Pumpkin seed milk nutrition

Pumpkin seed milk is made from, as their name suggests, pumpkin seeds. Despite their small size, pumpkin seeds pack a surprising nutritional punch (1). 100g serving of pumpkin seed milk contain,

• Energy 574 kcal
• Protein 29.84 g
• Total lipid (fat) 49.05 g
• Carbohydrate, by difference 14.71 g
• Fiber, total dietary 6.5 g
• Sugars, total 1.29 g
• Calcium 52 mg
• Iron 8.07 mg
• Magnesium 550 mg
• Phosphorus 1174 mg
• Potassium 788 mg
• Sodium 18 mg
• Zinc 7.64 mg
• Copper 1.275 mg
• Selenium 9.4 µg
• Vitamin C 1.8 mg
• Thiamin 0.07 mg
• Riboflavin 0.15 mg
• Niacin 4.43 mg
• Vitamin B-6 0.1 mg

Source : https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336797715_Nutritional_and_Therapeutic_Importance_of_the_Pumpkin_Seeds

Health benefits of pumpkin seed milk.

Pumpkin seeds can do wonders for your body. It positively affects your heart health, digestive health, and can even help you sleep better.

When you follow the pumpkin seed milk recipe at the bottom of this article, you won’t be straining out any of this goodness. You’ll get all the goodness of pumpkin seeds in pumpkin milk, too.

Here are 8 ways that drinking pumpkin seed milk can make you healthier.

1. Helps fight diabetes

Pumpkin seeds are high in dietary fiber. 100 grams can contain as much as 6.5 grams.

Dietary fiber can slow the rate at which your digestive system absorbs sugar, and also generally improve blood sugar levels (2). By eating the appropriate amounts of dietary fiber, you can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Aside from dietary fiber, pumpkin seeds also help with diabetes due to the presence of antioxidants.

Pumpkin seeds contain antioxidants like carotenoids and vitamin E (3, 4. 5). Food that contains antioxidants is immensely beneficial to your health.

When it comes to diabetes, antioxidants may reduce the risk of reactive oxygen (ROS) species developing in your body (6). ROS are a factor leading to type-2 diabetes (7). So by reducing the risk of ROS development, the antioxidants in pumpkin seeds can help curb diabetes.

2. Keeps your heart healthy

Pumpkin seed milk is high in magnesium, an essential mineral for heart health.

Magnesium plays more than 300 vital roles in your body. One of these is related to your muscles. Specifically, magnesium is what makes your body’s muscles relax. Calcium makes your muscles contract.

Your heart is also an organ made up of muscles. Calcium sends the signal for your heart’s muscle fibers to contract and push blood out of your heart. But the other half of a heartbeat depends on magnesium. It signals the heart’s muscle fibers to contract and draw blood into the heart. (8.)

Calcium buildup can damage your heart health (9). So, it’s important to get enough magnesium from your diet. The Recommended Dietary Allowance for men is 400-420 mg daily and for women, it is 310-320 mg daily (10).

Pumpkin seeds also contain good amounts of zinc, fatty acids, and antioxidants. All of these have been shown to be beneficial for heart health (11). Studies have shown that eating pumpkin-related foods can increase nitric oxide generation in your body. This is thought to be beneficial for heart health (12).

3 – Can help manage high blood pressure

Pumpkin seed milk contains potassium, which is a mineral known to be important in managing high blood pressure.

Many people suffer from high blood pressure due to the lack of potassium in modern diets. An appropriate level of potassium in the body helps to lower blood pressure (13).

Multiple studies have shown a link between low potassium intake and increased blood pressure and a higher risk of stroke (14, 15, 16). The converse is also true. A healthy amount of potassium in the diets of people with high blood pressure shows a significant lowering of their systolic blood pressure.

Some animal studies have shown that consuming the oil derived from pumpkin seeds may be beneficial for high blood pressure (17). Another study, conducted on postmenopausal women, showed that oil supplements derived from pumpkin seeds reduced diastolic blood pressure by 7% (18).

4 – May help with inflammation

Pumpkin milk may help with inflammation due to its high level of antioxidants.

Antioxidants, as their name might suggest, are compounds that inhibit oxidation. This is a chemical process that produces free radicals and chain reactions in your body. Both of these are harmful to your cells. (Free radicals are unusable atoms, by the way.)

Vitamin C, present in pumpkin seeds, is a powerful antioxidant. Its most famous function is to strengthen your body’s natural defenses (18). But it also helps against inflammation (19).

Studies have shown that eating food with vitamin C can increase your blood antioxidant levels by as much as 30% (20).

Interestingly, the antioxidants present in pumpkin seed milk don’t really have any side effects. One animal study, conducted on rats with arthritis, showed that rats given pumpkin seed oil had reduced inflammation and no side effects. But rats who were given an anti-inflammatory drug did experience side effects (21). So, if you need to control inflammation, you might want to try experiencing the amazing health benefits of pumpkin seed milk.

5 – Keeps your bones healthy

Earlier, we talked about magnesium and its manifold benefits. Apart from heart health, it is also necessary to keep your bones healthy.

People who eat food with high amounts of magnesium have a higher bone density (22). Also known as bone mineral density, this is the amount of bone mineral in your bone tissue. Having high bone density means you’re less likely to get a fracture or osteoporosis.

Postmenopausal women are especially susceptible to osteoporosis (23). This is why food rich in magnesium is recommended for women post-menopause. Getting more magnesium from foods or dietary supplements might help older women improve their bone mineral density.

6 – Helps strengthen your body’s defenses

Pumpkin seed milk is high in vitamin E and antioxidants, which may provide a boost for your immune system and its functions.

Vitamin E is found in higher amounts in your white blood cells than in other cells. Want to improve the performance of your immune system? Add some vitamin C to your diet.

Vitamin E modulates the function of T cells by directly impacting T cell membrane integrity, signal transduction, and cell division (24). (T cells are an essential part of your immune system.)

Having the appropriate amount of vitamin E in your body has many benefits. You would be less likely to come down with respiratory diseases and allergic reactions like asthma (25).

However, too much vitamin can be bad for you. Since it is a fat-soluble vitamin, it can be stored in your body. Excess consumption can lead to toxicity. Symptoms of vitamin E excess include bleeding, muscle weakness, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea (26).

7 – Promotes sexual health

Multiple studies have shown that eating pumpkin seeds can reduce symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (27).

BPH is a condition in men which causes the prostate gland to enlarge and makes it difficult to urinate. Although an exact cause for this condition is as yet unknown, it is thought to be brought on by changes in male sex hormones. This may happen naturally.

One massive study conducted on over 1,400 men with BPH also showed the benefits of pumpkin seed oil (28). Consuming food enriched with the oil led to reduced symptoms and an overall improvement of the quality of life of the men.

Another similar six-month study concluded similar results. Consuming 320 milligrams a day of pumpkin seed oil over six months may be sufficient to experience these results (29).

Earlier in this article, we talked about how pumpkin seeds contain zinc. Zinc has been linked with testosterone levels. I.e. young men with a zinc deficiency have been shown to have significantly lower levels of testosterone (30). The testosterone hormone improves libido in men.

Pumpkin seeds have also been used as a traditional aphrodisiac. An animal study (31) fed a pumpkin seed extract to rats, combined with zinc. The study concluded that may have a beneficial effect on sexual health status.

