Thursday, January 5, 2012

How to Maximize the Nutrition You Get From Your Fruits and Vegetables

I can remember so many times as a child my mother telling me that there was more nutrition in the "pot liquor" and in peels than is often found in the fruit or vegetable itself. By "pot liquor" I mean the nutrient rich vegetable broth after cooking them in some water. This is where the nutrition is really found.

Well, I just came across some tidbits that gives surprising information on five commonly used vegetable and fruits.

This article will explain how to get the maximum nutrition possible from your whole foods.

Celery tops

It's so funny because lately, I have been making lots of soup "from scratch" with celery. I often look at the stalks thinking that there most be more to get out on this veggie than only in the long pieces. Well, nutritionists confirm that there are five times more magnesium and calcium in the leaves than in the stalks. They are also chock full of vitamin C- and who doesn't need that vitamin this time of year? They are also full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Suggested use: chop up the leaves with parsley and sprinkle on fish, chicken and other poultry. It also makes great garnishment in soup.

Orange Peel

It's interesting to find that orange peels have more fiber than the fruit. It also is high in flavonoids, an antioxidant with anticancer and anti-diabetic compounds. Studies have also shown that these nutrients may even lower LDL cholesterol (the bad one).


Suggested use: grate and use on vegetables. Also, they are great garnishing desserts, cakes, pies, etc.

Broccoli leaves

Broccoli leaves are high in vitamin A and indoles which are cancer fighting compounds. They can also be a little gassy, as most people probably are aware. But the nutrition it provides make the discomfort worth it.

Suggested use: stir fry in olive oil and season to taste.

Watermelon rind

This was a biggie with my mother. I believe southern tradition includes cooking the rinds. USDA studies show that the rind is high in citrulline, an amino acid that helps dilate blood vessels which improves circulation.


Suggested use: blend the rind with lime and add sugar. For the adventurous, add rum, gin or vodka.

Onions

The thin outer skin is high in quercetin, an anti-inflammatory which reduces blood pressure and prevent plaque build-up in blood vessels.

Suggested use: Simmer in soups, stews and for gravy. Discard the skin before serving.

Sherl Wilsher is a nurse who is dedicated to writing about natural health and beauty topics. As the numbers of folks is growing who are tired of the adverse effects of chemicals, preservatives and drugs on health, these individuals are looking for sources of reliable information in educating themselves on important health topics.

For more information on health and beauty, please visit: http://www.sherelynne.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sherl_Wilsher

No comments:

Post a Comment