Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Cayenne Pepper and Lemon Juice Cleanse

Cayenne pepper, maple syrup and lemon juice drink can help to get rid of the toxins from the body  

Cayenne pepper is a spice which is hot. It is grown across the world and is available round the year. It is used in a variety of cuisines. It is highly nutritious as it contains vitamin A and beta-carotenes. It is also an excellent anti-oxidant. It has an active ingredient called capsaicin which can help to ease the pain due to arthritis. It can also be used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. 


   Cayenne Pepper
  Source: Wikimedia Commons: Pierre Selim
Cayenne Pepper Inflammation

Arthritis is an inflammatory disorder which destroys the tissues. The antioxidant properties of cayenne pepper help to reduce inflammation of the joints reducing the pain. 

It also helps to reduce the inflammation due to psoriasis. But it cannot get rid of the disease as it is chronic.

According to Maryland Medical Center, ointments and creams made from capsaicin can help to relieve pain due to arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. It can also help to reduce lower back pain.

Constipation

Cayenne pepper can help to get rid of constipation. It can be taken in the form of powder or capsules. 

Blood Pressure 

Cayenne pepper can help to bring down blood pressure. Take a glass of warm water and add a tsp of powdered cayenne pepper. Drink this concoction every day. It will help to bring down your blood pressure in about a month. 

Cayenne Pepper and Lemon Juice Cleanse

A combination of cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and maple syrup will help to cleanse the body and remove all the toxins. It will also promote weight loss. The active ingredient of cayenne pepper, capsaicin is mainly responsible for the detox. 

The ingredients to be used for the detox are

4 tbsp of lemon juice 
4 tbsp of natural maple syrup
¼ tsp of cayenne pepper
250 ml of mineral water

Taking 6-8 glasses of this detox drink every day will help to improve your metabolic rate and improve digestion. 

The drink will boost your energy levels. The drink will help to 

Reduce weight 
                                                                                                     Reduce chronic pain due to due to arthritis

Reduce headache and toothache

It will also help to get rid of sore throat and improve blood circulation 

It is not advisable to follow this diet for more than two days at a stretch. 

These are some of the health benefits of cayenne pepper and lemon juice. 

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

What are the Health Benefits of Plain Yogurt?

Plain yogurt provides excellent nutrition and health benefits. Its nutrition facts include its high content of calcium and proteins. It aids digestion and boosts immunity.

Yogurt is a very popular food across the world. It can be eaten as a snack or with your meals. It is a highly nutritious food packed with calcium. Plain yogurt is prepared by adding bacterial culture to the warm milk and incubating it for a few hours. It is highly delicious as a snack. It can also be mixed with fruits to increase its taste and nutritional value. The bacterial culture in yogurt helps the body to absorb the nutrients better. 
Photo by Sifu Renka Under Creative Commons Licence


Yogurt for Digestion   

 Some people cannot drink milk because they have lactose intolerance or a protein allergy. The culturing of milk makes yogurt easier to digest. 

Yogurt and Calcium

Yogurt is one of the best available sources of natural calcium. 250 ml of milk contains about 500 mg of calcium. An adult requires about a gram of calcium every day. Yogurt can also increase the absorption of calcium by the body. Culturing milk breaks down sugar lactose into glucose and galactose. They can be digested easily.

Protein and Yogurt

Protein is essential for muscle growth, digestion and creation of antibodies. Cultures present in yogurt help the body to absorb protein. 

Colon 

Yogurt can help to promote colon health according to the pediatrician Dr. Sears. Yogurt contains lactobacteria, the bacterial culture to promote the health of colon. They lower the chances any colon disease. Calcium present in yogurt does not allow excess growth of cells on the colon lining.  It reduces the chances of colon cancer.

Yogurt and Immunity 

Yogurt helps to boost the overall immunity of the body. Gastro intestinal tract contains friendly bacteria.  Probiotic yogurt helps to multiply these bacteria. This helps to boost the immune system and ward off diseases. 

Yogurt and Yeast Infection

Eating yogurt can boost the population of friendly bacteria inside the body. These bacteria can help to destroy yeast and get rid of the vaginal yeast infection. Yeast is a kind of fungus. Friendly bacteria in the body destroy this fungus.

