Almond Benefits

Almond Benefits : Body, Skin & Hair

Almonds, since time immemorial, have been consumed not only for their unique sweet flavour but also for their numerous health benefits. In fact, experts count almonds as one of the most nutritional nuts of all. The more you increase its intake in your lifestyle, the more benefits you will avail.

Here is a lowdown on all the almond benefits ever known to the experts.

Almonds- The Nutritional Content

As mentioned above almonds are regarded as the healthiest nuts and the most well balanced food of all. It can be stated that the intake of every 35 gram of this dry fruit offers 7 grams of carbohydrates, 4.1 gram of dietary fiber, 7.6 grams of proteins, 18 grams of essential fat and 1.7 grams of sugar. Further to this, the said quantity of this nutritional nut contains 206 calories. Most of all, almonds and its foods contain zero cholesterol. No wonder, considering the almond benefits, they are most suitable for intake among patients with heart problems and cholesterol issues.

Health benefits of almonds

Reduces Cholesterol

Regular intake of almonds work towards increasing the level of the beneficial cholesterol, better known as High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and reduces the deposits of unwanted cholesterol called Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL). This action is indeed regarded as the greatest almond benefits which shields the body from heart damages.

Regulates cardiovascular health

Nutrients, especially, mono-saturated fats, potassium and protein contained in these nuts are considered beneficial for the health of the heart. Further, the essential presence of Vitamin E acts as a potent anti-oxidant and thus relieves the body from the unwanted accumulation of toxins. This further prevents the deposits of plaque or toxins in the arteries connected to the heart. Keeping these almond benefits in mind, many doctors strongly recommend their intake during heart ailments.

Maintains blood pressure level

The potassium content present in almonds works effectively in regulating the blood pressure level in the body. Further, the lack of sodium does not affect the regulated blood pressure level.

Triggers Weight loss

An almond a day keeps those unwanted ounces away! The presence of mono-saturated fats essentially fills the appetite and do not get accumulated in the body to add on to the fats. Considering these almond benefits, dieticians suggest low calorie almond rich diet to shed those extra ounces.

Prevents cancer

One of the most important almond benefits is its tendency to help prevent the chances of inflicting cancerous cells in the blood. This is indeed a life saving benefit of almond! The intake of the nut essentially prevents the danger of colon cancer.

Beneficial for expecting women

There are numerous almond benefits for pregnant women. One of the most essential ingredients of the nut, folic acid, significantly reduces the risk of birth defects among the infants. It further counters the dangers of sugar and cholesterol throughout pregnancy.

Counter for diabetes

Popping in of a few almonds after every meal cuts down the sugar level and regulates insulin level in the body. This action is undoubtedly counted as one of the most effective almond benefits to regulate the health of the body. Many health care practitioners, for the same reason, suggest the intake of 3-4 almonds after every meal.

Sharpens brain

Indeed one of the most important almond benefits for kids, the nuts have the potential to sharpen the brain and enhance their memory. The numerous nutrients present in almonds further help in the right development of this body part. Since these nuts work wonders for enhancing the intellectual level, they are considered as the must-haves for growing children. Typically, the nuts must be soaked in water for 2-3 hours and then consumed for enhancing the memory.

Almond benefits for skin

The oil extracts of this nutritional nut is particularly used as an aromatherapy oil to massage the entire body. The best part is that the oil is suitable for usage for people with all the skin types. One of the most important almond benefits for the skin its revitalizing and complexion enhancement property. The oil is counted as an effective natural moisturizer which can easily replace high tagged chemical laden moisturizing creams and serums. The almond oil when applied on the skin further soothes inflammation and reduces rashes. Daily application of the oil reduces dark circles under the eyes as well.

Apart from the above, one of the most important almond benefits for the skin is its age defying property. The daily massage of the oil in the skin fights the seven signs of aging and keeps the skin supple and youthful. At last, many women use almond oil as a part of their daily skin care regime for the simple reasons of moisturizing and maintaining a natural glow on their skin.

Almond benefits for hair

Almond oil is an essential part of many hair care treatments given to those with damaged hair. The oil is laden with numerous nutrients which are considered essential for the proper conditioning of the hair follicles. Therefore, the daily massage of the hair with this beneficial oil tames the frizz, nourishes the hair and smoothes the uncontrollable cuticles. Further, the daily usage of this natural oil for hair makes the hair longer, stronger and shinier. According to experts, the oil especially counters the problem of hair thinning and makes them thick. The oil further works as a natural solution to the problem of hair fall.

For availing all the above mentioned almond benefits, it is important to make use of the oil in the right manner. Following tips can be considered while using the oil for its numerous hair benefits.

• Make sure to always heat the oil to a bearable temperature and then apply it over the hair.
• Apply a few drops of the oil on the roots of the hair and start massaging in the circular movements.
• Oil the hair starting from their root to the tip of the hair.
• Leave the oiled hair for 30 minutes before washing them off.
• Oil your hair with almond oil at least once a week.     

 Keeping in mind the umpteen medicinal values of almonds, they must be essentially included in the dietary regimes of both children and adults.

