Author: Richard

Buckwheat is not associated to wheat but it is related to knotweed, sorrel and rhubarb. Its seeds have high content of complex carbohydrates so referred as pseudocereal. The fragrant flowers are attractive to bees which help to produce flavored and dark honey. Buckwheat has similar size of wheat kernels which features unique triangular shape. The outer hull is removed for consumption. Buckwheat is found either roasted or unroasted. Buckwheat in unroasted form possess soft and subtle flavor. Roasted buckwheat possesses earthy and nutty taste. The color range from tannish pink to brown. Buckwheat could be ground into flour and is…

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Solanum betaceum also known as tree tomato or tamarillo is the fruit which has the similar appearance of tomato. The fruit could be found in two colors of yellow and red. Red one is well-known than yellow. Fruit is egg shaped bearing yellow to orange flesh and black seeds that is surrounded by purple gelatin. Red color found in tamarillo is due to the pigment named anthocyanins and yellow color is from carotenoids pigment. The fruit tamarillo is found in tree with short life span. The plant prefers subtropical climate with 600 and 4000 millimeters rainfall and annual temperatures in…

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Malus domestica commonly known as apple tree is a deciduous tree belonging to the rose family Rosaceae that is widely known for its sweet and pomaceous fruit. This family also includes pears, peaches, cherries, plums, apricots, almonds and raspberries. It is cultivated worldwide. The plant was originated in Central Asia and has been grown in Europe and Asia for thousands of years. Apples were brought by European colonists to North America. About 7500 cultivars of apples are known that results in various characteristics. Fruit and trees become prone to bacterial, fungal and pest problems that could be controlled by means…

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Goldenseal botanically known as Hydrastis Canadensis is a member of the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. Apart from Goldenseal it is also known as Yellow Root, Orange Root, Yellow Puccoon, Ground Raspberry, Wild Curcuma, Turmeric Root, Indian Dye, Eye Root, Eye Balm, Indian Paint, Jaundice Root and Warnera, hydrastis. It is a perennial herb native to the southeastern Canada and the eastern United States. Over harvesting and loss of habitat have reduced the availability of wild goldenseal, but the plant is now grown commercially in the United States, mainly in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The name of this plant is due to…

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The almond oil is derived from the dried kernels of almond. It has high content of fatty acids as well as Vitamin E. It has humectant and emollient properties that help to soften the skin and prevent it from loss of moisture. It is used by aroma therapists and massage uses. It also possess Vitamin B1, A, B6, B2, Vitamin D and Vitamin E. The antioxidant properties are available due to the presence of Vitamin E in almonds. It helps to neutralize free radicals and protects the important cell structures. The studies also show that it lowers the effects of…

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Unliker other oils, it is not derived from the seeds. Avocado oil is pressed from the pulp of Persea Americana fruit also known as avocado. It has high smoke point both refined and unrefined. The smoking point of refined form is 520°F (271 °C) whereas unrefined form has 480 °F (249 °C). The refined oil has the yellow color with strong smell and unrefined oil has green color with rich and fatty odor. The oil is contained of healthy fats such as essential fatty acids and oleic acid. It is rich in oleic acid, Vitamin A, D, E and monounsaturated…

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The walnut (Juglans regia) is a species of the tree native to the Balkans Eastward to Himalayas and Southwest China. The trees are found extensively in Kyrgyzstan. Walnut is the name for the edible drupe which is widely cultivated in the world. Within the genus Juglans L., it is classified in the family Juglandaceae. The fruit of the Walnut is a drupe which consists of rough and wrinkled hard shell with a light brown to white flesh inside. Walnuts are available unshelled or shelled. The kernel of the fruit is edible and mostly consumed raw, roasted or as a paste.…

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Pinus pinea, in the family Pinaceae is the species of pine tree that is native to Mediterranean region existing in Israel, Southern Europe, Syria and Lebanon. Other names include European Stone Pine, Mediterranean Stone Pine, Italian Stone Pine, Parasol Pine, Stone Pine, Pignolia- Nut Pine and Umbrella Pine. Chinese pine nuts, European stone pine nuts, Himalayan or Chilgoza pine nuts, Siberian pine nuts and Pinon or pinyon pine nuts are the varieties of pine nuts. It is a bushy globe in the young, umbrella canopy in mid age and broad or flat crown above 8 meters wide when matured. It…

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Cashew, Anacardium occidentale, is an evergreen tree that is native to North Eastern Brazil and is sophisticated in various tropical countries. Cashew is mostly produced in Vietnam, India, Nigeria and Ivory Coast. The tree produces edible fruits with nuts which are widely consumed as a food. It belongs to Anacardiaceae family. The tree is widely cultivated for its nuts. Other names include Cashew, Cashew nut, Kidney-nut, acajoeboom, anacardier, westindische Nierenboom, Acajubaum, cajou, Nierenbaum, cajú, anacardo, cajueiro, marañón, cajuil, yao guo and merey. The white or pale green flowers are pollinated by wasps, bees, flies, ants and humming birds. Frugivorous bats…

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Lamb’s quarters (Chenopodium album) native to Europe and Asia is a relative of spinach and is found in many gardens growing as a weed. It is a member of the Chenopodiaceae family of vegetables and is a traditional food all around the world, and is grown as a crop food in parts of India. It is also a close relative of the Quinoa, the plant that is grown for the Quinoa grain found in health food and now grocery stores. Make use of the leaves just like you would use spinach leaves. It is widely known to be edible but…

