Fitness - Yarden https://www.yarden.com/blog/category/fitness/ Grow Your Own Way Tue, 10 Dec 2024 10:32:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.yarden.com/wp-content/uploads/yarden-icon1-59x60.png Fitness - Yarden https://www.yarden.com/blog/category/fitness/ 32 32 What Are the Health Benefits of Blueberries? https://www.yarden.com/blog/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-blueberries/ Thu, 08 Jul 2021 00:19:14 +0000 https://yarden.com/?p=53568 They’re called a “superfood” for a reason. Tiny-but-mighty blueberries pack a powerful punch of healthy vitamins and minerals. They’re delicious and so easy to snack on, and they’re super versatile in cooking and baking, too. Best of all, they add flavor and sweetness to your healthy diet without adding to your waistline. Read on for… Read more »

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They’re called a “superfood” for a reason. Tiny-but-mighty blueberries pack a powerful punch of healthy vitamins and minerals. They’re delicious and so easy to snack on, and they’re super versatile in cooking and baking, too. Best of all, they add flavor and sweetness to your healthy diet without adding to your waistline. Read on for a list of just some of this fruit’s health benefits:

Blueberries are full of antioxidants.

The beautiful color of blueberries? That comes from anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that help protect your body from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage your cells and contribute to premature aging and can also increase the risk of certain cancers. The antioxidants in blueberries may also help maintain healthy brain function and improve memory.

Blueberries contain fiber.

Fiber is important for the health of the digestive system and for lowering cholesterol. According to the American Heart Association, we all need about 25-30 grams of fiber per day, and many foods contain fiber, like apples, oranges, vegetables, lentils, peas, and oats. One cup of blueberries has 4 grams of fiber, which is a small portion of the daily amount, but they’re a such a tasty way to supplement your fiber intake from other sources.

Blueberries contain vitamin C.

One cup of blueberries contains 24 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. Vitamin C is proven to help protect against immune system deficiencies, eye disease, cardiovascular disease, and even wrinkles.

Blueberries contain vitamin K.

One cup of blueberries contains a whopping 36 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin K, which is needed by the body to produce prothrombin. This is an essential protein that helps regulate blood calcium levels, helps promote blood clotting, and helps support strong bones.

Blueberries contain manganese.

One cup of blueberries contains one-fourth of the daily recommended allowance of manganese. This is a mineral that the body needs in small amounts to help the brain function normally and to protect the nervous system.

Blueberries can help lower blood pressure.

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. In one eight-week study, obese people who had a high risk of heart disease were found to have a reduction in blood pressure after eating just 2 ounces of blueberries per day—that’s only one-fourth of a cup!

Blueberries may help fight UTIs.

It makes sense, since blueberries are related to cranberries. Both berries (and huckleberries, too) contain substances called anti-adhesives. These substances help prevent harmful bacteria like E. coli from adhering to the bladder wall.

All of these benefits… and blueberries are also low-cal!

That’s right—all of these health benefits come with a low-cal price tag. One cup of blueberries contains just 84 calories, so munch away!

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Health Benefits: The Fascinating History of Navel Oranges https://www.yarden.com/blog/health-benefits-the-fascinating-history-of-navel-oranges/ Sun, 02 Feb 2020 06:17:12 +0000 http://citrus.com/?p=305 Nutrients in navel oranges are also known to help to prevent cancer, such as stomach and esophagus cancer. The high fiber content in navel oranges can help improve cholesterol ratios in the body, which is important in controlling diabetes...

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Winter season is not the most productive season for plants, animals, and humans alike. Almost everyone and everything goes into hibernation because of the cold season, except Navel Oranges. The Washington Navel Orange tree, including the dwarf Washington Navel Orange tree, is in full bloom during the winter season and you will find these sun-kissed, mouth-watering oranges hanging from the Navel citrus trees. Such a delight to see!

Navel Orange Origin

It may be one of the most popular fruits in the entire American continent, but Navel Oranges did not originate from the United States. So where are Navel Oranges from? The first Navel orange was found growing in Brazil in the early 1800s as a spontaneous mutation on an orange tree. It wasn’t until in the 1870s that the first Washington Navel Orange cutting was planted in Southern California. As soon as it started bearing fruits, it became popular because it is exceptionally sweet, richly flavored and refreshingly juicy. Because of its instant popularity, it became an immediate success and soon after, thousands of acres of land in California were dedicated to growing both the standard-size and dwarf Washington Navel Orange trees.

