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Health Benefits of Lemons:

It is the most commonly used citrus fruit with a broad range nutrients, the health benefits of lemons can be enjoyed in desserts, drinks and as a component of topical creams and lotions.

Their exact origins are unknown but they are believed to come from Asian countries such as India, China and the northern parts of Burma where the locals knew of the health benefits of lemons. Around 1 A.D. they arrived in Europe but were not cultivated until the 15th century. Finally in the 18th and 19th centuries lemons made their way to the United States where they began to be used as an ingredient in recipes and drinks. Currently the Untied States ranks seventh in global lemon production, behind India, China and Mexico.
There ten varieties of lemons that are grown worldwide, but it’s the Eurkea that you will find in most supermarkets because it grows year round although their peak growing season is April to August.

Vitamins and Minerals

Lemon juice has just 29 calories in half a cup of juice (a whole lemon, when juiced, contains just three tablespoons of juice) with a trace amount of fat and a little protein. Eating the pulp will net you two and a half grams of fiber as well. Lemons are high in vitamin C but also have vitamin A, both B1 and B2 vitamins (thiamine and riboflavin), Niacin, Folate, Panthoetic Acid, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin E.
As for minerals, lemons are high in potassium and phosphorus. Other minerals found in lemons include magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron, selenium, manganese, copper and zinc.

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Health Benefits of Pomegranate

One of the oldest cultivated fruits, pomegranates first grew in ancient Persia and the health benefits of pomegranate were recognized even then.

One of the oldest cultivated fruits, pomegranates first grew in ancient Persia and the health benefits of pomegranate were recognized even then. The Romans gave it its name — “pomegranate” literally means “seed apple” in Latin — and planted the sturdy seedlings throughout their empire. Spain so loved pomegranates that they named the city of Granada after them, according to some historians. The fruit also made its way eastward to India, where its juice was considered a health elixir that cured any number of ills. As modern researchers discover more about the importance of antioxidants to good health, it’s beginning to look as though the Ayurvedic specialists of centuries ago were right about pomegranates.
The round red fruit has a symbolic history as rich as its geographic history. Its profusion of seeds linked pomegranate fruit with fertility, while the long-lived trees became associated with rebirth and renewal. Garnets, the rich red gemstone prized throughout the ancient world, took their name from their resemblance to pomegranate seeds. Pomegranates have been the subject of poetry and allegorical tales from Greek mythology to the book of Exodus. Paintings and frescoes depict legendary heroes, gods and goddesses dining on pomegranates.

Nutritional Information

However poetic they may be, there is also practical value due to the health benefits of pomegranate. Nutritionally speaking, pomegranates compare favorably to many more familiar fruits. They contain no fat, low sugar and only 80 calories per 100-gram serving, yet they offer 5 grams of fiber and 15 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C.
Pomegranate juice is almost as popular as whole fruits. Because it’s more concentrated, pomegranate juice is slightly higher in calories than whole seeds at 120 calories per 8-ounce serving. Like whole pomegranates, pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants. This nutrition information applies to pomegranate juice, not to the sweetened mixture of juice and simple syrup called grenadine.
Going beyond the label reveals the full extent of the health benefits of pomegranate.

Pomegranates and Antioxidants

Pomegranates’ deep red color delivers more than just plate appeal; that garnet hue signifies the fruit’s rich supply of antioxidant phytochemicals. Antioxidants counteract cellular damage due to free radicals. While researchers are still studying the effects of antioxidants within the human body and haven’t yet concluded that these compounds work the same in people as they do in a test tube, the National Cancer Society asserts that within the testing they’ve done so far, “antioxidants help prevent the free radical damage that is associated with cancer.” It’s impossible to talk of curing disease with antioxidants, but it’s clear that foods with antioxidants appear to be sensible preventive medicine.
Plenty of foods have antioxidants, but only pomegranates have a related set of compounds called punicalagins. That tongue-twister of a name has its roots in the scientific name for pomegranates, Punica granatum. Punicalagins have the same capacity to neutralize free radicals as other antioxidants, but preliminary studies suggest that these substances also actively seek out free radicals and may have an effect in reducing the chance of prostate cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer.
Pomegranate juice has an antioxidizing capacity of 2,860 units per 100 grams. That compares favorably to prune juice, goji berries and melon juice. If research bears out the distinction between punicalagins and other antioxidants, then consuming both could have an even bigger buffering effect on free radicals.

