Purple Yam

Scientific Name: Dioscorea alata

Other name: Ube or greater yam

Description: Purple yam is a tuberous root vegetable known for its striking purple color. It's a staple in various cuisines, particularly in Asian and African countries and have numerous health benefits. They are a versatile and nutritious addition to the diet, offering both medicinal and culinary benefits. They can be boiled, baked, roasted, or added to desserts like cakes and sweet pastries due to their naturally sweet taste and vibrant color. The skin is rough, greyish-brown; while the heart-shaped leaves grow on slender stems rising from long, creeping vines.

Parts Used:

Tuber (Root): The most commonly used part of the purple yam for medicinal purposes. It's rich in nutrients and antioxidants.

Medicinal Uses and Properties:

Antioxidant Properties: Purple yams are high in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.

Anti-inflammatory Effects: They may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is beneficial for conditions like arthritis.

Blood Sugar Regulation: Some studies suggest that purple yam can help in managing blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for diabetic patients.

Digestive Health: Being a good source of fiber, purple yams can promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation.

Nutrition Profile:

Rich in carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C and some B vitamins), and minerals (like potassium, manganese, and copper). Low in fat.

Health Benefits:

Cardiovascular Health: The fiber and antioxidants in purple yam can contribute to heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and improving circulation.

Immune Boosting: Its high vitamin C content supports the immune system.

Skin Health: Antioxidants in purple yams, like anthocyanins, may benefit skin health by preventing signs of aging and improving skin texture.

Cancer Prevention: Early research suggests that the antioxidants in purple yam may have anti-cancer properties, although more research is needed in this area.

Bone Health: Purple yams are a good source of minerals like zinc and magnesium, which are important for bone health.

Weight Management: The fiber content in purple yams can promote a feeling of fullness, potentially aiding in weight control.

Precautions:

While purple yams are generally considered safe, excessive consumption can lead to gastrointestinal issues due to their high fiber content.

People with a history of oxalate-containing kidney stones should consume them in moderation, as yams contain oxalates. The leaves, stems, petioles of Dioscorea alata are not edible. Only the flesh of the tuber is edible.    

Goji Berries

Scientific name: Lycium barbarum

Common names: Goji, goji berry or wolfberry

Description:

Goji berries grow on an evergreen shrub found in China, Mongolia and in the Tibetan Himalayas. This berry is a member of the nightshade family (Solonaceae), which includes other common vegetables like potato, tomato, eggplant and pepper as well as some poisonous plants like belladonna and deadly nightshade.

They are bright orange-red, ellipsoid about 1–2 cm in diameter.  Goji berries have a mild tangy taste that is slightly sweet and sour that is usually sold dried and looks like bright red raisins.

Goji berries are eaten raw, brewed into tea, or used in smoothies or made into juice. 

Health benefits:

Goji berries have vitamins, antioxidants and all essential amino acids.  It has the highest concentration of protein of any fruit and loaded with vitamin C. Gogi berries have the highest
carotenoids than any other food; have 15 times the amount of iron found in spinach, as well as calcium, zinc, selenium, sodium, potassium, thiamin, riboflavin, lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin, polysaccharides, betaine, peptidoglycans and has twenty-one trace minerals.  It is also high in fiber.

It also has natural anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal compounds.

Goji berries are typically sold in dried berry form when used in traditional Chinese medicine also one should consult a doctor before taking it.

Medicinal Benefits:

Eyesight:

Being rich in zeaxanthin which is an antioxidant, Goji berry protect the eyes and decreased the likelihood of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Cancer:

Goji berries prevent cancer. Studies show that those treated with immunotherapy in combination with goji polysaccharides saw their cancers regress.

Diabetes Control:

Studies suggest that the fruit extracts of goji berries possess considerable hypoglycaemic properties.