FAQs

  • Why are Navel Oranges called Navel Oranges – Navel orange got its name from the tiny second orange fruit found growing in the blossom end. This tiny rudimentary fruit creates the illusion of the fruit having a bellybutton – hence the name Navel Orange.
  • Why do Navel Oranges have navels? – The navel-like formation found on the blossom end of the fruit is an undeveloped secondary fruit – these oranges are like conjoined twins with the second one not growing into maturity.
  •  From where do Navel Oranges originate? – Navel Oranges were first discovered growing on an orange tree in Brazil.
  • Where are Navel Oranges grown? – Commercial Navel Oranges are primarily grown in California, Arizona, and Florida.
  • How are Navel Oranges grown? – Since Navel Oranges are seedless they can only be propagated by grafting a cutting from an old Navel tree to a scion of a compatible citrus tree.
  • When do Navel Orange trees bloom? – Both standard-size and dwarf Navel Orange trees are in bloom in spring, with the greatest number of flowers produced in April.
  • How big is a Navel Orange fruit? – The typical Navel Orange fruit size is 3-inches across, with some growing as big as 4.5 inches in diameter.
  • Where can I find a Washington Navel Orange tree for sale? – You can call citrus nurseries or check online for nurseries that can deliver a standard or dwarf Navel Orange tree in your area.
  • What are the health benefits of eating Navel Orange? – Navel Oranges are packed with nutrients that can help protect the body from contracting diseases, and help the body heal faster after getting damaged. It is filled with Vitamin A, C, and E – the perfect trifecta of vitamins that are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Navel Oranges also have potassium that is good for the heart, dietary fiber that is good for the digestive system, B6 that helps boost the production of hemoglobin in the bloodstream, and calcium that promotes healthy bones. Other important nutrients found in Navel Oranges are citrates, beta-carotene, folate, and phytonutrients.  

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A Fruitful Diet: The Many Benefits of Fresh Citrus & Fruit https://www.yarden.com/blog/a-fruitful-diet-the-many-benefits-of-fruit/ Tue, 10 Dec 2019 07:42:11 +0000 http://citrus.com/?p=163 Citrus fruits like Navel Oranges, Ruby Red Grapefruit, and Meyer Lemons and Key Limes from the citrus cocktail tree are sweet, brightly-colored, yummy goodies that bring a burst of sunshine even on rainy days. But besides being flavorful and pretty, fresh citrus fruits offer many advantages and numerous health benefits when added to our daily… Read more »

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Citrus fruits like Navel Oranges, Ruby Red Grapefruit, and Meyer Lemons and Key Limes from the citrus cocktail tree are sweet, brightly-colored, yummy goodies that bring a burst of sunshine even on rainy days. But besides being flavorful and pretty, fresh citrus fruits offer many advantages and numerous health benefits when added to our daily diet.

  • Citrus fruits are rich in plant compounds like vitamin C which helps strengthens the immune system and helps protect us from common colds and other illnesses. It also helps keep our skin smooth and elastic, plus it fights free radicals in the body that cause cancer.
  • Fresh fruits are an excellent source of dietary fiber that helps improve our digestive system, aids in losing weight and also lowers bad cholesterol. High levels of bad cholesterol can cause the development of fatty deposits in the blood vessels increasing our risk of contracting heart diseases. The soluble fiber content of fresh fruits binds with cholesterol particles in our digestive system and moves them out of our body before they get absorbed.
  • Citrus fruits like the lemons and limes from the cocktail citrus tree are excellent sources of thiamin and folate. Thiamin is a type of vitamin B that plays an essential role in our metabolism, while folate is crucial for cell division and DNA synthesis.

Citrus is not just Orange

Although orange is the most popular and the world’s most favorite citrus, there are other unique citrus varieties you should try. Check out yarden.com for citrus cultivars you may be interested in growing in your backyard. To make an informed decision be sure to read the citrus.com reviews to know the quality of trees shipped out to valued customers.

One particular citrus tree that may pique your interest is the citrus fruit cocktail tree. This is a combination of the sweet Meyer Lemon and flavorful Key Lime grown on a single tree. The lemon lime citrus tree cultivar is not your typical seed grown tree. It is cultivated via a cutting and grafting method to achieve the desired results.

