Unusual facts about fruits. Beneficial properties of fruits and possible harm

Fruits are the juicy fruits of trees or shrubs that can be eaten by humans. Their diversity is simply amazing. On our planet there are more than 100 types of fruits in the traditional sense of the word. They all differ in size, appearance, quantity useful substances in the pulp and locality of growth.

Temperate climate fruits. This includes the familiar apples, pears, peaches, plums, apricots and quinces.
Fruits of subtropical climate. These are grapes, figs, dates, pomegranates, avocados, kiwi, lychee, passion fruit, feijoa, peppino, persimmon and many others. Also included in this category are representatives of the citrus family - lemons, tangerines, clementines, pomelo, grapefruits, oranges, sweeties and kumquats.
Tropical fruits: coconuts, bananas, papaya, pineapple, guava and mango are the most famous among them.

A healthy diet necessarily includes the consumption of fruits, raw or baked. It is generally accepted that exotic fruits better suited for diets. But temperate climate fruits are also very healthy, so they should not be neglected. Regular apples, for example, contain approximately 87% structured “living” water and 13% useful substances. They contain a whole complex of vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, C), organic acids, potassium, sodium, iron, iodine and calcium. Apples are several times higher in the amount of some useful substances than fruits of tropical and subtropical climates. For example, they contain half as much vitamin A as oranges. Regular use Apples help protect against infections, support vision and improve memory.

Pear pulp contains potassium and iron ions, which are necessary for the synthesis of healthy blood cells. And the increased amount of fructose makes this fruit indispensable for people with impaired pancreatic function.

Peaches and apricots have a mild diuretic and laxative effect. They also help improve digestion due to the presence of beneficial organic acids and essential oils in the pulp.

All citrus fruits are famous for their high content of vitamin C. Juices from fruits of this family activate metabolism and also have a tonic effect on the body as a whole. Vitamins A and B, potassium, magnesium and calcium, which are present in large quantities in all citrus fruits, are useful for hypertension, obesity, atherosclerosis and liver diseases.

Kiwi contains the well-known enzyme actinidin, which promotes the breakdown of proteins and rapid digestion of food. The fruits of this fruit have antioxidant effects. 100 g of kiwi contains a dose of vitamin C that is 4 times higher than daily requirement person.

Pineapple fruits also contain many different vitamins (among them B1, B2, B12, A, PP). Thanks to the presence of the enzyme bromelain, this exotic fruit promotes the breakdown of fat. That is why pineapple is included in many weight loss products, but it should not be abused for two reasons:

due to the risk of allergic reactions;
Our body, unfortunately, after some time forms a habit of bromelain, and this enzyme stops its action.

All fruits are very beneficial for our body. But, if you are watching your weight, nutritionists advise limiting your consumption of bananas, persimmons and grapes. These fruits contain large number sugar, so they do not have a very beneficial effect on our figure.

Eating fruits has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, helps normalize digestion and other processes in the body. Apple, orange, peach or apricot will be for you best light dessert.

Agriculture is the basis of all human civilization. Once people were able to continually grow their own food, they were able to abandon their nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle. When we no longer had to chase migrating herds and gather roots from the mud to survive, we were able to develop culture, language, and music. Below you will get acquainted with 10 strange and amazing facts about the food that is so dear to us.

10. Johnny Appleseed

Johnny Appleseed was real person, but there is so much mystique surrounding his name that he has passed into the realm of legends, like Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett. He wandered the Pennsylvania frontier between Ohio and Indiana between 1700 and 1800. He planted 258,999 square kilometers of apple orchards, some of which remain to this day. He walked barefoot, dressed in burlap, and was often a source of amusement for people, who always rejoiced at his arrival. He quickly found a common language with Indians, children and animals.

However, this man was no saint, and growing apples was big business. It seemed that he knew where the new settlement would blossom, and managed to get to that place in advance. When the first settlers arrived, he sold his trees for a few cents apiece and moved on. Thanks to this, he died a rich man.

If you think that Johnny apples were used in pies and casseroles, then we hasten to disappoint you - at that time, apples were not very valued as a source of nutrition, and they were grown for the production of hard cider and apple vodka. After all, what was the point of conquering new territories if you couldn’t sit down in the evening to admire the sunset while drinking delicious cocktail.

9. Celery containing negative calories

There is nothing in the world more overloaded with absurd, dubious and dangerous advice than dieting. One of the most dubious claims was the claim that there were foods containing “negative calories.” These foods were supposedly so low in calories that the process of chewing and digesting them took more calories than the product actually provided. The most frequently cited example was celery, which contains about six calories per stalk. Dozens of fairly reliable sources claim that celery will actually help you lose weight.

