Showing posts with label healthy eating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy eating. Show all posts

This Is What Happens 3 Hours After Eating Baked Pineapple

Pineapple is a fruit very rich in antioxidants and nutrients beneficial to the human body. Pineapple is usually consumed raw, in juices, shakes, and salads. But it can also be used in other ways, for example, roasted, baked, in infusions, etc.

Many scientific studies have been done on the pineapple, to check all the benefits that this contributes. It is attributed many properties among which the properties to lose weight.

Pineapple juices are very popularly used in diets for weight loss, and more in this century, that there is a very high rate of overweight, and where many people seek to lose weight each day.

HOW TO PREPARE THE PINEAPPLE IN THE OVEN?
Baked pineapple has an extensive list of health benefits, and can be considered the only dessert that has properties to lose weight.

Ingredients:
- An entire pineapple
- Ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons organic honey
- 1/2 cup purified water

Preparation
We proceed to peel the pineapple and place it in a container of glass that can be introduced into the oven. After we have it in our glass container proceed to sprinkle on the pineapple ground cinnamon and honey. Finally, we add the half cup of water in the container where we have the pineapple and we take it to the oven.

The oven should be at 170ยบ and we should give it about 38 minutes so that it can be caramelized perfectly. When this list, we let it cool, and to serve it we cut it into slices. You can store it in the fridge to keep.

BENEFITS OF CONSUMING BAKED PINEAPPLE
Baked pineapple beside being an excellent alternative for slimming, also possesses impressive medicinal properties, which you can perceive in a period of 3 hours.

-Help reduce stress
-It has anti-inflammatory properties
-It is ideal for improving joint pain and arthritis
-Increases the immune system’s defenses
-It has fabulous diuretic properties
-Regulates the digestive processes
-Helps prevent eye diseases
-Helps prevent plaque on teeth
-Cure constipation
-Helps improve skin health
-It also fights atherosclerosis, heart disease, and diabetes

Vitamin C of the pineapple provides the body with protection against free radicals (substances that attack healthy cells). The accumulation of free radicals can be the cause of causing atherosclerosis and heart disease or diabetes.

source

The Surprising Benefit of Eating Fish

Ordering off the seafood menu may help ease the aches and pains of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a new study in Arthritis Care & Research. People with RA who ate fish at least twice a week reported less joint swelling and tenderness than those who rarely or never did—and the findings suggest that the more fish they ate, the less active their disease.

The study involved 176 people with RA who answered questions about their diet over the past year. Specifically, the authors looked at responses to questions about how often people ate tuna, salmon, sardines and other fish prepared raw, broiled, steamed or baked.

They did not look at how often people ate fried fish, shellfish or fish in mixed dishes (like shrimp stir-fry, for example), because these meals tend to be lower in omega-3 fatty acids—a type of fat with anti-inflammatory properties. Previous studies have shown that taking fish-oil supplements (which are rich in omega-3s) may benefit people with RA, but this is among the first studies to look at the consumption of actual fish.

The researchers also looked at the patients’ disease-activity scores, a measure that takes into account the number of swollen and tender joints they have, as well as a blood marker of inflammation.

Disease-activity scores were an average of half a point lower for people who ate the most fish (twice a week or more) compared to those who ate the least (once a month or never). This was found after researchers adjusted for a number of factors that may otherwise affect the results, including age, sex, body mass index, depression, marital status, medication use and fish-oil consumption.

That may not sound like much. But for the scale used in the study, a score of less than 2.6 indicates remission, while a score greater than 5.1 indicates active disease. A half-point reduction is clinically significant, say the researchers; it’s about one-third the amount of improvement reported in clinical trials for methotrexate drugs, which are considered the standard of care for RA.

“With that type of improvement, we would generally expect that a patient would feel noticeably better,” says lead author Dr. Sara Tedeschi, associate physician in rheumatology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

The study also suggests that people don’t have to eat fish twice a week to get some benefit, and they don’t have to stop at twice a week, either. Each serving of fish per week was linked to lower disease activity.

The authors concluded that higher intake of fish may be associated with lower disease activity in people with RA, although they caution that the study—which only looked at fish consumption and disease activity at one point in time—could not show a cause-and-effect relationship. While Tedeschi can’t say whether eating fish might have anti-inflammatory benefits for people without RA, she does point to previous research that has suggested a small protective effect.

“If our findings can be replicated in other populations and over longer periods of time, we may be able to show one specific reason for people with RA to eat more fish,” says Tedeschi. That’s in addition to plenty of other reasons that eating fish is a smart choice, she adds, whether you have arthritis or not

source

Top 10 Alkaline Foods to Eat Every Day For Vibrant Health

You have heard about acids being used in domestic purposes. But do you know how acid your diet can actually be? You have seen numerous adverts on TV channels, in newspapers or magazines that advertise packed or bottled products that do not match the natural needs and processes in our body. They are a product of the wide-spread consumerism, and have gone so far in destroying our health!

It is so because humans are creatures made to consume alkaline foods,they are alkaline organisms in the food chain.And our blood’s pH level can easily turn acidic if we do not pay attention to the food we eat.Our blood being non-alkaline liquid, our body will poorly perform and will have difficulty in resisting the most difficult diseases like cancers and other auto-immune medical conditions.

Read about these best 10 alkaline groceries that will feed your mind and body with more health and energy:
Top 1: Lemons are simply unavoidable!

The amazing lemoncitrus-fruit is at the very top of the list. Make it unavoidable if you are suffering from an auto-immune disease since it is has 10, 000 times stronger potential than radiation therapy or pharmaceutical drugs: Having apH level of 9.0, lemons are considered the most alkalizing food.

Its electrolytic properties are the most potent and the most immediate relief for colds, cough, flu, heartburns, hyperacidity and other virus-related ailments. Lemons are natural antiseptic that disinfects and heals wounds. Plus it is the best liver tonic that detoxifies and energizes the liver.

Top 2: Make watermelon your favourite snack!

Watermelons,at a pH level of 9.0, are very alkaline. Because of their high fibre count and water content at 92% of its entire weight, watermelon is a mild diuretic and a great source of lycopene, beta-carotene and vitamin C. The most effective thirst-quenching fruit is the most life and energy supporting food when used in a week-long fasting or colon cleansing.

Top 3: Agar Agar or organic gelatine!

Agar Agar,still with a pH of 8.5, is a gelatine substitute made from seaweeds that is high in iron and calcium, too. It is very digestible and has the highest fibre content among all foods.

Top 4: Put cantaloupe and cayenne –capsicum in your lunch bag!

A cantaloupe, a relative of melons, is very low in sugar but high in fibres.Cayenne has antibacterial properties and is also a treasury of vitamin A– an essential antioxidant in fighting free radicals that cause stress and illnesses. The group with the most alkaline-reactive properties among the foods, with the pH of 8.5, are high in enzymes needed by the endocrine system as well.

Top 5: Nutritionists recommend limes, mango, melons, papaya, and parsley for your kidneys!

This group of natural products has a pH of 8.5 and is best at cleansing the kidneys. Papaya is c considered the healthiest laxative that promotes defecation and colon cleansing. Parsley, the most popular cooking herb, is the best ‘chimney sweeper’ of the intestines when taken raw. It also has diuretic properties, which are necessary in cleaning the kidneys. Mangoes, limes and melons are vitamin-rich fruits that are alkaline-forming during digestion.

Top 6: Watercress, seaweeds and asparagus are a good choice too!

Being included in the 8.5pH level group, this group is unique as a powerful acid reducer. Did you know that watercress is called ‘the natural super food’? It is the very first leaf vegetable consumed by human beings and is usually prepared as a part of a healthy salad. It is best eaten raw and it contains lots of iron and calcium. The same goes for seaweeds. Asparagus is even more special for its highest content of asparagine, an amino acid important to the nervous system.

Top 7: Try fruit juices, chicory, or kiwifruit, instead of French fries!

If you want to avoid acidic compounds during digestion, sip a glass of fruit juices or take a bite of chicory or kiwifruit.They have natural sugar that that gives more energy while not feeding cancerous cells. At a pH level of 8.5, this group is rich in flavonoids, a chemical compound in natural foods that have strong antioxidant properties. Kiwifruit has even higher vitamin C content than oranges!And chicory, known as a bitter-tasting close relative of the lettuce, also has insulin that supports the pancreas and aids the body in preventing diabetes.

