13.8.16

Health benefits of fennel seeds


The health benefits of fennel include relief from anemia, indigestion, flatulence, constipation, colic,diarrhea, respiratory disorders, menstrual disorders, and its benefits regarding eye care. Fennel, which has the scientific name Foeniculum Vulgare Miller, or its essence, is widely used around the world in mouth fresheners, toothpastes, desserts, antacids and in various culinary applications.
India is the largest exporter of fennel seeds, widely known as saunf. A common practice in most Indian households is to have few fennel seeds or saunf at the end of every meal. This practice you might think is to freshen the mouth, but think again. A concentrated source of minerals like Copper, Potassium, Calcium, Zinc, Manganese , Vitamin C, Iron, Selenium and Magnesium, the age old practice does much more than simply beat bad breath. Here are some 9 great fennel seed benefits:
Fennel is used for various digestive problems including heartburn, intestinal gas,bloating, loss of appetite, and colic in infants. It is also used for upper respiratory tract infections, coughs, bronchitis, cholera, backache, bedwetting, and visual problems.
*In herbal medicine fennel seeds are recognized as a powerful carminative – a herb that assists in expelling gas from your intestinal tract.Fennel is highly prized for its licorice-like flavor and the myriad of health benefits it provides, and has been used in natural remedies since ancient times. Originally cultivated in the Mediterranean, fennel remains especially prevalent in Greek and Italian cuisine - though its influence has spread globally over the years.
*Fennel has been used as a flavoring agent, a scent, and an insect repellent, as well as an herbal remedy for poisoning and stomach conditions. It has also been used as a stimulant to promote milk flow in breast-feeding and to induce menstruation. However, clinical evidence to support the use of fennel for any indication is lacking.
*Some women use fennel for increasing the flow of breast milk, promoting menstruation, easing the birthing process, and increasing sex drive.
*In India, dried fennel seeds are incredibly popular as an aid to digestion and have been used for this purpose for thousands of years. A small amount of the seeds are routinely chewed after a meal, both to freshen the breath and to stimulate digestion.
*Modern scientific studies on the properties of fennel seeds are showing that their rich volatile oil content is primarily responsible for these digestive benefits and ability to clear intestinal gas so effectively. Compounds like anethole, fenchone and estragole appear to have anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties that relax contracted intestinal muscles and allow trapped gas to dissipate.
Fennel symbolizes longevity, courage, and strength. In addition to its use as medicinal values, fennel has many health benefiting nutrients, essential compounds, anti-oxidants, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins.

. Strength

Fennel is a symbol of strength and longevity. It was also believed by ancient Greeks to increase one’s courage.
Helps Regulate Blood Pressure - A study published in the Journal of Food Science, found that chewing on fennel seeds helped increased the nitrite content in saliva, making it a great natural way to keep a check on blood pressure levels. Apart from this, fennel seeds are also a very rich source of potassium and since potassium is an essential component of cells and body fluids, it helps control your heart rate and blood pressure

Beats Bad Breath




Munching on a few fennel seeds will sweeten and refresh your breath after a meal and especially get rid of bad breath after an odorous meal.
Its antimicrobial properties fight the germs that cause bad breath. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties also soothe sore gums. In addition to chewing on a fennel seeds, you can swish lukewarm fennel tea in your mouth and gargle with it to reduce bad breath.

Reduce Water Retention - 

Drinking fennel tea, regularly helps flush out excess fluids as it works as a diuretic. In addition, fennel seed helps remove toxins and reduces the risk of urinary tract problems. It also has diaphoretic properties that stimulate perspiratio
Fennel powder is used as a poultice for snakebites.
Anemia: Iron and histidine, an amino acid found in fennel, are both helpful in treatment of anemia. Whereas iron is the chief constituent of hemoglobin, histidine stimulates production of hemoglobin and also helps in the formation of various other components of the blood.

Dietary Fiber

Fennel seeds contain a good amount of dietary fiber that is essential for the body. The fiber content helps improve digestion in the body, by facilitating timely breaking down of food molecules that make energy reactions possible.

