POMEGRANATES & IT'S BENEFITS...

With each passing day pomegranates have very become popular among the health concious crowd coz of its many long term benefits which are getting disclosed slowly.

Pomegranates grow wild from Iran to northern India, but they are cultivated throughout India, the Middle East, southern Europe and California. Scientists in Israel have been conducting research on the health benefits of pomegranates and pomegranate juice for years, and now others have joined in.

Pomegranate juice, be it fresh or extracted, contains vitamin C, folic acid, and numerous polyphenols (antioxidants). These antioxidants are one of the biggest reasons pomegranates are hyped as super healthy fruits.These antitoxidants are effective on various diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, heart problems, aging, arthritis and it also helps in protecting unborn babies from brain injuries.

-Fights Breast Cancer

Studies in Israel show that pomegranate juice destroys breast cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. It may also prevent breast cancer cells from forming.

-Lung Cancer Prevention

Studies in mice show that pomegranate juice may inhibit the development of lung cancer.

-Slows Prostate Cancer

It slowed the growth of prostate cancer in mice.

-Keeps PSA Levels Stable

In a study of 50 men who had undergone treatment for prostate cancer, 8 ounces of pomegranate juice per day kept PSA levels stable, reducing the need for further treatment such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy.

-Protects the Neonatal Brain

Studies show that maternal consumption of pomegranate juice may protect the neonatal brain from damage after injury.

-Prevention of Osteoarthritis

Several studies indicate that pomegranate juice may prevent cartilage deterioration.

-Protects the Arteries

It prevents plaque from building up in the arteries and may reverse previous plaque buildup.

-Lowers Cholesterol

It lowers LDL (bad cholesterol) and raises HDL (good cholesterol).

-Lowers Blood Pressure

One study showed that drinking 1.7 ounces of pomegranate juice per day lowered systolic blood pressure by as much as 5 percent.

-Dental Protection

Research suggests that drinking pomegranate juice may be a natural way to prevent dental plaque

ASAFOETIDA...THE FOOD OF GODS

FERULA ASAFOETIDA

A native of Iran and Afganisthan is also known as the devil's dung. It has been used in India in abundance for cooking food.Asafoetida is known for its medicinal properties from ages and has being in use as a medicine in India,China and Far East since a long time.

-Asafoetida is a good anti-inflammatory and an anti-oxidant agent which helps in relieving various stomach related disorders along with aiding in the whole process of digestion
-It can also help in preventing cancer and sexually transmitted diseases.
-Respiratory disorders :-
It is used in treatment of respiratory disorders like whooping cough,asthama,bronchitis.

-Hysteria :-
The herb is an excellent medicine of hysteria. Inhalation of this herb prevents hysterical attacks.
-Asafetida is primarily known for its effective effect in relieving stomach problems caused by gas and acidity. A pinch of asafetida in a glass of water helps in the effective relieving of the problem of bloating.

-It can also be used as an effective remedy for the treatment of internal worms, flatulence and digestive weakness.

-The herbal oil of asafetida plant can be used to treat the problem of high cholesterol in people
The various benefits and medicinal value of Asafoetida makes it an invaluable herb which can help in maintaining the overall health of the person.

SPROUTS FOR HEALTH....

SPROUTS

Sprouts are the only vegetables which gain vitamins even after harvesting them....The most complete and nutritional of all foods that exist.Sprouts are LIVING foods

Sprouts can grow in any climate,the only competitor for the nutrition provided by meat and the most important thing cost friendly.. I think no other vegetable has so many benefits..all in one package.

$ The beneficial changes provided by sprouts are :-

- the starch converts to simple sugars
- the protein provides amino acids
- the fats break down into essential fatty acids
- minerals chelate or merge with protein in a way that increases their function.

$ Sprouts are a powerful source of antioxidants in the form of vitamins, minerals and enzymes, which assist in protecting the body from free radical damage.

$ Raw foods contain oxygen, and sprouts have an abundance of this element.

$ Sprouts are alkaline and have an alkalising affect in the body

$ Sprouts are one of the highest food sources of fibre, essential for good health

$ Chlorophyll-rich foods are our most powerful blood cleansers and blood builders.

$ Sprouts have a generous supply of vitamins . In fact the vitamin content of some seeds can increase from 100% to 2000% in several days of sprouting.

$ The formula for multi-vitamin B and C is hydrogen, oxygen and carbon, together with the life-force and elements in the seeds, this creates a complex carbohydrate, and nutrients are formed.


$ Advantages of sprouts over meat....
~sprouts take less time to digest than meat;
~sprouts are living food; meat is lifeless;
~sprouts are alkaline; meat is acidic;
~sprouts can cut the cost of living; meat is a highly priced item;
~sprouts have no additives; meat may have hormones and chemicals from farming practices;
~sprouts have zero cholesterol, compared to many meats;
~sprouts are a source of oxygen; all cooked foods lack oxygen (meat does however, build red blood cells, which carry 02 molecules);

It wouldn't be inconceivable to find a fountain of youth here, after all, sprouts represent the miracle of birth.

