Scientists say they have discovered that watermelons have a similar effect than the drug Viagra but without the negative side effects. Watermelons have an ingredient called citrulline which can cause the production of a compound that helps relax the body's blood vessels, similar to what happens when a man takes Viagra, said scientists based in Texas.

Citrulline is found in the flesh and the rind of the fruit and turns into arginine when it reacts with enzymes of the body.

Bhimu Patil, a researcher and director of Texas A&M's Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center, where the study took place, said watermelons might not be as organ-specific as Viagra, but theyt can be still helpful in dealing with erectile dysfunction problems.

From the cultures of the Amazon and Brazilian rainforests comes a small dark purple berry that’s been ranked as one of the new superfoods.

Açai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) berries, also known as cabbage palm berries, grow on the Acai Palm Tree and are related to the saw palmetto berries, and are extremely rich in antioxidants.

The acai berry is especially rich in the antioxidant properties by its concentration of anthocyanin, a colour purple antioxidant, also found in red wine that prevents oxidants from harming connective tissue while repairing damaged proteins in blood vessel walls. However, the dosage of anthocyanins in acai berries is 10-33 higher than in red wine.

The acai berry also contains 19 essential amino acids, two essential fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-9), calcium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, potassium, copper, zinc, vitamins A, C, E, a range of B vitamins, plus trace minerals, fibre, protein, and phytosterols beneficial for prostate and urinary tract health.

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin and plays an important role in blood clotting. Deficiency is Vitamin K can result in blood clotting and internal bleeding. Vitamin K helps the blood to coagulate or to become solid.

Vitamin K, unlike other fat-soluble vitamins, is not stored in the body. Therefore it is important to get it from food. Vitamin K also activates certain proteins which help calcium to build strong bones. It also even may keep calcium out of arteries and in the bones.

The two main forms of vitamin K are Vitamin K1 (phytonadione) and Vitamin K2 Vitamin K2 compounds (menaquinones). K1 is the natural form of vitamin K, which is found in plants, and provides the primary source (up to 90%) of vitamin K to humans through dietary consumption. Vitamin K2 is made by good bacteria in the human gut, and provides about 10% of the human vitamin K requirement.

Vitamin K1 is found in dark green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, and broccoli. Cooking or freezing does not greatly alter the amount of the vitamin in the food. Vitamin K2 can be found in fermented foods.

Broccoli and cauliflower, members of the cabbage family, are little powerhouses of health. Other health-supporting cabbage family members, also known as cruciferous vegetables, are Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collard greens, kale, and turnips.

Multiple studies confirms that an increasing consumption of all fruits and vegetables, especially cruciferous vegetables, helps lower the risks of chronic diseases such as cancers, in particular lung, colon, breast, prostate and ovarian cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Broccoli and cauliflower are an excellent source of vitamin C, beta-carotene (precursor to vitamin A), B vitamins, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium and chromium, as well as many other nutrients and minerals.

Cruciferous vegetables are also a rich source of many indoles and isothiocynates, substances known as phytochemicals, which have been found to have cancer fighting properties. One indole in particular, indole-3-carbinol (I3C), is a powerful anti-oxidant which provides protection to cells from free radical damage. Many studies have shown I3C to be a promising agent for preventing breast, endometrial and cervical cancers. Studies have shown that I3C can neutralize harmful estrogens which are believed to be a factor behind hormonal driven cancers such as breast and prostate cancer.

Berries, small in size and vibrant in colour, are associated with amazing health benefits. They are packed with phytochemicals and flavonoids, as well as vitamins, minerals and fibre.

Eating a diet rich in blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries and strawberries may help to reduce the risk for certain cancers.

One cup of strawberries contains over 100 mg of vitamin C, almost as much as a cup of orange juice.

Raspberry, strawberry, cranberry, elderberry, blueberry and bilberry have been found to significantly inhibit H. pylori bacteria. Researchers believe that H. pylori is responsible for the majority of peptic ulcers.

Did you know that camping and spending time outdoors can actually benefit your health? In fact, there are many health benefits that come with a good camping trip.

Camping brings us back to the basics. It provides an escape from the daily grind. And it allows us to connect with nature and appreciate the simple basic needs of life.

Camping is an escape from the daily rat race. Stress levels can significantly decrease in nature, without all the worries and routines of everyday life.

Leave the huzzle, noise and pollution of the city behind you for a few days. Weekend get-aways are great for people who are tired with their everyday lives and are looking for something out of the ordinary to do.

Honey has been used as a natural remedy for thousands of years. Nature’s nutritious sweetener contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, and is also used to nourish skin and hair.

Honey is used topically as antiseptic to disinfect and speed the healing process in sore throats, wounds, ulcers scrapes and burns. Some of the healing proponents and antibacterial agents in honey are enzymes, antioxidants and flavonoids.

A spoonful of honey is more effective than cough syrup containing DM for children over 12 months old, according to Archives of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. Don't give honey-containing products to infants less than one year of age. Honey may contain certain spores and toxins that can cause infant botulism, a life-threatening disease. However, honey is considered safe for children over 12 months and adults.

Infrared energy, also known as radiant heat, is a form of energy that heats objects directly through a process called conversion, without having to heat the air in between. Our sun is the principal source of radiant energy.

Far-infrared rays are part of the sunlight spectrum which is invisible to the naked eye. They are also known as biogenetic rays. Scientists have proven that these rays promote the growth and health of living cells in humans, animals and plants.

Far-infrared light penetrates beyond the skin level and is absorbed by cells below, whereas visible light is mostly bounced off the skin surface. Near-infrared is mostly absorbed at the skin level and raises the skin temperature. Far-infrared can penetrate up to 4 centimetres, causing resonance with water molecules and resonating with cellular frequencies. Thus, FIR can revitalize human cells and tissue by warming the body from the inside.

Tea comes in all colours and varieties, from black and green to white and oolong to red and herbal. So which one offers the most health benefits?

Drinking tea has been regarded in China and India as a healthy tradition for thousands of years. Western research studies tea for the prevention and treatment of different health concerns. Tea contains high levels of antioxidants, some of which are called polyphenols, flavonoids, and catechins. Antioxicants fight the free radicals in our body and protect healthy cells.

Even though researchers can’t quite agree on the exact benefits of tea, numerous studies support a broad spectrum of health promoting qualities in tea.

Studies have found that polyphenols help prevent blood clotting and lower cholesterol levels. According to the Archives of Internal Medicine tea drinkers have lower blood pressure.

The growing interest in healthy food also ignited a huge interest in a raw food lifestyle. Raw foodists claim that a diet consisting of organic, fresh, uncooked fruits and vegetables, as well as sprouted nuts and seeds achieves maximum health, detoxifies the body and saves the planet.

Raw foods contain enzymes which are important in aiding digestion and absorption of food. This means that the body's own enzymes may work better in regulating the body's metabolism. Heating food above 110-120 degrees Fahrenheit decreases or destroys enzymes. Freezing food is acceptable, even though freezing lowers enzyme activity.

Raw foods contain friendly bacteria and other micro-organisms that affect the immune system and digestion by populating the digestive tract with gut flora. When handled and prepared properly, raw food can help to lessen and relief heartburn, gas, indigestion or constipation (check with your holistic health practitioner if you are fit for a raw or partially raw diet).