Bone health

The iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc and vitamin K content present in fennel all contribute to building and maintaining bone structure and strength. Though phosphate and calcium are both important in bone structure, the careful balance of the two minerals is necessary for proper bone mineralization - consumption of too much phosphorus with too little calcium intake can result in bone loss.
*Iron and zinc play crucial roles in the production and maturation of collagen.
Bone matrix formation requires the mineral manganese, and iron and zinc play important roles in the production and maturation of collagen.
Low intakes of vitamin K have been associated with a higher risk for bone fracture. Adequate vitamin K consumption is important for good health as it acts as a modifier of bone matrix proteins, improves calcium absorption and may reduce urinary excretion of calcium
Aids Digestion
Fennel is highly beneficial in relieving digestive problems such as indigestion, bloating, flatulence, constipation, colic, intestinal gas, heartburn, and even irritable bowel.
This herb stimulates digestion and has carminative effects that soothe the digestive tract and prevent the formation of gas. Moreover, it can help rebuild the digestive system after radiation or 
chemotherapy treatments.
*Simply chewing a teaspoon of fennel seeds after meals aids digestion and relieves stomach pains and bloating. When suffering from indigestion, you can drink fennel tea or take one-half teaspoon of
fennel seed powder along with water two times a day.

Heart health

Fennel's fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin C, vitamin B-6 and phytonutrient content, coupled with its lack of cholesterol, all support heart health.
Fennel contains significant amounts of fiber, which helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease.In one study, those who consumed 4,069 mg of potassium per day had a 49% lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease compared to those who consumed less potassium (about 1,000 mg per day).4
Vitamin B-6 and folate prevent the buildup of a compound known as homocysteine. When excessive amounts of homocysteine accumulate in the body, it can damage blood vessels and lead to heart problems.
What is the recommended dosage?
Fennel seed and fennel seed oil have been used as stimulant and carminative agents in doses of 5 to 7 g and 0.1 to 0.6 mL, respectively.
    Fennel Tea for Constipation, Indigestion, IBS & Bloating - 

    The tea is considered very useful to help indigestion, bloating and constipation because of the oils found in these seeds. Fennel seeds contain estragole, fenchone and anethole, which contribute to the plant's antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. For those with IBS, the volatile oils found in fennel seeds can help kick start digestion by promoting the production of gastric enzymes. For its multitude of gastrointestinal benefits, fennel tea is sure to help the digestive tract be healthy and happy.

     Cancer:

     The raw vegetable itself hasn’t been extensively studied in regards to cancer protection, but the fennel seed extract has, and the findings regarding cancer protection are quite impressive. It shows that the extract can not only inhibit the growth of tumors, thanks to its concentrations of flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenols, but that it can even be somewhat chemo-protective against the harmful effects of radiation during cancer treatment. Fennel seed extract has been found to be preventative of various breast cancer and liver cancer strains.The carcinogenic diseases should be treated at the right stage so that their effect can be curbed or eliminated in the future. This is made possible by the anti-oxidant capabilities of the fennel seeds

     Neurological Diseases

     Another effect of prevention of free radical reactions by fennel seeds – Neurological diseases are helpfully kept at bay.

     Red Blood Cells

     Production of Red Blood Cells is enhanced by the consumption of Fennel Seeds. Copper, which is required by the body for the production of red blood cells, is present in these seeds.

     Reduces Obesity

     Fennel is excellent for combating obesity as it suppresses the appetite and creates a feeling of fullness. Fresh fennel works as a natural fat buster by boosting the metabolism and breaking down fats. Plus, being a diuretic, fennel helps reduce water retention, which is a common cause of temporary weight gain.
    One simple way to facilitate weight loss with this herb is to dry roast, grind and sieve fennel seeds and consume one-half teaspoon of the powder with warm water twice daily.




    Relieves Menstrual Problems
      Many factors, including stress and poor diet, can interrupt a woman’s regular menstrual cycle. Fennel seeds have emmenagogue properties that promote and regulate menstrual flow. The herb also has phytoestrogens that help with issues like premenstrual syndrome, menopausal disorders, and breast enlargement.
      A 2012 study conducted by researchers from Babol University of Medical Sciences and Health Services in Iran also indicates that fennel can help reduce symptoms of dysmenorrheal or painful menstruation.
      *Apart from menstrual benefits, fennel is traditionally used as a galactagogue to promote lactation in nursing mothers. It also works as an aphrodisiac to increase libido in both men and women.
      Brain Function: Potassium, found in high levels in fennel bulbs and seeds, is an electrolyte, which means that it facilitates increased electrical conduction throughout the body. This includes connections within the brain, which is a veritable switchboard of electric currents. Potassium can help increase brain function and cognitive abilities through this quality. Also, fennel is a vasodilator, which means more oxygen reaches the brain and neural activity can work at optimal functionality.
      Growth And Development
      The growth and development of the body are geared up. Zinc, found in the fennel seeds, promo

       Eye Health

       tes regular growth and development.
      Fennel contains several essential nutrients, which helps to improve vision. The antioxidants and amino acids in fennel juice rejuvenate the eyes, preventing macular degeneration. Fennel juice, when applied to the eye, can reduce eye irritations and fatigue. The flavonoids present in fennel juice are very useful in preventing oxidative stress, which helps to prevent macular degeneration.