Vitamins, Minerals and Micronutrients in Pomegranates

Like many fruits, pomegranate supplies a healthy dose of vitamin C. Unlike others, it also contains vitamins B₅, B₉ and K. Potassium and zinc top the list of vital minerals that pomegranates and pomegranate juice contain.
Better known by its full name, pantothenic acid, vitamin B₅ is essential to healthy skin and nerve function. The name might be more familiar as a hair-care ingredient, but pantothenic acid is also an important dietary requirement. Research into the importance of pantothenic acid is ongoing, but this micronutrient may help prevent muscle cramping, insulin resistance and adrenal insufficiency.
Vitamin B₉, also known as folate or folic acid, took on greater significance in the world of nutritional science when researchers found that folic acid deficiency contributed to neural tube defects in babies. Adults also need this vitamin to repair DNA and create healthy blood cells. A single serving of pomegranate seeds contains 10 percent of an adult’s recommended allowance of the vitamin.
People who don’t get enough vitamin K may bruise easily and run a greater risk of developing osteoporosis. Usually found in dark green leafy vegetables, vitamin K becomes more palatable when it’s packaged in sweet pomegranate seeds. Pomegranate juice and whole pomegranate seeds contain about 10 percent of an adult’s recommended daily allowance of vitamin K.

Allergies and Contraindications

While pomegranate allergies are rare, anyone who notices itching or burning of the skin after handling pomegranates should avoid these fruits. The mild acidity of pomegranate juice could exacerbate GERD or heartburn symptoms; if heartburn is a common occurrence, try cutting down on acidic foods including pomegranates shortly before bedtime.
The seeds in pomegranates may cause irritation for people with diverticulitis. Like tomato, strawberry and raspberry seeds, pips in pomegranate seeds can get into the diverticuli of the bowel and cause pain. For other people, the relatively large seeds of the fruit cause no trouble at all. The seeds can be easily and quickly removed using a pomegranate deseeder.
People on certain blood thinners must be careful of their vitamin K intake. Because the vitamin prohibits clotting, too much of it combined with medications could cause an interaction between the two. Account for the vitamin K in pomegranate seeds and juice to ensure that the food doesn’t interact with medications and the pomegranate health benefits can be enjoyed safely.

Selecting, Cooking and Eating Pomegranates

Pick a pomegranate that has a bright red color and feels heavy for its size to get the best-tasting fruit. Pomegranates are in season throughout the fall, so buying them in season ensures a better product.
Most fruits consist of sweet flesh wrapped around inedible seeds. Pomegranates reverse that familiar formula; they’re full of translucent juicy seeds surrounded by a fibrous white pith. Separate the delicious seeds from the pith with a sharp rap from the back of a spoon against the back of a pomegranate half. The seeds should shower down from the pith and into the bowl with a few taps from the spoon.
Pomegranate seeds closely resemble the garnets to which they lent their name. Their vivid color and translucency make them a beautiful garnish to ice cream dishes and desserts. Try them in salads, too, where their bursts of tangy juice add a new dimension of taste and texture. Use pomegranate juice anywhere that other fruit juices would go: in glazes and sauces, with mixed fruit drinks and as a frozen treat.
However you decide to use them, whether you learn how to juice pomegranate or use it in salads or desserts, it is easy to start exploring the health benefits of pomegranate fruit.

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Health Benefits of Avocado

As well as being a nutrient and calorie rich fruit, the health benefits of avocado assist in health bones, eyes and antioxidants to help fight cancer and heart disease.

Sometimes referred to as an alligator pear, the health benefits of avocado as well as it’s high nutrition should make it a part of your weekly diet.  The avocado is a green fruit that grows in tropical and semi-tropical areas of the world including Central America, South America, California and Florida. Avocados are climacteric fruits, meaning they come to maturity while on the tree, but ripen only after falling to the ground. The avocado has been cultivated for approximately eleven centuries and more than 450 variations of the fruit exist today. A single avocado tree can produce up to 600 avocados each year. Although few fruits can boast the same nutritional value of an avocado, many people are completely unaware of just how many vitamins and minerals are packed into this tasty fruit. Avocados can be eaten raw or used to make condiments such as guacamole or salad dressings.

