Salmon - Health Benefits

Salmon - Health Benefits

Image Source: Wikipedia

Wild salmon is a favorite amongst bears in Alaska, and those bears are turning out to be some healthy beasts! Wild salmon is a fish loaded with nutrients that help keep the body healthy. And, it should be noted, that Salmon is the only fish on super food list.The others i'll post.
Salmon is loaded with vitamin B6, vitamin B3, vitamin B12, vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium and omega-3
fatty acids. It also contains a good amount of selenium, tryptophan and is high in protein.
Fatty acids are good for the body. That’s right .. not often do you see fatty and good in the same sentence. Fatty acids, specifically the omega-3 fatty acids in salmon, are very beneficial to the body.
Wild caught fish, like salmon, are known to have high levels of omega-3s.
These fatty acids help prevent heart attacks, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and increase blood flow. Possibly the most beneficial aspect of eating foods with omega-3s is the reduction in the risk of stroke. Studies have shown that people who regularly eat salmon or other foods with large amounts of omega-3s have a 27% less chance of having a stroke.

Other benefits of omega-3 include:
1. improvement in insulin sensitivity in people with Type 2 diabetes
2. effective in combating dry eye disease
3. helps protect the body against cancer has been linked to lowering the chances of contracting Alzheimer’s or dementia from aging
4. known to aid in the prevention of sun damage to the skin ease menstrual pain and discomfort

As with any food you should try to get your salmon as fresh as possible. Also, you should look for wild
salmon instead of the farmed variety, which contains antibiotics and artificial additives, which gives it its pink color.Even though salmon is quite popular due to its health benefits fresh wild salmon, can be difficult to get during certain times of the year.

Salmon has a wonderful taste and can be enjoyed many different ways.
Here are some of our favourites:
Naturally smoked salmon tastes great with capers, onion rings,lemon and crackers
Try it with low-fat cream cheese and a whole wheat bagel
Add some grilled filets to the top of a tossed salad
Brush with a mix of soy sauce, ginger, garlic and dill and bake in the oven for a few minutes
Try a Napolitana sauce made with canned wild salmon and enjoy it with your favorite whole-wheat, kamut
or rice pasta.

If you like avocados try this: mash some avocado with a spoon and mix with onion; put it on slices of naturally smoked salmon and make a roll. Cut it and enjoy as healthy finger food.

Our only fish on the super food list provides an endless amount of nutrition. Be sure to get your fresh salmon before the bears catch them all and eat them up!

Onions - Health Benefits

Onions - Health Benefits

Allium cepa
Family: Alliaceae
Edible Parts: Flowers, Leaves, Root, Seed. 
BULB
Onions belong to the genus Allium along with garlic, chives, shallots, and leeks. The common onion (Allium cepa) is widely grown in Iowa gardens. Onions are grown chiefly as green onions or dry bulbs. A perfectly developed onion will have 13 leaves and 13 rings of scales around the bulb. Each leaf corresponds with a ring in the bulb. Therefore, the larger the leaf above the soil, the larger the ring in the bulb.

Tell me you’re crying because of the onions, not because you’re sad. After you discover the health benefits of onions you can turn those tears into tears of joy.
Onions contain many nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B6, dietary fiber, folate, potassium, copper, manganese, molybdenum, phosphors and tryophan. Onions are potent in sulphur compounds such as allyl
propyl disulphide, which can help bring high blood pressure down and deter tumor growth. Onions also contain the flavonoid Quercitin that has a high antioxidant activity. Onions have many healing benefits. Among the best is their ability to lower blood sugar levels. This is a great benefit to people with diabetes because it can help regulate blood sugar more efficiently.

They also lower the risk of heart attacks by lowering homocysteine levels and may protect against colon cancer. These pungent veggies are also known to promote bone health and act as a natural antibiotic keeping infections and viruses away.Onions come in a variety of shapes and colors and can be labelled as Spanish, yellow, white and red. There are not any nutritional differences among these types.Onions can be tasty in so many ways! Try French onion soup, sautéed as a topping on a lean steak, chopped in a tossed salad or sprinkled into a chicken fajita. They’re also good to eat on almost any sandwich. While onions may cause you to tear up at first sight, they are certainly a power food loaded
with many great nutrients you don’t want to miss.

Green Onion as Alternative Medicine 
1. It is mainly used as a traditional medicine for common cold.
2. It stimulates the respiratory tract and helps in expelling sputum (phlegm).
3/. It contains essential oils that stimulates the sweat glands and promote sweating.
4. It normalizes blood pressure.
5. It increases appetite.
6. It helps prevent diarrhea.
7. It is rich in sulfur, an essential element that kills or inhibits fungus infections.
8. It inhibits cancer cell growth especially colon cancer. Green onion's anti-colon cancer properties are well 9. known among traditional healers around the world.
10. It contains vitamin A and C. The white part of it has calcium, too.
11. It is a good appetizer.
12. Anemia :- Onions are noted for their easily assimilate iron content. They are, therefore, beneficial in the treatment of anemia.
13. The onion are very valuable in heart diseases as they correct thrombosis and also reduce blood cholesterol.
14. Onion is one of the most important aphrodisiac  foods. As an aphrodisiac, onion stands second only to garlic. It increases libido and strengthens the reproductory organs.
15. Onion is irritating to the skin and stimulates  the circulation of blood in the mucous membrane. Warts also sometimes disappear if  rubbed with cut onions.
16. Onion juice dipped on cotton wool and put into  the ear is a popular Russian remedy for ringing sound in the ears. Dropped hot in the ear, it relieves earache.