Some studies using goji berry juice found possible benefits that included:


*a feeling of well being and calmness
*better athletic performance
*better quality of sleep
*cardiovascular protection
*lowering of cholesterol
*protection of brain cells 
*protection of the liver and skin
*Weight loss

Precaution: Little is known about the safety of using goji supplements or consuming goji juice in the long-term. It may increase the risk of bleeding and may interact with diabetes medications and/or anticoagulant drugs. Always consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

Asparagus

Scientific name: Asparagus officinalis

Description:

Asparagus is a herbaceous, spring vegetable and flowering perennial plant with stout stems and much-branched feathery foliage. The "leaves"or modified stems are  needle-like cladodes(branchlets) in the axils of scale leaves. The root system is adventitious and the root type is fasciculated.

The flowers are bell-shaped, greenish-white to yellowish, axillary, fascicled, solitary or in pairs.

Parts used:

Roots and seeds of ripe fruit

Medicinal properties:

Asparagus has been used as a vegetable and medicine because of its diuretic properties, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, mild aperient, sedative, laxative, demulcent and the green resin it contains is believed to be calming to the heart.

Asparagus is high in vitamin B1, B6, B12, Vit A, C, E, K, calcium, magnesium and zinc.  It is also a good source of dietary fiber, protein, beta-carotene, rutin, niacin, folic acid, iron, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese, selenium and chromium. Asparagus is low in calorie and sodium.

This vegetable is also a natural free radical scavenger and antioxidant.

Medicinal Uses:

Asparagus is considered a useful supplement for hangovers.

Anti-Cancer: Asparagus has sarsasapogenin O, and seven known steroids which demonstrated significant cytotoxicities against human A2780, HO-8910 and other tumor cells.

Asparagus also alleviates pain caused by rheumatism, chronic gout and the green resin is used for flatulence, calculous affections and cardiac dropsy.

Water in which asparagus was boiled is good for rheumatism and the roots are considered a powerful diuretic and used also for bronchial catarrh and pulmonary tuberculosis.

Chokeberry

 Scientific name: Aronia melanocarpa (Black Chokeberry), Aronia arbutifolia (Red Chokeberry)

Other names: Aronia, bitter-berry, or Virginia bird cherry

Description:

Chokeberry also known as Aronia, Bitter-berry, or Virginia bird cherry is a shrub or small tree that grows to about 5m tall and is native to North America. The leaves are oval with serrated margin while the flowers are white with 5 small petals.  The fruit is about 1 cm in diameter and ranges in color from bright red to black.

There are at least 2 species of chokeberries that are cultivated widely - black and red.  Black chokeberry
is sour sometimes bitter and is used to make jam or wine while the red chokeberry is sweet and less
astringent.

Parts used: Berries, leaves

Nutritional Information and Properties of Chokeberry:

Chokeberries among the healthiest berries because of its nutritional value.

It has a high concentration of polyphenols, flavonoid, anthocyanins and proanthocyanidin oxidants. These
antioxidants have proven health benefits by scavenging dangerous oxygen-free radicals.

Among the berries, chokeberry has one of the highest values yet recorded when it comes to the "oxygen
radical absorbency capacity" or ORAC (measurement of antioxidant strength of food items). This is effective
in preventing oxidative stress which is the root cause of most diseases. They are also rich in Vitamin C, vitamin E, Vitamin A, beta-carotene, carotenes, luteins and zeaxanthins. Zea-xanthin protects eyes from age-related macular disease. Chokeberries also have minerals like folate, potassium, iron and manganese.

Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses of Chokeberry:

Scientific studies have shown that consumption of chokeberries on a regular basis have potential health
benefits against cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, aging, inflammation, neurological diseases and
bacterial infections.

Cardiovascular Diseases/Heart attack/Stroke: Chokeberry is rich in antioxidants and flavonoid which are
good to keep a healthy heart. It reduces the bad cholesterol and improves blood flow. It also reduces the
blood pressure.

Diabetes: Chokeberry controls the blood sugar level and prevents it from spiking. It also prevents diabetes
related complication.

Ageing: because Chokeberry is a rich source of antioxidants and other nutrients it thus help to slow down
the ageing process.

Cancer: Chokeberry has high Oxygen Radiance Absorption Capacity (ORAC) and is rich in antioxidants.  Thus, this berry is good at inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and  destroys free radicals in our body. 

