Health benefit of ginger

In addition to its use as a food, this plant has many medicinal benefits.

Ginger

Commonly known as ginger, Zingiber officinale was named by English botanist William Roscoe in the early 1800s. With green stems that can grow to a metre high, the plant is valued for its rhizomes that can be consumed fresh or dried. Ginger has been used in Asian, Arabic and Indian cultures as a herbal medicine since ancient times. While it originated in South-East Asia, it spread across Asia and other tropical regions and was exported to ancient Rome from India.

Ginger reached the west at least 2000 years ago and was imported in a preserved form. This flavoursome plant is used in many recipes and, in some Asian cuisines, it is pickled and served as an accompaniment. The healing property of ginger comes from the volatile oils, such as gingerols, that are responsible for its strong taste. The rhizomes from younger ginger plants are generally used for cooking because the older the plant is, the more essential oils are present and the stronger the flavour. Rhizomes from older plants are harvested for medicinal uses.

The pros

 Ginger products can be bought in dried form, powdered, as oil, tinctures or extracts. However, many herbalists suggest using fresh ginger.

• Most frequently used to aid digestion, ginger is believed to increase saliva and other digestive fluids, alleviating indigestion and associated problems such as flatulence.
• It is known to relieve nausea and morning sickness. If you take ginger for morning sickness, use it for no longer than four days.
• Ginger is recommended to those who suffer from motion sickness. You can buy ginger tablets from your pharmacist or try drinking a cup of ginger tea before your journey.
• Ginger is believed to have anti-inflammatory qualities that may relieve swelling and pain.
• As a tea it is said to ease headaches and sore throats or assist if you have a cold or flu.
• Fresh ginger is used for asthma, coughs, colic, heart palpitations, swellings, dyspepsia, loss of appetite and rheumatism, while the dried root is used to "strengthen" the stomach, inhibit vomiting and treat diarrhoea.

The cons

• Ginger may interact with some prescription medications.
• Herbalists advise not to take more than four grams of ginger in a single day.
• Side effects may include bloating, gas, heartburn and nausea.

When not to take it

• Children under two should not have ginger.
• If you are taking medications, consult a health practitioner, as all herbs can interact with other medications.
• Avoid ginger if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking blood thinners, including aspirin.

HEALTH BENEFIT OF COCONUT WATER

What is Coconut Water?

Coconut Water is the nutritious clear liquid inside the coconut fruit which is packed with vitamins and minerals. There is usually more water in a young coconut, since the water is replaced by the white coconut flesh as it matures. Therefore, for drinking purposes, coconuts are harvested off the trees when they are still young and green. Later, the outer green husk is removed and the coconuts are wrapped in plastic to keep the moisture.

For best results, the water from a fresh coconut should be consumed shortly after being exposed to air due to the possible loss of important nutrients. A single coconut usually provides an 11 ounce serving of water, and it is low in calories and fat but rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. A few key nutrients in Coconut Water include Lauric acid, Chloride, and Iron, as well as important electrolytes such as Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium, and Phosphorous. In fact, the potassium content in Coconut Water is close to twice the amount in a banana. A healthy balance of electrolytes is important for the optimal health of our muscular, cardiovascular, nervous and immune systems, as well as to help with the absorption and balance of the body's internal fluids.

What are the Benefits of Coconut Water?

Many studies have shown that the antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of Coconut Water may help with a number of minor to severe health conditions. This nutrient rich drink has been used to regulate blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, and it has been found to boost energy levels and increase metabolism in the human body. Other conditions that it has been found to be effective at treating include stomach flu, dysentery, indigestion, constipation, intestinal worms, cholera, urinary abnormalities, urethral stone, malfunctioning kidneys, dry and itchy skin, age spots, and wrinkles.

Uses of Coconut Water

AGE SPOTS, WRINKLES, AND OTHER SKIN PROBLEMS

Researchers have found that Cytokinins help regulate the cell growth and their divisions. Coconut Water contains these cytokinins and lauric acid which can minimize the aging of skin cells, balance PH levels, and keep the connective tissues strong and hydrated. Therefore, simply applying Coconut Water onto affected skin areas every night before going to bed may help with acne, age spots, wrinkles, stretch marks, cellulite, and eczema.