However, the digestion process is very efficient and burns few calories. If you look at it from the point of view of a survival mechanism, then this is easily explained: in an age when there were no fast food joints on every corner, people often had to spend huge quantities energy for food production. If the process of digesting what they managed to snatch was also energy-intensive, they would most likely die of starvation. Celery is not a substitute physical exercise, but you can eat it for your pleasure. To get the required amount of calories per day, you need to eat more than 300 stalks of celery.

8. Banana extinction

Our ancestors may have suffered through the Great Depression, and they certainly didn't have iPads to while away their time, but they did have something we don't have: much better bananas. Until the 1950s, the most widely grown banana variety in the world was the Gros Michel. Unfortunately, this type of banana has almost completely disappeared due to a fungus called Panama Disease.

Today, we enjoy a similar version of bananas called Cavendish. Cavendish is smaller, more fragile and less tasty, but it has resistance to Panama Disease. However, just like Gros Michel before him, Cavendish is now in deep trouble. Recently a new strain of Panama Disease has emerged, most scientists believe that Cavendish, which is susceptible to this strain, will soon disappear and it is only a matter of time. It will disappear in practical terms, because there is even a “Gros Michel” variety, but it is not enough to satisfy global demand.

7. Toxic potatoes

The common potato is a member of the nightshade family and a close relative of belladonna. Like belladonna, potatoes produce large amounts of substances called glycoalkaloids, including one particularly nasty strain called solanine. This poison is a defense mechanism of potatoes, and is intended to prevent the plant from being eaten. This substance is concentrated in leaves, stems and shoots. Any presence of greenery on the skin of potatoes is a sure sign of the presence of solanine. Most commercial potatoes are carefully cultivated to contain as little poison as possible, but there is always a chance that potatoes high in solanine will slip through, and there have been cases of people dying from eating potatoes high in solanine. Heat treatment Potatoes, of course, can reduce the solanine content, but each potato eaten contains a small amount of this substance.

6. Grape plasma

Simple grapes can be turned from a solid into a gas and then into a plasma by briefly heating microwave oven. These changes carry a high degree of danger associated with a critically strong change in the state of the substance, in addition, the microwave oven may not survive this trick. There is also a remote chance that you will set your house on fire, so it is best not to do this at home.

The process itself is very simple. Take a grape, cut it 90 percent, almost in half, that is, so that the halves are hanging on a small strip of skin. Remove the turntable from the microwave, place the grape in it and set the timer for no more than ten seconds. After a few seconds, the moisture contained in the grapes will appear as a gas, and the discharge between the two halves will turn the steam into a small electric light show. If you put it clean glass tumbler over the grape, it will retain the plasma a few moments longer.

5. Cannibal Tomato

The cannibal tomato, native to Fiji, is actually an eggplant. The plant closely resembles a tomato and was used by the natives of Fiji, who practiced cannibalism for thousands of years, to create a sauce that was apparently an excellent seasoning for human flesh. Some modern cannibals who had a chance to taste human flesh compared its taste and density to veal, so the natives considered it a good idea to serve marinara with human flesh.

4. Designer watermelons

The watermelon originated in South Africa and quickly spread throughout the world, indicating the existence of complex trade routes in ancient times. The Egyptians have been eating it since the time of the pharaohs. It reached China in the 10th century and Europe in the 13th century.
Given its easy adaptability, it is not surprising that watermelon has become a natural target for the Japanese appetite for novelty. Farmers have discovered a way to grow watermelons inside glass boxes so that the watermelons grow into a cube shape for easy storage in refrigerators. Other shapes were created, such as the pyramid shape. Even more extraterrestrial are the prices for gourmet watermelons “Densuke”. They are grown only on Hokkaido Island. The first few pieces collected early in the season sell for thousands of dollars. On average, the price for a Densuke watermelon varies around $250.

3. Purple carrots

Just like in the case of watermelon, the migration of carrots can be traced, but there are different theories about its origin. It is believed that it was first cultivated in the territory of modern Afghanistan, then it came to Europe along the Middle Eastern trade routes. We certainly wouldn't recognize the ancient carrots - they looked rather lumpy and were either white or purple. In the skillful hands of the Netherlands, carrots acquired their modern and familiar orange color. Although most of us have never seen a carrot of any color other than orange, such carrots do exist and are sold in high-end grocery stores, or convenience stores. healthy eating. They are usually sold in “rainbow packages” that include white, yellow, purple and even black carrots.