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        10.8.16

        Health benefits of redish



        Radishes, popularly known as mooli in India, might not top the list of your favourite vegetables but when it comes to nutrition and health benefits they definitely secure a top rank among all other vegetables. Eat them raw or add them to your healthy vegetable recipe, these nutrition-loaded root vegetables have numerous benefits to offer. Radish is one of the nutritious root-vegetables featured in both raw salads as well as in main recipes. This widely used root vegetable belongs to the family of Brassica. In Chinese culture, radish along with cabbage and soybean curd (tofu) has been believed as healthful and sustenance food. A popular Chinese proverb goes like this, "eating pungent radish and drinking hot tea, let the starved doctors beg on their knees."Radish is a vegetable with thin white skin and white flesh, this vegetable can be eaten raw ( appetizer and salads) or cooked (ingredient to soup dishes). To retain the freshness and crunchiness of this vegetable it is advised to soak it in a cold water.
        Radishes can come in different forms; widely varying in size, color and crop duration. They can be broadly categorized into four main types depending up on the crop season; summer, fall, winter, and spring. Growers classify them by their shapes, colors, and sizes, such as black or white colored with round or elongated roots.
        Radish, that common and beloved part of your salad, is a root crop, and it is pungent or sweet in taste with a lot of juice. Radishes can be white, red, purple or black, and in terms of shape, it can be long and cylindrical or round. They are eaten raw, cooked or pickled. The oil obtained from the seeds of radish is also used in a number of products and beneficial health application
        The parts of radishes that are commonly consumed are the leaves, flowers, pods and seeds. The scientific name of radish isRaphanus Sativus which belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Radish is also known as Daikon in some parts of the world, primarily in Asian markets.

         Jaundice: 


        Radish is very good for the liver and the stomach and it is a very good detoxifier too, that is, it purifies blood. It is miraculously useful in jaundice as it helps removing bilirubin and also checks its production. It also checks destruction of red blood cells during jaundice by increasing supply of fresh oxygen in the blood. The black radish is more preferred in jaundice. The leaves of radish are also very useful in treatment of jaundice.
        Facilitates Digestion

         Radish is considered as having more roughage and fibers which helps in facilitating digestion, treating constipation, diarrhea and water retention that’s why it is greatly used to treat piles and its symptoms.

        Reduces Risk of Heart Diseases

        It is considered as having good source of the anthocyanins (flavonoids, responsible for its color) which reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

        Prevents from Hypertension
        As it is good source of potassium, it helps in maintaining the blood pressure under control. It also reduces the blood pressure in the person with hypertension as it relaxes the blood vessels and maintains the blood flow.

        Treats Insect Bites


        As it has anti-pruritic property, it is very effective in treating insect bites and bee stings. It lessens the pain and swelling from the bite area as well as soothes the affected area
        They are one of very low calorie root vegetables. Fresh root provides just 16 calories per 100 g. Nonetheless; they are a very good source of anti-oxidants, electrolytes, minerals, vitamins and dietary fiber.
        *Fresh roots are good source of vitamin C; provide about 15 mg or 25% of DRI of vitamin C per 100 g. Vitamin-C is a powerful water soluble anti-oxidant required by the body for synthesis of collagen. It helps the body scavenge harmful free radicals, prevention from cancers, inflammation and help 
        boost immunity.

        Naturally cooling

        Radishes are a naturally cooling food and their pungent flavor is highly regarded in eastern medicine for the ability to decrease excess heat in the body that can build up during the warmer months.



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                Health benefits of brinjal



