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Sunday, 7 September 2014

Health Benefits of Jackfruit (Kathal)

Jackfruit is also known by another name in India such as Katahal, Kathal, jack tree, jakfruit, Kathalai, jack, jak and etc. It belongs to the mulberry family means Moraceae and widely found all over the world. It was first originated in the regions of South and Southeast Asia as well as Indian southwestern rain forests; however it is highly found in the Indian states of Kerala (declared as a state fruit), Maharashtra and coastal Karnataka.

It is widely cultivated in the tropical regions of India since 3000 to 6000 years including other countries like Bangladesh (declared as a national fruit), Thailand and Vietnam (major producer), Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mauritius, Cambodia, Africa, Indonesia, Philippines, Brazil, Caribbean nations of Jamaica and etc. It is a summer season vegetable widely found during summer season from April to September.

Benefits of Jackfruit (Kathal)

Jackfruit is a gorgeous fruit (used as a fruit when ripened) and vegetable (used as a vegetable when raw) almost liked by all the people. It looks and tastes very nice whether it is used as a fruit or vegetable. It is highly beneficial for the health as it is loaded with the multiple health ingredients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, thiamine, iron, niacin, riboflavin, selenium, zinc, copper, magnesium, fatty acids, protein and etc. Some of the really amazing health benefits of the jackfruit or Kathal are mentioned below:

Benefits of Jackfruit for Immunity

Jackfruit or Kathal is an excellent source of the vitamins like C and A which have antioxidant property and boosts the immune system functioning.
As it enhances the body immunity, it protects form various seasonal and common diseases such as cold, flu, cough, fever and etc.

Benefits of Jackfruit for Cancer

Because of being a rich source of phytonutrients, antioxidants, flavonoids and fatty acids, it is very useful for the cancer prevention.
High level of antioxidant compounds makes it able to protect body from the harmful effects of oxygen free radicals thus prevents from various cancers of colon, breast, stomach, lung, prostate, oral cavity and etc.
Its antioxidant nature prevents from the oxidative stress and DNA damage (which promotes cancer cells development) caused due to the free radicals.
Its richness of dietary fibers cleans out all the toxins from colon which reduces the chance of occurrence of colon cancer.
Vitamin A and carotenes found in it helps in protecting from the lung and oral cavity cancers.
It is rich source of some other phytonutrients called isoflavones, lignans, saponins and etc having anti-cancer and anti-aging property thus keeps body away from the cancer and early aging.
Copper mineral found in it actively participate in the thyroid metabolism, production and absorption thus keeps away from the disorders of this gland.

Benefits of Jackfruit for Heart

Kathal helps in maintaining normal blood pressure as it rich source of potassium which is required to maintain the sodium and body fluid level in order to balance the electrolyte level thus reduces the risk of hypertension, stroke, heart failure, heart attack and etc cardiovascular problems.
It is very heart friendly as vitamin B6 found in it helps in reducing the blood level of homocysteine.
By lowering down the bad cholesterol level in blood it prevents the formation of plaque in the arteries, blockage of arteries and etc.

Benefits of Jackfruit for Digestive System

Eating kathal on regular basis helps in improving the digestion as it contains high amount of dietary fibers which provides it laxative property.
It helps in preventing from the digestive disorders including constipation, piles and etc by regulating the bowel movements.
It is strong anti-ulcerative in nature which makes it able to cure ulcers as well as various digestive system disorders.

Benefits of Jackfruit for Skin

It prevents skin from the symptoms of early ageing due to environmental pollution, free radicals, UV rays, oxidative stress, smoke, tension and etc.
Its antioxidant property helps in nourishing the skin and slows down ageing by destroying free radicals and other causes.
It keeps skin hydrated and moisturized as well as protect from various skin diseases.
It contains vitamin A which helps in maintaining the skin integrity and mucus membranes integrity.
Massaging the skin with the pulp of kathal makes skin smooth and glowing as well as provides relief from dryness and pigmentation.

Benefits of Jackfruit for Bone

Kathal has high amount of calcium and phosphorus which are mostly required by the body to strengthen and promote healthy growth and development of the bone.
It prevents from the bone related health issues such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and joints problem by increasing the calcium density of bone.