Other Benefits

• A multi-faceted heart-blood medicine 
• Taking 12 gms of onion juice mixed with the same quantity of honey for 21 days increases virility. 
• Boosts beneficial HDL cholesterol 
• Thins the blood 
• Eating onion helps to clear phlegm from the throat  and mouth. Teeth becomes white, it 
• sharpens the memory and strengthens the nerves. 
• Lowers total blood cholesterol 
• Retards blood clotting 
• Regulates blood sugar 
• Kills bacteria 
• Drinking the mixed juice of onion and memordica charantia (karela) cures severe indigestion. 
• Eating white onion with raw sugar and some turmeric powder daily in the morning and 
• evening time cures jaundice. 
• Giving onion with raw sugar to children help them to gain height. 
• The onion after being crushed and boiled clears phlegm. 
• One spoonfull of onion juice eliminates the worms in the stomach of children. 
• Applying onion juice on the hair eliminates lice. 

Almonds - Health Benefits

Almonds - Health Benefits

Almonds can benefit the body in so many ways that it’s hard to believe such a small nut can pack this much punch. There are many different reasons why almonds are such a powerful food; probably the best way to explain this is by taking a look at all of the nutrients, healing properties, and of course, the best way to eat them.

The extensive nutrients contained in almonds include, among others, vitamin E, vitamin B2, protein, magnesium and potassium. Additionally, almonds are high in dietary fiber and monounsaturated fat, also
known as the “good fat”, which is found in olive oil.

With respect to heart disease, the healing properties of almonds pack a one, two punch. For example, the monounsaturated fats, when ingested, help lower LDL cholesterol, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. Studies have proven that eating almonds over a period of only two weeks can have a positive impact on LDL levels. Vitamin E, an antioxidant, helps lower cholesterol and magnesium reduces stress on veins and arteries by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain and throughout the body.

For optimal cellular health vitamin B2 is essential. Your body has a high amount of oxygen-containing molecules that are used to produce energy. Sometimes, these molecules can be reactive and cause damage
to the mitochondria; however, this can be prevented with a protein molecule called glutathione, which vitamin B2 allows being recycled within the body. Essentially, without vitamin B2 the glutathione would not be able to recycle itself and defend your mitochondria against danger.

Beyond heart and cellular health almonds possess an array of healing properties that help promote weight loss and colon health as well as protecting you from anemia. Did you know that a quarter of a cup of almonds contains over 4 g of fiber – a whopping 16% of the daily requirement? Or, that eating almonds are a great alternative to red meat for getting your daily dose of protein? Healthy cooking ideas for almonds are far from traditional. You can of course eat them as is, in fact, many health experts recommend eating the skin of an almond to get the maximum benefit. However, there are more
creative ways to get your daily almond fix – for example:

1. Add fresh almonds to a salmon salad in addition to lemon juice and capers
2. If you don’t eat fish, try almonds with some yogurt for a tasty treat
3. For a twist on a holiday favorite try adding almonds to cranberry sauce for a wonderful taste
4. Almond shavings can also be added to a variety of main dishes including roasted chicken with mango for an island flavor.
Can you think of a better tasting way to stay healthy? Make almonds part of your daily life and your body will reap the rewards!

Broccoli - Health Benefits

Broccoli - Health Benefits

Brassica oleracea
Family:Brassicaceae

Broccoli is a member of the cabbage family, and is closely related to cauliflower. Its cultivation originated in Italy. Broccolo, its Italian name, means "cabbage sprout." Broccoli's name is derived from the Latin word brachium, which means branch or arm, a reflection of its tree-like shape that features a compact head of florets attached by small stems to a larger stalk. Because of its different components, this vegetable provides a complex of tastes and textures, ranging from soft and flowery (the florets) to fibrous and crunchy (the stem and stalk). Its color can range from deep sage to dark green to purplish-green, depending upon the variety. One of the most popular types of broccoli sold in North America is known as Italian green, or Calabrese, named after the Italian province of Calabria where it first grew.  

1. The health benefits of broccoli along with the easy availiability of this super vegetable make it one of our most popular vegetables.

2. Broccoli provides a high amount of vitamin C, which aids iron absorption in the body, prevents the development of cataracts, and also eases the symptoms of the common cold.

3. The folic acid in broccoli helps women sustain normal tissue growth and is often used as a supplement when taking birth control pills and during pregnancies.

4. The potassium in broccoli aids those battling high blood pressure, while a large amount of calcium helps combat osteoporosis.

5. The vegetable is also fiber-rich, which enhances the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, as well as aims to reduce blood cholesterol levels.

6. In recent years, broccoli has made the headlines regarding three components found in the vegetable. For instance, indole-3-carbinol has captured the attention of those looking to prevent hormone-related cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer.

7. I3C promotes "good" hormones, while working against destructive ones. The sulforaphane in broccoli also helps to increase the level of enzymes that block cancer, while the beta-carotene in broccoli transforms into vitamin A within the body, providing an effective antioxidant that destroys free radicals (responsible for weakening the defense of cells).

8. Additionally, the health benefits of broccoli have been linked to preventing and controlling the following medical concerns: Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, calcium deficiencies, stomach and colon cancer, malignant tumors, lung cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and even the aging process.

9. The next time you're shopping for vegetables, note that some broccoli tops appear purplier than others, meaning they possess a higher level of carotenoids, which is better for your health.

10. The health benefits of broccoli are so great that it is one of those foods that should be a regular addition to your menu.