Age-related Macular Degeneration: Chokeberry is rich in antioxidants and phyto-nutrients which nourishes the eye and protect them.


Weight Loss: Chokeberry is known to burn fat and prevents the body from storing fat in the abdomen.



Precautions:

Just like in any part of this blog, it is still best to consult your physician before taking medicinal
plants/herbs or any medications.

Sage

Scientific Name: Salvia officinalis, Salviae folium

Common Names:  Common Sage, Garden Sage, Kitchen Sage, Spanish sage, Dalmatian Sage,
Broadleaf Sage, Narrow-leaved sage

Description:

Sage are evergreen perennial shrubs that grows up to 75 cm high with woody, branching
stem. The leaves are grayish green in color and has a bluish violet flowers in summer.
The shape is like a lance with prominent veins and fine hair-like filaments on the sides.
The sage herbs have sweet, savory flavor that are harvested just before flowering. 

Sage was originally grown in southern and Eastern Europe, around the Mediterranean and
in Asia Minor.  It is often used in Greek, Italian and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Sage is available fresh or dried whole or powdered.  It is usually used to season
poultry, pork and other meat dishes.

Fresh leaves are most sought after for culinary use because of its aromatic, subtle
flavor. One can store fresh herbs in plastic bags and placed inside refrigerator.

Dried sage should be kept in an air-tight container and can be used to season dishes.


Health Benefits and Medicinal properties:

Sage is a very good source of Vitamin A(in the form of provitamin A carotenoid
phytonutrients), Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B complex(folic acid, thiamin,
pyridoxine and riboflavin), calcium, iron and potassium, zinc, manganese, copper, and
magnesium.

Sage also contains a variety of volatile oils, flavonoids (apigenin, diosmetin, and
luteolin), and phenolic acids(rosmarinic acid) which acts as an anti-inflammatory
within the body. With the presence of these volatile oil, sage has become a powerful
antioxidant, protecting cells from being damaged by oxidation and forming cancerous
cells.

 This herb also has antiseptic properties, which can treat cuts and sores if prepared
as a wash.

Sage contains ketones; a-thujone, and ß-thujone, cineol, borneol, tannic acid; bitter
substances like cornsole and cornsolic acid; fumaric, chlorogenic, caffeic and
nicotinic acids; nicotinamide and estrogenic substances. These compounds have
anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-allergic, anti-fungal, anti-spasmodic and
anti-septic properties.

Sage is low in fat and calories.

Cancer - as mentioned above, sage has become a powerful
antioxidant, protecting cells from being damaged by oxidation and forming cancerous
cells.

Memory loss- Sage can improve and enhance one's memory.

Sore throat and mouth infections - boil sage leaves and use it to gargle.

Hot flushes - drink sage tea several times a day.

Hair loss and graying hair - boil sage leaves, let it cool and use it as a hair rinse.

Rheumatoid arthritis - sage has anti-inflammatory properties.


Adverse Effects:

Sage when used in large amounts can cause nervous irritation, convulsions or even

death. Those with epilepsy should avoid this in huge amounts.

Camptotheca aka Cancer Tree

Scientific name: Camptotheca acuminate

Other names: Xi Shu, Cancer Tree, Tree of Joy, Happy Tree, Tree of Life

Description:

Camptotheca or the so called cancer tree is a deciduous tree native to Southern China and Tibet. It grows to a height of 20 to 25 meters tall and has a light grey bark and oval leaves with heavy pleated veining. The flowers are white to yellowish spherical clusters.

 There are two species:

    Camptotheca acuminata
    Camptotheca lowreyana



Parts used: Bark, Leaves(tender leaves), Roots, Fruit


Medicinal uses of Camptotheca acuminate (Happy Tree, Cancer Tree):

Camptotheca acuminate (Happy Tree) was first used traditional medicine (ancient Chinese) as a treatment for common colds, psoriasis, liver problems and digestive problems.