Benefits of Jackfruit during Pregnancy

It prevents a woman from the anemia during pregnancy by maintaining the hemoglobin level.
It is the rich source of bundle of vitamins like A, C, E, K, iron, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, B6 including minerals such as manganese, copper and magnesium which actively involves in the process of blood formation.
Its high availability of vitamin C enhances the body capacity to absorb required amount of iron in order to fulfill the hemoglobin count as well as prevent and cure anemia.
Vitamin A found in it promotes proper cell production, eye vision, fetal development and etc during pregnancy.
Vitamin B3 helps in regulating the hormones, boosting immunity level as well as controlling stress level among women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Other Health Benefits of Jackfruit

It acts as an energy booster as it provides instant energy because of its richness of high amount of carbohydrate, protein and calorie.
It also contains form of simple sugars such as fructose and sucrose which quickly involves in boosting the body energy.
Vitamin A found in it is very beneficial for the eye health as it improves the eye vision as well as protect from various eye disorders like degeneration of retina, cataract, age related macular degeneration and etc.
It is very beneficial for the person suffering from the asthma and other respiratory disorders.
It is rich source of flavonoid pigments like beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, xanthin, lutein and etc which have strong antioxidant property and prevents body from age related degenerative changes.
It slightly involves in the weight loss strategy as it is an excellent source of easily digestible simple sugars and dietary fibers.
It helps in treating some disorders like sleeplessness, anxiety, high blood pressure, neurosis, stress, loss of memory, poor concentration and etc.
The latex found in the kathal is very useful in treating pharyngitis, dystopia, opthalmities and etc.
The mixture of latex and vinegar helps to treat snakebites, abscesses, glandular swellings and etc.
Kathal root is very good home remedy for treating fever, skin diseases, diarrhea and etc.

Benefits of Jackfruit Leaves

Jackfruit leaves have been used for years in order to treat skin problems, fever, boils, wounds, diabetes and etc.
The mixture of ash of jackfruit leaves, corn, coconut shells with coconut oil is very helpful to heal ulcers.

Benefits of Jackfruit Seeds

Jackfruit seeds are yummy tasting loaded with the vitamins and protein which are most important elements of health nourishment. Some of the beneficial aspects of the kathal seeds are mentioned below:

It actively helps in fighting with the wrinkles on the skin if paste of some jackfruit seeds (dipped in cold milk for sometime) is applied regularly to the wrinkled skin for a month.
It helps in enhancing the muscle power because of its richness of high level protein.
It contains lots of anticancerous nutrients in the form of phytonutrients and helps body to fight cancer.
Consuming jackfruit seed powder provides relief from the indigestion and other digestive disorders.
It helps in providing a glowing complexion to the skin whether it is applied topically or consumed orally.
It helps in preventing from the constipation and piles because of its high fiber contents.
It gives skin a flawless look if the paste of jackfruit seeds (soaked into milk and honey) is applied to the face for few minutes till it gets dry and then washes off.
It stimulates hair growth by motivating healthy blood circulation and proper nourishment to the scalp.
It is the rich source of vitamin A which hair from getting dry, rough, brittle and light.
It helps in keeping healthy digestion thus prevents from unknown hair fall.

How to Live Young Forever

Hard Work

To live young it is very necesarry to be happy and praised for that you have to work hard in your office or business so that you always receive success and hence achivements, that keeps you motivated and confident, always remember hard work is key to success in any area. Success, Achivements, Confidence keeps you young forever. In medical point of view when somone apply his/her mind full then blood ciculation of face increases that increase the redness on your face that will make your face glow always.

Have a dream and Follow it

Having dream for your self and living your dream is very important, it will always encourage you to do better and keep active, following your dream always keeps yourself ahead in life and you will be busy all day, keep no space of negativitywhile chasing your dreams however you have to introspects yourself and monitor your path to be ensure that you are going in right direction. Having dream for future never allow you to grow old as this will ensure that you have to achieve too many things in your life and you dont have to be old so early.

Ability to see Beauty

“Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old- Franz Kafka” This quaote is perfet tips for you to live young forever. But the beauty does not limit to just woman or man’s beauty this beauty ability is to see beauty in any creture on planet including Human beauty. Able to See beauty in fish or in bird makes you young and creative. If you are woman and able to see charm in every man and if you are a man and able to beauty in every woman then you will never grow old.

Think Positive

Thinking positive is very much important to decelerate your aging process as this will reduce the stress and will provide you a new vision to see everything in positive way. Optimistic view towards life and everything that you do in daily life makes you happy and reduce fear hence stop your worries that can make you old in early age.