Top 8: Sweet grapes and pears, vegetable juices, passion fruit, pineapples, raisins and umeboshi plum are fantastic!

Grapes, raisins and plums are blood-regulating, which lowers blood pressure and risks of getting cardio-vascular diseases. With apH level of 8.5, this group is also rich in antioxidant and vitamins A, B and C especially. Pineapple, on one hand, is rich in L-Carnitine, which uses body fat as an energy source and is good for shrinking that growing waistline. Vegetable juices, on the other hand, are high in iron and good for cellular detoxification.

Top 9: Make alfalfa sprouts, sweet apples and apricots part of your breakfast!

Apart from having a pH value of 8.0,these ones are super digestible foods too, which means they are high in fibre.  They are also high in enzymes that are very helpful in maintaining your body hormonal balance. An apple a day keeps the doctor away, as the saying goes! But don’t forget to include apricots though. And the sprouting seeds of beans known as Alfalfa sprouts are great in salads and sandwiches!

Top 10: Avocados, ripe bananas, berries, carrots, celery, currants, dates or garlic can be your delicious supper!

When your body is in dire need of cleaning, you need foods that are very rich in antioxidants. Avocados, ripe bananas, berries, carrots, currants, celery, dates, garlichave a pH value of 8.0. They chemically react to acidic foods of pH 5.0 and bring them up near the alkaline levels. All types of berries: blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, gooseberries, elderberries, bilberries, barberries, bearberries or crowberries, dates, and especially garlic, have special properties that regulate blood pressure as well.

This is What Happens to Your Body When You Eat 3 Whole Eggs a Day

Eggs are AWESOME! Yes, they’re loaded with healthy nutrients and can provide many health benefits. Can I ask you something – did you know that more than 90% of the egg’s calcium and iron are found in the egg yolk? The answer is YES, but the egg white contains almost half of the egg’s protein. Eggs have a high satiety index, which means that they’ll make you feel fuller.

One medium sized egg contains 6g of high-quality protein and other essential nutrients, with the exception of Vitamin C. This is why you should combine a fruit or orange juice with an egg and whole-wheat/low GI bread for breakfast. Eggs are packed with healthy nutrients, which makes them a valuable contributor to a nutritious diet.

STUDY CONFIRMS – a group of researchers have discovered that people who don’t consume eggs were more likely to fall short of Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B12. Eggs contributed 10-20% of folate and 20-30% of Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B12 for people who consumed eggs. This study also revealed that eggs are extremely important for all of us and you should eat them more often. Eggs are among the most nutritious foods on the planet. Eggs are one of the best sources of high-quality protein on the planet. Eggs provide your body with the whole package of amino acids required for building muscle mass and repairing tissues. Nutrition experts even recommend eating three whole eggs per day for a well-balanced diet.

Eggs vs Cholesterol Levels – yes, it’s true that the egg yolk contains a high amount of cholesterol. But, the things are a bit more complex than that. The experts have never found a connection between normal egg consumption and coronary artery disease. What’s cholesterol? Cholesterol is actually a structural molecule that is an essential part of the cell membrane – of every single cell in the body. It’s responsible for the production of testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol, all of which are very important for the normal functioning of the body. Besides getting it from food, our body produces its own cholesterol in the liver. And when we eat foods that are rich in cholesterol the liver simply starts producing less of it, so the total amount of cholesterol in the body changes very little, depending on our diet.

You probably already know that there’s “good” (HDL) and “bad” (LDL) kind of cholesterol. According to the American Heart Association, the “bad” kind contributes to the production of thick, hard deposits that can clog arteries and make them less flexible, increasing the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, the “good” cholesterol actually helps remove the LDL cholesterol from the arteries by carrying it back to the liver, where it gets broken down and passed away from the body, therefore protecting the heart’s health.

BOTTOM LINE – eggs actually contain high amounts of HDL cholesterol, while trans fats found in overly processed and deep fried foods contribute to rising levels of LDL cholesterol. So consuming whole eggs will not only bring vital benefits to your health – it can also reverse the negative effects of your junk food choices.

Nutritional Profile of One Whole Egg


  • Calories: 77
  • Protein: 6 grams
  • Healthy Fats:  5 grams
  • Vitamin A: 6% of the RDA
  • Folate: 5% of the RDA
  • Vitamin B5: 7% of the RDA
  • Vitamin B12: 9% of the RDA
  • Vitamin B2: 15% of the RDA
  • Phosphorus: 9% of the RDA
  • Selenium: 22% of the RDA

NOTE: eggs contain significant amounts of Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Calcium, and Zinc. They also do the following:

1. Protect Eyesight
Yes, eggs will protect your eyesight! How this works – well, according to the experts, the egg yolks contain high amounts of lutein, which is a carotenoid that helps prevent macular degeneration (the leading cause of blindness). This carotenoid is found in green leafy vegetables, but research has shown that the body is able to absorb it way better from eggs. In addition, yolks also contain zeaxanthin, an antioxidant that protects your eyes from the harmful ultraviolet radiation.

2. Protect Bone Health
Vitamin D is very important for calcium absorption and maintaining bone health, and if you don’t get enough of it, you might increase your risk of osteoporosis and other bone diseases. So, if you don’t have enough time to sunbathe or sunny days, eggs can be a convenient way to supply your organism with a decent amount of vitamin D.

3. Fight Off Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency is usually characterized by frequent headaches, fatigue, and irritability. So, if you suffer from iron deficiency, then you should know that eggs can help you a great deal. The nutritionists claim that just 2 large eggs contain 2 milligrams of iron, and with frequent consumption, you can significantly improve your intake of iron.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight
As we said, eggs can help you increase feelings of satiety and control hunger easily. This means that eggs can help you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. The high amounts of protein found in eggs provides a steady and sustained source of energy for your body which doesn’t cause a surge in blood sugar or insulin levels.

5. Healthy Brain Development
Egg yolks contain high amounts of choline, which will improve the function of the brain. This compound is extremely useful and crucial for healthy brain development in fetuses and newborns.

source: http://www.healthyfoodhouse.com/happens-body-eat-3-whole-eggs-day/

12 Simple Tips To Stop Overeating

When there is delicious food in front of us which deceive us with their looks and aroma it is very hard to stop yourselves from eating “just another bite”. The result is overeating which we regret about later.

Uncontrolled eating has bad effects not just on our waistline but on our energy and mood as well. Even though no one wants to be a couch potato, many of us will not say “no” to a delicious food.

Overeating can be prevented with the following simple tricks:

1. Use your palms as a guide. The amount of food you are about to eat should fit into your palms (figuratively speaking). Put your palms together as if you were making bowl. The amount of food that fits into your palms is probably enough for your stomach as well.

2. When you feel fed, make the handles of the cutlery dirty. Many people want to eat everything they have been served, which leads to overeating. By making the cutlery dirty you will not be able to just “have another bite”.

3. Cover the rest of the meal with napkin. When you feel fed covering the rest of your food with napkin will reduce the desire for eating because you do not see the food. Far from your eyes, far from your mouth as well.

4. Do not eat to satisfy others. No matter how tasty mother’s cake is, do not eat another piece of it just because she asks you to. Say “maybe later” but do not let her kind of sad face talk you into eating more.

5. Focus on the taste of the first couple of bites of your favorite food. You love chocolate? Researches have shown that eating two cubes of chocolate gives you the same satisfaction as eating the whole row. In the second case scenario you have overate and feel guilty about it. Remember the first couple of bites because that is when the food is the tastiest.

After the first couple of bites your tongue receptors are less sensitive to the food chemicals. Conclusion? You can satisfy your desire for eating caloric food with only 2-3 bites. This way you will prevent overeating.

6. Eating until you are 80% full. Okinawa people practice this technique and 29% of the inhabitants live 100 years or more.

7. Overeating may happen easily if you leave your finished dish on the table you are still sitting. Put away the used dishes so you do not eat after you are finished eating. If the dish is in front of you, the chances of putting more food in it are big.

8. Send your body a signal with which you will say “I am done eating”. These signals can be sent with:


  • A chewing gum or hard mint candy. Mint reduces appetite and chewing gum will keep your mouth busy.
  • Several pieces of fruit or couple of chocolate bites. Sweet food is detected by the brain as a desert. You will not be back eating the previously eaten food after eating sweets.


