26.7.16

Home Remedies for Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard masses that develop in the kidneys. They are formed by minerals and acid salts and can vary in size. These stones can occur due to various factors. Most commonly, kidney stones develop when the minerals crystallize and adhere together. This occurs when the urine gets too concentrated. The passage of a kidney stone causes a great deal of pain and discomfort. Pain is first experienced in the lower back or sides of the body.
Kidney stones are one of the most painful disorders that affect humans. Kidney stones are solid masses of mineral salt deposits that are normally filtered through the kidney and emptied via urine. Urine has a natural substance, which dissolves
these minerals, thereby preventing them into becoming solids or calculi. Sometimes due to dehydration, these salts don’t get dissolved and crystallization takes place. It grows large enough to obstruct the renal ducts or get stuck in the ureter, causing sharp and severe pain in the urinary tract. Untreated, kidney stones can cause renal failure.
Kidney stones are a very common health problem. They form from the chemicals in urine, such as uric acid, phosphorous, calcium and oxalic acid. Other common causes of kidney stones are excessive consumption of vitamin D, a mineral imbalance, dehydration, gout and an improper diet

Common Causes of Kidney Stones




Urinary tract infection (UTI)Overdoses of vitamin D
Mineral imbalance
Kidney disease
Dehydration
Gout
Diet
Irrespective of the size of the kidney stones, they can cause severe pain. Other symptoms include a desire to urinate frequently, painful urination, nausea, vomiting and excessive sweating.
In addition to conventional medications, a majority of cases can be treated with the help of natural ingredients as well. Many of them also will help prevent stones from developing in the future.Watermelon Juice Helps Flush Out Kidney Stones:
The water and potassium content present in watermelon are essential nutrients for a healthy kidney. It helps in regulating and maintaining the level of acid present in the urine. Eating watermelon or drinking its juice everyday will help in flushing out stones from the kidney.

Figs for Dissolving Kidney Stones:
Boil two figs in a cup of water and drink it on an empty stomach early in the morning.
Moreover, make sure to drink plenty of water. If you drink eight to 10 glasses of water along with other kinds of fluids daily, the color of your urine will become clear, which is a good sign.
Basil leaves (Tulsi) are good for the overall health of kidneys. Mix 1 teaspoon of juice from basil leaves with 1 teaspoon of honey and have it daily in the morning. You can also chew two to three basil leaves in order to remove the stones from the urinary tract.

Lemon Juice and Olive Oil

*The combination of lemon juice and olive oil is traditionally used as a home remedy to expel gallbladder stones but it can also be used to treat kidney stones. The citric acid present in lemons helps break down calcium-based kidney stones and stops further growth.

Take four tablespoons or a quarter cup of fresh lemon juice.
Add an equal amount of olive oil.
Drink this mixture followed by plenty of water.
Do this two to three times a day, up to three days. You need not continue this remedy if you pass the stones in a single dose.
Warning: This remedy may not be suitable for passing large kidney stones. Make sure you consult a doctor before taking this remedy.



Celery Can Prevent Kidney Stone Formation:

Regular intake of celery helps in clearing the toxins that cause the formation of stones in the kidney.

Tomato Juice Helps Dissolve Mineral Salt Deposits:

Drink a glass of tomato juice with a pinch of salt and pepper every morning. This helps dissolve the mineral salt deposits in the kidney.
Pomegranate

Both t
he seeds and juice of pomegranates have astringent properties that can help in the treatment of kidney stones.
Try to eat one whole pomegranate or drink one glass of freshly squeezed pomegranate juice daily. You can mix pomegranate in a fruit salad also.
Another option is to grind one tablespoon of pomegranate seeds into a fine paste. Eat this paste along with a cup of horse gram soup once daily. This remedy will help dissolve the stones. You can find horse gram in Indian markets.

Whole Wheat Bread Helps Lower Risk of Kidney Stones:

Whole wheat bread is a rich source of fiber, nutrients and proteins along with magnesium. Having two to three slices of whole wheat bread daily will help a lot in lowering the risk of kidney stone.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar helps dissolve kidney stones. It also has an alkalinizing effect on blood and urine.
Mix two tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon of honey in one cup of warm water.
Drink this a few times a day.


Kidney Beans - 





Natural Remedy for Kidney Stones:

 Kidney beans are another effectiveremedy for treating kidney stones or any kind of bladder problems. You can simply remove the seeds from the pods and slice the pods in the water; allow the water to boil on low flame for an hour until the pods become soft and tender. Strain the liquid and leave till it cools. Drink it several times throughout the day to get relief from kidney stones.

Kidney Friendly Diet:

A proper diet is essential in keeping the kidney healthy and prevent formation of kidney stones. Drinking plenty of water and other fluids or liquids daily will help prevent most types of kidney stones. Consuming too much of calcium rich foods such as spinach, beet, cauliflower, carrots, almonds, sweet breads, coconut, turnip, bengal gram, peas, whole-wheat flour and organ meats like liver and kidney can lead to kidney stones. One should also know to choose a diet that is low in salt and animal proteins. Keep away from condiments such as pickle, alcohol drinks, sauce, cucumber, radish, tomato, asparagus, onion, cabbage, meat and gravies as well as carbonated water.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a great way to treat kidney stones composed of calcium and magnesium phosphates and carbonates. The potassium present in watermelon is an essential ingredient for healthy kidneys. It helps regulate and maintain the acid level in urine.

Nettle Leaf

The nettle leaf helps maintain the flow of water through the kidneys and bladder, thus promoting smooth urination. At the same time, nettle leaf helps keep crystals from forming into stones and keeps bacteria away. Nettle tea will also enhance the benefits of water by acting as a natural diuretic.
Add two teaspoons of dried nettle leaf to a cup of hot water.
Let it steep for 10 minutes and then strain it.
Drink two to three cups of nettle tea daily for several weeks

Home remedies for Rainy Season Diseases



   During the monsoon season, a typical viral syndrome grips the region. The symptoms include fever, burning in eyes, running nose (coryza), sore throat, loose motions, etc. It is a self-limiting disorder and the symptoms will reduce on its own within five days. There is no need to take any antibiotics, as it will only aggravate the problem.
rains work as the breeding ground for various kinds of viruses and bacteria that increases the occurrences of influenza, flu, colds and fever and taking over the counter pills and antibiotics is not always the best option as antibiotics often do more harm than good. Therefore, it is best to stick to age old grandmother’s home remedies that actually help in curing the diseases without taking a heavy toll on the body.
Monsoon is the time when we are more vulnerable to illness. Change of weather, drinking cold water or cold eatables, inhalation of aerosolized particles are responsible for activation of this viral fever. A fever(pyrexia) is a part of the body’s defense against infection. It is a self limiting disorder and the symptoms will reduce on its own within 5 days .If the fever is mild general opinion suggests that you just leave it to run its course naturally. In case of high fever the aim should be to reduce it and not eliminate it immediately. Do not panic if any member in the family has fever , just keep a strict watch on his behavior and activities to monitor the severity of the illness. Fever is a natural response of the body to destroy viral or pathogens in the blood. Always remember that a fever is fighting for you not against you.


