Health benefits of Dark Chocolate
Dark Chocolate benefits
Studies show that Dark Chocolate can improve health and lower the risk of Heart Disease. Dark Chocolate is made using Cocoa Beans harvested from the cocoa tree; it is one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet. Health benefits of Dark Chocolate are :-
- Weight Loss –
Dark Chocolate is full of MUFAs; studies show eating a diet high in these healthy fats can rev your metabolism to burn fat and calories. It may also help by curbing cravings for salt, sweet, or fatty diet – wreckers.
- Very Nutritious –
If we are creating ourselves all the time, then it is never too late to begin creating the bodies we want instead of the ones we mistakenly assume we are stuck with.
- Lower Risk of Heart Disease –
The greatest miracle of Earth is the human body. It is stronger and wiser than you may realize, and improving its ability to selfheal is within your control.
- Powerful Sources of Antioxidants –
One study showed that cocoa and dark chocolate contained more antioxidant activity, polyphenols and flavones than other fruits they tested, which included blueberries and Acai berries.
- Improve Blood Flow –
Researchers say the results show that the antioxidant – rich compounds found in cocoa and dark chocolate – known as flavonoids – have a healthy effect on blood vessels as well as glucose metabolism.
- Improve Brain Function –
Dark chocolate improves blood flow to the brain. The flavonoids in chocolate have been shown to improve blood flow to the brain in young and old alike.
- Make you Happy –
Dark chocolate contains serotonin, a natural anti-depressant. Chocolate also stimulates endorphin production, which creates feelings of happiness and pleasure.
- Helps prevent Diabetes –
For people with type 2 diabetes, daily dark chocolate consumption of 20 grams per day helped increase the sensitivity to insulin. This is important for blood glucose control.
- Lower Cholesterol –
Chocolate contains a chemical often referred to as flavonoids, which are the same chemicals found in red wine. This has been found to lower LDL cholesterol as well as to exert a protective effect against heart disease.
Stress-the silent killer
Did you know that stress is actually an important part of human evolution, and it helped our ancestor survive? The release of adrenaline brought about by an impending attack from a large carnivorous animal, for example, helped our ancestor prepare for fight or flight, and this kind of stress still benefit us today. But the Modern World has brought about continuous stressors our bodies weren’t made to respond to.
Types of Stress
- Acute Stress –
It is short – term stress brought about by specific events you must react to. It can be helpful, motivational force and it can be thrilling in small doses (eustress), but too much is exhausting (distress). For example, riding a Roller Coaster, taking a test, dodging a car accident, asking for a raise etc.
- Chronic Stress –
It is long – term distress caused by repeated stressor. Chronic stress can become such a routine part of life that sufferers stop noticing it and accept it as normal. For example, an overly demanding job, an unhappy home life, prolonged financial problems, difficulty in school etc.
Chronic Stress is more dangerous than Acute Stress.
The Effects of Chronic Stress
Without any relief or relaxation, can lead to –
- Headaches
- Upset Stomach
- Chest Pains
- Increased Blood Pressure
- Sleep Loss
Risk Factor of Stress
- Heart Disease by 40%
- Heart Attack by 25%
- Stroke by 50%
- Changes in Digestion
- Increased Heart Beating Rates
- Increased Blood Sugar Level
- Increased (Exhale) Breath Rate
The Relaxation Response –
It is a state of deep rest designed to change your physical and emotional responses to stress. Benefits of Relaxation are –
- Lowers Blood Pressure
- Slow your Breathing Rate
- Increases Blood Flow to muscles
- Boosts Memory
- Boosts Confidence
- Reduces Muscles Tension
- Improves Mood and Concentration
- Reduces Fatigue
Methods to De-Stress –
- Meditation – elicits the relaxation response and strengthens your mind against stress.
- Deep Breathing – slows heart rate and lowers blood pressure.
- Decompress and reduce muscle tension
- Get active
- Hearty Laughter
- Be grateful
Food that Reduces Stress
- Blueberries
- Nuts & Seeds
- Turkey
- Leafy Greens
- Avocado
- Lemon Balm Tea
- Salmon
- Dark Chocolate
- Oranges
- Sweet Potatoes
Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
What is Aloe Vera?