Enjoy Nature

Enjoying nature is another goodness which slows down the aging process as it keeps mind very calm, happy, stable and free of stress. Enjoying nature is not only enjoying the nature’s greenery and amazing things to see at special places however it is the real act of enjoyment which can be enjoyed anytime and everywhere by seeing all the things made by nature as everything has their own unique and special quality.

Eat Less

There is a common saying that “people who eat more die early however people eating less live longer”. I too say that this is very true saying about the act of living life happily. Eating less keeps our digestive systems and organs healthy and within good working conditions which force them to function well for some more years. Smooth functioning of the digestive system keeps our body and mind balanced and stress free which protects body from various chronic diseases thus add some extra years to our life by delaying aging.

Socially Active

Being socially active shows our strong body energy and calmness of the mind as it is the good act to busy a person means a mile away from the stress and anxiety which boosts the immunity and maintains younger look. Being socially active means not only helping others forcefully but it is heartily and innocently following all the roles and responsibilities during whole life.

Don’t expect respect from others

I am telling this because it is not necesarry that you are good and doing good things for others or someone and you will get the good or respect in exachange. This is not true at all that you will only receive respect if you give respect and help somebody or live according to them. Haters always make plans to hurt yourself at every level becasue they can not bear your happiness or success. So be good from heart do whatever you like, don’t heart anybody and live your live without expecting too much from others.

Stay Active

Staying active is being active all time not only through the body but also from the mind as mind is the one which controls whole body to look younger longer. And mind can only be active if it is stress free, satisfied and self motivated.

Be Your Self

Being true to your self gives you real joy of living life, that will make you honest and satisfied towards life. It makes every impossible thing possible slowly (with great experiences) but sure which enhances the joy to live life and stays younger for long.

Enough Sleep and Rest

Enough sleep, stress free sleep (also called sound sleep) and proper rest is the first and foremost necessity of the body and mind naturally, which stimulate both of them to work well and stay healthy and younger. Enough sleep provides proper rest to each and every body cell as well as enhances longevity.

Mild Exercise

Mild exercises play great role in keeping body younger forever. Regular exercise on daily basis releases toxins from the body as well as helps body systems to stay healthy and function well till death.

Don’t Stress

Stress is a big factor now a day affecting lives of many people and lead them to live shorter and problematic life. So, eliminating stress totally from the daily routine is very good thing (however tough) to make life better and body younger forever. Keeping mind happy, stress free and balanced even in drastic situations promotes proper hormonal balance and blood circulation all over the body which maintains younger look.

All the above tips make you young forver and ageless whether you are in 60′s, 70′s or in 90′s.

How to Massage Your Baby

Following daily routine of massaging a new born baby or toddler is very necessary for the baby for his/her proper growth and development. In the modern and competitive world, a mother may not have proper time for massaging her baby two to three time a day because of the hectic schedules and fast speed lifestyles however, body massage is a very important procedure for a growing baby and mother-baby bond and relationship all through the life. Baby body massage is a good way for a mother to get in touch emotionally and establish a meaningful connection between mother and child which in turn brings countless and positive health effects for both.

Massaging a baby on daily basis helps him to get better growth and development, ensures him a secure mother-baby relationship and improves his/her self-confidence. It makes a baby more active and boosts weight gain faster. It also helps mother to get free from the post delivery depression problem because of the stress hormones, lack of sleep during night and etc. Some of the points which are mentioned below needs to be taken care of while massaging a baby:

Points to Consider before Massage

Try to provide baby massage on any fix time on daily massage as baby becomes used to of.
Avoid massaging your baby just after the feeding as he/she may develop digestive problem and vomit the milk.
Wait for at least 45 mins after feeding to offer him massage.
Take care of your baby mood and avoid massage if he/she has any health problem.
Before massaging your baby, talk to him that you are going to massage him so that baby may cooperate and enjoy the massage.
Do not massage your baby with empty stomach as he/she feel hungry and never cooperate during massage so massage your baby 45 mins or one hour after the feeding.
Maintain a calm, peaceful and happy atmosphere by running a slow music in the room to offer him pleasurable massage.
Put baby clothes off just before the massage and maintain the normal room temperature according to the season.
Do not forget to remove your jewellery like ring, bangles and cut nails as they may harm baby skin and make massage procedure painful.
Place your baby in comfortable position whether on your legs or on the changing table on a blanket or towel.
Talk to your baby regularly all through the massage procedure, it helps you to increase mother baby relationship, deviate baby mind and enhance love bond.
If it is your first time, then it is best to have massage training under any good instructor or have proper guide with your doctor.
Use any soft and good baby massage oil to avoid skin irritation and other problems.
Do not forget to have baby feeding (breast milk or cow milk) to offer him after the massage as baby feels deep hungry just after the massage.
Do not offer bath to a baby just after the massage or feeding as he/she may vomit and develop some problems. Wait for at least 15 mins.
Avoid massaging just after baby wake up.