2. Spinach, an iron vegetable

Spinach has a bad reputation. Many people, especially children, turn their noses up at this vegetable. And then comes Elzie Segar, a cartoon character who, under the name Popeye the Sailor, received superhuman strength from a can of spinach. It's hard to describe just how profound an impact Popeye the Sailor had on the world's spinach consumption, but some communities that grow the vegetable have erected statues of him. Canner Allens Vegetables even makes a Popeye brand.

According to legend, Segar chose spinach based on a false scientific report from 1800 that incorrectly decimalized the iron content of spinach. This story turned out to be a myth, and new claims are that Segar chose spinach because of its high vitamin A content. Spinach is quite healthy, but many people prefer to boil it - which usually removes most of the nutrients.

1. The most hated vegetable in the world

Unfortunately for our expanding waistlines, vegetables are the least preferred food item. President George H W Bush hated broccoli so much that he made headlines when he banned the vegetable from the White House. Statistically, the UK's least favorite vegetable is celery. However, all over the world, Brussels sprouts occupy a leading place in the list of least favorite vegetables.

These little cabbages are very healthy and contain more than a dozen vitamins and minerals, but their bitter taste turns off most gourmets. In fairness to this vegetable, it is worth noting that certain methods of preparing it significantly improve the taste. Vegetable lovers say that smaller cabbages tend to be sweeter. To remove the bitterness, you need to cut them in half, boil them and then immerse them in cold water, in addition, they can be doused with something sour, for example, lemon juice or red vinegar.

Peaches, grapes, persimmons, lemons, melons, tangerines, apples - we know many fruits and berries not only from appearance, but also to taste. But in this article we will tell you interesting facts about fruits that will change your understanding of this delicacy. Let's go!

1. Grapefruit juice is not recommended for use with medications. IN this fruit contains furanocoumarins - substances that increase the concentration of active substances of drugs. This may lead to negative consequences caused by a drug overdose. People taking antihistamines, antiarrhythmics, antitussives, and lipid-lowering medications should be especially careful. medicines. So unwanted side effect observed when taken with grapefruit juice more than four dozen drugs.
2. A sour fruit like lemon contains more sugar than sweet strawberries.
3. Papaya juice is a powerful solvent. They can remove not only very stubborn stains, but even remove fingerprints.

4. Japanese farmers learned to grow watermelons and cube-shaped melons. To achieve this form, the young fetus is placed in glass mold. It is convenient to transport such berries (place them on a surface, place them one on top of another), but they also cost more than the round ones we are used to.

5. Residents of Ancient Rome believed that sour lemon was a poisonous fruit. It was even included in the list of deadly products and used against moths.
6. In 1820, as a result of an unexpected mutation of one orange tree bush, seedless fruits appeared. The so-called Navellorange variety. And the Navelorange trees that exist today are clones from that tree. The fact is that a new variety can only reproduce by grafting.

7. Interesting facts about fruits relate to the etiquette of cleaning and eating them. Thus, it is customary to peel tangerines with your hands, and oranges with a knife.
8. During the reign of Hitler, eating and selling overseas fruits, bananas, was considered unpatriotic. So, above a tray of bananas, the seller had to hang a poster with a campaign to buy German apples.
9. If you leave oranges on the tree, they will not ripen.
10. Apples are very healthy because they are free of sodium, cholesterol and fat.
11. There are about seven and a half thousand varieties of apples all over the world. They differ not only in taste, but also in size - from small, like a cherry, to large, like a grapefruit.

12. Fiber is not lost even in dried, canned and frozen fruits.
13. In the European Union, the following are considered fruits: carrots, tomatoes, rhubarb, cucumbers, sweet potato, ginger, pumpkin. Even jams and preserves are made from them.

We present to your attention interesting facts about vegetables that you may not have heard of. After all, even potatoes can surprise you with their history.

Fact 1: Potato berries

Potatoes appeared in Europe only in the 16th century. It was grown in gardens as an ornamental plant, jam was made from its berries, and they began to be eaten much later. And in 1800 potatoes were so rare product that they gave it to each other for the holidays.

Fact 2: cucumber is a delicacy

In addition to potatoes, cucumbers were once rare. One day Turkish Sultan Mohammed II (who was famous for his cruelty and greed) ordered the bellies of his seven subjects to be opened, having learned that one of them had eaten one of the cucumbers sent to him as a gift.

Fact 3: Holy bow

IN Ancient Greece onions were considered a sacred vegetable. The onion was considered a symbol of the structure of the Universe. Both poor people and aristocrats ate onions in Greece. And to drown out the smell, they ate it with parsley and walnuts. By the way, when someone was in grief, he or she would wear a parsley wreath as a sign of sadness.

