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Fun Facts on Nutrition You’d Never Guess! – Issue #6

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fun facts on nutrition

Hello, and welcome back to another edition of “Fun Facts on Nutrition!”  Get ready to be amazed by some more fun and fascinating facts about the food we eat. Let’s get started..

1. Beetroot Juice Can Boost Athletic Performance

Beetroot juice, made from red beets, is a favorite among athletes for its ability to enhance performance.

It is rich in nitrates, which are natural compounds found in vegetables like spinach, leafy greens and beets.  

Your body converts dietary nitrates into a compound which can improve blood flow, reduce oxygen use, and increase overall endurance. Drink up and feel the beet!

Reference: Jones, A. M., & Vanhatalo, A. (2017). The Physiology of Nitrate Supplementation in Human Exercise and Sport. Annual Review of Nutrition, 37, 447-473.

2. Blueberries Can Improve Memory

Blueberries are often referred to as brain berries due to their memory-boosting properties. They are packed with antioxidants which can improve memory and cognitive function.

Antioxidants are natural substances in fruits and vegetables that may prevent or delay some types of cell damage and lower the risk of many diseases.  Antioxidants are also concentrated in dietary supplements like vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

Snack on some blueberries soon for a good brain boost!

Reference: Krikorian, R., et al. (2010). Blueberry supplementation improves memory in older adults. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 58(7), 3996-4000.

3. Pumpkin Seeds Are a Natural Mood Booster

Pumpkin seeds are rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that helps our bodies make serotonin, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter.  Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that our body can’t function without.

Their job is to carry chemical signals from one neuron (nerve cell) to the next target cell. The next target cell can be another nerve cell, a muscle cell or a gland. Consuming pumpkin seeds boosts this action and can help improve our mood and promote a sense of well-being. Happy snacking!

Reference: Pumpkin seeds as nutraceutical and functional food ingredient for future: A review, Grain & Oil Science and Technology.

Fun and Health Go Hand-in-Hand

Isn’t nutrition fascinating? From athletic-boosting beetroots to mood-enhancing pumpkin seeds, these fun facts highlight the amazing world of food.  We’ will regularly bring you more of these surprising and inspiring nutritional facts to help you on your journey to the healthiest life.

About Nutrition Breakthroughs

This natural health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original and effective calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, a natural supplement for joint relief, less aches and pains, stronger hair and nails, and more energy.

Fun Facts on Nutrition You’d Never Guess! – Issue #4

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nutrition factsWelcome to another edition of “Fun Nutrition Facts!” Get ready to be entertained and inspired by some fascinating tidbits about the food we eat. Let’s dive in.

  1. Peppers Can Help with Pain Relief

Capsaicin is a plant chemical found in the fruit of chili peppers that gives them their burning sensation and sense of heat. Capsaicin is known for its pain-relieving properties. It works by desensitizing nerve receptors and is often used in topical creams to alleviate pain from arthritis and other conditions.  A soothing solution!

Reference: Anand, P., & Bley, K. (2011). Topical capsaicin for pain management: Therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of the new capsaicin 8% patch. British Journal of Anaesthesia, 107(4), 490-502.

  1. Cranberries Can Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins – plant chemicals that give the fruit or flowers of plants their red, blue, or purple colors.  This plant substance can prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract. This makes cranberries effective in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) and they’re also helpful for gum health by preventing oral bacterial from binding together. Enjoy unsweetened, diluted cranberry juice or dried unsweetened cranberries for a tasty health boost.

Reference: Jepson, R. G., Williams, G., & Craig, J. C. (2012). Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (10), CD001321.

  1. Kiwi Fruit Can Improve Sleep Quality

Eating two kiwis an hour before bedtime can improve sleep quality per recent studies. Kiwis are rich in serotonin and antioxidants (substances that keep cells healthy), both of which can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. Sweet dreams are made of kiwis.

Reference: Lin, H. H., Tsai, P. S., & Fang, S. C. (2011). Effect of kiwifruit consumption on sleep quality in adults with sleep problems. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 20(2), 169-174.

Fun and Health Go Hand-in-Hand

Isn’t nutrition fascinating? From pain-relieving peppers to sleep-enhancing kiwis, these fun nutrition facts highlight the amazing world of food. We’ll bring you more surprising and inspiring nutritional facts to help you on your journey to healthier eating. Stay tuned!

This natural health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original and effective calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, a natural supplement for joint relief, less aches and pains, stronger hair and nails, and more energy.

Fun Facts on Nutrition You’d Never Guess! – #2

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fun facts on nutritionWelcome back to another edition of our “Fun Facts on Nutrition!” Get ready to be intrigued by some fascinating and little-known facts about food. Here’s to your enjoyment of a fun and nutritious day.

  1. Potatoes Were the First Food Grown in Space

In 1995, NASA and the University of Wisconsin collaborated to grow potatoes in space aboard the space shuttle Columbia. This experiment was part of a larger effort to develop sustainable food sources for long-term space missions. Talk about out-of-this-world nutrition.

Reference: Wheeler, R. M. (2010). Plants for human life support in space: From Myers to Mars. Gravitational and Space Biology Bulletin, 23(2), 25-35.

2. Bell Peppers Have More Vitamin C Than Oranges

While oranges are famous for their vitamin C content, bell peppers actually contain even more. A single cup of chopped red bell pepper provides nearly three times the vitamin C of an orange. Plus, they’re low in calories and rich in health-giving plant chemicals known as antioxidants, making them a perfect snack.

Reference: Howard, L. R., et al. (2000). Antioxidant activity and fruit quality changes in bell pepper. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 48(4), 1713-1720.

3. Avocados Are Actually Berries and Have Many Benefits

Surprise. Avocados are technically berries. They contain one large seed, fitting the botanical definition of a berry. Avocados are also nutritional powerhouses, full of healthy fats, fiber, potassium, and vitamins C, E, and K.

In addition, there are many studies showing the benefits of avocado for heart health, as well as for weight management and anti-aging effects.

Reference: Dreher, M. L., & Davenport, A. J. (2013). Hass avocado composition and potential health effects. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 53(7), 738-750.

Fun and Health Go Hand-in-Hand

Isn’t nutrition interesting? These fun facts on nutrition highlight the amazing world of food. We’ll regularly bring you inspiring nutritional facts for your excellent health.

This health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, a natural supplement for joint relief, less aches and pains, stronger hair and nails, and more energy.