Viral Fever Symptoms and Signs


If you come down with a fever, it is a good idea to find out its cause by visiting the doctor and getting yourself checked. A virus spends some time incubating before the body shows symptoms, and one of the first signs of a viral infection is the chills, at which point it's a good idea to take your temperature. If the thermometer reads somewhere between 100 to 103 degrees F (37.77-39.44 C), then this may be a sign of a viral fever.
In addition to fever, here are some of the other common viral fever symptoms:
Chills
Itchy Throat
Sore Throat
Runny Nose
Watery Eyes
Red Eyes
Sneezing
Headaches
Fatigue
Body Aches and Muscle Pains
Cough

A high fever is not by itself an illness. It's usually a symptom of an underlying condition, most often an illness or an infection.
Although there are many non-infectious causes of fever, but a fever is one common symptom of a viral infection. A viral infection is a disease caused by one of many types of viruses: influenza (flu) is the most notorious. A viral infection can affect many different areas of the body–intestine, lungs, airways, etc.–but no matter what's infected, you'll often experience a fever. Other symptoms of a viral infection include headaches, runny nose, sore throat, hoarseness, cough, muscle pains, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and/or vomiting.
When you have a fever, it means your body's temperature has increased as a response to an illness or infection. Experts agree that fever is a natural bodily defense against infection, your body's way of "burning off" the infection.
Antibiotics will have no effect on viral infections.
Most of the ingredients used in the natural remedies are easily available in the pantry or the kitchen and can be used effectively to treat colds and fever, and the best thing is unlike mainstream prescription medicines these remedies don’t have any harmful side effects
Common cold is one of the most commonly occurring health sickness during the monsoon season in India. As the name implies common cold is very commonly suffered by people of different age groups when there is a change in the weather. And in general there is no particular medication is needed for common cold and normally it takes three days to twenty-one days in some cases regardless of the intake of medicines to get completely cured from common cold. It is quite common for children to suffer from common cold at least for five to six times in a year. And it is well known and experienced as well that when you happen to suffer from common cold you feel distressed due to the nose blockade and difficulty in breathing. 


Causes of common cold


The most common cause of common cold is that when you happen to be near an infected person and when the person happens to sneeze or cough, the virus gets transmitted from the infected person to the healthy body through air. And even a direct physical contact with the affected person or by using the napkins / kerchiefs of the affected person might lead to infecting the healthy body

First of all have home cooked food without spices .You must avoid outside food when suffering from viral fever.
you can follow these simple home remedies for getting relief from common cold and thus fight back common cold.
*Though you find it difficult to each due to soreness in the throat, yet it is always better to consume a healthy and balanced diet for getting rid of the sickness immediately as a healthy diet helps in improving providing sufficient resistance to the body and thus you won't feel fatigue.
*Similarly, though find it difficult to drink water, yet it is advisable to drink plenty of water as this would help in replacing the lost water from the body and thus keeps the body hydrated
*For a quick relief from the running nose you can add half a spoon of crushed black pepper / pepper powder in a glass full of milk and take it hot. However crushed black pepper is more effective
Similarly you can also add little turmeric powder in milk and consume it hot
*If you happen to consume tea, it is better to add crushed ginger in the tea, if possible, it is better to consume black tea and this gives much relief from cold
*In case of nose blockade you can have steam inhalation which is an excellent method for getting quick relief from nose block. For this you need to add either Vicks Vaporub or little eucalyptus oil in steaming boiling water. You need to fully cover yourself with the container inside and keep inhaling the vapors / steam that comes out of the boiled water in which the menthol / vicks vaporub is mixed. And such a steam inhalation would also give you a soothing and cooling effect as well
*Taking enough / extra resting at this time is very important as this would be helpful in making the body fight back the infection
*Another important thing to be kept in mind is to have a positive attitude as this helps in the quick recovery of the body from sickness and also such a positive attitude even helps in improving the immune system of the body
*In case of a mild fever, it is advisable to take a paracetamol tablet but in case of severity of fever, it is necessary to visit and consult a physician
*You can even take a spoon full of ginger juice mixed with little honey which helps not only in curing the illness but also helps in developing the immunity of the body
*Take boiled or steamed vegetables, vegetable soup, soft fruits, boiled rice, whole grain bread, khichdi, Dalia (oats).
*Take a lot of fluids . Drink water (preferably Luke warm) frequently throughout the day. Viruses and bacteria grow better in dehydrated cells . Toxins are removed more easily when the body is well hydrated. If you have loose motions also , then don’t take fruit juice and raw food like salad etc. How can you be sure that you are getting enough fluids? Your urine should be pale yellow, almost colorless.
*The juice of Tulsi mixed with ginger and honey is good in viral fever . Take 1 spoon of this 3-4 times in a day (this mixture should be made fresh daily).You can add 1 tsp of Tulsi juice in hot water & sip it very slowly.
*Gargling with salty water and steaming will cure the throat and nose infection.
*Take Few pieces of soaked Munakkas (large currants) in the morning .
*Have bananas and apples as these are rich in calcium, iron and electrolytes.
*Have energy booster foods – the carbohydrate and glucose rich food provide energy to the body .
*Have vitamin C rich food for increase your immunity (lemon juice with honey immunes and strengthens the body to fight diseases).
*Drink herbal teas.
*Protein intake is also to be increased due to loss of tissue proteins , so have milk and moong dal.
Glucose water, coconut water, custards are good in viral infection.
*Take ½ cup of water. Add 20-25 pieces of raisins . Let it soak for 2-3 hours. Grind the mixture, sieve it . Add few drops of lemon juice and drink it once in a day.
*Crush a clove of garlic and eat it. You can mix it with honey to make it more palatable.

Garlic:

When it comes to fighting cold and fevers the natural way, there is probably no better medicine than garlic. Well known for its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-protozoal properties, it helps in relieving stubborn coughs and clearing mucus that blocks the lungs. The anti-viral and anti-bacterial property of garlic is attributed to the compound “Allicin” found in it that also provides the hot and strong flavor. The best way to use garlic for treating colds is to crush 5-6 cloves and consume it raw. But it can also be consumed mixed with a cup of yogurt. In addition to all this, garlic also helps in lowering high blood pressure, cholesterol and reducing the chances of heart attack and stroke.

Holy Basil:


Holy Basil or “Tulsi” is of great religious significance to the Hindus and has been used for ages as a medicine for relieving stress and anxiety in Ayurveda. The leaves of basil have powerful anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties that work effectively for the treatment of fever, flu, swine flu, bronchitis, malaria, headache and sore throat. The herbs help in clearing phlegm and unclogging the respiratory system. It also works as an effective natural remedy for arthritis. The best way to sue holy basil for colds is to wash and boil 8-10 leaves with tea and sip it slowly


Cinnamon:

Cinnamon is a highly flavorful spice that is widely used in Asian and Mediterranean cooking and was considered of great value in Ancient Egypt. The anti-bacterial and natural warming property of cinnamon helps in treating sore throat, colds and cough and a nice warm cup of cinnamon tea can heal throat irritation, itching and can prevent the approach of an impending cold effectively. It also acts as a natural cure for bloating and gas, arthritis and reduces the symptoms of PMS. The best way to use cinnamon for treating cold and sore throat is to mix one table spoon of honey with 1/2 table spoon of freshly ground cinnamon and take it 2-3 times a day for 3 days.

