Bitter apple that can boost your longevity !!

Scientists have found apples that contain a powerful chemical which can help us live longer.

According to boffins, the miracle ingredient – discovered in an old variety of apple – plays a powerful role in boosting heart health and circulation and could even extend life span.

The compound, an epicatechin polyphenol, is found in bitter English apples that were originally grown hundreds of years ago but are now no longer eaten.

Trials have revealed that epicatechin can help maintain a healthy circulation by relaxing arteries and increasing blood flow.

The research was conducted independently by the Institute of Food Research in Norwich.

It shows it can dramatically reduce arterial stiffness by 21 per cent, which in turn leads to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, reports the Daily Express.

In the study, volunteers who were given the ingredient mixed in with fruit juice also saw their vascular age – the apparent age of a person’s blood vessels rather than their real age – reduced by an average of 17 years.

British firm Coressence has now developed a strain of red-fleshed apples called Evesse that are rich in epicatechin.

The company tested many varieties but found that older, bitter strains contained far more epicatechin than the sweet modern ones sold in supermarkets.

The Evesse variety, which has its root in a hawthorn apple dating back to 1650, is being grown on 100 acres of orchards in Herefordshire.

Nutrition expert Dr Carrie Ruxton said: “The research on Evesse is tremendously exciting. The fact that it is easily incorporated into ordinary foods means that it has the potential to benefit many people.”

Source: ANI

Maintaining your bones with diet and exercise keeps you fit for longer !

Maintaining your bones with diet and exercise keeps you fit for longer!

90 per cent of the calcium in a human body is stored in our bones and teeth. Calcium is an extremely important mineral as it helps in development of a healthy body structure / skeleton early in life. It minimizes weakening of bones as one ages. A balanced and nutrious diet, rich in calcium and vitatmin D helps in absorbing calcium and is a must for maintaining healthy bones.

Insufficient Dietary Calcium Can be Harmful
It results in greater demineralization which leads to further reduction of calcium from the bones. A calcium-rich diet also helps in maintaining proper blood pressure, heart beat and nervous system. Research has also revealed that there is a positive correlation between calcium intake and the incidence of premenstrual syndrome. This mineral plays a vital role in controlling osteoporosis, a condition in which deficiency of calcium leads to weak and fragile bones, further increasing the incidence of fractures in elderly people. Excess weight, obesity also tends to worsen this condition.

Calcium is Recommended for Everyone
Including pregnant or breastfeeding women, who should include the specified quantity of calcium in their diets: Infants – 300mg, Children – 600~800mg, Adults – 1000mg, Pregnant women – 1300mg, Lactating mothers – 1300mg, Post-menopausal women – 1200mg.

Some Foods That Are A Rich Source of Calcium Are :
Cheese, tofu, yoghurt, calcium fortified soy drink, orange juice, canned sardine and also fresh fish. Soy products are highly recommended for post-menopausal women as they help in building strong bones. Chinese cabbage, turnips, mustard greens, dried figs, soy nuts should also be included in regular diet. Avoid excessive intake of animal protein, as it obstructs the absorption of calcium.

Vitamin D is Important for healthy Bones :
It helps in calcium absorption. An hour of direct sunlight everyday is ideal for the human body. Fish oils and eggs are also a rich source of vitamin D and should be included in the daily diet. Excessive alcohol should be avoided as it reduced the ability of the bones to absorb vitamins and calcium. Regular exercise in any form, running, skipping, aerobics, tennis, weight training and brisk walking is a must for healthy bones.

Source : Artemis Health Institute.