Papaya: Papayas are rich sources of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids; the B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid; and the minerals, potassium, copper, and magnesium; and fiber. Together, these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system and also provide protection against colon cancer. In addition, papaya contains the digestive enzyme, papain, which is used like bromelain, a similar enzyme found in pineapple, to treat sports injuries, other causes of trauma, and allergies. Papayas may be very helpful for the prevention of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. Papayas are an excellent source of the powerful antioxidants vitamin A and C. These nutrients help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. Only when cholesterol becomes oxidized is it able to stick to and build up in blood vessel walls, forming dangerous plaques that can eventually cause heart attacks or strokes. One way in which dietary vitamin E and vitamin C may exert this effect is through their suggested association with a compound called paraoxonase, an enzyme that inhibits LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol oxidation. Papayas are also a good source of fiber, which has been shown to lower high cholesterol levels. The nutrients in papaya have also been shown to be helpful in the prevention of colon cancer. Papaya's fiber is able to bind to cancer-causing toxins in the colon and keep them away from the healthy colon cells. In addition, papaya's folate, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and vitamin E have each been associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer. Papaya contains several unique protein-digesting enzymes including papain and chymopapain. These enzymes have been shown to help lower inflammation and to improve healing from burns. In addition, the antioxidant nutrients found in papaya, including vitamin C and beta-carotene, are also very good at reducing inflammation.
Parsley: The health benefits of parsley include controlling cancer, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, along with helping prevent osteoporosis. Furthermore, it acts as a pain reliever with anti-inflammatory properties. Parsley also provides relief from gastrointestinal issues such as indigestion, stomach cramps, bloating, and nausea, while helping to strengthen the immune system. Parsley can be found throughout the year on the market. It is a cheap leaf that anyone can get a hold of. It is also a highly nutritious plant and has ample vitamins and antioxidants which can greatly improve our health. The nutrients found in parsley include vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, choline, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, and copper. Parsley is also a very good source of volatile compounds such as myristicin, limonene, eugenol, and alpha-thujene. Parsley leaves contain energy, carbohydrates, fat, and protein.
Parsnips: Some of the most important health benefits of parsnips include their ability to lower the chances of developing diabetes, reducing cholesterol levels, improve healthy digestive processes, prevent depression, protect against birth defects in infants, promotes proper growth and development, strengthens the immune system, and lower blood pressure to protect cardiovascular health. These versatile vegetables contain high levels of potassium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, and iron, in addition to an impressive range of vitamins, including vitamin B, C, E, and K, as well as high levels of fiber and some protein. A single serving of sliced up parsnips consists of a lot more than 22 % of the everyday recommended consumption of folate, also referred to as vitamin B9. Parsnips are great for pregnant women due to its high content of folic acid. The FAD within parsnips has additionally been proven to hinder tumor development. It’s capable to look for and destroy colon cancer cells, leaving behind the healthy epithelial cells unharmed.
Passion Fruit: Medicinal benefits include passion fruit’s ability to prevent cancerous growth, stimulate digestion, boost immune function, improve eyesight, increase skin health, regulate fluid balance in the body, lower blood pressure, boost circulation, and improve bone mineral density. Furthermore, it reduces signs of premature aging, lessens inflammation, improves sleeping habits, and eliminates asthma. The health benefits commonly attributed to passion fruit is due to the nutrient, mineral, and vitamin content of the fruit, which includes antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, niacin, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, fiber, and protein. High in antioxidants that boost the immune system to protect against cancer, cold, flu and disease. One often overlooked compound in passion fruit is a medicinal alkaloids, including harman, which functions as a sedative. This compound of passion fruit has been connected to a reduction in restlessness, insomnia, sleeplessness, and nervous anxiety which can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep. Various extracts from the purple passion fruit peel create a novel mixture of bioflavonoids, which have an expectorant, sedative, and soothing effect on the respiratory system. It has been positively connected to a reduction in asthma attacks, wheezing, and whooping cough.