Health Benefits Of PETAI

Health Benefits Of PETAI

Parkia speciosa
Fabaceae

Common names:Bitter bean,twiated cluster bean,Stink bean.It bears long edible beans with bright green seeds with a peculiar smell similar to natural gas.Petai contains three natural sugars,sucrose, fructose and glucose. Combined with fiber, petai gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proved that just two servings of petai provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder petai is the number one BEAN(POD) with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way petai can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

#1. Depression:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND among people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating petai. This is because petai contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

#2. PMS(premenstrual syndrome):
Forget the pills - eat petai. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

#3. Anaemia:
High in iron, petai can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anaemia.

#4. Blood Pressure:
This unique tropical bean is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the petai industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

#5. Brain Power :
Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making students more alert and boost memory.

#6. Constipation:
High in fiber, including petai in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

#7. Hangovers:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a petai milkshake, sweetened with honey. The petai calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

#8. Heartburn:
Petai has a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating petai for soothing relief.

#9. Morning Sickness :
Snacking on petai between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness in women.

#10. Mosquito bites :
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of the petai skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

#11. Nerves:
Petai is high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

#12. Overweight:
Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

#13. Ulcers:
Petai is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in chronic cases. It also neutralizes acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

#14. Temperature control :
Many other cultures see petai as a "cooling" bean that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In holland, for example, pregnant women eat petai to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

#15. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) :
Petai can help SAD sufferers because the seeds contain tryptophan,the natural mood enhancer.

#16. Smoking:
Petai can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

#17. Stress:
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium petai snack.

#18. Strokes:
According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine, " eating petai as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%".

#19. Warts:
Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of petai and place it on the wart. Carefully hold the petai in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, as you can see, petai really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrates, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A Petai a day keeps the doctor away". 

Coconut - Health Benefits

Coconut - Health Benefits

Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of these are summarized below:

1. Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.

2. Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.

3. Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.

4. Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.

5. Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

6. Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.

7. Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.

8. Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.

9. Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.

10. Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.

11. Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.

12. Helps protect against osteoporosis.

13. Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.

14. Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.

15. Improves digestion and bowel function.

16. Supports tissue healing and repair.

17. Supports and aids immune system function.

18. Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.

19. Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.

20. Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.

21. Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.

22. Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do.

23. Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.

24. Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.

25. Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).

26. Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.

27. Helps prevent liver disease.

28. Is lower in calories than all other fats.

29. Supports thyroid function.

30. Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.

31. Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.

32. Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.

33. Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.

34. Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.

35. Is completely non-toxic to humans.

Lingon Berry - Ten Health Benefits

Lingon Berry - Queen Of Berries - Ten Health Benefits

Vaccinium vitis-idaea
Family; Ericaceae
Common names;  cowberry, red whortle berry, foxberry, northern mountain cranberry, dry ground cranberry, rock cranberry, partridge berry, or whimberry.

Lingonberries are small, red, edible berries that grow on a perennial, woody, evergreen shrub with a low growth habit.  They are related to both blueberries and cranberries. The first fruit ripens in mid-summer, around July, and the second crop ripens in late September to early November. Lingonberries are native to Scandinavia, Alaska, and northeastern Canada.They are similar to cranberries but not quite as tart and they make great jam, jelly, juice, sauce,wine and liqueur.

Want a way to keep young and healthy. A berry that is very beneficial to us and even contains more antioxidants than blueberries is called the lingonberry! They are very tasty. They can be found whole, dried, jams and in powder. These lingonberries are a good source of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and magnesium. They are also believed to be anti-cancer, which is just another bonus. I recommend using these nutritious berries high in antioxidants in smoothies, in juice or in many other recipes.

Ten Health Benefits of  Lingonberry

1. Lingonberry, affectionately referred as the ‘Queen of Berries’ has a nice refreshing taste. This wild berry comes packed with a bevy of health and nutritive benefits and is known to profit human health in more ways than one.

2. Lingonberry is highly esteemed in the medicinal world for its diverse spectrum of therapeutic actions. Lingonberry serves both as a diuretic and choleretic and is known to strengthen capillary tube too. The berries are treated as carditonic and hypotensive too.

3. The pearly red lingonberries are supposedly one of the richest sources of polyphenols. Lingonberries contain berry biocomplex that is believed to have an anti-sclerotic effect. They are also believed to be a rich source of copper, an essential mineral that helps in treating pancreatic diabetes.

4. Lingonberry is a popular cure for liver ailments, gastritis, hypertony and gastric ulcer. Its capacity to regulate salt metabolism makes it an effective remedy for treating diseases like renal lithiasis, uratic arthritis and rheumatism. Lingonberry also has antiseptic properties and can be used as an astringent too.

5. Lingonberry contains tannins that help to boost the blood vessel walls, resolve mineral metabolism and neutralize toxins, thereby improving digestion and toning up the body.

6. Lingonberries are touted as excellent cure for urinary tract infections. These pearly red, ripe berries are found to contain short-chained proanthocyans that is believed to keep away the infection causing bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. Lingonberry juice or powder when taken regularly is likely to reduce the risk of urinary tract infection in women by forty percent.

7. These small berries are believed to be excellent source of vitamin A, B and C and are power-packed with other essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium. Because of their rich nutritional value, lingonberries are believed to favor both blood and bone health.

8. Apart from being rich in essential nutrients, these humble berries are a rich 
source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Lingonberries are also found to be a potent source of essential fatty acids and are highly esteemed because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Regular consumption of lingonberries keeps the free radicals from spreading in the body.

9. Lingonberries are a storehouse of flavonoids, especially quercetin. Apart from having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, quercetin has antihistamine properties that help to alleviate allergy symptoms.

