This article explains the nutritional value of cherry tomato by investigating the compositional pattern of berries harvested at different ripening stages and evaluating, in particular, all the main antioxidants (carotenoids, ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, and alpha-tocopherol) and the antioxidant activity of the water-soluble and water-insoluble fractions.

Cherry tomato Nutrition facts studies confirmed the relatively high level of carotenoids in cherry tomato but showed that not all biologically active compounds necessarily increase in tomatoes picked at later stages of ripeness, whereas, no significant differences in ascorbic acid content were observed at different ripening stages, while the main phenolics content and the antioxidant activity of water-soluble fraction showed slight, but significant, decreases at later stages of ripeness.

Cherry tomatoes at full ripeness shows the highest level of carotenoids and antioxidant activity in the water-insoluble fraction.

• Eggplant Nutrition Facts
• Tomato Nutrition Facts
• Nutrition Facts @ PurelyFacts.com

Tomato Nutrition Facts on Tomatos and Cell Damage

In a study on tomato nutrition facts, 10 healthy women ate a diet containing two ounces of tomato puree each day for three weeks, either preceded by or followed by a tomato-free diet for three weeks, and the researchers measured blood levels of lycopene and evaluated oxidative damage to cells before and after each phase.

They found that cell damage dropped by 33% to 42% after consuming the tomato diet!

Tomato Nutrition Facts on Lycopene

A review of 72 different studies showed consistently that the more tomatoes and tomato products people eat, the lower their risks of many different kinds of cancer. The secret may lie in lycopene, the chemical that makes tomatoes red, said Dr. Edward Giovannucci, Harvard School of Public Health, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Among the studies he reviewed, 57 showed that the more tomatoes one ate, the lower the risk of cancer. “The evidence for benefit was strongest for cancers of the prostate, lung, and stomach,” he reported.

Tomato Nutrition Facts on Getting more Lycopene

Processed tomatoes (e.g. canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup) contain even more lycopene because cooking breaks down cell walls, releasing and concentrating carotenoids. Eating tomatoes with a small amount of fat enables lycopene to be better absorbed.

On the minus side, as a nightshade relative, tomatoes contain glycoalkaloids, which some people believe contribute to arthritis symptoms. Research, however, has not backed this up.

• Cherry Tomato Nutrition Facts at Different Ripening Stages
• Eggplant Nutrition Facts
• Nutrition Facts @ PurelyFacts.com

1. Seeding

The carrot seed is sown with a fine seed planter on a well-prepared seedbed at the optimal time in February.

2. Seedbed

Carrot seeds are grown in open field seedbeds, thus the carrot plant health is very important during this stage.

3. Carrot transplanting

Carrot seeds are normally transplant ready approx 120 days after seeding.

The carrot plants are transplanted at optimal plant populations.

4. Growing

During re-growing of the carrot plants, special care is given to irrigation, weed, insect and disease control.

5. Pollination

Bees are very important for pollination and special attention is required to prevent practices that will negatively influence bee activity.

6. Flowering stage

Carrot plants flowering starts as early as September and special attention should be given to irrigation.

7. Harvesting

Harvesting is done either by hand or with a combine at an optimal ripening stage to ensure good carrot seed quality.

8. Final seed cleaning

Carrot Seed cleaning is done at the carrot seed processing plant to comply with client and ISTA standards before packaging.

9. Packaging

Carrot Seeds that comply to all the required standards as tested by the Carrot Seed ISTA accredited lab and are packed according to standards or client requirements for shipping.

10. Distribution

Carrot Seeds are shipped upon client instructions either by road, sea or air.

• Carrot Seed Production
• Carrot Seed Essential Oil Health Benefits Facts

Carrot Seed Temperature Requirements

The carrot is a cool weather crop and it is not really intolerant towards the cold of winter and frost. During winter the plant develops more slowly than during the warmer spring and summer months.

The carrot seed is also tolerant towards a good deal of heat and can therefore be cultivated right through the year in South Africa.

Carrot Seed Production Soil Requirements

Carrots seeds do best in a deep, well-drained sandy loam or slightly acid loam soil.

In heavy humus-rich soils carrot seeds tend to have too much growth in the leaves and to form forked roots.

Avoid Brackish soils.

A general recommendation is that 1 000 kg of the fertiliser mix (2:3:4 (24) per hectare) should be worked into the soil before planting.