Pea: Green peas are a very good source of manganese, dietary fiber, copper, phosphorus, and folate. They are also a good source of vitamin B6, niacin, vitamin B2, molybdenum, zinc,protein, magnesium, iron, potassium, and choline. This green legume is loaded with A, B-1, B-6, C, and a supersized serving of osteoporosis-fighting K. One cup of boiled green peas has 46% of your RDA of vitamin K-1, known for maintaining bone health and helping blood to clot to prevent bleeding. Peas are high in fiber and low in fat and contain no cholesterol. Plus, they're a good source of vegetable protein. a 100-calorie serving (about 3/4 cup) has more protein than 1/4 cup of almonds or a tablespoon of peanut butter. Peas contain high amounts of a health-protective polyphenol called coumestrol. A study in Mexico City determined you only need 2 milligrams per day of this phytonutrient to prevent stomach cancer. A cup of peas has at least 10 mg.
Peach: Peaches are low in calories, contain no saturated fat or cholesterol, and are a good source of dietary fiber. The health benefits of peach fruit include relief from hypokalemia, cancer, obesity, cholesterol, blood stasis and neurodegenerative diseases. It helps in maintaining healthy vision, skin care, nervous system, healthy bones, and teeth. It has anti-aging properties and also helps in detoxification, as well as improving digestion and cellular health. It has a wealth of essential nutrients and antioxidants which are valuable during pregnancy and it helps in strengthening the immune system. Peaches are a rich provider of vitamin A, beta-carotene, and vitamin C (ascorbic acid). They are also a good source of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), vitamin K (phylloquinone), vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B-6, folate, and pantothenic acid. Peaches also offer a rich treasure of minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, phosphorous, zinc, and copper. The peels and the pulp of peaches possess significant antioxidant properties. The presence of chlorogenic acid in peaches also contribute to their protective effects. Antioxidants help in scavenging the oxygen-derived free radicals and protect the body against the harmful effects of various diseases and preventing cancer. Peaches contain potassium, which is vital for proper nerve signaling and cellular functioning of the body. The potassium content in peaches also helps in metabolic processes, utilizing carbohydrates, maintaining electrolyte balance, and the regulation of muscular tissues. A lack of potassium in the body can lead to hypokalemia which can affect muscular strength and can cause an irregular heartbeat. Peaches are widely used in the cosmetic industry for the manufacturing of skin creams and beauty packs. The wealth of flavonoids and essential vitamins and minerals in peaches help in sloughing off dead cells, as well as hydrating and revitalizing the skin. The antioxidants promote faster recovery of skin problems such as blemishes and spots. The presence of magnesium in peaches helps to prevent stress and anxiety in the body and aids in keeping the nervous system calm. The inner kernel of peaches has been suggested to be beneficial in treating the condition of blood stasis in which the blood becomes inactive. Studies have proven that peach extracts exert beneficial effects on the central cholinergic system. The cholinergic system is a neurotransmitter system that acts as the backbone of memory and learning functions. Components present in peaches avert the cholinergic system from degenerating and prevents various disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.
Peanut: Peanuts are a great source of protein (6.7g per 1oz serving) which is more than any other nut. Peanuts contain mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that have been shown to help lower blood cholesterol levels. They are high in fiber, vitamin E and an important source of essential minerals such as magnesium, copper, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and folate. Peanuts contain the phytochemical resveratrol (the same heart healthy phytochemical found in red wine).
Pear: Pears are packed with nutrients and nutritional value. Some of these active and effective components are potassium, vitamin-C,vitamin K, phenolic compounds, folate, dietary fiber, copper, manganese, magnesium, as well as B-complex vitamins. Some of the health benefits of pears include their ability to aid in weight loss, improve digestion, improve heart health, regulate the body’s fluid levels, reduce blood pressure, increase cognitive ability, prevent cancer, promote wound healing and tissue repair, defend against birth defects, boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, increase the metabolism, improve circulation, protect against osteoporosis, while guaranteeing healthier skin, eyes, and hair. Wound healing is sped up with high levels of ascorbic acid, so small injuries, cuts, and damage done by injuries and diseases can be fixed faster if you add high levels of this essential nutrient to your diet, which pears do provide. It also helps to repair damaged blood vessels, which reduces the strain on the cardiovascular system and prevents certain heart diseases from developing. For patients that suffer from anemia or other mineral deficiencies, pears can be very helpful, due to its content of copper and iron. Copper facilitates and improves the uptake of minerals into the system, and increased levels of iron mean that red blood cell synthesis increases. Iron is an important part of hemoglobin and anemia is another name for iron deficiency. You can prevent fatigue, cognitive malfunction, muscle weakness, and organ system malfunction by consuming foods high in iron and copper, both of which are found in significant amounts in pears.