10. Like most other berries, lingonberries are known to boost the levels of good cholesterol, improve blood pressure. They are thereby held as a productive source of heart health.

Health Benefits of Betel Nut

Health Benefits of Betel Nut

Areca catechu (betel nut palm)
Arecaceae (Arecoideae), palm family 
Common names;betel nut palm, areca, areca-nut (English); pugua (Guam), poc (Pohnpei), pu (Chuuk), bu (Yap), bua (Palau), buai(New Ireland: Kuanua), buei (New Ireland: Pala), vua (New Ireland: Lamekot)

Betel nut (Areca catechu) is a slender, single-trunked palm that  can  grow  to  30  m  (100  ft).  It  is  cultivated  from  East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula across tropical Asia and Indonesia  to  the  central  Pacific  and  New  Guinea.  The “nut”  (actually  the  seed  endosperm)  is  chewed  as  a  stimulant masticatory  by  5%  of  the  world’s  population,  making it  more  popular  than  chewing  gum  but  not  as  popular  as tobacco. Use of betel nut is often culturally or socially ritualized, and there are elaborate ceremonies attending its use in various  Asian  and  Pacific  cultures.  At  the  same  time, betel chewing is stigmatized by Western cultures that find the  red  saliva  and  blackened  teeth  resulting  from  regular use  (not  to  mention  the  spitting  out  of  the  copious  red saliva) to be esthetically disgusting.

The  nuts,  husks,  young  shoots,  buds,  leaves,  and  roots  are used in various medicinal 
preparations.

Masticant/stimulant

The fresh or dried endosperm of the seed is the betel nut of  commerce.  The  betel  quid  (wad  of  chewable  ingredients) includes the fresh or dried seed of betel nut, a fresh leaf of betel pepper (Piper betle), a dab of slaked lime, and various  flavorings  (cutch,  cardamom,  clove,  tobacco,  or gambier).  Eight  closely  related  alkaloids  are  responsible for  the  stimulant  effect;  the  alkaloid  levels  are  highest  in the unripe fruit and this may be why some cultures prefer the  unripe  nuts  for  consumption:  they  give  a  better  buzz. Note that when chewed for the stimulant effect betel quid is never swallowed and the copious saliva resulting is spat out..However,  when  used  medicinally  betel  nut  may  be taken internally. One of its effects is a powerful stimulus to intestinal peristalsis; betel nut is used to treat a long list of ailments. The Indian pan (pronounced pon) is a common after dinner  treat,  acting  against  post-meal  lethargy  and as a digestif.

Beautiful/fragrant flowers
The fragrant flowers are used in weddings and funerals in some SE Asian countries. 

Timber
The trunks of culled trees provide a source of construction material. Either split or whole they are used for rafters and for wattle in house construction; they are used in constructing elaborate crematory and temporary structures.

Fuelwood
Fallen fronds, bracts, inflorescences could be used for fuel; culled  trees  could  be  used  as firewood.  In  practice,  the husks removed from the fruits during processing are used as domestic fuel after drying. 

Health Benefits of Pawpaw

 Health Benefits of Pawpaw

(Asimina triloba)
Annonaceae
Common names;Poor-man’s banana and Indiana banana

The North American pawpaw is a temperate member of the mostly tropical Annonaceae or Custard Apple 

family.Another rare find.The Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is one of United State's most over-looked fruits.Native to most parts of the United States, the Pawpaw thrives with little or no care. It is a small (12-20 feet tall), deciduous tree with a pyramidal shape.The fruit is 4 to 5 inches long with a custard smooth, white to apricot flesh. Delicious and complex combination of banana, mango and pineapple like flavor is awesome.The fruit is usually eaten fresh, but may also be used for making custard pies and preserves.In addition, wild fruit collected from some trees can have a bitter aftertaste. Fruit from grafted trees of named varieties is of a higher quality, does not have a bitter aftertaste,and has greater market potential. Pawpaw is also a common name for papaya (Carica papaya), a tropical fruit in the family Caricaceae. The two fruits are very different from each other, but some pawpaws do have a papaya-like flavor.

Pawpaw pollination is worth knowing something about. Now these are truly strange trees. Two trees are
needed for cross-pollination. Their favorite pollinator is the green bottle fly. Some growers have gone to great lengths to attract this shy creature. One noteworthy method is to place rotten hamburger in buckets around the tree for a few weeks before bloom to build up the fly colony. Whew! Must be a better way! (Also hand pollinate using small brushes to transfer pollen between trees).

Health Benefits
1. Malaria fever- Squeeze some yellow pawpaw leafs in water. Take a glassful three times daily for seven days. This preparation is also good for jaundice. The dosage is the same.

2. Diabetes- The green leafs of pawpaw are good foe diabetes-induced hypertension. Squeeze the green leaves in water and take a glass thrice daily. This preparation is also good for constipation.

3. Stomach Ulcer- Cut a big unripe pawpaw fruit into pieces. Do not remove the peel or seeds. Simply cut the whole fruits into cubes. Then soak in five bottles of water for four days. Sieve and take ½ a glass thrice daily for 2 weeks. This is a very good remedy for any type of intestinal ulcer.

4. External Ulcer- The white milky sap of the unripe pawpaw contains a high percentage of papain, which is used for chronic wounds or ulcers. This can be obtained by making a slight cut of the unripe pawpaw fruit to allow the juice drop. Papain is also present in the ripe pawpaw fruit.

5. Asthma- Burn dried pawpaw leaves and inhale the smoke during an attack of asthma. This will bring quick relief. Therefore, to prevent an attack, inhale the smoke every night.