A Vitamin-Rich Fruit

A mid-sized avocado contains approximately 300 nutrient packed calories. The fruit contains generous amounts of vitamins K, D, C, E and B, as well a vast array of both primary and trace minerals. Vitamin B is essential to a healthy nervous system and to proper metabolic function. Vitamin D is necessary for adequate bone growth and healthy teeth. Vitamins C and E are powerful anti-oxidants and are vital to a strong immune system. Vitamin K is essential to proper blood clotting and bone health. Vitamins D and K also work together to promote healthy joint cartilage and enhance the human body’s production of osteoclasts, the cells that form new bones as a child grows.

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Health Benefits of Tomatoes

Technically a fruit but often classified as a vegetable, the health benefits of tomatoes stem from their high levels of lycopene, an antioxidant, and an array of body nourishing vitamins.

Taste and nutrition as well as the health benefits of tomatoes have been highly valued.  Enjoyed all over the world, they are essential ingredients in the diets of many cultures. Yet the plant has a spotty past, including myths, misconceptions and controversy, and the challenges of modern mass production of the tomato continue to spark debate. Yet there is no debate over the intrinsic health benefits of the tomato. The tomato is treasured for its nutritional value as much as for its delicious taste.

History of the Tomato

Peru is generally credited with first cultivating of the fruit now known as the tomato. The tomatoes of that day were tiny compared to modern tomatoes, but were already a valued food, bred for flavor. From Peru, the tomato spread through Southern and Central America. Mexico’s Aztecs prized them, using them extensively in their cooking, including salsa. When the Spanish invaded Mexico during the early 1500’s, the Aztecs developed a new, gruesome recipe involving tomatoes. The fruit was served with the flesh of the Spanish invaders.
Some believe it was the Spanish Conquistador Hernando Cortés who brought the tomato to Europe after conquering the Aztec capital, Tenochtítlan, now Mexico City. Others believe Christopher Columbus brought plants back to Europe with him as early as 1493. An Italian herbal document in 1544 mentions the tomato as pomo d’oro, or golden apple. In 1597, English surgeon John Gerard published an herbal declaring that the tomato was poisonous and not to be eaten, prompting a century or two of excluding the fruit from British and colonial diets.

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Health Benefits of Grapes

The health benefits of grapes include its ablity to treat constipation, indigestion, fatigue, kidney disorders, macular degeneration and prevention of cataract. Grapes, one of the most delicious fruits, are rich sources of vitamins A, C, B6 and folate in addition to essential minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and selenium. Grapes contain flavonoids that are very powerful antioxidants, which can reduce the damage caused by free radicals and slacken ageing.

Grapes, owing to their high nutrient content, play an important role in ensuring a healthy and robust life.
Benefits: Some of the health benefits of grapes include the following:

• Asthma: Due to its eminent therapeutic value, grapes can be used for cure of asthma. In addition to it, the assimilatory power of grapes is also higher. It increases the moisture present in lungs.
• Heart diseases: Grapes increase the nitric oxide levels in the blood, which prevents blood clots thereby reducing the chances of heart attacks. In addition the antioxidant present in grapes prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which blocks the blood vessels.
• Migraine: Ripe grape juice is an important home remedy for curing migraine. It should be taken early in the morning, without mixing additional water.

• Constipation: Grapes are very effective in overcoming constipation. They are considered as a laxative food, as they contain organic acid, sugar and cellulose. They also relieve chronic constipation by toning up intestine and stomach.
• Indigestion: Grapes play an important role in dyspepsia. They relieve heat and cure indigestion and irritation of the stomach. They are also preferred as they constitute a light food.
• Fatigue: Light and white grape juice replenishes the iron content present in the body and prevents fatigue. Though, the dark grape juice might not give an iron boost and on the other hand, decrease the iron levels. Drinking grape juice also provides you with instant energy. The anti-oxidants present in grapes also provide the needed boost to your immune system.
• Kidney disorders: Grapes can substantially reduce the acidity of the uric acid and helps in the elimination of the acid from the system, thereby reducing the work pressure of kidneys.

