The following are 4 of 16 ingredients in our Chews-4-Health Tabs
POMEGRANATE
Pomegranate (Punica garantum) or the “seeded apple,” is one of the oldest cultivated fruits. It has been mentioned in biblical tales and some believe that it was the pomegranate and not the apple that tempted Eve in the garden of Eden.
The round fruit has a spiky, flared crown, and can be as small as an orange or as large as a grapefruit, depending on the variety. Pomegranates have shiny, leathery skin, which can be anything from deep brick red to yellow. The beautiful whole fruits are often used as decorations. The seeds can be messy to eat if you choose not to eat the seed, but then you would be missing out on all that fiber they provide.
Today scientists are discovering that pomegranate is a powerhouse of health! It's loaded with antioxidant phytoestrogens, polyphenols, essential amino acids, and a host of other beneficial ingredients.
What are else are pomegranates good for? Researchers report that they are rich in antioxidants that can keep bad LDL cholesterol from oxidizing (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2000). This degradation of LDL seems to be an initial step in the development of atherosclerosis.
Several recent studies have also shown pomegranate’s ability to improve wound healing, resulting in faster repair of skin cuts and scrapes. It also appears to play a positive role in the repair of skin damaged due to sun exposure and aging. Extracts of pomegranate are thought to exert their positive effects on skin aging by extending the life of fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin.
Collagen and elastin are the components that give strength and support to the skin. When collagen and elastin fibers break down, the skin develops laxity, resulting in the appearance of wrinkles and jowls. Fortunately, pomegranate’s skin benefits may help to retard this process.
One recent study showed that pomegranate seed oil stimulated the production of collagen, resulting in a mild thickening of the epidermis and dermis of the skin. It also appeared to prevent the breakdown of collagen fibers which are the harbingers of skin aging. This suggests that pomegranate oil may boost the ability of skin to repair itself by regenerating the supporting collagen structure of the skin.
Other studies have shown that pomegranate seed extract applied to the skin may reduce the formation of some forms of skin cancer, suggesting that its antioxidant capabilities may be responsible for some of pomegranate’s skin benefits.
BLUEBERRIES
Blueberries don't only taste great, but they're good for you too! According to some researchers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, they may be helpful in lowering cholesterol This finding was announced at the 228th national meeting of the American Chemical Society.
These are just a few of the many other benefits that blueberries provide:
- They help to slow the aging process.
- They help reduce cell damage that may lead to some forms of cancer.
- They help prevent and even cure urinary tract infections.
- They help clean our blood vessels, our arteries and veins.
- They are proving to be beneficial to folks suffering with arthritis and fibroses myalgia.
- They benefit the nervous system and may help to prevent mood swings.
- They help you maintain good vision.
- They are good for your complextion.
- Help you stick to that "diet" and aid in weight control.
Additinally, new research suggests that eating blueberries may help reduce belly fat!
CRANBERRIES
No other berry has undergone as much scientific study applied to humans as the cranberry. Cranberries are a cousin of the blueberry and hackberry.
Cranberry has proven benefits as an anti-adhesion agent--can stop or inhibit bacaterial adhesion to the walls of the urinary tract. And now, recent studies suggest that this native American berry may also promote gastrointestinal and oral health, prevent the formation of kidney stones, lower LDL and raise HDL (good) cholesterol, aid in recovery from stroke, and even help prevent cancer.
RASBERRIES
Raspberries are full of riboflavin, niacin, folate, potassium, magnesium, calcium, vitamin A, copper, iron, lutein, and are a rich source of vitamin C. They are also an excellent source of dietary fiber, 20% by weight. This means raspberries are a low-glycemic fruit that has a minimal impact on blood glucose, important news for diabetics.
In addition to their abundant phytonutrient and antioxidant content, raspberries are a rich source of manganese and vitamin C that help protect the body's tissue from oxygen-related damage. They are also a good source of important nutrients such as riboflavin, folate, niacin, magnesium, potassium, B vitamins and copper.
