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WALNUT

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Tuesday, June 28, 2011 0 comments


Cardiovascular Benefits
No aspect of walnuts has been better evaluated in the research than their benefits for the heart and circulatory system. Some review studies have emphasized the very favorable impact of walnuts on "vascular reactivity," namely, the ability of our blood vessels to respond to various stimuli in a healthy manner. In order to respond to different stimuli in a healthy way, many aspects of our cardiovascular system must be functioning optimally. These aspects include: ample presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients, proper blood composition, correct balance in inflammation-regulating molecules, and proper composition and flexibility in our blood vessel walls. Researchers have determined the ability of walnuts to have a favorable impact on all of these aspects. The chart below summarizes some key research findings about walnuts and heart health:

Cardiovascular AspectWalnut Benefit
Blood Qualitydecreased LDL cholesterol; decreased total cholesterol; increased gamma-tocopherol; increased omega-3 fatty acids in red blood cells (alpha-linolenic acid)
Vasomotor Tonedecreased aortic endothelin; improved endothelial cell function
Risk of Excessive Clottingdecreased maximum platelet aggregation rate; decreased platelet activation
Risk of Excessive Inflammationdecreased C reactive protein (CRP); decreased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a)

Research on the blood pressure benefits of walnuts has been mixed. We suspect that these mixed results are related to the surprising differences in mineral composition amongst different varieties of walnuts. Researchers have long been aware of the relationship between healthy blood pressure and intake of specific minerals, including potassium, calcium, and magnesium. In multiple studies, these minerals have a much greater impact on blood pressure than the mineral sodium (familiar to most people in its sodium chloride form, i.e., everyday table salt). We've seen studies showing the following ranges for key blood pressure-regulating minerals in walnuts:

MineralNatural Range Found Amongst Different Walnut Varieties (milligrams per 100 grams)
Potassium375-500
Calcium13-91
Magnesium189-278

Even though there are valuable amounts of these blood pressure-regulating minerals in virtually all varieties of walnuts, the ranges above may help explain why some studies have shown statistically significant benefits from walnuts on blood pressure while others have not.
Not in question with respect to walnuts and cardiovascular support is their reliable omega-3 content. Adequate intake of omega-3s, including the alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) present in walnuts, has repeatedly been shown to help improve a wide variety of cardiovascular functions, including blood pressure. In at least one research study, adults have been able to significantly increase their blood level of ALA with as few as 4 walnuts per day.
Walnuts Help Reduce Problems in Metabolic Syndrome
In the United States, as many as 1 in 4 adults may be eligible for diagnosis with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). MetS isn't so much a "disease" as a constellation of problematic and overlapping metabolic problems including excessive blood fats (triglycerides), high blood pressure, inadequate HDL cholesterol, and obesity (as measured by waist circumference, and/or body mass index). Recent studies have shown that approximately one ounce of walnuts daily over a period of 2-3 months can help reduce several of these MetS-related problems. In addition, addition of walnuts to participant diets has also been shown to decrease "abdominal adiposity"—the technical term for the depositing of fat around the mid-section. Importantly, the MetS benefits of added walnuts have been achieved without causing weight gain in any the studies we've seen to date.
Benefits in Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
Although we think about type 2 diabetes as a problem primarily related to blood sugar control and insulin metabolism, persons diagnosed with type 2 diabetes typically have health problems in other related systems, and are at special risk for cardiovascular problems. An important part of the goal in designing a diet plan for persons with type 2 diabetes is lowering the risk of future cardiovascular problems. In this context, consumption of walnuts is establishing a more and more impressive research track record. Increased flexibility in the response of the cardiovascular system following meals has been a repeated finding in research on walnuts. A variety of different measurements on blood vessel functioning (including their measurement by ultrasound) show a relatively small amount of daily walnut intake (1-2 ounces) to provide significant benefits in this area for persons with type 2 diabetes. Better blood fat composition (including less LDL cholesterol and less total cholesterol) has also been demonstrated in persons with type 2 diabetes.
Anti-Cancer Benefits
Given the wide variety antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients found in walnuts, it's not surprising to see research on this tree nut showing measurable anti-cancer benefits. The antioxidant properties of walnuts help lower risk of chronic oxidative stress, and the anti-inflammatory properties help lower risk of chronic inflammation, and it is precisely these two types of risk, that, when combined, pose the greatest threat for cancer development. Prostate cancer and breast cancer are the best-studied types of cancer with respect to walnut intake, and their risk has been found to be reduced by fairly large amounts of walnut consumption. (Large in this case means approximately 3 ounces per day.) For prostate cancer, the evidence is somewhat stronger, and more studies have involved human subjects. For breast cancer, most of the evidence has been based on studies of rats and mice.
Other Health Benefits
The anti-inflammatory nutrients in walnuts may play a special role in support of bone health. A recent study has shown that large amounts of walnuts decrease blood levels of N-telopeptides of type 1 collagen (NTx). These collagen components provide a good indicator of bone turnover, and their decreased blood level in response to walnut intake is an indication of better bone stability and less mineral loss from the bone. "Large amounts" of walnuts (in this study, actually raw walnuts plus walnut oil) translated into 50% of total dietary fat. In an everyday diet that provided 2,000 calories and 30% of those calories from fat, this 50% standard for walnuts would mean about 67 grams of fat from walnuts or 4 ounces of this tree nut on a daily basis. While this amount is more than would most people would ordinarily consume, we expect the health benefits of walnuts for bone health to be demonstrated in future studies at substantially lower levels of intake.
Walnuts have also produced a good track record in the research as a desirable food for support of weight loss and for prevention of obesity. That finding often surprises people because they think of high-fat, high-calorie foods as a primary contributing factor to obesity and to weight gain. In general, overconsumption of high-fat, high-calorie foods is a primary contributing factor to obesity and weight gain. However, obesity has also been clearly identified by researchers as involving chronic, unwanted inflammation. As discussed earlier in this Health Benefits section and throughout this walnuts' profile, walnuts are unique in their collection of anti-inflammatory nutrients. These nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids; phytonutrients including tannins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids; quinones like juglone; and other anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. These anti-inflammatory benefits can overshadow the high-calorie and high-fat risk posed by walnuts, and that's exactly what they have done in an increasing number of research studies involving risk and/or treatment of obesity. While it is definitely possible to overconsume walnuts, most everyday diets could remain correctly balanced in terms of calories and fat while still including fairly generous amounts of walnuts (in the range of 1-3 ounces).
A limited (but increasing) number of studies have shown potential health benefits for walnuts in the area of memory and general thought processes (often referred to as "cognitive" processes). Thus far, most of the initial research in this area has involved rats and mice, but we expect to see cognitive benefits of walnuts for humans becoming a topic of increasing research interest.
A final fascinating aspect of walnuts and their potential health benefits involves melatonin (MLT). MLT is a widely-active messaging molecule in our nervous system, and very hormone-like in its regulatory properties. MLT is critical in the regulation of sleep, daily (circadian) rhythms, light-dark adjustment, and other processes. It has also been found to be naturally occurring within walnuts. Average melatonin (MLT) content of walnuts is approximately 3.6 nanograms (ng) per gram (g), or 102ng/ounce. Other commonly eaten foods - for example, cherries - have also been found to measurable amounts of MLT. Researchers are not yet sure how everyday intake of MLT from walnuts is involved in our health, but several study authors have hypothesized about the MLT in walnuts as playing an important role (along with other walnut nutrients) in the anti-cancer benefits of this unusual food.