8 – May promote health during pregnancy

Zinc is also one of the most important minerals a woman’s body needs during pregnancy.

This mineral found in pumpkin seed milk is required for the construction of a baby’s cells and DNA during pregnancy. Zinc plays a role in cell division and tissue growth, among, other normal developmental functions (32).

Aside from the growth of the baby, eating pumpkin seeds can benefit the mother as well. Low zinc levels may lead to less-than-ideal levels of hormones related to labor. The female body also needs zinc to prevent uterine infections (33).

9 – keeps your skin and eyes healthy

Pumpkin seeds have a seemingly endless array of healthful compounds. One of these is an antioxidant known as squalene.

Squalene, of which pumpkin seeds are a good source, has many benefits (34). On one hand, this antioxidant may be useful in protecting your skin against UV and other types of solar radiation. Exposure to UV rays is known to cause premature aging of the skin.

On the other hand, animal studies indicate that squalene may be important in keeping your retinas healthy.

Squalene is similar to beta carotene. Some studies show that beta carotene might slow mental decline (35).

10 – Helps you sleep better

Finally, we have a rather surprising benefit of pumpkin seed milk. Can’t seem to catch a wink? Try popping some pumpkin seeds before going to bed.

Pumpkin seeds are a natural source of an amino acid known as tryptophan, which is known to promote sleep (36).

But you’ll need to eat about 200 grams of pumpkin seeds before you hit the needed amount of tryptophan. However, a study has shown that consuming seed-based tryptophan along with a carbohydrate is as effective as a clinical dose of tryptophan (37).

Pumpkin seed milk contains two other minerals known to promote better sleep: zinc and magnesium.

The zinc in pumpkin seeds helps convert tryptophan to serotonin to melatonin, which is the hormone regulating your sleep cycles. Magnesium has also been linked to better sleep (38).

So try a few of these seeds before bed. Who knows? You might even dream about the health benefits of pumpkin seed milk!

How to make pumpkin seed milk at home

Making pumpkin seed milk is no big deal. You can easily make it at home with following simple steps.

Pumpkin seed milk recipe

This recipe is as simple as they come. To experience the health benefits of pumpkin seed milk, just follow these simple instructions:

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
• Water for soaking
• 1 tsp unrefined salt
• 4 cups water
• 1 date (or 1 tbsp maple syrup)

Preparation instructions

1. Soak pumpkin seeds in water and salt overnight, or at least 6 hours.
2. Drain and rinse soaked seeds and place them into the blender with 4 cups of water and date/maple syrup. Add optional add-ins, if desired.
3. A process on HIGH for about a minute or so, until creamy and smooth. Strain through a nut milk bag (squeezing out as much as you can.)
4. Store in an air-tight glass jar for up to 3 days in the fridge.

This delicious recipe courtesy of Savory Lotus. Check them out for more!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does pumpkin seed milk taste like?

Pumpkin seed milk has a mild nutty flavor and a subtle sweet flavor . It has a creamy texture and a slightly grainy consistency due to the presence of pumpkin seed pulp. The flavor can vary depending on the specific recipe and any additional flavorings that you use.

Since pumpkin seed milk does have a distinctive flavor you can try to sweeten it by adding vanilla extract and brighten the flavor. This milk is delicious when mixed with carrot juice and cinnamon (a small pinch)

What are the disadvantages of eating pumpkin seeds?

Although pumpkin seeds have many nutritional benefits, there are some potential disadvantages of eating them as well. which include,

• Not a good option for people who take Diuretic Drugs – Research studies indicate that pumpkin seeds contain natural, mild diuretic properties that may interact with diuretic medications, leading to an increased need for urination. This could potentially impact the mineral balance in your body.
• May cause stomach ache – This is because pumpkin seeds are rich in fatty oils, and excessive consumption beyond recommended levels could lead to stomach discomfort, cramps, and pain. To avoid this side effect, it is better to consume only 1-2 teaspoons at a time or to pair them with other foods. Roasting the seeds before consuming them may also help alleviate this issue.
• May cause allergic reactions – Although pumpkin seeds are generally considered to be low on the allergenic properties, they can still trigger certain allergic reactions, particularly affecting the skin. If you happen to have an allergic reaction to pumpkin seeds, your body may show some symptoms like Eczema (scaly and red skin) itching and hives, sneezing and allergic asthma etc.
• Not a good option for hypoglycemic people – scientific research regarding the nutritional effects of pumpkin seeds suggest that consuming pumpkin seeds may help reduce the risk of a sudden spike in glucose levels. If you are an hypoglycemic person, it is better to consult with your doctor before including pumpkin seeds in your diet.
• Not good for hypotensive people – Due to their high antioxidant content, pumpkin seeds have the potential to lower blood pressure levels. If you have hypotension, or if you are hypertensive and taking anti-hypertensive medications, it is recommended to consult with your doctor before consuming pumpkin seeds to discuss any associated complications and risks.

Pumpkin seeds benefits for women

Nutritionists suggest that pumpkin seeds are not only convenient to incorporate into your diet, but they can potentially aid your hormonal balance, while stabilizing your blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity. If you more interested in benefits of pumpkin seeds for female body, check the list below.

1. May aid in reducing hair loss
2. Reduce menstrual pain
3. Rich in essential fatty acids
4. Has the potential to lower cholesterol levels
5. A good natural source of magnesium
6. May help decrease the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women

Pumpkin seeds benefits for men

• Improve your prostate and bladder health

As we discussed in chapters above, research studies suggest that pumpkin seeds maybe beneficial in alleviating symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This is a condition will lead to difficulties with urination in males. In addition, further research suggests that you can use pumpkin seeds/derivatives as supplements to treat symptoms associated with an overactive bladder.

• May have effects in facilitating sperm quality

Low levels of zinc may result in increasing the risk of infertility and poor sperm quality in men. Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc and can help enhance sperm quality. A study conducted on animals revealed that by supplementing with vitamin E and pumpkin seed oil it is possible to improve reproductive performance and sperm quality.

How much pumpkin seeds to eat daily?

According to American Heart Association, the daily intake of pumpkin seeds is approximately a quarter cup (30 grams) as a part of a healthy diet. This serving size of pumpkin seeds provides an abundant source of essential nutrients such as healthy fats, magnesium, zinc, and fiber etc. However, keep in mind that consuming large amounts of pumpkin seeds may lead to adverse effects, such as mineral imbalances and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Are pumpkin seeds good for dogs?

The simple answer is yes. You can easily roast or toast pumpkin seeds and give it as a snack to your dog. It would be an excellent healthy option for your pet and you as well. Or else you could grind pumpkin seeds and add the powder to your dog’s regular diet. Either way, pumpkin seeds are healthy for your pet.

How long are pumpkin seeds good for?

To ensure that pumpkin seeds last for an extended period after opening, it is better to store them in a tightly sealed airtight container or heavy-duty plastic bag. At normal room temperature, they can last for approximately three months with proper storage conditions.

However, for a longer shelf life, it is advisable to keep pumpkin seeds in the refrigerator, where they can remain fresh for around an year. You can freeze them in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to further extend their shelf life. With proper storage, pumpkin seeds will maintain their best quality for about 12 months, although they will remain safe to consume beyond that time.

Are pumpkin seeds keto?

Yes, pumpkin seeds can be included in a keto diet as they are low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, protein, and fiber. In fact, pumpkin seeds are often recommended for those following a keto diet because they are a good source of essential nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.

