For individuals looking to increase their antioxidant, fiber, and vitamin intake, can adding pomegranates to their diet help?
Pomegranates
Pomegranates can amplify various dishes, from breakfasts to sides to dinners, with their balanced blend of mild sweetness, tartness, and crunch from their seeds.
Health Benefits
The fruit has been found to be a healthy source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. A medium-sized fruit contains:
FoodData Central. U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2019) Pomegranates, raw.
Zarfeshany, A., Asgary, S., & Javanmard, S. H. (2014). Potent health effects of pomegranate. Advanced biomedical research, 3, 100. doi.org/10.4103/2277-9175.129371
Watermelon, one of the summer’s main fruits, is low in calories and rich in water. It provides an excellent source of vitamins A and C and lycopene and is less acidic than citrus fruits and tomatoes. The whole fruit is edible. The watermelon can be used as frozen chunks for water or seltzer drinks, smoothies, salsas, and salads; the rind can be stir-fried, stewed, or pickled, and the subtle sweetness pairs well with cheese, nuts, and other protein sources.
Watermelon
Watermelon poses few risks, with research deeming the fruit nontoxic. Side effects from eating too much watermelon can include abdominal discomfort, bloating, and gas.
The fruit does contain sugar, recommending individuals with diabetes should be careful to avoid sugar spikes.
Vitamins and Minerals
A fully ripe red watermelon contains higher nutrients than a less ripe watermelon.
A single serving is a healthy source of vitamins C and A, providing a significant percentage of the daily requirement.
Vitamin C aids in wound healing and can help increase anti-aging properties and immune system function.
Vitamin A is important for eye health.
Calories
One cup of diced or balled watermelon contains about 46 calories.
Wedges around one-sixteenth of the melon, or 286 g, contain approximately 86 calories.
These antioxidants can help cell repair and lower the risk of infections and certain cancers.
Contributes to Weight Loss
A group of overweight adults participated in a study that found the group that ate watermelon instead of low-fat cookies felt fuller.
The watermelon group also showed reductions in body weight, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and blood pressure.
Reduce Muscle Fatigue
The fruit contains a significant amount of the amino acid citrulline.
Capsules of concentrated citrulline are sold as nutritional supplements.
The benefits are not conclusive, but some studies show that supplements could reduce the feeling of fatigue.
Nutrition Fundamentals
References
Bailey, Stephen J et al. “Two weeks of watermelon juice supplementation improves nitric oxide bioavailability but not endurance exercise performance in humans.” Nitric oxide: biology and chemistry vol. 59 (2016): 10-20. doi:10.1016/j.niox.2016.06.008
Burton-Freeman, Britt, et al. “Watermelon and L-Citrulline in Cardio-Metabolic Health: Review of the Evidence 2000-2020.” Current atherosclerosis reports vol. 23,12 81. 11 Dec. 2021, doi:10.1007/s11883-021-00978-5
Figueroa, Arturo, et al. “Watermelon extract supplementation reduces ankle blood pressure and carotid augmentation index in obese adults with prehypertension or hypertension.” American Journal of Hypertension vol. 25,6 (2012): 640-3. doi:10.1038/ajh.2012.20
Glenn, J.M., Gray, M., Wethington, L.N. et al. Acute citrulline malate supplementation improves upper- and lower-body submaximal weightlifting exercise performance in resistance-trained females. Eur J Nutr 56, 775–784 (2017). doi.org/10.1007/s00394-015-1124-6
Martínez-Sánchez A., Ramos-Campo D. J., Fernández-Lobato B., Rubio-Arias J. A., Alacid F., & Aguayo E. (2017). Biochemical, physiological, and performance response of a functional watermelon juice enriched in L-citrulline during a half-marathon race. Food & Nutrition Research, 61. Retrieved from foodandnutritionresearch.net/index.php/fnr/article/view/1203
Naz, Ambreen, et al. “Watermelon lycopene and allied health claims.” EXCLI journal vol. 13 650-60. 3 Jun. 2014
Panche, A N et al. “Flavonoids: an overview.” Journal of nutritional science vol. 5 e47. 29 Dec. 2016, doi:10.1017/jns.2016.41
Volino-Souza, Mônica et al. “Current Evidence of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Ingestion on Vascular Health: A Food Science and Technology Perspective.” Nutrients vol. 14,14 2913. 15 Jul. 2022, doi:10.3390/nu14142913
As individuals try to avoid sugar as best as possible, alternative sweeteners are becoming more popular. A new addition is monk fruit sweetener, also called monk fruit extract. Monk fruit is a small, round fruit native to southern China. Unlike some chemically based sugar alternatives, monk fruit extract is considered natural. The sweetener has been around for decades but has become more available in the United States. The zero-calorie extract can be used as a standalone sweetener in foods and drinks and as a flavor enhancer.