The Aloe Vera plant is a succulent perennial and a species of plant belonging to the Lily Family which is part of a larger family of plants known as “Xeroids”. Of the known medicinal Aloes, Aloe Barbadensis Miller has the Greatest Medicinal Activity and is the only Aloe bearing the botanical name Aloe Vera, Vera meaning true in Latin, Thus “True Aloe” or “Aloe Vera”.
Health privileges of Aloe Vera –
- Gives a healthy, bright and clear skin by enhancing the quantity of oxygen delivered to your skin.
- This reduce pimples. Aloe Vera’s anti-inflammatory properties calm the skin, reduce redness, and minimize the visibility of acne scars.
- Aloe Vera’s anti-inflammatory properties also help to minimize puffiness and rashes on the skin’s surface caused by environmental pollutants.
- This Keeps your skin looking firm and wrinkle free, while minimizing the appearance of dark spots.
- This Moisturizes without leaving behind excess oil and grease! Good for oily and sensitive skin types.
- Comforts skin that has been overly exposed to harmful UV lights thanks to its cooling properties.
Reasons to Drink Aloe Vera juice –
- Healthy stomach and intestine
- Healthy effect on skin
- Increased activity of Fibroblasts
- Healthy gut flora
- Vitamins
- Boost immune system
- Healthy digestion
- Healthy joints
- Full of minerals
- Overall health
Migraine: Causes, Prevention and Treatment
What is Migraine?
Word “Migraine” is derived from the Greek word – “hemicranias” – pain on one side of head. It is chronic neurological disorder. Patient suffers from recurrent moderate to severe headaches. The person is extremely sensitive to light and sound which can last for hours to days. It greatly affects the life of the sufferer. Headache is one of the most common reasons for patient to seek medical attention. Migraine affects approximately 12% of the population.
Types of Migraine
- Migraine with Aura
- Migraine without Aura
- Migraine with Brainstem Aura
- Hemiplegic Migraine
- Chronic Migraine
- Retinal Migraine
Causes of Migraine
- Allergies and allergic reactions
- Physical or emotional stress
- Changes in Sleep patterns or irregular
- Smoking or exposure to smoke
- Hormonal changes in women
- Changes in routine
- Tension headache
- The computer monitors
- Lack of food
- Teeth grinding
What is a Migraine Headache
A migraine is a painful throbbing sensation, usually experienced either in the temples, forehead, around the eyes, or at the rear of the head. This occurs due to the expansion of blood vessels, and the subsequent release of chemicals from the nerves which are attached to them. It is this expansion of the blood vessels which cause the pain associated with a migraine headaches.
Home Remedies for Migraine
- Peppermint
- Cayenne Pepper
- Ginger
- Chamomile
- Ice pack
- Ginkgo
- Ginger
- Rosemary
- Coffee
- Mint
Diarrhoea
What is Diarrhoea?
- Diarrhoea is defined by the World Health Organization as having 3 or more loose or liquid stools per day, or as having more stools than is normal for that person.
- Diarrhoea is usually a symptom of an infection in the intestinal tract, which can be caused by a variety of bacterial, viral and parasitic organisms.
- People of all ages can get Diarrhoea, but it is common in children below five years of age.
- Liquid or semi-liquid stools, often light colored
- May be foul smelling, contain mucus, pus, blood or fats
- Often accompanied by flatus and severe, painful abdominal cramps or spasms (tenesmus) that defecation relieves
- Complications of severe or chronic Diarrhoea include: Dehydration Electrolyte disturbances Cardiac dysrhythmias Hypovolemic shock
Types of Diarrhoea
There are four types of Diarrhoea:
- Osmotic Diarrhoea
- Secretory Diarrhoea
- Exudative Diarrhoea
- Motility disorder
SYMPTOMS OF DIARRHOEA
❖Crampy abdominal pain (or stomach pain) +Bloating—+Nausea
❖An urgent need to use the bathroom
❖An inability to control the bowels (fecal incontinence)
❖Feeling sick to the stomach and Fever
❖Chills
❖Muscle aches or pain
❖Headache
❖Low heart rate
❖Joint pain
❖Blood in stool
❖Mucus in stool
PREVENTION
- Keep your hands clean boiling water
- Wash fruits and vegetable
- Refrigerate and cover for Eat well-cooked foods..