Baby Massage Procedure

Some of the careful, safe and effective baby massage procedures are mentioned below:

Communicate your baby about the massage procedure to make him comfortable for the massage.
Rub massage oil first into your palm to maintain its normal temperature instead of directly applying it to the baby body.
Use gentle, soft and round rubbing motions to massage a baby with light strokes and pressure according to the baby age.
Start massaging a baby with his/her back by laying him on stomach side lower. Use small circular and forward downward motions to massage back with some strokes on hip and legs.
Lay baby on back side to massage chest, stomach, legs, arms and feet.
Start massaging baby chest (with folded hand) and stomach (in clockwise motion) with small circular motions and little pressure.
Massage baby hands in circular motions by rubbing baby palms.
Go to feet and massage both of the feet with little pressure and C shaped circular motions. Rub inner side of the baby feet.
Slightly pull baby fingers with no pressure of both feet and hand.
Massage baby face with soft motions by starting with baby forehead and go to eyes, ears, cheeks, nose and neck.
Do some exercise with baby limbs (hands and legs) by stretching limbs in cross shape and touching his/her forehead using limbs.
Take baby in your lap and massage baby scalp with little pressure in round motions.
Now put clothes on and feed the baby.

Benefits of Baby Massage

Massaging a baby is very beneficial for both baby and mother. Some of are mentioned below:

It helps babies to grow better and behave better.
Skin-to-skin connection all through the massage helps in enhancing mother baby bond.
It helps baby to breathe more rhythmically in irregular breathing patterns and strengthens the nerve endings on skin.
It helps in stimulating growth hormones among babies which promotes normal baby growth physically, mentally, intellectually and emotionally.
It helps in weight gain and appetite level.
It enhances oxygenated blood circulation throughout the baby body, stimulates brain and other organ functioning as well as enhances neurological development.
It helps in boosting baby body immunity, enhancing secretion of digestive hormones and promotes digestive system functioning.
It helps in relieving stress level in both mother and baby by reducing the stress hormone level.
It helps in encouraging more relax and sleep as well as reduces baby crying.

7 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

I discovered that apple cider vinegar has many beneficial properties but most of the claims floating around in cyberspace are unfounded in research. Here are some of the evidence-based benefits of apple cider vinegar:

Improve Insulin Sensitivity in Diabetes

Several studies demonstrate vinegar’s ability to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar responses when eaten as part of meals or taken before bedtime, which may offer help in the treatment of diabetes. Here are links to a few of the studies, if you’re interested in learning more: Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, another European Journal of Clinical Nutrition study, and Diabetes Care.

Regulate Blood Chemistry in Diabetics

Improving insulin sensitivity isn’t the only way apple cider vinegar appears to help diabetics. It has been shown to help normalize other aspects of blood chemistry as well. Research showed that apple cider vinegar helped regulate blood chemistry of diabetic animals fed the vinegar as part of their regular diet for four weeks.

Reduce E. Coli on Produce

The Journal of Food Protection assessed the effects of spraying various solutions on lettuce inoculated with E. coli. While the apple cider vinegar did not kill the E. coli completely, it helped to reduce the numbers of the bacteria linked with food poisoning yet did not affect the taste of the lettuce or its crispness.

Regulate Effects of Dietary Cholesterol

In a study published in the Journal of Membrane Biology, researchers studied the effects of a high cholesterol diet on animals fed apple cider vinegar versus animals that only ate the high cholesterol diet. They found that the apple cider vinegar exerted a protective effect on the liver and kidneys, among other protective benefits.

Aids Weight Loss

While there are conflicting studies about apple cider vinegar’s effects on obesity and weight loss, according to research in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, apple cider vinegar can help reduce the number of calories eaten at a meal by between 200 and 275. Additional study results published in the journal Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistryalso showed that vinegar helped with weight loss in obese individuals.

