Health Benefits of Onion

Posted on January 24, 2012 in Food & Nutrition

It is difficult to imagine a kitchen without the deliciously pungent flavor of onion filling up the air. The role of onion in making various lip-smacking dishes throughout the world has made it ‘the second most important horticultural crop after tomato’. Onions not only add flavor to food but they also have many therapeutic uses.

Natural Benefits of Onion:
The sulfur-containing compounds (cysteine sulfoxides) in onion are responsible for its pungent smell and irritation caused to the eyes. Onions are a rich source of chromium that aids cells to respond favorably to insulin.

Various natural benefits of onions are listed below:

The high pungent smell of onions depicts high concentration of photochemical in it thus do not get repelled only by the smell of onions, it might be a good one. There are minimal side effects of using onion in your diet other then bad smell and in rare cases onion allergy. Intake of 1-2 onions a day could be healthy if you are not allergic to it.

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Health Benefits of Strawberry

Posted on January 24, 2012 in Food & Nutrition

It is hard to find someone who can resist delicious-looking, red heart-shaped strawberries with sweet juicy flavor. Quite understandably, strawberries are considered the most popular berries of the world. In Belgium, there is an entire strawberry museum dedicated to educate people about medicinal and other uses of strawberries. According to a folklore, splitting a double strawberry and eating it with an opposite sex, can make one fall in love!

Health Benefits of Strawberry
Strawberries are low fat, low-caloric fruits. It is rich in vitamin A and C, manganese, dietary fibers, etc.

Listed below are some of the health benefits of strawberries:

Strawberry can be consumed daily without being worried about calories or cholesterol. As suggested, one serve of 8 medium-sized strawberries can provide about 140% of the daily requirement of vitamin C in the body.

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Patchouli Oil Benefits

Posted on January 23, 2012 in Herbs and spice

Patchouli oil has various benefits of which aromatherapy is one of the most important one. The botanical name of Patchouli is Pogostemon cablin, which belongs to Mint family called Lamiaceae. It is native to Asia and now extensively cultivated in Caribbean countries.

The health benefits of Patchouli oil can be attributed to many properties it has. The essential oil of Patchouli is extracted by steam distillation method. The essential oil of Patchouli oil contains Alpha Patchoulene, Norpatchoulenol, Beta Patchoulene, Alpha Bulnesene, Alpha Guaiene, Caryophyllene, Patchouli Alcohol, Pogostol and Seychellene. Its oil can blend easily with Sage, Bergamot, Lavender and Geranium oil.

Benefits of Patchouli Oil:
It has following medicinal properties -

Other Aromatic properties of Patchouli Oil:

Aromatic Patchouli Massage Oil:

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Health Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil

Posted on January 23, 2012 in Herbs and spice

The oil of evening primrose is extracted from evening primrose plant, scientifically known as Oenothera biennis. Ancient American tribes were the first to know about the medicinal benefits of evening primrose oil. They used to soak the entire plant in warm water and the poultice, so prepared, was used in the treatment of bruises. Ancient people also used primrose for treating skin problems, asthma and cough.

Health Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil:

Some benefits of evening primrose oil are as follows:

Evening primrose oil Tips

1. What is evening primrose
Evening primrose is a yellow wildflower that grows in mild climate of North America, Asia and Europe.

2. Weight loss through evening primrose oil
It is suggested that the presence of good fat (polyunsaturated fats) in evening primrose oil may promote metabolism, by burning stored fat into energy. This can help in weight loss.

3. Evening primrose and pregnancy
Experts believe that evening primrose oil may aid in the production of fertile cervical fluid that can ensure smooth passage of sperms into the egg. Moreover, such cervical fluid may also help in the longevity of sperms thus enabling conception.

4. What is evening primrose oil used for or purpose of primrose oil?
Evening primrose oil, popularly known as “King’s cure-all”, may cure a variety of disease conditions. These are pain, premenstrual syndrome, fibrocystic breasts, eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, promote weight loss, etc.

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Coughing Congestion Home Remedies

Posted on January 23, 2012 in Respiratory System

What is coughing congestion?
Coughing usually occurs when there is any sort of irritation in the lungs, respiratory tract or throat. Cough is of two types, namely, dry and congested. Dry cough is raspy, is due to irritation and does not bring up phlegm. Congested cough, on the other hand, usually accompanies a cold ans stuffy nose. It can be treated with home remedies like garlic and green tea.

Coughing congestion home remedies
Simple natural remedies like honey and inhalation of steam can effectively treat cough and congestion without any side effects on the body.