SAFFRON

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Monday, June 27, 2011 0 comments

(NaturalNews) Saffron is a reddish-golden colored spice derived from the styles and stigmas of the flower of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus). Used primarily as a seasoning agent for cooking and a coloring agent, Saffron also has numerous health benefits that make it one of nature's most powerful herbs.

The saffron crocus is native to the Mediterranean and Western Asia. It has long been the most expensive spice in the world by weight, ten times more costly than vanilla. The reason saffron carries a hefty price tag is that its production is extremely labor intensive. It takes 80,000 crocus flowers to make only 500 grams of saffron after toasting. Despite its cost, many herbalists and natural health enthusiasts consider saffron's health benefits to be worth their weight in gold.

In ancient cultures, saffron was used to relieve stomach aches and kidney stones and was also used as an agent in improving the circulation of blood. Saffron's healing effects were also recognized in the US long ago and some grandmothers still mix a few sprigs of saffron in hot milk for their grandchildren to drink. Today, saffron is used for a wide variety of health conditions and many of its benefits have been validated by scientific studies.

Saffron contains a number of carotenoids which are believed to be largely responsible for a number of saffron's health benefits, including inhibiting skin tumors, improving arthritis and improving eye and vision health. In a recent trial, every participant who took saffron had vision improvements and researchers said the aromatic herb "may hold the key to preventing the loss of sight in the elderly". Notably, saffron has been reported to significantly help vision in the instance of cataracts.

Saffron also contains the compound "crocin", which scientists believe to be the primary compound responsible for recent study results which found saffron promotes learning, memory retention, and recall capacity. Based on the early study results, scientists believe that saffron might be useful in the treatment and management of age related mental impairment.

Among the multiple health benefits of saffron are the treatment of asthma, menstrual discomfort, depression, atherosclerosis, whooping cough, and many other health problems. Some studies have also indicated that saffron may also have anti-cancer properties as well.

The active constituents in saffron are also known to produce positive effects on people with neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, massaging the gums with saffron helps reduce soreness and inflammation of the mouth and the tongue.

Other health benefits of saffron are:

*Medical studies have shown that saffron helps in enhancing oxygen diffusivity in plasma and other liquids while improving pulmonary oxygenation.

*It also helps to lower the levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides.

*Saffron can be applied topically as a paste to relieve dryness and other skin conditions.

*Saffron has also been used in combination with other herbs as a remedy for insomnia, coughing, flatulence, indigestion, and baldness

Notes:

Due to the handsome prices it demands, there are many adulterated and fake products being dyed to imitate saffron. To determine whether or not what you have bought is fake or adulterated immerse a bit of the product in warm water or milk. If the liquid colors immediately, then the saffron is fake. Genuine saffron must soak in either warm water or milk for at least 10 to 15 minutes before its deep red-gold color and the saffron aroma begin to develop.

