when I sit up straight since it’s a less relaxed posture.

 Stretch It Out :

A good stretch is important when you’re at your computer all day. Try to stretch it out a little bit once every hour or so. Put your hands together and bend your fingers back. Arch your back in your chair and reach your arms to the sky. Stick out your legs and stretch your hamstrings. Twist in your chair to stretch your back. Pull each arm across your chest to stretch your shoulders. Roll your neck around. You’ll be happy you did.

Get Out Of Your Chair :

Get up off your sore but every once in a while. It will benefit you to rest your eyes and move your legs for a few minutes. I find if I get stuck at my computer for too long my brain starts to work less efficiently anyway. It helps to take a quick few minute mini-break every once in a while and recharge the brain in addition to moving around. Here’s a suggestion, head over to the sink and grab a drink of water.

Drink Water :

Staying hydrated is important, even if you’re not sweat or working really hard physically. Because you’re being sedentary you might not feel thirsty, but it’s still important to drink water. You’ll think clearer, feel better, and be hydrated for when you do go do something more physical when you get away from your computer.

Exercises Outside of Work :

The most important thing is to take some time when you get away from your computer to do something actually physically active. Don’t get sucked into a sedentary lifestyle. On the flip side, take advantage from the fact that your body is still fresh after work. Many people who work outside are too tired from a day of work to go and do something active and fun. You are in a position to go out after work and run around, go for a walk, play sports, hop on a bike, etc. Don’t head straight from your computer to the TV, that’s too much screen back to back.

മുള്ളന്‍ചക്ക . കാന്‍സര്‍ ചികിത്സക്ക് ഉത്തമം .

 നാലു മീറ്റര്‍ ഉയരത്തില്‍ തിളക്കമാര്‍ന്ന ഇലച്ചാര്‍ത്തുകളോടെ ശിഖരിച്ചുവളരുന്ന കുറ്റിച്ചെടിയാണ് മുള്ളന്‍ചക

്ക. മുള്ളാത്ത എന്നുകൂടി അറിയപ്പെടുന്ന ഇതിന്റെ

ശാസ്ത്രനാമം അനോണ മ്യൂറിക്കേറ്റ (Annona Muricata) എന്നാണ്. സീതപ്പഴവും ആത്തയും ഉള്‍പ്പെടുന്ന ജനുസ്സിലെ മറ്റൊരംഗം.

കരീബിയന്‍ പ്രദേശങ്ങളും മധ്യഅമേരിക്കയുമാണ് ജന്മദേശമെങ്കിലും മുള്ളന്‍ചക്ക ഏഷ്യന്‍ രാജ്യങ്ങളിലെ ഉഷ്ണമേഖലാപ്രദേശങ്ങളില്‍ വര്‍ഷങ്ങള്‍ക്കുമുമ്പുതന്നെ നട്ടുവളര്‍ത്തിവരുന്നുണ്ട്. ഇളം മഞ്ഞ നിറത്തില്‍ മാംസളമായ ദളങ്ങളോടുകൂടിയ പൂക്കളും നിറയെ മൃദുലമായ മുള്ളുകളാല്‍ ആവൃതമായ ഹൃദയാകാരത്തിലുള്ള ഫലങ്ങളും ഈ സസ്യത്തെ മറ്റിനങ്ങളില്‍നിന്നും വ്യത്യസ്തമാക്കുന്നു. ഒരടി വരെ നീളം വരുന്ന ഫലങ്ങള്‍ക്ക് ഒന്നു മുതല്‍ രണ്ടര കിലോഗ്രാം വരെ തൂക്കം വരും. ഒരോ ഫലത്തിലും അനേകം കറുത്ത വിത്തുകളും കാണാം.ഫലങ്ങള്‍ പാകമെത്തുന്നതോടെ പള്‍പ്പ് കൂടുതല്‍ രസഭരമാവുന്നു. മധുരവും അല്പം ചവര്‍പ്പും ഉള്ള പള്‍പ്പ് പലതരം പാനീയങ്ങള്‍ ഉണ്ടാക്കാന്‍ ഉപയോഗിച്ചുവരുന്നു. മുള്ളന്‍ചക്ക, ഐസ്‌ക്രീമിലും ഫ്രൂട്ട് സലാഡുകളിലും മെക്‌സിക്കോ, കൊളംബിയ എന്നിവിടങ്ങളില്‍ സാധാരണയായി ഉപയോഗിച്ചുവരുന്നുണ്ട്. മുള്ളന്‍ചക്ക കാര്‍ബോഹൈഡ്രേറ്റുകളാല്‍ സമ്പന്നമാണ്. ജീവകം സി, ബി1, ബി2, പൊട്ടാസിയം, നാരുകള്‍ എന്നിവയാലും സമ്പുഷ്ടമാണ്. മൂപ്പെത്തിയ കായ്കള്‍ കറിവെക്കുവാനും യോജിച്ചവയാണ്.