9. Make sure your dish and the food you are about to eat are in different color. Instead of serving pasta in a white dish, serve it in a red, black or blue dish. The more diverse the colors between the dish and the food are the bigger will seem to be the meal you are about to eat.

10. Try not to do anything else while eating. Overeating mostly occur when we eat in front of the computer or TV because we stuff out mouth repeatedly. Eat in the kitchen on the table you are supposed to be eating. This way you will not have any other activities.

11. Do not eat out of the packaging. If you bought yourselves a big pack of chips do not eat out of it. Serve yourselves normal amount of the chips in a bowl. This way you will not overeat and will know how many calories have you entered,

12. Leave the fork lean on your dish between every bite. Have a bite and leave the fork on the dish. Making a pause between bites will give your body enough time to alert the brain that you are full. Do not forget that your brain needs 15-20 minutes until it gets the signal.

source: http://www.healthyfoodhouse.com/

Six Ways This Superfood Can Change Your Health!

This reddish-purple fruit that is coming from the acai pal tree has a lot of benefits for your health. It’s called Acai berry and Its native country is Brazil.

Slower aging process!

Acai berry has a lot of antioxidants and anthocyanin . These elements can slow the aging process and many studies proved that the amount of antioxidants in acai is ten times bigger than amount in grapes and almost 2 times bigger than the amount of antioxidants in blueberries.

Energy booster!

 If you feel tired all the time you will increase your energy levels with this superfood.  There are studies that discovered the Acai berry ability to improve your energy levels. If you use it on a daily basis you will be more valuable and productive.

Cholesterol Regulation!

 Acai berry improves your cardiovascular health because it’s rich with omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids. These acids are known for regulating bad cholesterol levels. With using acai berry you will prevent heart attacks, strokes, blocked blood vessels even sudden death.

Body and Mind!

 There are studies that are showing how acai berry can improve both your body and mind and it can balance your nervous system. Depression can be prevented from this amazing superfood and all other mental problems can be prevented also. Your body will feel stable and it will function properly.

 Weight Loss!

When you eat acai berry you will easily come to your desired weight without any need of diet pills or other products for weight loss. The best thing about acai berry is that it doesn’t have any side effects like all those diet pills have. When you reach your weight goal you will like to stay there, acai berries will help you to regulate your weight because they can prevent creation of fat stores in your body.

This superfood can help you with many health concerns like cancer, weight loss, high cholesterol, detoxification, erectile dysfunction, arthritis and it can improve your overall health.

source: http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/

The Cancer, Dies When You Eat These 7 Foods, Time To Start Eating Them

The newest medical research found that these 7 foods that we are presenting today are extremely beneficial in the case of cancer, as they inhibit cancer growth.

What’s more, they have been shown to be even more powerful than chemo. The best thing about it all is that these seven foods are actually some of our favorite!

These are the following:

Curry, Green tea, Black chocolate, Raspberries, Blueberries, Tomatoes, and Red wine.

The normal process of formation of blood vessels is called angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is more active during some periods in life, for instance, in newborns.

On the other hand, it is reduced later in life, except for some particular cases, as the restoration of tissues and capillaries in wounds. Usually, activators and inhibitor molecules are responsible for the regulation of this process.

Inhibitors are generally more important, but activators of angiogenesis improve the growth of vascular cells for the formation of new blood vessels.

When they are completely developed, cancer cells normally release the angiogenesis activators due to the need of more blood vessels for nutrient supply.

Recently, modern medicine created drugs named Inhibitors of Angiogenesis. They differ from the chemotherapy, as they don’t fight tumor cells, but prevent the development of blood vessels to the tumor.

The 7 foods we present today contain strong anti-angiogenesis properties, and they hinder the supply of the blood to the cancer cells.

Hence, scientists advise the consumption of them in order to regulate angiogenesis. In this way, you will successfully inhibit the development and spread of the malignant cells.

Red wine

Red wine contains one extremely powerful component known as resveratrol, which is a powerful antioxidant, commonly found in the skin of grapes.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that resveratrol successfully kills  bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Moreover, this incredible ingredient has numerous other benefits, including enhancing glucose tolerance to diabetes, improving the physical and mental condition, eliminating the dangerous free radicals, prolonging the life of animals, improving heart function, improving the energy production of cells, and preventing cell destruction caused by nuclear radiation.

The recommended dosage of resveratrol supplements is 200-600 mcg a day. However, you should know that 225 ml of red wine delivers about 640 mcg of resveratrol.

Turmeric

Apart from its numerous health benefits, turmeric is amazing in melting fat.

Blueberries and raspberries

These fruits are incredibly effective in preventing different types of cancer. Moreover, they stop angiogenesis and reduce oxidative stress.

Tomatoes

A research conducted at Harvard showed that participants who consumed tomato sauce or cooked tomato more than 4 times a month had a reduced prostate cancer risk by 50%.

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which is anti-angiogenic. It is easily dissolved in the fat and absorbed through the digestive tract.

Dark chocolate

The fight against cancer does not mean that you should completely avoid sweets. Namely, dark chocolate is extremely healthy, it promotes heart health, enhances your mood, and combats malignant cells.

Coffee and green tea

Coffee and green tea are extremely beneficial, and may also help in the struggle against different kinds of cancer.

You Decided to Stop Eating Meat? Here Are What Happens Your Body

If you are thinking to switch to a vegetarian diet, before you quit meat, you should know a few things.

The elimination of meat from your diet can have different effects on the body, both good and bad. Here’s how your body will react in that case.

You will lose weight

Does the elimination of meat from the diet affect us in any way? Neal Barnard, a professor of medicine at George Washington University, tried to find the answer to this question.

He analyzed the clinical research on the impact of diet and vegetarian diet on weight loss and came to the following conclusion: apart from preventing many diseases, a vegetarian diet will help you lose at least four kilograms of excess weight.

Reduces the risk of heart disease

Several studies, which involved more than 76,000 men and women, found that there is a 24 percent lower risk of heart disease in vegetarians.

Also, the elimination of meat from the diet significantly reduces the risks of blockage of the coronary arteries, compared to people who consume meat.

Heart diseases and blood vessels issues are one of the leading reasons for death worldwide. In addition, a vegetarian diet has anti-inflammatory effect.

You can lose your sense of taste

A survey conducted at the Japanese University in Tokushima found that zinc, which is generally supplied by consuming meat, is credited with taste.

Reducing the intake of zinc leads to loss of sense of taste. Beans, nuts, whole grains and dairy products contain zinc, but the phytate acid found in these foods prevents the absorption of zinc.

That is why vegetarians often recommend supplements to complement zinc in the body. The recommended daily intake for women is 8, and 12 milligrams of zinc for men.

The muscles will need more time to recover

Proteins are important for muscle. If you do not consume proteins, the muscles will need more time to recover after a physical exertion.

You may need to take supplements

All those who eat  a vegetarian diet may lack iron, calcium, and vitamin B12. In order to intake the sufficient amounts, they are recommended to use supplements.

source: http://www.goodmorningcenter.com/

Just A Handful Of These Seeds Daily Can Do Wonders For Your Body

We are often advised to avoid snacks, but they are not necessarily bad. Pumpkin seeds are an example of how this “hobby” along with a movie or a game can actually be a great way to supply the body with needed nutrients and do something good for the health.

Pumpkins are very healthy, but their seeds contain a lot of quality ingredients that your body needs, such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron, zinc and vitamin K.

They are also rich in protein, magnesium, fiber, manganese and phosphorus.

Pumpkin seeds can be consumed raw or baked in the oven, not on a higher temperature than 170C, about 15 minutes.

They can be a great addition to salads, soups and sauces, and here’s why you should eat them more often:

1) They fight against cancer

The study of German scientists found that women who have gone through menopause and daily eat pumpkin seeds, have a 23 percent lower risk of developing breast cancer, and the same conclusion was made by Spanish scientists in another study as well.

They found that pumpkin seeds contain compounds that are successfully fighting the cancer cells of different types and have anti-inflammatory effect.

2) They alleviate menopausal symptoms

Not only they narrow the chances of middle-aged women to develop cancer, but they can also help to improve mood and alleviate menopausal symptoms.

Pumpkin seeds regulate hot flashes, headaches, reduce joint pain and reduce the incidence of sudden changes of mood.