Ginger:

Ginger is one of the key medicines of Ayurveidic treatment and it has been used for centuries to treat various kinds of aliments. It helps in treating infections of the respiratory tract, persistent cough and bronchitis. The compound “Ajoene” present in garlic helps in controlling infections by bacteria, viruses and microbes. In addition, it also works as anatural preventive measure for cancer, more specifically colon cancer. It is also used for treating muscle cramps and muscle pain. Prepare delicious ginger tea by boiling water in a pan, grate one inch of fresh ginger and add it to the water along with 2 table spoon and lemon juice and one table spoon of honey and enjoy this soothing drink while relaxing in your bed.
You can also  try out the following home remedies:
*Take in a lot of fluids, not milk. In cases of diarrhoea, do not take any fruit juices, salad or raw food.
*Eat garlic and onions, both raw and in the form of soup.
*Take three teaspoonfuls of honey, two teaspoonfuls of fresh limejuice and a teaspoonful of brandy or ginger juice.
*Mix this and take a teaspoonful of the mixture three to four times a day. This mixture should be made fresh daily.
*Vitamin C in limejuice increases resistance, reduces toxicity and cuts down the course of the illness. *Honey is quickly absorbed and gives instant energy.
*The juice of holy basil (tulsi) mixed with ginger and honey can also be used for fever, cough and cold.
*For diarrhoea in children, put a pinch of black pepper in tea and give a few teaspoonfuls for stopping the bowels.

*Warm orange juice is a nutritious drink to take in fever. It provides energy, increases the urine output and helps to flush out toxins from the body naturally.

Red Cayenne Pepper:

Red hot cayenne pepper salsa are not only the perfect dip of chips and crackers it is also a great way of clearing nasal congestion and respiratory passages, sinuses and stimulating sweating to lower high body temperatures and fever. The source of this fiery heat lies in the compound “Capsaicin” found in majority of peppers. In addition, it is also an effective ingredient for natural weight loss, helps in lowering high blood pressure and reducing cholesterol in blood. The best way to use cayenne pepper for treating colds and fever is to mix it in tea with a table spoon of honey. Pour boiling water in a cup and dip a tea bag into it, mix a table spoon of honey and 1/2 tea spoon of dry cayenne pepper powder and sip slowly.

Lemons and Oranges:

Vitamin C is a universally accepted remedy for common colds and the best natural source of vitamin C is citrus fruits like oranges and lemons that are loaded with this health benefiting nutrient that improves the body’s natural defense mechanism and fight virus and bacteria. Lemon helps in thinning mucus, reducing phlegm and clearing the chocked respiratory system. Enjoy a glass of fresh homemade orange juice or a nice warm drink prepared by mixing 2 table spoon of lemon juice and 1 table spoon of honey in a glass of warm water. In addition, lemon also helps in improving digestion and acts as an effective natural remedy for removing sun tan.


Home remedies to enhance Memory Power



Many experts have tried a thorough research on what exactly memory is, how it works and how it fails. The studies have also highlighted the functionality of memory, the way it works and the way it goes wrong. At the end they have concluded that this is the one which makes a human really a human, but unfortunately this concept is quite misunderstood by normal people. The concept behind memory is just like a small filing cabinet filled with many individual files and folders that contain what you think and remember. They basically store the information you see or listen. It can also be known as neural super-computer of unlimited space and performance. Experts say that the study of memory is far more subtle and complex.
Memory is not at all a single unit, but it is differentiated into two types of memory as short term and long term. These are stored in different ways and different locations of the brain; this is what we can basically understand about memory. Years of studies on patients suffering from brain related diseases and accidents show that memory is quite a complex attribute and fixing it can become a difficult job.
Weakness in memory can be quite a big complain, especially with the growing old age. There are various other factors that make your memory weak such as sleep disorders, nutritional deficiencies particularly vitamins, depression, excess alcohol, smoking, thyroid issues and use of certain medications. Alzheimer’s disease can also be one of the causes of weak memory along with many other symptoms. While dealing with some serious memory issues it is advised to consult an expert for proper treatment and diagnosis.
Our nature is filled with some amazing super foods that help us to retain our memory and let it function properly. We have gathered a good amount of useful home remedies that will help you out to sustain and refresh your memory cells and will be great to sharpen your memory.
Here are the powerful home remedies to improve memory.
Apples are one of the amazing fruits that have a treatment for many health diseases. If taken on daily basis, it will keep ones mind and body fresh and healthy, as it is always said an apple a day keeps the doctor away. People are in a habit of consuming apple without skin because they are not aware how many health benefits its skin can provide us. It is always recommended by dietitians to consume apple with the skin, as the skin is rich in high amount of antioxidants known as quercetin. These antioxidants are helpful in treating the early stage of Alzheimer’s.
For a healthy brain try to eat apple as a whole while biting into chunks. This is the healthiest way to consume an apple.
Slice apples into big chunks and toss them in your favorite fruit salads.
Mix some yogurt with apple chunks to enhance the taste and health.
Try to make apple juice along with the skin. It will be extraordinary healthy for you.
Trying some apple tarts and cakes can also be a pleasure for your craving, thus boosting your memory too.


Almonds


are an excellent Ayurvedic remedy to help improve memory and brainpower. They are rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids that boost memory. Due to their rich antioxidant content, almonds are good for your eyes, too.
Soak 5 to 10 almonds in water overnight.
The next morning, peel the skin and grind the almonds.
Boil this paste with one glass of milk.
Add some sugar or honey for taste.
Drink it daily for 30 or 40 days.
Here you’ll learn how to improve memory using nature’s best gift honey. Honey is a sweet and tempting natural food made up by bees from the nectar of flowers. It is the hard work which is done by honey bees and consumed by the people. There are many other types of honey collected by different insects, but the one collected by honey bees is pure and rich with some amazing properties. Honey is stored by the bees in a wax honeycombs situated inside the beehive.
Honey contains some equal amount of fructose and glucose and it is also a great source of potassium, manganese, vitamin B, phosphorus, antioxidants and magnesium. The fructose property of honey works as a brain booster and increases the memory power. It protects the brain from any kind of mental fatigue and keeps it fresh and functioning. There is one great tip to boost your memory whenever you getup early in the morning.
Take one cup of warm water and add a teaspoon of honey.
Add half a lemon juice and stir.
Have this detox drink first thing in the morning empty stomach.
Make a routine to drink this mixture every morning, as this is best for detoxification.
This mixture will help you boost your brain functionality and will flush out unwanted toxins out of the body.
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that those who took two 500 mg capsules containing pure ground black seed powder daily showed improved cognition, memory and attention compared to those who took a placebo.
Black Seed (Nigella Sativa)
Black seeds (scientific name,
Nigella Sativa), also called kalonji, have great mind-sharpening potential, thanks to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuron-protecting properties.Mix a little honey in one-half teaspoon of ground black seeds. Eat it twice daily for at least a few weeks.
Alternatively, you can take this herb in supplement form after consulting your doctor.