Fact 4: unloved cabbage

Cabbage is considered the most hated vegetable in the world. President George H. W. Bush hated broccoli so much that he banned it from the White House. Its bitter taste is not liked by most people on the planet. But broccoli lovers advise choosing smaller sprouts, as they are sweeter. They need to be cut, quickly boiled and then thrown into cold water to remove the bitterness. You can also add acid. For example, lemon or red wine vinegar will help get rid of the bitter taste.

gpointstudio_shutterstock

Fact 5: Poisonous tomatoes

For a long time the tomato was considered poisonous plant. For example, in the book " Complete Guide on Gardening,” published in Denmark in 1774, it is written: “These fruits are extremely harmful, as they drive those who eat them crazy.” And in Rus', tomatoes were called “mad berries.”

Fact 6: Snow Vegetable

Arctic horseradish is one of the most interesting vegetables in the world. It can be found in cold Greenland along the entire coast of the Arctic Ocean, on sandy and pebble river banks. It blooms even when severe frosts occur. Northern peoples use it as a remedy against scurvy.

Fact 7: unexpectedly about banana

Banana is a vegetable. This is explained by the fact that banana is a perennial herbaceous plant. And by definition, vegetables are parts of herbaceous plants. In general, it cannot be classified as a fruit, since it is the fruit of a plant, and vegetables are parts of herbaceous plants.

Fact 8: Pineapple soup

Pineapple is another food that experts argue over. During the time of Catherine II, the nobles used it at feasts, although in a way unusual for us. So, Count Alexander Stroganov served pineapple in vinegar, and Count Zavadovsky chopped it like cabbage, stored it in tubs and cooked borscht and cabbage soup from it.

Fact 9: Lotus is not a flower?

Lotus is also classified as a vegetable because its roots are used as food in Asian cuisine.

Fact 10: colored carrots

Originally, wild carrots were purple, sometimes white. And the orange one we are familiar with appeared as a result of selection - it was bred by the Dutch in the 16th century.

Fruits and vegetables have been present in the human diet throughout human history. We eat them raw, cooked, chilled, frozen, in various creative combinations with other foods. We drink them in juices and even use them as seasonings. However, despite the familiarity of vegetables and fruits, do we all know about their properties? Here are 10 facts about famous foods that might surprise you.

From the article you will learn:

1 There is no such thing as products with negative calorie
2 Banana is the most interesting and vulnerable fruit in the world
3 Fruits and vegetables are nutritious in any form
4 Fruits and Vegetables Contain Tons of Dietary Fiber
5 Some fruits and vegetables contain toxins
6 The most hated vegetable in the world is the healthiest
7 Broccoli Has More Protein Than Steak
8 Pineapples Can Destroy Your taste buds
9 Cayenne pepper improves blood clotting
10 Apples Give More Energy Than Coffee

There is no such thing as negative calorie foods

There is a long-standing myth that to lose weight you can eat certain fruits and vegetables that require

Fruits and vegetables

more calories to digest than are given to the body. Products with so-called negative calorie content include all types of cabbage, celery, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, apples and some citrus fruits. Unfortunately, this is a common misconception.

In fact, there are foods that contain very few calories, such as a stalk of celery (six to ten kcal). By eating celery in a salad, you will simply not get too many calories and nothing more. There is a metric called TEF (thermal effect of food), which measures how many calories are used to digest a particular food. Scientists have found that this is only about 10%-20%. This means that it will take no more than 2 calories to digest the same stalk of celery, and all the rest will remain in stock. Now you know it!

Banana is the most interesting and vulnerable fruit in the world

Banana is one of the favorite fruits of people all over the world. It is tasty, contains a lot of healthy potassium,

which creates special taste combined with ice cream and chocolate syrup. In addition, banana is one of the most interesting, but at the same time vulnerable fruits. Now you'll find out why.

In the 1950s, a plant disease called Panama disease wiped out most species of banana trees grown around the world. This fungus appeared in the late 19th century in southern Asia and became a real disaster for banana growers. Gradually, those varieties that people initially grew and loved, for example the Gros Michel variety, simply disappeared and farmers had to organize the entire banana business from scratch, or rather, breed from one variety of banana tree.

Currently, 99% of the world's banana turnover is made up of Cavendish varieties. They turned out to be the most resistant to Panama disease. In fact, it was one variety, but received many varieties as a result of selection. These are the bananas we eat today. But these varieties are also under threat, because the harmful fungus is mutating and has begun to affect Cavendish. So hurry up and eat bananas while they last!