Pecans: They are an excellent source of over 19 vitamins and minerals including Vitamin E and A. Pecans have also been found to help lower serum cholesterol when consumed as a part of a heart healthy diet. The nuts are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid and an excellent source of phenolic antioxidants. Regular addition of pecan nuts in the diet helps to decrease total as well as LDL or “bad cholesterol” and increases HDL or “good cholesterol” levels in the blood. Pecans are also an excellent source of vitamin-E, which is a powerful lipid soluble antioxidant, required for maintaining the integrity of cell membrane of mucus membranes and skin by protecting it from harmful oxygen-free radicals.
Peppermint: This herb has the ability to improve digestion, reduce pain and fever, eliminate inflammation, relax the body and mind, cure bad breath, aids in weight loss and boosts the immune system. Its impact on the digestive system is considerable, and its base element of menthol is perhaps the most valuable part of its organic structure. Peppermint oil is a popular form of medicinal treatment, particularly for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The natural sedative and antispasmodic nature of menthol makes it very good at relieving mental stress. The anti-inflammatory nature can reduce blood pressure and body temperature, and allow you to unwind and relax, letting your cares melt away. This is part of the reason why peppermint oil is so popular in aromatherapy, but the effects from peppermint tea are very similar.
Persimmons: These tasty fruits are packed with health benefits, including their ability to improve eye health, reduce signs of aging, prevent various types of cancer, improve digestion, boost your immune system, lower cholesterol, increase your metabolism, strengthen your bones, boost cognitive function, lower blood pressure, and take care of your skin. Furthermore, they can help your body heal faster, aid in weight loss, reduce inflammation and increase blood circulation throughout the body. The long list of health benefits that this interesting fruit can confer on people is due primarily to its very high vitamin and mineral content, as well as some unusual organic compounds. These include vitamins A, C, E and B6, as well as dietary fiber,manganese, copper, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorous. It's organic compounds are probably the most important parts, and they include catechins, gallocatechin, betulinic acid, and various carotenoid compounds that fall within the B complex of vitamins.
Pine Nuts: They can be a potent appetite suppressor. They are very high in protein, are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins E, K and niacin. They are an excellent source of magnesium and potassium which is important for maintaining a healthy heart and blood pressure.
Pineapple: Pineapples are a tasty fruit with a serious impact. Their health and medicinal benefits include their ability to improve respiratory health, cure coughs and colds, improve digestion, help you lose weight, strengthen bones, improve oral health, boost eye health, reduce inflammation, prevent cancer, increase heart health, fight off infections and parasites, improve the immune system, and increase circulation. Aside from the interesting story and appearance of this fruit, it is also a storehouse of huge health benefits due to its wealth of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, including potassium, copper, manganese, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, beta carotene, thiamin, B6, and folate, as well as soluble and insoluble fiber, and bromelain.
Pineapple Guava: Feijoas, also known as pineapple guavas, are low fat, cholesterol-free fruits loaded with vitamins, and antioxidants that assure you a healthy state of wellbeing, free from illnesses. The fruit is very rich source of soluble dietary fiber, which makes it a good bulk laxative. The fiber content helps protect the colon mucous membrane by decreasing exposure time to toxins as well as binding to cancer-causing chemicals in the colon. Feijoa fruit is a good source of antioxidant vitamin-C. Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that works well against viral illness through immune-boosting means. Regular consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C helps the human body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge cancer causing harmful free radicals from the body. Feijoa contains small proportions B-complex vitamins such as pantothenic acid, niacin, vitamin-B6 (pyridoxine), and vitamin E and K, as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium, copper, and manganese.