Monk Fruit Sugar Alternative
Manufacturers remove the seeds and skin, crush the fruit, and extract the juice, which is then dried into a concentrated powder. Unlike most fruits, the natural sugars in monk fruit are not what gives it its sweetness. Instead, the intense sweetness comes from antioxidants (commonly found in plant foods, antioxidants fight off free radicals that can cause health problems like cancer and heart disease) called mogrosides. The mogroside is the sweetest part of the fruit, with a taste over 100 times sweeter than sugar and no calories.
Safe For Consumption
Monk fruit has the generally recognized as safe -GRAS label from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration with no reported side effects. However, it is advised to read the ingredients label before buying this sweetener. Some of the cheaper products combine other sweeteners with monk fruit extract. Some contain erythritol, a sugar alcohol that can cause stomach bloating or upset stomach.
Use
It has been found to be a healthy option for lowering overall sugar intake. However, consuming monk fruit or any sweetener should be done in moderation and with a healthy nutrition plan. It comes in powder or liquid form. As a natural alternative, it can be used:
As s sugar substitute for favorite baking, cooking, soup, sauce recipes, etc.
For drinks like coffee, tea, lemonade, smoothies, etc.
Added on breakfast dishes like oatmeal or yogurt.
Whipped into frosting or a mousse.
The ultra-sweetness means that little is required as it goes a long way. It is recommended to drink regular water or tea and eat foods without the sweetener because, over time, the taste buds adjust and do not need the sweetener as much. Consult a doctor, dietician, or nutritionist to determine if this sugar alternative is right for you and the benefits.
What Is It?
References
Chen, W J et al. “The antioxidant activities of natural sweeteners, mogrosides, from fruits of Siraitia grosvenori.” International journal of food sciences and nutrition vol. 58,7 (2007): 548-56. doi:10.1080/09637480701336360
EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) et al. “Safety of use of Monk fruit extract as a food additive in different food categories.” EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority vol. 17,12 e05921. 11 Dec. 2019, doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2019.5921
Lobo, V et al. “Free radicals, antioxidants, and functional foods: Impact on human health.” Pharmacognosy reviews vol. 4,8 (2010): 118-26. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.70902
Pawar, Rahul S et al. “Sweeteners from plants–with emphasis on Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) and Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle).” Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry vol. 405,13 (2013): 4397-407. doi:10.1007/s00216-012-6693-0
When the body encounters a foreign element that can include a chemical, plant pollen, an invading microbe, or some other form of infection, it activates the immune system that triggers inflammation to protect the body and fight the illness. Heat and swelling are the body’s repair mechanisms to heal an injury, or if there is an infection, cells are activated to the location to combat the invading pathogens. However, Following an anti-inflammatory diet is important and part of the diet includes anti-inflammatory drinks.
Immune System
The immune system markers in the blood and tissue are above normal levels in response to continual low-level inflammation. The white blood cells that help heal an injury are working against a threat of injury/infection that does not exist. Tissues, organs, and cells can become affected by an influx of white blood cells that should not be there. Studies have proven that inflammation leads to chronic disease, but there are ways to avoid the damaging progression that include:
Traditional homemade chai tea is a blend of herbs with anti-inflammatory benefits.
Herbs include cinnamon, star anise, clove, ginger, and cardamom.
They help improve digestion, alleviate nausea, and increase immune system health.
These are just a few examples, but there are a variety of anti-inflammatory drinks that can benefit body and mental health.