                Brinjal commonly known as the eggplant is an affordable and easily available vegetable. It is a good source of potassium and other essential nutrients. It has been used for treating hypertension, cancer and diabetes. Discover the nutritional value and health benefits of eating brinjal in the following lines.
                Eggplant or Brinjal, is a very low calorie vegetable and has healthy nutrition profile; good news for weight watchers! The veggie is popularly known as aubergine in the western world.
                While in Hindi, it is known as ‘Sabziyon ka Raja’, most of us think that it is very boring to eat Brinjal. Also known as eggplant thanks to its shape, this vegetable comes in different sizes as well as colors. But did you know that Brinjals are packed with a host of Ayurvedic benefits? Read on to know what they are!
                Health Benefits of Brinjal
                Brinjal effectively treats gas, congestion and phlegm. For this raost brinjal on fire, peel off the skin and just add little salt to eat for flavor and eat it.
                *It is very effective too, when used externally in a fat or oil-based preparation to relieve haemorrhoid discomfort.
                * It is very nutritious.
                 *It is an anti-diabetic and to keep a check on diabetes.
                *It reduces swellings of legs; its decoction is applied gradually over the affected parts.
                *Crush the fruit and squeeze juice. Apply juice on palm and sole. It will control perspiration acting as sweat preventive.
                 *The fruit of the plant is used as an antidote in cases of mushroom poisoning.
                 *Keeps chronic diseases at bay:
                Eggplant reduces the chance of cardiovascular diseases and strokes.
                Brinjal cures insomnia. For this eat baked brinjal with honey evening for a sound and beautiful sleep.
                Taking a mashed form of brinjal or soup adding asafetida and garlic in it helps get rid of flatulence.
                *If eggplant is taken in its mashed form or as soup with asafoetida and garlic, it cures flatulence.
                *Taking soft and baked eggplant with honey in the evening helps in having a sound sleep. You can use it to cure insomnia.
                *Eating eggplants roasted on fire after putting some salt into it cures excessive phlegm and wind humor of the body.
                 *Eating soft eggplant after baking it on fire and with raw sugar on empty stomach in the morning cures the enlarged spleen due to malaria.

                Anti bacterial properties:

                The eggplant has good amounts of                 vitamin C which make it an effective anti-viral and anti- bacterial source.
                Facilitates weight loss:

                Eggplant is considered to be high in water content yet low in calorie count. This feature makes it very ideal as a healthy diet for people who want to reduce weight. The spongy texture of the vegetable is what facilitates these characteristics, hence one must consume in its natural form as much as possible.
                Brinjal effectively treats enlarged spleen caused due to malaria. For this prepare soft baked brinjal, add raw sugar and eat it on empty stomach.
                .
                 Helps keeping diabetes in control:

                The eggplants are a very rich source of fiber and low soluble carbohydrates. Thus they are highly beneficial for regulation of blood sugar levels and also to control the absorption of glucose. This makes them the best option for people suffering from type 2 diabetes.
                Eating brinjal is an effective way of maintaining blood cholesterol levels.
                Helpful to the brain:

                Eggplant contains phytonutrients which keep the cell membranes protected from any kind of damage and facilitates the message transfer from one part to another, thus preserving the memory function.
                Taking soup made of mashed brinjal and tomato (add pepper and salt to it) helps in digestion and 
                increases appetite.
                They are a very good source of Dietary Fiber, the famous plant compound that our bodies need for proper digestion. Dietary Fiber also helps in the areas of weight loss (by making us feel fuller for longer), diabetes management, and heart health. Speaking of heart health, eggplant is also naturally low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium
                Helps in iron production:

                We all require iron for proper functioning in our day to day life. However, too much of iron in the body is not a good sign. The content of nasunin that is present in eggplant helps remove excess iron from the body. This brings down the risk of getting heart attacks as it damages the existence of the free radicals in one’s system
                It contains good amounts of many essential B-complex groups of vitamins such as pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and thiamin (vitamin B1), niacin (B3). These vitamins are essential in the sense that body requires them from external sources to replenish and required for fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism.
                Eggplants, also known as ‘Baingan‘ in Hindi, ‘Vankaya‘ in Telugu, ‘Kathirikai‘ in Tamil, ‘Vazhuthanaga‘ in Malayalam, ‘Badanekai‘ in Kannada, ‘Ringan‘ in Gujarati, ‘Vaangi‘ in Marathi’ and ‘Bengun‘ in Bengali. Eggplants are a heavenly delight for vegetarians. Apart from being a popular choice in different cuisines, they offer a multitude of benefits as well.
                Helpful to the heart:

                The cholesterol levels are brought down to a great extent by the eggplant. It also helps stabilize the level of blood pressure. All this in turn lowers the risk of heart diseases. The body is also kept well hydrated thanks to the potassium content present in this vegetable. This ensures that there is no retention of fluids which prevents coronary heart diseases.Research studies conducted at the Institute of Biology of São Paulo State University; Brazil suggested that eggplant is effective to control high blood cholesterol.
                *The peel or skin (deep blue/purple varieties) of aubergine has significant amounts of phenolic flavonoid phyto-chemicals called anthocyanins. Scientific studies have shown that these anti-oxidants have potential health effects against cancer, aging, inflammation, and neurological diseases.
                note -
                *Brinjal is not beneficial for person having excessive bile humor and one who has acidity problem.
                *Pregnant woman should avoid its use.
                .
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                9.8.16

                Health benefits of pumpkin


                Pumpkin fruit is one of the widely grown vegetables incredibly rich in vital antioxidants, and vitamins. Though this humble backyard vegetable is less in calories, nonetheless, it carries vitamin A, and flavonoid poly-phenolic antioxidants such as lutein, xanthin, and carotenes in abundance.