Diet for coughing congestion
You should have a healthy and balanced diet to keep your immune system healthy and help your body fight the infection better. Consuming foods like horse-radish, chili peppers as well as other spicy foods is beneficial as they help clear the congestion and open up mucous glands. You should also have vitamins, especially Vitamins A, C and E to stimulate the immune system. Having honey daily can also help cough.

Causes of coughing congestion
The most common causes are viral flu, cold, bronchitis and asthma. Smoking, pollution and dust can also trigger or worsen the condition.

Symptoms of coughing congestion

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Homemade Face Masks for Acne Blemishes

Posted on January 23, 2012 in Beauty Recipes

What are acne blemishes?
Acne blemishes are dark spots on the face that are caused by either improper healing of acne or due to scratching or picking them. These spots do not go away easily. But there are some simple homemade face masks that can help you get rid of these blemishes on your face fro good.

Homemade face masks for acne blemishes
You can make face masks for blemishes using simple items like honey, chamomile and lemon. These are simple, inexpensive and effective remedies for acne blemishes.

Causes for acne blemishes

Symptoms of acne blemishes
Dark spots appear on the face where you had developed acne. They do not go away easily and are deep set in the skin.

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Health Benefits of Mustard Oil

Posted on January 5, 2012 in Food & Nutrition

Mustard oil, extracted from the tiny seeds of mustard plant is extensively used as the staple cooking oil in Indian subcontinent and Bangladesh. For centuries it has been used as an essential ingredient for barbeques, curries, fries and various delicacies. It has a turbulent background as in various parts of the world it was considered toxic at some point of time. But years’ long research has proved that if consumed in moderation, mustard oil can exhibit several health benefits.

Following are some of the well-accepted Health benefits of mustard oil -

Maintaining cardiac health: Though olive oil or vegetable oil is preferred over mustard oil for cooking; mustard oil too helps in maintaining good cardiac health. It is rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat which effectively reduces bad cholesterol level in blood thus lowering blood fats and triglycerides. If consumed in control, mustard oil prevents kidney diseases, obesity and hyperthyroidism.

Antibacterial Agent: Mustard oil is popularly used as an effective remedy for internal as well as external bacterial infection. Consumption of mustard oil reduces infections in urinary tract, colon, digestive tract and excretory systems. It can be directly applied on the infection affected area of skin.

Pain Reliever: Mustard oil is popularly used as a pain reliever for body aches, arthritic and rheumatic pain. It is warmed and rubbed on the aching part of the body for immediate relief. Also a mixture of mustard oil and water is massaged to provide relief from sudden stomach pain.

Medicine for Cold: Mustard oil is a time-tested remedy that gives long term relief from the symptoms of cold and flu and chronic cough. Mustard oil heated with garlic is an amazing medicine to clear chest congestion.

Hair & Skin Vitalizing Agent: Mustard oil is a rich source of Oleic and Linoleic acids which has great stimulant effects on the hair roots and it acts as an effective hair vitalizer. It boosts blood circulation in scalp and also provides nourishment to the follicles. It is rubbed on skin as a vitalizer that helps in Calcium and Vitamin D absorption. The stimulant property of mustard oil boosts sweating which retains healthy glow of skin.

Mustard Oil as Appetizer: Mustard Oil is used as an appetizer as it stimulates or in other way irritates the lining of intestines and stomach and due to it, digestive juices are released which gives a feeling of hunger.

Other health benefits of mustard oil - Mustard oil is used as an irritant for the organs which have lack of sensation or numbness. The oil can also be used in the vaporizers to drive away small insects though this method is not so popular.

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Health Benefits Of Isabgol

Posted on December 30, 2011 in Herbs and spice

Isabgol is a natural herb that belongs to the Plantago family. It is referred with several names such as Psyllium or ispaghula. The plant grows on an average height of 12 to 18 cm. Such medicated herbs are grown without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This natural food is majorly grown in Persia, but today the seeds are also cultivated in several states of India due to the immense health benefits of Isabgol and its use for medicinal purposes. In addition India is now leading producer and exporter of Isabgol in the world market. Isabgol is loaded with high-fiber hence provides relief to stomach disorders such as constipation, loose motion etc. Furthermore it is used in making food products such as breads, ice-creams and medicines as well. Consumption of one spoon of psyllium husk twice a day provides relief from frequent stomach aches. You can add this natural supplement in water or juice and consume it immediately, as it becomes totally sticky to consume when mixed with liquid. Furthermore it also helps to keep the bowel movements regular and smooth. Read on the article to know more about Isabgol and its benefits.

Benefits of Isabgol
Isabgol husk is rich in gelatinous substance which helps in absorbing water from the body. In addition it helps in the stimulation of bowel movements.