A top-dressing of 100 to 200 kg limestone ammonium nitrate per hectare is applied about 8 weeks after sowing.

Compost or kraal manure is not recommended.

Carrot seeds are intolerant towards a boron deficiency and in an area where it is known that there is a boron deficiency, boron could be applied with safety, because carrot seeds are tolerant towards an excess of boron in the soil.

Carrot Seed Cultivation methods

Carrot seed is sown directly on the land. The soil should be well-prepared, even and fine.

Flood irrigation before emergence of the carrot seed could cause the soil to crust and this could lead to a poor stand.

A system of crop rotation is important to eliminate problems with diseases.

Carrot seeds fit in very well in a crop rotation system where plants like cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce and tomatoes are grown.

A general recommendation is that carrots should not be planted in the same soil more than once every 3 to 4 years. Weeds should not compete with the carrot seeds.

Carrot Seed Sowing seasons

For seed production the sowing season is between February and March. About 4 kg carrot seed per ha is sown.

Carrot seed are preferably sown in rows instead of broadcasting the carrot seeds, because it makes weed control easier.

During the warm summer month’s extensive losses could occur among seedlings due to wilt.

Carrot Seed Water requirements

The moisture content of the soil influences the form and colour of carrots.

A deficiency in soil humidity results in longer carrots.

Very wet conditions lead to a shorter and thicker carrot with a light colour.

As a general guideline it could be accepted that carrots need about 25 mm water per week.

In warm, dry conditions 50 mm would be necessary.

Carrot Seed Pollination and harvesting

Carrots are cross-pollinated plants and the flowers are visited by a large number of insects.

Honeybees, wasps, different kinds of beetles and butterflies are often seen on the flowers.

When the seed is ready to be harvested and it is produced on a small scale, the ripe seed buds should be cut off and spread on a concrete floor or sheet to dry.

When the plants are well dried, the root end is cut off and the plants fed into a threshing machine.

Carrot Seed is also still tread out with a tractor on a concrete floor.

Afterwards the carrot seed is winnowed out as well as possible before it is supplied to the seed merchant.

A good average seed crop is about 600 to 800 kg/ha.

This will depend on the cultivar.

Cultivars like Cape Market and Chantenay form stronger and lusher plants and they produce more seed than for instance Nantes.

The most significant diseases in carrots are Alternaria blight, bacterial blight and root rot as a result of fungi. Aphids, red spider, eelworm, bollworm on seed buds and whitefly are the most important insect pests.

• Carrot Seed Production Basic Facts
• Carrot Seed Essential Oil Health Benefits Facts

Carrot Seed Essential Oil Medicinal Properties and Health Facts

Anti Oxidant

Carrot Seed essential oil can retain your youth and look refreshingly young when your friends start aging.

Anti oxidants can repair all the damages done to your tissues by the oxidants (free radicals) and stop them from doing further harm.

Anti oxidants do not let your skin go wrinkled, your hair white, joints go immovable, your muscles go loose and your eyes lose eyesight.

Anti oxidants can work other miracles too, like, protect you from Macular Degeneration, sexual weakness, weak digestion, some forms of cancer and other problems related to aging.

Anti Septic, Anti Viral & Disinfectant

Carrot Seed essential oil can cure infections, protect you from them and has anti septic properties, that is, it can prevent tetanus.

Externally applied, Carrot Seed essential oil can cure infections on skin and in wounds and even protect from new infections.

Internally taken, it helps cure infections of throat, mouth, colon, stomach, intestines and urinary system.

It is miraculously effective in curing sores, gangrene, psoriasis, ulcers, rashes, carbuncles and such problems, even curing viral infection of the whole respiratory system, thus benefiting in bronchitis.

It is effective in fighting other viral infections such as in case of flu, mumps, cough and cold, measles etc.

Detoxifier

Carrot Seed essential oil has ability to detoxify the blood, tissues, muscles and internal organs like liver and kidneys.

It can neutralize excess bile secreted from liver and can help cure infection of liver in cases of jaundice.

It removes accumulation of toxins like uric acid from the blood, tissues, muscles and joints, thereby helping cure edema, arthritis, gout, rheumatism etc.

Carcinogenic

Recent studies have shown the Carrot Seed essential oil is beneficial in curing some forms of cancer too, especially those of mouth, throat, stomach, prostrate, kidneys etc.

These anti carcinogenic properties can be attributed partly to its anti oxidant properties, and partly to the other medicinal properties of its components.