3) Lower cholesterol

If you have high cholesterol, pumpkin seeds are the ideal choice because, as research shows, they can lower bad cholesterol levels by 13 percent and total cholesterol by 10 percent.

They can also reduce the risk of blood clots, cardiovascular diseases, stroke and heart attack and regulate blood pressure.

4) Protect from diabetes

Pumpkin seeds are rich in healthy unsaturated fatty acids, as researchers found, and they are effective in regulating blood sugar levels.

That is why these seeds are recommended for diabetics for daily consumption.

5) They will help weight loss

As they are extremely rich in fiber and protein, these seeds will keep you satiated.

Only 30g of pumpkin seeds contain about 5 grams of protein, but also about 285 calories per cup, so consume them in moderation.

6) Fight depression

Not only they improve physical health, but they also have a beneficial effect on mental health, and reduce the symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress levels.

7) Relieve the symptoms of arthritis

Scientists have found that pumpkin seeds have anti-inflammatory effect that relieves the symptoms of arthritis. Only 30g of seeds a day is enough to relieve the symptoms of arthritis.

8) Prevent osteoporosis

Pumpkin seeds are a great source of zinc, a mineral that is required for building bones. Just 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds contains more than 17 percent of the recommended daily value of zinc.


source: http://www.goodmorningcenter.com/

This is the Ideal Breakfast if You Want to Lose Belly Fat!

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Starting your day with a healthy, nutritious meal can make you feel more energized and prepared for the day to come. On the other hand, skipping breakfast can set you up for overeating later in the day, usually in the evening, which is the worst. One carefully selected breakfast can make all the difference when it comes to weight loss and can help you shed off the extra weight easily.

According to a study from 2008 you can eliminate the abdominal fat only by consuming one thing – eggs.This is the Ideal Breakfast if You Want to Lose Belly Fat

They are packed with proteins

Breakfast should be rich in proteins in order to satisfy your hunger and keep you full for longer. That’s why eggs are perfect because they’re rich in proteins. One medium sized egg contains 6-7gr. of protein which is just the right amount to kick start your day.

Practical choice

Hard-boiled eggs are not just healthy and nutritious, they’re practical as well. You can prepare it anywhere and eat it anywhere as well. They’re low in calories but will give you a sense of satiety which will last until your next meal.

Recommendation:

Your perfect breakfast is consisted of one hard-boiled egg and one apple. Combined they have approximately 160 calories, which is just enough for breakfast if you want to shed some pounds. This meal should be enough to keep you away from unhealthy foods like processed meat and foods with large amounts of sugar, which is what’s causing all those extra pounds in the first place.

source: http://healthcorner365.com/

Why You Should Start Eating Honey And Nuts Every Day?

Walnuts in combination with honey are an excellent natural remedy that can replace many pills.

Oftentimes, the simplest foods are best for your health, and this is certainly the case for nuts, in which Mother Nature has crafted a nearly perfect package of protein, healthy fats, fiber, plant sterols, antioxidants, and many vitamins and minerals.

One-quarter cup of walnuts, for instance, provides more than 100 percent of the daily recommended value of plant-based omega-3 fats, along with high amounts of copper, manganese, molybdenum, and biotin.

This combination provides all necessary vitamins, minerals, protein, fats and carbohydrates to the body.

Why, starting from today, you to consume this combination daily?

Great for strengthening the blood

Prepare a mixture of half a kilogram of honey and half a kilogram of crushed walnuts. Add the juice of one lemon.

Stir, put it in a jar and consume a teaspoon of it 3 times a day.

It is an excellent solution for anemic people.

In case you suffer from high blood pressure, it is recommended to take 100g walnuts and honey in the same amount every day within 45 days.

This combination cures headaches as well. Instead of drinking pills, you should prepare the mixture of honey and crushed nuts and take 1-2 tablespoons of it daily.

This can help if you have a problem with insomnia as well.

Honey and walnuts heal stomach ulcers as well.

Take 20g of crushed nuts and mix them with boiling water. Mix well and strain. You will get a kind of milk, and you should add 2 tablespoons of honey to it.

Take this medicinal drink half an hour before each meal, 2 to 3 tablespoons.

source: http://www.goodmorningcenter.com/

What To Eat According To Your Blood Type

The blood type has an impact on many things, including the diet, feelings and reactions in different situations in life.

Regarding blood groups, we only know that each person can receive blood only from the same blood group.

However, the knowledge of blood groups is much more complex, they influence our diet, the way we perceive things and react in different situations.

We inherited the blood type from our parents, the parents of our grandparents, which reaches far into the past to our ancestors.

With the help of blood groups, the course of evolution and movement of people on earth has been followed.

Antigen -- the substance which differentiates us

Until a hundred years ago, the transfusion of blood was a game of chance. In other words, those who were lucky enough to receive adequate blood survived, and those less lucky ended tragically.

There are four blood groups: 0, A, B and AB. The substances which make the difference between them and after which they were given the names, are called antigens.

These are small molecules in red blood cells (erythrocytes), which help the body to identify foreign, harmful substances (antigens), which can be bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms.

Blood type O

This is the blood type of the first people that originate from the ancient homeland of Africa.

It is more than 50,000 years ago, from the appearance of the Neanderthals.

Since they were gatherers, it is assumed that they fed on wild plants, larvae and remnants of carcasses in raw form.

Later, they developed hunting skills (the appearance of Cro-Magnon), and fed mainly with the meat of wild animals. With the extermination of wild game in Africa, the first migrations in Asia and Europe began.

As it is the first blood type, there was no need for the development of antigens from some other blood type, so they blood type 0 does not possess any.

A person with blood type 0 can give blood to any person of any blood type, but it can only receive blood from a person with blood group 0, since the other blood groups with their antigens will act as foreign substances.

Chemically speaking, blood type 0 is the most simple and contains only the sugar fucose, which is the basis for all other blood types.

Today, it is the most widely used blood type and is found all over the world. Regarding the history, the diet of this blood type is based on meat, fish, eggs and various vegetables.

Blood type A

During the migrations of humanity in search of new food sources, the living environment influenced the adaptation (modification) of the digestive and the immune system.

The extermination of the wild game led to a need for the cultivation of food.

Therefore, the appearance of blood group A is related to agricultural, Neolithic revolution, when people began to eat more plant-based foods (cereals).

Blood type A apart from the fucose, also contains another sugar, N-acetyl-galactosamine, which is its antigen, and people with this blood type may receive blood from 0 and A- blood types.

The blood type A people are said to be truly vegetarian, which do not benefit from the consumption of meat and dairy products.

Today, the largest percentage of people with blood type A is concentrated around the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Aegean seas, Spain, Turkey and the Balkans.

Blood type B

It developed between 10 and 35 thousand years B.C. in the areas of the Himalayas. The cold landscapes caused the mutation and the formation of antigen that has provided a new resistance.

The antigen of the blood group B is D- galactosamine. Then people were nomadic shepherds who reared cattle.

However, as they moved, they developed agriculture and highly advanced irrigation systems and land management.

The diet was based on meat, dairy products and cereals, so the people with blood type B can consume all kinds of foods.

The peoples of the Far East (Japan, Mongolia, China and part of India) are the largest group of blood type B.

With the migration of Asian nomads to west, the blood type B has also reached a higher percentage of Germans and Austrians.

Blood type AB

This is the youngest blood type, formed during the barbarian raids 1,000 years ago, by mixing the Caucasus population with the blood group A and the Asian population of the blood type B.

Today, only five percent of the population has this blood type.

Besides fucose as its basis, the blood group AB also possesses the antigen N-acetyl- galactosamine of the blood group A and D- galactosamine of the blood group B.

Thus it inherited the resistance of the two blood types, and it has a greater possibility of the formation of specific antibodies against infections.

It does not produce antibodies against other blood types, so it can receive blood from any group. Persons of this blood type are less prone to allergies and autoimmune diseases (arthritis, inflammation, etc.), but more often suffer from certain types of cancer.

The nutrition for the people of this blood type is somewhere between A and B, they eat everything, vegetables and meat, but consume less dairy products than blood group B.

source: http://www.goodmorningcenter.com/

8 Health Reasons Why You Should Eat Cashews Everyday

The cashew is not only fine, but nutritious and healthy foodas well, which is worth to be regularly consumed because of the benefits it offers for our health.

