Posts Tagged ‘Source’

What are different health benefits of including celery seeds in your diet?

Celery seeds, scientifically known as Apium graveolens are primarily used as a seasoning. Celery seeds have been used since ancient times due to its medicinal value. These seeds are a good source of flavonoids, coumarins and omega 3fatty acid. Celery seeds are also known to contain minerals like calcium, iron, boron chlorine, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese potassium, selenium, zinc, sulfur and vital vitamins like B, A, C, E and K. All of these compounds contribute significantly to the health benefits of celery seeds, the main reason why this seed has gained a lot of medical attention and is under active research. Some of the important health benefits are discussed below.

Gout
A form of arthritis, gout, is caused due to the deposition of uric acid in the joints. Studies have shown that celery seeds can help in reducing the deposit of uric acid in the body thus helping in preventing this painful health condition. Apart from this, celery also has anti inflammatory compounds which help in relieving the pain associated with gout.

Cardiovascular health
Apigenin is a flavonoids present in celery seeds. Apart from being an effective anti oxidant, apigenin has shown to relax the coronary blood vessels allowing it to widen and permit an unobstructed flow of blood thus lowering blood pressure. Recent studies have also indicated that celery seeds can help lower the cholesterol level in the blood.

Anti microbial
Celery also possesses anti microbial properties which helps in removal of parasites from the intestine and maintain a good digestive system.

Diuretic
Celery seeds are also diuretic in nature allowing the excretion of water along with toxic compounds from the body. This seed is highly recommended in patients suffering from diabetes and hypertension which may lead to water retention in the body.

Anti carcinogenic
The various flavonoids present in celery seeds helps in avoiding the growth and spread of cancerous cells. Flavonoids act as anti oxidants and help in clearing the body of the harmful free radicals which may otherwise lead to the growth of cancerous cells. The phytochemicals along with the presence of coumarins help in preventing colon and stomach cancer.

Weight management
Drinking celery juice may help in reducing the craving for food thus helping in weight management. Apart from these antioxidants called coumarins, celery also has phenolic compounds which block the prostaglandins that facilitate growth of tumor forming cells.

Acidity
Celery seeds are also known to help in acidity and curbing flatulence. The minerals present in this seed helps in maintaining the pH balance of the blood.

Gynecological health
This seed is known to help in regularizing the menstrual cycle in women. It leads to uterine contraction which helps in the menstrual flow. The anti spasmodic effect of celery help in reducing abdominal cramps experienced during menses.

All these health benefits of celery seeds are yet to be proven scientifically as they are all based on clinical experience rather than experiments. However, they have been since ages used as a meditative food product and it has shown effective results.

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Various Benefits of Milk for Human Body…

