26 April 2016

Health Benefit of Pineapple and its Nutrient Composition

Pineapple
 
27 Significant Benefits Of Pineapples For Skin, Hair, And Health
The pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a tropical plant with edible multiple fruit consisting of coalesced berries, also called pineapples,and the most economically significant plant in the Bromeliaceae family
Pineapples can be consumed fresh, cooked, juiced, or preserved. They are found in a wide array of cuisines. In addition to consumption, the pineapple leaves are used to produce the textile fiber piña in the Philippines, commonly used as the material for the men's Barong Tagalog and women's Baro't saya formal wear in the country. The fiber is also used as a component for wallpaper and other furnishings.
The word "pineapple" in English was first recorded to describe the reproductive organs of conifer trees (now termed pine cones). When European explorers discovered this tropical fruit in the Americas, they called them "pineapples" (first referenced in 1664 for resemblance to the pine cone)
In the scientific binomial Ananas comosus, ananas, the original name of the fruit, comes from the Tupi word nanas, meaning "excellent fruit as recorded by André Thevet in 1555, and comosus, tufted, refers to the stem of the fruit. Other members of the Ananas genus are often called pine, as well, in other languages. In Spanish, pineapples are called piña ("pine cone"), or ananá (ananás) (for example, the piña colada drink)
A single pineapple is, in fact, a collection of multiple fruits; each one is the fruit of an individual blossom. Available year-round in local markets, pineapples have a vibrant tropical flavor that is both sweet and tart.
Pineapples come with a host of benefits for your skin, hair, and health – some of them include strengthening bones, improving respiratory diseases, fighting against infection, and many more. Read on to know about some interesting pineapple benefits.

