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

Onion Health Benefits

Onion provides a wide range of health benefits. It is useful in the treatment of asthma, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Onion has been used across the world for centuries in a variety of cuisines. It is perhaps the most popular vegetable in the world. It is not only tasty but also helps to prevent and cure a variety of diseases. It is quite nutritious as it contains proteins, carbohydrates and fats. It also contains vitamins and calcium. Some of the minerals that are present in onion are potassium, zinc and phosphorous. There are several onion health benefits.

Onions

Onion for Asthma

Onion contains flavonoid called quercetin. It has anti-inflammatory properties. Most of the quercetin is available in the onion skin. The skin should be extracted and boiled in water. The water can be cooled and the skin filtered out before drinking the liquid.

Onion and Honey for Asthma

Onion juice can be extracted by placing onion pieces in a juicer. Mix a tbsp of this juice with a tbsp of honey. Drink it 3-4 times a day. This would reduce the inflammation and the intensity of attacks. It would also prevent further occurrence of attacks. The reason for this is the sulfur content of onions. Sulfur helps to reduce the inflammation of the airways and makes you breathe better. This is one of the important health benefits

Onion for Diabetes

Onion contains allyl polypyl disulphide as an active ingredient. This helps to lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin. Onion also helps to block the breakdown of insulin in the liver. This ensures that the body has more insulin. It is very helpful to patients of type 2 diabetes.

Onion for Heart

Onion helps to prevent cardiovascular(heart) diseases like hypertension and atherosclerosis. Red onions are more effective in reducing cholesterol levels as they contain more quercetin. Onions have anticoagulant properties that help to promote the clot dissolving ability of the blood. They contain chemicals that prevent the platelets from sticking together.

Onion for Insomnia

Providing relief for insomnia is one the important health benefits. Cut raw onion into pieces. Drop it into a glass jar. Smell it deeply several times just before going to bed. The aroma will help you to go to sleep quickly. If you wake up in the middle of the night you can smell onion and get quickly back to sleep again. Drinking onion juice is another method to overcome insomnia. 

Onion for Hair Growth

Rub a raw onion slice on the part of the scalp where you are experiencing hair loss. This will help to stimulate hair growth. You can also apply water boiled with onion skin on your scalp. Wash it off after half an hour to reduce hair loss and promote growth.

These are some of the onion health benefits

Natural Sleep Remedies for Good Sleep

There are several natural remedies for good sleep. Exercise, aromatherapy and music are some of the important remedies. 
  
Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia) is a major problem. A good sleep is one of the best ways to rejuvenate the body and mind. Six hours of sleep are absolutely essential every day. Failure to get good sleep may cause health and psychological problems. One major factor that influences sleeplessness is stress. Regular habits can serve as natural sleep remedies for good sleep.

- Go to bed and getup at from the bed at a regular time

- Don’t go to bed unless you feel sleepy

- Don’t keep the TV in your bedroom

- Don’t use the bedroom for activities like reading and eating

- Don’t take short naps during the day

- Don’t eat heavily before you go to sleep   Don’t drink alcohol or coffee at least 3 hours before you go to sleep

- Keep the bedroom dark

- Remove all the sources of light and distracting noise

- Remove all sources of electronic devices and computers and electric blankets

-Ensure good air circulation in the room

- Keep the bed and blankets clean

Rhythmic drumming is said to create hypnotic effect and induce sleep. Yoga and relaxing music are also known to aid sleep. Regular exercises, aroma therapy and certain herbal teas help to serve as natural sleep remedies for good sleep.

Some herbs like valerian are used as a remedy for insomnia. It is available as an OTC medication without prescription in several countries. English lavender is used as aromatherapy to induce sleep.

There are several sleeping aids that can be used as natural sleep remedies.   Sleep Phone is one such aid. Sleep Phone is a soft headband with built in headphones which provide soft music continuously when you sleep. The music acts like a lullaby to induce sleep.