Due to its delicate flavor, cashews are the favorite snack of many, and can be bought in almost every supermarket throughout the year.

Cashews are used not only as a snack, but also in  salads, sweets, spreads and vegetable dishes. Butter is also made from cashews, which has a delicious flavor.

Cashew is not really a nut, but a seed of the cashew apple -- the fruit of cashews.

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is a small evergreen tree, with a height up to 12 m, originating in Brazil.

Cashew is now cultivated in many tropical areas of the world because of its fruit and seeds. The fruit of its tree is called a cashew apple and is popular in Brazil and the Caribbean, where it is considered a delicacy.

Unlike cashew apple, the seeds of this fruit – the cashew -- is known around the world for its taste and nutritional properties.

For cardiovascular health

Cashews contain much less fat than other nuts (which is particularly suitable for diets for losing weight).

Two-thirds of the fat in cashews are unsaturated fatty acids. 75% of these unsaturated fatty acids make the oleic acid (olive oil contains it too), known for its beneficial impact on the health of the heart.

Beneficial effect on diabetes

The unsaturated fatty acids in the cashews have beneficial effects on diabetes, help to lower the triglyceride level and thus protect it from further complications associated with high levels of sugar and cholesterol.

The regular consumption of cashews significantly reduces the risk of occurrence of type 2 diabetes.

Antioxidant

Cashews are an excellent source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are a group of different natural compounds in the human body which play an important role to protect against free radicals.

Free radicals are molecules that have an unpaired electron and therefore are extremely reactive.

Free radicals today are associated with the development of cardiovascular disease, a gray cataract, cancer, joint diseases and many other health disorders.

Copper

The cashew is rich in copper, which plays an important role in the health of our body.

Copper participates in a number of physiological processes of the body, including the absorption of iron, the fight against free radicals, the development of bones and connective tissues, the production of melanin -- the pigment that gives skin and hair its natural color.

Magnesium

Cashews contain high amounts of magnesium, which is necessary for the operation of our organism.

Magnesium is very important for metabolism, plays a role in bone formation, proteins, fatty acids, has effects on blood clotting, muscle relaxation and so on.

The regular intake of magnesium may protect against high blood pressure, muscle cramps, headaches, chronic fatigue.

Weight Loss

It is often recommended to take cashews as part of healthy diets. Cashew nuts do not contain cholesterol, are rich in dietary fiber and provide a lot of energy.

Moderate consumption of these foods during the diet give a feeling of fullness and satisfaction.
Prevention of gallstones

The regular consumption of cashew nuts significantly reduces the risk of gallstones. This fact is confirmed by a study, which involved more than 80,000 women who regularly consumed cashews.

Health of teeth and oral cavity

Cashews keep the health of teeth and gums in such a way that they destroy the bacteria caused by dental caries, gum diseases, acne, tuberculosis and other diseases.

Nutritional value

Average nutritional value for 100g of fresh cashews:

Fats- 43.85 g

Protein- 18. 22 g

Thiamine-  0.423 mg

Niacin – 1.06 mg

Riboflavin -0.058 mg

Calcium -37 mg

Magnesium- 292 mg

Phosphorus -- 593 mg

Energy value -- 576 kcal

How to consume cashews?

It is not recommended to consume large amounts of cashew nuts at once, but to add them gradually to your diet.

If you consume cashews alone, it is recommended that you eat per 30gr, three times a week (approximately eighteen nuts).

source: http://www.goodmorningcenter.com

Nutritionist Has Been Eating Bananas Only For 12 Days – These Are The Results

Yulia Tarbath, a nutritionist and motivational coach, decided to eat only bananas during a period of 12 days in order to detoxify the entire body.

As she says, bananas alone are excellent quality fruit, which, although is caloric, contains fructose, sucrose and glucose, as well as plenty of fiber, and it is this combination that makes you feel full longer.

First you notice is a great relief in the stomach and “quiet” indigestion.

 I had a feeling that I have no stomach, my intestines worked so peaceful since. Also, I noticed that I am very relaxed and felt no stress. It feels good. I was much more positive and creative, says Julia.
According to her, despite the numerous benefits, her concentration was much better and she had a sharper focus.

For the first time in my life one day was enough to finish all my obligations. I was not tense and could focus on any task, states Yulia.  She was joined in the experiment by her husband Paul.
This couple is otherwise vegan, so this diet does not cause difficulties to them to implement it. They have their own farm where they grow various fruits and vegetables, which facilitates the preparation of each meal.

Before the changes in diet, Yulia suffered from elevated blood sugar levels, digestive problems, candida, depression and hormonal imbalance, but for a number of years, she had not been able to become a mother.

Once she made these radical changes, her health significantly improved, and she finally gave birth to a child.

However, not all nutritionists agree with such a diet. Although fresh fruits and vegetables have less salt and are rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, on the other hand, when consumed fresh can be counterproductive.

Furthermore, you should know that cauliflower, broccoli and sprouts disrupt the work of the thyroid gland, and those who have problems with it should not consume these foods.

Also, people who consume only fresh foods are more likely to lack vitamin B12, iron, zinc and calcium, which leads to anemia, so this diet is not recommended for the elderly, pregnant women and children.

Before embarking on a radical change in diet, better inform and consult with your doctor, and contact a dietician. The control of your health is also necessary.

 source: http://www.goodmorningcenter.com

Cancer Prevention – These Foods Are The Best Fighters Against Cancer

For many people the thought of cancer is so terrifying that they would skip this article only because they do not want to invoke the devil. Cancer takes millions of lives every year and can happen to you in any age in life and it often affects people who live completely healthy lives.


But regardless, the fact is that having information on the prevention is the best thing you can do so you do not have the same fate as the others.

About 33% of all cancers can be prevented through lifestyle. This refers primarily to healthy eating and physical activity.

Recommendations for cancer prevention:


  •  Eat 5 meals of fresh fruit daily (a meal has about 100 grams)
  •  Reduce salt intake (max 6 grams daily)
  •  Reduce your intake of red meat (associated with colon cancer) max 500 grams a week
  •  Fiber intake from a variety of foods such as cereals, fruits and vegetables
  •  Increase physical activity
  •  Reduce the consumption of alcohol (one drink a day for women, two for men)
  •  Do not sunbathe a lot and be sure to apply sunscreen when you are on the beach
  •  Keep a normal body weight (obesity is associated with increased risk of cancer of the esophagus, pancreas, and kidney)
  •  Do not smoke cigarettes
  •  Eat more plant foods instead of animal
  •  Breastfeed because breastfeeding has many benefits for the mother and the child

Which foods are the best fighters against cancer?


  •  Fruits and non-starch vegetables -- against cancer of the lungs, mouth, larynx, esophagus and stomach
  •  Carotenoids -- against cancer of the lungs, mouth, larynx and esophagus
  •  Tomato -- against prostate cancer
  •  White and red onions -- against cancer of the stomach, colon, rectum
  •  Folic acid -- against pancreatic cancer
  •  Fibers -- against cancer of the colon and the rectum
  •  Milk and calcium -- cancer of the colon and the rectum
  •  Vitamin C -- against cancer of the esophagus

You can even enter the vitamins and minerals through supplements, but despite the supplements the reason why natural food is always recommended is because the fruits and vegetables contain hundreds of other phytonutrients beside vitamins which are not found in multivitamin tablets.

Some of these substances are: flavonoids (from citrus, berries fruits, wine and dark chocolate), various pigments with antioxidant activity (from grapes, eggplant, radishes and red cabbage), quercetin (from apples, onions, tea and wine) carotenoids (from carrots, melons and apricots), lycopene (from tomatoes), lutein for the eyes (from spinach and kale)…

source: http://www.goodmorningcenter.com

10 Amazing Health Benefits of Watermelon

Contrary to popular belief, watermelon comprises more than just water and sugar. A quick look at the nutritional breakdown sheds some light on why we should include watermelon and watermelon juices in our daily meal plans. To get an inkling about the health benefits of watermelon, a cups of watermelon of roughly 152 grams has 43 calories no fat, 11 grams of carbohydrates and 2 milligrams of sodium. The vitamin list doesn’t disappoint either. The same cup of watermelon comprises 21% Vitamin C, 17% Vitamin A and 2% iron from the daily recommended intake. Besides these, watermelons are also high in riboflavin, vitamin B6, thiamin, magnesium, zinc, potassium, selenium, lycopene and manganese. Who knew this light, refreshing fruit contains so many beneficial nutrients despite being made of more than 90% water?