If used as a food additive, avoid using too much. Too much can give foods a bitter, medicinal taste.

Learn more:http://www.naturalnews.com/030763_saffron_spice.html#ixzz1QUwd2Fur

HOME REMEDIES FOR BACKPAIN

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Saturday, June 25, 2011 0 comments

backache is a common problem among a lot of people, not just the elderly and middle-aged people but also young people who work for long hours coupled with their busy lifestyle. The back bears most of the body weight and this problem is more pronounced among people who are overweight because in their case, they have to carry the extra load of their excess weight. 

The various causes for backache include poor posture, lack of exercise, too much stress, muscular tension, etc. Here are some home remedies to help you deal with this problem:

- If you are overweight, the first thing you should do is lose excess weight because then your back won't have to bear extra pressure.

- Massage your back with garlic oil and eucalyptus oil to seek relief from pain and inflammation.

- Drink a glass of warm water mixed with a tablespoon of honey to soothe backpain.

- Deficiency of vitamin C makes one prone to backache. Therefore, increase the vitamin C intake in your diet.

- Apply a towel that has been squeezed after being soaked in hot salted water, on the back. Application of heat in this way will provide relief.

- Do not sit in the same position for several hours. Also, sit straight and do not stoop. A poor posturewill only worsen your backpain.

WONDERS OF RADDISH.... HAPPY READING

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Friday, June 24, 2011 0 comments


Radishes for Cholesterol Reduction

Studies have shown that radish root could be effective in lowering cholesterol levels.
A study examined the beneficial effect of the black radish juice on some free radical reactions in rats fed with a diet rich in lipids (20% sunflower oil, 2% cholesterol, 0.5% cholic acid) in normal chow. Supplementation of the lipid-rich diet with black radish juice had a beneficial effect on Hyperlipidaemia (elevated levels of lipids, including cholesterol and triglycerides).

Radishes for Blood Pressure

Radishes are high in potassium which is helpful in regulating blood pressure. High blood pressure is positively associated with higher sodium intake and inversely associated with potassium, calcium, and magnesium intakes. Decrease of sodium and increase of potassium, calcium, and magnesium intakes, which are characteristic of the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), has an excellent blood pressure lowering effect. Salt restriction, alcohol moderation, weight loss, exercise, and a DASH diet can achieve decreases in systolic blood pressure of approximately 10 to 15 mm Hg when applied together. Decreased intakes of sodium alone, and increased intakes of potassium, calcium, and magnesium each alone decrease high blood pressure.

Radishes for Liver and Digestive Support

Black radish root has been used in folk medicine since antiquity as a natural drug for the stimulation of bile function.
Radishes contain a variety of sulfur-based chemicals that increase the flow of bile, thus helping to maintain a healthy gallbladder and liver and improving digestion.
Radish leaf extract is reported to be beneficial gastrointestinal activities, and is known worldwide for itslaxative properties.
The leaves of the radish are a well-known home remedy for jaundice, but as yet there is no research to confirm their effectiveness as a treatment for jaundice.

Radishes for Cancer Prevention

The radish belongs to the brassica group of vegetables, which include cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli. Numerous studies suggest that brassica vegetables are protective against cancers of the lungs and alimentary tract.
Brassica or cruciferous vegetables appear to reduce the risk of some cancers perhaps by preventing the formation of carcinogens in your body or by blocking cancer-causing substances from reaching or reacting with sensitive body tissues or by inhibiting the transformation of healthy cells to malignant ones.
Cruciferous vegetables all contain sulforaphane, a member of a family of chemicals known as isothiocyanates. In experiments with laboratory rats, sulforaphane appears to increase the body’s production of phase-2 enzymes, naturally occurring substances that inactivate and help eliminate carcinogens. At the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, 69 percent of the rats injected with a chemical known to cause mammary cancer developed tumors vs. only 26 percent of the rats given the carcinogenic chemical plus sulforaphane.
Cruciferous vegetables are the dietary source of glucosinolates, organic compounds that give brassica vegetables their flavor. The chemo preventive potential of radishes is partly due to their glucosinolates content, and a study in Italy has shown the Japanese daikon to demonstrate anti-cancer activity toward three human colon carcinoma cell lines

Glycemic Index of Radishes

In a study to determine the glycemic index (GI) of various vegetables, it was concluded that radishes have a low GI.

Adverse Reactions from Radishes

Cruciferous vegetables, including radishes, contain goitrin, thiocyanate, and isothiocyanate. These chemicals, known collectively as goitrogens, inhibit the formation of thyroid hormones and cause the thyroid to enlarge in an attempt to produce more. Goitrogens are not hazardous for healthy people who eat moderate amounts of cruciferous vegetables, but they may pose problems for people who have a thyroid disorder.