BOOSTING ENERGY

Abundant in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, Coconut Water makes a wonderful energy drink. In particular, coconut water has less sugar and sodium content compared to most sports drinks, while packing more Potassium, Calcium, and Chloride, which makes it a better choice to rehydrate, replenish and boost the body's energy levels after any strenuous activity or workout. For example, in every 100ml of Coconut Water there is approximately 294mg of potassium compared to 117mg in an average energy drink, 25mg of sodium compared to 200mg in energy drinks and 41mg in most sport drinks, 5mg sugar compared to 20-25mg, and 118mg of chloride compare to 39mg in average energy and sport drinks.

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

According to researchers, individuals with high blood pressure usually have low potassium levels. Therefore, drinking coconut water on a regular basis can be quite effective at regulating blood pressure due to its high concentration of potassium and lauric acid. Similarly, some recent studies have found that coconut water can help increase HDL (good) cholesterol, which makes it a wonderful natural treatment for maintaining good cardiovascular health.

DEHYDRATION

Rich in Potassium and other minerals, Coconut Water helps to regulate our internal fluids and replenish and rehydrate the body. It has been used to treat dehydration caused by dysentery, cholera, diarrhea and stomach flu, and the electrolyte balance and plasma in Coconut Water has been found to be similar to that of human blood. Therefore, drinking one cup of Coconut Water twice daily during digestive tract abnormalities, hot temperatures, and after strenuous workouts can help rehydrate the body quickly.

DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS

Coconut Water contains Lauric acid which our body converts into monolaurin. Monolaurin has great antiviral, antiprozoal and antibacterial activity which helps fight against intestinal worms, parasites, lipid-coated viruses and other gastrointestinal tract infections in children and adults. Additionally, the water from coconut may not only act as an antibiotic but it can also rehydrate the body. Therefore, a simple remedy for Intestinal Worms is to mix one teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil into a cup of Coconut Water and drink it daily for at least three days. For constipation, diarrhea and other common digestive problems drink one cup of Coconut Water twice daily.

WEIGHT LOSS

Coconut water is a natural electrolyte and isotonic beverage which help increase the body's metabolism. Therefore, it can greatly benefit people who are struggling with weight issues.

What are the Side Effects of Coconut Water?

Fresh Coconut Water is one of the best natural drinks on the face of the earth. It doesn't have any known side effects unless somebody is prone to having allergic reactions or have severe nut allergies. It is considered to be safe for children, pregnant, and breastfeeding women. If you are taking potassium supplements it is recommended to regulate your potassium levels since Coconut Water is high in potassium.

Where and How to Buy Coconut Water

Coconut Water is readily available in cans or bottles from many grocery stores or online retailers. Fresh plastic wrapped coconuts can also be purchased at many Indian and Asian grocery stores during the summer. When buying fresh coconuts with green husks, look for those with some light brown spots as well since these are considered to have the greatest water content. Generally, the water from Indian and Bangladeshi coconuts tends to be sweeter than Thai and Brazilian coconuts. When using fresh coconuts, try to drink the water as soon as possible since the nutrients can begin to dissipate after being exposed to air. However, the water can also be refrigerated for 10 to 12 hours if it is sealed in a tight container.

Uses and benefits of garlic

Garlic is one of the most common ingredients in Indian dishes but apart from imparting flavour to food, this tiny, white pod also has immense medicinal properties. Used since time immemorial to treat various ailments, garlic is one ingredient in your kitchen that has a number of uses. Here are the top 15 health benefits of garlic you should know about.

What makes garlic so special?

Garlic

It has a variety of potent sulphur-containing compounds which are the reason for its characteristic pungent odour.

• Allicin, the vital compound in the pod, is known to have great anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant properties. That is why garlic is best had when it’s finely chopped, minced or pureed and let sit for some time.
• Garlic is also a reliable source of selenium.
• Allicin, along with other compounds like ajoene, alliin, etc. also have a healing effect on your circulatory, digestive and immunological systems and help in lowering blood pressure, detoxification, healing, etc.