It is known that constipation may cause severe health issues. The problem arises due to lack of sufficient fiber in the body. By including Isabgol in your daily diet you can easily avoid constipation problems.

Most importantly this natural food absorbs toxins and other bacteria from the intestines. It controls dysentery, softens hard stools, and reliefs from burning sensation caused after excretion.

Isabgol husk is the best recommended medicine for chronic constipation problems such as piles, fissures and fistulas. It also removes the toxins present in the intestine and hence completely cleans the gastro intestinal tract. Isabgol is widely used for this health benefit.

Isabgol husk is also used to treat ailments such as amoebic, bucillary and dysentery. In addition the high fiber present in psyllium also helps in reducing cholesterol levels in the body. It forms a thin layer on the intestines and checks the absorption of cholesterol in to the arteries.

The fiber in Isabgol is soluble in nature. Moreover it does not absorb necessary vitamins and minerals from the body. It is purely a natural food and hence there are no serious threats caused with the use of Isabgol. Regular intake of Isabgol helps in preventing indigestion and lethargy. It also makes the person feel healthy and energetic.

Applying vinegar with Isabgol on hurting tooth can help you in getting rid of toothache and bad breath.

Note and Precautions for Using Isabgol for its Health Benefits:
It is true that Isabgol has several health benefits. But make sure you follow few instructions as stated below;

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Health Benefits of Drinking Tart Cherry Juice

Posted on December 19, 2011 in Food & Nutrition

Do you suffer from sleeplessness? Are you an insomniac? Do you lie down in your bed and stay wide awake trying to get some sleep? If your answer to any of these questions is a yes, then try drinking tart cherry juice daily. In a recent research study conducted at VA Center of Canadaigua, University of Pennsylvania and University of Rochester scientists gave a group of adults eight ounces of the juice to drink two times a day. After two weeks, it was reported that the group of adults was having better sleep cycle. Tart cherry juice has considerable amount of melatonin, a natural antioxidant that has the ability to regulate the sleep cycle. Plus, the antioxidant has other health benefits as well. If you are looking for a natural way to get treated for your insomnia then get rid of melatonin supplement pills and get cured for your sleeplessness naturally by drinking a glassful of tart cherry juice daily. Read on to learn more about this wonder juice and health benefits of drinking tart cherry juice.

Tart cherries and tart cherry juices have been used by traditional healers for long time. It is believed that tart cherry juice has certain chemicals that can lower the level of urate in the body.

Tart Cherry Juice Health Benefits
Below are some of the top and effective health benefits of tart cherry juice -

Other health benefits of tart cherry juice

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Health Benefits of Honey

Posted on December 9, 2011 in Food & Nutrition

Ask your granny a cure for sore throat and most likely she will recommend you honey. The medicinal benefits of honey are known for a long time. Honey has been used for different therapeutic purposes in ancient Indian Ayurveda medicine. Honey is probably one miracle product that Mother Nature has in store for us! Honey is produced by honeybees by collecting nectar from flowers. From healing wounds to boosting immunity level, the benefits of honey are enormous. Mull through the article below to discover the different health benefits of honey.

Honey is a thick sweet liquid composed of simple sugar, complex carbohydrate, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants. A teaspoon of honey contains approximately 22 calories of energy and is loaded with essential vitamins like Vitamin A, D, C, E, K, and B-complex. Although honey has a golden amber hue, however, the color, taste, and texture of honey varies greatly depending upon the nature of flower the bees have visited to gather the nectar.

Health Benefits of Honey
Below are some of the top and effective benefits of honey -

It is strongly recommended to consult your physician if your symptoms persist or if you plan to use honey as a remedy to your illness.

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Health Benefits of Beetroot Juice

Posted on December 1, 2011 in Food & Nutrition

The health benefits of beetroot juice are known for ages. Beetroot juice is loaded with essential nutrients that include vitamin C, folate, magnesium, iron, and potassium. Beetroot is a root vegetable that grows all-round the year. However, the best yield is during summer when the flesh remains most soft. Beetroots can be of different variety. Although, the red variety is most prevalent, however, you may find other variety like white and pink Chioggia as well as golden beet. Beet root juice diet is now becoming extremely popular because of the enormous health benefits offered by the juice. If you are still unsure about the health benefits of beetroot juice, then here is some quick information for your aid.

Benefits of beetroot juice
Below are some of the top Health benefits of beetroot juice -

There are lots of health benefits of beetroot juice but If you have any health ailments that might get affected by drinking beetroot juice, ensure to consult your physician or nutritionist before you incorporate it in your diet regime. If you are planning for beetroot juice dieting, know the consequences and potential risks clearly before starting on it.

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