Health Benefits of Garlic

Garlic features in a plethora of cuisines from around the world. The pungency of this herb is uniquely qualified to add a singular flavoring to any recipe. But did you know, that apart from the obvious pleasure to the taste buds, garlic also has a host of health benefits? I bet you didn’t. Most folks will not even consider that garlic has medicinal properties. The truth is that the health benefits of garlic were known to our ancestors and the herb has been widely used for its healing powers just as much as it is used as a flavoring in food.

The botanical name for garlic is Allium sativum L. This humble herb is a relative of the onion. The compound in garlic that gives it its aroma and flavor is known as allicin – which is also what contributes to the health benefits of garlic. Garlic also has high sulfur content, again a compound that has many health benefits. Garlic also contains vitamins C and B6, calcium, magnesium, potassium and flavonoids.

Garlic has been in use all over the world for over 4000 years and it has a rich history. The health benefits of ginger were so valued that garlic was even used as currency at some point in ancient Egypt. In World War II, the shortage of medicine led to garlic being used as an antibiotic in some quarters where it was sorely needed. Garlic is also featured in folklore – from being used to repel vampires and werewolves to growing in the footprints of the devil when he left the Garden of Eden.

There is no such thing as a food that cures everything, and yet, garlic has often been referred to as a cure-all herb because of its potency and efficacy in battling so many ailments. Although garlic has several health benefits, it is mainly known to help fight bacteria and parasites, and it has a very high level of antioxidants. Let’s see how these properties can help keep you in good health and what other health benefits you can gain from this little herb.

Health Benefits of Garlic

A lot of people are gaining an insight into the deceptive nature of the pharmaceutical industry and are thus looking for natural remedies for disease. Fortunately, the information about the healing properties and health benefits of garlic and natural foods is still quite easily available for anyone who is looking. The best part about using garlic and like herbs to maintain health and cure disease is that it has no nasty side-effects unlike pharmaceutical drugs which, in the process of curing you of one disease put you at risk for many others. And since the industry’s profits will be affected by any revelation of this sort, you will likely never be privy to this information which is so important to your health. If you have been looking for natural ways to treat yourself, you will be grateful to learn about the health benefits of garlic, the king of the vegetable kingdom.

Reduces Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a killer. It can damage your arteries, your brain, your kidneys and your heart. These are your vital organs, damage to which can cause severe debilitation or even death. One of the best health benefits of garlic is that it can lower blood pressure. If you take garlic on a daily basis, you can greatly reduce your risk of high blood pressure or hypertension even if you have several of the risk factors. And if you are suffering from high blood pressure already, studies have shown that eating large amounts of garlic can reduce your blood pressure by about 30 mm in as little as one week. Garlic is known to thin the blood, just like ginger, and it also boost blood circulation throughout the body, which in turn promotes healthy blood pressure levels. Another health benefit of garlic is that it is very effective at preventing blood clots, which reduces the risk of heart disease by about 20% and the risk of a stroke by 40%.

Fights Cough and Cold, Plus Respiratory Problems

Even the most brilliant scientists do not yet understand why we catch the common cold, and there is still no cure for this most prevalent of all illnesses. Garlic comes to aid where modern medicine has failed. A regular dose of garlic in your diet will help keep colds and coughs at bay and will speed up recovery if you do suffer from them. The same compounds in garlic that treat coughs and colds can also help to relieve the symptoms of asthma and respiratory distress.

Improves Skin Health

Garlic has antibiotic properties. It is also a very effective blood cleanser. This is what makes it great for treating acne. Garlic’s anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties can also cure or soothe skin diseases that are caused by bacteria or parasites. You can either eat larger than usual amounts of ginger or crush some ginger and apply it directly to the affected area. The latter treatment is especially recommended to get rid of warts and to treat athlete’s foor. But you should always check with a naturopath, a herbalist or an Ayurvedic doctor first to ensure that you do not exacerbate the condition by applying the raw garlic directly on the diseased skin.

Helps Fight Anemia

Another almost unbelievable health benefit of garlic is that it increases the red blood cell count. This may be why it is effective in battling anemia. Some natural health and healing advocates claim that garlic may be able to cure anemia altogether, although this claim has yet to be supported by studies.

May Prevent Cancer

Can garlic protect against cancer? According to a study conducted by Brit scientists, yes, it can. The antioxidants in garlic can inhibit the cancer-causing radicals from spreading. This can prevent tumors from growing, thus making it easier for the cancer to be controlled. Garlic is also recommended for cancer patients as its many health benefits can aid in faster recovery from chemotherapy and radiation therapy, plus it lowers the damage caused to the heart and intestines as a result of the chemo sessions.

Relief from Arthritic Pain

Garlic also has anti-inflammatory properties which can help in the treatment and perhaps even the prevention of arthritis. The sulfur in particular is effective in inhibiting the functions of inflammatory enzymes. Another health benefit of garlic is that the sulfur aids in the production of collagen, which is needed for the formation of cartilage tissue, which is what provides a cushion for the joints. Sulfur is a vital component in cartilage formation but the body cannot produce this compound on its own. Eating large amounts of garlic can help to repair worn out or damaged cartilage tissue and bring relief from pain caused by arthritis.