Helps keep bacterial and viral infections at bay

Due to its innate compounds, garlic can help keep both bacterial and viral infections at bay.

How does it help?

• They help control bacterial, viral, fungal, yeast and worm infections.
• Fresh garlic is thought to play a role in preventing food poisoning by killing bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella enteritidis, etc.

Can help treat skin infections

Since it has both antibacterial and antiviral properties, garlic is great when it comes to treating skin infections.

How does it help?

• The chemical ajoene found in garlic may help treat fungal skin infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot.

Tip:

If you have a skin infection, you could apply the juice of come crushed garlic cloves on the area once or twice a day. Wash the juice off with some clean, room temperature water.

Helps prevent the formation of clots in the body

How does it help?

The anti-clotting properties of ajoene found in garlic help in preventing the formation of blood clots in the body. While this fact is great for people with heart ailments and those prone to suffering from a stroke and other clotting disorders, it may also increase the risk of bleeding after surgery.

Tip:

To help stay healthy have one crushed garlic pod everyday on an empty stomach.

Can keep your blood pressure levels in check

How does it help?

• Allicin in garlic blocks the activity of angiotensin II (a protein that is responsible for increase in blood pressure) and helps in reducing blood pressure.
• The polysulphides present in garlic are converted into a gas called hydrogen sulphide by red blood cells that helps dilate your blood vessels and helps control blood pressure. If your blood pressure levels are of concern, there arenatural alternatives to blood pressure medication that you could try after speaking to your doctor about the change.

Tip:

To help control your blood pressure you could add garlic to your daily meals. Apart from that you could also eat one pod of raw garlic on an empty stomach to keep your blood pressure under control.

Helps protect your heart

How does it help?

• With age, your arteries tend to lose their ability to stretch and garlic can help maintain their elasticity.
• It also helps protect the heart from the damaging effects of free oxygen radicals.
• The sulphur-containing compounds of garlic also prevent our blood vessels from becoming blocked and slow the development of atherosclerosis(hardening of the arteries).
• The anti-clotting properties of ajoene (a compound present in garlic) helps prevent the formation of clots inside your blood vessels.

Can reduce the levels of bad cholesterol

How does it help?

• The allicin present in garlic helps moderately lower our blood triglycerides and total cholesterol.
• This compound also helps reduce arterial plaque formation.

Combat allergies

How does it help?

• The anti-arthritic property of garlic is due to diallyl sulphide and thiacremonone.
• Garlic has also been show to improve allergic airway inflammation (allergic rhinitis).

Tip:

Raw garlic juice may be used to immediately stop the itching due to rashes and bug bites.

Can protect you against frequent colds and bouts of sore throat

How does it help?

• The daily use of garlic might reduce the frequency and number of colds.
• Its antibacterial properties help in treating throat irritations.
• Garlic may also reduce the severity of upper respiratory tract infections.
• Its ability to promote expectoration makes it irreplaceable in chronic bronchitis.

Helps keep your blood sugar levels in check

How does it help?

• Garlic increases insulin release and regulates blood sugar levels in your body, especially if you are a diabetic.

Can help keep cancer at bay

• Garlic’s anti-cancer properties are due to the allyl sulphides it contains.
• According to studies, diallyl sulphide found in garlic inhibits the transformation of PhIP (a type of compound that has been associated with increased incidence of breast cancer) into carcinogens.

Helps beat iron deficiency and anaemia

How it helps

• Diallyl sulphides present in garlic increase the production of ferroportin (a protein that helps in the absorption and release of iron) and improves iron metabolism — all of which helps prevent iron deficiency and associated diseases like anaemia.

Can give your sex life a much needed boost

How does it help?

• Garlic’s aphrodisiac properties which is due to its ability to increase the circulation and intensifying an orgasm.

Helps relieve pain caused due to a toothache

How does it help?

• It can help relieve toothaches due to its antibacterial and analgesic properties. But be aware that it can be irritating to the gum

Tip:

Simply put some crushed garlic clove directly on the affected tooth.

Can help you lose weight

How does it help?