If you’re wondering how to improve memory rapidly, almonds are the best solution. Due to its antioxidant properties almonds can be good for the energy of your eyes and brain. There is a particular way to take almonds on the daily basis. This will boost your memory and will help your eyes to shine.
Almonds are one of the amazing sources of Ayurvedic remedies to improve and boost memory and brain concentration. Almonds are rich in vitamin B6, E, omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3. They are as rich and good as walnuts in boosting the memory strength. Almond has a very delicate flavor and it is available throughout the year. It adds a healthy taste to both savoury and sweet dishes. People call almonds as nuts but basically they are seeds of the fruit from the almond tree. It is a medium-sized tree that bears pink and white flowers full of fragrance. The fruit of the almond tree has a stone-like seed inside which is referred to as the almond nut.Soak 5-10 almonds in water or milk.
The very next morning peel and grind the soaked almonds.
Boil these ground almonds in a glass of milk.
Add some honey for taste.
Drink this daily for a month to gain a healthier mind.
Soaked and peeled almonds can also be eaten directly.
Beetroot is a beautiful red colored vegetable that is sweet and quite tender to eat. It has many minerals and nutrients that are healthy for our body. People like to eat this vegetable raw, as it tastes good and eating it raw will be very beneficial for health. This amazing vegetable increases the flow of blood in the body and improves its direction towards the brain. Beetroots carry nitrates that are converted into nitrites. These nitrites help to open the blood vessel, thus improves the blood flow towards the brain. They make the blood flow towards the front lobes of the brain and minimizes the problem of memory weakness and dementia.
Beetroots also help to boost the hemoglobin level in the blood. Due to increased blood flow, the brain functions more maturely and properly with the power of concentration. If you consume beetroots in the following ways, it will surely help you to improve your memory.

Peel some beetroots and eat them raw.
Have a glass of beetroot juice. Blend in some beetroots with ice.
Cut medium chunks of this vegetable and toss them in the salad.
You can also cook some nice savory dishes with beetroot to improve memory.
Cut circles of beetroot and keep them on your eye sockets. This process will cool down your eyes thus it will relax your mind and body.
Consumption of walnuts shows a strong impact on human heart and memory. These are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which help to fight against memory loss. Eating walnuts can improve brain health and slows down the process of Alzheimer’s disease. Eating a handful of walnuts daily can boost up your memory function, learning and concentration abilities. Walnuts are also filled with vitamin E that helps to maintain age-related mental illnesses.
Walnuts can be consumed as a whole, but they can also be processed for convenience. You can take out walnuts from the shell and grind them to powder. Every morning when you getup add a tablespoon full of this walnut powder in warm milk and drink it. This way you will get both the nourishment of milk and walnut and early morning consumption will perk up your mental process and improve memory.
Many studies have found that blueberries as whole work great on your brain and memory. They help to revive weak memory and boost the flow of blood in the brain. These berries are filled with some amazing antioxidants that help to protect your brain from any damage and oxidative stress. They also improve the communication between different neurons in our brain, improves cognitive functionality, learning process, decision making, arithmetic calculations and verbal learning. So if you want to know how to improve memory use these little memory boosters.


Blueberries


Consuming blueberries as a whole can be way too effective, but it can also be consumed as a shake with milk or mixed with freshly made ice-cream. Being rich in antioxidants, blueberries clear up your brain from unwanted toxins and free the blood vessels for an uninterrupted flow of blood, keeping you mentally in shape

.
Brahmi


This Ayurvedic herb has great mental benefits. It works as a brain tonic and has antioxidant and neuroprotective effects.
A 2008 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that brahmi (scientific name bacopa monnieri) helped improve word recall memory and decrease depression and anxiety. The study was conducted on healthy individuals age 65 and older.Consume one to two teaspoons of juice extracted from brahmi leaves two or three times a day. You can also add a little honey.
Alternatively, you can mix one-quarter to one-half teaspoon of brahmi powder in a cup of warm milk, add a pinch of cardamom and drink it once or twice daily. You can also add a little clarified butter, also called ghee.
Another option is to take this herb as a supplement by taking 300 mg of standard extract daily. Consult your doctor first.
Follow any of these remedies for at least a few week


Indian Gooseberry

Indian gooseberry, also called amla, is used in Ayurveda to enhance memory power and strengthen the nervous system.
A 2007 study published in the journal Physiology & Behavior found that an Ayurvedic preparation, Anwala churna can improve memory and help in the management of Alzheimer’s disease. Due to its high vitamin C and antioxidant content, amla also works as a good immune booster.
Tak
e one to three teaspoons of Anwala churna three times a day for at least a few weeks.
Another option is to mix one teaspoon each of Indian gooseberry root powder and white sesame seeds, ground into a powder. Add one teaspoon of honey to this mixture. Eat it once daily for a few days. 

Fish Oil


Fish oil supplements have been found to help improve memory and reduce cognitive decline, thanks to the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in fish oil may also help prevent the formation of brain plaques linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Take fish oil supplements, containing at least 600 mg DHA, daily. For proper dosage and suitability, consult your doctor.You can also include fatty fish like salmon, herring, mackerel and sardines in your diet.

Flax Seed and Pumpkin Seed

For those who are vegetarians, flax seeds and pumpkin seeds are a great source of omega fatty acids, called ALA (alpha linolenic acid). Pumpkin seeds also contain zinc, which is likewise effective in sharpening memory and strengthening the brain.

Walnut

Walnuts are a powerful source of polyunsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, predominantly ALA (alpha linolenic acid). Manifold researches have revealed that consumption of a handful of walnuts every day can perk up memory function, concentration and cognitive abilities. Walnut is also rich in vitamin E that serves in maintaining age-related mental ailments.

Onion
Another super food to increase memory is onion, which contains two effective antioxidants- anthocyanin and quercetin.

Water
Water also falls under the category of super foods, as besides providing manifold benefits to the body, it also helps in augmenting the memory power. It significantly impacts on the functioning of the brain, decision making abilities and concentration power. It flushes out toxins from the body; which otherwise, inhibits the ability to concentrate and to think on a large extent.

25.7.16

Health benefits of almond


Almonds have been prized since ancient times as one of humankind’s most beloved nuts. They were popular in the diets of ancient Egyptians and Indian populations. Ancient Indian Ayurvedic practitioners even believed that almonds were capable of increasing brain capacity, intellectual ability and longevity.
Today, almonds nutrition benefits are praised around the world, and they are used in numerous different ways: eaten raw as a healthy snack; as the base ingredient in almond butter, almond milk or almond flour; and even in many body lotions and fragrances.
Cholesterol reduction is the most celebrated health benefit of almonds, but there are many other vital health benefits of almonds nutrition. Almonds are low in saturated fatty acids, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, and contain filling fiber, unique and protective phytosterol antioxidants as well as plant protein.
And don’t fear the fat in almonds — almonds are actually beneficial when it comes to losing weight, despite their higher calorie content. One study even found that almonds consumed as snacks reduce hunger and desire to eat later in the day, and when dieters eat almonds daily they reduce their overall calorie intake
The almond that we think of as a nut is technically the seed of the fruit of the almond tree, a medium-size tree that bears fragrant pink and white flowers. Like its cousins, the peach, cherry and apricot trees, the almond tree bears fruits with stone-like seeds (or pits) within. The seed of the almond fruit is what we refer to as the almond nut.
Almonds are packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber, and are associated with a number of health benefits. Just a handful of almonds, approximately 1 ounce, contains one-eighth of our daily protein needs.