Watermelon for home remedies

This delicious red fruit is not only tasty, but it also has healing, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These make it a great ally for skin conditions like acne, mouth ulcers and sores. Here are a few pointers on how to get the most out of watermelons next time they are in season.

-Health benefits of watermelon rind. If you’re struggling with acne, you might find a strong ally in watermelon rinds. The first method involves gently rubbing the rinds against the problem areas on a daily basis. You can extend the mask to your entire face, leaving it to work its magic for up to fifteen minutes. This mask will add moisture back into your skin, reduce skin inflammation and leave your face looking more glowing and healthy.

-Health benefits of watermelon seeds. Not only the pulp of this fruit is beneficial, but also the seeds. Sprouted, shelled and then dried, watermelon seeds are loaded with protein. A single serving of one ounce is packed with ten grams of protein. Additionally, they comprise magnesium, vitamin B and monounsaturated fats that have been shown to decrease high cholesterol and reduce inflammation. You can also make watermelon tea by steeping a tablespoon of seeds. The result helps with kidney stones and keeps urinary tract infections at bay.

-Health benefits of watermelon juice. Not only delicious and refreshing, watermelon juice is also an excellent natural toner. The natural astringent properties will work wonders for your skin, adding moisture back into a dehydrated face. To use watermelon juice as a topical remedy, dip a cotton ball in the juice and dab it all over your face. Leave the mask on for fifteen minutes and then rinse with warm water. This remedy fights off acne, it revitalizes dull skin and makes it look more radiant.

Health benefits of eating watermelon
This fruit can be found in supermarkets all year round. But if you want to reap all the health benefits of watermelon, consume it mostly when it is in season. A great indicator to work out if a watermelon has been genetically modified is to look at how many seeds it has. The more seeds, the bigger the chance you bought an organic watermelon. When you’re choosing watermelons, they should be heavy for their size and vibrant green in color. To tell how old a watermelon you can take look at the stem. If it’s withered and brownish, most likely the fruit was been cut a while back. If the stem is still vigorous and hasn’t lost its shape, the fruit should be fresh on the inside.

If you need even more reasons to eat watermelon every day in the summer besides its cooling taste, check out our list of health benefits of eating watermelon.

1. Anti-ageing
There are many causes for age spots, premature wrinkles and fine lines, with the main one being free radicals. The reason why watermelon does an excellent job of preventing premature ageing is because it is packed with lycopene, antioxidants, vitamin A and vitamin C. These are the primary requisites for glowing, bright skin that can be achieved by eating watermelon. To get the best of the anti-ageing properties of watermelon, you can combine consumption with topical uses. This fruit will prevent signs of ageing both from within and from outside, keeping you hydrated.

2. Diabetes
Diabetics can safely consume watermelon, new studies show. Despite the fact that watermelon comprises carbohydrates and natural calories, it’s not dangerous for patients dealing with diabetes to eat this fruit. On the contrary, the nutrients and vitamins in watermelon make it a great addition to a diabetics’ meal plan. However, carbohydrates should be counted and the maximum daily intake should still be strictly followed. The zero cholesterol and fat in watermelons makes them a harmless snack that is packed with powerful antioxidants.

3. Kidney stones and infections
A natural diuretic, one of the top health benefits watermelon has to offer is ridding the body of any excess fluids. Watermelon fasting is not uncommon among patients struggling with kidney stones, kidney infections or both. The day of fasting involves eating just watermelon for twenty-four hours. Since watermelon is around 92% water, this makes it the best adjuvant in urinary tract infections, especially post-treatment, when the body needs plenty fluids. If you’re dealing with kidney stones, you might want to try out watermelon seeds tea that are also packed with nutrients and vitamins.

4. Liver cleanse
The watermelon cleanse is highly beneficial for the liver. Three cups of watermelon juice per day will help it process ammonia, which is created by protein digestion. The juice will enable the liver to convert it into urea, which will safely be removed from the body through urine. Not only your liver will benefit from a watermelon juice cleanse, but your entire body. You will feel more energetic and any skin conditions like pimples or dry patches could calm down owing to the hydrating properties of the watermelon.

5. Bone health
What makes watermelon an excellent ally for bone health is the high concentration of lycopene. Recent studies back up that lycopene plays a major role in maintaining bone health. Watermelon health benefits also include promoting stronger bones by decreasing the activity of osteoclasts and osteoblasts, the bone cells that play an important role in the development of osteoporosis. The high levels of potassium found in watermelon help the body easily retain calcium, which can lead to healthier joints and bones.

6. Body fat
Regular consumption of watermelon can decrease the fat accumulation in the body’s fat cells. A less popular health benefit of watermelon, body fat reduction is owed to the beneficial ingredient that is called citrulline. This is an amino acid that has the ability to transform in arginine. Citrulline will help the body produce less fat, which will lead to preventing fat over-accumulation. At another level, watermelon can make you feel full for longer due to its high percentage of water. This is bound to decrease cravings and only make you want to eat healthy foods.

7. Immune system
Watermelon is loaded with Vitamin C, which has an important role to play in the good functioning of the immune system. Vitamin C maintains the integrity of the cells, which keep reactive oxygen species at bay. When these don’t have the chance to damage the cells, the immune system is protected and can perform its functions without any problems. Another benefit of Vitamin C is that it speeds up the wound healing process, enabling the body to form new connective tissue. Vitamin C also support collagen production, which helps skin look younger for longer.

8. Hair growth
The same citrulline that we can thank for keeping body fat in check can also help promote hair growth. By increasing the arginine level within the body, scalp blood circulation is boosted. At the same time, the minerals and proteins found in watermelon encourage hair to grow and thicken. A reliable source of vitamin A, vitamin B1 and vitamin B6, watermelon can make hair shinier and stronger, especially for those who struggle with brittle hair that damages easily.

9. Cardiovascular health
Vasodilation has also been linked to watermelon consumption, which, in its turn, promotes cardiovascular function. Recent studies also indicate that watermelon helped improve blood pressure levels in obese patients who also struggled with high cholesterol levels.

10. Anti-inflammatory
Comprising rich levels of phenolic compounds (triterpenoids, carotenoids and flavonoids), watermelon does a great job of decreasing inflammation. The active ingredients make watermelon an excellent natural adjuvant in combating muscle soreness and reducing the heart rate.

If you want to enjoy all the amazing health benefits of watermelon, you can easily incorporate it into your meals. Its sweet taste makes it an excellent desert. However, recipes don’t stop at just cutting up a watermelon and serving it as it is. Watermelon is great after a strenuous workout because it brings hydration back into the body and cools it down. Go for a banana watermelon smoothie after a run. It’s quick to make, sweet and refreshing. For fancy cocktails, freeze pieces of diced watermelon in your ice tray. If you’re feeling fancy, experiment with textures and tastes by making watermelon salads. Pair diced watermelons with feta cheese, red onion, fresh spinach leaves and mint for a tasty lunch on the go.


source: http://homeremedyshop.com/

Amazing Benefits And Uses Of Banana For Skin, Hair And Health

Ripe, rich and delicious – bananas are one of most popular fruits that are easily available all year round. However, there are some weight watchers who will raise their eyebrows if they are asked to include it in their diet. They will soon know why this awesome fruit deserves to be loved and eaten.

Bananas are exceptionally healthy as they provide numerous health benefits. It is a versatile fruit that contains many nutrients including vitamins A, B, C and E along with minerals like potassium, zinc, iron and manganese. Just as eating a banana helps in keeping your body in good health and great shape, application of this fruit on your hair and skin will help you to keep them in great condition.

The local names of bananas in India are kela (Hindi), Arati Pandu (Telugu), Vazhai Pazham (Tamil), BaleHannu (Kannada), Ethapazham (Malayalam), Kella / Kela (Punjabi), Kele / Kel (Marathi), Keda (Gujarati), Kollaa (Bengali).

Health Benefits of Banana:


Now let’s take a quick look at the banana health benefits:

1. Gives Instant Surge of Energy:

It does this by converting the natural sugars into instant energy and this is one of the reasons sportsmen consume it during intervals. Bananas are an excellent breakfast for kids and adults as it provides required energy throughout the day. This probably the most popular health benefit of banana.