തെക്കേ അമേരിക്കയിലും കിഴക്കന്‍ ആഫ്രിക്കയിലും ഫ്ലോറിഡയിലും ചില ഏഷ്യന്‍ രാജ്യങ്ങളിലും വ്യാവസായികാടിസ്ഥാനത്തില്‍ കൃഷിചെയ്തുവരുന്ന മുള്ളന്‍ചക്ക കാന്‍സര്‍ ചികിത്സയിലും ഉപയോഗിച്ചുവരുന്നതായി കാണുന്നു. ശരിയായ പഠനങ്ങളുടെ വെളിച്ചത്തിലള്ള ഇതിന്റെ ഉപയോഗമെന്ന് ഈ രംഗത്തുള്ളവര്‍ക്ക് അഭിപ്രായമുണ്ട്. പാര്‍ക്കിന്‍സണ്‍ രോഗമുള്ളവര്‍ മുള്ളന്‍ചക്ക വര്‍ജിക്കുന്നതാണ് നല്ലത്.

മുള്ളന്‍ചക്കയുടെ ഇലകള്‍ക്ക് മൂട്ട, പേന്‍ എന്നിവയെ നശിപ്പിക്കാനുള്ള കെല്‍പ്പുണ്ട്. ജൈവകീടനാശിനികളില്‍ ഉപയോഗസാധ്യതയുള്ളതാണ് ഈ ചെടിവൃക്ഷം.കേരളത്തിലെ കാലാവസ്ഥയില്‍ അനായാസം വളര്‍ന്നു കായ്കള്‍ പിടിക്കുന്ന ഈ ചെടിക്ക് നല്ല നീര്‍വാര്‍ച്ചയുള്ളതും സൂര്യപ്രകാശമേല്‍ക്കുന്നതുമായ സ്ഥലങ്ങളാണ് ഉത്തമം. കാര്യമായ രോഗ കീടങ്ങളൊന്നും മുള്ളന്‍ചക്കയെ ശല്യം ചെയ്തുകാണുന്നില്ല.

10 Mosquitoes Controlling Plants for Home

Mosquitoes are among the biggest nuisance of monsoon that ruins the outdoor fun. Bites of mosquitoes are extremely itchy as well as spread diseases such as malaria. People use mosquito coils, mosquito repellent creams, electronic mosquito repellents and herbal mosquito lotions to keep mosquitoes at a bay. Some people are allergic to these things and get nasal cavity, skin and throat problems. People also use chemicals to control mosquitoes which cause bad effect to health and environment. If you want to control mosquitoes through natural way then plant some mosquito repellent plants in your yard. These mosquito repellent plants will keep the mosquitoes away as well as beautify your yard. Here are provided some mosquitoes controlling plants for home.

Mosquito Repellent Plants

1) Rosemary : 

Rosemary herb contains oil which acts as a natural mosquito repellent. Rosemary plant grows up to 4-5 feet tall and contains blue flowers. Rosemary plant grows best in warm weather. In winter, this plant can not survive and want warm shelter. So grow rosemary in a pot and shift it indoors in winter. Rosemary is also used in cooking for seasoning. To control mosquitoes in warmer months put the rosemary plant pot in the yard. Recipe of quick rosemary mosquito repellent is mix 4 drops rosemary essential oil and ¼ cup olive oil as well as store it in a cool & dry place. Apply when who need.

 2) Citronella Grass: 

Citronella grass is excellent for controlling mosquitoes. It grows up to 2 m tall and annually blooms lavender color flowers. Citronella oil which comes form this grass is used in candles, perfumes, lanterns and other herbal products. Citronella grass is also effective in controlling dengue fever mosquito (Aedes Aegypti). To control mosquitoes, pour citronella oil into candles and lanterns that can be burned in the yard. Citronella grass also has anti fungal properties. Citronella oil is safe for skin and you can apply it for long time. It does not cause any damage to the organism.

 3) Marigold: 

Marigolds have peculiar odor that many insects, humans and animals dislike. Plant of marigold grows up to 6 inches to 3 feet high. Two types of marigolds are there such as the African & the French and they both are mosquito repellent. Marigolds are grown near vegetables as they also repel aphids and other insects. Marigolds blossom in different colors ranging from yellow to dark orange and red flowers. Marigolds are sun-loving plant as its growth delay if it is planted in the shade. To control mosquitoes, grow marigolds plant in yard, porch pots and in gardens.

