TOP 5 FRUITS TO ENJOY IN SUMMER

So, for my next article, I am thinking about sharing my favourite summer fruits with you people. And ofcourse their benefits too.

1.WATERMELON

 Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus ) is a plant species in the family Cucurbitaceae, a vine-like (scrambler and trailer) flowering plant originating in West Africa.Watermelon is the quintessential summertime fruit. It is a staple at picnics and backyard parties everywhere. You know watermelon is sweet and juicy, but did you know that your favorite warm weather treat is also bursting with healthy benefits as well?

        Watermelons are mostly water — about 92 percent — but this refreshing fruit is soaked with nutrients. Each juicy bite has significant levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, lots of lycopene, antioxidants and amino acids. There's even a modest amount of potassium. Plus, this quintessential summer snack is fat-free, very low in sodium and has only 40 calories per cup.A 2011 study in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis that investigated five types of watermelon at four stages of ripening found that unripe watermelon with primarily white flesh has nearly zero beta-carotene. By the time it is fully red, the fruit has become an excellent source of the phytonutrient. It is also very helpful in losing weight because it brings something new to the dessert table.The texture of watermelon is almost like that of a dessert that melts in your mouth. It can be sliced and presented on a plate just like a piece of cake or pie.Watermelon also contains the amino acids L-arginine and L-citrulline, two known powerful anti-inflammatory agents. Keeping cool with watermelon can help cool down inflammation as well. 

                                    It also prevents heat exhaustion and heat stroke.Watermelon, which is mostly water and contains electrolytes can help negate the effects of the heat in the summertime and potentially reduce the risk of suffering heat stroke. All in all, Watermelon health benefits includes managing diabetes, fighting free radicals, support healthy heart, source of energy and water, reduces severity of asthma attacks and support weight loss. Other benefits are protecting nerve function, eradicating inflammation, help balance pH level, prevent exhaustion and heat stroke, reduces risk of developing periodontal disease, support kidney health and support digestion.

                       Watermelon is a delicious, nutritious treat. The next time you see a platter full of thick slices, go ahead and grab one.

2.MANGO

Mangoes are juicy stone fruit (drupe) from numerous species of tropical trees belonging to the flowering plant genus Mangifera, cultivated mostly for their edible fruit.It is the national fruit of India and Pakistan, and the national tree of Bangladesh. It is the unofficial national fruit of the Philippines.

                     Mango is also called king of fruits in some parts of the world. This fruit is not only delicious but also boasts an impressive nutritional profile.In fact, studies link mango and its nutrients to health benefits, such as improved immunity, digestive health and eyesight, as well as a lower risk of certain cancers.Mango is low in calories yet high in nutrients — particularly vitamin C, which aids immunity, iron absorption and growth and repair.Including mangoes in the diet may also help promote your eye health. Mangoes are rich in beta-carotene that helps in the production of Vitamin A. Eating mangoes could help regulate your cholesterol levels too. The high levels of fibre pectin may help bring down the low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol) which causes plaques in the vessels and blocks blood flow.Mango is high in polyphenols, which may have anticancer properties. Mangiferin, a major polyphenol in mango, has recently gained attention for its promising anticancer effects. Mangoes when eaten in moderation could also help in weight loss. The phytochemicals in the mango skin act as natural fat busters. 

           So I think by now we all have got a pretty great idea about the nutritious facts. But we also have to keep in mind that moderation is key — it’s best to limit mango to no more than two cups (330 grams) per day at most because  mango is sweeter and contains more sugar than many other fruits.

3.PEACH

The peach (Prunus persica) is a deciduous tree native to the region of Northwest China between the Tarim Basin and the north slopes of the Kunlun Mountains, where it was first domesticated and cultivated. It bears an edible juicy fruit called a peach or a nectarine. 

                                 Peaches  can be eaten on their own or added to a variety of dishes. What’s more, peaches are nutritious and may offer an array of health benefits, including improved digestion, smoother skin, and allergy relief.Peaches contain phosphorous, which along with other minerals helps strengthen bones and teeth. The antioxidants in peaches, such as, vitamin C and zinc are required for the normal functioning of the immune system.Peaches contain fiber, which contributes to smooth digestion and a lower risk of gut disorders. Peach flowers also provide certain compounds that appear to support a healthy gut.Consumption of fruits like peaches that are rich in vitamin A, are known to offer protection from lung and oral cancers.