Yogurt for Skin Care

Lactic acid present in yogurt is good for skin care. It helps to prevent dry skin and facial wrinkles. Yogurt can also be used as face mask. It helps to remove dead skin clogging the pores. Just apply plain yogurt to the face and wash it off after 30 minutes.

With its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties yogurt can help to get rid of acne. It can also help to get of acne scars as it contains zinc. 

Plain yogurt is a very good remedy for sunburn. It is also a very good remedy for age spots and skin discoloration.

These are some of the health benefits of plain yogurt

Monday, August 20, 2012

Foods that Reduce Inflammation in the Body

Ginger, turmeric, green tea and papaya are among the foods that can help to reduce the inflammation in the body and control diseases. These foods can control inflammation without causing any side effects.  

When bacteria or virus invade the body, the reaction of white blood cells causes inflammation. White blood cells release certain chemicals to protect the body. Some of the symptoms of inflammation are fever, fatigue, headache and loss of appetite. But at times inflammation can disturb the body balance resulting in diseases. 

Breathing problems could be due to a heart condition. Inflammation of the bronchioles can cause asthma and bronchitis. Kidney problem could cause inflammation of the kidney. Diarrhea could be due the inflammation of the large intestine. 

Several drugs are available to reduce inflammation. But they can cause side effects. Certain foods can help to reduce inflammation naturally. Most of these foods are rich in vitamins and nutrients. They can help to boost the immune system.
Papaya
Source: Wikimedia Commons: Olegivvit
Papaya for Inflammation

Papaya contains an enzyme called papain which can help to reduce inflammation. 

Ripe papaya fruit can be applied directly to the burns and wounds. It will hasten the recovery. It can treat chronic skin diseases and infected wounds.

Papaya can help to treat acne, warts, pimple and corns.

Anti-inflammatory properties of papaya can help to reduce the severity of asthma, bronchitis and arthritis. It contains a combination of anti-oxidants which can help to get rid of inflammation

Turmeric for Inflammation

Turmeric contains curcumin as its active ingredient. It has excellent anti-inflammatory properties.

It is a very good remedy for cuts and burns

It reduces the inflammation due to skin diseases like psoriasis

It helps to reduce the pain due to arthritis

Turmeric can help to protect the liver from the bad effects of alcohol and certain other diseases.

Turmeric is a very good remedy for irritable bowel syndrome and can flush out gallbladder stones. 

It can also reduce the symptoms in case of asthma and bronchitis. 

Add ½ tsp of turmeric to warm milk and drink it before going to bed every day.  Turmeric is also available in the form of pills and capsules.

Green Tea for Inflammation

Green tea contains a potent compound called EGCG which can help to reduce inflammation. This compound can help to reduce the incidence of degenerative diseases.

It helps skin care with its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous properties.

It helps to lower the risk of cancer by blocking the production of cancer cells

Green tea with cardamom can help to relieve the symptoms of asthma and bronchitis

Green tea with ginger is an excellent remedy for indigestion. It can also reduce the symptoms of nausea

Green Tea and Lemon

Add a few drops of lemon to green tea. It can help to clean up the digestive system and improve the liver function

Ginger for Inflammation 
                                                                                                                                Ginger is an excellent anti-inflammatory spice. It has a pungent taste. It can help to control motion sickness, vomiting and nausea. It can control the inflammation and pain due to arthritis. Ginger can also control the recurrence of migraine. It reduces the phlegm and help to relieve the breathing problems due to asthma and bronchitis.

Ginger Tea

Cut ginger into small slices and add some water and boil it in a pan. Strain the liquid and drink it when it cools down. This is one of the best methods to make use of the health benefits of ginger.

These are some of the foods that can help to reduce inflammation in the body.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Nutritional Benefits of Potato and Health Benefits

Potato has very good nutritional and health benefits. It is an important part of our diet. It is grown across the world. In fact potato is the fourth largest crop in the world. Potato contains abundance of dietary fiber.