However, as with any food, it’s important to pay attention to portion sizes and to factor in the carbohydrates from other sources in your overall diet to ensure you stay within your daily carb limit.

Final thoughts

Pumpkin seed milk is a great way to add a whole variety of nutrients to your diet. You’ll love the amazing ways it benefits your health. The great taste is a bonus.

What’s your favorite fresh milk alternative? Let us know in the comments!

Nutrition and calories

Looking at its green leaves and stems, you wouldn’t think celery is all that good for you. But this humble herb has some decent nutrition under the hood because celery is very healthy for you.

Here are the nutrition and calorie information of celery (x):

• Serving size: 100g
• Water: 95.4 g
• Energy: 16 kcal
• Total Carbohydrates: 3.4 g
• Total protein: 0.7 g
• Total fat: 0.2 g

The high water content and low fat are great for certain types of diets. The assortment of minerals in celery is also great for your health. So let’s talk about the health benefits of celery.

Health benefits of celery

Celery can be a crunchy addition to your diet. But that’s not all it is — celery can do a surprising amount of good for your health as well.

Here are 18 surprising health benefits of celery:

1. Contains important vitamins and minerals
2. Contains antioxidants
3. It May help lower cholesterol
4. May reduce blood pressure
5. Can reduce inflammation
6. Might help with diabetes management
7. Supports your digestive health
8. May help with allergic asthma
9. May help prevent and treat UTIs
10. Might boost your immune system
11. May help with memory and Alzheimer’s
12. Help keep your eyes healthy
13. It May help you sleep better
14. Celery oil repels mosquitoes

Now let’s look at each of these health benefits in detail.

1 – Celery Contains important vitamins and minerals

Celery contains a broad spectrum of important vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Here are just a few of them:

Vitamins in celery:

• Vitamin A, C, E, and K
• Riboflavin
• Niacin
• Vitamin B6

Minerals in celery:

• Calcium
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Sodium
• Zinc

Vitamins and minerals are considered to be essential nutrients because they perform literally hundreds of vital roles in your body. These range from producing new cells, to sending nerve signals, to transporting blood and oxygen, to simply sustaining your body.

If you see the word “micronutrients” being used, just know that that term refers to vitamins and minerals. The “micro-” part of that word can be deceiving. It means you only need small amounts of the nutrients — not that they play a “micro” role in your body!

2 -Celery Contains important antioxidants

Celery contains many antioxidants such as vitamin C, beta carotene, and flavonoids.

Antioxidants, as their name might suggest, are compounds that inhibit oxidation. This is a chemical process that produces free radicals and chain reactions in your body, both of which are harmful to the cells in your body. (Free radicals are unusable atoms, by the way.)

Vitamin C, present in celery, is a powerful antioxidant. Its most famous function is to strengthen your body’s natural defenses (x). But it also helps against inflammation (x).

Studies have shown that eating food with vitamin C can increase your blood antioxidant levels by as much as 30% (x).

Another antioxidant you can find in celery is beta carotene. Although you’re more likely to find this compound in brightly colored plants (like carrots, which is where it gets its name), it is still present in celery.

Your body converts beta carotene into vitamin A. Other than that, some studies show that beta carotene might slow mental decline as well (x).

One other type of antioxidant that is present in celery are flavonoids. Just like carotenoids, flavonoids are responsible for the bright color of some fruits and vegetables. But in celery, they function to regulate cell activity and fight off free radicals, just like other antioxidants.

Celery contains other antioxidants as well (x).

3 – May help lower cholesterol

Celery contains two things that may help combat critical cholesterol levels: fiber, and phthalides (x, x).

Dietary fiber is a component of plant-based food that doesn’t get digested by your body. Although most people know fiber to be a boon for digestive health, it is also great for managing cholesterol (x).

Soluble fiber is the key type that reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, commonly known as “bad” cholesterol. Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Five to 10 grams or more of soluble fiber a day decreases your LDL cholesterol.

Phthalides, on the other hand, work indirectly. This plant compound may stimulate the secretion of bile juices in your liver (x). Bile plays a major role in the absorption and processing of cholesterol in your body (x).

What does lower cholesterol mean for you? Less plaque on the walls of your arteries and generally better health for your cardiovascular system.

4 – May reduce blood pressure

Phthalides do more than help manage cholesterol levels. This multitasker also indirectly contributes to keeping your blood pressure low.

First, phthalides have a hypolipidemic effect on your blood. This means they lower lipid levels. Animal studies show that the hypolipidemic effects of phthalides allow your blood vessels to expand and make it easier for your blood to move around in your body. This leads to lowered blood pressure.

In addition to phthalides, celery also contains potassium. Many people suffer from high blood pressure due to the lack of potassium in modern diets. An appropriate level of potassium in the body helps to lower blood pressure (x).

Multiple studies have shown a link between low potassium intake and increased blood pressure and a higher risk of stroke (x, x, x). The converse is also true. A healthy amount of potassium in the diets of people with high blood pressure shows a significant lowering of their systolic blood pressure.

5 – Can reduce inflammation

Another of the many health benefits of celery is that the plant and its seeds contain not one, not two, but 25 anti-inflammatory compounds! (x.)

One of the main ways celery can benefit you is by improving long-term or chronic inflammation. This condition happens when your body has a prolonged reaction involving inflammation. (Inflammation, by the way, is a by-product of your immune system fighting against things that might harm your body.)

Chronic inflammation can manifest itself in many ways. Among other symptoms is rheumatoid arthritis. This condition causes joint pain and damage throughout your body, and anti-inflammatory foods such as celery can help cope with it.

6 – Might help with diabetes management

Celery has multiple properties that make it a great ingredient in the diet of a diabetic person.

First, celery has a low glycemic index. The glycemic index of a food item is a measure of how much your blood sugar spikes after eating that food. Food such as rice, potatoes, and bread have high glycemic indices, while meats and fatty foods generally have very low or even zero glycemic indexes.

The fact that celery’s glycemic index is low is great for diabetes management. If you ever need a crunchy, crispy snack to chew on while you watch the TV, celery might be a guilt-free choice.

Another way celery helps with diabetes management is due to its fiber content. Soluble dietary fiber can slow the rate at which your digestive system absorbs sugar, and also generally improve blood sugar levels (x). By eating the appropriate amounts of dietary fiber, you can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

7 – Supports your digestive system

Staying with the theme of fiber and its manyfold benefits — digestive health.

Having lots of fiber in your diet is essential for your digestive health. You’ll have a lower risk of constipation and fecal incontinence (x, x). High levels of fiber in your diet may even reduce hemorrhoids.

In short, “fiber is the fuel that keeps your colon going,” says experts (9).

But too much of a good thing is still bad. The same applies to fiber. Exceeding your recommended daily amount may lead to bloating, gas, and (ironically) constipation.

8 -Celery May help with allergic asthma

Here’s another addition to celery’s already impressive roster of beneficial compounds: luteolin.

This compound may be beneficial for people with allergic asthma, which is an inflammatory disease. It affects the upper and lower airway. Common triggers for allergic asthma include environmental allergens such as pollen, animal dander, and mold spores.

Luteolin has been researched and shown to reduce inflammation and lower allergic reactions (x). In this animal test, mice were given luteolin 30 minutes before being exposed to an allergen. These mice showed greatly reduced levels of inflammation within their lungs and nasal passages.