More about the Fruit Cocktail Tree Citrus

The fruit cocktail citrus tree is a cold-hardy, evergreen, and ever-blooming citrus tree that is best grown in citrus growing zones 9 to 11. It has a superior root structure and is highly resistant to pests and diseases. What makes it an awesome fruiting tree is that it is dwarfish and grows around 6 to 9 feet tall, plus it is a 2-in-1 tree that bears two kinds of citrus fruits on a single tree so it is an efficient space saver.

Citrus Cocktail Tree Care

Just like other citrus trees, the cocktail tree citrus needs proper care to grow healthy and bear fruits. It needs sunlight, adequate watering, cold protection, pruning, citrus tree mulch, and balanced fertilizer.

FAQs

  • Should you mulch citrus trees? – Yes, you should mulch citrus trees. Mulching citrus trees is beneficial because it aids in cutting down on potential water loss, helps maintain the soil temperature, and prevents weed growth around the trees that only steal away the nutrients in the soil, which the citrus trees need to grow.
  • What is the best mulch for citrus trees? – Organic mulch like wood chips and grass clippings are the best mulch around citrus trees as their slow decomposition process makes it possible for the soil to have a constant supply of nutrients.
  • Where can I get a citrus cocktail tree for sale? – You may visit the citrus.com website and purchase it there.
  • When to pick citrus fruit? – Citrus fruits take a few months to mature and ripen. Check the outer appearance of the fruit and see if the peel has changed color and has taken on a glossier look. The next step is to gently squeeze the fruit and see if it gives a little; if it doesn’t the fruit is most likely not ripe, if it is mushy then the fruit is most likely overripe. The last step is to take a taste test and check if the fruit is juicy and offers a satisfactory flavor. You may then harvest the rest of the fruits you need if the fruit you tested has passed all the tests you have done on it.

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Eat Grapefruit as Part of Your Weight Loss Plan https://www.yarden.com/blog/eat-grapefruit-as-part-of-your-weight-loss-plan/ Fri, 06 Feb 2015 17:44:30 +0000 http://yarden.com/?p=867 Learn why grapefruit should be part of your weight loss plan.

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It’s no secret to anyone who has ever tried the Grapefruit Diet that grapefruit is a delicious way to enjoy losing weight. Grapefruit’s weight loss benefits come in many different ways. Here are four reasons why eating grapefruit helps you lose weight. 

1. Grapefruit is full of fiber.

One grapefruit has 4 grams of dietary fiber. Fiber is a substance found in certain foods that is not absorbed into your system when you eat. Instead, it helps push food through your body and increases your feeling of satiety, thereby helping you eat less while maintaining a healthy metabolism. Substitute your normal bowl of cereal with one grapefruit each morning at breakfast to lose weight. When you chose the Ruby Red Grapefruit variety, you’ll find you don’t need to add sugar for it to taste naturally sweet.

2. Grapefruit juice improves weight loss.

In a recent study conducted at UC Berkeley, mice that were fed grapefruit juice gained 18% less weight on a high-fat diet than another group that didn’t ingest grapefruit juice. This suggests that compounds in grapefruit juice, even without the fiber and pulp, help to breakdown fat stores in the body. It’s easy to juice Florida grapefruit. Just cut in half and process with a hand or electric juicer. Ruby Red grapefruit provides a combination of sweetness and tang that dieters enjoy.

3. Grapefruit make a great meal replacement.

Dieters who replaced one meal a day with grapefruit report feeling full and satisfied. If you suffer from mid-day fatigue or hunger, snacking on a grapefruit instead of junk food provides enough fiber to fill you, and sugar to give you an energy boost. In addition, the citrus flavor of grapefruit improves your mental clarity.

4. Grapefruit are low in calories.

One standard size Indian River Grapefruit has only about 100 calories. You’d be hard pressed to find many delicious snacks that compare to that number. For a delicious, guilt-free snack, try dehydrating some grapefruit slices. You can store them in bags and rely on them while on the road, to satisfy your hunger until you can get home to a healthy meal choice. Dried grapefruit is a terrific alternative to chips in your child’s lunch box, too. Grapefruit gifts for yourself or someone else are a wonderful way to express your love. Share the healthful benefits of grapefruit with your friends and family today.