Gets Rid of Worms

Garlic is an incredible vermifuge. This means that if you have a case of intestinal worms like Ascaris lumbricoides, high doses of garlic will help your body get rid of them in a few days.

Other Health Benefits of Garlic

• Garlic is diluted in plenty of water and administered as a colonic to get rid of parasites in the intestines. Naturopaths believe that intestinal parasites can cause cancer, so they use garlic’s cleansing and anti-parasitic properties to clean out the intestines.
• Another health benefit of garlic is that it decreases bad cholesterol or LDL.
• Diabetic patients can also get the health benefits of garlic. This herb can regulate blood sugar levels by helping the body to release more insulin.
• If you have seasonal allergies, garlic can help you fight them. Just start taking garlic in large quantities a few weeks before the season begins.
• The health benefits of garlic extend to oral health as well. If you have aching gums or a toothache, put some crushed garlic or garlic oil on the affected area. Advocates of this method of pain relief swear by it.
• Garlic is a truly potent anti-bacterial agent. It can fight off a number of deadly bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus. These bacteria are quite resilient and develop a resistance to the drugs that are used to treat them. However, they cannot develop a resistance to garlic.

How To Get The Health Benefits of Garlic

Convinced that garlic has wonderful health benefits but unsure how to get more of this odoriferous herb into your diet? Here are some tips you can use to gain the health benefits of garlic today.

• It is very easy to include garlic in your diet by incorporating it into your regular meals. Garlic has a lovely flavor that goes well with most kinds of food. From pasta to roast chicken to sauted veggies – garlic adds a new dimension of flavor to every kind of food. Be sure to chop your garlic into little pieces and crush them to release the compounds that will give you the health benefits of garlic. You can add whole garlic if you wish, but experts say that you will not derive the best of health benefits this way, and most of the flavor will be lost too. Overcooking garlic causes the taste to get sweeter; the pungent flavor will stay if you cook it as little as possible. So add according to the flavor you are looking for.

• Garlic pills are now easily available in both capsule and tablet form at most health food stores. However, you must be sure to buy the kind that dissolve into the blood. Some garlic pills do not dissolve and thus will not allow you to gain the health benefits of garlic. Speak to an herbalist or a naturopath about the brand of garlic pills you should buy.

• Put some chopped and crushed garlic in a small bottle with some olive oil. You can then sprinkle this oil on your salads or even use it for cooking.

• Several people in South Asian countries already know of the varied health benefits of garlic and will happily chew on raw cloves of garlic. This may not appeal to your palate, but when you think of the health benefits you will be getting it hardly seems like too large a price to pay. If you are brave enough to try this method, simply chew on 1 to 2 cloves of garlic every day, and increase it to 3 to 4 as you get used to the flavor.

• Drink your garlic. Sounds yucky. But this is a great way to gain the health benefits of garlic and to detoxify the body. Simply crush a couple of cloves of garlic in lukewarm water and gulp it down twice a day. But make sure you do not do this on an empty stomach as some people are garlic-sensitive and their bodies do not adapt well to the onslaught.

• If the idea of all this peeling and crushing and preparation does not appeal to you, there is always garlic powder which you can use as a substitute for any of the above tips.

So the next time you think of avoiding garlic because you are worried about bad breath, take a moment to do a quick review of this list in your head. You can easily get rid of the taste of garlic from your mouth, but there are very few foods which are as medically potent and which have as many health benefits as garlic does.

Be wary though. Some folks are strongly allergic to garlic. Others may experience flatulence, heartburn, headaches or stubborn skin rashes. Unless you have been eating garlic regularly your whole life, start incorporating it into your diet very slowly.

Since garlic has blood-thinning properties, it is not recommended for those who are about to undergo surgery or for those who are on anti-coagulant medication. So check with your doctor before starting on garlic therapy. Otherwise, garlic is a safe natural remedy for the young and old, and even for pregnant women

Ginger Tea Benefits

The road to good health always seems to be a very tough one full of brambles and hardship. You have to find the time to exercise and plan your meals, sleep well, avoid oily or fatty foods, take supplements go for health checkups, maybe cut out dessert! But it does not always have to be so hard. Sometimes, you can achieve better health by doing something as simple as sipping on a hot cuppa. Now wouldn’t that be something? The fact is that all teas are good for health in one way or another. But when you add herbs and spices to your tea or opt for simple herbal teas, you will get more health benefits than you can count. It is not possible to drink a hundred different kinds of tea to reap all the benefits. So you have to be smart and pick one that has the most to offer. Ginger tea is undoubtedly one of the most potent herbal teas when it comes to health benefits.

There are many health benefits of ginger. And getting your daily does through ginger tea is one of the best ways to get the health benefits of this wonder herb. You probably already know that ginger tea is spicy and warming – a great alternative to coffee on a cold day. But ginger tea benefits are more far-reaching than that. Let’s take a look at some of the ginger tea benefits experienced by most folks who drink this beverage on a regular basis.

