Health Benefits of Tomatoes

Tomato as we all know is a fruit/vegetable which grows on a wine. It is native to South America. Tomatoes grow in various sizes and colors. They can be eaten both raw and cooked. 

Tomatoes

 Source: Penny Greb: Wikimedia Commons

  

Some of the common varieties of tomatoes are

Beef steak which tomato is large in size, elliptical and red colored

Globe tomato which is medium sized and juicy. They can be eaten either raw or cooked.

Plum tomato is egg shaped. It is available in both red and yellow colors. 

Green tomato has a special flavor. It is good for frying and as an addition to other dishes. 

Cherry tomato is small in size and can be red or yellow in color. 

Several other varieties of tomatoes are grown across the world. 

Tomatoes are peeled, crushed and canned. At times herbs like oregano and basil are added. 

Tomato is cooked for several hours and strained. The rich concentrate which is in the form of paste is packed in cans or tubes.  

The commonly available, popular tomato sauce is prepared by cooking tomatoes and straining them. Seasonings or flavorings are added to it. 

Health Benefits

Blood Pressure

Tomatoes can help to lower blood pressure. Israeli scientists led by professor Ester Peron of the Soroka Medical Centre in Beersheba have found that the natural red pigment lycopene lowers blood pressure. It also helps to reduce the risk stroke and heart attack.  

Appetite

Cooked tomatoes help to improve appetite especially in children. It also helps to get over indigestion and constipation. A glass of tomato juice before an alcoholic drink helps the liver to metabolize alcohol and expel the toxins from the liver.

Prostate Cancer

The anti-oxidant lycopene helps to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer according to the “Journal of National Cancer Institute”

Osteoporosis

Lycopene and other antioxidants help to prevent osteoporosis by reducing the loss of bone mass. Osteoporosis is a degenerative condition which is chronic and occurs without warning. 

Kidney stones and gall stones 

Tomatoes can help to reduce the risk of formation of kidney stones and gall stones. 

Skincare    

Tomatoes contain vitamin C and vitamin D which help to brighten the dull skin. They contain astringents to remove excess oil. They can shrink skin pores. Tomato facial can help to get rid of acne and warts.  A tomato yogurt face mask can help to cool and soften the skin. Tomato juice can be mixed with honey and applied to the face and neck. Wash it off after 15 minutes. It will leave the skin glowing and soft.

For Clear Complexion

Spread tomato pulp on your face and wash it off after one hour. Repeat the process daily. You will find great improvement to your complexion.  

For Sunburn

Mix equal quantities of tomato juice and butter milk and apply it your face. It will help you to get rid of sunburn

These are some of the important health benefits of tomatoes.

How Do You Stop Being Depressed Without Medication

Most people experience depression at some point of time in their lives. But if the depression lasts for more than two weeks you may need treatment. If you are depressed, your behavior, appearance, communication and attitude towards others may change completely. You will be disinterested in everything around you, including your daily chores. You may feel like avoiding company and would like to be alone. You may lose your appetite, and become forgetful. You may also sleep more. Uncombed hair, unshaven beard and dirty clothes are all signs of depression. At times you may even feel like committing suicide. Depression may make you feel that it is the end of the world for you. First you have to realize that the depression is temporary. You have to analyze the causes of depression.

Depression
Source: Photograph by Fakelvis
  Creative Commons File

Major Causes of Depression

Most people feel depressed when someone close to them dies. But if you are emotionally attached to the dead person like son, daughter, wife or husband the grief will be very difficult to bear. The depression could last long.

Divorce

Divorce or separation could be a major cause of depression. You may feel unwanted. The question crops up as to what to do next. You may feel insecure. If you have small children, getting separated from them could cause more agony.

Health Problem

Severe health problems could be another reason. A disease like cancer and unbearable pain due to the disease could be major cause of depression.

Environmental Factors

A hostile work environment with an unreasonable boss or coworkers may cause depression. Inability to meet the targets and likelihood of losing the job could cause anxiety and depression.

Detoxification

If you are an alcohol or drug addict trying to kick the habit, the sudden deprivation of the substance may cause depression.

For women the cause of depression could be hostile home environment, where they face violence.

Solutions

Has your girl friend deserted you? Do you have a problem at the office and you have been overlooked for promotion?