Nutrition

Eating about 23 almonds a day is an easy way to incorporate many crucial nutrients into your diet. Almonds are rich in vitamin E, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Additionally, almonds are a significant source of protein and fiber, while being naturally low in sugar. One 23-almond serving packs 13 grams of healthy unsaturated fats, 1 gram of saturated fat and no cholesterol or salt. Of all tree nuts, almonds rank highest in protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin E, riboflavin and niacin content by weight. There are 160 calories in 23 almonds. While many of these calories come from fat, it is primarily the healthy unsaturated fats and not the unhealthy saturated kind.

Lower LDL-Cholesterol and Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease

A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition indicates that when foods independently known to lower cholesterol, such as almonds, are combined in a healthy way of eating, the beneficial effects are additive. In this study of 12 patients with elevated LDL cholesterol levels, a diet containing almonds and other nuts, plant sterols (also found in nuts), soy protein, and soluble fiber (in high amounts in beans, oats, pears) reduced blood levels of all LDL fractions including small dense LDL (the type that most increases risk for cardiovascular disease) with near maximal reductions seen after only 2 weeks.
A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association suggested that consuming almonds increases vitamin E levels in the plasma and red blood cells and also lowers cholesterol levels.

Help Prevent Heart Disease and Heart Attacks

Two of the star chemical compounds of almonds nutrition are healthy monounsaturated fatty acids (abbreviated as MUFAs, the same kind of beneficial fat found in olive oil) and antioxidants that support heart health and prevent factors of cardiovascular disease. Almonds specifically supply antioxidant flavonoids, plant-based compounds present in the skin of almonds that work with vitamin E to improve artery health and reduce inflammation.
Almonds nutrition also holds key nutrients to heart health, including arginine, magnesium, copper, manganese, calcium and potassium. Studies show almonds have a consistent “bad” LDL cholesterol-lowering effect, especially in individuals with high cholesterol and diabetes. (4)
Almonds help prevent damage from forming within artery walls and protect against dangerous plaque buildup. Almonds nutrition benefits also make them a great food to support healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels, in addition to fighting weight gain and obesity — three of the biggest risk factors associated with heart attacks and stroke.

Maintain Skin Health

Almonds are a great source of vitamin E and other antioxidants that nourish the skin and reduce signs of aging. Research finds that almonds nutrition contains high concentrations of catechin, epicatechin and flavonol antioxidants, including quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin — compounds that fightskin cancer and damage by reversing oxidative stress from a poor diet, pollution and UV light exposure. Almonds’ healthy fats, plus their ability to improve circulation, also help keep skin hydrated and better able to heal wounds.


  • Almonds and cancer risk

    Researchers at the Department of Nutrition, University of California, conducted a study to determine the effect of almonds on colon cancer.
    According to the authors, the results suggested that "almond consumption may reduce colon cancer risk and does so via at least one almond lipid-associated component."
    Their research was published in Cancer Letter

Weight Maintenance

Eating Nuts Lowers Risk of Weight Gain
Although nuts are known to provide a variety of cardio-protective benefits, many avoid them for fear of weight gain. A prospective study published in the journal Obesity shows such fears are groundless. In fact, people who ate nuts at least twice a week were much less likely to gain weight than those who almost never ate nuts.
Nuts, like almonds, are also beneficial for maintaining a healthy weight. The fiber, protein and fat content of almonds means it only takes a handful to keep you feeling full and satisfied so you won't have the urge to overeat. According to "Fitness" magazine, the magnesium in almonds helps regulate blood sugar, which is key in reducing food cravings. Almonds may even be able to block the body’s absorption of calories, making them the ultimate weight-loss-friendly snack. Because almonds are naturally high in calories, it’s important to limit your serving size to the recommended 1 ounce, or 23 nuts.

Whole Almonds (with Skins) Provide Most Heart Healthy Benefits

New research on almonds adds to the growing evidence that eating whole foods is the best way to promote optimal health.
The flavonoids found in almond skins team up with the vitamin E found in their meat to more than double the antioxidant punch either delivers when administered separately, shows a study published in the Journal of Nutrition.
Twenty potent antioxidant flavonoids were identified in almond skins in this study, some of which are well known as major contributors to the health benefits derived from other foods, such as the catechins found in green tea, and naringenin, which is found in grapefruit.
"We have identified a unique combination of flavonoids in almonds," said Jeffrey Blumberg, Ph.D., senior scientist and director of the Antioxidants Research Laboratory at Tufts University. "Further blood tests demonstrated that eating almonds with their skins significantly increases both flavonoids and vitamin E in the body. This could have significant health implications, especially as people age."

Help Prevent Gallstones

Twenty years of dietary data collected on over 80,000 women from the Nurses' Health Study shows that women who eat least 1 ounce of nuts, peanuts or peanut butter each week have a 25% lower risk of developing gallstones. Since 1 ounce is only 28.6 nuts or about 2 tablespoons of nut butter, preventing gallbladder disease may be as easy as having a handful of almonds as an afternoon pick me up, tossing some almonds on your oatmeal or salad or packing one almond butter and jelly sandwich (be sure to use whole wheat bread for its fiber, vitamins and minerals) for lunch each week.

Help Control Blood Sugar Levels and Prevent Diabetes

Almonds’ rich supply of MUFAs helps slow the rate at which glucose (sugar) is released into the bloodstream. In addition to managing blood sugar and preventing insulin resistance (which can occur over time when the body becomes less reactive to insulin, the sugar-controlling hormone), almonds nutrition benefits include the ability to lower other common diabetes risks: unhealthy body weight, inflammation and high levels of oxidative stress.






Turmeric Benefits & Treatments


Turmeric is a yellow-pigmented curry spice that is often used in Indian cuisine. But this spice is far more than a cooking staple. It also has a long history of medicinal use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as well as Ayurvedic medicine.
Traditional medicinal uses include the treatment of liver disease, skin problems, respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments, sprained muscles, joint pains, and general wound healing.
Its benefits have since been well documented in the medical literature, and curcumin—one of the most well-studied1,2bioactive ingredients in turmeric— has been found to promote health and protect against a wide array of health conditions.
It actually exhibits over 150 potentially therapeutic activities, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity, as well as potent anti-cancer properties that have been intensely studied.
Turmeric, the main spice in curry, is arguably the most powerful herb on the planet at fighting and potentially reversing disease. It has so many healing properties that currently there have been6,235 peer-reviewed articles published proving the benefits of turmeric and one of its renowned healing compounds curcumin.
This puts turmeric on top of the list as one of the most frequently mentioned medicinal herbs in all of science and the next most popular studied herbs include garlic, cinnamon, ginseng, ginger and milk thistle.
Of the 6000+ studies referencing curcumin, the most interesting finding is that when turmeric is compared to conventional medicine its benefits equal that of many pharmaceutical medications.
In fact, a number of studies have even reported that using curcumin is more advantageous than certain prescription drugs.