2. Helps Keep Blood Pressure Under Control:

Research indicates that potassium keeps blood pressure under control and improved consumption of calcium, potassium and magnesium can also help decrease high blood pressure. Bananas are rich in potassium, calcium & magnesium, so it is a healthy option for keeping blood pressure in check.

3. Helps Lower Cholesterol:

It is said that Pectin which is a soluble fibre in banana helps to lower Cholesterol levels. According to researchers, fibres that are water soluble such as pectin, psyllium, beta-glucan etc., lower the LDL Cholesterol without disturbing the HDL cholesterol.

4. Supports Renal Health:

Bananas being a rich source of potassium, if consumed regularly in moderation, promote renal health. The International Journal of Cancer states that Bananas being a rich source of antioxidant phenolic compounds, if consumed together with cabbage and root vegetables protect renal health.

5. Improves Nerve Function and Enhances Brain Power:

Banana is a rich source of B vitamins and therefore perks up nerve function. Potassium, in banana keeps the mental faculties vigilant and boosts learning abilities.

6. Decreases The Risk of Stroke:

Studies indicate that regular intake of bananas in daily diet helps reduce the occurrence of stroke and this is due to the high amount of potassium.

7. Reduces the Risk of Cancer:

Rich in antioxidants and dietary fibre, consumption of bananas reduce risk of various types of cancer, especially bowel cancer.

8. Helps Build Healthy Bones:

Probiotic bacteria present in bananas is said to have astonishing ability to absorb calcium in the body. Hence, consuming bananas help in building better bones.

9. Enhances Digestive Ability:

It is very rich in fructooligosaccharide which acts as a probiotic (friendly bacteria). It stimulates the growth and activity of probiotics in the colon and produces enzymes that enable absorption of nutrients thus enhancing the digestive ability and preventing unfriendly bacteria from harming the body.

10. Helps Combat Stomach Ulcers:

Certain substances in bananas stimulate the cells which make up the stomach lining, this enables production of a thicker protective mucus barrier against stomach acids. Also the substance known as protease inhibitors in banana, help getting rid of bacteria in the stomach that produces stomach ulcers, thus protecting against damage of stomach and ulcer.

11. Helps in Controlling Diarrhea:

Raw bananas are astringent in nature and are effective in treatment for diarrhoea. They also regulate fluid balance.

12. Relieve from Constipation:

Pectin found in Bananas, help to alleviate constipation and improves bowel function.

13. Helps in Curing Piles:

Since bananas help regulate bowel movement they help cure piles.

14. Helps Regulating Anemia:

Bananas are good for Anaemic patients as they contain high levels of iron which help regulate the haemoglobin levels in the body.

15. Helps Alleviating Heartburn:

The antacid substance in banana gives immense relief from heartburn

16. Prevents Allergies:

The presence of benign amino acids in banana helps combat allergies.

17. Helps Withdrawing Smoking Urge:

Vitamins B6 and B12 along with magnesium and Potassium in Bananas helps recover from nicotine addiction

18. Helps Recovering from Hangover:

Bananas when blended with honey and yoghurt cures hangover.

19. Enhance Weight Gain:

The combination of milk and bananas enhances weight gain. Bananas provide the body with necessary natural sugars and milk provides protein.

20. Bananas Benefits for Weight Loss:

Bananas contain loads of fibre and low amounts of fat and they are also easily digestible. A banana of 100 grams contains approx. 90 calories. And taking into consideration all its benefits it will not hurt including it into your diet. So dear weight watchers don’t eliminate banana from your diet completely.

21. Prevents Insomnia:

Bananas are rich in amino acids known as Tryptophan. This substance triggers production of melatonin (sleep hormone) which induces sleep. Eating banana a few hours before bedtime ensures a peaceful night’s sleep.

22. Reduces Inflammation Due to Mosquito Bites:

Itching and swelling caused by mosquito bites can be reduced by rubbing the inside of a banana on it.

23. Other Benefits of Bananas:

Bananas curbs morning sickness. Snacking on bananas at regular intervals helps preventing it.
Vitamin B6, serotonin, tryptophan, dopamine, etc., in bananas help combat symptoms of PMS, erratic mood swings, and depression.

Skin Benefits Of Banana:

Banana fruit has nutrients that are essential for the skin. They contain significant amounts of vitamin C and B6 which plays vital role in maintaining the integrity and elasticity of the skin.
In addition, the large amount of antioxidants and manganese present in banana protect the body from damage caused by oxygen free radicals which lead to premature aging of the skin.

So a major benefit from banana is younger looking skin. Banana has about 75 per cent water by weight. Thus banana helps hydrate your skin and prevents it from drying and peeling.

Here are some benefits of banana for skin care:

24. Natural Moisturiser:

Banana is a great natural moisturiser for your skin. The Vitamin A present in banana restores the lost moisture and repairs the damaged, dull and dry skin. To instantly moisturise dry and dull skin, mash a ripe banana and apply it on your face. Avoid contact with eyes. Leave it on your skin for 20-25 minutes and then wash it away with lukewarm water. You will instantly have soft and supple skin.If you have extremely dry and flaky skin, you can also add honey to this face mask.This banana and honey mask also helps in getting rid of skin pigmentation.

Another easy face mask to get moisturised skin is to mash half a ripe banana and mix it with 1 tbsp. yogurt and 1 tsp. Vitamin E oil. Apply it generously on a clean face and wash it away after 30 minutes.

25. Banana Skin Scrubs:

Banana is full of anti-oxidants; mixed with a few ingredients, it not only helps to get rid of dead skin but also leaves it feeling rejuvenated.

Here are some banana based scrubs that you make using ingredients available in your kitchen

-Take mashed banana and 1 tbsp. of sugar and mix them well. Apply it on your skin and rub it in circular motions. Banana will moisturise the dry skin while sugar granules will get rid of the dead skin.
-Mash a ripe banana; add 2-3 tablespoons of oats, 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon milk. Apply it on your face and leave it 5 minutes, then slowly rub it on your skin. Wash with cold water. In case you have extremely dry skin, you can substitute milk with fresh cream.
-Take half a ripe banana, 1 tbsp. coconut milk, 2 tbsp. uncooked rice, blend everything together to get a thick paste. Gently massage your face with this paste and wash with cold water afterwards.
-To make a body scrub, mash 2 bananas with 4-5 strawberries using a blender. Mix 3 tablespoons of sugar and use it as a body scrub when you take a bath.

source: http://www.stylecraze.com/

5 Foods That Protect The Brain From Damage and Aging Effects

Before we begin, it is important to emphasize that there is no food, which will replace the balanced and varied diet and make you a new Einstein by itself.

The brain is an organ that uses absolutely all of the vitamins and minerals, in larger or smaller amounts. The lack of any nutrient can have a negative impact on the brain.

However, there are foods which can provide everything that the brain needs for its normal function. There are foods that protect the brain from damage and aging effects. Let us tell you some of the most important foods:.

Blueberries

Blueberry is a fruit full of antioxidants that mitigate the damage caused by oxidation.

Since the brain is one of the organs that are under the greatest impact (due to high energy consumption), antioxidants play an important role in the preservation of that organ.

In one study on older people with an average age of 76 years, a regular consumption of blueberry juice resulted in the improvement of the memory for most of the participants.

Walnuts

Walnuts are another food rich in omega 3 fats, but they also contain several important nutrients for the brain.

In United Kingdom there was a recently conducted study on 64 students, where scientists have tried to find a link between the consumption of walnuts and improved mental abilities.

Subjects who ate walnuts had better verbal reasoning abilities (they did this part of the test with 11.2% improvement).

Fish
Most fish contain omega 3 fatty acids, especially those greasier like the salmon. When we take into account the fact that even 25% of the brain is made up of one type of omega 3 fatty acids (DHA) then it is clear why this is the ultimate brain food.

Fish which are the best sources of omega 3 fatty acids are: tuna, mackerel, salmon, sturgeon, mullet, arrow, anchovies, sardines and trout.If you can not buy the fish for some reason, there are omega 3 capsules that you can buy at the pharmacy. Besides the brain, they are good for the heart.Omega 3 is especially effective in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Eggs
Eggs are one of the best sources of the nutrient choline. Choline is necessary for the brain because of the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which has an effect on memory, structure and organization of various brain regions, and the creation of neurons and synapses in the brain.