Benefits of Garlic
Garlic is common name. It came from Latin Name Allium Sativum. It belongs to the onion family Alliaceae. It includes shallots and leek. Garlic has been used throughout recorded history for both medicinal and culinary purposes. The Garlic Bulb is divided into sections called Cloves.
Garlic is a Powerful Cancer Fighter
Adding more to the health benefits of garlic list, garlic’s role in the prevention of cancer is perhaps one of the most notorious. Scientists believe that the exceptional anti-cancer properties may have to do with the way that garlic boosts the production of something known as hydrogen sulfide. It is the hydrogen sulfide production that researchers believe to be why garlic is so effective at preventing a wide variety of cancer including, prostate, breast, and colon cancer.
Garlic Fights Inflammation, Protecting Against Numerous Conditions
Research shows that anti-inflammatory compounds in garlic can also benefit our musculoskeletal system and respiratory system. Two sulfur containing constituents in garlic, diallyl sulfide (DAS) and thiacremonone, have anti-arthritic properties. Garlic has also been shown to improve inflammatory conditions when referring to allergic airway inflammation.
Health Benefits of Garlic
- Warts
- Earache
- Cough
- Toothache
- Repel Mosquitoes
- Nasal Congestion
- Cancer
- Detoxification
- Infections
- Sore Throat
- Heart
- Inflammation
Figs and their health benefits
Figs, popularly known as ‘Anjeer‘ in Hindi, ‘Athi Pallu‘ in Telugu, ‘Atti Pazham‘ in (Tamil and Malayalam), ‘Anjura‘ in Kannada and ‘Dumoor‘ in Bengali. They are bell shaped fruits with wrinkled and leathery skin. They are one of the sweetest fruits and also have a very sweet aroma. They can vary in size, shape and colour. They are mainly classified by colour – white, black or red. These are some more popular varieties:
- Black genoa
- Adriatic figs
- Brown TurkeyMission
- Calimyrna
- Kadota
10 Health Benefits of Figs…
- Relieves Constipation
- Lower Blood Pressure
- Rich in Anti-Oxidants
- Controls Diabetes
- Prevents Cancer
- Increases Vitality
- Treats Anaemia
- High in Calcium
- Healthy Heart
- Clears Toxins
Health Benefits of Dried Figs
They are a nutrient-dense fruit that can be yellow-green, copper or purple in color. You can peel them and eat them out of hand, use them to make jam or add them to ice cream or baked goods.
Mint leaves and their health benefits
Mint, the well-known mouth and breath freshener that is scientifically known as Mentha, has more than two dozen species and hundreds of varieties. Most of us are familiar with the refreshing application of mint, but it has far more to offer than that.
Benefits MINT LEAVES
-Drinking the mixture of mint leaves ground and pasted in water, roasted cumin, salt and a dash of lemon helps alleviate all stomach discomfort including pain, and acidic burping.
-it promotes digestion
-it can help weight loss
-it is a good treatment for irritable bowel syndrome and colic spasms
-it treats nausea and headache
-it is an effective relief for respiratory disorders and coughs
-it fights depression and fatigue
-it improves memory -it promotes oral head
-it can prevent cancer
-it is good for your skin health
-it aids in shingles-associated pain and inhibits herpes simplex virus Type 1
-it alleviates allergies and hay fever
-it protects against radiation-induced DNA damage
Ways to Use Fresh Mint …
* Suited to pots so roots don’t escape!
* Shady character that loves moisture.
* Makes a refreshing drink in water or juice.
* Flavor drinks like coffee or hot chocolate.
* Infuse a few leaves in boiling water for tea. X Partner with fruit, salads, meats & peas.
* Add to ice cubes for mint flavored drinks.
* Chew a few leaves to freshen breath.
* Has antiseptic & anesthetic properties.
* Herb tea or fresh leaves said to relieve: sore throats, colds, coughs, headaches, cramps, indigestion and insomnia.
