Nutrition facts and health benefits of fruit peel

Fruit peel in general is peeled off or scraped in majority of fruits even when it is edible. Nevertheless the peel is being recognized as one of the essential component of our diet as it contains many vital nutrients and non-nutrient compounds which play important role in wellbeing.

In-fact peel of some of fruits like blueberries, grapes, guava, and kumquat contain more anti-oxidants such as anthocyanin pigments, tannins, catechins…etc than in the pulp or flesh. Blue or purple color fruit peels are rich in anthocyanidin glycosides while yellow color fruits have xanthin, carotenes and lutein pigments. Major component of these pigments are present just underneath the skin.

Peel is rich source of dietary fiber also known as NSP (non soluble polysaccharides) like hemi-cellulose, pectin, tannins, gum…etc. These compounds increase bulk of the food and helps prevent constipation by reducing gastro-intestinal transit time. They also bind to toxins in the food which helps to protect the mucus membrane of gut and thus cuts colon cancer risk. Furthermore, dietary fibers bind to bile salts (produced from cholesterol) and decrease their re-absorption, thus help lower serum LDL cholesterol levels.

Peel is low in calories, sugar, and fats; and is from cholesterol. It adds to the bulk of the food and helps cut down overall food intake.

Nevertheless, the peel of some fruits contains considerable amounts of mineral and vitamins, especially in guava and citrus fruits. Certain fruits peel like in orange contains more vitamin C (ascorbic acid) than its juice. The peel provides 136 mg per 100 g of vitamin C whereas the same in its pulp is just about 71 mg. Likewise the peel is rich source of vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, minerals such as calcium, selenium, manganese, zinc...etc several fold more than its pulp. Please read the orange peel USDA nutrition data table below for example.

Recent scientific trial studies suggest that certain compounds in passion fruit peel has bronchodilator effect and can help relieve bronchospasm in asthma patients. A trial study conducted by Watson RR and his collegues at Tuscon University AZ, suggests that oral administration of the purple passion fruit peel extract reduces wheeze and cough and improves shortness of breath in adults with asthma. (Related link-Pubmed.gov)

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Billionaire Investor Peter Thiel Backs New Venture Aimed at Producing 3-D Printed Meat

Billionaire Peter Thiel would like to introduce you to the other, other white meat. The investor’s philanthropic Thiel Foundation’s Breakout Labs is offering up a six-figure grant (between $250,00 and $350,000, though representatives wouldn’t say exactly) to a Missouri-based startup called Modern Meadow that is flipping 3-D bio-printing technology originally aimed at the regenerative medicine market into a means to produce 3-D printed meat.

We've seen stuff kind of like this before. The larger idea here is to use cultured cell media to create a meat substitute that will satisfy the natural human desire for animal protein minus the environmental (and ethical) impacts of industrial scale farming. And by using 3-D printing technology, Modern Meadow might even be able to make it look like the real thing, though we’re somewhat skeptical even the best-looking faux fillet is going to stand up to the real deal.

It’s also going to be expensive, though Thiel and Modern Meadow hope that by developing a mature technology that can scale they will be able to bring costs somewhat in line with average meat prices. They’ve got a ways to go. Last time we visited the butcher meat was selling in bulk and by the ounce. CNET reports that Modern Meadow’s short-term goal is to create a single small sliver of its meat substitute less than one inch long.

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Organic Foods Not Necessarily Better

Study Questions Health Benefits of Eating Organic

Will eating pricey organic foods make you healthier? Maybe not, a new research review shows.

The review sums up evidence from hundreds of studies of organic foods. It's published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Some of the studies compared organic milk, meats, eggs, and produce to non-organic foods. Those studies measured nutrients in the foods as well as contaminants like pesticides and bacteria. A few studies tried to find health differences between people who ate only organic or only non-organic foods.

After weighing all the evidence, the researchers conclude that organic foods don't appear to have more vitamins or nutrients than non-organic foods.

Non-organic fruits and vegetables were30% more likely to have pesticides than organic fruits and vegetables. But because it's rare for any produce to exceed pesticide safety limits set by the FDA, researchers say it's not known whether reducing an already small exposure makes a difference.

The review also shows that organic meats are less likely to harbor "superbug" bacteria that are resistant to treatment with antibiotics. But researchers say most antibiotic-resistant infections in people come from misuse of antibiotics, not from eating contaminated foods.

In the end, researchers say there's no evidence that people who stick to organic diets are healthier than people who eat non-organic foods.

Not everyone agrees.

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A Top 5 : Produce You Need to Eat

The Tomato

Commonly (but mistakenly) referred to as a vegetable, the tomato's name comes from a South American word meaning "the swelling fruit," but whatever its classification, the tomato tops our list. Beefsteak, plum, cherry or grape, in salads, sauces, sandwiches or on a pizza, tomatoes are widely believed to benefit the heart and contain heavy doses of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

The Banana

A "nutrient powerhouse," the banana contains so much potassium that it's actually slightly radioactive. Also an excellent source of vitamin B6, a banana has twice the carbohydrates and five times the vitamin A and iron as an apple, making it the fruit that gym-goers often grab when on the go.