 Image result for pineapple

Benefits Of Pineapple For Skin
1. Effective Solution For Acne
The presence of Vitamin C in pineapples enables this fruit to be used, internally as well as externally, as a cure for acne and other inflammatory skin conditions . Bromelain, the anti-inflammatory enzyme in this fruit, boosts up the healing power of Vitamin C
2. Helps Your Skin Look Younger
This fruit gives the collagen synthesis in your body a boost. The higher the collagen synthesis is, the firmer and more flexible your skin will be. Plus, the added nourishment comes from the presence of amino acids and Vitamin C, which ensures that the damaged cells and tissues are repaired quickly . Apply freshly prepared pineapple juice on the face. Wash off using tepid water after 10 minutes
3. Natural Exfoliating Agent
You can also use freshly crushed pineapple wedges to exfoliate your skin . It eliminates the dead skin and accentuates blood flow. This, in turn, makes your skin look brighter.
4. Get Rid Of Those Cracks On Your Feet
The exfoliating property of pineapple, along with its collagen synthesizing nature, makes it an excellent natural scrub for your feet. It helps in sloughing off the flaky, calloused skin of the feet, leaving them smooth, soft, and pretty. The inflammation and swelling, triggered by the cracks, also get relieved
5. Softens And Strengthens Nails
Lack of Vitamin A intake could pave the way for dry, brittle nails. Vitamin B deficiency also causes the nails to crack and split. You do not need any over-the-counter multivitamin pill to ease this condition though! Just use pineapple. You can prepare a nail softening lotion at your home using pineapple juice.
You Will Need
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon fresh pineapple juice
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 drops lemon oil
What You Need To Do
Mix all the above ingredients in a bowl using a brush or a spoon.
Apply it to your nails and cuticles with the help of a cotton ball or a thin brush.
Rinse after 15 minutes.
How Often Should You Do This
You can do this treatment daily before sleeping.
Caution
If you’re allergic to lemon juice, do not try this treatment.
6. For Hydrated, Radiant Skin
Dry skin looks dull and unattractive. You can now make use of the pineapple to give your skin that hydrated effect. Mix about three tablespoons of freshly crushed pineapples with an egg yolk and a little milk. Apply it topically on your skin and leave it on for a few minutes. Wash off with tepid water and get moisturized skin.
7. Natural Cure For Chapped Lips
Pineapple, when used along with coconut oil, offers relief from chapped lips. Pineapple, like coconut oil, possesses skin hydrating and nourishing properties. Heal your chapped lips and soften them with a pineapple and coconut oil mixture.
Benefits Of Pineapple For Hair
8. Prevents Hair Loss
Vitamin C is an important element that aids in preventing hair loss. It is a powerful antioxidant that combats free radical damage. Pineapple is a rich source of this water soluble vitamin. Eat them as wedges or just juice them fresh and drink it to reap the benefits of Vitamin C and prevent hair loss
9. Good For Inflammatory Scalp Conditions
Bromelain is an anti-oxidative enzyme that possesses anti-inflammatory powers. Daily consumption of pineapple prevents and eases inflammatory conditions, which affect the scalp. It also offers relief from infections of the scalp, preventing unwanted hair fall.
10. For Thicker Hair
Pineapple extracts are known to possess hair thickening properties. The enzymes present in this golden-yellow fruit enrich the hair follicles by rendering necessary vital nutrients. This, in turn, improves the elasticity and thickness of the hair.
Benefits Of Pineapples For Health
Pineapples are loaded with vitamin A and C, fiber, potassium, phosphorous, and calcium. They offer a wide range of health benefits.
11. Prevent Free Radical Damage
Pineapples are a rich source of antioxidants that helps fight against free radicals in the body, thereby preventing further cellular damage. These antioxidants also protect our body from diseases like atherosclerosis, heart diseases, arthritis, various cancers, etc.
12. Prevent Colds
Pineapples are abundant in vitamin C and bromelain, which fight against microbial infections. Eating pineapples with the prescribed medicines can help cure colds and coughs effectively.
13. Strong Bones
Rich amount of manganese present in pineapples helps in strengthening bones and connective tissues. It also contains essential minerals required for a healthy and strong body
14. Healthy Gums
Eating pineapple strengthens your gums, and keeps your teeth healthy and strong
15. Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a condition in which adults lose their vision. Beta-carotene present in pineapples improves vision
16. Anti-inflammatory Action
Pineapple fruit is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties which prevent inflammation in arthritis patients and gives strength to the bones
17. Cures Sinusitis, Sore Throat, Gout, Swellings
Pineapples help prevent sinusitis. They are also effective in curing sore throat, gout, and swellings
18. Anti-Cancer Properties
The abundance of antioxidants in pineapples helps fight against free radicals. This also halts the process of cell damage and prevents several types of cancers
19. Helps Prevent Atherosclerosis
Free radicals cause atherosclerosis, which can be easily prevented by the antioxidants in pineapples
20. Maintains Heart’s Health
Powerful antioxidants present in pineapple help lower the cholesterol levels in the body, thereby preventing heart diseases
21. Immunity
Vitamin C and antioxidants present in pineapples boost the immunity system of our body
22. Digestion
Pineapple is rich in bromelain, vitamin C, and dietary fiber that promote digestion
23. Bronchitis
Pineapple is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in reducing inflammation in bronchial tubes which generally arises due to bronchitis
24. Catarrh
It is a disorder in which there is inflammation of the mucus membrane in one of the airways or cavities of the body. This disorder can be prevented by eating pineapples regularly
25. Prevents Hypertension
If you’re suffering from high blood pressure and hypertension, then you must start eating pineapples regularly. Higher amounts of potassium and lower amounts of sodium in pineapples help maintain normal blood pressure levels
26. Treats Intestinal Worms
Pineapple contains the digestive enzyme bromelain. A diet rich in pineapple helps clear certain intestinal parasites such as tapeworms.
27. Relieves Nausea
Pineapple juice averts nausea or morning sickness. Pregnant women experience nausea quite often, it’s advisable for them to include pineapple in their diet
Quick And Easy Ways Of Including Pineapples In Your Daily Diet
Combine diced pineapple with chopped shrimp, grated ginger, and a few drops of olive oil. Season to taste and serve this fragrant shrimp salad on a bed of romaine lettuce.
Drizzle maple syrup on pineapple slices and boil until brown. Serve plain or with yogurt.
Chopped pineapple, grated fennel, and cashews go well together and are especially delicious as a side dish to chicken.
Presence of pineapple in fruit salads increases its yumminess.
Add them in your dessert recipes.
Simply juice it up.
Pineapple Nutrition Profile
Have a quick glimpse of the in-depth nutrition information for pineapples:
Nutrient Value
Percentage of RDA
Energy
50 Kcal
2.5%
Carbohydrates
13.52 g
10%
Protein
0.54 g
1%
Total Fat
0.12 g
<1%
Cholesterol
0 mg
0%
Dietary Fiber
1.40 g
4%
Vitamins
Folates
18 µg
4.5%
Niacin
0.500 mg
4%
Pyridoxine
0.112 mg
9%
Riboflavin
0.018 mg
1.5%
Thiamin
0.079 mg
6.5%
Vitamin A
58 IU
2%
Vitamin C
47.8 mg
80%
Vitamin E
0.02 mg
<1%
Vitamin K
0.07 µg
0.5%
Electrolytes
Sodium
1 mg
0%
Potassium
109 mg
2.5%
Minerals
Calcium
13 mg
1.3%
Copper
0.110 mg
12%
Iron
0.29 mg
3.5%
Magnesium
12 mg
3%
Manganese
0.927 mg
40%
Phosphorus
8 mg
1%
Selenium
0.1 µg
<1%
Zinc
0.12 mg
1%
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-ß
35 µg