 4) Catnip: 

Catnip is an herb which is connected to mint family. It is recently declared as mosquito repellent. As per latest study, it is 10 fold more effective compared to DEET. Catnip is a perennial plant which grows up to 3 feet high if planted in a sunny or partial shade area. Catnip has white or lavender flowers. To control mosquitoes and other insects, grow catnip near the backyard or deck. Cats love aroma of catnip so to protect the plant you may need to place a fence around it. You can use catnip in many forms to control mosquitoes. You can use crushed fresh leaves or wringed out liquid on skin.

 5) Ageratum: 


Ageratum plant is another mosquito repellent plant. This plant has pale blue and white flowers which generate Coumarin. Coumarin has the horrible smell which repels mosquitoes. Coumarin is generally used in commercial mosquito repellents and perfume industry. Never rub ageratum on skin as it contains other less desirable elements which the skin doesn’t want. Ageratum grows in full or partial sun and blooms throughout summer.


 6) Horsemint: 

Horsemint also helps to control mosquitoes. Horsemint is a perennial plant that doesn’t need special care. The smell of horsemint is like citronella. Horsemint grows best in warm weather and sandy soil. This plant has pink flowers. Horsemint contains natural fungicidal and bacterial retardant properties due to active ingredient (thymol) of its essential oils. It is also used to treat flu.

 7) Neem: 

Neem plant is among the strongest mosquito repellant plant. Neem plant contains insect repelling properties. There are many neem-based mosquito repellents and balms available in the market. To control mosquitoes, you can simply plant neem plant in your yard. You can also burn the neem leaves or add neem oil to kerosene lamps or citronella flares. To keep mosquitoes away, you can rub neem oil on skin. Natural mosquito repellent properties of neem are very effective to fight against malaria.


 8) Lavender: 

Lavender is a wonderful plant that repels mosquito. Lavender plant is fairly easy to grow as it needs less care. It grows up to 4 feet high and needs sunny climate. To make chemical free mosquito solution, mix lavender essential oil in water and apply directly to the skin. To control mosquito, keep the lavender plant pots around seating areas. To keep the mosquitoes at bay, you can also apply lavender essential oil on neck, wrists and ankles.


 9) Basil: 

Basil is also a mosquito repellant plant. Basil is among the herbs which emit its aroma without crushing it. To control mosquitoes, grow basil in pots and put in your backyard. To keep the mosquitoes at bay, rub a handful of crushed basil leaves on skin. Basil is also used for flavoring the food. You can sue any variety of basil to control mosquitoes but cinnamon basil, lemon basil and Peruvian basil seem to work best as they have the strongest fragrances.


 10) Lemon Balm: 

Lemon balm also keeps the mosquitoes at bay. Lemon balm plant grows fast and it requires room to spread. Lemon balm leaves contain citronellal compounds in rich amount. Citronellal is used in several commercial mosquito repellants. There is up to 38% citronellal is contained in some varieties of lemon balm. To control mosquitoes, grow lemon balm in your yard. To keep mosquitoes at bay, you can also rub lemon balm crushed leaves on the skin.

Hepatitis A: Viral Hepatitis

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that is always acute and never becomes chronic. The virus is excreted in feces and transmitted by contaminated food and water. 

Eating shellfish taken from sewage-contaminated water is a common means of contracting hepatitis A. It can also be acquired by close contact with individuals infected with the virus. 

The most widespread hepatitis A outbreak in the 2003 United States hepatitis outbreak afflicted at least 640 people (killing four) in north-eastern Ohio and south-western Pennsylvania. 

In 1988, 300,000 people in Shanghai, China were infected with HAV after eating clams from a contaminated river.

Try this ginger tea, for cold,cough and flu~

 Ingredients:

Ginger - a one inch piece

Tulsi leaves - 10

Tea powder - 1/2 tsp

Sugar - as needed

Method :

Crush ginger and tulsi leaves coarsely.

Boil a cup of water in a pan.

Add tea powder and when it starts boiling, add ginger, tulsi and swtich off the stove. Strain into a cup, add sugar and mix well.

Some Amazing Facts

Awareness on Soil Erosion

A great experiment to illustrate soil erosion! This simple experiment shows the importance of trees as a part of our environment. The water that runs through soil with vegetation (left corner), comes out clear, while the other two without vegetation is muddy.

Yet, why do we keep cutting the trees in our forests and complaining why the water in our rivers are so muddy and dirty?