The Strawberry

As versatile as they are perishable (get them fresh and eat them fast), strawberries contain a range of nutrients. Loaded with vitamin C, these delectable, misnamed fruits also have plenty of phytonutrients and antioxidants to do battle with the free radicals, which are the aptly named elements that damage our cells.

The Artichoke

One of the oldest known cultivated vegetables, the artichoke is an excellent source of dietary fiber and magnesium. It's not their fault that they taste so good when served with a side of melted butter.

The Kiwifruit

With a better name and more vitamin C than an orange, the kiwi could seemingly rest on its laurels, but this fuzzy little guy is an overachiever. High in fiber, and with as much potassium as a banana, the kiwi is all soft texture and sweet flavor.

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Berries, tea and chocolate to improve mood

For mood stabilization many physicians will prescribe valproic acid but new research has discovered several natural ingredients with mood-enhancing flavors that possess chemical similarities to valproic acid. This research could lead to new drugs with fewer side effects.

In the study, lead author Karina Martinez-Mayorga, PhD, and her team have discovered several molecules in chocolate, various berries and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids that act as mood enhancers.

Martinez-Mayorga, who conducted her research at Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies and is currently with the Chemistry Institute at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, said "The large body of evidence that chemicals in chocolate, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, teas and certain food could well be mood-enhancers encourages the search for other mood modulators in food."

Physicians prescribe valproic acid to patients who suffer from mood swings due to manic-depressive disorder and other related conditions.

While the food industry focuses on more natural ways to improve mood, scientists have known for years that there are mood-altering chemicals found in food. Martinez-Mayorga believes seeking to develop these naturally found chemical compounds into drugs could help maintain cognitive health, improve mental alertness and delay the onset of memory loss.

With the use of computer and informational techniques Martinez-Mayorga screened the chemical structures of more than 1,700 food flavor ingredients for similarities in approved antidepressants, marketed drugs and previously reported anti-depressant agents.

In the current research the main results will be compared to valproic acid and Martinez-Mayorga hopes to move forward from analyzing data to testing the flavor/mood theory experimentally.

Martinez-Mayorga, hopes the results would spark new recommendations or nutritional supplements with beneficial mood effects with less side effects than prescription medication.

"It is important to remember that just eating foods that may improve mood is not a substitute for prescribed antidepressive drugs," Martinez-Mayorga warned. However, she does want people to know that specific foods and living a healthy lifestyle can overall boost an individual's mood.

This study was presented at the 244TH National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society.

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Keep Your Diet Grounded When You Take Flight

Sports reporter Paul Coro travels close to 100 days a year covering the Phoenix Suns for "The Arizona Republic."

With so much time spent in airports, it has become increasingly difficult for him to eat right, but Coro tries.

"I'm always in a hurry," said Coro, a husband and father who started paying closer attention to what he eats once he reached his 40s.

"I don't really have time to sit down at restaurants where there are usually healthier options. Most of the time, I'm going from gate to gate, but I always look for a Jamba Juice and places like that. I figure if all else fails, I can always grab a smoothie.

Chances are your travel itinerary is nowhere near as hectic asCoro's, but even if you fly once a year, finding healthy options at the airport is important, but it can be tough.

Eating Healthy Can Be as Simple as Packing a Lunch

In terms of saving money and eating right, the best bet is bringing food from home, whether it's something you prepared yourself, or healthy store-bought snacks. With a little forethought and preparation, you can improve what you eat at the airport.

"Planning ahead is always the healthier option because it allows you to control what ingredients go into your meals and snacks," advised Alyse Levine, a registered dietitian and the brains behind Nutritionbite.

Homemade food tastes better and healthy food from home also trumps what airlines sell and offer on flights, such as cans of overpriced and greasy potato chips or boxed sandwiches with processed meat and cheese.

"Fast doesn't have to equal junk," said Ashley Koff, a registered dietitian, author and consultant. Koff is also the resident dietitian on The CW's weight loss and nuptials reality show, "Shedding for the Wedding."

"Learn how to make the better choice as opposed to mentally saying 'well, I'm flying today' as permission to eat junk. Bring fast snacks from home such as homemade trail mix, an apple with peanut butter, veggies and kale chips," Koff advises.

For the plane, think portable. A plastic sealed bag filled with healthy options will have you munching from takeoff to landing.

"Whole-grain pita bread, cubed low fat cheddar cheese, small oranges or sliced raw peppers---red, orange and yellow---and snap peas are also smart choices," said Todd DeMann, CEO of Freshology, a gourmet food preparation and home delivery service, which boasts clients such as Jennifer Lopez.

"Packets of dry oatmeal with raisins are a good option. You can ask for hot water in flight to mix it," DeMann added.

Maybe you intended on packing a bag of healthy snacks for your time at the airport but you were so tired, you left the bag on the kitchen counter. Don't fret, airports do have healthy options, although they are pricier than food you bring from home.

"Many airport stores offer healthy grab-and-go selections these days, including fresh fruits like bananas and apples, salt-free nuts and granola bars," Levine said. "So if you are pushed for time, you can probably find one of these options."