Crypto-xanthin-ß
0 mcg

Boost Your Health With Pineapples Today!

25 April 2016

Exercises for Your 0-2 Years Olds

Fun Baby Exercises for Your 0-2 Years Olds

You may be aware of the fact that proper eating and exercise are significant for one’s health. But many of you might not be conscious that it is the same for your little baby. Studies reveal that infants and toddlers also need do some exercise for about 1 hour a day, and if they are raised doing exercises as part of their daily life, they are not as much possible to become overweight or go through harms associated with plumpness.

 

Why Do Babies Need to Exercise?

According to the creators of Active Start-the most basic set of workout strategies for babies, designed by pediatric specialists and employed by the NASPE (National Association for Sport and Physical Education), it is better to use 10 to 15 minutes to walk a kid rather than use baby carriers, cars, infant seats, etc, because all of these could hinder the physical and mental growth in a child.
Exercise initiates the development that may be substantial for health later on in life. Since formative years are those moments when the brain builds up links to the muscles, hence, kids who do not acquire adequate exercise may fail to grasp the opportunity to formulate a strong kind of brain-muscle links that make physical activity much more effortless and enjoyable. And with their growing day by day, it’s the physical ability that makes babies more likely to take exercise as a life-long habit.
As far as babies are concerned, though inheritances as well as biological effects have their own impacts, yet the earlier you indulge your baby in exercise, the sooner exercise operates as a defense against fatness. Moreover, if the kids take pleasure in workout and keep doing it, they will probably be more active when they become adults.

Recommended Baby Exercises for Different Ages

Here we are going to introduce a few beneficial and straightforward baby exercises that would enable them to erect their muscles and help to build their motor skills gradually.

1. Baby Exercises for 0-6 Months Olds

Baby Exercises
How to Do It
Finger towing
Place the little one on his back on the bed and put forward your two index fingers. When he grasps them effectively, tenderly pick up your hands. The more you participate in this maneuver, the more he will try to hold tightly. Elevate the baby and drop him gently to prevent him from injury.
Elevating the head
Position your baby in a vertical position next to your shoulder. In this pose, the baby is able to elevate his head, for a small period of time. Do ensure to provide superb hold up to the baby along his back so as to hamper his backward thrust.                                                            
Tummy time
To perform these exercises, position your baby face down on a comparatively firm surface such as a foam floor mat. The baby will not do a lot during the first one to two months, but when he grows up a bit more, he will attempt to turn his head and will also shove himself up on forearms to look around.
The bicycle exercise
Let your baby lie on his back and grasp his feet or inferior part of the legs. Smoothly thrust one of his legs in the direction of his chest while stretching the other one. Thrust and lengthen each leg thrice; halt and do again. Once you conclude, let your baby lash out liberally.

2. Baby Exercises for 6-12 Months Olds

Baby Exercises
How to Do It
The tug up exercise
Clutch the forearms of your little one and tug him up gradually to a sitting position while maintaining his back upright. Gradually and leisurely put him back to the ground. Do again four times.
Elbow stand
Place your child on his belly and position his elbows precisely under his shoulders and forearms on the ground. Clutch and elevate his hips and trunk to form a 45-degree position to the ground. Let the child relax on his forearms. Attempt to elevate his legs slightly more while ensuring that it doesn't knock his nose.
The toe to ear exercise
Place the baby on his back. Maintaining his leg erect, unhurriedly and smoothly transport his right big toe in the direction of his left ear and then steer it back to the starting place. Then bring the left toe to the right ear. Repeat five times with both feet.