Although this was an animal test, and human research is not yet conclusive, the outcome may be positive.

9 – May help prevent UTIs

Celery does a few things to reduce the risk and severity of urinary tract infections.

Research shows that celery acts as a diuretic (x, x). This means that it helps your body expel excess water. This can be a lifesaver for someone with recurrent urinary tract infections.

If you’re looking to combat a UTI, the best way to ingest celery is as a juice. When you drink celery juice, its compounds can travel to the kidneys and down through the rest of the urinary tract, with its powerful sodium cluster salts acting as a detergent along the way. These clusters attach themselves to strep (the leading cause for UTIs) and assist it out of the body through the urine (x).

10 – Might boost immune system

Celery contains vitamin A, which is important for the maintenance of your immune system (x).

The form of vitamin A found in celery is known as provitamin A. These compounds are found in plant-based food, and are converted into vitamin A inside your small intestine.

It is vital for the good health of many parts of your body’s natural defenses, such as the mucous barriers in your eyes, lungs, and gut. It’s also involved in the production and function of your white blood cells.

If you aren’t getting enough vitamin A from your diet, you may run a higher risk of infections (x, x). You’ll also take longer to recover from an illness.

However, too much vitamin A can be bad for you. Since it is a fat-soluble vitamin, it can be stored in your body. Excess consumption can lead to toxicity. Symptoms of vitamin A excess include nausea, dizziness, and headaches.

11 – May help with memory and Alzheimer’s

There is a celery seed extract known as L-3-n-butylphthalide. This compound is what’s responsible for the signature smell of celery. But it does more than that.

L-3-n-butylphthalide, known as BuPh for short, has recently undergone research that proves it may prevent the accumulation of brain plaques and tangles that cause Alzheimer’s disease (x, x, x, x).

BuPh may come to play a valuable role not only in treating Alzheimer’s but outright preventing it. But for now, there is not enough data to confirm this.

12 – Helps keep your eyes healthy

Let’s circle back to vitamin A. Another way the versatile vitamin benefits your body is by keeping your eyes healthy. More specifically, vitamin A helps to protect your eyes from night blindness and other signs of age-related decline.

The role of vitamin A in eyesight starts from the moment light hits the back of your eye. The vitamin is needed to convert this light into an electrical signal that can be sent to your brain for processing. This is why a leading symptom of a vitamin A deficiency is night blindness (also known as nyctalopia) (x).

In addition to night-blindness, sufficient vitamin A intake may prevent other diseases related to your eyes such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (x).

13 – May help you sleep better

Remember 3-n-butylphthalide? Earlier, we touted this compound’s neuroprotective abilities. It also provides a calming effect on your central nervous system (x).

Celery also contains phthalides. This compound, which we discussed earlier, lowers your blood pressure. And a lowered blood pressure may induce sleep.

This won’t mean you won’t be out cold after eating a stick of celery. But the combined calming effect BuPh and phthalides may mean quicker and more restful sleep. And maybe you’ll even dream about the health benefits of celery!

14 – Celery oil repels mosquitoes

Can’t bear the whine of mosquitoes anymore? You don’t have to reach for expensive mosquito repellant, because celery oil works just as well.

Celery oil extracted from the plant’s seeds has been shown to be effective against mosquitoes (x).

As an added benefit, celery oil is antibiotic and antiseptic.

The next time you go out, rub some celery oil on yourself. Your skin will thank you in more ways than one!

Is celery Negative calorie food?

If you’ve been researching the health benefits of celery online, you might have come across pages calling celery a “negative calorie food”.

A negative calorie food is one with such little nutrition and energy that your body uses up more energy digesting it than you get from the food.

However, there exists no data to suggest that celery is a negative calorie food. Or, for that matter, that negative calorie foods exist. It is simply a dietary urban myth.

Sure, there are many health benefits of celery. But being “negative calorie” isn’t one of them.

Some considerations

While celery seems like a super-food, you can always have too much of a good thing.

Eating too much celery can lead to bloating or gas in some people. This may be due to high levels of the compound “mannitol” in the plant. Manniton has been linked to gastrointestinal problems.

If you’re allergic to celery, you might experience more severe reactions (x):

• Hives
• Swelling
• Difficulty breathing

These may lead to anaphylaxis if proper medical attention is not provided.

Final thoughts

Celery is a low-calorie snack as well as a healthy addition to most diets. While it’s safe to eat for anyone who isn’t allergic, it’s important that you don’t eat too much.

But as long as you don’t overdo it, there’s a surprising number of ways you can experience the health benefits of celery.

What is a potato allergy?

Let’s first understand what an allergy is in general.

An allergy is caused by your immune system reacting to a substance in the environment or your food. This substance shouldn’t cause such a reaction in most people. Simply put, it’s your immune system being too cautious (1).

Food allergies (which are a subset of allergies) are triggered when your immune system detects a certain food type being consumed. It then releases chemicals like histamine into your bloodstream (2).

Common symptoms for food allergies are (but not limited to):

• Swelling
• Hives
• Nausea
• Fatigue

These symptoms may take a while to show up after eating a trigger food. It’s always advisable to seek medical help if your symptoms worsen.

Moving on to the topic of this article. If you’re allergic to potatoes, it means you have a condition that makes your immune system react to eating potatoes or potato products.

But just because you’re reacting to potatoes does not mean you’re allergic to them. Instead, you might be intolerant to potatoes. In very rare cases, you might be suffering from potato poisoning. Let’s look at both.

Vs potato intolerance.

Both intolerance and an allergy are bodily reactions to eating some kind of food. But the two conditions are actually related to two different systems of the body.

An allergy is triggered by the body’s immune system. A sensitivity is triggered by the body’s digestive system. Food sensitivity is also referred to as intolerance (3).

So, if you’re only intolerant to potatoes, it’s your digestive system that’s causing that reaction.

And there’s even some good news. People who are intolerant to potatoes can eat a small amount of the starchy veggie without a reaction being triggered.

Vs potato poisoning.

Potato poisoning is again not the same as an allergy. This has more to do with the quality of the potato itself rather than how the body reacts to it.

It has been reported that unripe, sprouting, or green potatoes contain toxic alkaloids (e.g. solanine). These substances can cause you to feel drowsy, apathetic, weak, and may even cause gastrointestinal symptoms.

So should you give up your favorite carb-filled comfort food? Absolutely not. Potato poisoning is so rare that if your country has any agricultural standards at all, chances are you shouldn’t give it a second thought.

Causes.

Potatoes are members of the Solanaceae family of plants, also known as the Nightshade Family. Yes, that Nightshade. No wonder potatoes might poison you. But, you are more likely to be affected by a potato allergy or intolerance than to be poisoned. So let’s look at some other causes for this allergy.

If you’re allergic to potatoes, your immune system reacts to specific compounds in potatoes. Or rather, it over-reacts. Some of the substances it reacts to are the alkaloid known as solanine and the glycoprotein called palatine (4).

As a side-note, since these substances aren’t exclusive to potatoes, people who experience allergic reactions to potatoes may have cross-sensitivities with other similar allergens.

Now, let’s look at how exactly the body causes a reaction to potatoes or potato-based foods.

How the body triggers a reaction to potatoes.

First, your body detects potatoes being ingested. The immune system then mistakes certain proteins in the food for harmful substances. To combat this perceived threat, the immune system gets to work and tries to isolate and attack the offending substances.

