Japanese loquat

Properties of the medlar and its nutritional composition

Japanese medlar (Eryobotria japonica)

There are two kinds of medlars: the European Nispero (Germanic Mespilus) and the Japanese Nispero (Eryobotria japonica), the latter, better known in the markets, has taken its common name from the European, and it is from this, to which we refer in this chance.

European medlar                 Japanese medlar (loquat)

The medlar is low in sodium and high in potassium an essential component that helps control blood pressure and prevents heart attacks.

It contains a dietary fiber, such as pectin, which maintains moisture in the colon and functions as a natural laxative, which reduces blood cholesterol levels, as it reduces its reabsorption by the body.

Medlar tree

The vitamin intake is scarce, highlighting the contribution in vitamin A, C and some of the vitamin B complex.

The contribution of vitamin A is due to its content of beta carotene, substances that, once ingested, are converted into vitamin A and give it its characteristic orange color.

These carotenoids that contribute are important to help maintain our sight and prevent their diseases.

Illustration of properties and benefits of medlar

Raisin Noir

Properties of the black grape and its nutritional composition

Since the most remote times it is attributed to him great curative virtues, it is one of the first cultures made by the human being for its consumption.

There is a wide variety of grapes, but generally and according to their cultivation, they can be grouped into two types: Table grapes and grapes  to make wines. In this article  we will talk the black table grape and its properties.

Numerous studies on the skin (the skin of the grape berry is also known as the exocarp) and seeds of this variety of grapes, have demonstrated its enormous antioxidant effects, acting for example, on the stability of collagen and elastin among other properties, all due to into its wide variety of compounds Phenolic.

Sprout ofthe vine in spring in vineyards

In the black grapes abound various substances of recognized properties for the health, one of the most prominent is the Resveratrol (a potent antioxidant), that is found mainly in the skin and the seeds of this variety of grape, to protect itself of certain Pests.

Black grapes have more antioxidants than white or green grapes, due to their high content of anthocyanins, phenolic antioxidant compounds, more abundant in black grapes, which grant them its characteristic color.

Another substance to be highlighted is its potassium content, which helps us regulate the organism and the balance of the levels of liquids.

The high fiber content, together with its vitamins and minerals, is significantly higher than the content of the majority of fruits.

Fruits and vegetables illustrations

Resveratrol: They are among the 9 essential amino acids, so called because they are the only ones that the body cannot manufacture on its own. Promotes the formation of muscle tissue, repairing action in fractures, bruises and wounds, prevents degeneration of the liver and gallbladder.

Arginine: It is an amino acid basic involved in many activities of the endocrine glands. It intervenes in the conservation of the balance of nitrogen and carbon dioxide. It also has a great importance in the production of growth hormone, directly involved in the growth of the tissues and muscles and in the maintenance and repair of the immune system and nervous system. Arginine is involved in the synthesis of creatine, polyamides and into RNA.

Tyrosine: It is a non-essential amino acid, fundamental and important for metabolism and for our state of mood, because it is a precursor of dopamine and adrenaline.

Alanine: It is a non-essential amino acid for the human being but it is of great importance. Used as a source of energy for the brain, nervous system and muscles.

Tangerine

Chemical composition of tangerine and its benefits for our organism

Tangerine is the fruit of the different citrus species commonly called Mandarin.

The exact origin of the tangerine is very uncertain, but it is known for its cultivation and consumption in China for millennia. Its name refers to the color of the costumes worn by the mandarins, high rulers of ancient China.

Its small size, more aromatic and sweet flavor, its low degree of acidity, as well as the ease of removing the skin, make it one of the most popular fruits.

Among the different varieties of this fruit stand out: clementines, hybrids and satsumas:

Satsuma: originating in Japan, it is the most resistant to cold. Orange-yellow in color, the rind is thick and rough, and the pulp has a milder flavor.

