It is the
time of the year when the air is filled with the preparations for the Valentine’s
Day. There are voices from some quarters saying that this special day has
become commercialised to a great extent. Whatever be the case let me tell you
that, you should love yourself unconditionally to give the love back to the
universe. This is not being selfish, it means you should feel happy within
yourself and becoming self-sufficient to care for others.
Since this
is a beautiful time I broke my head to find a topic that suits it. Red coloured
fruits can work wonders for your heart. Let us discuss about rasp berries,
strawberries, red grapes, hawthorn berries and pomegranates. Making healthy
food choices for your family is the best gift that you can give them instead of
the silver and gold, and do not forget the platinum.
There is a growing interest among the
scientific community to study the action of raspberries on obesity. By increasing
the enzyme activity, oxygen consumption and heat production in certain cells,
the raspberries are able to decrease risk of obesity and fatty liver. Organic
raspberries have more antioxidants than their non-organic counterparts. Raspberries
have anti-cancer benefits, help lower oxidative stress and reduce the risk of inflammation.
Strawberries
are good for your heart. They prevent cardiovascular diseases, regulate the
blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Furthermore strawberries
prevent breast cancer, cervical, colon and oesophageal cancers. It helps you to
remain young by slowing down the ageing process and enhances motor function.
Red grapes
are rich in antioxidants and the greatest amount is stored in seeds and skin. It
reduces inflammation. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of red
grapes enhances the cardiovascular health. It regulates blood pressure,
cholesterol and reduces the bad LDL cholesterol. It helps in prevention of
cancer, has antimicrobial properties, increases cognitive health and has anti-ageing
benefits.
Hawthorn berries
are good for the heart and circulatory system. Herbs wisdom says that it can be
used to treat angina, high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. It is
rich in antioxidants and you can make hawthorn berry tea and enjoy its
benefits. It is non-toxic but causes dizziness in large doses. However caution
should be exercised and it must not be given to kids and pregnant women. Those
having a medical condition should ask your doctor for advice.
Pomegranates
are used widely in Ayurveda. The seeds and juice are considered good for the
heart. It enhances your general wellbeing. Pomegranates have some unique polyphenols
which supports the cardiac health. They prevent infections, provides amazing
protection against tissue damage and inflammation. They also have anti-cancer
properties.
Take care,
Swarnam