3. Baby Exercises for 1-2 Years Olds

Baby Exercises
How to Do It
The lay-back exercise
Be seated with your baby lying between your curved legs. Let him grasp your thumbs, while you hold his wrists and forearms with your fingers.Gradually draw him to a sitting posture. Slowly drop him back to the ground. Do again five times. But be aware of the fact that his head should be in line with his spinal, not falling towards the rear.
Stroke and hug
Position your baby next to you. Grasp his right ankle and left hand and little by little bring the foot and hand together. Extend the right leg and the left arm high above your head. Do again 3 to 5 times.Alter to the other arm and leg. Do it again 3 to 5 times. And then clutch the wrists and hands of your little one and oppose his arms over his chest and embrace it.Gradually, extend both of his arms above his head. Do 3 to 5 times again.
Hip lift
Place your little one on his back. His knees should be curved and his feet flat on the ground. Slide your hands around his waist while sustaining his back. Assist your baby to raise the torso 2 to 4 inches away from the ground and support him to employ the muscles of his leg and buttock. Count for 2 to 3 seconds; help your little one leisurely back to the ground, maintaining her knees curved.
The head to toe exercise
Both of you sit facing each other and put the soles of your feet together, legs relaxing. Bend your back forward and gradually curl your body to your feet. Bend back to the preliminary position and repeat ten times.
Baby exercises will definitely help your baby grow stronger. Don't believe? Check this video out:
Culled from http://www.newkidscenter.com/Baby-Exercises.html

24 April 2016

Child Nutrition and Food Plan



Plan wisely for your baby














You want your baby to get the nutrition they need to grow up strong and healthy. Today, most women breastfeed their babies. Breastfeeding is important and gives your baby just the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Breastfeeding provides antibodies and other immune factors. These help protect against infections and disease.
On this page

For a young infant (birth to 6 months)
  • Breastfeeding is the only food or drink your baby will need for the first 6 months.
  • Babies who are breastfed should get a vitamin D supplement of 10 micrograms (µg) or 400 international units (IU) each day. This will prevent vitamin D deficiency.
If your baby is not breastfed, or is only partially breastfed, commercial infant formulas are an alternative to breast milk. Non-breastfed infants do not require a vitamin D supplement because the commercial infant formula contains vitamin D.