Benefits of Ginger Tea

Gets Rid of Nausea

One of the well-known ginger tea benefits is that it combats nausea. Even if you do not drink ginger tea  on a regular basis, you can still relieve nausea with just a couple of cups. Since ginger tea is quite safe and has no serious side-effects, it is recommended for morning sickness in pregnant women, and for those who suffer nausea after chemotherapy or surgery. Nausea caused by motion sickness can also be alleviated with ginger tea. Ginger has indeed been used to battle nausea for centuries and is till today considered the best remedy for the uncomfortable condition. Many people report that ginger tea also helps reduce or eliminate the dizziness that sometimes accompanies nausea.

Calms The Digestive System

Ayurveda in particular recommends the ginger tea benefits that aid digestion. Ginger tea will soothe an upset stomach. Taken on a daily basis, ginger tea can also improve your metabolism and regulate your bowels. Ginger tea benefits also extend to solving digestion problems like diarrhea and flatulence. Ginger tea can help to relieve intestinal gas. Certain digestive problems such as colitis can be safely cured with regular intake of ginger tea. The ginger tea benefits on the digestive system are enough to make most of us junk-food-eaters drink a cup every now and then.

Combats Menstrual Cramps

Do you regularly suffer from period cramps? Brew yourself a cup of ginger tea to soothe your muscle spasms. The same properties in ginger tea that calm the digestive system and act as anti-inflammatory agents are responsible for alleviating cramps during your period.

Cures The Common Cold

You read that right. Pharmaceutical drugs can only relieve you of the symptoms of the common cold. Ginger tea, however, can actually cure you of it. In fact, people who regularly drink ginger tea are not affected by coughs and colds as much as their non-ginger-tea-drinking counterparts. Ginger tea has a warming effect on the respiratory tract and can almost instantly relieve you of a stuffy nose. The other symptoms will soon follow and you’ll be back on your feet in no time. Another wonderful ginger tea benefit is that it can considerably reduce the discomfort experienced by asthma patients.

Cures Your Migraines Too

One of the ginger tea benefits that is a blessing to those afflicted is that it can soothe migraineheadaches and perhaps even cure migraines altogether if taken regularly in sufficient quantities.

Gets Rid of Bad Breath

Ginger tea actually works better than peppermint to reduce bad breath or haliotosis. Since most bad breath is caused by bloating and problems with digestion, Ayurveda and Chinese medicine both recommend ginger tea to cure bad breath as the tea can regulate the functioning of the digestive system.

Relieves Pain

Instead of popping an aspirin the next time you have a headache, try having a couple of cups of hot ginger tea. If headaches are a common thing for you, then drink about 3 to 4 cups of ginger tea on a daily basis and you will notice that the frequency of your headaches is greatly reduced.

Even patients of arthritis can find pain relief with a few cups of ginger tea a day. Ginger itself has natural anti-inflammatory properties which can help to reduce the intensity of arthritic pains. The ginger tea will effectively reduce the swelling caused by arthritis. Even regular joint pain not caused by arthritis can be treated with regular intake of ginger tea.

Fights Infection

Ginger tea has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties which will help your body stave off infections and protect you from nasty bugs that affect almost everyone at some point. Research has shown that regular intake of ginger tea can even protect you from urinary tract infections.

Strengthens Your Immune System

Ginger contains antioxidants, iron, calcium, potassium, protein, selenium, magnesium and a host of other vitamins and minerals that contribute to making it a true super-food. Since good nutrition is what builds your immune system, simply having a few cups of ginger tea a day will keep you from falling sick and will equip your body with the tools it needs to ward off sickness.

Keeps Major Diseases at Bay

Food can play a huge role in your general health. Ginger is one of those super-foods that you simply must include in your diet for overall better health. If none of the above reasons have convinced you of ginger tea benefits, maybe this will – ginger tea can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease as well as high blood pressure. If you did not know already, these are both pretty serious health problems that could lead to reliance on heavy medication or surgery, and both health problems are responsible for a pretty high number of deaths each year in people of all ages. The blood-thinning properties of ginger tea in particular will help to reduce your blood pressure, and also reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease. Ginger tea is also known to lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or bad cholesterol. As you can see, ginger tea effectively gets rid of the major risk factors of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease thus possibly preventing the development of these problems.

Another ginger tea benefit is that it may be able to prevent cancer as well because of its high levels of antioxidants. Studies have shown that ginger has over a dozen anti-oxidants that can even prevent existing cancer from spreading. Quite a feat for the humble root.

An Effective Stress-Buster

Just when you though there were no more ginger tea benefits, we bring you another one. A cup of hot ginger tea is the perfect pick-me-up for a hard day. Some people argue that it is not the ginger tea that relieves stress but the fact that you are sitting down and taking the time to have a cup of hot tea. However, people who actually drink ginger tea on a daily basis swear by the mood-enhancing properties of ginger tea. There’s only one way to conclude this debate – it’s time to go have a cup of ginger tea and decide for yourself.

How To Make Ginger Tea

There are several recipes for ginger tea available. This is one of the simplest. You can make amendments to it or add other spices or herbs as per your preference. So let’s go ahead and take a step by step look at how to make ginger tea so that you can start taking advantage of ginger tea benefits as simply and as quickly as possible.

