Ginger Lemon Tea Benefits

Ginger lemon tea provides several health benefits. It can be prepared by boiling ginger in hot water and adding lemon juice. Both ginger and lemon have been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years. Both of them help to strengthen the immune system. Ginger lemon tea is used in India and China as a health drink.

Ginger

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Preparation of Ginger Lemon Tea

Even though ginger lemon tea bags are available, fresh ginger lemon tea would be tastier and healthy

Ingredients 

25 grams of grated ginger (peel the ginger skin)

2 cups of water 

Juice from one lemon

2 tbsp honey

Add grated ginger to water and boil it for about 15 minutes. Let it cool for a while and strain it. Add lemon juice and honey. This would give a very tasty and healthy ginger lemon tea

Weight Loss

Ginger lemon tea aids digestion. It can help to reduce LDL levels and get rid of belly fat. It would also help to speed up metabolism. 

Cough

Ginger lemon tea is a very good remedy for cough. It acts as an expectorant and help to relieve cough, chest congestion and inflammation of the throat. 

Colds

Ginger, lemon and honey tea is a very good remedy for colds. For better results add a clove of garlic and tsp of powdered black pepper. The tea can help to reduce the symptoms in about 15-20 minutes.

For Constipation

You should have at least 3 bowel movements a week. Anything less than this is considered as constipation and can be extremely uncomfortable. Some of the reasons for constipation are low intake of water and low fiber diet. Lack of exercise can also result in constipation. Ginger lemon tea thrice a day can help to get rid of constipation.

Lemon

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For Nausea

Ginger lemon tea can help to get rid of nausea. Honey helps to make the tea sweet. It you are experiencing nausea due to any reason, drink ginger lemon tea thrice a day. 

Acid Reflux

Ginger lemon tea is an excellent remedy for acid reflux. Acid reflux is the result of the content of the stomach flowing back to the esophagus and causing irritation to the delicate tissue lining. Drinking a cup of tea once every two hours helps to get rid of the problem.

Digestion

Ginger lemon tea aids digestion by stimulating the production of digestive juices in the stomach. It can also help speed up the metabolism and blood circulation. 

The tea can reduce migraine headaches by reducing the inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain. 

These are some of the benefits of ginger lemon tea. 

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. 

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

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. 

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

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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 Good Fruits to Eat?

What are Good Fruits to Eat


It can be said that most of the fruits available are good to eat and promote health. Eating fruits daily helps to improve digestion and promote weight loss. Fruits help to reduce blood cholesterol levels and chances of heart attack. Some of the fruits provide instant energy. Certain fruits have anti-oxidant properties, reduce skin wrinkles and are good for skincare. Apple, banana and papaya are among the best fruits to eat.

Fruits
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Apple


Apple is rich in dietary fiber and helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels. It contains beta carotenes and vitamin C. Vitamin C is a very good anti-oxidant and has anti-aging properties. It helps to reduce skin wrinkles and under the eye dark circles. As apple is rich in potassium, it helps to reduce arthritis and rheumatism pain. Apple helps to reduce the chances of Alzheimer’s disease.


Apple skin contains phenol (anti-oxidant) which protects your skin from the UV rays of the sun. It is one of the healthiest foods available and helps to reduce the chances of developing asthma. It reduces skin inflammation and is a good cure for acne. Apple can keep Alzheimer’s at bay as it can fight the effects of aging on the brain. It also provides a certain amount of protection against Parkinson’s disease. As it is rich in natural fiber it can prevent diarrhea and constipation. It can also mitigate the effects of irritable bowel syndrome.

Banana

Banana is sweet and tasty. It is a high energy food, which is cheap. It contains far more vitamins and nutrients than any other fruit. It is rich in carbohydrates, vitamin A and iron. It is also rich in potassium. Banana can provide instant energy. Sports persons eat the fruit for instant energy boost. Banana promotes digestion. It is an excellent remedy for constipation, diarrhea and dysentery. Banana contains an enzyme which helps to reduce hypertension. It also contains a substance that can help your mind to relax.  It can be said that banana is a mood lifter. The potassium content of banana helps to boost brain power and the ability to concentrate. For persons who are trying to give up smoking banana can help to reduce the nicotine withdrawal symptoms. It can reduce the acidity levels in the stomach and prevent ulcers. Fully ripe banana can provide remedy for heartburn.

Papaya

Papaya has abundance of natural fibers and helps lower blood cholesterol levels reducing the chances of a heart attack. It is an anti-oxidant and has anti-aging properties.


Papaya promotes digestion and prevents constipation. It has a digestive enzyme called papain which promotes digestion and weight loss.


It has anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce pain due to arthritis and osteoporosis.


Papaya is rich in vitamin C and vitamin A. It helps to boost the immune system. It is especially good for people suffering from colds, cough and flu.


It helps to clean up the stomach, intestines and acts as a stomach tonic.


Papaya juice is a very good remedy for dengue and helps to reduce fever and the ill effects of dengue.


Most of fruits are very good for health. But only the health benefits of banana, apple and papaya are discussed here.