Just think that no problem is insurmountable. Keep thinking of the solutions to the problem. You may get a more understanding girl friend. You can get a better job.

Spend as much time as possible with people with whom you feel comfortable. Socialize with positive people and put out the negative thoughts out off your mind. Avoid negative thinking people like plague.

Confide your thoughts and problems with your close friends and family. You can even go to a counselor or a clergyman.

Go to a concert or a movie with friends.  

Change your place of residence and move to a different place or town.

A good night’s sleep is essential to rejuvenate your mind and body. Your mind will rest and it can be said that you will be away from your problems as long as you sleep

Don’t always think about yourself and your problems.

Everyone faces difficulties at some point of time in their lives. You should understand that these problems are temporary and have confidence to overcome these problems.

Natural Expectorant Remedies for Phlegm

Several naturally available substances have properties of an expectorant. They help to push out phlegm.

An expectorant thins out the mucus and helps to expel it from the bronchial tubes and lungs. This helps to make breathing easier. It is very important for an affected patient to expel mucus. Coughing helps to clear the mucus buildup in the chest and the lungs. It makes breathing easier. If you have common colds, flu, bronchitis, sinus congestion or pneumonia, it is necessary to get the phlegm out of the system. 

Licorice

  Source: Wikimedia Commons: Erin Silversmith

 Licorice

Licorice is a root which has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for centuries. Licorice tastes sweeter than sugar. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antispasmodic properties. It is also a very good expectorant. Licorice helps to break down the thick phlegm and push it out. It can also help to soothe the irritation due to the inflammation in the respiratory tract and throat. It is advisable to drink licorice root tea twice a day to make the best use of its expectorant properties.

Garlic

Garlic has several medicinal properties. Garlic can be used as a steam inhaler. Garlic based cough syrup can be prepared by grating a garlic and mixing it with a teaspoon of honey. It would help to thin and push out the phlegm. Garlic is a decongestant as well as an expectorant.

Onion

Onion is a natural decongestant and an expectorant. You can eat raw onion slices. It is very easy to do so if you develop a taste for it. Grated onion can be combined with grated garlic and honey to be more effective.

Eucalyptus Oil

Apply eucalyptus oil or Vicks to your chest and rub it vigorously so that some warmth is generated. This will be of great help thin out and loosen the phlegm.

Ginger

Ginger is a natural expectorant. Drinking ginger tea 3 times a day can help to loosen the phlegm and expel it. Add grated ginger to water and boil it. Strain it after it cools and it is ready for drinking. Honey can also be added to ginger tea as it is also an expectorant. It will sweeten the tea and add to its taste.

Steam

One of the best methods to get rid of phlegm is to inhale steam from a vaporizer. Moist air helps to loosen the phlegm from the air tubes and expel it.

• Elevate your pillow so that the phlegm does not get back to the lungs.

• Drink lots of water as it thins out the mucus and helps its expulsion.

• Hot spicy foods like chilli peppers help to loosen the mucus.

• Hot tea will also help to loosen the mucus.

These are some of the natural expectorants which will help you to get rid of phlegm.

Don’t

If you have phlegm in your air tubes and lungs it is essential to stop smoking. Smoke can irritate nasal passages and aggravate the problem. Certain over the counter expectorant syrups, suppress mucus are available. Don’t over use them. 

References

health911.com:  Coughs

umm.edu        :  Eucalyptus

Natural Facial Scrub Recipes for Glowing Skin

Homemade facial scrub can help to get rid of acne and blackheads. It helps to keep your face clean and smooth. 

Facial scrub removes the dead skin cells and oil that clogs up the pores. It is well known that acne is the result of oils produced by the subcutaneous glands clogging up the pores. Facial scrub helps to remove acne and blackheads. It is necessary to use the right kind of scrub that suits your skin type. Use facial scrub once a week. Using it more frequently will make the skin dry and dull. It might even damage your skin, if it is sensitive.

Apply the scrub to your face and neck with a gentle massage. Don’t rub it too hard. Avoid it from getting into the eyes. Wash it off after 15-20 minutes. Remove all traces of the scrub from your face. Pat your face gently with a towel.

There are several recipes to make facial scrub at home. They can be made from natural ingredients and are safe. They will not cause any damage to the skin, like the scrubs available in the market which contain chemical ingredients.