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Onion possesses antioxidants, anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is rich in vitamin B1, vitamin C, folic acid and vitamin B6, magnesium, phosphorus and dietary fibers. Health benefits of Onion Juice The juice of onion has various health benefits such as: 1. Protection against allergens Onions possess a powerful antioxidant which is called quercetin which is effective to treat allergic reactions and chronic inflammatory conditions such as asthma. Quercetin assists to eliminate free radicals that leads to cell damage and also strengthens the cell that discharges histamine in the body. Onions lowers the growth of plaque in arteries which is the…

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Yerba Mate is the plant which is an inherent to South America, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Paraguay. The yerba mate is cultivated by drying the twigs and leaves over the fire and in hot water it is steeped to produce tea. According to Guayaki.com “Yerba mate tea is considered as the drink of gods”. It possesses 15 amino acids, 24 minerals and vitamins, 11 polyphenols and plethora of antioxidants. It is also used as a substitute for a coffee. Guayaki website reports that the yerba mate possesses theobromine, xanthine, and theophylline Yerba mate tea upgrade the digestion, assist in weight…

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Patchouli oil is the evergreen perennial which was originated from Southeast Asia. Nowadays it is cultivated in Indonesia, China, India, Malaysia, Philippines, tropical regions of Hawaii and South America. Patchouli oil is extracted from the white, violet marked flowers and leaves. The oil is a thick liquid in a light yellow or brown color with strong, sweet and musky earth aroma. As the oil ages, it gets much better. The color of the patchouli oil turns into a deep amber from light yellow color and the fragrance is richer and smoother. The Patchouli essential oil is extracted from the leaves…

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Papaya is the tree which grows about 20 feet high and produces the delicious fruits. The leaf of papaya also serves the herbal purposes. Papaya leaf can treat the skin conditions such as freckles, infected cuts and its tea can treat the upset gastric and excess water retention. The papaya leaves are bitter in taste. The compounds found on papaya are: Vitamin B, Vitamin D, calcium, carbohydrate, water, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, phosphorus and protein. The papaya leaves could be boiled with salt. Papaya can be mixed with guava leaves which helps to eliminate bitterness before cooking. Health…

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The fruit that grows on the wild rose bushes is called rosehips. It is found from late summer to autumn. It can be consumed in the form of powder or as tea. The oil is also extracted from this rosehips seed. It has the laxative and diuretic properties as well. It is the only vegetable oil which possesses vitamin A and also rich in linoleic acid, fatty acid and antioxidants such as beta-carotene and lycopene. It is also included in the skin care products such as lotions and creams. Health Benefits of using Rosehip seed oil The oil is extracted…

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This unique shaped fruit of Africa is the storehouse of numerous health promoting Minerals and Vitamins such as Iron, Magnesium, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and other nutrients. Have it in the form of fresh table fruits, juice, or simply in salads. Nutritional value of Horned Melon Serving Size: 1 Cup (233 g) Calories 103 Kcal. Calories from Fat 26.46 Kcal. Proximity Amount % DV Energy 103 Kcal (426 KJ) ND Protein 4.15 g 8.30% Total Fat (Lipid) 2.94 g 8.40% Carbohydrate 17.61 g 13.55% Water 207.3 g ND Ash 1.03 g ND Minerals Amount % DV Iron, Fe 2.63…

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The eye catching Horned like Melon – Kiwano has different name in different territories and communities. After studying all Vernacular names, it is unquestionable that the name of this fruit is derived based on unique horn-like spines in outer surface. Name Horned Melon, Kiwano Common/English Names: African Cucumber, African Horned Cucumber, African Horned Melon, Bitter Wild Cucumber, Hedged Gourd , Horned Cucumber, Horned Melon, Horny Cucumber, Jelly Melon, Kiwano, Spiny Cucumber Vernacular Names Afrikaans Rooikomkommer, Rooi Agurkie, Wilde Komkommer Benin AgBowounon , Gbowunon (Fon ), Agbowunon (Goun) Botswana Magabala, Mokapana (Tswana), Mogau Danish Afrika Agrurk Democratic Republicof Conga…

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Horned Melon or Cucumis Metuliferus is orange colored fruit naturally found in Africa which is now cultivated in Newzealand, Australia, Kenya, Newzealad, France and Israel. Other common names include jelly melon, métulon (France), and the trademarked names Kiwano (New Zealand), Horn Gurke (German) and Melano (Israel) Facts about Horned Melon (Kiwano Melon) Name Horned Melon Scientific Name Cucumis Metuliferus Common/English Name African cucumber, African horned cucumber, African horned melon, Bitter wild cucumber, Blowfish fruit, English tomato, Hedged gourd, Horned cucumber, Horned gourd, Horned melon, Horny ucumber, Jelly melon, Kiwano, Melano, Metulon, Spiked pears, Spiny cucumber Name in Other Languages Metulon…

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Almond milk is made out of ground almonds that has more often been substituted with dairy milk. It doesn’t consist of lactose or cholesterol, since you would find in animal milk. As almond milk doesn’t consist of animal products, it is just a broadly recognized beverage for vegetarians, vegans and people who are lactose-intolerant. Many people are utilized to the readily available dairy milk. Although not so common, almond milk has been utilized for a long time as an alternative for cows’ milk which is easily available and comparatively simple to get. Dairy milk is renowned for its high-content of…

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The health benefits of nutmeg oil consist of its capability to deal with stress, pain, menstrual cramps, heart disorders, indigestion, blood pressure level, cough and bad breath. The health advantages of nutmeg oil could be related to its therapeutic qualities like its role like a sedative, stimulant, relaxing, anti-inflammatory, germ killing, as well as bactericidal substance. Nutmeg has got the Latin name Myristica fragrans. Additionally it is known by other common names in several nations as mace, muscdier, magic, muskatbaum, noz moscada, myristica, nuez moscada and nux moschata. The nutmeg tree grows very tall and could reach up to seventy…

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