IS CUCUMBER GOOD FOR EYE ,SKIN AND HEALTH,LETS CHECKOUT THE DETAILS

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Wednesday, June 22, 2011 0 comments


Your skin has many other purposes other than being beautiful and serving as an eye candy for everyone. It protects our internal organs from any of the external adversities as far as possible.
First a little Information about Cucumbers
 
Types of cucumber include:
Dosakai - A cucumber that is yellow in color, has a round shape and is available in many parts of India. Commonly added in Chutney, Sambar or Soup, Daal and also in making Dosa-Aavakaaya (a type of Indian Pickle).
English cucumbers - Have very little in the way of seeds and can grow to around 2 feet in length.
Mediterranean cucumbers - Skins are smooth with nearly seedless flesh, they have a mild taste.
Japanese cucumbers or ky�ri - A dark green cucumber with a very bumpy skin. Mainly used for slicing, salads and pickling.
Cucumber is a very edible fruit which comes from the cucumber plant cucumis sativus, which is part of the gourd family. It is being used for different purpose as it can be eaten raw or cooked. With so many health benefits it becomes one of the most important parts of food diet as well as skin diet. In North America, the term "wild cucumber" refers to manroot.
Cucumber can claim to be a water body as it has 90% water. It is known to be a cooling agent due to the water in it.

Cucumber for Eyes
It is believed that cucumber helps in reducing swelling around the eyes or the big dark circles under your eyes. This is world-wide treatment which is being used to its maximum extent.Cucumbers are the most wonderful and natural eye pads you can find for yourself. The puffiness and the tiredness in your eyes may just leave you, if you do this in a relaxed fashion. These natural eye pads do wonders after a long days work.

Cucumber for SkinIf you want a happy skin, then cucumber is the answer. As cucumber and the skin share the same level of hydrogen, it becomes easier for cucumber to mask all the problem areas. It helps in soothing and softening your skin which can get you relaxed in no time.

With so many useful ingredients in cucumber it can help you in treating so many skin problems. It has become part of daily beauty product into face packs, facials, juice and many other things which can affect your skin.

Due to its cooling effect it can be termed as a magic wand for all your skin problems. The cleaning and cleansing property helps your skin tremendously making it soft and supple.

The regular intake of cucumber juice is very useful both internally and externally.

To have a healthy glowing and smooth skin use this recipe

Blend 4 - 5 leafs of fresh mint.
Peel and deseed the cucumber.
Add mint leaves to the cucumber to make a puree.
Beat egg white and keep it separate, then add this egg white to the cucumber mixture.

Apply this evenly on your face for 20 minutes and then rinse it with water and pat it dry.
Resource: compilation of  health article



KASTURI TURMERIC ,A HERB FOR SKIN

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Tuesday, June 21, 2011 1 comments

If waxing, stinky hair removing creams are worrying you everytime you want to get rid of the extra hairgrowth then let us tell you the natural way of erasing hairs. Turmeric, as everybody are aware is a good antiseptic and antibacterial agent but it is also a wonder herb that can cure many skin ailments like acne, hyperpigmentation, brightens skin, and fights free radical damage.

Kasturi Turmeric is a variety of turmeric that is aromatic and is one of the kinds not used for cooking. The special turmeric is the best medicine for various skin ailments. In India, particularly in south India, the special variety is used in various ayurvedic beauty products since centuries. Take a look at how Kasturi tumeric can be used for natural skin care and to get a glowing skin.

Kasturi Turmeric For Natural Skin Care -

1. Hair Removal: The herbal wonder can even reduce hairgrowth on arms, underarms, elbows and face if used everyday. Applying a thick paste of kasturi turmeric on arms and washing off when dry will result in reduction of hair growth.

2. Acne: Kasturi Turmeric is a wonder medicine for all types of acne. One of the best ways to avoid and cure acne is by making Kasturi Turmeric face pack. The powder can be mixed with water or milk to make a thick paste and applied on the affected area or the inflammed skin for at least a week. The paste gives a cooling effect to the skin gradually curing the scars and marks of the acne.

Herbal beauty product manufacturer called Banjara offers pure kasturi powder which can be mixed with sandal powder and fresh cream and applied all over the face for at least an hour to get a blemish free skin.

3. De-Tan: This special variety of turmeric also has de-tanning properties. The Blackened lips, pimple scars, irregularity in skin tone can be effectively cured with this yellow wonder. Drinking a teaspoon of turmeric everyday can even detoxify and cleanse the body.

4. Body Care: The powder can be mixed with castor oil or coconut oil and applied all over the body. Massaging with the mixture can cure dry skin problems, skin irritation etc.

The only disadvantage of this natural skin care product is that it leaves the yellow pigment on the area applied. However, the yellow color vanishes after washing the area with soap. The product by far is considered as the best organic skin care for glowing skin and according to ayurveda, it is an effective home hair removal cream.

EASY WAYS TO STOP AGEING!

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Monday, June 20, 2011 0 comments

The process of ageing cannot be stopped, but it can be delayed by a few years. We list the top age repellents ... 


Tea break 
Apart from being an excellent way to detoxify your body, drinking gallons of green tea can slow down the formation of wrinkles and dark circles. Green tea contains flavonoids that are known for their excellent anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic and enzyme altering activities. It acts as a natural antibiotic that helps in building immunity to keep minor ailments away.