Its Chlorogenic Acid May Help with Heart Disease

Apple cider vinegar contains the nutrient, chlorogenic acid which, according to the journal Biochemical Pharmacology, helps prevent LDL cholesterol, also known as the “bad cholesterol” from oxidizing, which is an important step in the progression of heart disease.

Reduce Bacteria in Oral Infections

A study published in the journal Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology and Endodontics found that apple cider vinegar demonstrated antibacterial activity against a bacteria known as E. faecalis, which can be linked to infection in root canals and elsewhere in the body.

Anti-Cancer Effects?

There is a lot of internet hype about apple cider vinegar’s anti-cancer effects but the research doesn’t really support it. While some studies showed anti-cancer effects of rice vinegar and sugar cane vinegar in laboratory settings, there is little research on apple cider vinegar and whether it has any anti-cancer effects. So, it may have anti-cancer effects, but it might not. We’ll have to wait for the research to find out.

How to Benefit

Keep in mind that you should never drink apple cider vinegar undiluted. Always use it diluted in water or juice or mixed with oil in a salad dressing. The vinegar is an acid that can burn the delicate mucus membranes of the digestive tract. Most nutrition experts recommend choosing an unfiltered, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with the “mother” left intact. This is the collection of beneficial microbes that convert apple cider into apple cider vinegar.

Give peas a chance – 10 health benefits of this small wonder

Peas or matar is a very popular ingredient and is used all over India in dishes like Matar Paneer, Peas Pulao, etc. Even though botanically, peas are considered as a fruit, it is sold along with other vegetables. Soft and delicious to eat, green peas are a powerhouse of nutrients that benefit your body in more ways than one. Here are the top 10 health benefits of peas.

1. Helps you lose weight

Peas are low in calories, but rich in nutrients (1 cup of peas contain just 118 calories). They are rich in fibre which makes you feel full for a long time, and this helps in making you eat less.

2. Good for your heart

Niacin present in peas reduces bad cholesterol, which is responsible for many heart related diseases. Additionally, it also has many antioxidants which prevents your blood vessels and arteries from getting blocked. A soup made out of peas can even help lower your blood pressure.

3. Prevents constipation

When you have constipation, it is important that you consume foods rich in fibre to clear your bowel movements. Eating peas can help since they are rich in fibre. Also, peas improve your metabolism which helps digestion in general. (Read: Top home remedies for constipation)

4. Great for your bones

Vitamin K, a nutrient present in peas helps in absorbing calcium making it a great food item for healthy bones. As much as 50% of your daily Vitamin K1 requirement is met by a cup of boiled peas. What more? Nutrients like Vitamin B1 and folic acid helps prevent osteoporosis which is a debilitating condition.

5. Prevents signs of ageing

The antioxidants present in peas helps reduce free radical damage. Just like metal rusts after exposure to air, our bodies too suffer from free radical damage. Eating peas slows down this process, and helps prevent signs of ageing.

6. Helps reduce depression

Folate present in peas has an impact on your mental health. A study published in Journal of Affective Disorders found that a low intake of folate increased the risk of melancholic depressive symptoms. Depressed people are also advised to eat foods high in antioxidants which peas have in ample quantities. (Read: Depression – understanding it is half the battle won)

7. Can help prevent stomach cancer

Peas have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents which keep your body healthy and prevent chances of having cancer. In particular, a polyphenol called coumestrol has been associated with decreased risk of stomach cancer.

8. Improves your immunity

A strong immune system ensures that your body is capable of fighting infections and keeps you free from diseases. Peas are a good source of Vitamin C, along with many other nutrients which improves your immunity. (Read: Immunity-boosting foods that are available in India and easy on the pocket!)

9. Prevents anaemia and fatigue

Power packed with iron, peas can help prevent anaemia and fatigue, especially in women. The high vitamin content helps ensure that you don’t feel fatigued after a tiring day.

10. Great for your child’s growth

Apart from being rich in vitamins and antioxidants, they are also a good source of proteins. This makes it an ideal food for your child. Serve it as matar paneer, make a green peas sandwich or just make a green peas soup. Children will love it!

All these properties is proof that big things can come in small packages. So make sure you include peas in your food preparations to give your family a long and healthy life!