For an older infant (6 to 12 months)
  • Continue to breastfeed for up to two years or more, as long as both you and your child want to.
  • Continue to give your breastfed infant a vitamin D supplement of 10 µg (400 IU).
  • At 6 months, breastfeeding is still your baby’s main food source, but it is time to begin adding solid foods. Formula-fed infants should also be introduced to solid foods at this time.
  • Start with foods that contain iron and offer them a few times each day. Iron supports your baby’s growth and development. Iron-rich foods include meats such as beef, lamb, game, poultry, and fish. Meat alternatives include eggs, tofu, and legumes such as beans and lentils. Iron-fortified infant cereal is also a common first food.
  • Gradually increase the number of times a day that you offer solid foods.
  • Offer your baby a range of nutritious foods from your family meals. Let them discover different textures and experiment with feeding themselves.
  • Give your baby foods they can eat using their hands. Offer pieces of soft-cooked vegetables, soft fruit such as banana, grated cheese, bread crusts and toast.
  • If you are making the transition to cow milk as your child’s main milk source, wait until your baby is between 9 and 12 months old. Start with homogenized cow milk (3.25% M.F.). Do not offer skim or partly skimmed milk (1% or 2% M.F.) before 2 years of age.
  • If you are going to make fortified soy beverage your child’s main milk source, wait until they are 2 years of age. Rice or nut beverages should not be used as your child’s main milk source.
  • Pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues. Trust your child to decide how much they are going to eat at any meal.
For a young child (12 to 24 months)
  • By 12 months, your child needs a variety of foods from the food groups. Learn more about Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide.
  • Establish a schedule of regular meals and snacks for your child.
  • Breastfeed as long as you and your child want to continue.
  • Continue to give your breastfed child a vitamin D supplement of 10 µg (400 IU). This provides a daily source of vitamin D.
  • If you are no longer breastfeeding, offer 500 milliliters (mL) of homogenized milk (3.25% M.F.) each day. Your child may like to drink a lot of milk. You should limit them to 750 mL each day to not affect their intake of other foods.
  • Higher-fat, nutritious foods are an important source of energy for your child. Examples include breast milk, homogenized cow milk (3.25% M.F.), cheese, avocado, nut butters, and some fish such as salmon or trout.
  • Limit fruit juice and do not offer sweetened beverages. If your child seems thirsty, offer water.
  • Eat together as a family as often as you can. Be a role model; try new and nutritious foods yourself.
Safe feeding tips
  • Always supervise your child when eating. Make sure your child is sitting upright and is not distracted. Do not let your child eat while walking or running, or while sitting in a moving vehicle.
  • Introduce common food allergens one at a time. A food allergen can cause an allergic reaction in some children (like itchy skin, upset stomach or wheezing).Wait two days before introducing a new food. That way, if your baby develops a reaction, you'll have a better idea of what food might have caused it.
  • Do not offer solid foods that are hard, small and round, or smooth and sticky. These foods can cause choking.
  • Do not offer herbal teas, sports drinks or other drinks with caffeine or artificial sweeteners.
  • Cook all meat, eggs, poultry, and fish well. Do not use products with raw eggs to avoid salmonella poisoning. Do not offer unpasteurized juices, milk or milk products.
  • To prevent infant botulism, do not offer honey to a baby younger than 12 months.
For more information speak to your healthcare provider. You can also get practical infant feeding resources from your regional public health unit or community health centre.
Menus for older infants and young children
These menus are only a guide. Offer your baby nutritious foods from your family meal and eat together as a family as often as you can. Let your baby decide how much they want to eat from the foods offered.
What you can offer a 7-month old infant
Early morning and on cue at any time (when your baby is hungry)
Breastfeeding
Morning
Breastfeeding
Iron-fortified infant cereal 
Mashed strawberries or other soft fruit 
Snack
Whole grain toast, cut into small pieces or strips
Midday
Breastfeeding
Iron-fortified infant cereal 
Hard-boiled egg, mashed, minced, or grated
Cooked and mashed sweet potato or other vegetable
Snack
Unsweetened stewed prunes, pureed
Early evening
Breastfeeding
Ground or finely minced plain, dark chicken or other meat
Cooked and mashed broccoli or other vegetable
Evening and nighttime
Breastfeeding
What you can offer an 11-month old infant
Early morning and on cue at any time (when your baby is hungry)
Breastfeeding
Morning
Breastfeeding
Iron-fortified infant cereal 
Chopped strawberries 
Snack
Unsweetened o-shaped oat cereal
Blueberries thawed from frozen
Midday
Breastfeeding
Canned salmon, mashed
Sweet potato, mashed
Cooked green peas, mashed
Snack
Chopped, hard-boiled egg
Whole grain bread, cut into strips
Early evening
Breastfeeding
Ground beef cooked with diced tomatoes and macaroni
Unsweetened stewed prunes, pureed
Evening and nighttime
Breastfeeding
What you can offer a 17-month old child
Continue breastfeeding as long as you and your child both want to
Breakfast
Whole grain toast with soft margarine
Scrambled egg 
Sliced banana
Breastfeeding or homogenized cow milk (3.25% M.F.)
Snack
Whole grain tortilla
Grated cheese
Soft pear, sliced
Lunch
Cooked quinoa
Chopped chicken
Grated carrot and cucumber
Chopped mango
Breastfeeding or homogenized cow milk (3.25% M.F.)
Snack
Unsweetened o-shaped oat cereal 
Sliced fresh plum
Supper
Poached fillet of sole, deboned 
Roasted potato, chopped
Steamed broccoli and cauliflower, chopped
Fruit cocktail in juice
Breastfeeding or homogenized cow milk (3.25% M.F.)
Snack
Whole wheat bread with soft margarine
Sliced strawberries
Breastfeeding or homogenized cow milk (3.25% M.F.)
What you can offer a 17-month old vegetarian child
Continue breastfeeding as long as both you and your child want to
Breakfast
Iron-fortified infant cereal 
Sliced banana
Breastfeeding or homogenized cow milk (3.25% M.F.)
Snack
Whole grain crackers with grated cheese
Sliced strawberries
Lunch
Naan bread, cut into strips, spread thinly with hummus
Grated carrots
Cooked green beans, chopped
Diced mango
Breastfeeding or homogenized cow milk (3.25% M.F.)
Snack
Cottage cheese
Unsweetened stewed prunes, pureed
Supper
Lentil pilaf (mixed dish):
Whole wheat couscous
Cooked lentils 
Cooked, diced, zucchini
Diced tomatoes
Chopped, cooked spinach
Fruit cocktail in juice
Breastfeeding or homogenized cow milk (3.25% M.F.)
Snack
Homemade, whole grain muffin
Canned pears, in juice
Breastfeeding or homogenized cow milk (3.25% M.F.)