Showing posts with label heart attack. Show all posts
Showing posts with label heart attack. Show all posts

Monday, October 15, 2012

Benefits of Beer for Health

Beer drinking is generally associated with weight gain and pot belly. But you might be surprised to know that drinking beer in moderation has several health benefits. It can make your bones stronger and ward off diabetes. It can also help to prevent certain types of cancers. It is a well known fact that wine is good for the heart. Beer is also equally good for the heart.

Reducing the Risk of Heart Attack

Alcoholic beverages in general are said to increase the levels of HDL         (good cholesterol) and lower LDL levels. Consumption of 12 oz (360 ml) of beer a day by women and 24 oz (720 ml) by men will reduce the chances of heart attack and stroke. According to a study by a research team of the Harvard Medical School, people who have two drinks of alcoholic beverages a day have lower chances of heart attack than non drinkers. People who continue to drink moderately after a heart attack have better chances of recovery than non drinkers.
Beer
Source:Wikimedia Commons: Sir James
Bowel Function

As beer is a rich source of soluble fiber it can promote healthy bowel movement. It can be said that beer is laxative. It can also slow down digestion and increase the absorption of nutrients by the body  

Bone Density

Beer contains dietary silicon which helps to strengthen bone density. According to Katherine Tucker of Tufts University and her fellow researchers, moderate beer and wine drinkers have higher bone mineral density (BMD) than non drinkers. Drinking moderate quantities of beer can help to reduce chances of fracture.

Kidney

Drinking beer helps reduce the chances of kidney stones. Perhaps the higher water content (contains 93% water) of beer helps to keep the kidney hydrated and prevents the formation of stones. Beer also prevents the loss of calcium from the bones which may end up in the form of stones in the kidney. Beer has a diuretic effect on the body. It also dilates the urinary tract making the flushing out of the stones less painful and easier.
 
Increasing Vitamin Levels

Drinking moderate quantities of beer help to increase the levels vitamin B6 in the blood. Beer also contains vitamin B12, folic acid, magnesium, potassium, folate, niacin and phosphorous.

Preventing Stroke

Beer is rich in anti-oxidants. It can help to prevent blood clots. Beer is said to be more effective then red wine in preventing heart attacks.

Insomnia

Beer contains nicotinic acid and lactoflavin which can act as a sedative and cure insomnia.

Gall Stones

Beer not only prevents the formation of kidney stones but also gall stones.

Bowel Function

Beer can promote bowel function as it is a rich source of soluble fiber. It can slow down digestion and increase the absorption of nutrients by the body.

Lowering the Risk of Diabetes

Moderate beer drinkers have lower risk of developing diabetes. The alcohol content in beer increases the insulin sensitivity. This helps to lower the chances of developing diabetes.

For Longer Life

As beer reduces the chances of heart attack, stroke and diabetes moderate beer drinkers live longer.

These are some of the benefits of drinking beer


Thursday, June 5, 2008

Turmeric Medicinal Properties

Turmeric has medicinal properties that are helpful in treating colds, cough and several other health disorders. Turmeric has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Turmeric (curcuma longa) is the yellow root of the perennial flowering plant. It has been used as a medicinal herb in ayurveda and Chinese medicine for several thousand years. It is used for its anti inflammatory effect in the treatment of bruises and wounds. It is also used to treat skin diseases of various types.
            Turmeric               
Wikimedia Commons: Miansari66
Turmeric Benefits for Skin

Turmeric powder can be used as a skin lightener, as it helps to reduce excessive pigmentation. A paste made by mixing turmeric, sandalwood and milk cream can be used as a skin cream to enhance beauty. It can also be used to get rid of acne. As an anti oxidant it has anti-aging properties and helps to remove skin wrinkles. Apply a paste made by mixing with gram flour, turmeric and milk on your entire body. Wash it off after 30 minutes. Repeat the process twice a week to get a glowing skin.

Turmeric Food

The yellow colored root of this plant is powdered and used as an additive for certain food preparations. It is also used as a food color. It has the ability to fight infections. It is an important ingredient of curry powder used by Indians.

Turmeric with Milk

The best method to consume turmeric is to add ½ tsp of turmeric to hot milk and drink it. 
   
Turmeric Antibacterial Properties

Turmeric has antiseptic and anti bacterial properties. It is used to treat cuts, burns and wounds. It helps to destroy germs and bacteria and prevent infections

Turmeric for Liver Disorders

Turmeric is a very good remedy for liver disorders. Turmeric protects liver from the ill effects of alcohol and the damaging effects of certain drugs and toxins. It can even regenerate the damaged liver cells. It is used to treat liver cirrhosis and jaundice.

Turmeric for Gallbladder Disorders

Turmeric helps to flush out gall stones and treat irritable bowel syndrome. Its active ingredient curcumin helps to reduce the pain after gall bladder surgery.

Turmeric for Rheumatoid Arthritis

The auto immune disease rheumatoid arthritis, affects millions of people worldwide. It causes inflammation of the joints. The active ingredient of turmeric, curcumin (curcuma longa) has been proved to be useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Turmeric reduces inflammation and swelling with very few side effects.

Turmeric Hair Removal

Women in India used as a hair remover and to inhibit hair growth. Turmeric can be mixed with gram flour and yogurt. The resulting paste can be used can be used as a hair remover

Turmeric for Colds

One spoon of turmeric mixed in a hot glass of milk is good way to keep away colds and cough. It can also be mixed with honey and consumed for the same purpose. It gets rid of phlegm. It can be mixed with garlic for better effect.

Anti-Cancer

Turmeric is said to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. The active ingredient curcumin (curcuma longa) has anti cancerous properties
The benefits of turmeric include

- Prevention of blood clots.
- Reduce cholesterol levels in the blood to prevent strokes and heart attack
- Treatment for insect bites and stings
- Treating snake bites
- Driving away ants

These are some of the medicinal properties of turmeric