                Weight loss

                Pumpkin is rich in fiber, which slows digestion. "Pumpkin keeps you feeling fuller longer," says Caroline Kaufman, MS, RDN and an upwave diet and nutrition expert. "There's seven grams of fiber in a cup of canned pumpkin. That's more than what you'd get in two slices of whole-grain bread."
                Pumpkin may be filling, but it's also a low-calorie superstar. "Canned pumpkin is nearly 90 percent
                water, so besides the fact that it helps keep you hydrated, it has fewer than 50 calories per serving," Kaufman says.

                 pumpkin, burn the fat

                Pumpkin is a great high nutrient, low calorie food. With only 42 calories per cup and loaded with fiber, pumpkin will keep you full longer, and regulate your blood sugar levels to keep food cravings at bay which helps you eat fewer calories and burn more fat.

                keeps  eyesight sharp

                A cup of pumpkin will meet your daily vitamin A requirements that aid in the integrity of your
                vision, especially in dim light according the National Institute of Health.Improves vision
                Pumpkin is a storehouse of many anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin-A, vitamin-C and vitamin-E
                Pumpkin seeds indeed are an excellent source of dietary fiber and mono-unsaturated fatty acids, which are good for heart health. In addition, the seeds are concentrated sources of protein, minerals and health-benefiting vitamins. For instance, 100 g of pumpkin seeds provide 559 calories, 30 g of protein, 110% RDA of iron, 4987 mg of niacin (31% RDA), selenium (17% of RDA), zinc (71%) etc., but no cholesterol. Further, the seeds are an excellent source of health promoting amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan is converted to GABA in the brain.A cup of cooked, mashed pumpkin contains more than 200 percent of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A, which aids vision, particularly in dim light, according to the National Institutes of Health. Pumpkins are also rich in carotenoids, the compounds that give the gourd their bright orange color, including beta-carotene, which the body converts into a form of vitamin A for additional peeper protection.

                Diabetes

                Most of the evidence we've seen about pumpkin seeds and prevention or treatment of diabetes has come from animal studies. For this reason, we consider research in this area to be preliminary. However, recent studies on laboratory animals have shown the ability of ground pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed extracts, and pumpkin seed oil to improve insulin regulation in diabetic animals and to prevent some unwanted consequences of diabetes on kidney function. Decrease in oxidative stress has played a key role in many studies that show benefits of pumpkin seeds for diabetic animals.



                Cancer-Related Benefits
                Because oxidative stress is known to play a role in the development of some cancers, and pumpkin seeds are unique in their composition of antioxidant nutrients, it's not surprising to find some preliminary evidence of decreased cancer risk in association with pumpkin seed intake. However, the antioxidant content of pumpkin seeds has not been the focus of preliminary research in this cancer area. Instead, the research has focused on lignans. Only breast cancer and prostate cancer seem to have received much attention in the research world in connection with pumpkin seed intake, and much of that attention has been limited to the lignan content of pumpkin seeds. To some extent, this same focus on lignans has occurred in research on prostate cancer as well. For these reasons, we cannot describe the cancer-related benefits of pumpkin seeds as being well-documented in the research, even though pumpkin seeds may eventually be shown to have important health benefits in this area.

                Better immunity

                Looking for a way to ward off illness and improve your immune system? Try pumpkin. The large shot of vitamin A the fruit provides helps your bodyfight infections, viruses and infectious diseases. Pumpkin oil even helps fight various bacterial and fungal infections. Plus, pumpkin is packed with nearly 20 percent of the recommended amount of daily vitamin C, which may help you recover from colds faster.

                It can help you look younger 

                  (beta-carotene inpumpkin helps protect us from the sun's wrinkle-causing UV rays), but the pulp also makes a great, all-natural face mask that exfoliates and soothes. All you need is 1/4 cup pureed pumpkin (not pumpkin pie), an egg, a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of milk. Mix, then apply it, wait for 20 minutes or so and wash it off with warm water

                 Improves vision
                 
                Magnesium

                One-quarter cup of pumpkin seeds contains nearly half of the recommended daily amount of magnesium, which participates in a wide range of vitally important physiological functions, including the creation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate, the energy molecules of your body), thPumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc (one ounce contains more than 2 mg of this beneficial mineral). Zinc is important to your body in many ways, including immunity, cell growth and division, sleep, mood, your senses of taste and smell, eye and skin health, ination, and male sexual function.
                Many are deficient in zinc due to mineral-depleted soils, drug effects, plant-based diets, and other diets high in grain. This deficiency is associated with increased colds and flu, chronic fatigue, depression, acne, low birth weight babies, learning problems and poor school performance in children, among others.e synthesis of RNA and DNA, the pumping of your heart, proper bone and tooth formation, relaxation of your blood vessels, and proper bowel function.
                Magnesium has been shown to benefit your blood pressure and help prevent sudden cardiac arrest, heart attack, and stroke, yet an estimated 80 percent of Americans are deficient in this important mineral.