Carminative

Carrot Seed essential oil will remove the gases from the intestines, if you have a bloated stomach.

Depurative

Carrot Seed essential oil can purify all the organic systems inside our body, particularly the circulatory, digestive and the excretory systems.

Carrot Seed essential oil removes toxins like uric acid, urea, insecticides, pesticides and other chemicals which get into our body with our food and water and help restore their health.

Diuretic

Carrot Seed essential oil is diuretic in nature.

Carrot Seed essential oil increases urination.

It may seem that there is no apparent benefit of this property, but you will be surprised to see that urination alone can keep you safe from many ailments.

Each time you urinate, some fat (almost 4% of the volume of water), a lot of toxic substances (uric acid, bile, poisonous stuffs etc.) and microbes causing infections in the urinary system and otherwise, are removed from the body with urine.

Then it reduces blood pressure and cleans the kidneys. It is also helpful in clearing renal calculi.

Emenagogue

Emenagogue is a property which makes menstruations easy, less painful and regular.

This helps when somebody is suffering from irregular and obstructed menses.

Stimulant

Carrot Seed essential oil is also a stimulant.

Carrot Seed essential oil stimulates circulation and metabolism.

It also stimulates secretion of hormones, enzymes, gastric juices, bile and the peristaltic motion of the intestines, thus keeping all the organic systems active.

It also stimulates brain functions and nerves, thus making you more alert and active.

Cytophylactic

Carrot Seed essential oil stimulates the growth of new cells and tissues.

Tonic

Carrot Seed essential oil tones.

It tones up tissues and muscles and increases their efficiencies; it tones liver, stomach and the whole digestive system, regulates flow of digestive juices and brings the digestive system to order; it tones skin and prevents it from hanging loose.

Vermifuge

Carrot Seed essential oil can kill…

…the worms in your intestines.

It may help children get rid of this annoying problem.

Other Benefits

Carrot Seed essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy due to its mild and soothing earthy aroma which is very effective in relieving stress and anxiety and gives a refreshing feeling.

It is good on skin and protects it from wrinkles.

It also relieves muscle aches, cures anorexia, enhances production of erythrocytes and improves eye sight, brightness etc.

Blending

Although blending is conditional and there are different blends for different purposes, Carrot Seed Essential Oil goes well with Bergamot, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Avocado, Cedar Wood and Geranium oil.

Few Words of Caution: Pregnant ladies should avoid, otherwise no threat.

• Male Urinary Tract Infection
• Carrot Seed Production Basic Facts
• Carrot Seed Production
• Carrot Seed Essential Oil Facts
• Signs and Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection
• Eggplant Nutrition Facts

Wild Carrot, scientifically named as Daucus Carota, is common in Europe and is also known by another name “Queen Anne’s Lace” there.

Apart from the components like Alpha Pinene, Beta Pinene, Gamma Terpinene, Limonene, Camphene, Sabinene, Myrcene, Beta Bisabolene, Carotol and Geranyl Acetate, Carrot Seed oil is rich in Carotene and Vitamin-A, both of which are blessings for eyes and effective anti oxidants.

Carrot Seed Essential Oil Basic Facts

Botanical Name: Daucus carota

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Golden Yellow

Consistency: Thin – Medium

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium – Strong, Lingering Aroma

Aromatic Description: Earthy, woody, warm. It does not resemble the smell of carrots and is considered harsh or unpleasant by some.

Possible Uses Of Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Eczema, gout, mature skin, toxin build-up, water retention.

By Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, Pg 57-60

Constituents of Carrot Seed Essential Oil

A-pinene, camphene, B-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, y-terpinene, limonene, B-bisabolene, geranyl acetate, Carotol.

By B. Lawrence, “Carrot Seed Oil,” Perfumer & Flavorist, August/September 1980, Pg 29

Cited in Salvatore Battaglia, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (Australia: The Perfect Potion, 1997) Pg 149

Safety Information When Using Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Robert Tisserand, in Essential Oil Safety, does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil.

By Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), Pg 204.

• Carrot Seed Essential Oil Health Benefits Facts

A dog’s body language is more than a wagging tail or baring its teeth. It is a way of communicating who they are, what their pack position is and much more.

Start taking note of your dog’s actions and start interpreting dog behavior now!

The more you understand your dog, the more you know how your messages to him are understood.