To aid the “war effort”, the immune system releases white blood cells, antibodies, and other substances. Some of those white blood cells release histamine. All these combine to cause the many symptoms of a potato allergy.

Potato allergy Symptoms.

Contrary to what most people believe, you don’t necessarily have to eat potatoes for your allergy to get triggered. You might experience potato allergy symptoms after peeling or even just touching a potato.

Some common symptoms of a potato allergy are (5):

• Rhinitis
• Red, itchy skin
• Hives, eczema, or similar skin conditions
• A sore or scratchy throat

Rhinitis is an inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane of your nose. If you get a runny nose or feel stuffiness after eating something, this may be a symptom of rhinitis (and therefore an allergy).

Hives and eczema are somewhat similar symptoms of an allergy to potatoes in that they both affect the skin. Hives are red, raised patches of skin, while eczema leads to raised welts that have fluid beneath the skin. If your skin acts up after contact with potatoes, you might want to consider the fact that you have a potato allergy.

But a potato allergy isn’t the only reason you might be having reactions to the root veggie. If you’re only sensitive to potatoes, you might still get a different set of symptoms.

Here are some symptoms of potato intolerance/sensitiveness:

• Nausea
• Gas
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Since intolerance is a condition related to the digestive system, that’s where all these symptoms occur.

Now that you know what to look out for, let’s talk about how to avoid the symptoms of a potato allergy.

How to avoid symptoms.

For people without allergies, certain daily activities are simple and straightforward. Buying groceries, eating out at a restaurant, visiting friends for dinner, none of these require special dietary considerations.

But for people with allergies, it’s an entirely different story. They need to be educated regarding what food items they can and cannot eat. They also need to be vigilant whether those ingredients are included in the food they eat. This means constantly reading the ingredients list on food wrappers and asking the waitress whether menu items contain a certain ingredient.

There are some steps you can take to avoid a potato allergy reaction:

• Ask fellow diners to not eat potatoes or potato-based foods near you.
• Ask that your food be prepared away from where potato-based foods are prepared.
• Educate yourself about what foods to avoid. (Potato-based products are surprisingly hard to identify. Read our next section for a list of foods with hidden potato ingredients.)

With just a bit of practice, you can easily get used to keeping potatoes out of your diet. Just read food labels and ask around.

Potato-based foods to avoid.

There are some obvious culprits in this list, but a few surprising ones, too. Here’s a rundown of potato-based foods to avoid eating.

• French fries
• Potato chips
• Vodka
• Canned soup
• Hamburger meat (potato flakes for thickening)
• Waffles (contains potato starch)
• Yeast (brewed with potatoes)
• Bread and baked goods (made with potato flour)
• Candy (contains potato starch.)
• Shredded Cheese (potato base prevents the cheese from clumping)

Alternative foods for potatoes.

Having talked about the food you can’t eat, let’s talk about what you can eat instead.

Potatoes are notoriously hard to substitute because, quite simply, they’re everywhere. The humble tater is a staple in many diets. This is because it’s both nourishing and delicious, and it’s not the hardest crop to grow either.

Want to topple the king of starch? Here are some alternative vegetables you can use if you’re allergic to potatoes.

• Green banana
• Plantain
• Yams
• Yucca

Green banana and plantain are two different things!

Bananas are, botanically speaking, a type of berries. What that means is that bananas are generally sweet, and you can eat them raw, i.e. without cooking them.

Plantains, on the other hand, are starchy and not very sweet at all. They require cooking. They’re also a bit bigger than bananas, with a thicker peel.

The above food vegetables are great stand-ins for white potatoes in recipes. But if you need something to nibble on while watching the TV, here are some great alternative to potato chips:

• Apple Chips
• Black Bean Chips
• Corn Chips
• Green Banana Chips
• Kale Chips
• Plantain Chips
• Pita Chips
• Seaweed Chips
• Sweet Potato Chips
• Taro Chips
• Yucca Chips

When to see a doctor.

Even if you follow all these precautions, you have a possibility of ingesting an allergen. In that case, here’s how to seek medical help.

First things first. Never try to self-diagnose.

If you suspect you’re allergic, there’s a way to quickly test whether you might be allergic to potatoes. There’s a possibility that you have an allergy if:

• You get a rash on your hands when you touch a potato, or
• If your lips feel tingly when you eat some.

But this isn’t a medical diagnosis. If you suspect that you’re allergic, always visit an allergist. They are trained professionals who can safely and accurately diagnose and treat allergies.

To test whether you’re allergic to potatoes, an allergist might perform skin prick tests and blood tests. Another option is an elimination diet. You’ll be asked to eliminate the trigger food (in this case, potatoes) from your diet and see if you continue to experience symptoms.

If your allergy is severe, consider carrying an epinephrine auto-injector at all times. Epinephrine is a hormone that quickly improves breathing, stimulates the heart, stabilizes blood pressure, reverses hives, and reduces inflammation.

Final thoughts.

A potato allergy is one of the hardest food allergies to work around because of how pervasive potato-based food items are. But as long as you keep abreast of your condition, educate yourself, and stay vigilant, you should be juts fine.

And if you’re craving some quick carbs, there’s plenty of alternatives you can go for. Do you or someone you know have a potato allergy? Tell us your story in the comments below!

According to the scientific name, it is Lactuca sativa. This leafy vegetable belongs to the Asteraceae family, which is also called as Daisy family. Red lettuce leaves have crisp nature and have mild sweet or semi-bitter flavor.

History

The Egyptians were identified as the first cultivators who cultivated lettuce about 4500 years ago for the production of oil from seeds. This leafy vegetable is native to the Mediterranean and Mideast. According to their great history, plants were cultivated in Persian kings’ royal gardens about 2500 years ago.

We thought that it will be important for you to know about this leafy vegetable. So, here we bring you the nutritional values and health benefits of red lettuce.

Nutrition wonders of Red Lettuce

Red lettuce gives you high nutrients and low calories. It is high in many valuable nutrients and has a low amount of calories. It can be called as a pool of nutrients, which is filled with a variety of essential minerals and essential vitamins, also in low calories.

According to the USDA, one serving (85 grams) of these leaves has nutrients given below (1). 

• Calories: 11
• Protein: 1 gram
• Fat: 0.2 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram 
• Vitamin K: 149% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin A: 127% of the DV
• Vitamin C: 5% of the DV
• Vitamin B6: 4% of the DV
• Magnesium: 3% of the DV
• Manganese: 9% of the DV
• Folate: 8% of the DV
• Iron: 6% of the DV
• Potassium: 5% of the DV
• Thiamine: 4% of the DV
• Riboflavin: 4% of the DV

Health Benefits of Red Lettuce

1. The hydrating power of red lettuce

Our body needs an adequate amount of water to keep the body hydrated. The overall health of the body depends on how we maintain adequate hydration in the body. It is high in water, 96% water (1). So it can keep our body hydrated. By eating more red lettuce, you can keep the body healthy more easily.

2. Red lettuce could be an excellent solution for weight management

 As above mentioned it has high water content, which will help to control hunger and feeling full. According to USFD regulations, red lettuce is identified as a low-calorie/ calorie-free, fat-free food and has more water. Therefore, it is excellent for the weight management of your body. So you can add a reasonable portion of these leaves into your meal to manage your body weight and stay healthy.