This nutrient affects the brain even before birth. Some studies indicate that the intake of large quantities of choline during pregnancy is beneficial to the long-term memory of the child.

It is believed that it is possible to predict the memory in the old age, based on how much choline did the mother take in the pregnancy (this is tested on animals).

It should be mentioned that the eggs also contain selenium, another nutrient for healthy brain.

Another good source of choline besides the eggs is the veal liver.

Grapes
Besides the numerous vitamins that contains, grapes have a resveratrol, antioxidant that became famous over the allegations that it can prolong your life. Few people know that the resveratrol can delay or completely prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

source: http://www.goodmorningcenter.com

Flax Seed – How To Use For Prevention Of Some Types Of Cancer

Some call it the one of the most powerful plant foods in the world. There are two types of flaxseeds, brown and gold, but there are equal amounts of vitamins and minerals found in both. These seeds are given to chickens to produce special eggs rich in omega 3 fats.

Flax seeds beside the high nutritious, have some medicinal properties. The people are used to treat dozens of different diseases, but the flax seed is not a remedy for every disease.

People have a tendency to exaggerate the properties of natural foods, because of that we will address this text to the evidence from the world of medicine and nutrition.

Nutritional value -- calories

100 grams of seeds = 534 calories

Fat: 42g (65% of the recommended daily value)

Saturated Fat: 4g (18%)

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0g

Salt: 30 mg (1%)

Carbohydrate: 29g (10%)

Fiber: 27g (109%)

Sugars: 2g

Protein: 18g

The most common vitamins and minerals

Vitamin B1: 1.6mg (110%)

Vitamin B2: 0.2 mg (9%)

Vitamin B3: 3.1mg (15%)

Vitamin B6: 0.5 mg (24%)

Vitamin K: 4.3mcg (5%)

Folic Acid: 87.0mcg (22%)

Calcium: 255mg (26%)

Iron: 5.7 mg (32%)

Magnesium: 392mg (98%)

Phosphorus: 642mg (64%)

Potassium: 813mg (23%)

Zinc: 4.3mg (29%)

Copper: 1.2mg (61%)

Manganese: 2.5mg (124%)

Selenium: 25.4mcg (36%)

In addition to the above mentioned vitamins and minerals, flax seed is rich in fiber and it also contains substances which are called lignans, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action.

It is also a good source of omega 3 fats, but it is not better than the fish oil because the omega-3 from plant sources must be converted in the body, and the good part of it will be lost in the conversion.

Regardless to that, it is clear that flax seed is one of the healthiest foods in the world.

How to add the flax seed in your diet?

You can enrich your diet with flax seeds just with a little effort and in many different ways:


  • Buy grinded flax seed or grind it yourself (when you can eat the whole seeds of the flax, most of it passes through the intestine undigested than you will not be able to get all of the health benefits. For grinding, you can use an electric coffee grinder.)
  • Add flax seed in the meals that you usually eat (yogurt, oatmeal, and even soup)
  • Use it when baking (as an additive to flour for bread, cakes, pancakes or muffins)
  • Keep the seeds in the fridge (full seeds retain freshness and nutritional value, but the minced flax seed should be kept at cold temperature)

Which of the medicinal properties of the flaxseed are proved?

Although the flax was cultivated since 5000 years ago, scientific research for its properties is still going on. However, for some properties there are solid evidences.

For heart health

It is proven that the flax seed lowers the cholesterol level about 10%. Therefore, it is recommended to people who are at risk of a heart attack, because high cholesterol can lead to blockage of the blood vessels.

For people whose cholesterol was slightly elevated, it is always better to use natural remedies instead of medications because natural remedies have no side effects if they are used properly.

The prevention of some types of cancer

1.Flax seeds reduce the risk of breast cancer. This was discovered by a rather large study, which was conducted in Canada on 2999 women with breast cancer and 3370 healthy women. Those women who ate flax seeds or ground seeds or used the flax seed as a supplement in bread were much more resistant to breast cancer.

2.Another type of cancer that flax seed has a positive effect on is the prostate cancer. In one study, 161 men whit prostate cancer were observed. Men who ate flax seed 30 days before the prostate surgery had much weaker development of cancer. Linseed slows the growth of prostate cancer.

3.The third type of cancer which the flax seed fights against is the colon cancer.

To avoid any misconceptions, it is important to note that flax seed is not sufficient enough to cure the cancer by itself, but it is useful as a supplement to fight against cancer or to ensure that you do not get cancer.

For diabetics

Flax seeds improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity in diabetics. If you have diabetes, add any ground seeds in yogurt, oatmeal or flour for the making of bread or rolls.

Alleviate menopausal problems

Flax seed might be good for alleviating menopausal problems such as chest pain or night sweats, constipation and inflammation in the body. There is some evidence for these claims, but they are not sufficiently extensive for now.

What is NOT treated with flax seed?

No matter how tempting is to believe that flaxseed is a miraculous cure-all, you should be reasonable. No food alone can cure dozens of diseases.

Flax seed does NOT treat: osteoporosis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), irritable bowel, heartburn, flu nor cold.

source: http://www.goodmorningcenter.com

3 Reasons Why You Should Eat Cooked Carrots

We all know that carrots are a healthy food, but this knowledge leads to one short sentence “carrots are good for your eyes.” In the next few paragraphs we will try to extend this knowledge.

Nutritional value / calories


  • 100g = 41 calories
  • Fat: 0g (0% recommended daily value)
  • Saturated Fat: 0g (0%)
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0g
  • Salt: 69mg (3%)
  • Carbohydrates: 10g (3%)
  • Fiber: 3g (11%)
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 1g

The most common vitamins and minerals


  • 100g fresh carrots contain:
  • Vitamin A 16705IU (334%)
  • Vitamin K: 13.2mcg (16%)
  • Vitamin C: 5.9mg (10%)
  • Potassium: 320 mg (9%)

The carrots contain most of the other vitamins and trace minerals, from 2 to 7%.

1 medium sized carrot has about 60 grams, and its nutritive value is obtained by multiplying the above mentioned values with 0.6 (or 60% of the above value).

Carrots against diseases of the cardiovascular system

There are several scientific studies that have shown the effect of carrots, they can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

A ten-year study from the Netherlands, which examined the protection against cardiovascular diseases with the help of fruits and vegetables, has shown that foods with dark shades of orange and yellow have the greatest impact.

Even more interesting is that the carrot proved to be the biggest protector of this group.

So if you are afraid of diseases of the heart and circulatory system, one carrot a day should help you at least to lower the risk.

Carrot and eye health

Eating carrots will not help the myopic person to remove the diopter but carrots contain beta carotene which is converted to vitamin A in the body, and is one of the most important vitamins for eye health.

Carrots also contain lutein, a pigment that protects the eye from macular degeneration.

Keep in mind that the connection of carrots and eye health is exclusively preventive. Once you damage your eyesight, carrots will not fix it.

Protecting the skin from the sun

Eating carrots for a period of 10 weeks or more is proven to be effective in protecting of the skin from burns caused by excessive exposure to the sun. The protective effect was proved as an even greater, when the entry period of the carrots progressed.

Fresh or cooked?

It is known that most of the nutrients in vegetables are lost with cooking and that the raw food is the healthiest, but the carrot is an exception to this rule.

Studies have shown that when we eat raw carrots we are exploiting only 5% of the available antioxidant beta carotene. When it is cooked, this percentage rises up to 60%.

The largest percentage of the available beta carotene is up to 90% and is found in the carrots, which was previously mixed in a blender and then boiled.

Are there some carrots disadvantages?

1. Disadvantages of carrots (and most other fresh vegetables) are hard to find, but we found at least two.

Studies regarding the lung cancer patients have shown that the beta-carotene in carrots increases the risk of lung cancer in people who smoke cigarettes. For people who do not smoke, there are not such negative effects.

2. It should also be noted that beta-carotene from the carrots is a pigment, which in large quantities can change the color of your skin in orange, so it is important not to overdo with the intake.

If you notice that your skin gets a shade of orange, only reduce the consumption of foods that have a lot of beta-carotene and the skin will return to its normal color.

source: http://www.goodmorningcenter.com