Interpreting Dog Behavior in the Dog Park

Taking a trip to the dog park and watching how dogs interact with each other can help one learn how one dog’s body language communicates and reacts to another dog’s body language.

Watch the positions of his ears and the look on his face from the frown on the forehead to the tension around mouth and muzzle.

How the dog’s weight is distributed and how he is holding his tail.

You will begin to learn if he is relaxed and / or dominant in a given situation or whether he is submissive or even fearful.

Interpreting Dominating or Submissive Dogs

A dominant dog isn’t an aggressive dog, he is confident of himself and his position.

Likewise, a submissive dog is not a frightened dog. In fact they are also confident knowing where they stand in the grand scheme of things. They know their position and are content with it.

A dog’s body language may show that they are submissive to a higher rank but dominant to a lower rank. In fact it is within these middle ranks that most fighting occurs because they are continually vying for position.

A pack leader does not need to lower himself to fighting.

When you are at the park, watch the dogs that are playing together but more importantly watch those that are meeting for the first time.

How does one react to the other, do they both react the same? Does one dog show dominance over the other?

Interpreting their Overall Behavior

When you watch them, look at their overall behavior and then try to pick out the subtleties in the behavior.

Do they both meet with tails up and wagging, are they relaxed or stiff?

Watch the eyes, the ears, mouth and hair – particularly along the neck and back.

Interpreting You and Your Dog’s Body Language

Dogs are naturally pack animals with acute senses.

They can hear, see and smell things long before we can. They are always watching each other as well as to what is going on around them.

They use their body language as a means of communication and will very often watch yours and interpret your moves.

Knowing this, we can use it to our advantage by doing two things; learning our own dog’s body language and learning how to use it in their training.

Learn more about a dog’s body language and how to interpret their demeanor and behavior as well as other dog training information.

• Interpreting and Reading Dog Behavior
• Interpreting Dog Mood through its Behavior
• Dog Behavior Seminars
• Interpreting a Dog’s Tail Behavior
• Dog Behavior Therapist
• Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
• Cattle Dog Behavior

Dog speak manifests itself as gestures your dog makes with his ears and tail. These gestures can provide you with a means of better understanding your dog’s desires and behavior.

Here are some simple ways to interpreting your dog’s behavior:

Interpreting dog behavior: Watch your dog’s ears

A healthy, alert dog usually has ears that are high on his head. This can also indicate a dog that’s excited or curious or is eager to interact with you. Upright, high ears are also seen when a dog is begging for a bite of food. Upright ears don’t always indicate a happy canine state since they may also be seen when a dog is manifesting dominance or aggressive behavior. At these times you may see your dog develop a stiff body or emit a low growl. Ears that are held back flat against the head usually indicates fear or anxiety particularly if your dog’s body appears tense and rigid.

Interpreting dog behavior: Watch your dog’s tail

Another way a dog expresses himself is through tail movements and posturing. A happy, alert dog usually has an upright tail that’s held high and may be wagging. The direction in which a dog’s tail is wagging may say something about his mood. Studies have shown that when a dog feels positive about an encounter, his tail will wag more to the right as opposed to the left. A dog that’s anxious or fearful will generally carry his tail lower or even hold it between his legs with limp posturing. This may also be a sign of submission in a dog. Dogs manifesting aggressive or dominant behavior generally have stiff tails that are held straight out and unmoving. You may also see other signs of dominance or aggression such as a snarl or growl.

Interpreting dog behavior: Watch your dog’s body

Dogs also express themselves through body movements and body posturing. A dog who is manifesting aggressive or dominant behavior generally has tense, rigid body posturing and may have a slight body tremor. A submissive dog generally carries himself low and will roll onto the ground if directly confronted by a more dominant animal. A happy, carefree dog will have a relaxed body with lots of spontaneous bodily movements and a wagging tail.

Interpreting dog behavior: Listen to your dog’s sound

The final way most dogs communicate is through sound. When interpreting dog behavior, listen closely to your dog’s bark. If a dog is feeling anxious, fearful, or is manifesting submissive behavior, he may emit a soft whine or a yelping sound. When a dog is happy and secure he may bark spontaneously along with the other obvious signs of tail wagging and loose, spontaneous body movements. If your dog starts to snarl or growl, watch out! He’s manifesting aggressive behavior and unless you break his focus, he may be in danger of attacking or biting.