6. Bronchitis- The root of the pawpaw plant is a good remedy for respiratory problems especially bronchitis. Bring some pawpaw roots to boil and take ½ a glass thrice daily. For cough, simply chew a tender pawpaw root and swallow the juice.

7. Piles- Pawpaw root is effective for the cure of piles. Prepare as for bronchitis. The dosage is half a glass twice daily.

8. Impotence- Cut two unripe pawpaw fruits into pieces (seeds and peel inclusive). Bring to boil in eight bottles of water. Take half glass thrice daily.

9. For chronic external ulcers or sores, cut a piece of unripe pawpaw fruit and tie directly to the wound. Do this four times daily. Continue till the wound has dried, which will be in few days or weeks. To make the wound heal faster, eat plenty of ripe pawpaw.

10. The ripe fruits are rich in vitamins A, B and C. Vitamin A is good for eyesight, Vitamin B for the nerves and muscles while Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and helps fight against illnesses. Form worms, chew 2 tablespoons of the seeds of ripe pawpaw fruit first thing on rising and last thing at night. Do this for 3 days. Take only fruits for breakfast and supper for those three days.

SIX HEALTH BENEFITS OF LACTOBACTERIA

SIX HEALTH BENEFITS OF LACTOBACTERIA

Healthy bacteria reside in everybody's colon, and in return for food and a warm place to live these resident bacteria contribute to your health. One of the most intestinal-friendly resident bacteria is the family of lactobacteria, so called because they thrive on lactose sugars. The resident germ you will read most about isL.acidophilus, which means "acid- loving," because these organisms grow best in an acidic intestinal environment. Here are some healthy things these bacteria do for your body: 

1. Improves digestion. Lactobacteria, as the name implies, help digest the lactose in dairy  products, preventing lactose overload, and lessening problems with lactose intolerance. Lactobacteria also help with the absorption of valuable nutrients and stimulate peristalsis, the movement of food through the intestines that leads to regular bowel movements.

2. Manufactures vitamins. Like rich soil grows vitamin-rich foods, lactobacteria produce B-complex vitamins, along with vitamin K.

3. Manufactures nutrients. Friendly bacteria help manufacture essential fatty acids called short chain fatty acids (SCFA). These are valuable nutrients for intestinal cells and also produce cancer-fighting substances.

4. Boosts immunity. Lactobacteria inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi, such as candida (yeast). They help keep the intestinal environment acidic and compete with harmful bacteria and the toxins they produce. They even produce hydrogen peroxide, which has a natural antibiotic effect.

5. Protects against carcinogens. Lactobacteria bind potential carcinogens, preventing them from damaging cells. L.bulgaricus, the main lactobacillus used in yogurt, has anti-tumor properties. Specifically, lactobacteria bind heavy metals and bile acids, which are potential carcinogens. These bacteria inhibit the growth of nitrate-producing bacteria (nitrates can be a carcinogen). They also metabolize flavanoids, producing natural anti-tumor substances.

6. Protects against cardiovascular disease. Lactobacteria help regulate cholesterol and tryglyceride levels in the blood.

Be kind to the bugs in your bowels. They do good things for you.

BARLEY - HEALTH BENEFITS

BARLEY - HEALTH BENEFITS

(Hordeum vulgare)
Family:Poaceae
General Information
Barley is a multi-use cereal grain with a rich nutty flavor and an appealing chewy consistency. Barley resembles wheat berries, although it is slightly lighter in   color. Barley can be found as whole barley, hulled barley, pearled barley and barley flakes. Barley is most commonly used in soups and stews. But when fermented, barley can be used as an ingredient in beer and other alcoholic beverages. Curiously, it had the reputation for being a ‘strong’ food; it was awarded to the champions at the Eleusian games, and gladiators were called 'hordearii', ‘barley men’, because that was the chief component of their training diet.

History 
Barley originated in Ethiopia and South-east Asia, where it has been cultivated for more than 10,000 years. Barley was used by ancient civilizations as a food for humans and animals, as well as to make alcoholic beverages; the first known recipe for barley wine dates back to 2800 BC in Babylonia. In addition, since ancient times, barley water has been used for various medicinal purposes. Barley played an important role in ancient Greek culture as a staple bread-making grain as well as an important food for athletes, who attributed much of their strength to their barley containing training diets. Roman athletes continued this tradition of honoring barley for the strength that it gave them. Gladiators were known as hordearii, which means “eaters of barley.” Barley was also honored in ancient China as a symbol of male virility since the heads of barley are heavy and contain numerous seeds.

Since wheat was very expensive and not widely available in the Middle Ages, many Europeans at that time made bread from a combination of barley and rye. In the 16th century, the Spanish introduced barley to South America, while the English and Dutch settlers of the 17th century brought it with them to the United States.

Nutritional Benefits
The propionic acid produced from barley’s insoluble fiber may also be partly responsible for the cholesterol-lowering properties of fiber. In addition, barley’s dietary fiber is high in beta glucan, which helps to lower cholesterol by binding to bile acids and removing them from the body.

Medical Benefits
Yet another reason to increase your intake of barley is that, in addition to its fiber, barley is also a good source of niacin, a B vitamin that provides numerous protective actions against cardiovascular risk factors. Niacin can help reduce total cholesterol and lipoprotein (a) levels. (Lipoprotein (a) or Lp(a) is a molecule composed of protein and fat that is found in blood plasma and is very similar to LDL cholesterol, but is even more dangerous as it has an additional molecule of adhesive protein called apolioprotein (a), which renders Lp(a) more capable of attaching to blood vessel walls.)

