Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Health from food: The pumpkin

Pumpkin includes a good source of protein, zinc, vitamins and is a good food with lower cholesterol.

Pumpkin, raw

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)

Energy

56 kJ (13 kcal)

Carbohydrates

6.5 g

Sugars

1.36 g

Dietary fiber

0.5 g

Fat

0.1 g

saturated

0.05 g

monounsaturated

0.01 g

polyunsaturated

0.01 g

Protein

1.0 g

Vitamin A equiv.

369 μg (41%)

- beta-carotene

3100 μg (29%)

Thiamine (Vit. B1)

0.05 mg (4%)

Riboflavin (Vit. B2)

0.110 mg (7%)

Niacin (Vit. B3)

0.6 mg (4%)

Pantothenic acid (B5)

0.298 mg (6%)

Vitamin B6

0.061 mg (5%)

Folate (Vit. B9)

16 μg (4%)

Vitamin C

9 mg (15%)

Vitamin E

1.06 mg (7%)

Calcium

21 mg (2%)

Iron

0.8 mg (6%)

Magnesium

12 mg (3%

Phosphorus

44 mg (6%)

Potassium

340 mg (7%)

Sodium

1 mg (0%)

Zinc

0.32 mg (3%)

Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults.

Source: USDA Nutrient database

It has been shown to have many health benefits as follows:

1. Detoxify: Pumpkin contains various vitamins and pectin; with very good absorbability, the pectin can detoxify by absorbing and eliminating bacteriotoxin and other deleterious substances such as heavy metal lead, mercury, and some radioactive elements in vivo

2. Protect gastric mucosa and promote digestion: the pectin in pumpkin can protect stomach rubber mucous membrane from damage by rough food, help heal ulcer, which is especially helpful for patients with gastric diseases; The ingredients in pumpkin are also able to promote choler secretion, strengthen the movement of stomach and intestine creeping, resulting in the promotion of food digestion.

3. Reduce blood sugar and prevent diabetes: The pumpkin contains rich cobalt that can enliven the human body metabolism, promote hemopoiesis, and participate in Vitamin B12 synthesis in human body. It is also a trace element that is necessary for pancreatic cells in human body and to reduce blood sugar.

4. Elimination carcinogen: The ingredients in pumpkin can eliminate the sudden change of carcinogen nitrosamine to cause cancer, restore and maintain the function of liver and the kidney function, and strengthen liver and kidney cell reproduction.

5. Promote growth: Pumpkin contains rich zinc that participates in the synthesis of essence acids and proteins that human body need. It is also one of the adrenal cortex hormone inherent ingredients for human body growth.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

New Study: Pycnogenol® Reduces ADHD in Children

A new study reveals that Pycnogenol,an antioxidant plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree can balance stress hormones, which lowers adrenaline and dopamine,resulting in a decrease of ADHD in children.