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Where to Find the Best Fruit Baskets for The Holidays https://www.yarden.com/blog/where-to-find-the-best-fruit-baskets-for-the-holidays/ Sun, 12 Jan 2014 22:59:17 +0000 http://yarden.com/?p=706 Fruit baskets are gifts that are commonly associated with Christmas. Ever since people started celebrating Christmas fresh fruit has been a part of the celebration. Giving fresh fruit is also a great way to give a healthy gift when people are already surrounded by sugary sweets and treats. Originally fruit was given as Christmas gifts… Read more »

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Holiday fruit gift baskets

Fruit baskets are gifts that are commonly associated with Christmas. Ever since people started celebrating Christmas fresh fruit has been a part of the celebration. Giving fresh fruit is also a great way to give a healthy gift when people are already surrounded by sugary sweets and treats. Originally fruit was given as Christmas gifts because it was healthy, sweet, and hard to get during the winter.  Keeping the tradition of giving fruit alive by giving fruit baskets is very important to a lot of people. If you want to find the best fruit gifts for your friends and family these are the best websites to buy fruit baskets from:

Hale Groves— If you want the best quality citrus fruit in the fruit gifts you give order from Hale Groves. Famous for great quality and great service Hale Groves is the best place to get fruit baskets for the holidays. All of the fruit is grown in the Indian River fruit district. It’s picked just before shipment so it’s always fresh. Hale Groves’ fruit is very affordable. There are fruit baskets in every price range from budget friendly baskets of oranges and grapefruit to luxury baskets filled with Honeybells, Clementines and other high-end gifts. You can also customize baskets by adding on items like fresh fruit preserves or cakes. The best holiday fruit baskets come from Hale Groves.

Edible Arrangements— Edible Arrangements fruit baskets are great for the holidays. They offer several types of fruit baskets that contain everything from simple fruit assortments to chocolate dipped tropical fruit. They also offer other types of gift baskets that contain unique treats. Edible Arrangements are great for budget conscious shoppers. Just be aware that the fruit baskets don’t contain a lot of fruit in most cases unless you spend a lot of money. Chocolate dipped fruit and other treats also may be subject to special shipping regulations based on factors like the time of the year or the shipment address.

Harry and David— Harry and David fruit baskets filled with their signature pears are as much a part of Christmas as oranges in the Christmas stockings. Leave a few Harry and David pears out for Santa instead of cookies if Santa is on a healthy diet this year. The juicy and sweet taste of Harry and David pears will make Santa’s day. Harry and David fruit baskets can be expensive, but their pears and other fruits are always high quality.

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Make Citrus Fruit A Part of Your Fitness Plan https://www.yarden.com/blog/make-citrus-fruit-a-part-of-your-fitness-plan/ Sat, 11 Jan 2014 02:30:28 +0000 http://yarden.com/?p=681 A new year is a clean slate for everyone, and the perfect time to begin new diet and new exercise commitments. If you’re trying to boost your body’s metabolism while helping build healthy muscles and tissues, citrus fruit remains one of the most effective ways of making sure your body has the fuel it needs.… Read more »

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A new year is a clean slate for everyone, and the perfect time to begin new diet and new exercise commitments. If you’re trying to boost your body’s metabolism while helping build healthy muscles and tissues, citrus fruit remains one of the most effective ways of making sure your body has the fuel it needs.

The most common- and popular – forms of citrus fruit include the orange, grapefruit, and tangerine. Another hybrid citrus fruit, the tangelo, combines the tangerine with the pomelo or grapefruit to blend the benefits of both together.

Simple Origins Produce Big Results

Honeybell tangelos – so named for their bell shape – are also called Minneola tangelos. They were first bred in Minneola, Florida in the 1930s. The farmers of the area wanted to combine the two popular citrus fruits so that the nutritional value could be kept from both but that would produce a sweeter, more robust juice.

Their hard work paid off. The honeybell tangelo is one of the juiciest, tastiest of the citrus fruits. It’s also rich in important vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. In fact, it’s so rich in nutritional value that many of its fans call its juice “multivitamin in a glass.”

Plentiful Nutrition

Honeybell tangelos are rich in both Vitamin A and Vitamin C, meaning they’re a great means of building the body’s immune system. These vitamins also help the body more quickly and efficiently convert fuel into energy.

The pulp of the honeybell tangelo is rich in protein and fiber, which are vital ingredients to healthy muscles and tissues. Finally, tangelos also pack plenty of calcium to help develop good bone and teeth strength.