Yes, dogs do communicate with us and we can learn the subtle art of interpreting dog behavior. Pay close attention to how your dog responds to you and you just might be able to tell exactly what he’s trying to say to you.

• Interpreting a Dog Behavior through its Body Language
• Interpreting and Reading Dog Behavior
• Dog Behavior Seminars
• Interpreting Dog Stress Behavior
• Interpreting a Dog’s Tail Behavior
• Dog Behavior Therapist
• Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
• Cattle Dog Behavior

While the following behaviors are typical of a stressed dog, they must be looked at in context to know whether they’re stress-related or caused by some other stimulus.

Interpreting Dog Stress Behaviors

Rapid, shallow or deep, forceful panting

A Stress panting is presented with the lips pulled back in a wide “grin” causing deep wrinkles around the eyes and forehead.

Increased urination or defecation

Stressed dogs will often urinate or defecate in an inappropriate area even though they’re fully housebroken.

Vomiting or diarrhea

The dog’s digestive tract is frequently the first bodily function to react to stress.

Yawning

Yawning is one of the most common signs of stress. A stress yawn will be more pronounced than a sleepy yawn.

Avoidance

A stressed dog will often turn away or shy away from us when they are stressed.

Shaking/shivering

Stress will frequently cause the dog to shiver or shake even though they may not be cold or wet.

Confusion

A dog will often present signs of confusion or abnormal behavior when stressed. Be cautious when interpreting this symptom as it can also be a sign of a seizure or diabetic hypoglycemia.

Whining or growling

Vocalization is very typical in a stressed out dog and is a sign of heightened anxiety.

Stretching

Stretching is the dog’s way of relaxing muscles tightened by a stressful situation.

While not an exhaustive list…

these are just a few of the signs that can help you recognize when your dog is stressed.

• Interpreting Dog Mood through its Behavior

Tail position is an important indicator of social standing and mental state of a dog.

There would be variations, of course, depending on the natural tail position of the dog:

• a West Highland white terrier will carry its carrot-shaped tail higher than
• a golden retriever its flowing, feathery tail, and
• a greyhound’s relaxed tail position is lower yet.

Intepreting Different Dog Tail Behavior

Almost horizontal, pointing away from the dog but not stiff

Interpreting as “Something interesting may be happening here.”

This is a sign of attention.

Straight out horizontally, pointing away from the dog

Interpreting as “Let’s establish who’s boss here.”

This is part of an initial challenge when meeting a stranger or an intruder.

Tail up, between the horizontal and vertical position

Interpreting as “I’m boss here.”

This is the sign of a dominant dog, or one who is asserting dominance,

Tail up and slightly curved over the back

Interpreting as “I’m top dog,”

It is the expression of a confident, dominant dog who feels in control.

Tail held lower than the horizontal but still some distance from the legs:

Interpreting as “I’m relaxed.”

All is well.

Tail down, near hind legs

This changes its meaning with the posture of the dog.

• If the legs are still straight and the tail slightly brushes back and forth, it means “I’m not feeling well” or “I’m a bit depressed.”
• If the legs are slightly bent inward, giving a slight downward slope to the back it means “I’m feeling a bit insecure,” especially in an unknown setting or situation.

Tail tucked between the legs

Interpreting as “I’m frightened!” or “Don’t hurt me!”

This is especially common in the presence of a dominant dog or person, when it can also mean, “I accept my lowly role in the pack, and I’m not trying to challenge you.

Bristling hair down the tail

• With the straight out it means “I’m ready to fight if you are!” and with the tail slightly up or
• over the back it means “I’m not afraid of you and will fight to prove I’m boss.”

The bristle in the dog’s tail is a sign of aggression. It may modify any tail position.

Crick or sharp bend in the tail when held high

This is more characteristic of the dogs that look like wolves, such as the German shepherds, and means much the same as the tail bristling. It is the precursor to possible aggression.

Broad tail wag

Interpreting as “I like you.”

This is often shown during play, when one dog seems to be attacking the other, pouncing, growling, and barking. The wagging tail serves as reassurance that this is all in fun. It also means “I’m pleased” in many contexts.

Slow tail wag with tail at half-mast

Interpreting as “I’m trying to understand you. I want to know what you mean, but I just can’t quite figure it out.”

When the dog finally solves the problem, the speed and size of the tail wags will usually markedly increase.

• Interpreting a Dog Behavior through its Body Language
• Interpreting Dog Mood through its Behavior