Peaches may lower risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.Peaches are a great source of zinc, which also has anti-aging properties. Also, zinc interferes with the aging process of male reproductive organs, by boosting the levels of testosterone in the body. Peaches either eaten or put on the skin have been shown to be a great natural moisturizer.Studies show that compounds found in peaches may help prevent high blood sugar levels. Peaches have been shown to decrease neurodegenerative disorders, such as, Alzheimer's disease.

                         An average size peach contains about 35-50 calories and has no fat. It’s also a great source of vitamins A and C, and high in fiber and potassium. This fuzzy fruit will make you feel full and keep you from overeating.Peaches are widely available and can be eaten in a variety of ways. Enjoy them on their own or easily incorporate them into main dishes, sides, smoothies, or desserts.

            All in all, it’s a fruit well worth adding to your diet.

4.STRAWBERRY

The garden strawberry (or simply strawberry; Fragaria × ananassa)[1] is a widely grown hybrid species of the genus Fragaria, collectively known as the strawberries. It is cultivated worldwide for its fruit. The fruit is widely appreciated for its characteristic aroma, bright red color, juicy texture, and sweetness.The garden strawberry was first bred in Brittany, France, in the 1750s via a cross of Fragaria virginiana from eastern North America.

                             The heart-shaped silhouette of the strawberry is the first clue that this fruit is good for you. At peak during spring and early summer, strawberries are sweet, tart, and juicy. Apart from their delicious taste, strawberries offer an abundance of health and wellness benefits. Since strawberries deliver immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits, they are a great weapon against allergies. They contain a special anti-allergy flavonoid called fisetin, which helps the body’s immune cells control inflammatory reactions to allergens. Strawberries are rich in iodine, vitamin C, and phytochemicals, which help maintain the proper functioning of the nervous system.

           Due to their high-fiber content, strawberries help boost digestion and prevent constipation. The rich variety of antioxidants, ellagic acid, and vitamins help battle hair loss, moisturize the hair, and prevent dandruff.These bright red berries also benefit your emotional and mental functioning.Strawberries are an excellent source of potassium, which counters the effects of sodium in the body and reduces blood pressure. Strawberries, also known as, ‘the queen of fruits’ in Asia, is among the top 10 fruits with the highest antioxidant content.

                       Bottom line is strawberries are low in calories, delicious, and healthy. They are an excellent addition to a healthy diet.

5.PAPAYA

The papaya is the plant Carica papaya, one of the 22 accepted species in the genus Carica of the family Caricaceae. Its origin is in the tropics of the Americas, perhaps from southern Mexico and neighboring Central America.The health benefits of papaya are many and include better digestion, regulated menstruation, stronger immunity, weight loss, improved skin, and better heart health. 

                                       Research suggests that the lycopene in papaya can reduce cancer risk. It may also be beneficial for people who are being treated for cancer. Papayas are also good for people who are trying to lose weight naturally given the fiber, water, vitamins, and minerals that it contains. It is thought to play a protective role in eye health, and it may ward off macular degeneration. Papaya is an excellent food option for diabetics as it has a low-sugar content even though it is sweet to taste. Also, people who don’t have diabetes can eat papaya to prevent it from happening. A paste of fresh papaya roots can be rubbed onto the teeth and gums as a home remedy for toothache relief. In today’s times, it is near impossible to avoid eating foods that are bad for your digestive system. Often we find ourselves eating junk food or restaurant food prepared in excessive quantities of oil. Eating a papaya daily can make up for such occasional mistakes, as it has a digestive enzyme known as papain along with fibre which helps improve your digestive health.

                          Papaya is also great for hair because it contains vitamin A, a nutrient required for sebum production, which keeps hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair. 

                 The bottom line is that papaya is rich in valuable nutrients and has a delicious taste.It may also defend against the visible signs of aging, helping your skin remain smooth and youthful. So we should try adding this fruit in our diet.

TOP 5 CITIES OF EUROPE IN MY HEART

So, anyhow this is my first article about my favourite cities of Europe. I have always loved Europe with all my heart and all the beautiful places in it, so I thought to make my very first article about it. 
                                    Even though it was kinda hard to pick still I made my choice. I have picked out 5 of my most favourite cities that I'd really love to visit one day hopefully.