• According to recent research, garlic may help to regulate the formation of fat cells in our body by converting pre-adipocytes to fat cells (adipocytes) by preventing the conversion.
  

7 uses of Aloe Vera.

Aloe vera

An aloe vera plant can add a lovely touch of green to any office or home. But did you know that your favorite potted plant could be used for so much more than household décor?

The powerful aloe vera plant is a part of the Aloaceae, or lily, family, which is known for its diverse perennials with short stems and thick, crowded leaves.

Aloe vera has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Native to North Africa, Southern Europe, and the Canary Islands, today aloe vera is grown in tropical climates worldwide. From relieving heartburn to slowing the spread of cancer, researchers are only first beginning to unlock all of the powerful uses of this universal plant and its many amazing byproducts.

1. Your houseplant could fight your heartburn. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that often results in symptoms including heartburn. A recent review explains that consuming 1 to 3 onces of aloe gel at mealtimes could reduce the severity of GERD and other digestion-related problems. The plant’s low toxicity makes it a safe and gentle remedy.

2. A little aloe vera gel a day could keep bacteria on fruits and vegetables away. In a recent study, an aloe vera gel coating on tomato plants was able to block, not all, but many types of harmful bacteria. Similar results were found in a different study with apples. This means that aloe gel could help produce stay fresh for longer without the need for potentially dangerous chemicals.

3. An alternative to mouthwash. A 2014 study found aloe vera extract to be a safe and effective alternative to chemical-based mouthwashes. The plant’s natural ingredients, which include a healthy dose of vitamin C, can block plaque and also provide relief if you have bleeding or swelling gums.

4. The new blood sugar regulator is greener than ever. Might aloe vera be able to help people with diabetes regulate their blood sugar levels? One study conducted in Thailand found that two tablespoons of aloe vera juice per day caused blood sugar levels to fall in people with type 2 diabetes, which means it may have a future in diabetes treatment. These results were confirmed with a later study from Turkey that used pulp extract.

5. A little extra push. Recently, a team of Nigerian scientists conducted a study to determine whether local folklore about aloe vera was true. Experimenting on rats, they found that gel made from typical aloe vera houseplants was able to relieve constipation.

6. Brighten more than just your office space. You can use aloe vera to keep your skin clear and hydrated. According to a study, the plant is particularly special because it’s designed to live in dry, unstable climates. To survive, the leaves of aloe vera store water. The combination of the moist leaf and special plant compounds called complex carbohydrates make it an effective face moisturizer and pain reliever.

7. Stepping up in the battle against cancer. According to a new study, aloe-emodin, a compound in aloe vera leaves, could slow down the spread of breast cancer cells. Researchers are currently investigating how aloe may play a role in other types of cancer, as well.

The Takeaway

There are hundreds of ways to use the aloe vera plant and the various gels and extracts that can be made from it. Researchers are continuing to discover new ways to put this natural superpower to use. The next time you are looking for an effective remedy or just a new houseplant, consider aloe vera.

GUYABANO (SOUR SOP) TEA FOR CANCER, DIABETES, ARTHRITIS AND OTHER INFLAMMATORY DISEASES.

GUYABANO (SOUR SOP) TEA FOR CANCER, DIABETES, ARTHRITIS AND OTHER INFLAMMATORY DISEASES.

COME AND LETS TALK ABOUT IT.

HOW TO PREPARE:

You will be needing 40 pcs of Guyabano leaves
1 liter clean water

NOTE: USE MATURE BUT NOT TOO OLD LEAVES. AIR DRIED LEAVES ARE BETTER THAN FRESH LEAVES BECAUSE IT CONCENTRATES THE MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF THE LEAVES MAKING IT MORE EFFECTIVE. DON'T ALSO DO SUN OR OVEN DRY BECAUSE TOO MUCH HEAT WILL COOK THE NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF THE LEAVES, THUS LOSING ITS POTENCY.

PROCEDURE:

1. Boil the 1 liter water in a sauce pan.
2. As soon as it boils, add the leaves and turn the heat to low.
3. Simmer it for 20 minutes. The color will turn to golden brown or just like the color of regular tea.
4. let it cool before drinking.