• Breast cancer: Through a latest study, it has been discovered that purple colored Concord grape juice helps in preventing breast cancer. Significant reduction in mammary tumor mass of laboratory rats was seen after they were fed the grape juice on the experimental basis.
• Alzheimer’s disease: Resveratrol, a beneficial polyphenol present in grapes reduces the levels of amyloidal-beta peptides in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Studies suggest that grapes can enhance brain health and stall the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.
• Macular degeneration: Grapes can prevent the age related loss of vision or macular degeneration. Three servings of grapes a day can reduce the risks of macular degeneration by over 36 %.
• Prevents cataract: Flavonoids present in grapes have antioxidants, which can reduce and fight the damage caused by free radicals such as cataract apart from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and age related problems.
• Blood cholesterol: Grapes contain a compound called pterostilbene, which has the capacity to bring down cholesterol level. Saponins present in grape skin can also prevent the absorption of cholesterol by binding with it.
• Antibacterial activity: Red grapes have strong antibacterial and antiviral properties and can protect you from infections. They have a strong antiviral property against poliovirus and herpes simplex virus.
• Anticancer properties: Grapes are found to have strong anti cancer properties due to the anti-inflammatory effect of resveratrol present in grapes. It is particularly effective in colorectal cancer and breast cancer. Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins present in grapes have properties of an anti-proliferate and can inhibit the growth of cancer causing agents. Grape juice not just prevents the risk of cancer but also suppresses the growth and propagation of cancer cells. The pigments contained in grapes enhance the overall immunity of the body.

Thus, grapes play a pivotal role in preventing innumerable health disorders and can be used as home based remedies for several ailments. Dried grapes, known as raisins, are extremely nutritious and help in many disorders including constipation, acidosis, anemia, fever, sexual weakness and help in gaining weight and eye care. Read more about benefits of raisins.

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Lavender Oil Benefits

Most everyone loves the smell of lavender. It’s such a relaxing and comforting smell. Lavender oil is an essential oil used in aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is a healing modality that uses the power of essential oils. These aromatic oils contain the life force of the plant that helps the body naturally repair, heal and retard aging.
Lavender oil can be used to treat headaches, fungal infections, cuts, bruises, acne, eczema. It’s also healing for muscle and joint pain. It has balancing properties so it can help the body to relax and also can be used for energy and more stamina.
A French scientist named René Gattefossé discovered the healing properties of lavender after being severely burned in a lab explosion.
Uses for Lavender Oil:
1. Rub lavender oil on feet for calming effect.
2. Massage lavender drops on temples and forehead to aid in relaxation. It’s also good to relieve headaches.
3. Put a drop of lavender oil under your nose. This is calming.
4. Put a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow to help you sleep.
5. Put a drop of lavender oil on an insect bite to reduce swelling and stop itching.
6. Place a few drops of lavender oil on a wet cloth, throw into the dryer to freshen your laundry.
7. Rub lavender oil on your chest, neck, and on the bridge of your nose between your eyes to alleviate sinuses and allergies.

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Facts about Vegetables

There are so many interesting random facts about fruits and vegetables.

• Swiss chard is not from Switzerland, but named after a Swiss botanist named Koch who named it.
• Bananas are actually considered an herb.
• The tomato was known as the “apple of love.”
• Hippocrates described celery as a nerve soother.
• Watermelon is 92% water, cabbage is 90%.
• Avocados and pumpkins are fruit.
• Spinach has a reputation for being high in iron because of a mistake made in 1870. Dr. E Von Wolf measured the iron content but placed the decimal point in the wrong place. This gave the iron content of spinach ten-fold. German chemists discovered the mistake 67 years later, but the myth lives on.
• Hippocrates said “Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food.”
• An avocado has double the amount of potassium compared to a banana.
• They say Casanova ate lots of celery to maintain his stamina.
• In the 16th century orange carrots were produced in honor of the Dutch Royal Family also known as the House of Orange. Before that carrots were purple, yellow,red or white.
• Celery was believed to be an aphrodisiac in ancient Roman times. Celery contains androsterone which is released in perspiration.
• Red (purple) cabbage delivers 5 times the amount of polyphenols than green cabbage.
• One ounce of seeds from celery can yield an entire acre of celery.
• There are no enzymes in cooked food. Enzymes are destroyed after being heated to 115 degrees. Having a diet made up of mostly cooked foods puts a burden on your digestive system since it has to work hard to digest food.
• A vegan diet is a diet entirely plant based is without all animal products including fish, eggs and dairy.

