Posts Tagged ‘Fiber’

What are different health benefits of whole peppercorns?

Peppercorns, scientifically known as Piper nigrum, is a very popular seasoning used throughout the world. It is indispensable from our kitchen and the dinning table. Since ancient times, pepper has been used to add that extra bit of taste to food not just because of its taste but also because of it innumerable health benefits.

Peppercorn is rich in proteins and minerals like calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium and zinc. Pepper is also rich in Vitamin A, B, C, E and K. Pepper also contains some amount of fats and dietary fiber. All of these components of pepper make it invaluable for maintaining good health. Some of the important reasons why pepper is a must in our diets are discussed below.

Anti inflammatory
Peppercorns have been used since ages as anti inflammatory agent. One of the commonly known health benefit of whole peppercorns is that it helps in reducing pains and is a popular medication given to cure throat infection and cough. Due to its strong and spicy taste it helps immensely in treating colds and flu.

Digestion
The presence of pepper in the food allows easy digestion and absorption of nutrients. It has been observed that pepper increases the absorption of selenium and Vitamin B and Vitamin A from food, these are essential nutrients required by the body. Moreover, easy absorption of food allows easy motility in the gastro intestinal tract. Pepper is also know for its carminative property and helps in avoiding gas or flatulence.

Cardiovascular heath
Pepper is rich in potassium, one of the various minerals found in pepper. Potassium is an essential mineral required by the body to maintain the fluid levels. Potassium helps in maintaining blood pressure and also helps in controlling the heart rate.

Blood
Pepper is also a rich source of iron which is an important mineral required to maintain hemoglobin level in blood Deficiency of iron may lead to anemia causing breathlessness and weakness. Hemoglobin is that part of the blood which carries oxygen to different parts in the body.

Antioxidant
Pepper is a rich source of Manganese. Manganese is an essential cofactor required by the enzyme superoxide dimutase which helps in removing free radicals. Apart from manganese, peppercorns are also rich source of vitamin A and C which are again active antioxidants which in getting rid of the harmful free radicals from the body which may otherwise lead to the formation of cancer cells in the body.

Anti microbial
The pepper corns are popularly used for their antimicrobial properties. They are anti bacterial in nature which helps in getting rid of any bacterial infection in the body .Pepper also helps in removing intestinal parasites. Due to the anti inflammatory and antiseptic nature of pepper corns it is also used in dental treatment for tooth decay and gum swellings or ulcers.

Sinusitis
Pepper corns are also used in the relieving sinusitis. Peppercorns help by drying the mucus membranes and stopping the further build up of mucus thus reliving of blocked sinuses.

There are various other heath benefits of whole peppercorns which through the ages have helped in keeping health disorders at bay. Although research is being conducted to understand it further, many health claims are baser on clinical experiences rather than scientific data.

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What are different health benefits of having flax seeds in your daily diet?

The scientific name of flax seeds is Linum Usitatissimum which means very useful. This is a very appropriate name for this fiber rich seed. Similar to sesame seeds in appearance, it is also available in the form of oil.
Flaxseeds are rich in fiber and omega3 fatty acid in the form of alpha linolenic acid, minerals like iron, manganese, copper magnesium and phosphorus it also contains Vitamin B6. For the tiny seeds this indeed is a long list of nutrients which give it the importance it so well deserves in the nutritional chart.
The health benefits of flax seeds are mainly the reason why it has become indispensable to so many cuisines. Some of the health benefits one can get from flax seeds are discussed below.

Anti inflammatory
The main constituent of the flax seed is omega3 fats which is one of the essential fatty acids required but not produced by the body. Omega3 fat is used by the body to produce a specific set of anti inflammatory prostaglandins series 1 and 2 (a chemical associated with pain). Thus an intake of these seeds in the diet can significantly help reduce pain in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, headaches and other inflammatory conditions.

Cardiovascular health
A flax seed, rich in omega-3 fat which is a poly unsaturated fatty acid, helps in fighting deposits of cholesterol by breaking them down. These cholesterol deposits may cause blood to clot thereby increasing the chances of cardiovascular diseases.

Increase in the concentration
Omega-3 fats have shown to also help in increasing the concentration levels of the brain. Omega 3 fat works by increasing the flexibility of the lipid membranes of the cells allowing a greater number of neurotransmitters to be transferred between nerve cells. This higher level of transfer allows faster simulation or reaction allowing you to think and react faster. This seed has also shown potential in the treatment of attention deficit disorder.

Laxative
Flaxseeds are rich in fiber content because of which it acts as an excellent laxative. Flax seeds are also recommended for any constipation issues.

Post menopausal health
These seeds if taken regularly help in regulating the estrogen levels in women post menopause and help to protect them from coronary heart disorders and bone loss arising out of estrogen imbalance.

Weight loss
Flax seeds are recommended for people trying to lose weight. These tiny seeds expand in the stomach when ingested; therefore, eating these seeds some time before meal can reduce ones appetite significantly, thereby reducing the amount of food eaten.

Prevents cancer
Recent studies have shown that flax seeds have about 27 chemical compounds in them which can prevent cancer. Flax seeds have always been recommended to reduce the possibilities of prostrate cancer and breast cancer, this is due to the impact it has in the production of the sexual hormones. Research has further shown that flax seeds help in preventing the spread of melanoma.

Diabetes
Another health benefit of flax seed is that it helps to regulate the level of insulin in the blood thus helping in maintaining blood sugar levels.

Skin care
Apart from all these health benefits of flax seeds, it is also recommended to overcome dryness of skin. Rich with vitamins and minerals this seed is known to help in treating eczema and psoriasis as well.

Due to the attention that this tiny seed has garnered for it capabilities to ward off a variety of health risks, many research institutes are working further to understand how it functions to help develop life saving drugs. Making it a part of your daily diet can definitely help you to live a healthier life. It is very cost effective and easy to prepare as well, just sprinkle a few seeds over your food or add it in a powdered form to your health drink.