• Heat some water in a pan. The proportion will depend on how much ginger tea you want to make. One cup per person will do.
• While the water boils, peel some ginger – about 2 inches – cut it into small pieces and grind or grate to a pulp. You can always put the whole piece of ginger in the water but the flavor will be better infused if you use the paste. Plus, some compounds in ginger are only released when the root is crushed.
• Once the water is boiling, throw in the ginger.
• Now let it just simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. The longer you leave it in there, the stronger the flavor and thus the more potent the ginger tea benefits. The taste of ginger has quite a bite to it, so if you don’t want to be surprised by the explosion of the strong flavor in your mouth, simply simmer for less time. You can tell from the smell of the boiling tea how strong the flavor will be.
• Strain the brew. It is now ready to drink, but you may not find it palatable if this is your first time with ginger tea. No problem. There are several ways to make it tastier.
• You can use honey or perhaps some lemon to add some flavoring to your ginger tea. If the ginger tea benefits you are looking for are medicinal such as to make a cold go away or to soothe a respiratory problem, do not add honey or sugar as this will just exacerbate the problem.
• Instead of straining the tea after it has boiled sufficiently, add some regular black tea and milk to the concoction. Do not add milk too early on – only after the ginger has boiled – or it will cause the milk to spoil. Once milk has boiled, strain and enjoy. You can add sugar or honey to this delightful tea. Yum!

If you do not want to take the trouble to peel and grind the ginger into a pulp, you can simply use some ginger powder or ginger juice to replace the ginger paste. However, you will notice a marked difference in the taste, plus the ginger tea benefits will lose some of their potency when powder or commercial ginger juice is used. You can also use ginger paste, but the taste may be really off as vinegar is sometimes used as a natural preservative in commercial ginger paste. Another alternative is to buy tea already infused with ginger. You would usually get these in the form of tea bags – very convenient on rushed mornings, lazy days, and when you are traveling.

Since there are so many options to make ginger tea and get ginger tea benefits, you really have no excuse to ignore this miracle brew. So put that kettle to boil and sip your way to better health.

Health Benefits of Ginger

Before the advent of modern medicine and the proliferation of pharmaceutical drugs, people relied on natural remedies to heal their various ailments. Sadly, the birth of the modern-day health care system spelled the death of most natural remedies and alternative therapies even though they worked quite well. Fortunately, some nuggets of wisdom still survive. The use of ginger for several health benefits is one of them.

The ancient Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, as well as other alternative therapies such as naturopathy, herbal therapy, and aroma therapy all advocate the health benefits of ginger. Chinese medicine has employed ginger for its health benefits for over 2500 years.

What is Ginger?

The plant that ginger is derived from is known as Zingiber officinale. The bulb of ginger that you and I know by sight is actually the rhizome of the Zingiber officinale. A rhizome is a horizontal stem that grows underground and which has nodes out of which roots and above-ground stem systems are formed. While other parts of the ginger plant are also used in cooking, medicine, and beauty treatments, it is the health benefits of the widely available rhizome that we will be discussing today.

Ginger falls into the category of herbs and spices. Ginger was first cultivated in South Asia. But over time, its popularity has led to it to being grown in sub-tropical regions all over the world. So you will find ginger at your health food store and at your local department store all year round no matter which country you are in. If not, you will at least find ginger powder, ginger juice, ginger capsules or ginger pulp. However, keep in mind that ginger is best when fresh. The taste and efficacy of ginger change when used in other forms.

Health Benefits Of Ginger

There is no denying the health benefits of ginger. People who use ginger to treat their ailments or to derive the other health benefits of ginger have reported good results. And Eastern medicine has long incorporated ginger into its multitude of healing systems. However, not enough studies are done about alternative therapies so don’t expect the next issue of some fancy scientific journal to wax eloquent about the health benefits of ginger. While your doctor or nutritionist may recommend some ginger in your diet, the people who really know about this multi-purpose herb are alternative therapists themselves. So if you are lucky enough to have a Chinese medicine woman or an Ayurvedic doctor in your vicinity, you will have a better chance of getting an unbiased opinion and a genuine account about the health benefits of ginger.

The health benefits of ginger encompass several general health problems as well as some serious ones like cancer. Following are some of the wonderful health benefits of ginger that you probably had no idea about.

Improves Digestion

Of all the health benefits of ginger, this is the most well-known and widely accepted. Ginger helps soothe the digestive system. Ginger has long been used as an analgesic – a remedy for an upset stomach. It can act as a colon cleanser and help to release intestinal gas. Ginger tea after your meals will help to stimulate digestive juices and ease digestion even after a very heavy meal. Constipation and diarrhea both can be cured with ginger as it will regulate your bowels.

For Nausea and Vomitting

Morning sickness plaguing you in your pregnancy first trimester? Keep some ginger handy to either chew on or smell and you won’t be so badly affected. The constituents in ginger that give it its spiciness – shogaols and gingerols – have the ability to balance the movements of the gastrointestinal tract to an unbelievable extent. The severity of the worst cases of nausea and vomiting can be reduced by taking ginger. Ginger helps with motion sickness too, and is also taken by people suffering from nausea caused by chemotherapy.