Health Benefits of Grapefruit: Weight Loss: Diabetes

Grapefruit may not be liked by everyone because of its bitter sour taste. But it is highly nutritious and has a variety of health benefits. Grapefruit contains very low amounts of fat, cholesterol and sodium. Grapefruit juice is very good for the heart. It helps to keep the skin healthy and lowers the cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It also aids weight loss. It is highly beneficial to drink a glass of grapefruit juice twice a day along with breakfast and dinner.

Grape Fruit

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Grapefruit Nutrition Facts

Health benefits of grapefruit include its very high nutritional value. It contains

- Vitamin A, C and B5

- Folate

- Calcium

- Dietary fiber

- Antioxidants like lycopene

- Phytochemicals

Grapefruit for Weight loss

Grapefruit has a fat burning enzyme which helps to promote weight loss. It helps to reduce the starch and fat content in the body. It is very low in calories. It is a very good source of vitamin C and potassium. It is said to be a high volume food as it has high fiber and water content. As a high volume, low calorie food, it will lessen your appetite without adding too many calories. It helps to increase insulin resistance. Higher levels of insulin make the body to store excess glucose as fat. Grapefruit helps to keep the blood sugar levels stable and reduce levels of the release of insulin. This helps you to lose weight.

Grape Fruit for Diabetes

Grapefruit helps to flush out excess sugar and starch from the body. It contains certain enzymes that reduce the levels of sugar in the blood. It also has abundance of dietary fiber and low content of carbohydrates. For people with a family history of diabetes, it helps to prevent or at least postpone the advent of the disease.

Immune System

Grapefruit helps to strengthen the immune system. Regular intake of grapefruit juice help to fight a variety of infections. It is very effective against cold and fever. Drinking grapefruit juice helps you to get rid of cough and throat infection

For Digestion

Grapefruit helps to strengthen the digestive system. Its fibre content helps to prevent constipation and improve bowel movement. Grapefruit juice has alkaline properties. It is an excellent remedy for acidity.

 For Fatigue

A glass of grapefruit juice helps to get rid of fatigue. It also helps to rid insomnia. Grapefruit juice before going to bed helps you to sleep better and overcomes insomnia.

 For Atherosclerosis

Grape fruit contains pectin fiber which will help to prevent or slow down atherosclerosis. It helps to lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). It will also lower the levels of triglycerides which is a fat, linked to heart disease. It has very high antioxidant content.

Other Health Benefits

- It is an effective drug poison eliminator

- Offers protection against cancer

- Fights against urinary problems and acidity

- Acts as a natural antiseptic for external wounds

- Aids bowel action

- It contains natural quinine which helps to treat malaria.

These are some of the health benefits of grapefruit.

Bitter Melon Benefits: Nutrition: Diabetes

Bitter melon which is also called as bitter gourd has a very high nutritional value. The plant is a climber whose fruits are green in color. The fruit contains iron, calcium, beta-carotene and vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C. It does not contain cholesterol and fats. It has been used in traditional medicine in several countries like India, China, Malaysia and also in African countries. The fruit and seeds are very bitter to taste. Bitter melon benefits are quite numerous. Some of the benefits bitter melon include digestion improvement and blood sugar lowering properties.

Source: H.Zell: Wikimedia Commons

Bitter Melon for Diabetes

Bitter melon benefits include blood sugar lowering properties. It is a very good natural remedy for diabetes. It increases insulin production and glucose tolerance of the body.  It also helps to reduce the absorption of sugar. It should be included in the diabetic diet as it blocks the sugar absorption. It also helps to reduce weight. 

Bitter Melon Nutrition

Bitter melon is a highly nutritious food. It is rich in iron and dietary fiber. It contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorous vitamin A, B1 and B3. it also contains folate. It is a very good source of vitamin C,  an antioxidant and has anti-aging properties. 

Bitter Melon Digestion

Bitter melon benefits include improved digestion. It is a very good remedy for people suffering from constipation.

Eating Bitter Melon

It is difficult to eat bitter melon as it is very bitter. It can be consumed in the form of capsules and tincture.

Bitter Melon Tea

Bitter melon tea can be prepared using the leaves of the plant

- Dry the leaves and store it in an airtight container.

- Add 3 tbsp of leaves to half a liter of water and boil it.

- Strain the tea after it cools down

- Divide it into three parts and drink it thrice in a day.

Bitter Melon Juice

The bitterness of the bitter melon juice can be reduced by combining with other fruits to prepare juice which would be more palatable.

Bitter Melon with Lemon.

The tangy taste of lemon combines well with bitter melon to reduce its bitterness. Squeeze half a lemon to a glass of the juice. Add some sugar if you are not a diabetic. You will get all its health benefits with less bitterness.

Bitter Melon Tomato Juice

Remove the skin and seeds. Chop it into small pieces and put it in a blender. Cut two tomatoes into pieces and add them. Add a green chili and blend it well before drinking it. Tomatoes and chilies help to reduce the bitterness.

Drinking bitter melon tea and juice helps diabetic patients.

Other Health Benefits

- Bitter melon has anti-malaria properties and is useful in treating malaria

- Its leaves are useful in shrinking hemorrhoids

- The leaves also help to prevent cold and congestion

- With its anti microbial properties it helps to treat wounds and get rid of round worms.

These are some of the benefits of bitter melon.