Eating Citrus Fruits Can Help Prevent Obesity-Related Diseases

The AHA! Team — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 08:49:15 +0000

Dena Schmidt via NaturalHealth365 – While it’s been known that citrus fruit is an important part of a healthy diet, researchers now believe they may be key in preventing weight-related health problems. A new study has shown that citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes contain an antioxidant that counteracts some of the serious health risks of obesity. Adding more citrus fruits to your diet may help reduce the risk of heart disease, liver disease, and diabetes. These fruits also provide essential vitamins and minerals that support overall well-being and boost the immune system. Why citrus fruits are a smart choice for the immune system When a person consumes a high-fat diet, the body stores the fat it can’t immediately use in cells throughout the body. These fat cells produce a substance that damages other healthy cells. This is called oxidative stress, and the immune system normally deals with it with its own antioxidants. However, overweight people who continue to eat high-fat foods can overwhelm the immune system’s ability to respond and prevent disease. This is where foods that contain high levels of antioxidants can help. Citrus fruit contains a special form of antioxidant called flavanones. These substances appear to reduce the risk of oxidative stress and damage to healthy cells. This also takes the pressure off the overworked immune system. Flavanones in citrus fruits reduce a variety of health risks The study published in Clinical Nutrition ESPEN highlights the broad health benefits of citrus, revealing their potential in managing cardiovascular risk factors, neurological disorders, and other health conditions through their rich chemical composition and therapeutic properties. The researchers reviewed meta-analyses, clinical trials, and the chemical compounds present in various citrus species. They utilized information from databases like Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed, examining keywords related to citrus and its health benefits. They found that citrus plants have beneficial effects on various conditions, including cancer risks, cardiovascular risk factors, neurological disorders, urinary tract conditions, and gastrointestinal tract conditions. The study also noted the antimicrobial, and pain-alleviating effects of citrus and its potential in managing obesity risk factors. Another study investigated the impact of citrus flavanones on different dietary groups, including those on a high-fat diet. It found that flavanone consumption led to a significant reduction in indicators of cell damage in both blood and liver, surpassing a 50% reduction in some cases. Furthermore, flavanone-treated subjects showed less liver damage and fat accumulation. Start adding organic citrus fruit to the diet to prevent disease Adding flavanones to the diet promotes health by counteracting the effects of fat cells on the body. Eating citrus fruits helps reduce liver damage, lower the amount of fat in the blood, and reduce glucose levels. Besides the benefits of antioxidants to the health of overweight people, a diet that includes citrus fruit can benefit people of any weight, reducing the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. We, at NaturalHealth365, would suggest you only eat organic fruits to avoid unwanted chemicals in your diet. The next step involves exploring optimal ways to incorporate concentrated flavanones into daily diets. Flavanones found abundantly in organic citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes, offer a promising natural strategy to combat heart and liver diseases. To maximize their benefits, consider consuming various citrus fruits and vegetables daily. Incorporating colorful salads, citrus-infused water, or enjoying citrus fruits as snacks can enhance your intake of these beneficial compounds. Additionally, pairing citrus fruits with leafy greens can further boost their nutritional impact. Bottom line: making citrus fruits a regular part of your diet can support overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov ACS.org Sciencedaily.com To read the original article click here.

The post Eating Citrus Fruits Can Help Prevent Obesity-Related Diseases appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Key Lime Pie Recipe