Laugh out loud 
Laughter reduces the levels of stress hormone, cortisol, and releases health enhancing hormones such as endorphins. Lack of stress equals lack of stress lines and wrinkles. The best ways to ensure your daily dose of laughter are to stock your library with joke books, subscribe to a funny website, download a Russell Peters video or simply enroll at a laughter club.

Get a fruit facial 
But don't head to the beauty parlour yet! Make your own mask with the fruit of your choice. You could smear some papaya puree on your face. The enzymes from the fruit, known as papain, exfoliate dry skin and reduce melanin accumulation. Or rub a chopped strawberry that is infused with ample beta-carotene and vitamin A to help in collagen regeneration.

Bite on a berry 
Berries such as raspberry and cherry contain anthocyanins, a water soluble pigment, that protect us from many age monsters. Research has linked consumption of anthocyanins to prolonged good vision and improved blood circulation. Eating berries also retards the effect of ageing, particularly in the areas of memory loss and degrading motor skills.

W for Wrinkle, W for Water 
There may be a list of gels that vow to help you get rid of that ugly wrinkle, but the simplest way to deal with this devil, lies in your own kitchen. Water helps in digestion, absorption, transport of nutrients and elimination of the body's wastes. It detoxifies the body and improves skin's turgidity to keep wrinkles at bay.

Move your muscle 
Experts say engaging your body in strenuous muscle work can help you stay young for long. Involve yourself in daily chores such as cleaning the ceiling, carrying a heavy bucket, kneading dough, hammering a nail and the like. They help keep bone and muscle ailments such as arthritis at bay. At the gym, ask the instructor to draw up an exercise schedule that would help strengthen core muscles.

Go citrus shopping 
Our lifestyle needs more than an apple a day to keep the doctor away. Bite on some juicy oranges or sweet lime that come loaded with isoflavones. Isoflavones are known to reduce hot flashes in women and increase the bone mineral density. Citrus foods also retain the skin's freshness and glow by acting as sun blockers.

Gorge on sex foods 
Ageing leaves women to face more than mere wrinkles. With menopause comes lack of sex drive, weight gain and dryness of the vagina to name a few evils. Battle them by building a strong immunity with calcium enriched foods such as cheese, yogurt, banana and milk. Or gorge on the magical flaxseed and soy combo that is loaded with phytoestrogens.

Value your walks 
Doctors say walking is the best antidote to ageing. A brisk power walk every morning is a good way to keep your heart healthy. Walks strengthen the nervous system, which is bound to slow down with age.

It improves blood circulation and cleanses the lymph fluids to give you greater immunity. It also helps in delaying the physical signs of ageing such as pain in the joints. 

LAVENDER & LAVENDER OIL

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Sunday, June 19, 2011 0 comments


Lavender oil is extracted mostly from the flowers of lavender plant, primarily through steam distillation. The flowers of lavender are fragrant in nature and have been used for making potpourris since years.
Lavender essential oil has also been traditionally used in making perfumes. The oil is very useful in aromatherapy and many aromatic preparations are made using lavender oil. Lavender oil blends well with many other essential oils including cedarwood,pine, clary sage, geranium, and nutmeg. Today, lavender essential oil is used in various forms including aromatherapy oil, gels, infusion, lotion, and soaps.
The various health benefits of lavender essential oil include:
Nervous System: Lavender essential oil has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves. Therefore, it helps in treating migraines, headaches, anxiety, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. The refreshing aroma removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness and increases mental activity.
Sleep: Lavender essential oil induces sleep and hence it is often recommended for insomnia.
Pain Relief: Lavender essential oil is also an excellent remedy for various types of pains including those caused by sore muscles, tense muscles, muscular aches, rheumatism, sprains, backache and lumbago. A regular massage with lavender oil provides relief from pain in the joints.
Urine Flow: Lavender essential oil is good for urinary disorders as it stimulates urine production. It helps in restoring hormonal balance and reduces cystitis or inflammation of the urinary bladder. It also reduces any associated cramps.
Respiratory Disorders: Lavender oil is extensively used for various respiratory problems including throat infections, flu, cough, cold,asthma, sinus congestion, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, and tonsillitis. The oil is either used in the form of vapor or applied on the skin of neck, chest and back. It is also added in many vaporizers and inhalers used for cold and coughs.
Hair Care: Lavender essential oil is useful for the hair care as it can be very effective on lice and lice eggs or nits.
Blood Circulation: Lavender essential oil is also good for improving blood circulation in the body. It also lowers blood pressure and is used for hypertension.
Digestion: Lavender oil is useful for digestion as it increases the mobility of the intestine. The oil also stimulates the production of gastric juices and bile and thus aids in treating indigestion, stomach pain, colic, flatulence, vomiting and diarrhea.
Immunity: Regular use of lavender essential oil provides resistance to diseases.
Skin Care: The health benefits of lavender oil for the skin can be attributed to its antiseptic and antifungal properties.It is used to treat various skin disorders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, and other inflammations. It heals wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburns rapidly as it aids in the formation of scar tissues. Lavender oil is added to chamomile to treat eczema.
Other health benefits of lavender essential oil include its ability to treat leucorrhoea. It is also effective against insect bites. The oil is also used to repel mosquitoes and moths. You will find many mosquito repellents containing lavender oil as one of the ingredients.
As with many other essential oils, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using lavender essential oil. It is also recommended that diabetics stay away from lavender oil. It may also cause allergic reactions to people having sensitive skin. Some people may also witness nausea, vomiting and headaches due to usage of lavender oil.

