A FEW FRUITS AND THEIR HEALTH BENEFITS

We all know we should eat fruit every day. But certain foods can help with certain health problems. Here are just a few of the fruits and their healthy benefits.

• PAPAYA: Contains enzymes that promote digestion.
• PINEAPPLE: Contains enzymes that promote digestion and also acts aa an anti-inflammatory.
• CHERRIES: The juice helps with pain in fingers and toes caused by gout. According to Dr. Earl Mindell, it works by lowering the body's uric acid content.
• BANANAS: Combat the effects of diarrhea, calms discomfort caused by stomach acid and when eaten before bedtime, helps induce sleep.
• Cranberries: Science has confirmed what women have known for years, yes, cranberry juice helps prevent urinary tract infections. Tannins in the juice prevent bacteria from attaching to the cells that line the urinary tract.

This is a partial list. You can look up your favorite fruits to find out what special benefits they contain.

file photo for reference

WHY WE NEED FIBER IN OUR DIETS

 Here's a list of some reasons it is important to have fiber in our diets. If you have any of these problems perhaps you should increase your fiber intake. Nutrition labels on food products list the fiber quantity.

1. Helps control blood sugar levels.
2. Lowers blood cholesterol levels.
3. Reduces blood pressure.
4. Helps with weight loss.
5. Helps prevent constipation and diarrhea.

CINNAMON IS A GOOD-FOR-YOUR-STOMACH FOOD

If you follow my blogs, you know that as a diabetic I constantly talk about cinnamon being a blood-sugar stabilizer.  But I haven't often mentioned that cinnamon is also good for your stomach and digestive system.  Cinnamon has been used for generations to treat problems such as morning sickness and diarrhea.  But most fail to realize that cinnamon is also effective in breaking up gas bubbles.  I have a problem with gas since I have had parts of my digestive system removed.  When I started really increasing the cinnamon in my diet to help stabilize my blood sugar, I found another good side effect- less gas.  As I researched cinnamon, I discovered it does break up gas bubbles!

While most often thought of as a spice to be used in sweets, think cinnamon rolls, apple pie, etc, cinnamon can also be used on savory foods such as chicken, etc.  If cinnamon isn't currently a part of your diet on a regular basis, consider adding it more often.