Clementine: Actually it is not a tangerine, but a hybrid between tangerine and bitter orange, they are sweeter and have no seeds. They have thin skin and less glued to the flesh and are winter fruit.

Mandarino hybrids: This group includes a great variety since they are the fruits of the cross between species. Among the most popular varieties are: Clemenvilla or Nova, Garbí, Encore, Moncada, Fortune or Tango.

To take better advantage of the properties of mandarin, it is better to consume it whole instead of taking it as a juice, since when you squeeze it, you lose a significant amount of fiber.

Glutamic acid: It is one of the most abundant amino acids in the body and the most common neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, mediated by the stimulation of specific receptors called glutamate receptors. It helps the production of hydrochloric acid, controls the levels of ammonia in the brain. Involved specifically in the use of glucose by brain cells.

Arginine:  It is an essential amino acid involved in many activities of the endocrine glands.

It is involved in the synthesis of creatine and nitric oxide precursor, which has vasodilator functions, improving blood circulation, and increasing irrigation throughout our body, which in turn helps to better heal wounds.

Reduce the levels of body fat and facilitate the recovery of athletes thanks to the effects it has to remove ammonia (muscle waste resulting from anaerobic exercise) of the muscles.


Tyrosine:  It is a fundamental and important for metabolism nonessential amino acid and to our mood as it is a precursor of dopamine and adrenaline.

Onion

Chemical composition of the onion and its benefits for our organism

The onion as the queen of the vegetables for its culinary versatility and intense flavor, but in addition to its culinary properties, the nutritional and even medicinal properties of the onion make it a highly recommended food.

The best way to take advantage of the benefits of onion is to consume it raw, since, as with many foods, high temperatures destroy part of its components.

It has been used as a medicinal plant and is considered a natural antibiotic, fighting infections, bacteria, respiratory and skin diseases.


For its large number of phytochemicals, help the proper functioning of the liver, pancreas and gallbladder, improving digestive activity.

 Due to its content in oligosaccharides and flavonoids, known as protectors of cardiovascular diseases as well as anticoagulants, they are used to prevent strokes, thrombosis, heart disease and other pathologies affecting the heart and blood vessels.

Its content in sulfides eliminates heavy metals and helps improve the metabolism of proteins and amino acids.

Glutamic acid: It is one of the most abundant amino acids in the body and the most common neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, mediated by the stimulation of specific receptors called glutamate receptors. It helps the production of hydrochloric acid, controls the levels of ammonia in the brain. It intervenes specifically in the use of glucose by brain cells.

Tryptophan: It is one of the essential amino acids of the human diet. As we have said in other occasions, the essential amino acids must be supplied with the diet, since they are not created by our organism.

 It is the metabolic precursor (substance necessary to produce another) of melatonin, niacin and serotonin; The latter is known as the happiness hormone because it can help reduce anxiety and even depression.

Tryptophan needs other elements such as glucose, magnesium, potassium or vitamin B, among others, to carry out its function as a precursor in an adequate manner; so always recommended a varied diet that we provide all the necessary elements for the proper functioning of our body. It also plays a very important role in the structure and function of proteins.

Valine:  They are among the 9 essential amino acids, so called because they are the only ones that the body can not manufacture by itself. Promotes the formation of muscle tissue, reparative action in fractures, bruises and wounds, prevents the degeneration of the liver and gallbladder.

Arginine:  It is an essential amino acid involved in many of the activities of the endocrine glands.

The synthesis of Creatine and precursor of nitric oxide, which has vasodilator functions, improving blood circulation and increasing watering throughout our body, which in turn helps to heal wounds better.

Reduce the levels of body fat and facilitate the recovery of athletes thanks to the effects it has to remove ammonia (muscle waste resulting from anaerobic exercise) of the muscles.


Tyrosine:  It is an essential non-essential amino acid and important for metabolism and for our mood, since it is a precursor of dopamine and adrenaline.