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Peach and Banana Green Smoothie

• 2-3 cups of filtered water
• 2 handfuls of turnip greens
• 1 cucumber(if waxed remove peel)
• 1 whole peach with skin(remove seed)
• 2 bananas

I made this one for someone just this morning. This was his first green smoothie so I wanted to be sweeter than what I normally make for myself. This is also great for finicky kids.
Be sure to add half the water into the blender and continue to add more water to suit your taste. Also add each vegetable one at a time before adding more water.
Enjoy!

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Dandelion Greens Juice

This made one delicious detoxifying juice. Dandelion Greens are excellent for you, especially your liver. According to clinical professor, Dr. Mark Stengler, N.D., of the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, dandelion ranks right beside milk thistle as the most frequently recommended herbs to help liver detoxification. It helps to treat the liver as well as other conditions ranging from indigestion and hepatitis to depression and irritability. Check out the benefits of dandelion greens here.

• big handful of dandelion greens
• 1 apple
• 1 lemon
• 3-4 watermelon rinds

Cheers!

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Juicing Pulp

Don’t let your juice pulp go to waste. There’s so many uses for it.
1. Make a really nutritious mask for your face. I like using the cucumber and papaya pulp. Some citrus pulps like lemon will help fade age spots and help to minimize wrinkles. Add a spoon of sugar and olive oil to lemon pulp and make a nice exfoliator.
2. Sooth and condition your skin with cucumber, carrot, squash, and pumpkin pulp. Smear the pulp on sunburns, eczema and psoriasis, let set for 15-20 minutes. Cucumber is very soothing. More: Read the rest of this entry…

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Corn Syrup

High Fructose Corn Syrup, also known as HFCS, was introduced in 1970. Today corn syrup is found in almost everything. It is in most candy, soda, fruit drinks, baby foods, applesauce, ketchup, condiments, canned fruits, ice cream, yogurt, jellies, sauces, salad dressings, fast food, coffee creamers, cereals, baked products and many foods marketed to children. Reports show the average American eats 41.5 to 60 pounds of high fructose corn syrup every year!
Corn syrup is made from the starch of corn. It contains maltose and oligosaccharides. It is used in food to add volume, enhance the flavor, soften the texture, and to prevent the crystallization of sugar.
In 2010, a Princeton University study found that rats given a high fructose corn syrup diet gained significantly more weight than rats that were fed table sugar, even though both groups were fed the same caloric intake. They also found that the rats weren’t just getting fat, but showed characteristics of obesity, including accumulation of abdominal fat and circulating triglycerides. In humans, these characteristics are risk factors for diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and cancer.¹
More: Read the rest of this entry…

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Cabbage Juice

• big handful of red cabbage
• 2-3 slices of pineapple with rinds
• 1 cucumber
• thumb sized piece of ginger

This is a great little purple drink full of bromelain and anthocyanins. Tastes really good extra chilled. Check out the benefits of red cabbage jui

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Health Benefits of Flax Seeds