 Curcumin a Potent Medicin

Researchers have found a number of different mechanisms of action for curcumin, and part of the answer as to why curcumin appears to be such potent medicine is because it can:
Modulate about 700 of your genes
Positively modulate more than 160 different physiological pathways3
Make your cells' membranes more orderl
Affect signaling molecules For example, curcumin has been shown to directly interact with:
Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its yellow color.
It has been used in India for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb.
Recently, science has started to back up what the Indians have known for a long time… it really does 

contain compounds with medicinal properties
These compounds are called curcuminoids, the most important of which is curcumin.
Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant.
However, the curcumin content of turmeric is not that high… it’s around 3%, by weight
Most of the studies on this herb are using turmeric extracts that contain mostly curcumin itself, with dosages usually exceeding 1 gram per day. It would be very difficult to reach these levels just using the turmeric spice in your foods.
Therefore, if you want to experience the full effects, then you need to take an extract that contains significant amounts of curcumin.
Unfortunately, curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. It helps to consume black pepper with it, which contains piperine… a natural substance that enhances the absorption of curcumin by 2000%
Curcumin is also fat soluble, so it may be a good idea to take it with a fatty meal.
Curried dishes around the world wouldn’t be as delicious without turmeric. Turmeric is an orange-colored spice native to India and Indonesia, revered for its culinary and therapeutic benefits. Turmeric gives the curry its bright yellow or orange color and contributes to its peppery, warm, and mildly bitter taste. It also provides a tangy and ginger-like fragrance.
Turmeric is a root crop known for its tough brown skin and bright orange flesh. For more than 5,000 years, this root crop has been cultivated in the tropical regions of Asia. During the 13th century, turmeric was introduced to western countries by Arab traders.
Its popularity has slowly spread across the globe. Today, the leading producers of this aromatic spice are India, Indonesia, China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Haiti, and Jamaica.
Turmeric has been used in the Chinese and Indian pharmacopoeia for thousands of years. It is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, used in treating several conditions such as toothache, chest pain, urinary tract infection, flatulence, jaundice, menstrual discomforts, bruises, hemorrhage, and colic.
Today, researchers are investigating the countless benefits of turmeric and it has shown incredible promise in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
Turmeric is powerful and effective against more than cancer cells. Researchers are fascinated by the broad range of conditions it is capable of helping. 

Beneficial  in arthritis
.
 
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties aids in managing arthritic conditions. Those who suffer from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis have found relief by consuming turmeric on a regular basis, especially when eaten raw. Turmeric neutralizes
harmful free radicals that can damage the cells of the body and lead to inflammation.The anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric are great for treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, turmeric’s antioxidant property destroys free radicals in the body that damage body cells. It has been found that those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis who consume turmeric on a regular basis experience much relief from the moderate to mild joint pains as well as joint inflammation.
Regulates blood sugar. Turmeric has the ability to improve the effects of diabetic medications and help in controlling the disease. It reduces the risks of developing insulin resistance, a physiological condition in which the cells fail to respond to the normal actions of the insulin hormone.Turmeric can be used in the treatment of diabetes by helping to moderate insulin levels. It also improves glucose control and increases the effect of medications used to treat diabetes. Another significant benefit is turmeric’s effectiveness in helping reduce insulin resistance, which may prevent the onset of Type-2 diabetes. However, when combined with strong medications, turmeric can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It is best to consult a healthcare professional before taking turmeric capsules.
Helps you lose weight. Adding turmeric to your diet helps increase the production of bile, a necessary factor in the breakdown of dietary fat. To help obtain your ideal body weight, a teaspoon of turmeric powder in your meals boosts this process. More efficient bile production aids in better digestion and prevents liver disease.

Heals Wound

Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent and can be used as an effective disinfectant. If you have a cut or burn, you can sprinkle turmeric powder on the affected area to speed up the healing process. Turmeric also helps repair damaged skin and may be used to treat psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Reduces Cholesterol Level

Research has proven that simply using turmeric as a food seasoning can reduce serum cholesterol levels. It is a known fact that high cholesterol can lead to other serious health problems. Maintaining a proper cholesterol level can prevent many cardiovascular diseases.
Makes wound heal faster. You can use turmeric as a natural disinfectant because of its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. To heal wounds, sprinkle turmeric powder on the affected area. It has also been shown that turmeric can be used to treat psoriasis and other skin conditions.
Prevents Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is believed to be caused by rampant inflammation within the brain. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory property removes accumulated plaque and fats in the brain, improving oxygen flow.


prevents prostate cancer 

Turmeric can help prevent prostate cancer, stop the growth of existing prostate cancer and even destroy cancer cells. Multiple researchers have found that the active components in turmeric makes it one of the best protectors against radiation-induced tumors. It also has a preventive effect against tumor cells such as T-cell leukemia, colon carcinomas and breast carcinomas.
Turmeric has been used in Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine as a non-toxic treatment for arthritis that does not cause too many side effects. Standardized curcumin extract of 300mg thrice daily is the recommended dosage for inflammation. This could be used to manage symptoms of fibromyalgia. Curcumin is a blood thinner and can increase effectiveness of certain medications like aspirin and Coumadin. Sometimes curcumin is combined with Bromelain to increase its anti-inflammatory effectiveness and absorption rates.

dosage-

For osteoarthritis, the dosage is 500mg twice daily. This dosage is for Meriva, Indena a specific turmeric extract. Curcumin supplements can be bought without a prescription. Sometimes these supplements also contain piperine – a chemical compound that is said to improve bioavailability of turmeric by slowing down its metabolism. Piperine does interact with drugs, so check this before taking curcumin supplements that include it.

Benefits of drinking milk


Milk is known for its richness in calcium and thus its importance for your bones, but did you know that milk contains more than 9 other essential nutrients?
It contains protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fat:
The health benefits of milk include increased bone strength, smoother skin, stronger immune system, prevention of illnesses such as hypertension, dental decay, dehydration, respiratory problems, obesity, osteoporosis and even some forms of cancer. The beneficial health nutrients obtained from milk are essential for the human body and help prevent a number of chronic ailments.
Protein is important to fight diseases, reAnew cells, build muscles and maintain healthy hair and nails. That is why your diet should provide enough proteins. Milk is an important source of protein, since each glass contains almost 8 grams.
The source of carbohydrates in milk is lactose which gives energy to the body.
Minerals and vitamins: Milk is rich in many nutrients that are essential for good health, for stronger bones (Calcium, Vitamin D, Phosphorous), for more energy (B vitamins), for a stronger immune system and for healthier skin (Vitamin A).
Fats in milk constitute essential fatty acids which are important for body cells, as long as they are taken in moderate quantities.
ccording to the National Dairy Council, milk is filled with nine essential nutrients that benefit our health:
Calcium: Builds healthy bones and teeth; maintains bone mass
Protein: Serves as a source of energy; builds/repairs muscle tissue
Potassium: Helps maintain a healthy blood pressure
Phosphorus: Helps strengthen bones and generate energy
Vitamin D: Helps maintain bones
Vitamin B12: Maintains healthy red blood cells and nerve tissue
Vitamin A: Maintains the immune system; helps maintain normal vision and skin
Riboflavin (B2): Converts food into energy
Niacin: Metabolizes sugars and fatty acids
In other words, milk packs quite a punch when it comes to nutrition—and you don't have to drink a gallon to reap the benefits, the National Dairy Council says. In fact, the council says that just one 8-ounce glass of milk provides the same amount of vitamin D you'd get from 3.5 ounces of cooked salmon, as much calcium as 2 1/4 cups of broccoli, as much potassium as a small banana, as much vitamin A as two baby carrots and as much phosphorus as a cup of kidney beans!