Scientific research has found the cancer-fighting properties in Camptotheca acuminate thus it is called a cancer-tree. It contains pentacyclic quinolines camptothecin and 10-hydroxycamptothecin which inhibits DNA topoisomerase I and is very effective against cancer cells.

The extract of tender are beneficial for brain tumors, liver cancer, cancer in the gastrointestinal tract, leukemia and other cancers.

The main compound -a pentacyclic quinoline alkaloid- are found mostly in the tender leaves but they are also present in the bark, root and seeds.

The fruit contains alkaloids (camptothecine, venoterpine, 10-hydroxy camptothecine), tannins(syringicacid, salicylic).

The root contains alkaloids (20-deoxycamptothecin, 20-hexanoylcamptothecine) as well as camptothecine, flavonoids, quercetin, and tannins(gallic acid and trifolin).

By decocting root, bark, fruit. It can be used to treat gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, rectal cancer, liver cancer, carcinoma of bladder and other kinds of cancer.

The root or fruit of the camptotheca can be grounded into a powder and taken once a day.

Apricot

Scientific name: prunus armeniaca

Description:

Apricots are small deciduous tree originally cultivated in Persia and Armenia and belong to the Rosacea
family like pear, apple and pear. The leaves are ovate with a rounded base, pointed tip and serrated edge.
The flowers are pinkish white that are produced singly or in pairs.  The fruit is golden orange with a
velvety smooth skin and inside is a single seed enclosed in a protective outer shell.
The flesh is not as juicy as peaches but it's usually firm and its taste ranges from sweet to being tart &
musky.

Apricot is enjoyed as a fresh fruit or as dried. It is also distilled into brandy and liquor or cooked into
pastry or made into jam. The essential oil from seeds is also commercially sold as almond oil.

Parts used: fruit(fresh and dried), leaves, seeds.

Health benefits:

Apricots are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, copper, dietary fiber, and potassium.

Apricots contain phytochemicals called carotenoids which gives it the red, orange and yellow hues. One of the carotenoids found in apricots is lycopene which is a powerful antioxidant that protects from cancer.

Vitamin A - promotes good vision, reduces risks of having cataracts, lowers risk of age-related macular
degeneration and good for the skin.

Beta-carotene - helps protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation and helps prevent heart disease.

Vitamin C - prevents colds and other respiratory diseases.

Fiber - prevents constipation and diverticulosis.

Medicinal properties and uses:

Cancer: Apricots are rich in antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals and prevents cancer cells from forming. In folk medicine, apricots seeds, leaves or even the dried apricot fruits are considered effectove against tumors and cancers.

Anemia: Apricot is a good source of iron which plays an important role in the formation of blood. Eating
apricots regularly improves blood flow and prevents anemia.

Heart Diseases: Since apricot is rich in lycopene and other antioxidants and is also a good source of Vitamin
C then it plays a good role in making the heart healthy - reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, lowers
bad cholesterol (LDL) and improves general heart health.

Eye vision: As mentioned above, apricot is rich in carotenoids which reduce risk of eye vision problem.
Together with Vitamins A,C,E these components help improve eye vision and prevent macular degeneration.

Good for the Skin/ Anti-Aging: Apricot is a good source of antioxidants that nourishes the skin.

Improve digestion:  Apricot is rich source of dietary fiber that helps in digestion and prevents constipation
problems.

Weight loss: Apricot is rich in dietary fiber that proves beneficial to lose weight.

Asthma: Apricot is proven to treat asthma.

Arthritis and joint pains: The oil extracted from apricot seeds are used as liniments to alleviate pain.

Choose fully ripened fruit to get the most antioxidants.


Precautions:

Apricot seeds are believed to contain cyanide and can be dangerous when taken in large quantities.