If you haven’t tried flax seeds yet, you should! These tiny seeds have so many amazing health benefits. The father of medicine himself, Hippocrates, used flax seeds as one of the original medicines back in 650 BC.
You can find them at any vitamin or health food store. It is best to buy organic whole flax seeds and grind them right before you use them. If you buy ground flax seeds, you many not be getting the maximum benefits because the seeds get exposed to heat and light and aren’t as potent.
Add a few spoons of ground flax seeds to your smoothies, sprinkle it on your salads, vegetables, cereals and oatmeals.
Flax seeds are an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids called alpha-linolenic acid. They also contain omega 6 linoleic acid, omega 9 oleic acid plus vitamins B1, B2, C, carotene, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, copper, iron, thiamin, zinc and selenium.
Health Benefits of Flax Seeds
The health benefits of flax seeds include improving cardiovascular health by lowering LDL cholesterol, keeps the colon healthy, boosts the immune system, stabilizes blood sugar levels and promotes healthy skin. They are also reported to relieve hot flashes associated with menopause. Flax seeds can help keep your body slim because they are high in essential fatty acids and can increase metabolic rate which helps to burn the excess unhealthy fat in the body. Eating good fats will ensure that your body will store the right amount of fats. This process is called thermogenesis.
Flax seeds contain phytonutrients, known as lignins. Lignins have anti-cancer properties, especially in relation to breast and colon cancer. Lignins seem to flush excess estrogen out of the body, thereby reducing the incidence of estrogen-linked cancers, such as breast cancer. Besides anti-tumor properties, lignins have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Flaxseed Oil
The Budwig Center has been advocating the flaxseed oil diet since 1951. It was founded by a German biochemist named Dr. Johanna Budwig. They have been successfully treating people with cancer, heart disease, asthma, arthritis, diabetes, fibromyalgia, blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, acne, eczema and other conditions since 1951. The recipe the Budwig Center recommends is flax oil mixed with cottage cheese. They also recommend  fresh juices.
Flax oil taken with meals can actually increase the nutritional value of your foods.
Purchase only refrigerated flax seed oil. Minimize exposure to light, heat, and air. The oil is best when used within 6 weeks of pressing so buying in smaller containers is recommended depending on your usage.
Even Mahatma Gandhi said “Wherever flaxseed becomes a regular food item among the people, there will be better health.” Can you believe he said that? He did!!

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Broccoli Juice

This is Key Lime Pie Juice.

• 1 lemon juiced by hand
• 2 apples
• 3 celery stalks
• big handful of spinach
• 1 broccoli stalk

This makes one pie, I mean juice for one lucky person! (that would be me)
I went to Key West last weekend. Key lime pie is very popular there. It is offered at every restaurant and cafe. The bars offer key lime margaritas and all kinds of key lime pie drinks too. This morning I felt like making a juice that would taste close to a key lime pie without all the sugar, dairy and bad stuff. This comes really close. Next time I will grab some key limes from the store. I love them!
Cheers!

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Carrot Juice

Carrot juice is a very abundant source of beta-carotene. It’s third on the list of vegetables after sweet potatoes and kale. Beta-carotene is a compound which can function as an antioxidant. As an antioxidant, carotene helps to prevent the degenerative process in every cell in our body. When we don’t have proper nutrition our cells have less to work with. When they multiply our cells have a poorer structure. This is called the degenerative process and is the cause of premature aging. It also works on the outside of our bodies by correcting and preventing sun damage. Drinking carrot juice can help as a natural sunblock.
Our bodies convert the beta-carotene in carrot juice into vitamin A. Not only is vitamin A important for normal healthy cell division, but it also necessary for the development of teeth and bones, healthy skin, mucous membranes and the epithelial tissue that lines our airways, intestines and other organs. The vitamin A in carrot juice will also help to improve your night vision. More: Read the rest of this entry…

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Benefits of Kale Juice

What are the benefits of Kale Juice?  Kale juice is considered by nutritionists to be the most nutritious vegetable juice in the world with extremely powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Kale juice is great for boosting your immune system. Kale juice is high in beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin K, lutein, zeaxanthin, and calcium. Kale juice contains sulfur-containing phytonutrients called sulforaphanes which have potent anti-cancer properties. The sulforaphanes are formed when kale is chopped, juiced, chewed or blended and triggers the liver to produce enzymes that aid in detoxifying cancer-causing chemicals. These are called glucosinolates and they give our body the upper hand in dealing with exposure from the toxins we get from foods and/or the environment.
Most people think dairy products are the best choice for calcium. But the truth is that dark leafy vegetables like kale are the best!
Kale juice also contain oxalates, naturally occurring substances found in plants, animals, and human beings. When oxalates are accumulated in the body, they can form crystals and may cause health problems. People with gallbladder or kidney problems may want to avoid eating kale or drinking kale juice, spinach and other vegetables containing oxalates. Many people rotate their greens that they use in their green juice to avoid these problems. More: Read the rest of this entry…

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Benefits of Walking Barefoot