3. Red lettuce is full of antioxidants

Simply, red lettuce can be introduced as a pool of powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules/substances which can delay or prevent cell damages by inhibition of oxidation that produces harmful free radicals. Free radicals are harmful unstable molecules that are linked to many illnesses such as heart diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. More the number of free radicals in the body, more the chance to get certain diseases (2, 3)

It is a rich source of the antioxidant beta carotene, which converts to vitamin A by your body.

Anthocyanin (a group of flavonoid antioxidants) is another antioxidant found in red lettuce, which gives the reddish-purple color. It helps to fight inflammation (4).

Not only that, but this leafy vegetable is also a wonderful source of vitamin C, a type of powerful antioxidant that has the power to reduce the risk of certain cancers, diabetes, heart diseases, and many other diseases in your body (5) (6).

4. Red lettuce for healthy eyes

Beta carotene in red lettuce which converts to vitamin A helps to keep your eyes more healthy. Adding enough amounts of beta carotene to your meals will strengthen your eyesight, lower the chance to get diseases that can lose vision (7).

5. Red lettuce is an excellent source of vitamin K 

If you are looking for an excellent source of vitamin K, this leafy vegetable could be an excellent answer. 

Roles of vitamin K

• Blood clotting -Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting (8). 

• Bone health -It is important for your bone health, growth, and development of bones. This vitamin can prevent osteoporosis and fractures (9).

• Reduce the risk of cancers – Vitamin K has the power to lower the risk of several types of cancers such as stomach, oral, nasal, colon, and prostate cancers. And it helps to improve the liver functions of patients who have cancers in their liver.

So, you can easily add a reasonable portion of red lettuce to your plate to enjoy these health benefits of vitamin K.

6. Can give you healthy bones as a source of Manganese

Manganese is identified as an essential element for proper as well as the normal development of the bone structure of the human. It also increases the spinal bone’s mineral density. Red lettuce has 9% of Manganese of the DV per one serving.

7. Red lettuce gives you a healthy heart

Normally, fruits and vegetables have the power to reduce the risk of heart diseases to a certain extent (10).

One serving of lettuce (85 grams) gives you 5% of Potassium of the DV and 3% of Magnesium of the DV (1 ).

Red lettuce has Potassium and magnesium which help you to maintain your heartbeat healthy and allow relaxation of the heart muscles’ cells (11). Many heart disorders can be caused by deficiencies of both above-mentioned minerals (12)(13). So you can try different recipes of red lettuce to keep your heart healthy.

8. Maintain your blood pressure

Nowadays, high blood pressure became a common disease all around the world. We can’t take it easy because high blood pressure leads to heart diseases by working the heart harder than earlier (14).

Potassium in your meal has the ability to lower your blood pressure (15). That’s why eating red lettuce is beneficial for your health.

9. Red lettuce leaves rich in vitamin A

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for your body to maintain important things in your body such as eye health, healthy immune system, cell growth, and many others. 

Vitamin A has the ability to boost the development and functions of vital organs of your body. Kidneys, hearts, lungs are some of them. 

Red leaf lettuce can provide 127% of vitamin A of the DV from one serving (85 grams) (1). So, this veggie will add enough Vitamin A to your body.

10. Helps to maintain your mental health

Vitamin B9 (Folate) which comes with your plate as red lettuce has 8% of the DV (1). When handling mental health conditions like depression and anxiety vitamin B9 plays an important role.

These are the main mental health issues, which are many people in nowadays suffering from.

Do you ever think that your salad or sandwich with red lettuce can improve your mental health to a good level?

11. Can be used as a help to treat Anemia

Anemia is a condition with lower healthy red blood cells. Vitamin B6 is essential to produce hemoglobin in the blood. Red blood cells bring oxygen to cells with the help of hemoglobin. If you can consume more vitamin B6 in your diet, you can easily lower the anemia conditions.

Simply, if you can add red lettuce to your diet in reasonable portions, you can easily prevent anemia conditions

Adding Red Lettuce to your diet

It is a kind of leafy veggie with taste. Normally it comes at affordable prices to your market. These leaves add more crispness, more flavor, and wonderful color which definitely increases your appetite. 

With a clear picture of the health benefits and nutritional values of red lettuce, now we are trying to explain the ways how you can add them to your daily meals. There are a number of ways to add them to your diet. 

Here are some ways have a look,

• Add red lettuce to your meal as delicious salads
• Add them to your sandwich
• Add them as food wraps to your meal
• Add them to your veggie soup
• Drink them as a fresh smoothie
• Make spring rolls with them
• Make a sauce to drizzle over the meat, scrambled eggs,

And many other ways.

Side effects of eating red lettuce

1. Red lettuce that you buy may also be pesticide sprayed. It can cause harm to your health in long term.
2. Allergic reactions – Sometimes, eating red lettuce can cause allergic reactions in your body.

Why packaging is necessary??

Well, the packaging is necessary for ensuring the safety of food products. Here we are talking about fruits. Fruits are perishables.they undergo many mechanical damages during handling transport.

How can we stop them?? Clearly, well-designed packaging is a better solution. Packaging companies find new packaging solutions for three main purposes. Firstly to prevent mechanical damages. Secondly to contain the product and thirdly for marketing and information purposes.[1]

Now lets see what type of packages are available.

Types

• wooden packaging types
• wire bound crates
• Corrugated fiberboard
• pulp containers
• Paper mesh bags
• plastic bags
• Shrinkwrap
• Rigid Packages
• Trays

Surely there are many packaging types available from wood. Most importantly different packaging companies produce varying types of wood packagings.

• Pallets
• Baskets and hampers
• crates and lugs

Particularly there are also different packaging systems available for fresh fruits.

• Active Packaging
• Intelligent packaging

First, let’s take a deep look into the features of different types of packages. And also which packaging companies produce them. Furthermore, we will discuss their role for different fruits.

1. Wood packaging available in packaging companies

Well, different fruit packaging companies produce different forms. Wood pallets are one of them.Obviously this is the most frequent packaging material for fruits.

Wood pallets

Obviously we use wood pallets to deliver fresh produce to customers. In the early times, packaging companies produced pallets mostly for single use. But now with the time, the companies are standardizing the sizes of the pallets.

However, there is no single official standard size. But of course, there are some ISO standards for sizes. On the other hand, there are some American standards for pallets too. But packaging companies produce most of the packages with 40 in x 48 in x 6 in size. of course, there are other standard sizes too. Cleary there are plenty of benefits for users and packaging companies due to this standardization.[1][4]

Benefits

• Obviously due to this now re-using is increasing.
• As a result of reducing cost now there are pallet racks and new handling equipment
• They are indeed efficient in the use of space in transporting vehicles.
• And also capable of tolerating heavy loads.
• Additionally, you can reduce the disposal costs with warehouse costs by pallets for single use.

What are the standard sizes??

Well surely there six ISO pallet sizes.Mostly Packaging companies produce pallets according

• 40.00 × 48.00 inches
• 45.9 × 45.9 inches
• 42.00 × 42.00 inches
• 43.30 × 43.30 inches
• 39.37 × 47.24 inches
• 31.50 × 47.24 inches

Are there alternatives for pallets??

[1]Obviously there are alternatives available in packaging companies. Of course, Plastic pallets are one of the very first alternatives. But clearly slip sheets are also another type of alternative. Although they are similar to pallets, there are some differences too. Unlike the wooden pallets, you can easily move a slip sheet with its forklift.[1]

On the other hand, comparative to pallet companies needless cost for production and cheap for consumers as well.Besides they are easy to store too.

