Posts Tagged ‘benefits’

The health benefits of Turmeric

July 26th, 2010

Natural treatments are always preferred as compared to chemically treated drugs. Ask your grandmother and she will provide you with a list of natural home remedies that will cure you of most of your illnesses. Turmeric for ages has been one of the most powerful healers. The health benefits are countless and the amazing amber coloured spice is known to treat a number of health conditions from Alzheimer’s Disease to some cancers as well.

In ancient times the spice was used as a dye alone, but with time, the medicinal properties have made it one of the most powerful healers in the spice kingdom. A few health benefits are listed below. However you can use the spice to treat burns and cuts at home, but you must consult your physician if you are using the spice for treatment for other illnesses.

Antiseptic: Turmeric is known to be a natural antibacterial agent and antiseptic. It is most commonly used in homes as a disinfectant for cuts and burns.

Prostate Cancer: Turmeric when consumed with cauliflower is known to prevent prostate cancer. The combination helps stop the growth of cancer in the prostate.

Breast Caner: It is also know to stop the spread of breast cancer by preventing it from spreading into the lungs.

Melanoma: It plays an important role in killing melanoma cells and prevents the disease from taking over your system.

Leukaemia: Turmeric is known to help children fight childhood leukaemia.

Liver: Turmeric serves as a detoxifier for the lever.

Alzheimer’s Disease: It helps stop the build up of Amyloid plaque in the brain and therefore helps slowing down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Cancer: The spice prevents metastases in a variety of cancer.

Natural anti-inflammatory: Its natural anti-inflammatory properties make it s preferred treatment compared to OTC anti-inflammatory drugs, primarily because it has no side effects.

Multiple Sclerosis: A test done on mice shows that it has the power to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis.

Painkiller: It is known to be a cox 2 inhibitor and natural painkiller.

Metabolism: Regular consumption of turmeric can help in elevating metabolism levels and therefore helping you in managing weight.

Depression: The Chinese have been known to use this spice to treat depression.

Joint Pains: The anti inflammatory properties make it a desired treatment for illnesses like arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Chemo drugs: Turmeric is known to boost the effect of chemo drugs like paclitaxel and is also known to reduce its side effects.

Pancreatic cancer: It is believed to be useful in the treatment of pancreatic cancer as well. However the research in the area is not conclusive.

Multiple Myeloma: Research is also being carried on to test the effects of turmeric in the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Tumors: It is known to treat tumors by stopping the growth of blood vessels.

Skin: Its natural medicinal properties help in hastening the process of healing wounds and it also helps in remodelling damaged portions of the skin.

Psoriasis: It is known to be very helpful in treat various inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis.

A number of households today use turmeric as a part of their daily diet in a number of lip smacking recipes. However turmeric can also be consumed in a pill form and is easily available at health food stores.

Although one can use turmeric to treat common cuts and burns without permission or supervision from a physician, it is imperative that one does not follow this as the only treatment for other health conditions. The health benefits of turmeric are only limited to slowing down the process of many conditions. Alternate medication has to be combined with the usage of turmeric to see results that are positive.

What are different health benefits of zinc and zinc supplements.

July 26th, 2010

Zinc is a mineral found in almost all cells and is a key nutrient in the body. More than 300 enzymes in the human body require zinc for normal functioning. Many organs of the body secrete zinc, including the pancreas, the salivary gland, and the prostate gland. Immune cells also secrete zinc.

Best Sources of Zinc

Good food sources for vegetarian people include dairy products (milk, curd, yoghurt), beans and lentils, peanuts, peanut butter, seeds, fortified breakfast cereals, and wholegrain cereals.
Red meat and poultry also provide good sources of zinc.

Health and Skin Benefits of Zinc

- To soothe the nappy rash and itching.
- Zinc is necessary for a good immune system.
- Helps wound healing.
- Allows a sense of smell and taste, growth and development and is essential for the synthesis of DNA.
- It promotes biochemical reactions in the body.
- It increases the fertility.
- It helps to prevent osteoporosis.
- Zinc has anti-inflammatory effects.
- Zinc plays a leading role in weight loss and in controlling the appetite of the person.
- Consuming Zinc in about 150-450 mg will improve the vision.
- Zinc prevents bone loss.
- Diet rich in zinc avoids alopecia that causes loss of hair in both children and adults.
- It is required for fighting skin problems such as acne, boils and sore throats.
- Zinc is important for the prostate gland in males.
- Zinc also promotes normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence.
- As an insect repellent.
- As bactericides in high quality cosmetics and toiletries.
- To help heal leg ulcers through addition to the diet.

The deficiency symptoms of zinc include growth retardation, low blood pressure, retarded bones, loss of appetite, loss of sense of smell and taste, depression, rough skin, weight loss, pale skin, diarrhea, hair loss, fatigue, white spots under finger nails.

What is the recommended dose of zinc needed by the body

- For children 0 to 6 months, 2.0 mg of zinc per day.
- 3 mg of zinc per day for 7 months to 3 years.
- 5 mg for 4 to 8 years.
- 8 mg for 9 to 13 years.
- 14 and above, and are encouraged to 11 mg of zinc for males and 9 mg for women.

What is flaxseed oil, benefits, components and uses ?

July 18th, 2010

Flaxseed oil comes from the seeds of the flax plant. It is similar to a grain but has more nutrient value. It contains:
- omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which reduces heart disease among other health conditions.
- essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which the body converts into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
- It contains alpha-linolenic acid.
- Flaxseed oil also contains chemicals called lignans, which are believed to have antioxidant properties.

Components of Flaxseed Oil

- FIBER: Fiber keeps the digestive tract clean and regular and lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, which is important in preventing heart disease.
- LIGNANS: These plant compounds found in the hull act as as weak form of estrogen (phytoestrogen) and appear to protect the body from hormonal cancers – including breast cancer.
- Proteins : The protein in flaxseed oil is easily digested and contains a complete amino-acid profile that the body needs.
- Essential Fatty Acids : Omega-3 fatty acids, usually from fish oil, have been shown to reduce inflammation and help prevent certain chronic diseases such as heart disease and arthritis.

Health Benefits of Flaxseed Oil

- Lowering cholesterol levels.
- Improving the immune system.
- Lubricates and absorbs toxins.
- Prevents the toxic that builds in bowels.
- Soothes ulcers.
- Acts as a buffer for excess stomach acids.
- Protect against heart disease and control high blood pressure.
- Controls counter inflammation associated with lupus and gout.
- Flaxseed Puts the Brakes on Prostate Cancer Growth.
- Eases weight loss in people afflicted with obesity.
- Treating Dandruff.
- Strengthens finger and toenails.
- Can improve eyesight and perception of colors.
- Curing asthma and diabetes.

Uses of Flaxseed Oil (sprinkled or added in small quantity)

- Salads
- Protein shakes
- Yogurt, Breakfast cereal
- Cookie Dough
- Pancakes, Muffins, Waffles
- Lotions

Side-Effects of Flaxseed Oil

- Anyone that has an allergy to Linaceae plant should avoid flaxseed oil.
- Bloating or increased flatulence is experienced. Start with a small amount and then increase gradually. Increase your water intake also.

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