What makes the banana interesting is the fact that technically banana trees are not trees at all, but herbs. Yes, yes, exactly herbs! They are considered the tallest perennial grasses, along with bamboo. Each banana shoot bears fruit only once, then it dies and a new one grows in its place.

Fruits and vegetables are nutritious in any form

There's a popular rumor right now that frozen fruits and vegetables aren't as nutritious as their fresh counterparts. This is simply not true. Scientists have found that the decrease nutritional value from freezing of vegetables and fruits is either absent or very insignificant. So you can eat fruits and vegetables fresh, frozen or juiced and get the same benefits! However, in the case of juices, keep in mind that the benefits will only come from the real product. If the drink contains only 10% juice, you should not expect any nutritional value from it.

Fruits and vegetables contain tons of dietary fiber

Fruits and vegetables - Calories

Many people know about it, but not many people know about real benefit fiber. It can help improve your digestion and maintain good bowel movements, lower cholesterol levels, and regulate blood sugar levels. By consuming the right amount of fiber, you will feel healthier and be able to lose weight. overweight and get a completely different quality of life.

Some fruits and vegetables contain toxins

There is no doubt that eating fruits and vegetables is essential for a truly healthy diet. However, one little-known fact is that some fruits and vegetables contain toxic chemicals. The best known of these is cyanide. For example, cyanide is found in low proportions in apples, and slightly more in apricots and peaches. The seeds of these plants are especially harmful.

Potatoes sometimes contain harmful amounts of a toxin called solanine. Solanine is a natural poison of plant origin. It consists of glucose and solanoidin and is found in plants of the nightshade family (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants). But there is no need to be too afraid. Solanine is found in dangerous concentrations mainly in plant tops, unripe and sprouted vegetables. Do not eat too young potatoes and green tomatoes, peel the eggplants and there will be no harm to your health. Pesticides are more dangerous.

The most hated vegetable in the world is the healthiest

Brussels sprouts

In many countries around the world, people can't stand Brussels sprouts. Some believe that its bitter taste prevents real pleasure from eating and that cooking it without bitterness is more of an art than a skill. But these people don’t know that Brussels sprouts are one of the most nutritious and healthy vegetables.

It is extremely rich in vitamins and minerals, contains virtually no calories, fats or cholesterol, and even has a tonic effect. You will find many various recipes, which will help cope with the sometimes bitter taste Brussels sprouts, but you should definitely try introducing this vegetable into your diet. You won't have to regret it!

Broccoli contains more protein than steak

Not everyone knows that broccoli contains a lot of vegetable protein. They actually have more protein than steaks. But because this protein comes into your body without trans fats or cholesterol, you may get

Broccoli

the amount of protein necessary for health, while significantly reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Of course, you shouldn’t give up meat completely. There are certain beneficial substances that cannot be replaced with vegetables, but balancing the diet by increasing the consumption of plant-based proteins will be useful. By the way, in addition to broccoli, a large amount of vegetable protein is contained in pumpkin seeds.

Pineapples Can Destroy Your Taste Buds

Believe it or not, this is absolutely true. Little known fact - pineapple, avocado, kiwi and some others tropical fruits contain an enzyme called bromelain. Pineapples contain the most of it. This enzyme breaks down proteins in the mouth and also damages your taste buds. This can impair your ability to taste food throughout the day. Interesting fact- Many people use armorline as a meat tenderizer.

Pineapple is a fruit containing a lot of useful substances. This means that your body needs it. However, to protect your taste buds, you should not eat fresh pineapples immediately after cutting. Place the chopped pieces in the refrigerator for a while. The action of the caustic enzyme will weaken and you will be able to enjoy pineapple without fear.

Cayenne pepper improves blood clotting

This pepper is healthy, even though most people use it as a spice more often than as a

Cayenne pepper

food. A little-known fact about cayenne pepper is that it can increase blood clotting when injured. According to experts, you can sprinkle cayenne pepper on a wound and it can stop bleeding as well as gauze or a bandage. Of course, it’s not worth the risk of testing this statement in practice. Cayenne pepper is too hot and the pain will be incredible, but the fact remains.

Keeping this effect in mind, it is better to add Cayenne pepper in food as a spice. Pepper stabilizes blood pressure and stimulates blood clotting from the inside. This means that it doesn't matter at all whether you eat it or literally apply it to a wound. In any case, it will help you heal faster. This is especially true for people with poor blood clotting.

Apples give more energy than coffee

We will in no way try to convince coffee lovers to give up their cup of favorite drink in the morning. We're not crazy. However, if you lack energy during the day, another apple will definitely not hurt you. Thanks to high content carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, apples will help you stay energetic all day.