Plentiful Taste

Tangelos have a sweet, full-bodied taste that comes in part from their carefully bred hybrid makeup. One honeybell tangelo packs plenty of juice, too, offering one of the most succulent citrus fruits available. They’re so flavorful and robust, in fact, that they can even serve as a filling breakfast or afternoon snack all by themselves.

But Don’t Wait

Honeybells actually have a very short harvest season, occurring for just a few weeks each January and February. Hale Groves’ farms, located in central Florida, can ship gift baskets and cases nationwide. Please allow ample processing and delivery time when placing your order, as shipping can sometimes be delayed by inclement weather.

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Lose Weight with Florida Grapefruit https://www.yarden.com/blog/lose-weight-with-florida-grapefruit/ Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:56:53 +0000 http://yarden.com/?p=531 One of the easiest ways to lose weight is also healthy. Eating fresh Florida grapefruit will help you lose weight and stay healthy. You don’t need to spend a fortune on special pre-packaged meals or starve yourself. Buy some delicious and all natural grapefruit and snack your way to your ideal weight. Lots of foods… Read more »

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One of the easiest ways to lose weight is also healthy. Eating fresh Florida grapefruit will help you lose weight and stay healthy. You don’t need to spend a fortune on special pre-packaged meals or starve yourself. Buy some delicious and all natural grapefruit and snack your way to your ideal weight. Lots of foods promise to help you lose weight but there is actual medical research that shows eating grapefruit does promote weight loss. Great tasting Florida grapefruit and other low calorie citrus fruits are the ideal diet foods.

Grapefruit are low in calories but that’s not the only way that grapefruit helps you lose weight. Grapefruit contains a natural fat burning enzyme that will help you burn stored fat for energy. Also it has a lot of fiber. Fiber makes you feel full and eat less. So eating a grapefruit before each meal will give you a boost of energy and the vitamins and minerals you need while helping you eat less. That’s why the Grapefruit Diet is so successful and has been used for over forty years to help people lose weight.

Grapefruit isn’t just for breakfast either. You can use grapefruit and other citrus fruits like oranges or tangerines to create delicious snacks and desserts that will help you lose weight. Grilled grapefruit is a fantastic treat for brunch. Sorbets and low calorie ice creams flavored with citrus fruits are a nice treat. You can also use fresh juice in everything from smoothies to baking. Fresh juice in sauces adds brightness to the flavor and natural sweetness.

Eating refined sugar is bad for your body because your body can’t break down the sugar into energy. Most of the things that you eat containing processed sugar end up stored as fat because your body can’t get use it for energy. When you sweeten dishes with natural grapefruit or orange juice your body can easily break that down so those foods don’t end up causing you to gain weight.

If you want to lose weight or maintain your current weight add some fresh grapefruit to your daily diet. You can eat all of the grapefruit you want and still lose weight. Buy plenty of grapefruit to keep in your home, at your desk, and in your car so that you always have a healthy low calorie snack close by if you need one.

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Tangerines: A Healthy Delight With a Global History https://www.yarden.com/blog/the-tangerine-is-a-healthy-seasonal-delight-with-a-global-history/ Tue, 05 May 2009 17:20:51 +0000 http://citrus.com/?p=405 The ever popular little fruit known as the tangerine is rich in history and tradition as well as being one of the tastiest, most nutritional and convenient-to-eat foods around.  The tangerine is actually a member of the mandarin family of oranges and is known to have been cultivated in China and Japan more than 3,000… Read more »

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The ever popular little fruit known as the tangerine is rich in history and tradition as well as being one of the tastiest, most nutritional and convenient-to-eat foods around.  The tangerine is actually a member of the mandarin family of oranges and is known to have been cultivated in China and Japan more than 3,000 years before being introduced to the West two centuries ago.  The tangerine is an important food source which contains essential nutrients and minerals such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, potassium, magnesium and many others.  Tangerine oil, which is extracted from the peel, is used for both cooking and for medicinal purposes.

Tangerines are smaller than oranges, have a deeper orange skin, and the flesh inside is very juicy, usually with a mild, sweet taste.  Most varieties of tangerines have few or no seeds.  In the United States, the best time to eat tangerines is November through January, although when juiced at the right time, tangerine juice holds up to freezing very well.  Otherwise, they should stay in the refrigerator no longer than seven days to maintain their great taste and nutritional value.  The best tangerine to buy will be soft and puffy with a loose-fitting skin and feel heavy for its size.  It should also be glossy and pebbly-skinned, but don’t worry if there are small green patches near the stem.