Potato Benefits for Nutrition and Health   

Vitamin C

Potato is rich in vitamin C.  The high iron content of potato helps the body to absorb vitamin C better. Vitamin C is an antioxidant which has anti-aging properties. It is also rich in iron and copper. Iron helps to maintain hemoglobin levels in the blood. Lack of iron would result in anemia and lack of energy. Both copper and iron are essential for red blood cells. 
Potatoes
Potatoes and Weight Gain

Potatoes may lead to weight gain. According to research results published in New England journal of medicine, potatoes are calorie dense. Mashed, boiled and baked potatoes may lead to weight gain. French fries and potato chips can lead to even greater weight gain. Potatoes do not contain fat. 

Blood Pressure

Potatoes are rich in potassium. They help to neutralize the effects of sodium in the body. They also contain magnesium. Magnesium promotes blood flow. These two minerals can help to keep the blood pressure under control

Potatoes for Skin

Potatoes have properties that can bleach the skin and lighten your complexion. They can also reduce the pigmentation and other blemishes of the skin. Potato slices can be rubbed to the skin. Potato juice can be applied to the skin and washed off next morning.  Raw potato contains minerals like potassium, phosphorous and sulphur. It is highly effective for skin care as it is an antioxidant and contains vitamins.  Its antibacterial properties can help to get rid of pimples, acne and blackheads. It can also get rid of warts. It is also an effective remedy for dark circles under the eyes.  Rubbing a potato slice on the skin can help to get rid of excess oil. 

Digestion

Potatoes are easy to digest as they are rich in carbohydrates. So they can be included in diet for people suffering from diarrhea. 

Inflammation

Potatoes are a very good remedy for inflammation of the intestines and digestive system as they are easily digestible. They are also good for mouth ulcers.

These are some of the important nutritional and health benefits of potatoes. 

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Banana Skin for Warts: Acne: Skin Care

Banana skin can get rid of warts and acne. It is very good for skin care. Banana peel is also a very good remedy for cracked heels

Banana is very good for health. It is an anti-oxidant and is rich in potassium. Banana skin peel may be slippery but is useful for skin care. Banana skin is a very good remedy for eczema and psoriasis. Rub the inside part of the skin to the affected area. It has an exfoliating effect and removes the dead skin. It also helps to reduce the pain and inflammation.
  Banana Skin
  Source: richard_north/ creative commons

Banana Peel for Dry Skin                                                                        
Banana skin is an excellent remedy for cracked dry skin. Cracked skin is not only ugly to look at but also painful. It you have cracked skin on the heels wet it with water. Rub the thicker areas with pumice stones. It helps to remove dead skin cells. But make sure that you don’t rub the stone on sores or blisters. Then wash your heels with an anti-bacterial soap and warm water. Rub the inside portion of the banana skin peel on the cracked heels. You will see the cracks disappear over a period of time.

Banana Skin on Warts

Warts are caused by virus which makes the cells on the outer layer of the skin grow rapidly. Banana skin can get rid of warts. Cut a square piece of banana skin to cover the wart completely and fasten it on the wart with a medical tape, so that the inside layer of the banana skin is on the wart. Fasten it overnight and remove it next morning. Repeat the process for several days and the warts will slowly disappear

Banana Peel for Acne

Acne is the result of skin glands producing more oil. Acne begins when the dead skin cells mix with the oil produced by the glands and blocks the skin pores. This results in the growth of bacteria on the skin, causing acne.

Rub the inside of a completely ripe banana peel over the affected area for 5-10 minutes. Wash your face before the application of the banana peel. Repeat the process for several days. The peel will help to get rid of the bacteria and acne. Banana peel contains antioxidants and potassium.  They can diminish visibility of the acne scars.

Banana Peel for Mosquito Bite and Poison Ivy

Banana peel helps to get rid of the itching due to contact with poison ivy and mosquito bite. Wash the affected area with water and soap. Rub the inside of the banana peel to get rid of the itching.

Banana Skin for Teeth Whitening

Banana peel is very useful for teeth whitening. Rub the inner part of the banana skin on your teeth after brushing regularly. Your skin will become sparkling white in 15 days.

These are some of the uses of banana skin