4 Vegetables You Can Plant Now For A Fall Harvest

The cooler weather and shorter days of fall don’t have to mean the end of the harvest from your garden. If you plant some of these classic root crops now, you can still enjoy fresh homegrown produce well into late autumn.

If you’re a salad-loving gardener, planting a fall garden full of leafy greens is a sure way to extend the harvest season, and if you sow a bed full of short season root vegetables, you can add some variety, and a lot more crunch, to your plate. Before you go out and buy seed, check the average first frost date for your area, and plant accordingly.

Here are four classic root crops that are well suited to fall gardens:

Steven Depolo

Carrots: Carrots are fairly easy to grow from seed, but as with all seeds that require shallow planting, the surface of the soil must stay evenly moist for germination. Covering the beds with a row cover (or a low tunnel) will help hold the moisture in, or lay the row cover right on the surface of the soil and remove it when most of the seeds begin to sprout. Select seeds of carrot varieties with a shorter time to harvest, and when thinning the rows, harvest some of the baby carrots for a sweet and crunchy treat. For some variety in taste and color, plant several different types of carrots, such as purple or white ones.

woodleywonderworks,

Beets: If you were traumatized by having to eat canned beets as a kid, you might want to give these root vegetables another try by growing some of your own and eating them fresh from the garden, either raw (thinly sliced beets make great chips for a veggie platter) or cooked. Beet seeds are a bit deceiving, as they aren’t single seeds, but rather a cluster of several seeds, so thinning the rows of beets is a must (and as with carrots, the baby beets that get thinned out can go right into a salad). There are differently colored and sized beets, so planting a mix of varieties will yield a diversity of color and flavor in both the beet roots and the leaves (which are also edible).

Liz West,

Radishes: Radishes are one of the quickest vegetables to mature, depending on the specific variety, with some reaching harvest size in just 30 days. It’s possible to do several successive plantings of radishes in the fall, spaced about a week apart, for a steady supply. If you’ve steered clear of radishes because they tend to be too ‘spicy’ for you, look for some of the sweeter varieties, and sow several different types to learn which ones your family enjoys the most. Radishes can also be grown in the same row as leafy greens, as they will mature and be harvested first, which will then help to thin out the rows of lettuce or other greens.

Turnips: Turnips don’t tend to be high on the list of favorite vegetables for many people, but these root vegetables are easy to grow in the fall and tend to be somewhat sweeter than those grown in the spring and summer. Some turnip varieties can mature in as little as five weeks, and can be harvested early for roots that are tender and sweet. Even if you don’t care for turnips, they can be grown just for their greens, either by harvesting single leaves from each plant, or by cutting all the leaves at a point several inches above the root (the leaves will grow back for additional harvests). While rows of turnips need thinning to be able to produce sizable roots, it’s not necessary to thin turnips grown for their greens.

13 Healing Powers of Lemons

If you’re not getting fresh lemons into your diet, you may want to reconsider after reading the many health benefits of lemons, lemon juice, pith (the white part), or zest (skin).

Here are 13 amazing healing powers of lemons:

Bowel-Cleansing: The bitter taste of lemon gives these fruit the ability to increase peristalsis–a pumping-motion in the bowels–which helps to eliminate waste from the bowels and improve regularity. Add the juice of one lemon to warm water and drink first thing in the morning.
Cancer: Lemons contain 22 anti-cancer compounds, including limonene—a naturally-occurring oil that slows or halts the growth of cancer tumors in animals. Lemons also contain a substance called flavonol glycosides which stop cell division in cancer cells.
Colds and Flu: Lemons are rich in vitamin C and flavonoids that work in conjunction for a serious punch against infection.
Liver: Fresh lemon juice added to a large glass of water in the morning is a great liver detoxifier.
Nutrition: Lemons contain vitamin C, citric acid, flavonoids, B-complex vitamins, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and fiber.
Balances Body Chemistry: While lemons are acidic they interact with the body’s metabolism to have an alkalizing effect on the bodily fluids helping to restore balance to the body’s pH.

Allergies: Lemons contain the phytonutrient hesperetin which has been shown in studies to alleviate allergic symptoms.

Brain and Nervous System Disorders: Containing the potent phytonutrient tangeretin in the peel, lemons have been proven to be effective for brain disorders like Parkinson’s disease.

Eye Disorders: Rutin, found in lemons, has been shown in research to improve the symptoms of eye disorders, including diabetic retinopathy.