AHA Publisher — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 08:00:10 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – Key lime pie makes me think of spending warm, sunny days with my family in Floria. This creamy, sweet and acidic pie provides bold flavors and health benefits, too. In fact, limes are thought to boost your immune system and even help improve the health of your heart. (1, 2, 3) And when mixed with condensed coconut milk, gluten-free arrowroot flour and maple syrup, the lime juice used in this key lime pie recipe creates a thick and creamy texture that makes this pie so popular. If you’ve tried my gluten-free lemon meringue pie or my vegan banana cream pie, this one has to be next on your list. Not only is it decadent looking, because of the vibrant sliced limes on top, but it’s also absolutely delicious. What Is Key Lime Pie? Traditionally, key lime pie is made with juice from the small key limes that grow throughout Florida. Compared to the Persian limes that we see year-round in our grocery stores, key limes are smaller, lighter and more acidic. Key limes also have a stronger aroma than Persian limes and are known for their unique flavor. Although the scientific name for key limes is Citrus aurantiifolia, they’ve become known as key limes because of their popularity in the Florida Keys. Key lime pie is traditionally made with a combination of key lime juice, egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, sugar and pie crust that’s made with all-purpose, white flour. In an effort to make my key lime pie recipe as healthy as possible, I use maple syrup as a natural sweetener, condensed coconut milk that provides healthy fats and arrowroot flour that makes my pie gluten-free. I also typically use lime juice and zest from the Persian limes that you find in your local grocery store in an effort to make this recipe accessible. Plus, the maple syrup, vanilla extract and salt in this recipe contributes greatly to the robust flavor. Instead of relying on store-bought pie crusts made with refined sugar and flour, I make my gluten-free pie crust that’s made with gluten-free flours, grass-fed butter, date sugar and eggs. Did you know that when the acidic lime juice is mixed with the coconut milk and arrowroot flour, it causes a reaction that makes the filling of the pie thicken? This is why key lime pie doesn’t need to be baked. So, give my recipe a try … Eating this key lime pie will make you feel like you’re sitting on a sunny patio in Florida. How to Make Key Lime Pie Your first step in preparing this key lime pie is to combine 2 tablespoons of arrowroot flour and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Simply whisk the starch and oil for about a minute until it creates a roux. Next, add 2 cups of evaporated or condensed coconut milk (or you can substitute cream of coconut). You want to whisk this mixture continuously until it thickens and forms a custard-like consistency. This should take about 10 minutes of whisking. Now add in ½ cup of key lime juice, 1 teaspoon of lime zest, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ cup of maple syrup and ½ teaspoon of sea salt. Keep whisking the mixture for about five minutes until it becomes even thicker. Well, that was easy, wasn’t it? Your pie filling is done. Now, just pour it into your gluten-free pie crust and allow it to cool. Once it’s cool, chill your pie in the freezer for about an hour. I like to top my key lime pie with two to three sliced limes for garnish. This is a really colorful finishing touch. And just like that, your key lime pie is ready to enjoy! Key Lime Pie Recipe Key lime pie makes me think of spending warm, sunny days with my family in Floria. This creamy, sweet and acidic pie provides bold flavors and it’s also an accessible, healthy version that everyone will appreciate! INGREDIENTS 1 Gluten-Free Pie Crust 2 tablespoons arrowroot starch 1 tablespoon coconut oil 2 cups evaporated or condensed coconut milk (or cream of coconut) ½ cup key lime juice (or use regular limes) 1 teaspoon lime zest 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ cup maple syrup ½ teaspoon sea salt 2–3 limes, sliced for garnishing INSTRUCTIONS First, make up the gluten-free pie crust using my recipe. (Or make your own type of crust.) In a saucepan over medium heat, combine arrowroot and coconut oil. Whisk to create roux. After about one minute, add coconut milk. Whisk continuously until mixture thickens into a custard-like consistency, about 10 minutes. Add lime juice, lime zest, vanilla, maple syrup and salt. Whisk until mixture thickens even more, about five minutes. Pour mixture into pie crust and allow to cool, then chill the rest of the way in the freezer, about one hour. Top with sliced lime for garnish and serve. NOTES Did you know that when the acidic lime juice is mixed with the coconut milk and arrowroot flour, it causes a reaction that makes the filling of the pie thicken? This is why key lime pie doesn’t need to be baked. To read the original article click here.

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Eating Citrus Fruits Can Help Prevent Obesity-Related Diseases

Key Lime Pie Recipe