                Heart and Liver Health

                Pumpkin seeds, rich in healthy fats, antioxidants and fibers, may provide benefits for heart and liver health, particularly when mixed with flax seeds

                Prostate Health

                Pumpkin seeds have long been valued as an important natural food for men's health. This is in part because of their high zinc content, which is important for prostate health (where it is found in the highest concentrations in the body), and also because pumpkin seed extracts and oils may play a role in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, or enlarged prostate). Research suggests that both pumpkin seed oil and pumpkin seeds2 may be particularly beneficial in supporting prostate health.
                *Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of tryptophan, an amino acid (protein building block) that your body converts into serotonin, which in turn is converted into melatonin, the "sleep hormone." Eating pumpkin seeds a few hours before bed, along with a carbohydrate like a small piece of fruit, may be especially beneficial for providing your body the tryptophan needed for your melatonin and serotonin production to help promote a restful night's sleep

                Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

                Pumpkin seed oil has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. One animal study even found it worked as well as the anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin in treating arthritis, but without the side effects.

                ***************

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                Health benefits of horse gram


                Horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) is a pulse crop widely cultivated and consumed in India since ancient times, and native to the south-east Asian subcontinent and tropical Africa. The US National Academy of Sciences has identified this legume as a potential food source for the future, thanks to its exceptional nutrition profile, drought-resistance and general hardiness.
                Horse gram is regarded as the protein-rich lentil found on the planet. It is extremely high-powered. That’s why race horses are fed with this particular gram, which is called horse gram on the market.
                Horse gram can best be described as a reddish brown legume which is packed with a number of health benefits. It can help with a number of health problems as it is a grain which contains a good and rich amount of vitamins, proteins, and iron. In addition to weight loss, it helps in reduction of extra fat from the body. Horse gram is rich in B-complex vitamin and proteins. It helps in purifying menstruation and cures and prevents arthritis. The presence of a good amount of dietary fibre in the gram helps balance sugar glucose and blood pressure levels.

                The health benefits of horse gram are being recognized in the western world recently but it has been known for its medicinal purposes by Indian Ayurvedic Vaidyas since centuries. The health benefits and medicinal purpose of horse gram have been recognized by Indian Ayurvedic Medicine and Siddha Cuisine
                Ayurveda uses horse gram to treat variety of conditions ranging from rheumatism to worm removal. It also helps in treating conjunctivitis and piles.



                kidney stones -
                Kidney stones can be painful and are caused owing to the deposit of oxalates. Therefore, it is recommended that a person suffering from kidney stones should consumer low dosages of calcium and phosphorus.
                Soak four teaspoons of horse gram in in approximately 1.5 cups of water overnight and then drink the water on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning. Now add another 1.5 cups of water and keep it. Have this water in the afternoon. Repeat the pattern and drink the same water in the evening too. This practice, if followed for around 2-3 months, will help completely eliminate kidney stones. The reason horse gram is so effective is because it contains diuretic properties which helps dissolve kidney stones

                 Protects against diabetes

                Unprocessed raw horse gram seeds contain beneficial anti-hyperglycemic properties that help in the reduction of insulin resistance. Therefore, horse gram has been a recommended food for diabetics. A comparative study between horse gram seeds and sprouts reveal that the seeds have benefits that will serve hyperglycemic individuals over the horse gram sprouts.
                *Another great benefit of horse gram is its use in extracting phlegm. When suffering with cough, phlegm is a hard thing to get rid of. Taking horse gram water can eliminate the phlegm and give relief.
                *Horse gram can be mixed with asafoetida, dry ginger and a pinch of ‘veed salt’ to help treat stomach pain to provide immediate relief.
                *Incorporating horse gram in diet will help relieve pain from dry piles.
                *For women, intake of horse gram helps in purifying during the menstrual cycle.
                *Horse gram made into a semi-liquid solution will help reduce and prevent gas and flatulence.
                 
                Helps relieve menstrual problems

                It really is considered that horse gram includes a number of healing qualities that really help cope with menstruation problems. Ladies who are experiencing abnormal periods in addition to extreme bleeding can consume horse gram water regularly or have the option of including horse gram soup or even sprouts on their everyday diet. Ayurveda recommends women to take one small teaspoon of horse gram powder each morning.