Dragonfruit

Scientific names:
Red Dragonfruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus)
White Dragonfruit (Hylocereus undatus)
Yellow Dragonfruit (Selenicereus megalanthus)

Other scientific names:
Acanthocereus, Ceraus, Echinocereus, Escontria, Hylocereus, Myrthillocactus, Selenicereus, Stenocereus
 
Common names: Pitaya, Red Pitahaya, Night blooming Cereus, Strawberry Pear, Belle of the Night, conderella plant

Description of Red Dragonfruit or Red Pitaya:

The plant of the Dragon fruit is vine-like epiphytic cacti that is native to Central and Southern America but
eventually spread to Southeast Asian countries.  The Dragon plant has a fleshy stem about 20 feet long and
its edible flowers have fragrant scent and ornate that only blooms at night.

The skin of the Dragon fruit is dark red with soft spine and its flesh is also red with lots of black small
seed that is also edible. The flavor is likened to that of the kiwifruit.

The dragon plant can bear fruit 3 to 6 times in a year depending on growing conditions.

Dragon fruits are made into smoothie, juice, sherbet, jams, puree, sherbets, salads...

Health Benefits and Medicinal properties/uses:

Pitaya or Dragon fruit is rich in fiber, minerals (potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron), vitamins
A, C, B1, B2, B3 and naturally-occurring flavonoids which acts as antiatherosclerotic (also reduces
cardiovascular risk), antiinflammatory, antitumour, antiosteoporotic, and antiviral.

Another highly valued antioxidants found in Dragon fruit are lycopene and phytoalbumins which are known to
fight cancer cells and prevent formation of cancer causing free radicals.

Dragon fruit is known to reduce cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.

Asthma and cough - because of its high vitamin C content.

Dragon fruit boosts immune system and the fibers help in digestion.

Dragon fruit is also known in folk medicine for preventing memory loss, controling blood glucose level in
diabetes and aids in healing of wounds.

Mangosteen

Scientific name: Garcinia mangostana

Description:

The plant of a mangosteen is a tropical, evergreen tree that reaches to 20-60 ft in height. It is native to
Southeast Asia and commonly found in tropical rainforests of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and even in South America.

The fruit is deep purple and round shape with a light green calyx at the stem end. It has an outer tough rind
about 7-12 mm thick but inside the fruit has soft, white, juicy flesh that are sectioned like oranges. The rind is
inedible as well as the seeds. The fruit is deliciously tangy, sweet and juicy.


Health benefits of Mangosteen:

Mangosteen is rich in dietary fiber and very low in calories and has zero amount of saturated fats.

It is rich in vitamin C and minerals such copper, manganese and magnesium, potassium.   It also has some B-complex vitamins like thiamin, niacin and folates.

Medicinal properties:

This fruit has been use in traditional medicine to heal infection, treat inflammation, and improve one's stamina.

Today, scientists and doctors agree on the medicinal properties of Mangosteen.

Mangosteen contains alpha-mangostin (a very potent antioxidant), gamma-mangostin(powerful anti-inflammatory), garcinone E (strong anti-tumor agent).  It also has a powerful antioxidants and immune system boosters called Xanthones and other potent natural compounds like catechins (antioxidant that's five times more potent than Vitamin C), polysaccharides(anti-cancer), quinones(anti-bacterial), stilbenes(anti-fungal) and polyphenols (anti-oxidant).

Mangosteen is helpful in preventing a wide range of diseases such as diabetes, glaucoma, heart disease,
Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's cancer and other chronic diseases.

*Anti-allergenic - helps prevent allergic reactions

*Anti-cancer - Mangosteen has powerful antioxidants to combat cancer cells.

*Anti-Inflammatory - Mangosteen fruit has strong anti-inflammatory properties and is used in treating
hyperkeratosis, psoriasis, eczema and other skin diseases.

*Anti-microbial
The extracts of mangosteen are use to treat tuberculosis, urinary tract infections, infected wounds, malaria,
gonorrhoea and syphilis.

 *Good for the Heart
Mangosteen is cardio-protective as well as anti-atherosclerotic that helps prevent the hardening of the arteries.

*Good for the Kidneys
This fruit is also anti-calculitic that helps prevent kidney stones.

*Helps in Weight loss due to rich fiber content

*Immunostimulant - Mangosteen helps the immune system fight infection.