Healthy and Refreshing
References
Alghadir, Ahmad H et al. “Green tea and exercise interventions as nondrug remedies in geriatric patients with rheumatoid arthritis.” Journal of physical therapy science vol. 28,10 (2016): 2820-2829. doi:10.1589/jpts.28.2820
Crozier, Stephen J et al. “Cacao seeds are a “Super Fruit”: A comparative analysis of various fruit powders and products.” Chemistry Central journal vol. 5 5. 7 Feb. 2011, doi:10.1186/1752-153X-5-5
Hunter, Philip. “The inflammation theory of disease. The growing realization that chronic inflammation is crucial in many diseases opens new avenues for treatment.” EMBO reports vol. 13,11 (2012): 968-70. doi:10.1038/embor.2012.142
Panche, A N et al. “Flavonoids: an overview.” Journal of nutritional science vol. 5 e47. 29 Dec. 2016, doi:10.1017/jns.2016.41
Teodorczyk-Injeyan, Julita A. PhD*; Triano, John J. DC, PhD*; Injeyan, H. Stephen DC, PhD†. Nonspecific Low Back Pain: Inflammatory Profiles of Patients With Acute and Chronic Pain. The Clinical Journal of Pain: October 2019 – Volume 35 – Issue 10 – p 818-825
doi: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000000745
Chiropractors understand the need to treat the whole body to reduce and alleviate pain. Many types of pain are caused by inflammation. Inflammation is a natural and healthy response to injury; however, chronic inflammation is not. Low-grade chronic inflammation can lead to health problems like obesity, diabetes, arthritis, dementia, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. If not treated, chronic inflammation can spread throughout the body, causing pain and aggravation. When it comes to nutritional health, the foods can worsen chronic pain. Chiropractors and doctors recommend an anti-inflammation diet for chronic pain.
Anti-Inflammation Diet
When the body gets injured, the nervous system sends signals to the immune system to send chemicals and new red and white blood cells needed for healing. The immune system works correctly when it fights infection by activating when the body recognizes anything foreign entering the system. This could be plant pollen, chemicals, or invading microbes. Studies show that individuals get 50 percent of their calories from sugar, white flour, vegetable oil, and industrial seed oils. These foods are known to increase inflammation in the body. Eating foods that trigger the immune system, like refined white flours or sugar, creates inflammation that does not turn off because the information sent constantly signals an injury exacerbating inflammation and pain.
Foods That Cause Inflammation
The following foods should be avoided or limited as much as possible:
Sugary beverages and soda drinks.
Margarine and lard.
Gluten and white pasta.
Refined carbohydrates in white bread and pastries.
Processed meat like sausages and hot dogs.
Red meat like steaks and burgers.
Fried foods that are high in trans fats, like chips and fries.
Excessive alcohol.
Some of these foods have been associated with chronic diseases that include:
Foods high in natural antioxidants include apples and blueberries. Antioxidants are reactive molecules that can reduce the number of free radicals in the diet. A free radical is a molecule that has the potential to alter and damage the cells in the body. Damaged cells increase the risk of disease development.
Chiropractic Inflammation Relief
Chiropractic physiotherapy strengthens the body by strengthening the immune system removing any blockage. This maintains the natural flow of blood and nutrients throughout the body, increasing the immune system’s defense. Changing to an anti-inflammation diet can help boost the immune system but can be a challenging adjustment. Discuss available options to manage pain relief and inflammation.
Body Composition
Muscle Is Not Just For Athletes
Many individuals think that muscle gain is only necessary for athletes. Not everyone wants to be muscular, but everyone needs to be able to fight off sickness from infection/s. Muscle is made up primarily of water and protein. Protein is an essential macronutrient that the body needs to function correctly. When the body enters a stressed state like becoming sick, the body’s protein demands suddenly increase up to four times the amount usually required. If the body does not get the necessary protein from the food, it will begin to take what it needs from the muscles and start breaking them down. If muscles aren’t sufficiently developed or underdeveloped, the body becomes reduced in its ability and strength to fight off infections and increases the chances for future ones.
References
Haß, Ulrike et al. “Anti-Inflammatory Diets and Fatigue.” Nutrients vol. 11,10 2315. 30 Sep. 2019, doi:10.3390/nu11102315
Owczarek, Danuta et al. “Diet and nutritional factors in inflammatory bowel diseases.” World journal of gastroenterology vol. 22,3 (2016): 895-905. doi:10.3748/wjg.v22.i3.895
Sears, Barry. “Anti-inflammatory Diets.” Journal of the American College of Nutrition vol. 34 Suppl 1 (2015): 14-21. doi:10.1080/07315724.2015.1080105
A balanced, healthy nutrition consisting of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats before any exercise or physical activity can provide the body with the essential energy it needs to perform to its fullest capacity. While many athletes already follow a nutritious pre-workout diet to properly fuel their bodies at the start of their sport, many of these same individuals often struggle to�
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