Pistachios: Great source of arginine which helps produce nitric oxide in your blood that can help prevent buildup along your arterial walls. They contain phytosterols that help reduce cholesterol. They contain almost 90% unsaturated fats that also help reduce cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. They contain the antioxidants lutein, beta-carotene and gamma-tocopherol that also can help lower cholesterol. They have a significant amount of protein and dietary fiber.They are also a great source of copper, manganese.
Plum: The health benefits of plums include relief from indigestion, influenza infection, and anxiety-related problems. The antioxidant power of plums helps in treating ailments such as osteoporosis, macular degeneration, cancer, diabetes and obesity. It helps in maintaining healthy levels of cholesterol, cardiovascular health, cognitive health, immune system strength, cellular health, electrolyte balance, the nervous system and aids in skin care and blood clotting. Plums contain an assortment of healthy components, vitamins and minerals. They are an excellent source of vitamins such as vitamin A, C (ascorbic acid), folate and vitamin K (phylloquinone). They are also a good source of vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol). The minerals present in plums include potassium, fluoride, phosphorous, magnesium, iron, calcium and zinc. Plums also supply dietary fiber and offer very low calories without any harmful fats.
Pomegranate: The health benefits of pomegranate are innumerable. Apart from being healthy, pomegranates are delicious as well. Pomegranates also have antioxidant, antiviral and antitumor properties. They are said to be good sources of vitamins, since it includes vitamin A, C and E, as well as folic acid. This fruit consists of three times as many antioxidants as both wine or green tea. Pomegranates are known mostly for curing problems related to the heart and for maintaining effective and healthy blood circulation. Other health benefits include being a cure for stomach disorders, cancer, dental conditions, osteoarthritis, anemia and diabetes. Pomegranates have been traditionally used for clearing up the skin and reducing inflammation. Pomegranate’s juice can also be useful for the treatment of sore throats. pomegranates are rich in antioxidants, they can prevent the oxidization of LDL cholesterol, also known as ‘bad’ cholesterol. Pomegranate syrups are useful for treating damage to cartilage and protects babies from brain damage incurred during their birth. They also reduce the possibility of having premature babies and avoiding low birth weight for newborn infants. Pomegranates also reduce the possibility of developing Alzheimer’s disease among older generations. It helps to control aging problems like wrinkles as well, thus providing people with youthful and glowing skin. Other than this, it can help women overcome depression symptoms during her period, especially post-menopausal depression. The Journal of Urology states that pomegranate juice can also be very helpful in curing erectile dysfunctions.
Poppy Seeds: This small, but versatile, seed from this unassuming flower is extremely powerful, and even small doses can have measurable effects on the body. Some of the most important health benefits of poppy include its ability to boost the immune system, protect heart health, improve vision, increase blood flow, optimize digestion, strengthen the bones, regulate the nervous system, increase eye health, and prevent Type 2 diabetes. The most widely studied and utilized aspect of poppy is the analgesic qualities that it provides. Morphine is one of the primary active components in poppy, and as you probably know, this is a powerful pain reliever – one of the strongest used in hospitals. If you consume poppy seeds, you can soothe small aches and pains, relieving headaches, and even speed up healing. The rich combination of nutrients found in poppy seeds, including zinc, can help increase the metabolism to accelerate the recovery process. Zinc also stimulates the production of white blood cells and boosts the body’s response to foreign substances and agents. The analgesic and anesthetic qualities of poppy can protect heart health in another way. The potassium found in poppy seeds acts as a vasodilator, easing the tension in arteries and blood vessels while promoting normal blood flow throughout the body. This can help prevent the development of atherosclerosis and the subsequent heart issues, like strokes and heart attacks, that can so often result. One of the other key minerals found in poppy is iron, an integral component in the production of red blood cells. By increasing your iron intake, you can boost blood flow, thereby increasing the oxygenation of vital parts of your body. This can reduce symptoms of anemia, boost energy levels, and speed up the healing process. If you are suffering from constipation or diarrhea, you need fiber in your diet. Poppy seeds have a surprisingly high level of dietary fiber, which can help to bulk up stool or promote peristaltic motion to regulate your bowel movements. Poppy seeds have been directly linked to soothing inflammation and pain, thereby promoting normal functioning in your gut.