Calcium 


Milk is the best source of calcium for our body. Calcium protects our bodies from bone loss, migraine headaches, obesity in children and aids in losing unwanted fats. It is essential to get the recommended amount of daily calcium intake in order to maintain strong bones and health benefits and prevent future health risks due to lack of calcium.


Vitamin D 


Vitamin D actually helps the body absorb calcium. Therefore, almost all milk produced within the United States has been fortified with 100 to 120 IU of Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps bone strength by promoting bone growth and reducing the risk of brittle bones. It also reduces inflammation and increases immune function.


Healthy Bones


There are three main factors that contribute to healthy, strong bones. Genetics, physical activity, and proper calcium intake. With one eight ounce serving of milk providing 290 mg of milk, it is an excellent source of calcium. You can also offer a serving low-fat cheese which boasts 204 mg of calcium. Since milk is rich in calcium, which is essential for growth and proper strong bone structure milk helps prevent bone growth disorders and decrease the chance of bone fractures when injured.



Healthy Teeth

Encouraging young children to drink milk will result in great dental health. Milk protects the enamel surface against acidic substances. Drinking milk for energy and good health with help children reduce the consumption of soft drinks, thus reducing the risk of decayed teeth and weak gums.


Rehydration


Milk contains a good amount of water molecules so it helps keep bodies hydrated. Especially for children who are constantly active and running around it is important to stay hydrated. Therefore having a glass of milk is a great resource for hydration.


Improving Vitamin Intake


Milk contains vitamins and minerals to keep you fit, healthy and strong. These vitamins and minerals are good for eyesight, carbohydrates that increase energy and protein for body repair and growth.



Milk and Weight Loss

All of these nutrients contribute to our overall health and wellness, and they can even play a part in weight loss, says Dr. Brian Roy, an associate professor of applied health sciences at Canada's Brock University.

Dr. Roy published a study on the impact milk has on the body post-exercise. While he admits there's some controversy surrounding milk's influence on weight loss and body fat in general, he also shares that recent studies have shown that when milk was consumed by young adults after weight training, they lost more body fat and gained more muscle mass than those who had consumed different drinks that contained the same energy and macro nutrients.
"The important message from this is that it is probably important to include multiple servings of milk as a part of your daily diet," Dr. Roy says. "However, simply adding more milk to your diet will add to your total energy intake. So, if you add more milk to your diet, it likely will be most effective if it replaces other sources of energy from your diet, to ensure you are not consuming excess calories."

Health benefits of milk

Nutrients in milk:
Macro-nutrients |
Vitamins |
Minerals |
Health benefits |
Nutritional composition |


Consumption of milk and dairy products is associated with numerous health benefits.


Bone health


Milk and dairy products are providers of calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and protein which are all essential for healthy bone growth and development.


Adequate consumption of milk and dairy from early childhood and throughout life can help to make the bones strong and protect them against diseases like osteoporosis (a debilitating, brittle bone disorder) in later life.


Teeth

The amounts of calcium and phosphorous in milk and dairy products are also beneficial for the development and maintenance of healthy teeth.
The most abundant protein in milk is casein and is protective as it forms a thin film on the enamel surface which prevents loss of calcium and phosphate from the enamel when the teeth are exposed to acids in the mouth.
Studies have suggested that milk also reduces the effects of cariogenic foods on teeth when consumed together with them in the diet.
In fact, dentists recommend that milk is the only safe drink to have between meals (except for water) as it has been shown not to cause tooth decay even in conditions perfect for damaging teeth!


Milk and blood pressure


An increasing number of studies suggest that consuming 3 portions of dairy each day, along with 5 portions of fruit and vegetables as part of a low salt diet can reduce high blood pressure in both adults and children.

Although the exact mechanisms involved are not clear, it is thought that the calcium, potassium, magnesium and proteins within milk are all likely to be involved.


Milk and cardiovascular disease

Several studies have linked milk and dairy consumption with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease.
A recent study in Welsh men found that those who drank the most milk had fewer heart attacks than those who had little or no milk in their diets.
This connection could be due to many factors in milk, but epidemiological studies have shown that higher intakes of calcium in particular are linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
More specifically, studies have shown that high calcium intakes may reduce high levels of bad cholesterol in the blood, and increase low levels of good cholesterol both of which are known risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
In addition, it is also thought that calcium may bind harmful fats together in the gut and prevent their absorption, which in turn prevents levels in the blood increasing.


Obesity

Contrary to popular belief, research has shown that people who consume milk and dairy foods are likely to be slimmer than those who do not.
Studies have also shown that consumption of milk and dairy foods as part of a calorie controlled diet is associated with increased weight loss, particularly form the abdomen.
This is particularly beneficial since excess fat around the trunk region of the body is associated with greater risks to health.
The precise mechanisms involved are unclear but are likely to involve calcium which is found in milk and dairy foods.


Type 2 diabetes

Studies suggest that regular consumption of low fat dairy products can help to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, which has been a longstanding problem in adults, and is becoming increasingly common in children and adolescents.
A recent study of more than 37,000 middle aged women found that those with the highest intakes of dairy had a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
The strongest association was found with low fat dairy products.
Similarly a study of men in 2005 found a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes with increased consumption of low fat dairy, interestingly, every extra portion of dairy consumed was associated with increasingly lower risk.
It is thought that this effect may be due to the combined effects of many beneficial nutrients found within dairy foods including calcium and magnesium, or the fact that dairy foods have a low glycaemic index, which helps to control blood sugar levels.


Cancer

There is considerable evidence to suggest that milk has a protective effect on risk of both colorectal and breast cancer with increased intakes.
A recent study of 45,000 Swedish men reported that men who drank 1.5 glasses of milk per day or more, had 35% lower risk of the disease than those who had a low milk intake of less than 2 glasses per week.
Additionally a study of over 40,000 Norwegian women found that those who drank milk as children and continued to do so as adults, had a lower risk of developing breast cancer.
Calcium and a naturally occurring fat in dairy products known as Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) have been suggested as protective components in colon cancer


Hydration

In order to remain adequately hydrated, it is recommended that we consume 6-8 cups of fluid each day.
If we become dehydrated, it can result in poor concentration and memory function and leave you feeling irritable and unwell.
Milk is an excellent choice of fluid as it not only re-hydrates the body, but provides a host of beneficial nutrients and protects the teeth at the same time!
Re-hydration after exercise is particularly important to replace lost fluids, and a recent study in the USA found that chocolate milk helped the body to recover after exhausting exercise!
Improving Diet and Vitamin Intake: According to medical research, drinking milk considerably improves our intake of vital minerals and vitamins.