Proline:  It is a non-essential amino acid that is involved in the production of collagen, a protein molecule that is present in the composition of bones, skin, ligaments, cartilage and tendons.

It works with vitamin C for the maintenance of the connective tissues, which function as a support for the organism, founding the material support of the body.



Alanine:  It is an amino acid not essential for human beings but it is of great importance. Used as a source of energy for the brain, nervous system and muscles.

Dragon Fruit

Properties of the Pitaya (Dragon Fruit) and nutritional composition

Dragonfruit on plate

The pitaya, pitahaya or also known as dragon fruit, is the name given to the fruit of several species of cactus of the genera Hylocereus and Selenicereus, both of the Cactaceae family.

Coming from America, although its production has expanded to other regions of the world, cultivating in countries such as China, Vietnam or Israel. At present, it has also spread to southern Europe, on the Mediterranean coasts of Spain and the Canary Islands.

The fruit of the pitahaya has several types, but there are two kinds of edible varieties: the "red pitahaya" and "yellow pitahaya", within each of them can be classified by the color of the pulp.

Red skin and red pulp called "Hylocereus costaricensis", yellow skin and white pulp "Selenicereus megalanthus", red skin and red pulp "Setenocereus thurberi" and the variety we show "Hylocereus undatus", also known as white or round pitahaya, It has a red skin and its white pulp with black seeds.

Hylocereus undatus (White Pitahaya)

The seeds of the dragon fruit are rich in polyunsaturated fats (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) that reduce triglycerides and lower the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Its composition is rich in water, antioxidants, vitamins, mucilages, phenols and contains good amounts of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron and manganese.

Being a fruit low in calories and sugars, it constitutes a healthy and balanced fruit for diabetes.

Properties and benefits of Dragon Fruit

Oleic acid: Is a monounsaturated fatty acid of the omega 9 series. According to the American Heart Association, eating monounsaturated fats (such as oleic acid) in moderation can help reduce bad cholesterol and therefore the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Lycopene:  Is a chemical that exists naturally in fruits and vegetables, is a carotenoid (organic pigment) and an essential nutrient for humans.

Blueberry

The Blueberry, nutritional composition and its benefits

for our organism

In common language, fruits of the forest (or red fruits) are called small fruits, taken from wild shrubs that grew between the forests.

blueberry plant

Among these small shrub are blueberries, which can reach up to one meter in height, also belong to this group the blackberry, raspberry, currant, strawberries or cherries.

   

   In this article we will talk about the blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) whose fruits are bluish black berries, with a thin layer of whitish wax, hence the name "blueberry" in English, although there is another edible variety of the same family, like the cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) which belong to the family of the ericaceae.

The origin of the blueberry is not well defined, since there are several wild species in America, Asia and Europe. The genus Vaccinium is native to the Northern Hemisphere, specifically North America, Central America, Europe and Eurasia.


          The blueberry is recognized important properties thanks to its abundance in natural pigments of antioxidant action, occupying the first places among plant foods for a large sector of the population, which increasingly seeks the added value of food for the care of the health, according to the content and physiological activity of its compounds.

The anthocyanins (responsible for the blue pigment) and polyphenols present in the blueberry fruit, have a high antioxidant activity, which have potential health benefits, as they intervene in the protection of nucleic acids, lipids, proteins and against the process oxidative initiated by free radicals. 

Strawberries and Blueberries

To be a small fruit, they are very rich in essential minerals, vitamins and especially in carbohydrates (also called carbohydrates or sugars) so they provide a lot of energy, both to the muscles and the brain, so they allow, not only make great physical efforts, but they increase the capacity and mental agility.

Among these health improvements, is its benefit to the skin, as they stimulate the circulatory flow and facilitate the flow of oxygen and nutrients and act as a potent anti-stain caused by free radicals.


     Several studies have shown the importance of these fruits in the conservation of sight and in the prevention of numerous eye diseases.