PARSLEY

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Saturday, June 18, 2011 0 comments


Parsley is easy to grow in almost any little corner of your garden or a flower pot - why ever be without it? It is a bi-annual, which means it will grow the first year and die back when the frost arrives. The seeds can be sown as early as February, but then it takes much longer to germinate. Most people wait until April or May to get the largest amount of plant material for late-summer gathering. Planting in July gives you a late fall crop.
Parsley prefers to be planted in moist, humus rich soil and partial shade.
Parsley is an amazing medicinal herb, is delightful to the taste and agreeable to the stomach.  It is a very versatile plant to aid the body in regaining health. The root contains calcium, B-complex vitamins, and iron, all of which nourish the glands that help regulate the uptake of calcium. It is a source of both magnesium and calcium, and especially potassium.
Parsley is high in vitamin A, beta-carotene and vitamin C.  As a wholesome organic-food it is also a good choice for bone health with vitamin K (536 mg in an average serving).
Traditionally. parsley has been used for congestion and inflammation of the kidneys and bladder, gravel, stones, and urine retention. The root and leaves are excellent for the liver and spleen. It is also one of the best reliefs for edema, helping when other remedies have failed; parsley is a very reliable diuretic remedy often ignored today. Parsley root and seeds contain ingredients that help produce a pain relieving benefit to relax stiff joints. 
Many people use parsley root tea to make stiff and unmanageable fingers work again. Pour a quart of boiling water over a cup of firmly packed fresh parsley and steep for 15 minutes.  Strain and then refrigerate.
Parsley works on the gall bladder and will remove gallstones if used properly by taking a pint of the tea daily.  Parsley is a specific for the adrenal glands, is powerfully therapeutic for the optic nerves, the brain and the sympathetic nervous system.
Parsley juice is an excellent tonic for the blood vessels, particularly the capillaries and arterioles. But remember that raw parsley juice is a most potent juice and should never be taken alone in quantities of more than one or two ounces at a time unless it is mixed into a sufficient quantity of carrot or other juices.  Parsley can help with expelling watery poisons, excess mucus, flatulence (gas), and reducing swollen or enlarged glands.
The usual remedy for kidney, bladder, and edema is to make at least two quarts of a strong parsley tea and drink copiously.  If the urine is suppressed, drink one half to one teacupful, hot, every hour.

SPROUTED PULSES

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Friday, June 17, 2011 2 comments


Hence the nutritional value of sprouted and dried mung beans can be compared by multiplying there is an amazing increase in nutrients in sprouted foods when compared to their dried embryo. In the process of sprouting, the vitamins, minerals and protein increase substantially with corresponding decrease in calories and carbohydrate content. These comparisons are based on an equivalent water content in the foods measured. Analysis of dried seeds, grains and legumes shows a very low water content. But this increases upto tenfold when the same food is converted into sprouts. For accurate comparison each must be brought to a common denomination of equal water content to assess the exact change brought in nutritional value. The analyzed nutrients of sprouted mung beans by the factor of 8.3. Based on this criterion, the Sprouted mung beans, for instance, have 8.3 increase of water content over dried beans. Changes found in sprouted mung beans when compared with the figures for the beans in the dried state are as follows:


Energy content - calories Decrease 15 percent
Total carbohydrate content Decrease 15 percent
Protein availability Increase 30 percent
Calcium content Increase 34 percent
Potassium content Increase 80 percent
Sodium content Increase 690 percent
Iron content Increase 40 percent
Phosphorous content Increase 56 percent
Vitamin A content Increase 285 percent
Thiamine or Vitamin B1 content Increase 208 percent
Riboflavin or Vitamin B2 content Increase 515 percent
Niacin or Vitamin B3 content Increase 256 percent
Ascorbic acid or Vitamin C content An infinite increase