Aids Weight Loss

Although there is much research and validation to be done on the subject, one of the health benefits of ginger may be that it aids weight loss. There are many reasons for this theory. For one thing, ginger helps you feel more full, which will prevent you from over-consumption of other foods, thus contributing to weight loss. Plus, a study conducted in Netherlands showed that ginger not only boosts a sluggish metabolism but also burns fat.

But do not expect miracles. Ginger can help with weight loss if you take care of your diet and perhaps incorporate some exercise into your physical routine. You can’t gobble cakes and pizza and expect the ginger to help.

May Prevent and Treat Cancer

This is one of the most highly-debated health benefits of ginger. Ginger has some of the highest antioxidant levels of all food groups. Some studies have shown that ginger can kill cancer cells by making them commit suicide. Although this is a marvelous breakthrough, it only works in a lab and creating real-world treatment for cancer with ginger is still far off. However, you can boost your antioxidant levels by eating more ginger. Researchers feel that this may help to prevent cancer in those at high risk for the disease. The cancers that especially benefit from ginger are rectal cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, blood cancer and pancreatic cancer.

Good for The Blood

One of the most useful health benefits of ginger is how great it is for your blood. Ginger cleans the blood and stimulates circulation throughout the body. And since the blood is what heals you, this can lead to better overall health. Ginger is also known to be an effective natural blood thinner. This can benefit high blood pressure patients as thinner blood can lower your blood pressure. Another great feat of this wonderful herb is that it makes the platelets in your blood less sticky, which promotes the health of your cardiovascular system. Ginger also prevents blood clots.

Cures Coughs and Colds

The obvious health benefits of ginger would include it being a decongestant. The spicy, pungent herb has long been a regular remedy for coughs and colds in alternative therapies such as naturopathy and Ayurveda.  Ginger has a warming effect on the upper respiratory tract, and it stimulates the secretion of mucous, thus bringing you relief from a stuffy nose. Another health benefit of ginger is that it can cure you of a respiratory infection.

Cures Migraines

One of the best health benefits of ginger is that it can be useful and very efficient at preventing migraines or alleviating the symptoms. There is a substance called prostaglandin which causes the blood vessels in the brain to get inflamed, thus leading to migraines. Ginger can block prostaglandins better than any medication can. So if you have been having incessant migraines, give ginger a try.

Has Anti-inflammatory Properties

Many people report the health benefits of ginger when it comes to arthritis. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties which may ease the pain experienced by arthritic patients on a daily basis. Since the only other remedies for arthritic pain are high doses of medication or surgery, ginger is a blessing. Including ginger regularly in your diet my also prevent the inflammatory compounds that cause arthritic pain from forming in the first place. You can also use ginger oil to massage the affected area and ease muscle pain.

Apart from reducing the pain for arthritics, the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger are also good for your heart and general health.

Other Medicinal and Health Benefits of Ginger

• Some women experience relief from period cramps when they take ginger.
• Ginger contains natural compound called cineole which is known to be a stress buster and a mood enhancer.
• Suffer from bad breath? Chew on a piece of raw ginger. The anti-bacterial properties of ginger will destroy the bacteria that cause bad breath.
• If you have minor burns or an itchy rash, apply some fresh ginger juice for immediate relief.
• Ginger is thought to lower the cholesterol in the blood. This makes it a must-include food for diabetics and blood pressure patients.
• A known anti-allergen, ginger can also act as an antihistamine and help guard against or treat allergies.
• The mucous-secreting properties of ginger help in the prevention of stomach ulcers.
• Ginger contains a compound called zingibain which can kill parasites.
• Some women report that taking ginger helps to reduce the severity of their menopause hot flashes.
• Ginger maintains the health of your kidneys.
• Have a headache? Drink a cup of hot ginger tea for relief.
• This miracle herb will boost your immune system better than a whole bunch of supplements.

How to Incorporate Ginger Into Your Diet

Hopefully, you are convinced enough of the efficacy of this potent herb that you want to include ginger in your diet. There are a number of ways in which you can gain the health benefits of ginger through your food. The good news is that you do not need to eat a very large quantity to gain the health benefits of ginger. Its healing properties are so potent that you need only 3 to 3.5 oz a day to reap its health benefits. Following are some of the simplest ways in which to ease ginger into your life.

• Chew on it raw, Yes, that’s right. Just cut off a thin, small sliver of ginger and chew on it till the juices run dry or for about 30 minutes. You may not like the taste of raw ginger initially, but it is not that unpleasant and something you can easily get used to if you are serious about getting the health benefits of ginger.

• Grind your ginger into a pulp to refrigerate. It is now ready to be used in your cooking and as a poultice. Ginger-garlic paste forms an integral ingredient in Indian recipes. And many worldwide cuisines are also opening up to the idea of a little ginger in their recipes. The pulp once prepared makes it very convenient to use while cooking and even while making tea. Speaking of which…

• Ginger tea is one of the most popular ways to get the health benefits of ginger. Ginger tea is a warming and fulfilling beverage for the winter. You can start out by putting just a little bit of ginger into your vessel while you are brewing your tea. But chances are that you will love the taste and will be more liberal with the portions you add in a very short while. If you are too busy to make a pulp, no problem. Fortunately for the modern generation, many things that our parents had to work for are conveniently available to us. Ginger powder is now a common item in the spice section at the supermarket. It is easy to use and store, is inexpensive, and a great alternative to the rigors of peeling and grinding your ginger to a pulp.