Additional Information
Barley and other whole grains are a rich source of magnesium, a mineral that acts as a co-factor for more than 300 enzymes, including enzymes involved in the body’s use of glucose and insulin secretion. For people worried about colon cancer risk, barley packs a double punch by providing the fiber needed to minimize the amount of time cancer-causing substances spend in contact with colon cells, plus being a very good source of selenium, which has been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer significantly.

One type of phytonutrient especially abundant in whole grains such as barley are plant lignans, which are converted by friendly flora in our intestines into mammalian lignans, including one called enterolactone that is thought to protect against breast and other hormone-dependent cancers as well as heart disease. In addition to whole grains, nuts, seeds and berries are rich sources of plant lignans, and vegetables, fruits, and everages such as coffee, tea and wine also contain some. When blood levels of enterolactone were easured in over 800 postmenopausal women in a Danish study published in the Journal of Nutrition,women eating the most whole grains were found to have significantly higher blood levels of this protective lignan. Women who ate more cabbage and leafy vegetables also had higher enterolactone levels.  Copper, another trace mineral supplied by barley, may also be helpful in reducing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Health Benefits of Amaranth Grain

Health Benefits of Amaranth Grain

Amaranth grain (left) and wheat (right)

(Amaranthus hypochondrim aestivum)
General Information 
Amaranth is a healthy, nutritious grain. It can be cooked as a cereal, ground into flour, popped like popcorn, sprouted, or toasted. The seeds can be cooked with other whole grains, added to stir fry or to soups and stews as a nutrient dense thickening agent.

History 
Amaranth was a staple in the diets of pre -Columbian Aztecs, who believed it had supernatural powers and incorporated it into their religious ceremonies. Before the Spanish conquest in 1519, amaranth was associated with human sacrifice and the Aztec women made a mixture of ground amaranth seed, honey or human blood then shaped this mixture into idols that were eaten ceremoniously.  Amaranth is used in various cultures in some very interesting ways. In Mexico it is popped and mixed with a sugar solution to make a confection called “alegria” (happiness), and milled and roasted amaranth seed is used to create a traditional Mexican drink called “atole.” The name amaranth comes from the Greek meaning of “never-fading flower.” The plant is an annual herb, not a “true” grain and is a relative of pigweed, a common wild plant also known as lamb’s-quarters, as well as the garden plant we know as Cockscomb. There are approximately 60 species of amaranth and there is no definite distinction between amaranth grown for the leaf (vegetable), and the seed (grain).

Nutritional Benefits 
It provides a good source of dietary fiber and dietary minerals such as iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, and especially manganese. It has more iron, potassium, phosphorous and magnesium than any other grain.  Combined with corn or wheat flour, it makes “almost” a perfect protein.

Medical Claims 
Amaranth seed is high in protein and contains respectable amounts of lysine and methionine, two essential amino acids that are not frequently found in grains. In fact the lysine level contained in amaranth are twice the amount of lysine found in wheat and 3 times the amount as that found in corn. Several studies have shown that like oats,  amaranth seed or oil may be of benefit for those with hypertension and cardiovascular disease; regular consumption reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels, while improving antioxidant status and some immune parameters. Amaranth appears to lower cholesterol via its content of plant stanols and squalene.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF OATS

HEALTH BENEFITS OF OATS

(Avena sativa and A. byzantina)
General Information  
Like barley, have a hard outer hull that must be removed before it’s ready   for human consumption. Even though the outer hull of an oat kernel comes off easier than a barley kernel’s hull, it’s still not within reach of the average consumer to accomplish this. For this reason, if you want whole oats to eat, purchase them already hulled. Hulled oats, called oat groats, look very much like rye or Triticale.

Oats, known scientifically as Avena sativa, are a hardy cereal grain able to withstand poor soil conditions in which other crops are unable to thrive. Oats gain part  of their distinctive flavor from the roasting process that they undergo after being harvested and cleaned. Although oats are then hulled, this process does not strip away their bran and germ allowing them to retain a concentrated source of their fiber and nutrients.

Health Benefits 

1. It helps lower cholesterol levels, unique oat antioxidants reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, and substantially lower Type 2 Diabetes risk.

2. Antioxidant Benefits
In addition to its fiber benefits, oats are also a very good source of selenium. A necessary co-factor of the important antioxidant, glutathione peroxidase, selenium works with vitamin E in numerous vital antioxidant systems throughout the body. These powerful antioxidant actions make selenium helpful in decreasing asthma symptoms and in the prevention of heart disease. In addition, selenium is involved in DNA repair and is associated with a reduced risk for cancer, especially colon cancer.

3. Oats, like other grains and vegetables, contain hundreds of phytochemicals. Many phytochemicals are thought to reduce a person's risk of getting cancer.

4. Oats have high fiber content. Fiber is necessary in keeping bowel movements regular. Oats are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. It is spongy and absorbs many times its own weight of liquid. It makes stools heavier and speeds their passage through the gut, relieving constipation.

5. As the soluble fiber of oats is digested, it forms a gel, which causes the viscosity of the contents of the stomach and small intestine to be increased. The gel delays stomach emptying making you feel full longer which helps with weight loss.

6. Oats, like other cereal grains, are valued primarily as a source of carbohydrates which provide calories for energy needs.

7. Oats have a higher concentration of well-balanced protein than other cereals. Oats contain phytochemicals (plant chemicals) which have been associated with protection from chronic disease such as cancer.

Health Benefits of Brown Rice

Health Benefits of Brown Rice 

Brown rice is the least processed form of rice. It contains the nutrient-dense bran and inner germ layers as well as the starchy endosperm. Its bran coating gives brown rice its light tan color, nut-like flavor and hearty texture.