To get the most of its nutritional value, the best way to eat a tangerine is to peel it raw and eat its luscious juicy wedges right off the skin.  Fresh tangerine wedges are also important ingredients to many healthful, nutritious recipes for meals and snacks at any time of day or night.  The tangerine peel is also used not only as a decorative garnish or grating, but when dried and cured properly can also be eaten as a glaze or preserve, like marmalade or jelly.  Many great recipes like tangerine peel beef or chicken or radish soup with dried tangerine peel can found with an easy online search.

Tangerine oil is extracted by a process of cold-pressing tangerine peel.  The use of the tangerine oil for medicinal applications came from China and is now used the world over for natural healing of all sorts of conditions, both internal and external.  It is perhaps most popular in the United States for aromatherapy benefits in cream, bath lotion or vapor form as the fragrance of tangerine oil has been shown to help soothe the nervous system and reduce tension and stress at the same time it boosts the digestive system.

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Navel Oranges: One of Nature’s Most Important Foods https://www.yarden.com/blog/essential-nutrients-make-navel-oranges-one-of-natures-most-important-foods/ Fri, 01 May 2009 13:14:10 +0000 http://citrus.com/?p=303 Fresh navel oranges are available from winter through late spring, depending on your region of the country. When you go to the market, the kind of navel orange you should look for is one that...

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The Navel Orange is one of the most popular, unique and versatile of the oranges.  The navel orange can be cut open and eaten right off the peel, squeezed and drunk as a juice, a favorite addition to fruit salads, or even turned into preserves or jams, such as the ever popular orange marmalade.  Orange oil from navel oranges is a byproduct of the orange peel which is used to flavor food and drink as well as for fragrance in perfumes and aromatherapy.  Gardeners often use orange peels as a slug repellent.  Orange blossoms can be dried and then used to make a delicious, aromatic tea.

Fresh navel oranges are available from winter through late spring, depending on your region of the country.  When you go to the market, the kind of navel orange you should look for is one that feels heavy for its size and has no soft spots, outward pitting or mold.

Navel oranges are seedless, and the flesh inside is naturally very sweet and juicy.  From the outside, the blossom end looks like a human navel.  When a naval orange is peeled, there is a partially formed, undeveloped conjoined “twin” fruit on the blossom end on the inside.

Although navel oranges originally came from Brazil, today they are grown primarily in Florida, Arizona and California, and the navel orange cultivation industry is very important in the United States.

In addition to their sweet, refreshing taste, navel oranges are also well known and considered very important for their health benefits, especially the antioxidant vitamin C, their main nutritional ingredient.  Every morning millions of people drink orange juice from navel oranges as a source of vitamin C.

The human body does not naturally produce vitamin C on its own.  Vitamin C not only helps boost the human immune system, but it also prevents heart disease, aids in healing wounds, and helps the body absorb iron.  One of the best ways to get the right amount of vitamin C is to drink a fresh squeezed juice from a navel orange or to eat it right off the peel.

There are other health advantages to consuming navel oranges as well.  The fiber content in navel oranges can help improve cholesterol ratios in the body.  Beta-carotene is an antioxidant found in navel oranges which helps prevent cell damage.  Other nutrients in navel oranges are also known to help to prevent other types of cancer as well, including stomach and esophagus cancer.

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Citrus & Improving Your Weight Loss – Two Tips For Success https://www.yarden.com/blog/improve-your-weight-loss-by-running-results-two-tips-to-improve-weight-loss/ Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:40:21 +0000 http://citrus.com/theblog/?p=251 Running improves your cardiovascular system, improves your stamina and is generally a great exercise for your heart and lungs. However as anyone who has ever tried to lose weight by running can tell you...

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Losing weight by running is a great idea – it works quite well. On top of that not only can you lose fat but running also improves your cardiovascular system, improves your stamina and is generally a great exercise for your heart and lungs. However as anyone who has ever tried to lose weight by running can tell you, it seems to work very well when you start but as you continue to run your weight loss starts to decline. The reason for this is that your body has adapted to doing that particular physical activity and doesn’t need as much energy as before.