Anti-Viral: In addition to being effective against cold and flu viruses, terpene limonoids found in lemons have proven anti-viral effects on other types of viruses.

Diabetes: In addition to improving eye problems linked with diabetes, lemons contain hesperetin which lowers blood sugar levels (when they are high).

Gall and Kidney Stones: The citric acid found in lemon juice helps to dissolve gallstones, calcium deposits, and kidney stones.

Anti-Aging: The vitamin C found in lemons helps to neutralize free radicals linked to aging and most types of disease.

Cook with Lemon!

11 Proven Health Benefits of Garlic

“Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.”

Those are famous words from the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, often called the father of Western medicine.

He actually used to prescribe garlic to treat a variety of medical conditions.

Well… modern science has recently confirmed many of these beneficial health effects.

Here are 11 health benefits of garlic that are supported by human research studies.

1. Garlic Contains a Compound Called Allicin, Which Has Potent Medicinal Properties

Garlic is a plant in the Allium (onion) family.

It is closely related to onions, shallots and leeks.

It grows in many parts of the world and is a popular ingredient in cooking due to its strong smell and delicious taste.

However, throughout ancient history, the main use of garlic was for its health and medicinal properties

Its use was well documented by all the major civilizations… including the Egyptians, Babylonians, Greeks, Romans and the Chinese

The entire “head” is called a garlic bulb, while each segment is called a clove. There are about 10-20 cloves in a single bulb, give or take.

We now know that most of the health effects are caused by one of the sulfur compounds formed when a garlic clove is chopped, crushed or chewed.

This compound is known as allicin, and is also responsible for the distinct garlic smell.

Allicin enters the body from the digestive tract and travels all over the body, where it exerts its potent biological effects (which we’ll get to in a bit).

Bottom Line: Garlic is a plant in the onion family, grown for its cooking properties and health effects. It is high in a sulfur compound called Allicin, which is believed to bring most of the health benefits.

2. Garlic Is Highly Nutritious, But Has Very Few Calories

Calorie for calorie, garlic is incredibly nutritious.

A 1 ounce (28 grams) serving of garlic contains :

Manganese: 23% of the RDA.
Vitamin B6: 17% of the RDA.
Vitamin C: 15% of the RDA.
Selenium: 6% of the RDA.
Fiber: 1 gram.
Decent amounts of Calcium, Copper, Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron and Vitamin B1.

Garlic also contains trace amounts of various other nutrients. In fact, it contains a little bit of almost everything we need.

This is coming with 42 calories, with 1.8 grams of protein and 9 grams of carbs.

Bottom Line: Garlic is low in calories and very rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and Manganese. It also contains trace amounts of various other nutrients.

3. Garlic Can Combat Sickness, Including the Common Cold

Garlic supplementation is known to boost the function of the immune system.

One large 12-week study found that a daily garlic supplement reduced the number of colds by 63% compared with placebo (4).

The average length of cold symptoms was also reduced by 70%, from 5 days in placebo to just 1.5 days in the garlic group.

Another study found that a high dose of garlic extract (2.56 grams per day) can reduce the number of days sick with cold or flu by 61% (5).

If you often get colds, then adding garlic to your diet could be incredibly helpful.

Bottom Line: Garlic supplementation helps to prevent and reduce the severity of common illnesses like the flu and common cold.

4. The Active Compounds in Garlic Can Reduce Blood Pressure

Cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes are the world’s biggest killers.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most important drivers of these diseases.

Human studies have found garlic supplementation to have a significant impact on reducing blood pressure in people with high blood pressure (6, 7, 8).

In one study, aged garlic extract at doses of 600-1,500 mg was just as effective as the drug Atenolol at reducing blood pressure over a 24 week period (9).

Supplement doses must be fairly high to have these desired effects. The amount of allicin needed is equivalent to about four cloves of garlic per day.

Bottom Line: High doses of garlic appear to improve blood pressure of those with known high blood pressure (hypertension). In some instances, supplementation can be as effective as regular medications.

5. Garlic Improves Cholesterol Levels, Which May Lower The Risk of Heart Disease

Garlic can lower Total and LDL cholesterol.

For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplementation appears to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15% (10, 11, 12).

Looking at LDL (the “bad”) and HDL (the “good”) cholesterol specifically, garlic appears to lower LDL but has no reliable effect on HDL (6, 7, 13, 14, 15).

Garlic does not appear to lower triglyceride levels, another known risk factor for heart disease (10, 12).

