Obesity

 Print This Post

295.   Water melon, naturally high in water content (90-95%), is a perfect treat in replenishing body fluids lost in hot weather and during exercise, a healthy food choice and is low in calories – only 16 per 100 gms. It is practically a multivitamin unto itself, it gives you a nutritious dose of vitamins A, B and C, iron and potassium. Water melon is a good source of lycopene, even more than fresh tomatoes, which may help protect against certain forms of cancers including prostate. It helps fight cholesterol, constipation, arthritis, kidney and bladder stones, high BP and stroke, is important for optimal eye health, boosts immunity due to antioxidant properties, helps cope with anxiety and panic and avoids muscle cramps. Its iron rich seeds are good in curing anaemia.

 

296.   If you are watching your weight and want to satisfy your sweet tooth, fill yourself up with nutrient-rich and low calorie water melon slices. Foods with high water content, like water melon, help you lose weight. What is more, one slice contains only a single gram of fat. So don’t pass up dessert just because you are watching your weight – make for the water melon.

 

“A word of caution” – Water melon is best eaten on its own as it ferments rapidly in the stomach.

 

Figs

297.   Figs are a good source of dietary fibre and are a sweet way to lose weight. Figs are very filling, so you would decrease your consumption of other unhealthy food if you ate more figs. They are not super-high on calories or fat. You will just get 48 calories and no fat in every dried fig. In one study, women who increased their fibre intake with supplements significantly decreased their energy intake, yet their hunger and satiety scores did not change. Figs, like other natural high-fibre foods, may be helpful in a weight management programme. Besides, figs help lower blood pressure because of their potassium content and promotes bone density because of their calcium content.

 

Jujube (Ber) Leaves

298.   The leaves of jujube (Indian plum) are a valuable food in reducing weight. A handful of leaves should be soaked overnight in water and this water should be taken in the morning, preferably on an empty stomach. This treatment should be continued for at least one month to achieve beneficial results.