The tea is only good for 7-8 hours and may be refrigerated.

*GUYABANO TEA MUST BE TAKEN FOR 30 DAYS, 3 TIMES A DAY, ONE GLASS BEFORE MEALS. THE TEA IS EASILY ABSORBED IN AN EMPTY STOMACH.

*It should only be taken for 30 days. More than that, it will destroy the normal flora.

*After 30 days, have yourself checked by your doctor to examine if the disease is still there. If the symptoms is still there, taper the dose to maintenance dose.

*If the symptoms disappear before the 30 day treatment, continue taking the tea to make sure that no single sick cell is present.

30 day treatment, 3x a day, one glass 30 minutes before meals no skipping.

MAINTENANCE DOSE:

ONE GLASS OF TEA A DAY 30 MINUTES BEFORE MEALS FOR 5 DAYS EXCEPT SATURDAY OR SUNDAY. HAVE AT LEAST 2 DAYS REST PERIOD A WEEK.

***Don't mix the tea with other healing substances to avoid incompatibility.

*** Dont overuse the tea. Follow the procedure. Comment your questions if you do not understand anything.

Adventist Health and Temperance Corner: All you need to know about hepatitis B

Adventist Health and Temperance Corner: All you need to know about hepatitis B

All you need to know about hepatitis B

Hepatitis B Fast Facts Everything you need to know in 2 minutes or less! Hepatitis B is the most common serious liver infection in the world.  It is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that attacks liver cells and can lead to liver failure, cirrhosis (scarring) or cancer of the liver.  The virus is transmitted through contact with blood and bodily fluids that contain blood.   Most people are able to fight off an hepatitis B infection and clear the virus from their blood.  This may take up to six months.  While the virus is present in their blood, infected people can pass the virus on to others.    Approximately 5-10% of adults, 30-50% of children, and 90% of babies will not get rid of the virus and will develop chronic infection.  Chronically infected people can pass the virus on to others and are at increased risk for liver problems later in life.   The hepatitis B virus is 100 times more infectious than the AIDS virus.  Yet, hepatitis B can be pre-vented with a safe and effective vaccine.  For the 400 million people worldwide who are chronically    infected with hepatitis B the vaccine is of no use.  However, there are promising new treatments for those who live with chronic hepatitis B.   in the World:

     • This year alone, 10 to 30 million people will become infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
 
     • The World Health Organization estimates that 400 million people worldwide are already chronically infected with hepatitis B.

     • HBV infection leads to over 1 million deaths each year.  In the US:

     • This year alone, 100,000 new people will become infected with HBV.

     • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 1.25 million Americans are already chronically infected with hepatitis B.

     • Between 5000 and 6000 Americans die of hepatitis B related liver complications each year.  

                         How is Hepatitis B Transmitted? 
Hepatitis B is most efficiently transmitted through blood and infected bodily fluids.  This can occur through direct blood-to-blood contact, unprotected sex, illicit drug use, and from an infected woman to her newborn during the delivery process.
Hepatitis B can be spread by

     • unprotected sex
   
     • sharing IV drug needles

     • living in a household with an infected person

     • an infected mother to her newborn child at birth

     • sharing earrings, razors, or toothbrushes with an infected person

     • unsterilized needles, including tattoo or piercing needles
 
    • human bites

                Hepatitis B is not spread by

     • kissing on the cheek or lips

     • coughing or sneezing

     • casual contact such as hugging or holding hands

     • eating food prepared by an infected individual  People are most at risk for hepatitis B if they

     • are born to mothers who are infected with HBV

     • live in close household contact with a chronically infected individual

     • adopt a child from a country where HBV is prevalent

     • have unprotected sex or have more than one sexual partner in a six month period

     • have ever been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease (STD)

    • share needles and syringes

     • are health care provider or emergency responder with possible contact with bodily fluids

     • are a patient on kidney dialysis

     • live or work in an institutional setting, such as a prison or group home

                         Can hepatitis B be prevented?
 YES!  Ask your doctor about the safe and effective vaccine and protect yourself and your loved ones for a lifetime.  Remember, it only takes three shots to provide a lifetime of protection!

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