1.PARIS

Paris is the capital city of France, the home of Eiffel Tower which is the symbol of love and also one of the 7 wonders of the world.
                                  The most popular nickname for Paris is "the City of Lights" ("la Ville des Lumières", although in French, one would rather say "la Ville Lumière"). It's called this because Paris was one of the first cities to have electricity.For centuries Paris has been one of the world’s most important and attractive cities. It is appreciated for the opportunities it offers for business and commerce, for study, for culture, and for entertainment. Its gastronomy, haute couture, painting, literature, and intellectual community especially enjoy an enviable reputation.
              Paris is especially known for its museums and architectural landmarks: the Louvre was the most visited art museum in the world in 2018, with 10.2 million visitors.For centuries, Paris has attracted artists from around the world, who arrive in the city to educate themselves and to seek inspiration from its vast pool of artistic resources and galleries. As a result, Paris has acquired a reputation as the "City of Art". And when it comes to culture, most people associate French culture with Paris, which is a center of fashion, cuisine, art and architecture, but life outside of the City of Lights is very different and varies by region. France doesn't just have culture; the word "culture" actually comes from France.
                                                Since the late 18th century, Paris has been famous for its restaurants and haute cuisine, food meticulously prepared and artfully presented. A luxury restaurant, La Taverne Anglaise, opened in 1786 in the arcades of the Palais Royal by Antoine Beauvilliers; it featured an elegant dining room, an extensive menu, linen tablecloths, a large wine list and well-trained waiters; it became a model for future Paris restaurants. Today, due to Paris's cosmopolitan population, every French regional cuisine and almost every national cuisine in the world can be found there; the city has more than 9,000 restaurants. Baguettes, Croissants, Macrons, Eclairs, French Cheese and what not.. As you can see, Paris is a bread and pastry lover's dream come true.

2.ROME

        It is the capital city and a special comune of Italy (named Comune di Roma Capitale). Rome also serves as the capital of the Lazio region. It is also the country's most populated comune. It is the fourth most populous city in the European Union by population within city limits.  The Vatican City (the smallest country in the world)^[3] is an independent country inside the city boundaries of Rome, the only existing example of a country within a city: for this reason Rome has been often defined as capital of two states.
                                             Rome has the status of a global city. In 2016, Rome ranked as the 14th-most-visited city in the world, 3rd most visited in the European Union, and the most popular tourist attraction in Italy.  A heady mix of haunting ruins, awe-inspiring art and vibrant street life, Italy’s hot-blooded capital is one of the world’s most romantic and charismatic cities.  The result of 3000 years of ad hoc urban development, Rome's cityscape is an exhilarating sight. Ancient icons such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon recall the city’s golden age as caput mundi (capital of the world), while monumental basilicas tell of its history as seat of the Catholic Church.
                                               Rome is known as the "Eternal city" and also "Caput Mundi," coming from Latin and meaning capital of the world.  Few cities can rival Rome's astonishing artistic heritage. Throughout history, the city has starred in the great upheavals of Western art, drawing top artists and inspiring them to push the boundaries of creative achievement. Also the Roman Emperor Trajan built the first ever shopping mall. It contained multiple levels and over 150 outlets that sold everything ranging from food to clothes.Modern Rome has 280 fountains and more than 900 churches.
                                     Eating out is one of Rome's great pleasures and the combination of romantic alfresco settings and superlative food is a guarantee of good times. For contemporary fine dining and five-star wine there are any number of refined restaurants, but for a truly Roman meal head to a boisterous pizzeria or convivial neighbourhood trattoria. That's where the locals go to indulge their passion for thin, crispy pizzas, humble pasta dishes, and cool white wines from the nearby Castelli Romani hills. To finish off, what can beat a gelato followed by a shot of world-beating coffee?