When was the  last time you walked barefoot in the grass?  Walking barefoot and having contact with the earth is called grounding. Having direct contact to the earth’s electric energy and negative ions gives you a sense of well being and has calming effects. Walking on the beach is grounding, too. Negative ions from the earth will not pass through surfaces like pavement, so whenever you have the opportunity to walk on the beach or untreated grass, do it!
Going barefoot also stretches your muscles and ligaments. ”A high proportion of the world’s population walks barefoot most of the time, and the average person who walks barefoot has much healthier feet than the average person who wears shoes,” says Dr. Paul W. Brand, Chief of the Rehabilitation Branch of the U.S. Public Health Service Hospital in Carville, La. and Professor of Surgery a Louisiana State University Medical School. He spent 18 years treating orthopedic problems at an orthopedic clinic in India, United Kingdom and Ethiopia. Based on these experiences,  Dr. Brand suggests that Americans should walk barefoot for at least part of each day. Foot problems that are common from wearing poorly designed or improperly fitted shoes are bunions, corns, hammer toes, ingrown toenails, and athlete’s foot. These problems are not found in countries where most people go barefoot. In India, he saw no ankle fractures except those who wore shoes.
Dr. Brand says “The barefoot walker receives a continuous stream of information about the ground and about his own relationship to it, while a shod foot sleeps inside an unchanging environment. Sensations that are not used or listened to become decayed and atrophy. There is a sense of aliveness and joy which I experience walking barefoot that I never get in shoes.”

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Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is probably one of the most potent spices ever. It has so many health benefits. Turmeric has been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. If I had to pick one spice that offered more health benefits over all others, it would definitely be turmeric.
Turmeric is a member of the ginger family and the healing properties of this plant are in its stalk. The most important compound found in turmeric is called curcumin.
In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has been used to treat arthritis because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used to treat muscle pain and carpal tunnel syndrome, liver problems, wounds, digestive problems, mouth lesions and skin diseases.
Research Findings

• A study at the Medical University Graz in Austria showed that curcumin delays liver damage.
• Kansas State University researchers found that it can reduce levels of carcinogens that are formed when meats are fried, barbecued or fried up to 40%.
• Studies conducted at University of Texas indicated that curcumin inhibits the growth of melanoma and also slows the spread of breast cancer to lungs.
• UCLA studied curcumin in the mouths of patients that had neck and head malignancies and it showed to reduce activities that promote cancer growth. It also affected the salvia itself by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines within the saliva.
• James A. Duke, PhD, a respected ethnobotanist, found more than 50 studies on turmeric’s effects in addressing Alzheimer’s disease. The reports indicate that extracts of turmeric contains natural agents that block the formation of beta-amyloid, the substance responsible for the plaques in Alzheimer’s disease.
• Duke reported in the handbook Phytochemicals: Mechanisms of Action,  that curcumin and/or turmeric were effective in animal models in prevention and/or treatment of colon cancer, mammary cancer, prostate cancer, murine hepatocarcinogenesis (liver cancer in rats), esophageal cancer, and oral cancer. Duke said that the effectiveness of the herb against these cancers compared favorably with that reported for pharmaceuticals.
• Dr Merina Benny Anthony, PHD,  Dept. of Biochemistry University Centre, Kariavattom, found that curcumin has been shown to inhibit the estrogen mimicking pesticide recedues in the water, food,  fruits, milk, vegetables etc.

An overview published in Advanced Experimental Medical Biology in 2007 states that, “Curcumin has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities and thus has a potential against various malignant diseases, diabetes, allergies, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and other chronic illnesses.”

Professor Moolky Nagabhushan, of Loyola University Medical Centre in Chicago, said turmeric blocks some of the harmful effects of cigarette smoke, protects against chromosome damage and prevents dangerous chemicals forming after eating processed food.
Turmeric is also used in bridal beautification ceremonies in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. It is used as part of the marriage ritual. On the wedding day, the string of the Thali necklace (mangalsutra), which is the equivalent of a wedding ring, is prepared in turmeric paste, dried and then tied around the bride’s neck by the groom. In the palaces of Central Java, Indonesia, the root was used during Lulur, an ancient royal ceremony for the bride-to-be, in a ritual to cleanse the body and give it a radiant glow. Hindu brides-to-be rub a mixture of turmeric and gram flour on their bodies on the morning of their wedding to give the skin a golden glow.
There are many recipes online for a do it yourself facial using turmeric. The most common recipe calls for turmeric, milk and white flour. I made mine using turmeric, rice flour and almond milk. A little scrubbing was required to get the yellow stain off of my face in some places. I have to admit, I was panicking! Afterwards I noticed that my face was softer and had a glow about it. I will definitely use this as a facial often. Turmeric is also used as a treatment for acne, blemishes, wrinkles, eczema, psoriasis and facial hair.
I like to add a spoon of turmeric to tomato based soups and sauces, it gives it a warm, buttery, creamy flavor, like the Indian tomato soup. It’s also great sprinkled on salads and vegetables. A sprinkle of turmeric a day will keep you in good health!