FENUGREEK- BITTER YET HEALTHY

FENUGREEK

Fenugreek a native of Mediterranean Ukraine, India and China. The medicinal use of fenugreek seed was first mentioned 3500 years ago in the Egyptian Ebers Papyri. The seed is commonly used in Arabian, Greek and Indian medicinal traditions.
Fenugreek has double benefits as the seeds as well as the leaves both are beneficial for us.
The active constituents in fenugreek are alkaloids, lysine and L-tryptophan. It also contains steroidal saponins (diosgenin, yamogenin, tigogenin, and neotigogenin) and mucilaginous fiber which are believed to be responsible for many of the beneficial effects fenugreek exhibits.
Some of the benefits of Fenugreek are listed below :-

• Diabetes :- Fenugreek is considered to be very helpful for diabetes patient.The glucose regulating, anti-diabetic properties of fenugreek seed are linked to a novel free amino acid, 4 hydroxyisoleucine. This compound stimulates insulin secretion, thereby limiting the extent to which blood glucose is elevated. 4 hydroxyisoleucine promotes insulin secretion and inhibits the rise of blood glucose, thus helping to stabilize blood sugar and reduce body fat production. In one human study, 15 grams of fenugreek daily significantly reduced glucose levels after meals.
• Control Cholestrol :- Studies have proved that consumption of Fenugreek helps control your cholestrol level. It reduces your LDL ie low density Lipoprotein.
• Releif from Constipation :- Fenugreek contains a substantial amount of mucilaginous fiber. The mucilage found in fenugreek does not dissolve but instead swells when mixed with fluids. Since the body cannot digest the mucilage from fenugreek it is believed to be an effective laxative.
• Women health :-Historically, fenugreek was used for a variety of health conditions, including menopausal symptoms and good for breast feeding mothers. It was also used for inducing childbirth.
• Prevents Cancer :-Fenugreek possesses anticarcinogenic potential. So it is helpful in preventing cancer.
• Skin treatment :-As an external application fenugreek may sooth irritated skin and relieve surface aches and pains.

HEALTHY NUTS

WALNUTS - THE HEALTHY NUTS

Walnuts a delicious way to add nutrition and flavor to your maels.This nut is available round the year. It is a huge store of Omega acids,very much essential for our body.

- Omega-3 fatty acids :-

Ample of scientific evidences are there to prove that omega-3s lower cholesterol, protect the heart, protect against some cancers and help ease symptoms of inflammatory diseases like arthritis.

Polyunsaturated fats, like you find in walnuts, are high in essential fatty acids. These are called essential because you must get them from your diet. As an added bonus, fat makes food taste good. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in cold water fish, such as salmon, as well as in plant foods including walnuts, leafy greens, soybeans and flaxseed.

- Ellagic and gallic acid :-

Supports the immune system and appears to have several anti-cancer properties. Monounsaturated fats - has favorable effects on high cholesterol levels and other cardiovascular risk factors.

-Alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) :-

Lowers levels of C-reactive protein, increases levels of protective omega-3s.

- Manganese and Copper :-

Are two minerals that are essential cofactors in a number of enzymes important in antioxidant defense

- Increases the elasticity of arteries

-Provides antioxidant protection

-Helps prevent gallstones

-Eating Nuts Lowers Risk of Weight Gain :-
Although nuts are known to provide a variety of cardio-protective benefits, many avoid them for fear of weight gain. A prospective study published in the journal Obesity shows such fears are groundless. In fact, people who eat nuts at least twice a week are much less likely to gain weight than those who almost never eat nuts.

CARROTS

BENEFITS OF CARROTS

Since childhood we have heard our mothers sayinf that if you want good eye-sight eat carrots. Carrots of Asian origin are rich with beta-carotene or Vitamin A,which enhances eye-sight. Other than Vitamin A carros also have other medicinal properties which are not known to everybody.

-The beta-carotene in carrots is an anti-oxident.combating the free radicals that contribute to conditions like cancer, heart disease, and macular degeneration.
- Carrots prevent Cancer
- Carrots consumed daily reduces cholestrol and controls blood pressure.
- Carrot is good for blood sugar regulation because of the presence of carotenoids in carrot. Carotenoids inversely affect insulin resistance and thus lower blood sugar.

- Carrots have antiseptic qualities and therefore, can be used as laxative, vermicide and as remedy for liver conditions. Carrot oil is good for dry skin. It makes the skin softer, smoother and firmer. Carrot juice improves stomach and gastrointestinal health.

Nutritional values of Carrots :-

1. Calories - 27
2. Fat <1>
3. Saturated Fat - 0 g
4. Cholesterol - 0 mg
5. Carbohydrate - 6 g
6. Protein - 1 g
7. Dietary Fiber - 2 g
8. Sodium - 45 mg
9. Vitamin A - 13,418 IU
10. Vitamin B6 - <1>
11. Manganese - <1>
12. Potassium - 183 mg
13. Carotenoids - 10,138 micrograms

Chocolate: luscious, lumpy. load of love......