• Many South- Asian dishes use ginger for its uniquely pungent flavour. From Indian curries to Chinese meat preparations and Malaysian broth. You don’t have to travel to Asia to get your dose of ginger from these marvelous dishes. Just look up the recipes online and give it a go in your own kitchen.

• Add very thin slices of ginger to your salads to add a spicy level of flavor. Remember that ginger is an acquired taste and may not be agreeable to everyone’s palate. So start with tiny almost indiscernible pieces of it, especially if other members of the family are going to be sharing the salad.

• Ginger juice can be taken in small quantities or added to regular vegetable and fruit juices.

• Make ginger pickle. You can eat this with bread or rice or even on its own if you like the taste.

• Ginger essential oils and ginger massage oils are easily available at your health food store. Use as per directions on the bottle.

• Ginger capsules and tablets can also help you reap the health benefits of ginger.

• Turmeric Health Benefits

• So many of us take our spices for granted. Why would you think twice about them anyway, unless you are a professional chef or a manufacturer of spices? There are a number of reasons. One is that your spices can make a world of difference to the flavor of your food. But more importantly because the answer to a host of health problems lies right in your kitchen – on your spice rack. Incredible but true. We can see a great example of the health benefits of spices by taking a closer look at turmeric health benefits. This one spice does more for your body than a month’s supply of supplements or medication. And research is beginning to show that turmeric may prevent or even possibly cure several major diseases, something that modern medicine has not yet been able to do. But before we make an in-depth study into turmeric health benefits, let’s take a brief look at what turmeric is and what some of its predominant uses are.

  What Exactly Is Turmeric?

  When you think of turmeric, what comes to mind is a yellow powder. A few folks who have done a little more research may connect turmeric to a yellow root of some sort. Both these ideas would be right.

  Turmeric is related to the ginger family. The turmeric plant is known as Curcuma longa L., and like ginger, the part of the plant that we derive turmeric from is actually the rhizome of the Curcuma longa L.. The rhizome is an underground stem that grows horizontally; the roots and above-ground stems of the plant grow from little nodes of the rhizome. Again like ginger, turmeric is considered a super-food because of all the amazing health benefits you can get from it. But its taste – bitter and pungent – is nothing like ginger.

  The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. An active ingredient is the component in food which will cause a reaction in the body when you eat it. Most of the turmeric health benefits experienced by people are the direct result of curcumin. Turmeric is also quite high in iron, carotene, calcium, phosphorous, potassium, and thiamine.

  The yellow spice has long been an integral part of Asian cuisine not just as a spice but as a food coloring as well. In fact, turmeric is used to add color to cheese, butter, mustard, jellies, and beverages. Turmeric features prominently in Indian and Thai curries, and in several Indonesian and Indian dishes. No surprise there since turmeric grows primarily in India. Turmeric is known as the poor man’s saffron since it is much cheaper than saffron but offers the same kind of food coloring.

  To make turmeric powder, the root is boiled for many hours, then dried and put through a grinding process until it is the fine powder you see in stores. Turmeric is mainly used in this form by the average person. Turmeric may also be used fresh, plus it is available as oil, a tincture, and in capsule form.

  Health Benefits of Turmeric

  Alternative medicinal systems such as Ayurveda and naturopathy have long known of the health benefits of turmeric. In India, turmeric has been widely favored for its medicinal properties for over 2500 years. The modern world is still uncovering the health benefits of turmeric that ancient cultures already knew of. Here are some of the turmeric health benefits that you can reap by adding this spice to your diet on a regular basis.

  Detoxifies the Body

  This turmeric health benefit was discovered by Ayurvedic doctors thousands of years ago. Taking turmeric daily in small doses is supposed to be good for overall health as it cleans out your system and keeps your organs in top form.

  Acts as a Digestive Aid

  Ayurveda has long used turmeric to ease digestive problems. One of the turmeric health benefits is that it stimulates the production of bile which in turn helps to break down the food you have eaten, especially fatty foods so this may help you lose weight as well. Turmeric can also help if you have an irritable bowel or problems with flatulence. Recent research has brought to light the fact that turmeric may be more effective at treating Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis than pharmaceutical drugs. You can even get rid of intestinal worms with turmeric. And here’s the best part – you do not have to take turmeric in very large quantities to gain these turmeric health benefits. The small quantities that you would use as ingredients in your food are more than enough.

  Great for Cuts and Wounds

  One of the turmeric health benefits is that it is a natural antiseptic. It is also a very effective antibacterial agent. So if you have a minor cut or get burned, reach for turmeric instead of iodine. The turmeric will disinfect the wound and prevent the injured area from getting infected. You may notice that your wound heals faster if you use turmeric as compared to iodine or just leaving the wound untreated.

  Has Anti-inflammatory Properties

  Turmeric can help to prevent arthritis and reduce arthritic pain. Although no one is quite sure how turmeric helps with inflammation, it is believed that it lowers histamine levels thus reducing inflammation. Another theory is that turmeric may encourage the adrenal glands to produce higher levels of a hormone that can ease inflammation. Whatever the reasons, patients of arthritis or those suffering from inflammation due to other disorders have reported a marked improvement after taking turmeric. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can also help to reduce the intensity of asthma related symptoms and other respiratory problems.