Bromelain and it’s health benefits
Bromelain is an enzyme that can be easily sourced from pineapples. It is one of the proteolytic enzymes available. Aside from its ability to stop or reduce inflammation, can also improve digestion of protein and aid in the treatment of digestion problems.
It is a proteolytic enzyme — an enzyme which breaks down protein — that is found naturally in the stems of pineapples.
Inside our bodies, many unhealthy cells “disguise” themselves from the immune system using a protective protein shield.
Proteolytic enzymes like this can blast this protective layer. Promoting the removal of cellular debris and allowing the immune system to do its job.
Fact: Bromelain has been studied, with urinary tract infections. 100% of participants given antibiotics in carbonation with bromelain were cure of their infection,
It contains chemicals that interfere with the growth of tumor cells and other unhealthy cells. Thereby helping the body HEAL normally.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
• Growing evidence of the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs has left many people seeking safe, effective strategies for relieving pain and inflammation
• Deemed from the pineapple plant, the protein-digesting enzyme demonstrates powerful effects in alleviating pain, swelling and inflammation
• In clinical trials. Bromelain-based formulations were more effective than an NSAID drug in relieving arthritis pain. Supplementing with bromelain-based formulations after injury or surgery also speeds healing and reduces pain
• It hastens the resolution of sinusitis, and shows promise in fighting inflammatory bowel disorders. Preliminary studies suggest that bromelam may even help fight cancer
• Experts suggest consuming bromelain between meals to capture its anti-inflammatory benefits. To promote healthy digested function, like bromelain with meals
HOW PINEAPPLE BENEFITS THE BODY
Vitamin C is abundant in the pineapple. Vitamin C is excellent immune supporter greed: great for oral risk of periodontal disease.
Health benefit of Pine Nuts
Crunchy yet butter textured, pleasantly sweet and delicious pine nuts are small edible seeds of female cone in a pine tree. Pine kernels are, indeed, very good source of plant derived nutrients, essential minerals, vitamins and “heart friendly” mono-unsaturated fatty acids that help benefit in reducing cholesterol levels in the blood.
Botanically, pine trees belong to the family of Pinaceae, in the genus: Pinus. Some of the common names are pinon nuts, pignoli, cedar nuts, chilgoza, pinyon pinenuts…etc.
Health benefits of pine nuts
⦁ Pine nuts are one of the calorie-rich edible nuts. 100 g of dry-kernels provide 673 calories. Additionally, they comprise of numerous health promoting phyto-chemicals, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals.
⦁ Their high caloric content chiefly comes from fats. Indeed, the nuts are especially rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid (18:1 undifferentiated fat) that helps to lower LDL or “bad cholesterol” and increases HDL or “good-cholesterol” in the blood. Research studies suggest that Mediterranean diet which contain good amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants, helps to prevent coronary artery disease and strokes by favoring healthy blood lipid profile.
⦁ Pine or cedar nuts contain essential fatty acid (omega-6 fat), pinolenic acid. Recent research has shown its potential use in weight loss by curbing appetite. Pinolenic acid triggers the release of hunger-suppressant enzymes cholecystokinin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in the gut. In addition, pinolenic acid has thought to have LDL-lowering properties by enhancing hepatic LDL uptake.
⦁ Likewise in almonds, pines too are an excellent source of vitamin E; contain about 9.33 mg per 100 g (about 62% of RDA). Vitamin E is a powerful lipid soluble antioxidant, required for maintaining the integrity of cell membrane of mucus membranes and skin by protecting it from harmful oxygen-free radicals.
⦁ Furthermore, pines are one of gluten free tree nuts, and therefore, are a popular ingredient in the preparation of gluten-free food formulas. Such formula preparations can be a healthy alternative in people with wheat food allergy, and celiac disease.
⦁ Pine nuts are an excellent source of B-complex group of vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) and folates. These vitamins work as co-factors for enzymes in cellular substrate metabolism inside the human body.
⦁ Furthermore, pine nuts contain healthy amounts of essential minerals like manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium. At 8.802 mg per 100 g (about 383% of daily recommended intake), pines are one of the richest sources of manganese. Manganese is an all-important co-factor for antioxidant enzyme,superoxide dismutase. It is therefore, consumption of pines helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful oxygen-free radicals.