                                             

Soursop aka Guyabano

Scientific name: Annona muricata var. subonica
Other names: guanábana, guanavana, guyabano, graviola,  custard apple, Brazilian pawpaw, durian benggala, nangka blanda, nangka londa, mullaatha.

Description:

Soursop or Guyabano is a fruit-bearing tree that is native to Central America, Caribbean, South America and sub-Saharan African countries.  It is also grown in parts of Southeast Asia. Guyabano is just a small evergreen tree of usually about 5 to 7 meters high. The leaves are oval-shaped, pointed on both ends and with smooth, shiny texture.  The flowers are large white or yellow or greenish-yellow that bloom all year round and emits a pleasing scent.

The fruit of the soursop (guyabano) is green, obviate, pear or heart-shaped and covered with soft spines.  It has thin skin and the fibrous edible pulp is soft & whitish with sweet-sour citrusy flavor. The black, hard seeds
inside taste awful and are indigestible. The guyabano pulp is usually eaten ripe or made into juice, smoothies,
sorbets or ice cream.


Parts used: Fruit; Leaves

Health Benefits:

Soursop is one of the healthiest fruits available to us. It has high amounts of Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, potassium, phosphorus, iron and dietary fiber. Because of the presence of these vitamins and minerals,
guyabano(soursop) is known to have lots of health benefits, it is a potent antioxidant and it enhances the immune system.


Medicinal properties:

Traditional medicine have used not only the fruits of the guyabano/soursop but also the bark, leaves, roots,

flowers and seeds to treat many ailments like asthma, wounds, infection, eczema, inflammation, arthritis,

rheumatism, heart disease, liver problems, wounds, stomach spasm, dysentery, scurvy, hematuria, urethritis and

even to remove head lice.

~Guyabano seeds (pulverized)

*It is toxic and is for external use only

*The seed oil is used to purge parasites and kill head lice. It is also used as a skin astringent.


~Guyabano leaves (minced and boiled)

*Treatment for eczema and skin diseases (poultice of mashed leaves and sap applied directly on skin)

*Used as wet compress to treat pain and inflammation of the joints like arthritis, rheumatism

*Treatment of pimples (The sap of the young leaves may be applied directly)

*Treatment of fever (decoction of leaves taken internally)

*Tranquilizing and sedative properties (Drinking boiled guyabano/soursop leaves may help induce sleep)

~Guyabano fruit (juice/shake or smoothie)

*The guyabano fruit is diuretic and can treat dysentery, scurvy, hematuria and urethritis
  
~Guyabano bark, roots and leaves (minced and boiled)

*To treat diabetes
*Tranquilizer and sedative

~Guyabano leaves and roots

*Treat colic and convulsions

1. Anti-Cancer

Annonaceous acetogenins are the compounds found in Guyabano extract that has the ability to inhibit the enzyme processes and the growth of malignant cells. It is known to kill the different types of cancer cells found in colon, pancreatic, liver,lung, breast, ovarian, cervical, prostate cancer and lymphoma. Researched showed that this compound is many times stronger in killing cancer cells than the commonly used chemotherapy drug. And unlike chemotherapy which can harm the healthy cells, Soursop or Guyabano can kill these malignant cells without damaging the healthy cells.


How to make Guyabano Tea:

Boil 1 liter of water.
Add 1 cup of shredded air-dried guyabano leaves (air dried guyabano leaves have more medicinal properties than

fresh leaves).
Turn down the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.

Drink within 7 hours after making the tea to benefit from its medicinal properties.

30-3-30 Rule

It is best to drink it 30 minutes before mealtime.
Taken 3 times a day.
For 30 consecutive days.

To get the full benefit of the treatment.

For maintenance, drink one glass for 5 consecutive days then stop for 2 days then resume drinking for 5 days.
Repeat the process. You may taper it when the cancer cells are gone.


2.Good for the Liver
Guyabano enhances production of endogenous antioxidant that is beneficial to hepatic tissues.

3. Anti-Depressant
Guyabano contains compounds like annonaine, nornuciferine and asimilobine that possess anti-depressive effects.


