Chia Seeds

Another super-seed, chia seeds (yes, they're the very same ones used to grow Chia Pets) are especially rich in plant omega-3 fats , like the more popular flaxseeds . 

And ounce for ounce, chia seeds contain more fiber and calcium than flax. You can pick up a bag in health-food stores or order them online. Use chia seeds just as you would other seeds or chopped nuts; try them sprinkled on oatmeal, cereal, yogurt, or cottage cheese, or mixed into dips or salad dressings. Unlike with flax, you don't need to grind them first because they're completely digestible in whole form. Consider adding chia seeds to pancakes, muffins, and other baked goods too. Mixed with water, they make a great vegan egg substitute.

more on chia seeds;  chia pudding recipe

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Artichokes

 

• An excellent source of vitamin C and folate (folic acid or vitamin B9), nutrients that help maintain a healthy heart
• An excellent source of dietary fiber, which slows absorption of carbohydrates and suppresses appetite to aid weight loss
• An excellent source of Vitamins C and K, Folate, and Magnesium, nutrients that promote healthy bones
• An excellent source of Vitamin C, which helps slow the effects of aging
• An excellent source of Vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system

1. Nutrition Facts
   ArtichokesArtichokes, boiledArtichokes

   Amount Per 100 grams1 artichoke, medium (128 g)1 artichoke, large (162 g)1 artichoke, medium (128 g)

   Calories 60

2. % Daily Value*

   Total Fat 0.2 g	0%
   Saturated fat 0 g	0%
   Polyunsaturated fat 0.1 g
   Monounsaturated fat 0 g
   Cholesterol 0 mg	0%
   Sodium 120 mg	5%
   Potassium 474 mg	13%
   Total Carbohydrate 13 g	4%
   Dietary fiber 7 g	28%
   Sugar 1.3 g
   Protein 4.2 g	8%

   Vitamin A	0%	Vit. C	25%
   Calcium	5%	Iron	8%
   Vit D	0%	Vit B-6	5%
   Vit B-12	0%	Magnes	19%

   *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Health Benefits of Cherries

Benefit #1: Arthritis
People suffering from arthritis are most likely to benefit from this fruit as the Arthritis Foundation recommend drinking tart cherry juice mixed with water at least three times a day, which can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Benefit #2: Improves Heart Health
In a study conducted by the University of Michigan, diets which encourage people to consume a substantial amount of cherries contribute to lowering the risk of heart disease apart from cholesterol, body fat and inflammation.

Benefit #3: Boosts memory
Anthocyanin, the antioxidant that gives the cherry its red color, has been found to be excellent for the brain by improving one’s memory power apart from a slew of other benefits as well.

Benefit #4: Aids in sleep
Cherries contain a nutrient known as melatonin that manages the body’s sleep cycles, and this in turn, helps one to sleep better.

Benefit #5: Protection from Cancer
Apart from the aforementioned antioxidant anthocyanin, cyanidin (another antioxidant) is present in cherries. Most scientists and researchers consider this nutrient to possess the ability to combat cancer. Apart from this, cyaniding also possesses the ability to neutralize free radicals that can cause to your body’s cells if not kept in check.

Benefit #6: Anti-inflammatory properties
Most researchers and physicians in the scientific community consider the cherry to be one of the best fighters against inflammations. This is because of the presence of anthocyanin which prevents free radical damage to the body as well as stops cyclooxygenase enzymes better than most anti-inflammatory drugs that are available.