By Kayleen Holder
Editor
April 7 is World Health Day, and this week we’d like to highlight one local business full of fruits and vegetables–literally! CrisTea’s in Devine all began with one woman’s quest to get healthy and stay healthy after a bout with Diabetes. With a goal to cook up something that tastes good, and is good for you, Cristina Hernandez soon brewed up CrisTea’s!
The little cafe features a fun menu of shakes and teas including “The Twister”, “California Orange”, “Red River”, “Paradise”, “Havana Cabana”, “The Boss”, “Grandma’s Milkshake”, and many more! Furthermore, each customer gets to choose how much, if any, sugar you want added in your shake.
Her drinks feature everything from Cactus, to Pineapples, Carrots, Apples, Aloe Vera, Lemons, Beets, Blueberries, Oatmeal, Bananas, and everything in-between!
She recently launched a large salad bar as well, with all the fixings and also offers sandwiches and croissants.
Health Benefits of Fruits
On Myplate.gov, you get a custom recommendation on how much fruit you should ideally consume in about 30 seconds by inputting your height, weight and a few other factors. In general, it states:
• Eating foods such as fruits that are lower in calories per cup, instead of other higher calorie foods, may help lower overall calorie intake.
• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet may reduce the risk for heart disease, including heart attack and stroke.
• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet may protect against certain types of cancers.
• Adding fruit can help increase the amount of fiber and potassium we eat. These are important nutrients that many people do not get enough of.
What’s so good about fruit, anyway?
Each and every fruit and vegetable has certain nutrients, and it’s amazing how different they all are. A simple search for benefits of pineapples, for example, comes up with a long list of benefits, including:
Digestive Health: • Contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids in protein digestion.
• Provides fiber, promoting regular bowel movements and improving gut health.
Immune System Support:
• Rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system.
• Contains bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties that may help fight infections.
Bone Health:
• Contains manganese, a mineral essential for bone health and preventing osteoporosis.
• Bromelain may also help reduce joint pain and inflammation.
Weight Management:
• Low in calories and fat, making it a healthy snack or dessert option.
• Provides fiber, which can help promote satiety and reduce cravings.
Antioxidant Properties:
• Contains vitamin C and other antioxidants that protect cells from damage.
• May help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Other Benefits:
• Contains vitamin B6, essential for nervous system function and red blood cell production.
• Provides potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
• May improve skin health due to its vitamin C and anti-inflammatory properties.