Brown rice is not only delicious; it’s very nutritious as well. It has only 108 calories per 1/2 cup of cooked rice. It’s low in fat, has no sodium,only trace amounts of fat and no trans fat. Brown rice is a complex carbohydrate that provides 15 essential nutrients, including B-vitamins,niacin and potassium. It’s a good source of dietary fiber, antioxidants and phytonutrients that provide protective health benefits.

1. Brown rice is an excellent source of magnesium, iron, selenium, manganese, protein, mineral, gamma-oryzanol, dietary fiber and the vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B6.

2. In the polishing process the rice bran oil is removed, which without the protective layer removed in the initial stages of processing, will quickly become rancid. The rice bran oil, which is present only in brown rice, contains gamma-oryzanol, a compound with the ability to lower cholesterol.

3. The postprandial blood glucose response of ten healthy and nine diabetes type 2 volunteers to brown rice was compared to milled rice from the same batch and variety. The study concluded that brown rice is more beneficial for diabetes type 2 and hyperglycemic individuals than milled rice. 

4. Inositol hexaphosphate, a naturally occurring molecule found in high-fiber foods such as brown rice, is a compound that has been shown to demonstrate cancer prevention properties. Inositol hexaphosphate holds great promise in strategies for the prevention and treatment of cancer.  

Golden Seal- Health Benefits

Golden Seal- Health Benefits

Goldenseal  (Hydrastis canadensis) is an herbaceous perennial woodland plant that is highly valued for its many herbal medicinal uses.  The dried roots have been used for the treatment of eye, skin, and digestive disorders.  Goldenseal has also been marketed as an immune system stimulant.  Leaves and stems have commercial value when harvested while still green.

This herb grows plentifully in virgin forests of the United States. However, golden seal is becoming more scarce as a wild plant, and if cultivated, should be planted in well-fertilized soil. Abundant shade and good drainage will aid in its cultivation. Golden seal generally has a vasoconstrictive effect on the body. Blood vessels are tightened, improving conditions in which running secretions or catarrh are seen. In combination with bicarbonate of soda, golden seal may serve as a mouth wash for the relief of sores in the oral cavity, especially the gums. It may also have asyptic effect in certain cases of nosebleeds

Health Benefits
1. Goldenseal contains very powerful anti-microbial, anti-parasitic and anti-viral agents.These compounds are known as alkaloids.

2. Relieves symptoms of colds and flus.

3. Natural antibiotic and detoxifying agent.

4. Powerful anti-parasitic and anti-candida properties.

5. Stimulates the production of bile to help digest fats.

6. Helps relieve constipation and hemorrhoids.

7. Helps symptoms of eye irritations and infections.

8. Relieves vaginal irritation.

9. Helps relieve mouth irritations of sore throat, canker sores and gingivitis.

10. Helps relieve stomachache associated with micro-bacteria, viral and parasitic conditions.

Health Benefits of Figs

Health Benefits of Figs

Ficus carica
Moraceae
A common fruit tree in subtropical climates, the fig is not only delicious to eat, but medicinal in several aspects.The Fig is a soft sweet pear shaped and with many seeds, which grows on a tree related to the mulberry species, available in various colours. Dating back to Biblical times , the fig has been used for various skin afflictions. For painful boils, the ripe, fresh fruit should be split open and laid over the lesion. Its powerful proteolytic enzyme ficin helps to liquefy and dissolve necrotic tissue. The osmotic effect and high sugar content help to draw poisons from the wound, as well as inhibit the multiplication of disease-producing bacteria. Other sores may similarly respond. A fig tree finds its place around the patio of most southern homes, if for no other reason than for the delicious fruit it bears.

1. Figs are high in dietary  fiber  and a rich source of magnesium as well as potassium.

2. It  is relatively high in vitamins A, B, and C and low in calories, about 50 calories each. One large raw fig, approximately 65 grams is 77.5 percent water, yields .8 g protein, .2 g total fat, 23 mg calcium, .4 mg Iron, 50 IU vitamin A, 2.1 g dietary fiber, 3.8 mcg foliate, .3 mg niacin, and 1 mg vitamin C.

3. It also helps to reduce some forms of cancer.

4. Choosing figs more frequently means that you'll naturally cut down on potentially harmful foods and this is great for your lifelong health.

5. According to the California Fig Advisory Board, it is believed that the antioxidants in fruits and vegetables protect against a number of diseases.

6. In a study done by the University of Scranton, it was determined that dried figs had a much higher level of the phenol makeup, which is rich in antioxidants, than other fruits. Phenol is used as an antiseptic to kill micro-organisms. The level of phenol in figs is much higher than that in other fruits and vegetables.

7. It is an ideal food for losing weight.

8. Figs are also thought as a medicine which gives strength and energy to long-term patients as they seek to recover.

9. Figs eliminate  physical and mental difficulties and give the body strength and energy.

10. Figs are also recommended in the treatment of asthma, coughs and chills.

11. It benefits the nervous system by its phosphorous content.

12. It is recommended for athletes and children.

13. It also cures the obese, asthma, and diabetic patients.

14. It is recommended that five pieces of figs be taken for at least four to ten months regularly, early in the morning, which completely eliminates piles.

15. It benefits the pregnant and nursing women, helps in reducing acidity, rheumatism and helps the brain.

16. Its ashes, when taken with oil, treats pimples, skin pigmentation and whiten teeth.

17. For treating wounds it is used in a preparation made with hot milk.

18. Fig fruit is used widely for the treatment of  major diseases like cancer and paralysis. Dr. Kochi (Japan), who specializes in using  Figs for its medical value, has treated some twenty kinds of cancer from it. With little or no side effects and high success rate it is becoming the preferred way to treat cancer. It is thus a truly blessed fruit, beneficial to the humanity.