What this means for you though is that while you are losing fat really fast for the first few days or weeks, the results soon become less than impressive to the point where you hardly see any results at all. This is very frustrating since you know it worked great before, in fact this frustration can cause someone to abandon the idea of running for weight loss altogether, which would be a mistake. So how does one solve this problem and get great results once more?

Increase Intensity

Assuming that your diet is in order and no changes should be made to it. There are only two ways to get better results from doing a certain exercise – increase the amount of time spent doing it, or increase the intensity. Since running already takes a fairly long time I am going to guess that most people aren’t looking forward to a 2 hour long daily run, which leaves the other option. By increasing intensity, in this case running faster you can get a large increase in amount of calories burned.

Take Supplements

Taking supplements can also improve your weight loss results. For example acai berry can detox your body, which is great as it will make you feel better and more energetic. It can also improve weight loss and decrease appetite, which could be very helpful because when you increase intensity of your runs, you will burn more calories and feel more hungry, it is important to not over eat and appetite suppressants make doing so much easier.

Ready to get great weight loss results from running once again? Get your free trial of acai berry and learn more about running for weight loss.

About the Author

Jone Dow has a lot of weight loss experience and is now interested in acai berry products and how acai can help you lose some weight.

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Use of Essential Oils Especially When Caring For Skin https://www.yarden.com/blog/use-of-essential-oils-especially-when-caring-for-skin/ Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:03:33 +0000 http://citrus.com/theblog/?p=186 Vegetable, nut and seed oils are called “carriers” because they are used to “carry” or to transport a substance such as an essential oil to another place. In this case the essential oil is added to the carrier oil for the purpose of applying the essential oil directly to the skin. The oils used most… Read more »

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Vegetable, nut and seed oils are called “carriers” because they are used to “carry” or to transport a substance such as an essential oil to another place. In this case the essential oil is added to the carrier oil for the purpose of applying the essential oil directly to the skin. The oils used most frequently are Sweet Almond, Sunflower and Olive.

The skin is the largest organ of the body. Once essential oils have passed the epidermis and the underlying structure of the skin, they are carried in the blood circulation to every cell of the body. Studies have shown that once essential oils have passed through the skin most can be detected in exhaled air within 20 to 60 minutes.

Essential oils are basically oil extracts from naturally found and grown ingredients like nutgrass, sage, fennel, palm, and shea nut. There are many more such ingredients and they are found in live stock too. One of these is fish oil and wrinkles can be effectively treated by using this particular oil.

Other common ingredients that are used in the form of essential oil and wrinkles treatment are lemon, patchouli, lime, myrrh, neroli, orange, oregano, palmarosa, thyme, vervain, violet leaf, yarrow, rose, and rosemary. These oils are sold in aromatherapy centers as individual compositions also. However if you find it too laborious to choose and pick an oil or a combination of oils, then you can try the natural wrinkle creams which have these ingredients as contents. The natural oils which are sold have all or few of these ingredients in high concentrations and usually prove to be more effective than using individual oils as an everyday treatment.

Using essential oils for cellulite treatment is not a new idea. Companies who sell cellulite treatments have been using these oils for years. The types vary depending on what company is selling the treatment, but they typically include any oils that will make the skin plumper and more moisturized, softer, and tauter. Essential oils may include juniper, clary sage, grapefruit, black pepper, ginger, lemon, orange, fennel, tangerine and cypress. In addition, common oils such as olive oil can help to nourish and smooth the skin.

You can use essential oils in the same way that you would use a massage oil or a lotion. The massaging action may even help to stimulate the skin and surrounding cells when you are rubbing it into your problem areas, so you can provide a double dose of treatment.

Fungal infection of the nails is the one of the most difficult of all disorders to cure. Both fingernails and toenails may be affected, although toenail fungal infection is the most common type. There are a number of oral medications that have been promoted as effective cures, and, indeed, many of these medications eradicate nail fungus. However, all of these medications have the potential of causing significant toxicity, including liver damage. Oil of oregano aids in the cure primarily through topical application, although internal consumption may be necessary however, this must be under the direction of a professional health care provider. The oil has a deep penetrating power, which aids in the destruction of nail fungus, since this fungus infects the root of the nail bed as well as the surface. Regarding essential oils, oil of oregano’s ability to destroy nail fungus is unmatched. Rub oil of oregano liberally into involved nails as often as possible. Be sure to reduce sugar intake.