3.AMSTERDAM

  Amsterdam is the capital city and most populous  municipality of the Netherlands. Its status as the capital is mandated by the Constitution of the Netherlands.
                                        Amsterdam's main attractions include its historic canals, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, Hermitage Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House, the Scheepvaartmuseum, the Amsterdam Museum, the Heineken Experience, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, Natura Artis Magistra, Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, the red-light district and many cannabis coffee shops. They draw more than 5 million international visitors annually. The city is also well known for its nightlife and festival activity.It is also one of the world's most multicultural cities, with at least 177 nationalities represented.Amsterdam has 165 canals.There are 165 Amsterdam canals that combine for a length of over 100 kilometers (about 60 miles). The Canal Ring became part of the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2010. 
         There are total 1,281 bridges in all of Amsterdam. There are 80 bridges within the center of Amsterdam. Magere Brug, also known as the Skinny Bridge, is the most famous bridge in the city. The crossing of Reguliersgracht and Herengracht is known as the Bridge of 15 Bridges. If you stand in the right spot, especially at night, you can see a total of 15 arches into the distance.
                                  In Amsterdam, people love travelling by bike, means of transport as well as hobby and exercise.

4.MADRID

  Madrid is the capital of Spain and the largest municipality in both the Community of Madrid and Spain as a whole.Madrid is a cosmopolitan city that combines the most modern infrastructures and the status as an economic, financial, administrative and service centre, with a large cultural and artistic heritage, a legacy of centuries of exciting history.
                                      Madrid is the European city with the highest number of trees and green surface per inhabitant and it has the second highest number of aligned trees in the world, with 248,000 units, only exceeded by Tokyo.Madrid is considered one of the top European destinations concerning art museums. Best known is the Golden Triangle of Art, located along the Paseo del Prado and comprising three museums. The most famous one is the Prado Museum, known for such highlights as Diego Velázquez's Las Meninas and Francisco de Goya's La maja vestida.  
                    Royal Palace is Madrid's most beautiful building, the largest royal palace in Western Europe.Madrid hosts the largest plaza de toros (bullring) in Spain, Las Ventas, established in 1929. Las Ventas is considered by many to be the world centre of bullfighting and has a seating capacity of almost 25,000.
                                    Madrid is also a city of students, It is a  home to an astonishing amount of students. Not surprisingly, this is due to the fact that Madrid is one of the unsurpassed hot-spots of university education in Europe. Various of its many universities and business schools are counted as being some of the oldest and most prestigious learning facilities worldwide. The economical Masters program of the University Charles III, for example, is ranked on the list of the ‘global top-50,’ whereas the founding of the Universidad Complutense, for instance, dates back as early as the year 1293.

 5.COPENHAGEN

   It is the capital and most populous city of Denmark.Originally a Viking fishing village established in the 10th century in the vicinity of what is now Gammel Strand, Copenhagen became the capital of Denmark in the early 15th century.
                                                                                                    Copenhagen's landmarks such as Tivoli Gardens, The Little Mermaid statue, the Amalienborg and Christiansborg palaces, Rosenborg Castle Gardens, Frederik's Church, and many museums, restaurants and nightclubs are significant tourist attractions. The largest lake of Denmark, Arresø, lies around 27 miles (43 kilometers) northwest of the City Hall Square.
                                          There are actually highways for bikes.If ever a city was made to be enjoyed on a bike then this is it. Danes take their cycling very seriously with entire parts of the road dedicated to safe cycling. Safe and a great way to see Copenhagen.Copenhagen has the two oldest amusement parks in the world. It is also a perfect destination for those who admire Viking history. The country brims with museums and monuments that exhibit different parts and periods of the fearless warriors’ lives. As jewelry was a big part of their culture, either because it showed wealth or because jewelry was often used to fasten clothes, many museums display original Viking jewelry.
                                   Denmark has become known for bringing the New Nordic Cuisine on the foreground with Copenhagen hosting a great number of high end and restaurants with Michelin stars. Smørrebrød, Durum shawarma, Flæskesteg, Falafel and many more foods are very famous in Copenhagen, Also Danish pastries are so good that they are famous all over the world.

INTRODUCTION TO MY BLOG

                                                                             

                                        Hello everyone out there.   My name is Ayesha Usman and this is an introduction about what my blog is going to be. Since I still haven't decided on the core of my blog so I will probably be making it about what I like or what I am about. As my blog's name also suggests Sharing My Soul With You as in a glimpse inside my brain. 

                                                                          So I really hope you will find my blog and me interesting as you scroll down here...