  Good For Skin

  Turmeric is great for your skin not only when ingested but also when applied as a paste directly on to the skin. It helps to shrink pores, dries up pimples, absorbs excess oil, and gives your skin a glow. Turmeric is suitable for normal, dry and oily skin. However, very fair people should take care to not leave the turmeric on their skin for too long as it can leave a yellow tint that does not easily wash away.

  Protects The Heart

  One of the turmeric health benefits is that it prevents clots from forming in the blood. This facilitates effective circulation, which in turn reduces your risk for heart disease and stroke. Turmeric also has high levels of vitamin B6, which prevents homocysteine levels from getting too high. When homocysteine levels get too high, it damages blood vessels and allows plaque to build up in the arteries, both of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Turmeric can also reduce cholesterol – another risk factor for heart problems.

  Also Protects The Liver

  Both Ayurveda and Chinese medicine have recommended turmeric therapy for a damaged liver or jaundice. Contemporary research has proven that turmeric does indeed protect the liver from certain toxins. Whether or not it can reverse liver damage is not known.

  May Cure Cystic Fibrosis

  Cystic fibrosis is a rare but fatal disease where the lungs get covered in a thick layer of mucous which leads to infections that are potentially life-threatening. The mucous can also harm the pancreas, thus preventing the organ from aiding in the digestive process. Cystic fibrosis is actually a genetic mutation. One of the health benefits of turmeric is that it corrects the problem with the genes and practically reverses this health problem.

  Has Antioxidants

  You probably already know how important antioxidants are. For those who don’t, antioxidants are compounds in food that help to fight disease by destroying free radicals. Free radicals are oxygen molecules that become unstable and wreak havoc as they travel through the body. Free radicals are what cause cancer, and also premature aging. However, if free radicals are kept in check with the right foods, you can quite literally reverse the aging process and protect your cells from damage. Advertisers of tea and coffee are trying to entice buyers by claiming that their products have antioxidants. But you’d have to drink a LOT of tea and coffee to reap the benefits of the antioxidants in them. Turmeric is one of those super-foods that have potent levels of antioxidants. Even small but regular doses of the spice can do wonders.

  May Cure Major Diseases

  The most promising breakthrough in turmeric health benefits is its ability to prevent cancer. This is a very recent discovery and a very encouraging one. Turmeric has proven effective against prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, blood cancer, and colon cancer. And for those who already have cancer, turmeric can still help. This super-food can actually stop the cancer from growing and spreading into other organs or parts of the body. Like ginger and garlic, turmeric causes cancer cells to commit suicide. Hopefully, the future of cancer treatment will see more of such natural remedies and less of the ludicrously expensive and poisonous chemotherapy and radiation treatments that are the norm today.

  Apart from cancer, another disease that can be fought with turmeric is Alzheimer’s. Here again the research is relatively new. But it is though that turmeric can slow down the deterioration of the brain cells in Alzheimer’s patients by removing the buildup of amyloyd plaque in the brain. The hope is that taking turmeric can prevent the plaque buildup from occurring in the first place, thus perhaps preventing Alzheimer’s disease.

  Take Advantage of Turmeric Health Benefits

  If you have never added turmeric to your food before you might find it daunting to do so now. But be assured that the effort will be worth it. After all, the health benefits of this wondrous spice can protect you from cancer and Alzheimer’s. What’s a little trouble in the kitchen compared to that? Here are a few simple ways in which you can start gaining the health benefits of turmeric.

  • Obviously, the best way to get some turmeric into your diet is to include the spice as an ingredient in your regular meals. This is not as difficult as you might think. There are several thousands of recipes that have turmeric powder as a vital ingredient. So get experimental in the kitchen until you find a few dishes that use turmeric and which you and your family like the taste of. Indian dals are easy to make and most recipes call for the use of turmeric. The same goes for Indian curries, although these are for the slightly more advanced chefs.

  • But if you do not want to include turmeric in your main meal, there are many options for side dishes. For example, you can sprinkle some turmeric over deviled eggs or perhaps stir fry some veggies with a dash of turmeric. You can also get turmeric health benefits by adding this spice to your salads.

  • You can derive turmeric health benefits by making a tea out of the spice. Simply boil about four cups of water with a spoonful of turmeric for about ten to fifteen minutes. Strain and drink. The flavor of this tea is bitter and spicy, so add some ginger to balance out the flavor and some honey to sweeten. There are also turmeric tea bags available if you do not want to take the trouble to make your tea from scratch.

  • You can even make a very tasty glass of turmeric milk to drink every day. Simple add half a teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of warm milk – skimmed or whole. Add honey or sugar to sweeten.

  • You may just not have the time to get the turmeric you need from your diet. Or maybe you just cannot get used to the taste. Does this mean that you will have to sacrifice the obvious turmeric health benefits? Not at all. There are now turmeric capsules available. If you do not find it at a store near you, you can even make your own turmeric capsules. Simply buy the capsule shells from any health food store and fill them up with turmeric.
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