Bottom Line: Garlic supplementation seems to reduce total and LDL cholesterol, particularly in those who have high cholesterol. HDL cholesterol and triglycerides do not seem to be affected.

6. Garlic Contains Antioxidants That May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Oxidative damage from free radicals contributes to the ageing process.

Garlic contains antioxidants that support the body’s protective mechanisms against oxidative damage (16) .

High doses of garlic supplementation have been shown to increase antioxidant enzymes in humans (5, 17), as well as significantly reduce oxidative stress in those with high blood pressure (6).

The combined effects on reducing cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as the antioxidant properties, may help prevent common brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia (17, 18).

Bottom Line: Garlic contains antioxidants that protect against cell damage and ageing. It may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

7. Garlic May Help You Live Longer

Effects on longevity are basically impossible to prove in humans.

But given the beneficial effects on important risk factors like blood pressure, it makes sense that garlic could help you live longer.

The fact that it can fight infectious disease is also an important factor, because these are common causes of death, especially in the elderly or people with dysfunctional immune systems.

Bottom Line: Garlic has known beneficial effects on common causes of chronic disease, so it makes perfect sense that it could help you live longer.

8. Athletic Performance Can be Improved With Garlic Supplementation

Garlic was one of the earliest “performance enhancing” substances.

It was traditionally used in ancient cultures to reduce fatigue and enhance the work capacity of labourers.

Most notably, it was administered to Olympic athletes in ancient Greece (19).

Rodent studies have shown that garlic helps with exercise performance, but very few human studies have been done.

Subjects with heart disease that took garlic oil for 6 weeks had a reduction in peak heart rate of 12% and improved their exercise capacity (20).

However, a study on nine competitive cyclists found no performance benefits (21).

Other studies suggest that exercise-induced fatigue may be reduced with garlic (2).

Bottom Line: Garlic can improve physical performance in lab animals and people with heart disease. Benefits in healthy people are not yet conclusive.

9. Eating Garlic Can Help Detoxify Heavy Metals in the Body

At high doses, the sulfur compounds in garlic have been shown to protect against organ damage from heavy metal toxicity.

A four week study in employees of a car battery plant (excessive exposure to lead) found that garlic reduced lead levels in the blood by 19%. It also reduced many clinical signs of toxicity, including headaches and blood pressure (22).

Three doses of garlic each day even outperformed the drug D-penicillamine in symptom reduction.

Bottom Line: Garlic was shown to significantly reduce lead toxicity and related symptoms in one study.

10. Garlic May Improve Bone Health

No human trials have measured the effects of garlic on bone loss.

However, rodent studies have shown that it can minimise bone loss by increasing estrogen in females (23, 24, 25, 26).

One study in menopausal women found that a daily dose of dry garlic extract (equal to 2 grams of raw garlic) significantly decreased a marker of estrogen deficiency (27).

This suggests that this garlic may have beneficial effects on bone health in women.

Foods like garlic and onions have also been shown to have beneficial effects on osteoarthritis (28).

Bottom Line: Garlic appears to have some benefits for bone health by increasing estrogen levels in females, but more human studies are needed.

11. Garlic Is Easy to Include In Your Diet and Tastes Absolutely Delicious

The last one is not a health benefit, but still important.

It is the fact that it is very easy (and delicious) to include garlic in your current diet.

It complements most savory dishes, particularly soups and sauces. The strong taste of garlic can also add a punch to otherwise bland recipes.

Garlic comes in several forms, from whole cloves and smooth pastes to powders and supplements like garlic extract and garlic oil.

The minimum effective dose for therapeutic effects is one clove eaten with meals, two or three times a day.

However, keep in mind that there are some downsides to garlic, such as bad breath. There are also some people who are allergic to it.

If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinning medications, then talk to your doctor before increasing your garlic consumption.

The active compound allicin only forms when garlic is crushed or cleaved when it is raw. If you cook it before crushing it, then it won’t have the same health effects.

Therefore, the best way to consume garlic is raw, or to crush and cut it and leave it out for a while before you add it to your recipes.

My favorite way to use garlic is to press a few cloves of fresh garlic with a garlic press, then mix with extra virgin olive oil and a bit of salt. This a healthy and super satisfying dressing.

12. Anything Else?

For thousands of years, garlic was believed to have medicinal properties. We now have the science to confirm it.