A person who consumes a carton of whole milk doubles his chances of fulfilling his calcium requirement for the day, whereas another person consuming a can of carbonated soda may actually lower his calcium levels by 1/3. Calcium, along with all of the other essential minerals listed above, are necessary for the daily diet in order to ensure proper functioning of every aspect of our body.

Acidity Reduction: 


Consumption of milk products can also help in reducing acidity throughout the body. Drinking cold milk specifically provides relief from acidity.
Wholesome Food: It contains many vitamins and minerals to keep you fit, healthy and strong. A full glass of milk contains vitamins A and B for good eyesight and increasing red blood cell count, carbohydrates for vitality and energy, potassium for proper nerve function, magnesium for muscular function, phosphorous for energy release, and proteins for body repair and growth. It also keeps your body functioning at a youthful level as you get older, more so than some other vitamins and minerals.
Cancer: Intake of milk may also provide relief to those suffering from colon cancer. New study suggests that a diet rich in dairy products may slightly extend lives of people diagnosed with colon cancer.





Health benefits of Garlic



Garlic is well known as a natural health remedy that has long been used to treat various ailments. It is extremely easy to source in most countries and can be consumed cooked or fresh. It is most easily included in your food or can be eaten on its own. You don’t need to limit yourself to fresh garlic 
either. Garlic powder or dried garlic flakes are just as effective and super easy to keep in the cupboard for everyday use.
garlic has some amazing abilities to help in our everyday lives. When used for medicinal purposes,
garlic can help to treat a wide variety of ailments as well as making your dinner taste amazing.
What makes garlic so special?
It has a variety of potent sulphur-containing compounds which are the reason for its characteristic pungent odour.
Allicin, the vital compound in the pod, is known to have great anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant properties. That is why garlic is best had when it’s finely chopped, minced or pureed and let sit for some time.
Garlic is also a reliable source of selenium.
Allicin, along with other compounds like ajoene, alliin, etc. also have a healing effect on your circulatory, digestive and immunological systems and help in lowering blood pressure, detoxification, healing, etc.
Garlic strengthens the immune system as well as helps to fight chest infections, coughs and congestion.
In the winter months garlic is a great food to boost your immune system and ward off colds and flu. An old folk remedy is to eat a clove of garlic that has been dipped in honey at the first sign of a cold. Why not try it and see if it works for you? 

Helps prevent the formation of clots in the body 

The anti-clotting properties of ajoene found in garlic help in preventing the formation of blood clots in the body. While this fact is great for people with heart ailments and those prone to suffering from a stroke and other clotting disorders, it may also increase the risk of bleeding after surgery.

Garlic could end your hair loss problems because of its high levels of allicin, a sulfur compound similar to that found in onions, which were found to effectively treat hair loss. Rub sliced cloves of garlic on your scalp, squeezing as you go for the most benefit. You can also infuse oil with garlic and massage it into your scalp.

Garlic clears acne.
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It might not be a main ingredient in your drugstore acne medication, but garlic makes a great natural remedy to banish unsightly blemishes. Its antioxidants kill bacteria, so rub a sliced clove of garlic on the pimple for an effective topical treatment.
The high sulphur content in garlic gives it antibiotic properties, helping keep the digestive system clean by flushing out toxins. It also builds the immunity against common cold and prevents heart ailments by clearing up blocked arteries. It is great for rejuvenation and healing of skin scars and gives a glow to the skin as it keeps digestion in top-shape." She advises to consume garlic in a specific manner- place a clove between two teeth, bite a little to release its extracts and then swallow whole with water. She says, "the medicinal value of garlic is best unlocked when it is consumed raw."
Garlic contains high levels of iodine which makes it a very effective treatment for hyperthyroid conditions.
Treatment with garlic has been shown to greatly improve this condition.

Cardiovascular disease can be reduced by ingesting garlic.

LDL cholesterol is no friend of garlic and the aortic plaque deposits that gather on the walls of your body’s veins can be reduced with the use of garlic too. Studies have shown the amazing benefits of taking garlic in relation to heart disease.

The Blood Purifier

Tired of covering up those zits with concealer every morning? It's time to tackle the root cause of acne by purifying your blood from inside to get healthy skin on the outside. Take two cloves of raw garlic with some warm water everyday, early in the morning and consume a lot of water the entire day. If you're looking to shed some pounds, squeeze the juice of half a lemon in a glass of luke warm water and have it with 2 cloves of garlic in the mornings. Garlic will help to cleanse your system and flush out toxins.

Cold and Flu

Garlic is going to provide you relief from that stubborn cold and flu (yes, they absolutely love you and never want to leave). Taking 2-3 cloves of raw or cooked garlic a day or sipping some garlic tea (with a touch of honey or ginger to lift up the taste) is not only going to relieve a stuffed nose and cure the cold but also build your immunity against these frequent visitors over time.
According to Dr. Shikha Sharma, Delhi-based Health and Wellness Expert, and founder of Nutrihealth says," One of the earliest uses of garlic was by meat-eaters because it was believed that meat could cause infection which garlic could fight off from the body. More commonly used by labourers who are exposed to infections and disease-friendly environments till recently, its plethora of health benefits has made white-collar workers also take to it."
She added, "Garlic can be added to hot stews, broths and soups to fight sinusitis, cold and flu. And garlic is best had in its raw state."

Control your weight with garlic.

Garlic could help you control your weight, according to nutritionist Cynthia Sass, who cites a study that showed mice eating a garlic-rich diet reduced their weight and fat stores. To take advantage of this benefit, try to cook with garlic daily.


Scientists aren't sure why, but mosquitoes don't seem to like garlic. One study in India found that people who rubbed a garlicky concoction on their arms and legs weren't bothered by the pesky buggers. Make a solution of garlic oil, petroleum jelly, and beeswax for a natural repellant or place cloves of garlicnearby.
Fungal and bacterial vaginal infections are toast when treated with garlic!
When crushed or bruised, garlic releases Allicin which is a sulphuric compound that is a natural antibiotic. WWI soldiers even apparently used crushed garlic on infected wounds suffered in battle. If you decide to take garlic in tablet form be sure to use powdered capsules. The processes used to create garlic tablets destroy the Allicin that is present.
Garlic is a great source of vitamin B6 which is needed for a healthy immune system and the efficient growth of new cells.
Vitamin B6 can also assist with mood swings and improve your cheery disposition

Can reduce the levels of bad cholesterol

The allicin present in garlic helps moderately lower our blood triglycerides and total cholesterol.
This compound also helps reduce arterial plaque formation.

Combat allergies

How does it help?The anti-arthritic property of garlic is due to diallyl sulphide and thiacremonone.
Garlic has also been show to improve allergic airway inflammation (allergic rhinitis).
Raw garlic juice may be used to immediately stop the itching due to rashes and bug bites

Helps keep your blood sugar levels in check

How does it help?Garlic increases insulin release and regulates blood sugar levels in your body, especially if you are a diabetic.

Garlic can aid in the prevention of multiple types of cancer.



Bladder cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer and stomach cancer have all been shown to have their tumors reduced when treated with garlic. Vitamin B6 is said to have cancer fighting abilities.