Illustration: Abdecoral - The Blueberry

         Glutamic acid: It is one of the most abundant amino acids in the body and the most common neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, mediated by the stimulation of specific receptors called glutamate receptors. It helps the production of hydrochloric acid, controls the levels of ammonia in the brain. It intervenes specifically in the use of glucose by brain cells.

         A vital amino acid for the central nervous system, acts as a stimulant of the immune system, helps protein synthesis and promotes the absorption of food.

 Aspartic Acid: Aspartic acid, also known as aspartic acid, is an essential non-essential amino acid for proper blood circulation.
It collaborates with the functioning of all the cells of the body, in the production and secretion of hormones and the normal functioning of the nervous system.

Anthocyanins: They are an antioxidant belonging to the broad group of flavonoids. They are natural pigments bluish, dark red or purple, which are present in many wild fruits such as blackberries, strawberries or blueberries.

Broccoli

Broccoli, nutritional composition and its benefits 

for our organism

El brócoli pertenece a la familia de las brasicáceas al igual que la coliflor, el repollo o la col de Bruselas, su nombre científico es "Brassica oleracea italica" y  es el resultado de la selección y cruce artificial de las mejores variedades de col silvestre.


Broccoli belongs to the Brasiliaceae family as well as cauliflower, cabbage or Brussels sprouts, its scientific name is "Brassica oleracea italica" and is the result of the selection and artificial crossing of the best varieties of wild cabbage.

From the broccoli we eat its immature flowers, which are the ones that bring great culinary and medicinal value to the plant, the stem is also used, which leaves from the roots and is surrounded by leaves.


Its cultivation spread through several countries in Europe, although today, China and India are the main producers followed by: Spain, Mexico, Italy, France, USA, Poland, Pakistan and Egypt.


       This increase in production is due to the numerous studies that give this plant medicinal properties thanks to the content (among many other nutrients) of the presence of sulforaphane, the only natural anticancer recognized by the prestigious Food Drug Administration.


       It contains multiple nutrients with powerful anti-carcinogenic properties, as well as other common diseases, such as: arthritis, kidney disease, high blood pressure or diabetes, among others.

     You have to choose the copies completely green and compact and take into account that you have to respect some cooking conditions to avoid losing their properties. Some studies have shown that steaming broccoli, for three to five minutes, manages to maintain a high percentage of its nutrients and phytochemicals, which almost reaches 100%.

Illustration: Abdecoral - Broccoli

Aspartic acid: Also called asparaginic acid, is a non-essential amino acid that promotes blood circulation, helps protect the liver.

It participates in the formation of glutamic acid (also known as glutamate), stimulates and participates in brain connections and learning, participates in the urea cycle, in the detoxification and proper functioning of the liver and also in the detoxification of blood.

Glutamic acid: It is one of the most abundant amino acids in the body and the most common neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, mediated by the stimulation of specific receptors called glutamate receptors. It helps the production of hydrochloric acid, controls the levels of ammonia in the brain. It intervenes specifically in the use of glucose by brain cells.

        Arginine: It is a basic amino acid involved in many activities of the endocrine glands. It intervenes in the conservation of the balance of nitrogen and carbon dioxide. It also has a great importance in the production of growth hormone, directly involved in the growth of tissues and muscles and in the maintenance and repair of the immune system and nervous system. Arginine is involved in the synthesis of creatine, polyamides and RNA.

Serine:  It is a non-essential amino acid that is quite important in the creation of several neurotransmitters so it is a valuable nutrient in the brain, metabolize fats and fatty acids, contributes to the detoxification of the organism, maintains a good functioning of the immune system and occurs in muscle growth

It is found in myelin sheaths (an insulating layer that forms around nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord, and is made up of protein and fatty substances) that line the nerves that are located in the brain. ; without the serine they would thin or disappear causing the nerves to transmit messages to the whole body. It is required to produce tryptophan and serotonin to regulate mood, depression and anxiety.