Wooden crates

Although there are different alternatives still packaging companies widely produce them. This is because people use them widely for different fruits and vegetables as well. Let’s look into types of crates available.

wire-bound crates

Obviously packaging companies produce them, especially for beans and corn. They are also available in different sizes. Surely in this packaging material, it has a larger amount of open space. This will aid the good ventilation and cooling process.[1][2]

clearly, it has a high stacking strength. And also it is less affected by water. Definitely the wires beneath the stitches are responsible for strength. Companies produce them for oranges, potatoes, and grapefruits as well.

Collapsible crates

Particularly this crate type is convenient in terms of storage. You can easily fold it. And also you can remove the top and the bottom parts easily.[2]

Nailed crates

Well, this is a kind of box with good strength. Usually, people use them for domestic transport. Or else you can use it to transport produce from a farmer to the trader. Like the above one, this is also better for ventilation.

Obviously the advantage is the strength is unaffected by water. And also you can easily repair them.[2]

On the other hand, its production cost is high. And the freight volume is high too.

Baskets and hampers

Packaging companies produce these baskets for a series of sizes. Clearly for fruits and vegetables. Surely you can use it for a range of crops including different berries and yams.[1]

Definitely they are durable but palletizing and disposal is difficult. Clearly it makes them kind of difficult to use.

2. Fiberboard boxes available in packaging companies

Clearly, there are two types of fiber board boxes produced by packaging companies.These are kinds of boxes.Namely,

• Solid fiberboard
• Corrugated fiber board

Solid fiberboard

Well, for kinds of boxes if you apply waxes, they are resistant to moisture. You can use them for transporting ginger, tomato and Cucurbita family vegetables.[4]

Besides it is easy to label them with customer oriented information.

Corrugated fiberboard

Clearly, you may have mistaken this as cardboard. But it is not cardboard!! Packaging companies produce them in vastly different designs. Obviously this is one of the most popular packaging materials.[1] [2][4]

More importantly, companies produce them in multilayers. And the multilayers are made of paperboards. Surely they are made of different components.

Package manufacturers easily change the strength of the box. For that, they change facing material, thickness, and fluting material. clearly the number of walls also have an effect here.[2]

Components

First, if they are made of pulp without bleaching, boxes are brown in color. But highly strong. Secondly, if they contain wood fibers and synthetic fibers, then they are extra strong. In addition, packaging companies try to increase recycled fibers . Because that will increase the strength during stacking.

Well, among the types of fiberboard boxes, double-faced fiberboard (also known as single wall board) is most popular. It consists of an inner layer, outer layer, and paperboard in the middle. As a result, it is fairly strong enough to handle perishables.

But recently packaging companies tend to produce multi-walled fiberboard.Obviously they are suitable for packing pumpkins, potatoes, citrus, and melons.Usually packing houses use the triple-walled board as an alternative for wood.

Constraints

• Definitely, When humidity is high these packages lost their strength. Surely by waxing you can prevent this.
• But waxing makes fiberboard difficult to recycle, which means problems occur in landfills.

Positive factors

Most importantly packaging companies form the geometry of the fiberboard in a special way. As a result, it carries the stacking pressure by its corners. Therefore fiberboard can protect the produce from crushing.

3. Pulp containers available in packaging companies

They are made of starch and paper pulp. Therefore definitely biodegradable in nature. Starch act as binders here. Packaging companies produce them in Various designs to attract customers.

Positive factors

Especially these packages can absorb moisture in the product surface. Therefore this is a great solution for berry fruits and small fruit types. Because they easily deteriorate with moisture.

3. shrink wrap films

Obviously it is one of the novel packaging trend.You can easily use shrink wrapping for corn, onions, apples and yams like potatoes. And also it is better for tropical fruits too.

Positive factors

• Surely they can prevent diseases
• Unlike other packages it avoids shrinkage.
• Most importantly prevents damage

Rigid packages

Usually, these packages are also called clam-shells.Top and the bottom parts are formed from plastics.Packaging companies produce them due to various favorable factors they posses.However, now they are becoming popular due to many reasons.Now Lets look what those factors are,

• They are fairly cost-effective
• Very attractive appearance
• Definite physical protection from damage

Clearly you can use them for berries and small fruits. And most probably for mushrooms too.

Packaging systems available in packaging companies

Well, there are two packaging systems in novel packaging systems. Packaging companies

Active packaging systems

Obviously, in active packaging, we incorporate different constituents to the packaging. So that it can improve the shelf life of the product. Therefore most Packaging companies incorporate active packaging systems to their packages.

Obviously now it is a growing trend. Now let’s go through some types of active packaging systems

Oxygen scavengers

Clearly, when the oxygen levels are high it leads to oxidative reactions. As a result, deterioration happens. Surely it will degrade color and flavor compounds and lipids as well. Look for the examples given below.

1. FreshPax® and FreshMax®

Well, this has good absorbing qualities and it is present in packets. Obviously this can elevate the carbon dioxide level while reducing oxygen level..[3]

Surely they adhere effectively to the package and prevent aerobic microorganisms too.

2. Oxyguard Tray®

Obviously, you can use this scavenger to prevent atmospheric oxygen from entering the package. Besides, it can elevate the carbon dioxide level while decreasing the oxygen level. However, with this active packaging systems, most of the drawbacks occur in packaging companies can be eliminated.[3]

3. Ageless®

Most frequently manufacturers use this oxygen scavenger for their packages. Definitely this will increase the shelf life of the product.

Perhaps you may think oxygen scavengers are the only active packaging systems. But it’s not true. Obviously there are other systems with emitters and absorbers. .[3]

what are those emitters?

Surely those emitters are carbon dioxide and ethanol emitters.

What are the absorbers?

Humidity and ethylene absorbers are examples for that.

Intelligent packaging systems

How can we define this ?

Briefly, we can describe it as a system that monitors food properties. And more precisely it .gives information about the state of the product properties. Clearly it gives a hidden message to consumers if there is any change in the product properties.[3]

Surely, with these packaging systems, it’s possible to eliminate most of the drawbacks in packaging companies. Because they improve the quality of the package.

In which forms are they available??

Obviously There are available in two forms.

• The first form is Time Temperature Indicators
• The Second form is Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Indicators

Asthma is an inflammatory disease associated with the respiratory tract. During asthma, the airway lining of the lungs becomes inflamed and swollen. Further, excess mucus production occurs and spasm of the muscles of the respiratory tract occurs. Finally, this results in reduced airflow and difficulty in breathing. These disturbances lead to appear symptoms of asthma. The most prominent symptoms of asthma include as mentioned below.

• shortness of breath
• tightness in the chest
• coughing especially at night
• wheezing or whistling sound at breathing
• fatigue
• breathlessness
• Increased respiratory rate

According to the severity of the symptoms, asthma can be classified into 4 categories. They are mild intermittent asthma, mild persistent asthma, moderate persistent asthma, and severe persistent asthma. The severity of asthma can be managed by identifying its symptoms at a mild level. (1), (2), (3)

Types of Asthma

The experts have classified different types of asthma for the easy of understanding. They are as follows.

