Benefits of the Five Best Herbal Tea Blends for DIY Homebrewing
The growing interest in health and fitness has contributed to the meteoric rise in popularity of herbal tea mixes made at home in recent years.
Here at Sphere Medium we will discover how making your own herbal teas is a great way to experiment with different flavours, find the ones that work best for you, and learn about the medicinal properties of herbs that grow in your area.
Surprising Facts: Unhealthy Fruits That Are Hidden Sugar Mines
Did you know that only one in 10 adults meet the daily required amount of fruit, which is at least one and a half to two cups per day! Generally speaking most fruits are good for your health. Research has shown eating a minimum of four to five servings per day helps to boost mood and reduce your risk of heart disease obesity and type 2 Diabetes .But there are a few unhealthy ones as well which are hidden sugar mines. This idea of unhealthy fruit may seem like nature’s evil joke,tricking us into thinking we’re being healthy when really we’re drowning tablespoons of sugar! Today we’ll discuss about both types of fruit those that you should eat regularly and the ones that you should avoid or eat in moderation. Daily Superstar Fruits 1. Apples Apples are one of the most healthiest fruits on planet. They promote heart health in many different ways. They are high in soluble fiber, pectin, which helps in lower cholesterol .They have polyphenols which are linked to lowering blood pressure and stroke risk. Pectin also are probiotics and keep immune system strong and reduce inflammation through out body. And if your worried about sugars in apple then don’t, because American diabetic association tells diabetics to eat apple ,as fiber in it slows down the absorption of sugars into the cells and helps in preventing sugar spiking. So do eat your apples daily because your body will love you! 2. Oranges Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium .They also contain flavonoids, which is a plant nutrient with anti-inflammatory properties .lt has anti obesity ,anti diabetic ,anti fibrotic properties and Its good for your liver. Unlike some other fruits oranges are not excessively sweet which can help reduce cravings for sugary snacks. They are also a great choice of fruit to eat before long training runs or other aerobic activities .while orange juice is also a good source of vitamins and minerals eating a whole orange is better because you get the added benefits of fiber. A medium-sized orange contains around 69 calories and provides 3 G of fiber. 3. Berries Blueberries are one of the top fruits rich in antioxidants, having a sweet taste and are fairly low in calories and glycemic index . Infact research suggests that they are good for blood sugar control, the fiber in the fruit forms a gel in the gut that can slow down the release of glucose in the bloodstream . They also contain certain phytonutrients that may block sugar from being absorbed through the gut wall and into the bloodstream. Additionally research suggests that blueberries can help protect the heart lowering bad cholesterol and slowing plaque buildup, thanks to soluble pectin fibers. They may also help protect the brain from oxidative stress and against dementia that’s why they’re often included in the diet which is customized to protect against Alzheimer’s disease 4.Bananas Bananas are amongst the most popular fruit of the world . They give instant energy minus the fats and cholesterol. They are rich in potassium which helps with healthy muscular contractions and prevent muscle cramps. They support bones, gut health and improves digestion. Also, serotonin In bananas helps in balancing mood and is an anti depressant. 5.Papaya Papaya is a wonderful fruit and great for those suffering from any kind of stomach issues like constipation and having problems with food digestion .It contains special lubricants and enzymes which helps in colon cleansing and keeping you healthy . Papaya has more vitamin C than an orange, it’s loaded with vitamin A potassium and folat.The antioxidants in papaya fight the cholesterol present in the blood and prevent it from building into plaque that clogs the arteries. The rich fiber content of fruit breaks down toxic substances into rasily absorbable amino acids reducing chances of heart stroke. 6.Avocados Avocado is often known as the most nutritious fruit in the world due to it’s high content of essential nutrients, including vitamins a , b ,c ,e ,K and copper.It is one of the high calorie fruits ,due to its higher fat content which is approximately 20 times higher than average of other fruits. However, these fats are considered healthy monounsaturated fats that can help improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. It also contains a good amount of vitamin C which helps in the production of collagen which is needed for the growth and repair of tissues . Fruits to consume in moderation 1.Mangoes Mango has about 30 G of carbohydrates and about 26 g of sugar which is relatively high compared to some other fruits . Mango also has a middle to high glycemic index value of around 60, which means that it can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. As the fruit ripens its glycemic index can increase even further, therefore, if you enjoy eating mangoes it’s a good idea to consume them in moderation and opt for smaller serving sizes.You should also be mindful of them as sweetening ingredients in your smoothies and guacamole as they can significantly increase the overall sugar content. 2.Pineapples Pineapple is a delicious tropical fruit which is highly acidic too. Eating it daily can lead to heartburn and digestive issues like bloating or diarrhea. Despite being a tasty fruit ,it contains high level of sugars and for individual managing diabetes it is important to consume it in moderation. 3.Dried fruits Dried Fruit (cranberry, figs, apricot, raisins) can offer some of the same nutrients as fresh fruit. But it often contains added sugars and preservatives to improve its taste and shelf life. Half a cup of fresh cranberries is only 2 grams of sugars (that’s hardly anything),but if you take ½ cup of dried cranberries ,it’s 37 grams of sugars ! These added sugars can make dried fruit similar in sugar content to Candy .Additionally the drying process removes the water content from the fruit making it denser in calories per ounce than