Potato: Potatoes are one of the most common and important food sources on the planet, and they contain a wealth of health benefits that make them all the more essential as a staple dietary item for much of the world’s population. These health benefits include their ability to improve digestion, reduce cholesterol levels, boost heart health, protect from polyps, prevent cancer, manage diabetes, strengthen the immune system, reduce signs of aging, protect the skin, increase circulation, reduce blood pressure, maintain fluid balance, reduce insomnia, and boost eye health. The reason that potatoes have spread across the globe so quickly and has been so widely accepted is because they are a storehouse of energy and nutrition, including vitamins, minerals, and essential organic compounds.
Prune: Prunes are dried plums that have been dried naturally in the sun without undergoing any fermentation process. They are considered to be one of the healthiest foods and are mostly known for their laxative properties. Prunes are rich in fiber content and are highly nutritious with high levels of other essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, including potassium, retinol and iron. The vitamins and minerals present in prunes are good for keeping the skin and hair well nourished and healthy. It also helps slow down the aging process and delays development of wrinkles. Dried prunes also have anti-inflammatory properties and are highly recommended for people suffering from arthritis. Above all, Prunes are delicious dried fruit packed with numerous health benefits that aid natural resistance and vitality. *See plum for more info.
Psyllium: The seeds of these plants, which are typically small herbaceous plants, are highly valuable because they can be turned into mucilage, the most common form of psyllium that is consumed. Psyllium is a natural dietary fiber, and while many people think of it as a pure laxative, it has a number of other effects on the body that makes it so valuable. The valuable mucilage comes from the seed coat, and about 25% of the seed coat is used to create this gelatinous mucilage. The remainder of the seed is also used, but typically only for livestock feed. The unique thing about psyllium is that it bonds with water, swelling to ten times its volume when it comes in contact, hence its impact on the body. Although this plant product has been used for hundreds of years, the research is still ongoing in terms of what other effects it can have on the body. The mucilage is sold in large quantities to pharmaceutical companies, like Metamucil. As it is, the proven effects of psyllium are significant enough. Some of the most important health benefits of psyllium include its ability to lower cholesterol, eliminate digestive problems, reduce inflammation, reduce blood pressure, help with weight loss efforts, and prevent diabetes. As is the case for other types of dietary fiber, psyllium can significantly affect the health of the heart by lowering cholesterol. The main function of psyllium is to improve the functionality and efficiency of the digestive system, namely by binding with water in the gut. If you are suffering from diarrhea, psyllium can help to bulk up your stool and normalize your bowel movements. If you struggle with constipation issues, psyllium can also help reduce that discomfort, as it can stimulate peristaltic motion and keep your bowels moving smoothly. It can also help reduce straining and inflammation, which can help eliminate hemorrhoids and gastric ulcers. There are several studies that have shown the mucilage of psyllium to reduce inflammation in the gut and colon. This is due to the fibrous activity found in this unique mucilage, as it can ease the stress and strain on the colon. Although psyllium mucilage is often called a laxative, it is just a highly efficient type of dietary fiber. However, it does effectively detoxify the body, as cleansing out the gastrointestinal system can also be very cleansing and beneficial for overall gut health.
Pumpkin: Pumpkin fruit is one of the widely grown vegetables incredibly rich in vital antioxidants, and vitamins. Though this humble backyard vegetable is less in calories, nonetheless, it carries vitamin A, and flavonoid poly-phenolic antioxidants such as lutein, xanthin, and carotenes in abundance.
Pumpkin seeds: These are an excellent source of dietary fiber and mono-unsaturated fatty acids, which are good for heart health. In addition, the seeds are concentrated sources of protein, minerals and health-benefiting vitamins. They are a great source of magnesium, manganese and phosphorus. There is evidence that they may help promote prostate health in men because of their high levels of zinc. They also have some anti-inflammatory benefits that alleviate the symptoms of arthritis.