Here are a few recipes for natural facial scrubs

Baking Soda Face Scrub

Mix a tbsp of baking soda with warm water to make a paste. Apply the paste to your face and neck. Rub the face gently with your fingers in a circular motion. Then wash your face with warm water to remove all traces of the paste and pat it dry with a towel. 

Honey

   Source: Wikimedia Commons: Emmanuel Boutet

Honey and Sugar Scrub

Honey is an excellent moisturizer. Take cup of sugar, in a bowl.  Add 4 tbsp of honey and ¼ cup of olive oil. Mix it well. Apply it to your face and neck gently. Wash it off after 15 minutes. It will not only exfoliate your skin, but will also nourish it. This scrub should not be used on sensitive skin.


Corn Meal Facial Scrub

Corn meal makes an excellent facial scrub. Take 5 tbsp of corn meal in a bowl. Squeeze some lemon juice and make a paste. Apply this to your face and neck area with a gentle massage. Wash your face with warm water after 15 minutes and pat it dry with a towel. This can also be used for sensitive skin.

Banana Facial Scrub

Take a ripe banana in a bowl. Mash it well with a fork. Add honey and lemon juice and mix it well to make a fine paste. Apply it your face and neck. Wash it off with warm water after 15 minutes and pat it dry with a towel. Banana facial scrub can be used for sensitive skin.

Regular facial scrub or exfoliation is essential to keep your facial skin clean and free from acne and blackheads. It will help to keep your skin young and healthy. 

Natural Remedies for a Burn

Burns are very common. Certain natural remedies can help to heal a burn fast. You may burn your fingers when you’re cooking. First degree burns are generally superficial. They affect only the top layer of the skin (epidermis). This may cause blisters, swelling and redness of the skin. Second degree burns will penetrate to the dermis, the second layer of the skin. Third degree burns will destroy the skin completely and may damage the underlying muscles. It can result in scarring.

Aloe Vera Plant

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Erin Silversmith

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is an excellent remedy for burns. Just cut a aloe vera leaf with a knife and squeeze the gel to the affected skin. It will reduce the pain and the burning sensation. According to the New York Times, a group of surgeons studied the effects of Aloe Vera on burns. They concluded that aloe vera could make a difference when applied to first degree burns.  However second and third degree burns require medical attention.

How to Treat Burns

The burnt area should be washed with cold water. Don’t use ice, as it may aggravate the problem

Open a capsule of vitamin E and apply the oil on the affected area. Consuming vitamin A and vitamin E can also heal the burn quickly.

Potato Skin

Potato skin can replace bandages in treating burns. Dr. Narayana a plastic surgeon of Jubilee Medical College in Kerala (India) says that potato skin is not sticky and heals the wound fast. It helps to keep the wound moist and can be peeled of easily. Water evaporates from the burn wound quickly, making it dry. Potato peel helps to prevent this. The ability of the potato peel to keep the wound moist, helps to heal the burn wounds faster.

Bandage

It is advisable to put burn wounds under cold water for about 5 minutes. Then the skin can be covered with sterile bandage. This can help to reduce the pain and irritation. You can also take pain killers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

It is necessary to keep the wound as clean as possible to prevent infection. Several OTC creams for burns are available. One of these can be applied to the affected area.

Alternately you can apply an antibiotic cream on the burn wound to prevent infection. You should use a non stick cotton bandage to cover the wound. It is necessary to change the bandage every day. Blisters should not be broken as they prevent infection.

Don’t apply butter, oil or Vaseline on the burn, as the burn requires moisture to heal.

Vinegar

Dilute vinegar can be applied on minor burns. As vinegar is acidic it helps prevent infection. After the application of vinegar, cover the wound with a sterile cloth.

To Treat Burn Scars

Aloe vera gel is quite useful in minimizing scarring due to burn. Apply aloe vera gel on the scar 3-4 times every day.

Papaya is also effective in minimizing the scars. Rub ripe papaya fruit chunk on the affected skin several times a day.

Paste made from Fuller’s earth helps to fade the scars. Add a tbsp of lemon juice and some rose water to make a paste. Apply the paste and wash it off after ten minutes. Repeat the process 3-4 times a day. 

If the burn is serious consult a doctor immediately. It is extremely important to prevent infection.