19. The fruit contains a proteolysis enzyme that is considered an aid to digestion and is used by the
pharmaceutical industry.

20. Due to its high alkalinity it has been mentioned as being beneficial to people who wish to quit smoking.

21. It is a good nourishing tonic and provides protection against the effects of toxins.

22. It is useful in pharyngitis, chest congestion and heaviness and bronchitis.

23. It is also useful for liver and spleen ailments.

24. It is a good expectorant.

25. During fevers, if it is chewed, the patient feels relief from the dryness of mouth.

26. Syrup made from Methi seeds,  Figs  and Honey is very effective in cough and Bronchial Asthma.

27. Bake dry  Figs  till it  is  roasted properly, crush it and make  a  powder for  dental ailments, it  removes the different  stains. Similarly this powder  is also used  for spots on the face and skin.

Castor Oil - Key Benefits

Castor Oil - Key Benefits

The Palma Christi
Euphorbiaceae

Castor oil is extracted from the seed of the castor oil plant, whose botanical name is ricinus communis. While it was Cayce who brought castor oil packs to fame in the 20th century, the oil has a long and varied history of use as a healing agent in folk medicine around the world. According to a research report in a recent issue of the Journal of Naturopathic Medicine, castor bean seeds,believed to be 4,000 years old, have been found in Egyptian tombs, and historical records reveal the medicinal use of castor oil in Egypt (for eye irritations), India, China (for induction of child birth and expulsion of the placenta),Persia (for epilepsy), Africa, Greece, Rome, Southern Europe, and theAmericas. In ancient Rome, the castor oil plant was known as Palma Christi, which translates into hand of Christ. This name is still sometimes used today. Usually the castor oil is blended with cracked ice and orange juice, or taken in fresh or warm milk to disguise the oily taste. Castor oil may also be applied externally to relieve joint pain or itching of the skin.

Castor Oil’s Key Benefits
1. Ancient remedy called the “hand of Christ,” used for thousands of years by many cultures,  especially for skin conditions and detox.
2. Rich in ricinoleic acid, a unique, potent,
3. Immune-boosting fatty acid
4. Dramatic anti-infective support
5. Helps reduce kidney burden
6. Promotes rapid lymphatic drainage
7. You may be familiar with your grandmother recommending castor oil for constipation.

Health Benefits Of Anise

Health Benefits Of Anise

Pimpinella anisum (anise, aniseed) 
Apiaceae
Pimpinella anisum is an annual herb belonging to the family Apiaceae;  it is related to other plants prized for their aromatic fruits, commonly called seeds, such as dill, cumin, caraway and fennel. Anise is believed to be Asian in origin but is currently found in Central and Southern Europe, Egypt, Russia, Cyprus, Syria and North America. Most commercial seed is imported from Turkey, followed by Spain and China.

#1. Anise has been used as a medicinal, culinary and a fragrance plant since ancient times. The Egyptians were reportedly the first to cultivate anise for use as a spice, and the Romans ate anise seed cakes at the conclusion of feasts to aid digestion.

#2. Today aniseed is used to flavor a variety of dishes, from soups, salads and baked goods to pepperoni, bologna and other meats. It can be added to curries, baked apples and cooked vegetables, including carrots, cabbage and beets. A tea can be made from the seeds and leaves.

#3. Commercially, anise oil is used to flavor cough syrups, chewing gum, ice cream, toothpaste, mouse bait and licorice-flavored candy, and is a primary ingredient in many alcoholic beverages and liqueurs, including anisette, ouzo and muscatel wine. Oil is also added to perfumes, tobacco, soaps and skin creams.

#4. The essential oil is reportedly antibacterial, antiviral, insecticidal, expectorant, antispasmodic, and has estrogenic effects. Many of these properties are due to the presence of anethole in the essential oil. Anise also has a long-standing folk reputation as an aphrodisiac. It is approved by the German Commission E to treat dyspeptic complaints and catarrh of the respiratory tract. Although anise has traditionally been used to encourage lactation, some sources don’t recommend this use due to possible toxicity to infants. Anise may also cause contact dermatosis or allergic reactions in some individuals.

#5. It cures digestive disorders and ensures proper functioning of the digestive system. Common problems
like nausea, pain in abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea, gastritis and spasmodic flatulence are all known to be treated by anise seeds.

#6. It helps loose phlegm in the throat and lungs. Moreover it is also effective herb for asthma treatment. It is a popular ingredient in many cough medications. Anise seeds are also useful in curing other respiratory tract problems. Bronchitis, sinusitis, influenza and pneumonia can also be
cured with help of anise seeds.

#7. One of the health benefits of anise seed is that it helps maintain your oral health.Its antimicrobial, antibacterial make it a perfect ingredient of an effective mouthwash.It helps fight bad breath problem and oral inflammation as well. Anise seeds are popularly used in homemade mouthwash recipes. A mild infusion of anise seeds makes a good eyewash.

#8. External uses of anise skin include curing various skin disorders. It is effective in treating scabies and lice. It is one of the best antiseptic, hence, readily cures various infections. It is also used for poorly healing wounds. Anise essential oil is effective in destroying the insects.

#9. It treats acute abdominal pain and hiccups in babies. It helps cure various digestive ailments in babies. Moreover it is known to increase milk production in lactating mothers.