                  Common Cold and fever
                Ayurveda acharyas suggest soup of horse gram in common cold, fever, bronchitis as well as asthma. It reduces congestion as well as makes breathing easy. It provides needed nutrition to enhance body immunity in fever and common cold.
                Taking horse gram powder in a little bit of water regularly, helps in treating and controlling skin rashes and boils.
                • Horse gram liquid also helps in regulating fever.
                • It has phenols, which helps in reducing weight.
                • Horse gram also helps in lowering cholesterol levels.
                • Lipids extracted from horse gram have shown to help in curing peptic ulcer.
                Horse gram plant treats the patients who are suffering from weak liver, spleen enlargement and colic with its medicinal properties. And to cure the kidney stones, gall stones and high blood pressure increase the intake of horse grams.
                    Horse Gram for Weight Loss
                  Horse gram consists of calcium, phosphorus, iron and amino acid that boosts sperm count. Horse gram sucked out of the dirt from your body. Soak two or three table spoons of horse gram in sufficient amount of water for a whole night, in the following day make the horse gram in to paste and consume it for two times a day. You can also drink the soaked water for the added benefits.



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                Health benefits of tomato




                The health benefits of tomatoes include improved eye sight, good stomach health, and reduced blood pressure, as well as relief from diabetes, skin problems and urinary tract infections. Furthermore, tomatoes can increase digestion, stimulate blood circulation, reduce cholesterol levels, improve fluid balance, protect the kidneys, detoxify the body, prevent premature aging, and reduce inflammation and related conditions. Tomatoes consist of a large number of antioxidants that have been proven to fight different forms of cancer. It is a rich source of vitamins and mineralsand exerts a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases.
                The tomato has been referred to as a "functional food," a food that goes beyond providing just basic nutrition. Due to their beneficial phytochemicals such as lycopene, tomatoes also play a role in preventing chronic disease and deliver other health benefits                Tomato is considered both, a fruit and vegetable and forms an integral part of cuisines all across the globe, especially in the Mediterranean region. Daily consumption of tomatoes provides a great boost to health, along with improving the flavor of food. You find tomatoes in countless different foods, including pastas, pizzas, ketchup, various beverages, and as an included flavor element in dishes from breakfast to dinner. Tomatoes are relatively easy to cultivate and grow very quickly, making them a quickly replaceable food source, which is a big reason why it is a staple food for many nations.Tomatoes are widely known for their outstanding antioxidant content, including, of course, their oftentimes-rich concentration of lycopene. Researchers have recently found an important connection between lycopene, its antioxidant properties, and bone health. A study was designed in which tomato and other dietary sources of lycopene were removed from the diets of postmenopausal women for a period of 4 weeks, to see what effect lycopene restriction would have on bone health. At the end of 4 weeks, women in the study started to show increased signs of oxidative stress in their bones and unwanted changes in their bone tissue. The study investigators concluded that removal of lycopene-containing foods (including tomatoes) from the diet was likely to put women at increased risk of osteoporosis. They also argued for the importance of tomatoes and other lycopene-containing foods in the diet. We don't always think about antioxidant protection as being important for bone health, but it is, and tomato lycopene (and other tomato antioxidants) may have a special role to play in this area.

                Care for your heart

                Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, which, like lycopene, is linked to reducing the risk of heart disease. Most of the vitamin C is concentrated in the jelly-like substance that encases the seeds. Tomatoes are also high in salicylates, which have an anti-clotting effect on the blood, and may be partially responsible for tomatoes’ protective effect against heart disease. Many recipes advise removing the seeds to prevent a bitter flavour. But to conserve nutrients, use plum tomatoes, which have less-bitter seeds.
                Reduces Cholesterol and Protects the Heart: The lycopene in tomatoes prevents serum lipid oxidation, thus exerting a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases. The regular consumption of tomatoes has been proven to decrease the levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. These lipids are the key culprits in cardiovascular diseases and lead to the deposition of fats in the blood vessels.
                Intake of tomatoes has long been linked to heart health. Fresh tomatoes and tomato extracts have been shown to help lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. In addition, tomato extracts have been shown to help prevent unwanted clumping together (aggregation) of platelet cells in the blood - a factor that is especially important in lowering risk of heart problems like atherosclerosis. (In a recent South American study of 26 vegetables, tomatoes and green beans came out best in their anti-aggregation properties.) But only recently are researchers beginning to identify some of the more unusual phytonutrients in tomatoes that help provide us with these heart-protective benefits. One of these phytonutrients is a glycoside called esculeoside A; another is flavonoid called chalconaringenin; and yet another is a fatty-acid type molecule called 9-oxo-octadecadienoic acid. As our knowledge of unique tomato phytonutrients expands, we are likely to learn more about the unique role played by tomatoes in support of heart health. Tomatoes are also likely to rise further and further toward the top of the list as heart healthy foods.
                Tomatoes are good for skin.