CHOCOLATES

A chocolate has been one of the most popular treats in the world for centuries. It's really difficult to find a person who is not fond of eating chocolates. Everybody is crazy about chocolates due to its mouth-watering taste and fascinating appearance. Kids cannot control their temptation about chocolates and many parents experience that kids can be stopped from crying with a gift of chocolate. As chocolate is available in different attractive colors, shapes and sizes, it has gained extreme popularity all over the world and it has become integral part of any kind of celebration.

It’s great news for chocolate-lovers that eating chocolates can be advantageous for health. Now you need not prevent yourself from eating chocolates, as there are numerous health benefits of chocolates.

• It consists of vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E as well as iron, calcium and potassium.


• Phosphorus is important for teeth and bone formation in children. . In combination with calcium, it helps to keep the bone healthy and strong


• Magnesium can maintain normal functioning of muscles and nerves. It is beneficial for strong bones and healthy immune system.


• Flavonoids in chocolate possess antioxidant properties, which offers wonderful health benefits such as reduced cancer risk


• Serotonin present in chocolate acts as anti-depressant. It can increase happiness and alertness and many experience pain reducing benefit


• Caffeine, theobromine, phenylamine and tyramine found in chocolate can decrease fatigue and offer extra boost


• Good news for health conscious people is that some fats in chocolate don’t impact cholesterol. Three types of fats are found in chocolate such as oleic acid, which is healthy monosaturated fat, stearic acid and palmitic acid. Out of them, only palmitic acid can be bad for your health.

Chocolate causes certain endocrine glands to secrete hormones that affect your feelings and behavior by making you happy. Therefore, it counteracts depression, in turn reducing the stress of depression. Your stress-free life helps you maintain a youthful disposition, both physically and mentally. So, eat lots of chocolate!

OATS THE GATES TO HEALTH

OATS

The origin of Oats goes back to the fifth century B.C, Hypocraites the father of healing arts has written about Oats and its benefits.
Oats are now-a-days becoming popular among health concious people. . In the form of oatmeal they are rich not only in carbohydrates, 67 percent, but also in protein, 16 percent; fat, 7 percent; minerals, 2 percent, and the rest moisture or water. All told, a pound of oatmeal contains 1,850 calories. It follows that a judicious use of oatmeal can cut down on the use of more costly foods.


Benefits of Oats :-

• Eating oat regularly will lower your blood cholesterol level
• A very good anti-depressant. It will make you calm and releive you from depression.
• Oats also prevent bowel cancer because of its high fibre content.
• Having oats can cure constipation.
• Oats also help in lowering chances of heart-disease
• A godown of vitamin B1
• On a per gram basis, oats contain a higher concentration of protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, thiamin, folacin and Vitamin E than any other unfortified whole grain, such as wheat, barley, corn or rice.
• Oats contain one of the best amino acid profiles of all grains. Amino acids are essential proteins that help facilitate optimum functioning of the body.
• Oats are naturally low in fat. Researchers agree that nearly everyone – men and women of all ages and races – benefits from eating a low-fat diet.

The best way to include Oats in your day-to-day diet is to have it at breakfast...

HEALTHY GINGER

GINGER

Ginger the root has its root in the history for more than 25oo years. Researchers state that this herb was first found in South-east Asia.

Ginger has long been known as a very healthy food. It has anti-cancer properties and is recognised as healthy by both modern and ancient systems of medicine.

Now let us see what the root has in it that it has become so very popular in medical books.

The health benefits of ginger come from chemicals called volatile oils, specifically gingerols and shogaols, that also give ginger its spicy, pungent taste. Those oils stimulate your body to produce more digestive juices and help neutralize the stomach acids that cause cramping, nausea and diarrhea. Ginger is also a natural decongestant and antihistamine, which makes it a natural treatment for head colds.

Some other health benefits of Ginger are stated below :-

· Ginger Root tea / capsule is beneficial in suppressing nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.
· Ginger is better in preventing postoperative nausea than the often used injections of the tranquilizer metoclopramide.
· Helps lower cholesterol
· Helps in anti motion sickness
· Helps in rheumatism - is can also be use to cover the affected area with crushed and heated gingerroot. The natural warming agent of ginger root can bring an immediate relief on rheumatic attack.
· Helps prevent morning sickness nausea and vomiting during an early stage of pregnancy.
· Ginger is effective against hyperemesis gravidarum ( a severe type of nausea and vomiting related pregnancy). In the study there is no harm on fetus found in the use of ginger. But it is still recommended to consult your herbal doctor.

The great thing about ginger that allows it to be so potent is that it is the one natural ingredient that does not cause any known side effects. This is because it does not have the tendency to interact negatively with other drugs present in the body. In a sense, this makes ginger pretty safe to use for natural medicinal purposes.

So now I guess that after reading this article you have ample of reasons to start eating more Ginger.

But a few cautions are in order. Since ginger helps thin the blood, don’t take it prior to surgery. Ginger may interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and dietary iron, and may actually cause an upset stomach if too much is taken. Those taking blood thinners, barbiturates, beta-blockers, insulin or diabetes medications should consult their doctor about ginger since it could conflict with these medicines. Ginger may stimulate uterine contractions so pregnant women should be careful how much ginger they ingest.