FUNGAL INFECTION OF SKIN AND NAILS

Fungal infection of the skin & nails is one of the most difficult of all disorders to cure. Tea Tree and Oregano essential oils aids in eradicating primarily through topical application. These oils have a deep penetrating power, which aids in the destruction of nail fungus, since this fungus infects the root of the nail bed as well as the surface. These oils are included in our Healthy Nail Blend along with 5 other powerful essential oils.

Read About Beauty Tips Also Read About Aromatherapy and Essential Oils and Aromatherapy Herbs

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Fat Burning Foods: The Truth Behind Grapefruit and Citrus https://www.yarden.com/blog/fat-burning-foods-the-truth-behind-grapefruit-and-citrus-fruits/ Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:28:51 +0000 http://citrus.com/?p=156 According to an array of research and studies, many citrus foods-specifically grapefruit-help the body to burn fat. For example, the Nutrition and Medical Research Center at Scripps Clinic in San Diego initiated research and studies that prove how the simple consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice led to a significant loss in body fat and weight. While… Read more »

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Eating grapefruit

According to an array of research and studies, many citrus foods-specifically grapefruit-help the body to burn fat. For example, the Nutrition and Medical Research Center at Scripps Clinic in San Diego initiated research and studies that prove how the simple consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice led to a significant loss in body fat and weight. While a fad-diet from the 1980s, titled the “grapefruit diet,” may have been the first source of the grapefruit fat burning rumors, experts and scientists are uncovering new information that supports the fruit’s powerful effects!

The Fat Burning Benefits of Grapefruit

Whether you drink a simple glass of pure grapefruit juice, or if you enjoy the fruit in its whole form, consumers of grapefruit experience significant fat burning benefits. In examining a clinical study of this fruit, leading researcher Dr. Fujioka created a trial wherein 100 obese individuals were monitored as some participants consumed grapefruit while others did not. While engaging in this trial, participants did not make any changes to their diet or exercise habits, other than those who were required to add a daily serving of grapefruit. Dr. Fujioka broke the participants into three groups, and studied their fat burning processes by implementing specific grapefruit requirements:

  • The first group did not consume any grapefruit
  • The second group ate half of a grapefruit before each meal, three times each day
  • The third group drank grapefruit juice before each meal, three times each day.

According to Dr. Fujioka’s results and reports, the two groups who consumed grapefruit before each meal lost an average of 3.6 pounds over the course of 12 weeks! When comparing this to the group abstaining from grapefruit, the non-citrus eaters only lost an average of half of a pound during the 12 weeks.

Additional Benefits of Grapefruit

While grapefruit has been proven to work as a fat burning food, consumers of grapefruit will also experience additional health benefits. According to Dr. Fujioka’s study, individuals who consumed his allotted amounts of grapefruit each day also experienced decreased levels of insulin, which is a hormone that regulates the body’s metabolism, energy, and blood sugar levels. An excess of insulin can actually lead to serious illnesses, such as diabetes; therefore, a steady diet of grapefruit can actually prevent the development of this health disorder.

When examining how grapefruit provides consumers with fat burning and health benefits, some suggest that the lower insulin levels are the main catalyst for enhanced fat burning abilities. Essentially, as grapefruit stabilizes energy levels and insulin levels, the body is able to maintain a more stable energy state. Oftentimes when faced with an energy crash or feelings of fatigue, the body will jump into a hunger-mode, as the body will seek out sugary and unhealthy foods to receive an immediate and fast energy boost. When engaging in these habits, individuals are choosing foods that lead to weight gain. In contrast, when individuals experience more stable blood sugar levels, the body is able to regulate its energy, burning up fat cells in order to invigorate and boost the body.

Additional Citrus Fat Burning Foods

While grapefruit has been the most researched and verified fat burning citrus product, some studies indicate that other citrus foods can also lead to fat burning effects. For example, lemon and oranges may also promote enhanced fat burning processes; however, these fruits are less clinically supported than the powerful grapefruit benefits. When choosing to incorporate grapefruit into your diet, enjoy the whole fruit or purchase a juice with no additives, sugars, or concentrates. Fresh squeezed and all natural grapefruit will deliver the greatest fat burning benefits.

John Hartie is a recognised authority on fat burning foods, his website, http://www.bestfatburningfood.com provides a wealth of informative articles and resources on everything you will need to know about fat burning foods.

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