The increase in protein availability is of great significance. It is a valuable indicator of the enhanced nutritional value of a food when sprouted. The simultaneous reduction in carbohydrate content indicates that many carbohydrate molecules are broken down during sprouting to allow an absorption of atmospheric nitrogen and reforming into amino-acids. The resultant protein is the most easily digestible of all proteins available in foods.
The remarkable increase in sodium content supports the view that sprouted foods offer nutritional qualities. Sodium is essential to the digestive process within the gastro-intestinal tract and also to the elimination of carbon dioxide. Together with the remarkable increase in vitamins, sodium materially contributes to the easy digestibility of sprouts. Dried seeds, grains and legumes do not contain discernible traces of ascorbic acid, yet when sprouted, they reveal quite significant quantities which are important in the body's ability to metabolise proteins. The infinite increase in ascorbic acid derives from their absorption of atmospheric elements during growth.
Sprouts have several other benefits. They supply food in predigested form, that is, the food which has already been acted upon by the enzymes and made to digest easily. During sprouting, much of the starch is broken down into simple sugars such as glucose and sucrose by the action of the enzyme 'amylase'. Proteins are converted into amino acids and amides. Fats and oils are converted into more simple fatty acids by the action of the enzyme lipase. During sprouting, the beans lose their objectionable gas producing quality. Research has shown that oligosaccharides are responsible for gas formation. For maintenance of health, some amount of gas production is necessary but it should be within safe limits. As the process of germination ends and sprouting begins, the percentage of oligosaccharides is reduced by 90. Sprouts contain a lot of fibre and water and, therefore, are helpful in overcoming constipation.
Sprouts are an extremely inexpensive method of obtaining a concentration of vitamins, minerals and enzymes. They have in them all the constituent nutrients of fruits and vegetables and are 'live' foods. Eating sprouts is the safest and best way of getting the advantage of both fruits and vegetables without contamination and harmful insecticides.
It should, however, be ensured that seeds and dried beans are purchased from a store where they are fresh, unsprayed and packaged as food. Seeds that are packaged for planting purposes may contain mercury compounds or other toxic chemicals.



FEW POINTS TO BARE IN MIND TO AVOID HEART ATTACK

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Thursday, June 16, 2011 1 comments

As the mercury dips, doctors warn that heart patients are at double the risk of suffering a cardiac attack as compared to summer.
Though winters see lesser diseases linked to breeding of bacteria and viruses, the fall in temperature poses an additional risk for those suffering from heart problems or high blood pressure.

'The risk of having a heart attack during the winter months are twice as high as in summer. And a heart attack in the winter is also more likely to be a fatal one than at any other time of year,' Praveen Chandra, chairman, interventional cardiology, at Gurgaon's Medanta Medicity, told IANS.

Sunil Kaushal of Fortis Escorts Heart Institute said: 'In winters, the peripheral blood vessels under skin constrict as an effect of the cold. This reduces the area of blood flow, resulting in higher pressure on heart to pump blood.' 

'The metabolism of body is also high, so is the oxygen need, cumulatively increasing the pressure on heart,' he said.

'The heart is working against a heavy load, if the pressure in summer is 80 by 100, it may rise up to 140 by 150 in winter,' he said. 

'When the weather is cold, your heart must also work harder to maintain body heat and your arteries tighten, which restricts the blood flow and reduces the oxygen supply to your heart,' he said. 

'All these factors can trigger a heart attack, especially in the elderly or those with existing heart disease,' explained Chandra.

Doctors add that lack of sunlight is another influential reason which explains why heart attacks occur more often during winter. 

'It's a fact that less daylight in the winter can worsen mood problems, increase depression risk, and can also affect the heart,' said Atul Mathur, director, interventional cardiology, Escorts Hospital.

'Studies have looked at heart attack patients and found they have lower levels of vitamin D than healthy people,' he said.

Flu is another factor which increases heart attack risk. 'The flu is another culprit responsible for the winter surge in heart attacks,' Chandra said.

According to doctors, some basic precautions, like avoiding dehydration, can reduce the risk.

'Drink 10 glasses of water to keep dehydration at bay. Too much alcohol and high calorie food should also be avoided,' Mathur told IANS. 

'The body needs to be conditioned physically, mentally and medically to fight cold. Patients should not get exposed to cold conditions and the risks and precautions should be clear to prepare the patient,' said Kaushal.

'A patient should remain in touch with a doctor so that any change in blood pressure and other body conditions is noticed,' he said. 

While some doctors suggest light exercise, Mathur warned that too much of exercise may be harmful.

'If someone is not in the habit of exercising, they must not start exercise suddenly. For those suffering with very high blood pressure, very early morning walks must be avoided,' said Mathur.

'If you are diabetic, hypertensive or elderly, get an influenza shot to lower the chances of heart attack. Do keep your blood pressure in check. In case you experience giddiness or heaviness consult a doctor,' Mathur said.

London: Beetroot juice could energise the elderly to lead more active lives, says a new study.In tests, they required less energy to carry out low-intensity exercises after drinking the juice. The amount of effort it took to walk was reduced by 12 percent.

This could allow the elderly to carry out tasks they might not otherwise attempt, said the researchers from the Exeter University, Britain, reports the Journal of Applied Physiology.

Beetroot juice widens blood vessels and reduces the amount of oxygen needed by muscles during activity, according to the Daily Mail.

As people age, or if they develop conditions that affect the cardiovascular system, the amount of oxygen taken in during exercise can drop dramatically. 

Katie Lansley from the Exeter University said: 'What we've seen in this study is that beetroot juice can actually reduce the amount of oxygen you need to perform even low-intensity exercise.'

A team from Exeter and the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry gave subjects normal beetroot juice or juice with the nitrates removed.

Andy Jones from Exeter said: 'Each time the normal, nitrate-rich juice was used, we saw a marked improvement in performance which wasn't there with the filtered juice - so we know the nitrate is the active ingredient.'