Cautions and Adverse Effects:

Internal consumption of the concoctions of leaves, seeds and barks are not recommended for young children, pregnant and lactating women.

The annonacin content is a neurotoxin associated with neurodegenerative disease and  might be linked to the
development of atypical Parkinson's disease.  Thus taking guyabano in large doses is not recommended for people with suspected Parkinson's disease and those with motor control problem.

The hydrocyanic acid found in leaves can be harmful when taken in high concentrations.

THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED/TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED
AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE
TRYING THIS AND AVOID SELF-DIAGNOSIS AND SELF-MEDICATION.

Watermelon

Scientific name: Citrullus lanatus

Description:

Watermelon is a succulent fruit made of about 93% water and is subtly crunchy. It can be round, spherical or cylindrical in shape with thick light to dark green skin that is sometimes striped. The red flesh is dotted with black seeds that are somewhat flattened. The plant is a scrambler and trailer flowering plant that bore yellow flowers.

It is native to Africa, cultivated in Egypt & India and eventually spread over time to Europe, North America and Asia.

Watermelon is related to cucumber, cantaloupe, gourd, squash and pumpkin.  It ranges in size from a few pounds to even about 90 pounds and has more than 1200 different varieties, however, all of these varieties belong to  Citrullis lanatus species. The flesh can be yellow ( Yellow Crimson) red (Carolina cross), orange (Orangeglo) or white (Cream of Saskatwchewan).

Parts used: Fruit (rind, flesh & seeds)

Health benefits:

Watermelon is rich in phenolic antioxidants like flavonoids, lycopene(carotenoids) and triterpenoids(Cucurbitacin E) which makes this fruit a good source of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Lycopene is a carotenoid phytonutrient that is beneficial to the cardiovascular health as well as to our bones.


This fruit is also rich in citrulline which is an amino acid that is converted into arginine which helps improve the blood flow.

Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin C, Vitamin A (beta-carotene, a free-radical scavenger), potassium and magnesium. It also contains Vitamins E, D, B complex vitamins and minerals like calcium,iron, flouride, manganese, phosphorus, selenium and zinc.

The watermelon seeds are dried, roasted, seasoned and eaten as a snack.  It can also be grounded up into cereal or made into flour to make bread. The seeds contain iron and zinc.

The watermelon rind also contains some nutrients and is cooked as a vegetable or pickled.

Another benefit of eating watermelon is that it makes your body alkaline. A body that is acidic is prone to sickness while an alkaline body promotes balance and wellness.


Medicinal properties:

1. Good for the Heart

As mentioned, watermelon is a rich source of lycopene which is an antioxidant that helps fight free radical compounds.  Lycopene specifically protect the blood vessels and arteries from hardening.
To maintain a healthy heart needs to follow a diet lows in fat, cholesterol, and rich in antioxidants such as (lycopene), which works to fight free radical compounds. Thereby protecting the vessels and arteries from hardening.  There are more lycopene found in watermelon that in tomatoes.


2. Controls blood pressure

Watermelon is an excellent source of potassium and manganese which aids in blood pressure regulation.


3. Reduces weight

Eating watermelon is filling yet it is low calorie and consist mostly of water along with tons of nutrients.


4. Anti-Cancer

Watermelon is rich in antioxidants such as the above mentioned lycopene, citrulline compound, vitamin A(beta-carotene), vitamin C and vitamin E. These compounds play an active role fighting cancer such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer.  It protects the cells from free radicals damage, fights cancer cells and maintains the elasticity of the blood vessels.


5. Good for eyesight

Because of its lycopene, vitamin A and betacarotene content which helps promote good eyesight.


6. Fatigue and muscle soreness

The high levels of citrulline found in watermelon helps relieve the soreness and regulate the vascular tone.

7. Fight Infections
Because watermelons are rich in vitamins and minerals, it helps the immune system and treats infections in the body as well as inflammation of the joints/arthritis.


8. Good for the Kidneys

Watermelons are diuretic. The rich potassium content also helps reduce uric acid, removes salt deposits and prevents kidney stones.