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.

EXPLORING HEALTH BENEFITS OF GINGER

GINGER - THE MEDICINAL ROOT

Ginger has long been renowned for its use in cooking and for its aromatic smell, but did you know that there are also many health benefits of ginger root such as curing nausea and helping with digestion.

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

Other Benefits of ginger are :-

# Danish researchers found that ginger can block the effects of prostaglandin - a substance that cause inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain and can lead to migraines.

# Ginger was found to be effective for relieving the severity of nausea even in cases of pregnancy.

# Respiratory infections - it is well known for its warming action on the upper respiratory tract, so it has been used to treat colds and flu.

# It has been found to be effective in cramps caused by stomach gas. Ginger also stimulates digestion.

# It has a wholesome effect on the circulatory system as it makes the platelets less sticky and is of great benefit in case of circulatory disorders.

# As a mood enhancer, ginger's cineole content may help contribute to stress relief.

# It is a great mouth freshener and ginger tea has vastly refreshing properties.

# Ginger may ward off the temporary unpleasant effects of alcohol i.e., healthy hangover relief!

# Ginger dates back to the Middle Ages, when women presented the treat as a favor to knights going into battle. The gingerbread was elaborately and ornately decorated, sometimes even with gold leaf!