Black Pepper Health Benefits

There are several health benefits of black pepper, which is known as the"king of spices". It has been used for culinary purposes for thousands of years. It adds flavor and taste to your food  Black pepper also provides relief for colds, cough, respiratory disorders, digestion, constipation and heart disease. It is grown in Southern India, especially in the state of Kerala and is available right through the year.

Black Pepper

Wikimedia Commons: Minasari66

Health Benefits of Black Pepper

Is an antioxidant

Has anti-bacterial properties

Promotes urination and sweating

Is rich in dietary fibers

Aids Weight loss

Black Pepper for Weight loss

Black pepper contains an ingredient called piperine which prevents the growth of fat cells. It is useful in the treatment diarrhea and gastrointestinal disorders. Black pepper stimulates gastric secretions and increases the metabolic rate. Research has shown that it increases the metabolic rate by about 8% and promotes weight loss.

Black Pepper for Blood Pressure

Black pepper contains vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and iron which can help to lower blood pressure. Even though it contains very low levels of potassium it neutralizes the effects of sodium to reduce blood pressure.

Anti-depression

Black pepper contains piperine which has anti-depression properties. It stimulates the nervous system and the brain function.

For Colds

Black pepper contains vitamin C which helps to clear the nasal passages and clear congestion.

Improve Digestion

Black pepper helps to increase the secretion of gastric juice and improves digestion. As it is rich in dietary fiber, it helps to regulate and cleanse bowel movements. If it is included in your diet you can prevent problems like gas and diarrhea. To improve digestion mix powdered black pepper and ginger. Take it 3-4 times a day.

Black Pepper for Skin

Piperine contained by black pepper can treat skin ailments like vitiligo. Its antioxidant properties can neutralize the effects of sun’s rays on the skin. It also has anti-cancerous properties.

Add a tsp of ground black pepper to clarified butter. Use it as a topical application for eczema, skin allergies and scabies

Dental Care

Black pepper is a very good remedy for toothache. Mix 3 tsp of ground black pepper and ½ tsp of salt. Add some water and make a paste. Apply this paste to gums or cavity. It will help to relieve toothache.

Black Pepper and Honey

Add a tsp of ground black pepper to a tbsp of honey and 2 tsp of lemon juice. Take it twice daily. It helps to get rid of colds, cough and also to reduce weight

Black Pepper Tea

Add a tsp of powdered black pepper to 2 cups of water and boil it. Add a tsp of honey and a tsp of lemon juice to it. Drink this tea piping hot to relieve all the symptoms of cold and cough.

Black Pepper Milk

Add a tsp of black pepper and a pinch of turmeric powder to milk and boil it. Drink it to get rid of colds and cough.

These are some of the health benefits of black pepper. 

What are the Health Benefits of Ginger Root?

Ginger root has a wide range of health Benefits.  It is a very good remedy for digestion and nausea.  

Ginger is a perennial plant which grows in tropical climates. Ginger has been grown for thousands of years across the world and is used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Ginger root is used in alternative medicines like ayurveda, aromatherapy and herbal therapy to treat a variety of diseases. It is also used to flavor food in several cuisines. It is been wide use alternative medicine for its health benefits for a long time

Ginger

Wikimedia Common: Thamizhpparithi Maari

Ginger for Vomiting and Nausea

Ginger can be eaten powdered or raw to get rid of nausea and vomiting. It can get rid of nausea and vomiting which occurs during the 15-18 months of pregnancy. Clinical trials have shown that ginger is also effective in controlling nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Ginger for Digestion

Ginger stimulates digestion and is a very good remedy for digestion problems. It also prevents E.coli from causing diarrhea. Ginger is soothing on the stomach and aids digestion. It can also contribute to weight loss. According to researchers from Maastricht university of Netherlands, it has fat burning properties and boosts metabolism.

Ginger for Cough and Cold 

Ginger is a very good remedy for cold and cough. It can even provide relief for laryngitis. Ginger tea can be prepared with the addition of lemon and honey. Take it several times a day to get rid of colds and cough

Cholesterol and Hypertension

Ginger will help to reduce the LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in the blood. Higher levels of LDL can contribute to the formation of plaque on the walls of the arteries and narrow them down. This will increase the blood pressure levels. The plaque can also lead to the reduction of elasticity of blood vessels. The reduction of blood pressure will reduce the chances of the formation of blood clots. This will also help to prevent heart attack and strokes.

Ginger Tea

Ginger tea has several health benefits. Peel ginger and get rid of its skin. Cut it into thin slices. Boil water in a sauce pan. Add the slices to it and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain the tea. Add lemon and honey to it. Drink a cup the tea 2-3 times a day. This will help you to get all the health benefits of ginger.

Other Methods of Using Ginger

- Fresh ginger can be grated or ground and added to your food

- Crystallized ginger candies which can be purchased, can be used like lozenges

-  The commonly available beverage, ginger ale is quite tasty and healthy.