                Tomatoes contain a high level of lycopene, which is a substance that is used in some of the more pricy facial cleansers that are available for purchase over-the-counter.
                If you want to try tomatoes for skin care, you need to start with about eight to twelve tomatoes. Peel the tomatoes and then place the skin on your face with inside of the tomato touching your skin.
                Leave the tomatoes on your face for a minimum of ten minutes, then wash. Your face will feel clean and shiny. Some redness may occur, but should fade with time.

                Helps fight cancer: According to studies, tomatoes contain large amounts of the antioxidant lycopene, that is effective in lowering the risk of cancer, especially lung, stomach and prostrate cancers.

                Supports Bone Health

                Bone health is another area of growing interest in tomato research. Interestingly, the connection of tomato intake to bone health involves the rich supply of antioxidant in tomatoes. We don't always think about antioxidant protection as being important for bone health, but it is; and tomato lycopene (and other tomato antioxidants) may have a special role to play in this area. In a recent study, tomato and other dietary sources of lycopene were removed from the diets of postmenopausal women for a period of 4 weeks to see what effect lycopene restriction would have on bone health. At the end of 4 weeks, women in the study started to show increased signs of oxidative stress in their bones and unwanted changes in their bone tissue. We expect to see follow-up studies in this area that will hopefully determine exactly what levels of tomato intake are most helpful in protecting bone tissue.
                Tomatoes help maintain strong bones.
                Tomatoes contain a considerable amount of calcium and Vitamin K. Both of these nutrients are essential in strengthening and performing minor repairs on the bones as well as the bone tissue.
                Rich Source of Vitamins and Minerals: A single tomato can provide about 40% of the daily vitamin C requirement. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant which prevents against cancer-causing free radicals from damaging the body’s systems. It also contains abundant vitamin A and potassium, as well as iron. Potassium plays a vital role in maintaining nerve health and iron is essential for maintaining normal blood health. Vitamin K, which is essential in blood clotting and controls bleeding, is also abundant in tomatoes.

                Help control asthma

                A new Australian study found that adequate intake of lycopene and vitamin A helped reduce exercise-induced asthma symptoms. Tomatoes help repair damage caused by smoking.
                Tomatoes can reduce the amount of damaged done to your body by smoking cigarettes.
                Tomatoes contain coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid that work to protect the body from carcinogens that are produced from cigarette smoke.

                Counters the Effect of Cigarette Smoke: 

                The two main components of tomatoes, coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid, fight against nitrosamines which are produced in the body and are the main carcinogens found in cigarettes. The presence of vitamin A in such high quantities has also been shown to reduce the effects of carcinogens and can protect you against lung cancer.
                Eyesight


                Tomatoes contain both vitamin A and beta-carotene, which can turn into vitamin A when digested. Vitamin A is known to be necessary for vision. It is required to keep the retina working correctly and for low-light and color vision, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. It also plays a role in eye development. 

                 DigestionMangieri

                  noted tomatoes' high fiber content, which fills about 9 percent of your daily needs per cup. This can help promote smooth digestion, healthy stool bulk and regularity, which helps maintain colorectal health. According to the Mayo Clinic, a high-fiber diet may help reduce the risk of hemorrhoids and diverticulitis (small, painful pouches on the colon).
                Lowers Hypertension: Consuming a tomato daily reduces the risk of developing hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. This is partially due to the impressive levels of potassium found in tomatoes. Potassium is a vasodilator, meaning that it reduces the tension in blood vessels and arteries, thereby increasing circulation and lowering the stress on the heart by eliminating hypertension.
                Tomatoes are good for hair.

                The Vitamin A in tomatoes works perfectly to keep your hair shiny and strong. In addition, it also does wonders for your eyes, skin, bones and teeth.
                Tomatoes are good for your kidneys.
                Adding tomatoes without seeds to your diet has been proven in some studies to reduce the risk of 

                 kidney stones.

                Maintaining blood health: Research suggests that a single tomato can provide about 40% of the daily vitamin C requirement and also contains vitamin A, potassium, and iron that is essential for maintaining normal blood health. Vitamin K, which is controls bleeding and blood clotting, tomatoes help in blood circulation                .

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