AMAZING FACTS ABOUT YAM

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Tuesday, June 14, 2011 1 comments

Yams are members of the Dioscoreae family. Depending upon the yam variety, of which there are about 200, its flesh may be of varying colours including white, ivory, yellow or purple while its thick skin may either be white, pink or brownish-black. Their shape is long and cylindrical (oftentimes having offshoots referred to as "toes") while their exterior texture is rough and scaly. Yams have a very starchy and slippery texture and when cooked, will either be creamy or firm, depending upon the variety. Their taste is earthy and hardy, with most varieties having minimal, if any, sweetness. Specific types of yams include Dioscorea alata (Hawaiian yam), Dioscorea batatas (Korean yam) and Dioscorea esculenta (sweet yam). Protection against Cardiovascular Disease Yams are a good source of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is needed by the body to break down a substance called homocysteine, which can directly damage blood vessel walls. Individuals who suffer a heart attack despite having normal or even low cholesterol levels are often found to have high levels of homocysteine. Since high homocysteine levels are significantly associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke, having a good supply of vitamin B6 on hand makes a great deal of sense. High intakes of vitamin B6 have also been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.


Yams are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps to control blood pressure. Since many people not only do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, but also consume high amounts of sodium as salt is frequently added to processed foods, they may be deficient in potassium. Low intake of potassium-rich foods, especially when coupled with a high intake of sodium, can lead to hypertension.

In the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) study, one group ate servings of fruits and vegetables in place of snacks and sweets, and also ate low-fat dairy food. This diet delivered more potassium, magnesium and calcium. Another group ate a "usual" diet low in fruits and vegetables with a fat content like that found in the average American Diet. After eight weeks, the group that ate the enhanced diet lowered their blood pressure by an average of 5.5 points (systolic) over 3.0 points (diastolic). Dioscorin, a storage protein contained in yam, may also be of benefit to certain individuals with hypertension.

Preliminary research suggests that dioscorin c can inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme, which would therefore lead to increased kidney blood flow and reduced blood pressure.

A Look at Yam, Diosgenin, and Menopausal Symptoms

Many consumers have found products in the marketplace that promote wild yam or wild yam extracts as substances that can help provide a natural alternative to hormonal replacement in women who have reached the age of menopause. Many of these products are provided in the form of creams that can be topically applied.

Even though the food itself is not usually promoted by natural products companies, these yam-containing products have sparked interest in the relationship between yam and menopause.

Yams do contain some unique substances called steroidal ponins, and among these substances are chemicals called diosgenins. Because of similarities between diosgenin and progesterone, questions were initially raised about the ability of our body to convert diosgenin into progesterone, but research has shown that the answer here is clearly no. Diosgenin does, however, have an impact on hormonal patterns in studies involving animals, and may be helpful in lowering risk of osteoporosis, although we don't as yet have any human studies in this area.

Wild yam also has some history of traditional use in herbal medicine, especially Chinese herbal medicine, as a botanical that can affect organ system function. While the focus here has been on kidney function, wild yam (or Chinese yam) has also been used to support the female endocrine system.

For example, there has been traditional use of this root in conjunction with lactation. We've only seen one high-quality, peer-reviewed research study in which women were actually given wild yam (in the form of a topical cream) to determine the impact of this plant on menopausal symptoms. Although this research showed some very limited benefits from the wild yam cream-and no side effects-none of the symptom changes were statistically significant.

In summary, we'd say that there's no research evidence to support the claim that yam has special benefits when it comes to menopause, but that more research is needed in this area because there is a clear connection between yam, diosgenin, and endocrine function that is not yet understood.

Blood Sugar and Weight Control Yams' complex carbohydrates and fibre deliver the goods gradually, slowing the rate at which their sugars are released and absorbed into the bloodstream. In addition, because they're rich in fibre, yams fill you up without filling out your hips and waistline. And one more benefit, yams are a good source of manganese, a trace mineral that helps with carbohydrate metabolism and is a cofactor in a number of enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant defences. You've just got to hand it to Mother Nature; when she brings forth a food, she makes sure it integrates everything needed to 

contribute to your health and vitality.
Read more:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrZEnpHdx1w
Detailed compilation by Elizebath

ALM0NDS CAN PREVENT DIABETES AND HEART DISEASE

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Monday, June 13, 2011 3 comments

London : Eating almonds can prevent diabetes and heart disease.

Researchers have found that eating nuts regularly may help treat type 2 diabetes, accounting for 90-95 percent of all cases.

It could also tackle cardiovascular disease, the Journal of the American College of Nutrition reports.

Diabetics have a shortage of insulin or a decreased ability to use the hormone that allows glucose to enter cells and convert to energy, according to the Daily Mail.

When diabetes is not controlled, glucose and fats remain in the blood and over time damage vital organs.

The study, conducted at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, looked at the effects of consuming an almond-enriched diet on 65 adults with pre-diabetes.

The group on the almond-enriched diet showed greater improvements in insulin sensitivity and significant reductions in LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol) compared with the nut-free group.

Lead researcher Michelle Wien said: 'It is promising for those with risk factors for chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, that dietary changes may help to improve factors that play a potential role in the disease development.'

Reference: Press release article

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