These area some of the important heath benefits of ginger.

Nutrition Value of Banana and Health Benefits

Banana has a high nutrition value. Its health benefits are numerous. It is useful for skincare, hypertension and heartburn

Banana is a tropical weather fruit with high nutritional benefits. It is plucked when it is green and acquires a yellow color as it ripens and is a cheap high energy food. Banana is rich in digestible sugars which are released to the blood stream and helps to keep the energy levels high. It is a very good remedy for constipation, diarrhea and dysentery.

Banana  
                                        Source : Wikimedia Commons- Marlith                                          

Banana for Nutrition

Banana is rich in dietary fibers and easy to digest. It also helps keep blood sugar levels under check. It provides instant energy. Athletes and other sports persons use it to combat exhaustion and improve performance. It promotes calcium absorption and is very good for the health of the bones. It is rich in vitamin C and improves immunity of the body against diseases. It is also rich in minerals like copper, manganese and magnesium. It helps to improve the production of red blood cells. It is an antioxidant and slows down the aging process. It is one of the best sources of potassium.

Banana for Hypertension

Banana is rich in potassium and helps to reduce sodium levels in the body. As exercise reduces potassium levels in the body, banana helps to restore them. Enzyme contained in the fruit is said to reduce hypertension. It is also very good for gastritis, acidity and peptic ulcer. It stimulates mucus production by the stomach lining. Banana is iron rich and helps to fight iron deficiency.

Banana Face Pack

Banana is also used as a cosmetic. Hot honey combines with mashed banana to make a paste. The combination is used as a face pack. Another recipe for face pack is a paste made of mashed banana, honey, curds, yogurt and egg white. It keeps the skin soft glowing and healthy. Banana peel is also a very good remedy for a variety of skin conditions. It has a very soothing effect on the inflamed lesions of the dreadful skin disease psoriasis. It is used to treat acne. Only ripe banana has to be used for skincare

Banana for Teeth Whitening

Rubbing banana skin on the teeth makes them sparkling white. Banana contains potassium, magnesium are manganese are absorbed by the teeth to whiten them.

It increases the hemoglobin content in the body and is recommended for anemia. It can also reduce the chance of strokes. Rubbing banana skin on mosquito bites reduces the irritation. It is also helpful to get rid of warts.

Banana for Heartburn

A fully ripe banana can act as a barrier against stomach acid and is a remedy for heartburn. However unripe green banana can aggravate the problem.

Ripe mashed banana is used to treat wounds and reduces the chance of scars. It is a stress buster and has a soothing effect on the nervous system. As it is soft and smooth, it can be eaten safely by people having ulcers. Ripe bananas can be mashed and made into bread or cake.

Banana has a high nutritional value and provides immense health benefits.

Yogurt Health Benefits

Yogurt provides a wide range of health benefits. It is beneficial for the skin and aids digestion. it also helps to bring down blood pressure.

Yogurt is produced by the fermentation of milk. It is an excellent nutrient. It is called a probiotic, which means that it contains bacteria which are beneficial to health. The sour taste of the yogurt is due to conversion of lactose into lactic acid by bacteria during fermentation.

Yogurt  for Digestion

Yogurt made from cow's milk is one of the easiest foods to digest as it contains the digestive enzyme, lactase. It is more easily digestible than milk. It also helps to prevent stomach ulcers and colon cancer. It also aids in the reduction of weight. It creates sour conditions in the stomach which destroy other bacteria like the coli bacteria. So it helps in the prevention of diarrhea.It also acts a colon cleanser. 

Some people have problems in digesting lactose. The live bacteria contained in yogurt, aids the digestion of lactose. Fat free yogurt is one of the best health foods available. It can be blended with fruits for taste. Banana, berries, peaches are some of the fruits which can blend very well with yogurt. They can either be mixed in a blender or mixed with yogurt in a bowl and eaten.

Yogurt can fight cancer of the stomach. It can act as a mouth freshener as it can kill the microbes that cause foul smelling mouth. It can reduce the cholesterol content in the blood, as it absorbs cholesterol in the small intestine. Thus it can help prevent coronary heart disease.

Yogurt contains calcium in good quantities which prevents osteoporosis. Calcium also helps in developing and maintaining strong teeth and gums. 

Yogurt Benefits for Skin

Yogurt is a very good moisturizer. application of yogurt 2-3 times a week to your face will make your skin soft, smooth and hydrated. 

Application of yogurt to your face will provide relief from sunburn

As yogurt has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, it helps to get rid of acne.

Yogurt helps to dissolve the dead cells from from the skin pores and tighten the skin. it slows down the formation of wrinkles and lines.

Studies have shown that it can add years to your life. It can also prevent vaginal infection. Yogurt helps to improve your immune system and helps the prevention of diseases. Daily consumption of yogurt can prevent any kind of infection.