The benefits of milk to the human body are manifold mainly because it consists of some the most essential nutrients required to the human body. No wonder it is also known as a complete food.
Milk is not only a rich source of calcium; it also contains other minerals like magnesium, Phosphorous, Potassium, selenium and zinc. Apart from these, milk also contains carbohydrates in the form of lactose, proteins in the form of casein, fats and Vitamins A, B, D, E and K.
To better understand the benefits of milk to the human body we will have to understand the function of the various nutrients in milk and the impacts of their deficiency in the human body.
Milk is an easy and rich source of calcium. The most important requirement of calcium is for the development of the teeth and bones. It is not only children who require calcium for the development of their bones during their growing stages but is also required by an adult to help maintain bone density. A proper intake of calcium helps avoid osteoporosis a condition where the density of the bones reduces increasing the risk of fractures. This is commonly seen in women after the menopause due to hormonal changes. Calcium is also indispensable for other metabolic activities in the human body. It s presence allows the timely coagulation of blood to avoid excessive loss of blood from wounds. Recent research has also shown that calcium helps maintaining blood pressure by lowering cholesterol levels. Calcium also plays a vital role in muscle and nerve function in addition to controlling the rate at which the heart beats.
The vitamins present in milk can be divided into two forms based on its solubility: fat soluble and water soluble. Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat soluble while vitamin B is water soluble. The content of the fat soluble vitamins in milk is dependent on the content of fat in it.
Of these, Vitamin D is very essential as it helps in the absorption of Calcium into the bones. Vitamin B helps to maintain the nervous system and also to form Red Blood cells. Its deficiency can lead to anemia and degeneration of the nervous system. This essential vitamin is rich in meat and eggs and for the vegetarians; Milk is the best source for this nutrient.
Vitamin A, also call as retinol, is essential for the good health of the eyes its deficiency can lead to dryness in eyes eventually leading into blindness. Night blindness is another disease caused due to its deficiency. As it is fat soluble skimmed milk may not contain adequate amount of this essential vitamin.
Vitamin E is fat soluble and is often associated with cell membranes. Vitamin E along with Selenium also acts as an antioxidant reducing the peroxides produced in the body. It also helps in preventing the degradation of polyunsaturated fats. Its deficiency can lead to poor fat metabolism in the body.
One of the important benefits of milk in the human body is Vitamin k. vitamin K is fat soluble and is required in the formation of the coagulating components in blood prothombin and factor VII. Its deficiency can lead to increase in the time taken for blood coagulation leading to hemorrhages and excessive loss of blood from wounds. Vitamin k deficiency can also lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
Milk also contains proteins in the form of casein which is essential for the nursing young. It also contains lactose which is a substantial source of energy for the lactating young. It is a disaccharide which can be easily broken to its simpler forms glucose and galactose which can be easily absorbed by the human body to produce energy.
Thus, considering all the benefits of milk to the human body, it can be indeed be considered as a complete food as it not only provides with nourishment but also provides the body with those micronutrients required for the various metabolic activities in the body.

Nutmeg herb and spice – Characteristics, Benefits and Advantages

Nutmeg is the dried seed of the nutmeg tree fruit which belongs to the genus Myristica and looks similar to a walnut. This is the only tropical fruit that is the source of two different spices, nutmeg and mace.
The herb is widely cultivated in West Indies, Indonesia, India and French Guyana. It contains many natural substances such as volatile oil, pectin, pectosans, starch and furfural.

CHARACTERISTICS OF NUTMEG HERB

- The nutmeg tree grows very tall and may reach up to seventy feet.
- The fruit when dried gives nutmeg which is the seed and mace which is the covering.
- The fruit splits in half to reveal a net-like, bright red covering over the seed.
- Nutmeg has sweet, spicy and nutty taste, is an essential constituent used in most of the Indian kitchens.
- Nutmeg has a very distinct odor.
- Nutmeg is often used as a food flavoring for baked goods, egg nog, puddings, meats, sausages, sauces, and vegetables.

Therapeutic properties of nutmeg are stimulant, sedative, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory and bactericide.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF NUTMEG AND NUTMEG OIL

- Nutmeg oil acts like a stimulator for brain.
- Nutmeg oil reduces stress and mental strain.
- Nutmeg is also good for curing anxiety and depression.
- Nutmeg increases blood circulation.
- Nutmeg is an excellent antidote for cardiovascular systems.
- Nutmeg helps detoxify liver and kidneys.
- Nutmeg oil is added to cough syrups.
- Nutmeg is used to relieve rheumatic pain, muscle pain, neuralgia, sciatica, menstrual cramp, and toothache as it has anti-inflammatory properties. Nutmeg powder heated on the pan with sesame oil until brown is used for this.
- Nutmeg helps in getting rid of diarrhea, flatulence, indigestion and hiccups as well as it improves appetite.
- Nutmeg is very effectual medicine for insomnia.
- Nutmeg oil helps in removing bad breath.
- Nutmeg oil is is used for relief from cramps during menstruation and often provides relief from menstrual irregularities.

PRECAUTION:
- Nutmeg should be used in moderation—a pinch or two is considered safe. It is not recommended for people with psychiatric disorders because of its psychoactive properties.
- Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid the use of nutmeg.