• Allergic asthma
• Non-allergic asthma
• Exercise-induced asthma
• Adult-onset asthma
• Nocturnal asthma
• Occupational asthma
• Asthma in children
• Status asthmaticus
• Aspirin-induced asthma

Asthma trigger factors

Symptoms of asthma can be worsened by environmental factors called “asthma trigger factors”. Avoiding trigger factors is the best way to manage asthma. The most common trigger factors of asthma include the following.

• Allergens like pollen, pet dander, mold, and dust mites
• Changes in weather like humidity and temperature changes
• Exercise
• Infections like colds, sinusitis, and flu
• Strong odors or perfumes
• Irritants like tobacco smoke, paints, cleaning solutions, and air pollution
• Strong emotions like stress, anxiety, laughter, and crying
• Medications like asthma

Actually there is no cure for asthma, but can be managed properly. Nearly 5-10% of the world population or 23.4 million persons including 7 million children are affected by asthma. Estimates of world health organization reported that 250,000 people die due to asthma. Many of these deaths are avoidable with proper treatment and care. Adults are four times more prone to die from asthma than children. (4),(5)

Best Food Choices

Foods including flavonoids, magnesium, mono-unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin D are importantly helpful to reduce the allergic symptoms of asthma.In an asthmatic attack, trigger factors cause constrict the airways and release histamine which is an inflammatory agent. Histamine promotes the release of mucous making it difficult to breathe. Studies have found that vitamins can neutralize the inflammatory agents by counteracting them. Furthermore, foods with anti-inflammatory agents will be more beneficial to reduce inflammation related to the respiratory tract. Therefore be wise in selecting foods that will ease the respiratory problems. Good dietary practices help to avoid the progression of disease severity. (6)

Study evidence proves that people with poor vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids were more likely to have poor lung function. Another study was done in 2007 shows that children who had a Mediterranean diet at their childhood rich in fruits like apples, grapes, and nuts were less likely to show respiratory complications. (7)

1. Apples

A study related to pregnant ladies showed that eating more apples during pregnancy help to reduce the risk of asthma and wheezing of their born children. The reason for this effect is the presence of phytochemicals like flavonoids. Apples with peels are high in flavonoid content than apple flesh alone. Furthermore, apples are enriched with antioxidants that fight against inflammatory mediators. The pectin present in apples is digested and fermented by good microflora of the body and stimulate to produce antibodies and white blood cells. They also fight against inflammatory mediators. (7), (8)

2. Avocado

Avocado is a food of choice for asthmatic patients to reduce allergic symptoms. It is a good source of mono-unsaturated fatty acids, glutathione, and omega-3 fatty acids. Glutathione scavenges free radicals while omega-3 fats fight against bronchial inflammation and help to alleviate the respiratory discomforts. (9), (10)

3. Carrot

Importantly carrot has beneficial properties to avoid respiratory complications. These properties are due to the presence of beta-carotene, an antioxidant. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A within the body and reduce the incidence of exercise-induced asthma. Also, carrots can expel excess mucus from the body. (11), (12), (13)

4. Green leafy vegetables

Green leafy vegetables are loaded with vitamin A. These vitamins can neutralize the inflammatory agents like histamine that aggravate the symptoms of asthma. Moreover, eating plenty of green leafy vegetables reduce the production of mucus within the body. Spinach is the best green leafy vegetable enriched with vitamin E, vitamin C, magnesium, beta-carotene, zinc, iron, and calcium. So spinach is the best green leafy solution to relieve respiratory complications. (14), (15)

5. Ginger

Ginger is a well-known herbal remedy with many beneficial properties to overcome respiratory problems. It is known to possess anti-inflammatory activity due to the presence of antioxidants. In addition to that, ginger can act on the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract and cause broncho relaxation. Simply ginger can be added to once diet as a flavoring agent, as a spice or as a beverage. (13), (16)

6. Turmeric

The main active chemical compound present in turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin is responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric. Also, it can lower the airway inflammation that characterizes asthma. In a study published in the August 2014 “Issue of the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research”, showed that adults with asthma who took 500 milligrams (mg) of curcumin daily for 30 days showed less airway obstruction compared to the controlled group. Turmeric can be added to once diet as a spice or as a beverage like tea. (17), (18)

7. Honey

Honey is a rich source of wide varieties of nutrients. The sweet taste of honey stimulates salivary glands and produces more saliva. This saliva acts as a lubricant of the airway and promotes the flow of air and ease the cough. Due to the above properties, honey is known as a cough suppressant. Moreover, honey can reduce the inflammation of the airway by removing the mucus in the lungs.

There are different ways in which honey can be used to relieve respiratory problems. One tablespoon of honey can be mixed with hot water and use as a beverage to remove mucus from the respiratory tract.  In addition to that, honey can be mixed with turmeric and drink twice a day to avoid the symptoms of breathlessness. Also, another drink can be prepared by adding overnight soaked fenugreek seeds to a cup of water with ginger juice and a few drops of honey. This drink helps to detoxify the lungs to reduce the risk of unwanted respiratory complications. (19), (20)

8. Caffeinated drinks

Caffeine is an important ingredient found in coffee, tea, cola drinks, and cocoa. Drinks including caffeine are “caffeinated drinks”. Caffeine is known to be a weak bronchodilator that improves lung functions. So drinking caffeinated drinks in moderate amounts will help to relieve the respiratory problems. (21), (22)

9. Beans

Particularly, beans contain prebiotics which helps reduce the risk of exercise-induced asthma. Prebiotics are indigestible plant fibers that help to grow healthy microbes in the gut. It will reduce the inflammatory response of the airway in asthmatic patients and reduce the severity of exercise-induced asthma. (23), (7)

10. Flax seeds

Another good source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids is flaxseeds. Furthermore, they contain magnesium that relaxes the muscles surrounding the bronchioles of the respiratory tract. The ground flaxseeds are known to be more effective. The ground powder can be easily added to smoothies or cereals, or sprinkle on salads. (24), (18), (25)

11. Fatty fish

Omega- 3 fatty acids play an important role in reducing inflammation associated with asthma. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, and trout are known to enrich with healthy fatty acids like omega-3. Having these fish frequently will help to reduce inflammation and alleviate respiratory problems. (18)

12. Nuts

Nuts are loaded with vitamin E. Gamma-tocopherol, a kind of vitamin E found in nuts, has proven the benefits of them over the symptoms of difficulty breathing. Vitamins can reduce the level of mucus present in the lungs and reduce the discomfort. These health benefits are prominent in walnuts, pecans, and peanuts. (26), (13)

13. Dairy products

If you are not identified with an allergy to dairy products, they will not lead to asthma. Studies also confirm that dairy products do not aggravate asthma symptoms or make them worse. Reduced vitamin D level of the body leads to an increase in the risk of upper respiratory tract infections. Milk products are rich with vitamin D, calcium, and fatty acids. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and butter are vitamin D rich dairy products. (13), (27)

14. Garlic

Garlic is one of the best home remedies to treat respiratory problems. Vitamin C found in garlic plays an important role in alleviating symptoms of asthma. Vitamin C reduces histamine release and neutralizes free radicals that constrict the smooth muscles of the airway. Moreover, garlic can boost the body to produce prostacyclin. Prostacyclin opens up the airway and promotes easy breathing. Therefore adding garlic to once diet in a moderate amount will help to relieve respiratory problems. (28), (29), (18)

15. Eggs

Eggs are a good source of vitamin D if you are not identified with allergy eggs. Vitamin D reduces the frequency of asthmatic attacks in children ages 6-15. (13)