Frequent travelers would do well to keep a stash of treats on hand.

"I always have granola bars and Nutri-Grain bars in my work bag," Coro said. "The magazine stores sell almonds, but they're usually $10 a bag. I'd rather eat a granola bar."

Healthy snacks you can bring from home

With a little planning and preparation, you can improve what you eat at the airport. Here are some quick and tasty suggestions from our experts:

Fresh fruit and veggies are a traveler's best friend. Bananas are the easiest to carry but you can also slice up apples and toss them in a plastic sandwich bag. For added flavor, bring along a little container of peanut or almond butter. Small oranges, carrots, snap peas and sliced red, orange and yellow peppers are tasty and are healthy too.

For the plane, think portable. A plastic bag of folded or sliced whole-grain pita bread with a handful of cubed low fat cheddar cheese will have you munching from takeoff to landing.

Stay hydrated. Buy a bottle of water or two after you clear security, and once on the plane, choose water rather than soft drinks or alcoholic beverages when drinks are offered.

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Vitamin B12

A vitamin B12 test measures the amount of vitamin B12 in the blood. The body needs this B vitamin to make blood cells and to maintain a healthy nervous system.

Vitamin B12 is found in animal products such as meat, shellfish, milk, cheese, and eggs. Most people who eat animal products are not likely to develop vitamin B12 deficiency anemia unless their bodies can't absorb it from food. Strict vegetarians (vegans) who do not eat animal products and babies of mothers who are strict vegetarians are at increased risk for developing anemia and should take a supplement containing vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is stored in the liver for a year or more, which reduces a person's risk of anemia.

Vitamin B12 is usually measured at the same time as a folic acid test, because a lack of either one can lead to a form of anemia called megaloblastic anemia. Lack of vitamin B12 also affects the nervous system.

Why It Is Done

A vitamin B12 test is used to:

• Check for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. There are several risk factors for this anemia, such as those who have had stomach or intestinal surgery, small intestine problems, or people with a family history of this anemia.

• Diagnose the cause of certain types of anemia, such as megaloblastic anemia.

• Help find the cause of dementia or other nervous system symptoms, such as tingling or numbness of the arms or legs (peripheral neuropathy).

• See if vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is present after a person has been diagnosed with atrophic gastritis.

 How To Prepare

Do not eat or drink (other than water) for 10 to 12 hours before the test.

How It Is Done

Your health professional drawing blood will:

• Wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to stop the flow of blood. This makes the veins below the band larger so it is easier to put a needle into the vein.

• Clean the needle site with alcohol.

• Put the needle into the vein. More than one needle stick may be needed.

• Attach a tube to the needle to fill it with blood.

• Remove the band from your arm when enough blood is collected.

• Put a gauze pad or cotton ball over the needle site as the needle is removed.

• Put pressure to the site and then a bandage.

How It Feels

The blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. An elastic band is wrapped around your upper arm. It may feel tight. You may feel nothing at all from the needle, or you may feel a quick sting or pinch.

Risks

There is very little chance of a problem from having a blood sample taken from a vein.

• You may get a small bruise at the site. You can lower the chance of bruising by keeping pressure on the site for several minutes.

• In rare cases, the vein may become swollen after the blood sample is taken. This problem is called phlebitis. A warm compress can be used several times a day to treat this.

• Ongoing bleeding can be a problem for people with bleeding disorders. Aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), and other blood-thinning medicines can make bleeding more likely. If you have bleeding or clotting problems, or if you take blood-thinning medicine, tell your doctor before your blood sample is taken.

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Pinkeye

What Is Pinkeye?

Pinkeye -- also called conjunctivitis -- is redness and inflammation of the clear membranes covering the whites of the eyes and the membranes on the inner part of the eyelids. Pinkeye is most often caused by a virus or by a bacterial infection, although allergies, chemical agents, and underlying diseases can also play a role.

Is Pinkeye Contagious?

Viral and bacterial pinkeye are extremely contagious. It's easily spread through poor hand washing or by sharing an object (like a towel) with someone who has it. It can also spread through coughing and sneezing. Kids diagnosed with infectious pinkeye should stay out of school or day care for a short period of time. Allergic pinkeye (caused by seasonal pollens, animal dander, cosmetics, and perfumes) and chemical pinkeye (from chemicals or liquids, including bleach and furniture polish) are not contagious.

Symptom: Eye Redness

Redness of the eye is the typical, telltale symptom of pinkeye. Pinkeye is a common condition that is rarely serious and unlikely to cause long-term eye or vision damage if promptly detected and treated.

Symptom: Swollen, Red Eyelids

The symptoms of infectious pinkeye typically begin in one eye and involve the other eye within a few days. Symptoms of allergic pinkeye usually involve both eyes. Swelling of the eyelids is more common with bacterial and allergic pinkeye.

Symptom: Lots of Tearing

Viral and allergic pinkeye are known for causing more tear production than usual.

Symptom: Itchy or Burning Eyes

You would know it if you felt it -- that overwhelming itchy, burning feeling in the eyes, which is typical of pinkeye.

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