Posts Tagged ‘Nutrient’

What are various health benefits of Nutmeg?

Nutmeg is sweet, spicy and nutty in taste and is an essential constituent used in most of the Indian kitchens. Nutmeg is a warm, rich, somewhat sweet, brownish-red spice. It comes from the seed of the fruit of the nutmeg tree, which looks similar to a walnut. This spice is very aromatic, with rich, sweet, savory, warm tones. Nutmeg and mace have similar taste qualities, but mace has a stronger flavor.
Nutmegs are evergreen trees, native to the rain forest Indonesian Moluccas Island, also known as the Spice Islands. The tree grows to about 50-60 feet in height, is the source of nutmeg and mace, two valuable spices. Inside the fruit is a hard egg-shaped seed of about 20 mm to 30 mm long and 15 mm to 18 mm wide, and 5 to 10 grams in weight.
Nutmeg is a popular ingredient for cooking and used in various sweet and spicy dishes like baked goods, white sauces and puddings. Nutmeg should be stored in cool, dark, dry areas. This spice is very versatile.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF NUTMEG

- Nutmeg can stimulate the brain, prevent mental exhaustion as well as rid our minds of stress. It acts like a brain tonic.
- Nutmeg eases stomach problems like indigestion, gas, vomiting or diarrhea.
- Nutmeg and nutmeg oil can treat liver problems by eliminating the toxins that cause ailments to this vital body organ.
- Nutmeg has anti-inflammatory effects.
- Nutmeg oil can treat anything from toothaches, to sore gums to bad breath.
- Nutmeg oil helps in improving concentration.
- Nutmeg is also an effective sedative i.e it is used as a pain relief.
- Nutmeg has antibacterial properties, nutmeg can also effectively treat halitosis or bad breath.
- Nutmeg can actually help you achieve smoother and healthier skin by helping you treat several skin problems.
- Nutmeg is rich in vital B-complex vitamins including vitamin C, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin A.
- Nutmeg proves to be an excellent tonic for the cardiovascular system.
- Nutmeg is useful during congestion and cough.
- Drinking one cup of milk boiled with 1/4th teaspoon of ground nutmeg promotes sleep.
- Nutmeg oil is also a good herb for the kidney, helping it dissolve kidney stones as well as relieve infections.
- Nutmeg is very effectual medicine for insomnia. To treat insomnia, consume 1/4 tsp of nutmeg powder with 1 cup of milk and bring to boil.
- Rub nutmeg on a stone slab in water and apply the paste on the skin which is affected.

PRECAUTIONS WHILE HAVING NUTMEG

- Nutmeg should be used in moderation—a pinch or two is considered safe.
- Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid the use of nutmeg.
- Touching nutmeg can cause allergic skin reaction.

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Sodium – Indispensable for Life – Properties, Sources, Deficiency Symptoms, Healing Properties

Sodium is a mineral that is present only in small quantities in most natural foods, but salt is added, often in large amounts, in food processing and by cooks to enhance flavor. Sodium is an essential mineral or micronutrient found in the bones as well as the fluid surrounding cells.

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SODIUM
- Sodium is silver white in color.
- Sodium is highly reactive.
- Sodium is alkaline in nature.
- Sodium is soft and malleable.
- Sodium is found inside the body and outside in the combination with other elements.
- Sodium is usually taken in the form of sodium chloride.
- Sodium is absorbed from gastro-intestinal tract but substantial losses may occur due to vomiting and diarrhea.
- Sodium balance is controlled by hormone aldosterone which is secreted by adrenal gland.
- Increased amounts of aldosterone are secreted when the need for sodium increases which increases the re-absorption of sodium ions by kidney.

HOW DOES SODIUM FUNCTION IN BODY ?

- Sodium acts with other electrolytes especially potassium to regulate the osmotic pressure and maintain proper water balance.
- Sodium is vital component of nerves as it stimulates muscle contraction.
- Heart contraction is maintained.
- It helps in glucose absorption.
- It helps in transportation of other nutrients across cell membranes.
- It relaxes muscles.
- Important in the distribution of water in the body.
- It helps in maintenance of fluid volume in the vessels and tissues.
- Sodium helps in brain functioning.
- Sodium is an important hydrating product of anti-aging creams.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

Deficiency of sodium is caused by:
- excessive sweating.
- prolonged use of diuretics or chronic diarrhea.
Deficiency of sodium may lead to:
- nausea.
- muscular weakness.
- heat exhaustion.
- mental apathy.
- low blood pressure.
- muscle cramps.
- dizziness.
- weakness.
- lethargy.
Overdose of sodium causes high blood pressure, swelling of brain nerves and cerebral edema. If it worsens, it can even lead to comma.

SOURCES OF SODIUM

Some of the important sources of sodium are apple, common salt, homemade soups, cabbage, egg yolks, pulses, bananas. Even, carrot, baking powder and baking soda, turnips, leafy vegetables and dried peas are some of the essential sources. Processed cheese, smoked fish and salty meats, snacks, pickles and sauce contains ample amount of sodium.

What are different health benefits of zinc and zinc supplements.

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.