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Benefits of Watermelon

Watermelon is the one of the healthiest foods in the world to eat. The health benefits of watermelon are numerous.
Reasons to Eat Watermelon

• Watermelon is very hydrating. It is 92 percent water.
• Its water content helps to reduce inflammation which contributes to conditions like diabetes, asthma, arthritis and colon cancer.
• It is considered one of the best foods for weight loss, because it is a high volume food, meaning it takes up less space for very few calories.
• Watermelon is an excellent source of lycopene. In many studies, lycopene has shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
• It is a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A.
• Watermelon is rich in B vitamins- B1 and B6, magnesium, potasium, and thiamin.
• The potassium content helps to clean toxic deposits in the kidney.
• Watermelon contains beta-cryptoxanthin. Beta-cryptoxanthin has shown to reduce the risk of lung cancer and in another study, it provided a reduction in the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. More: Read the rest of this entry…

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Benefits of Spirulina

Spirulina is a member of the blue-green algae family that became famous after it was used by NASA as a part of the astronauts diet on space missions. It is a cyanobacterium, which is the phylum for bacteria which use photosynthesis for energy. It grows in fresh water. It only flourishes in extremely high pH alkaline lakes and in large controlled outdoor ponds. If you were to view it under a microscope, you would see the wonderful green spiral, which is how it got its name.
Spirulina is proven safe by many toxicological research studies. It is listed by the US Food and Drug Administration under the category GRAS, which stands for “Generaly Recognzed as Safe.” It is important to know that spirulina can get contaminated by environmental toxins. Since the March 2011 Fukushima incident, you must be careful where you get your spirulina and sea vegetables from. Spirulina should be high quality, organic and pollutant free.
Spirulina is 70% protein by weight. It has 8 essential amino acids plus 10 non-essential ones. Spirulina has more protein than soybeans, beef or chicken. It has nutrients unlike any herb, grain or plant. It also contains gamma linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, phycocyanin, chlorophyll, vitamin B12, other B complex vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, magnesium, chromium, iodine, phosphorus, selenium, zinc and beta-carotene. In fact, spirulina is a richer source of beta-carotene than carrots.

Here are the benefits of spirulina:

• It increases antioxidant protection.
• Spirulina lowers chloesterol and triglyceride levels.
• It improves the gastrointestinal health, helps the digestive process and creates flora in the digestive tract.
• Spirulina slows the aging process.
• It can help to decrease candidas albicans.
• It detoxifies the body of radiation.
• Spirulina helps to improve bone marrow and spleen, thus producing more red and white blood cells.
• It contains thyroid-supporting minerals iodine and tyrosine.
• Spirulina has anti-inflammatory properties which helps to improve nasal allergies.
• It is especially beneficial for people who are hypoglycemic because it stabilizes blood sugar levels.
• It promotes weight loss if needed.
• Spirulina is beneficial for the skin. It improves sun spots, acne, eczema and rashes.
• It is good for the eyes. It helps to improve vision and also with glaucoma and cataracts.
• Spirulina reduces eye spasms.
• Spirulina with zinc is useful for treating arsenic poisoning. It also helps to rid the body of lead, mercury and other toxins

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Carrot Beet Juice

• 4-5 carrots
• 3-4 small beets

I also call this a healthy liver juice. This is very good for detoxing the body especially the liver and kidneys. This may cause you to be a little dizzy. That’s just part of the detox.  beet juice  and carrot juice are excellent as a liver detox juice.

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Ginger Juice Recipes

• 1 cup of broccoli (stems and flowers)
• 1-2 apples (remvove seeds and stem)
• 1 cucumber
• 1 inch piece of ginger

I only used one apple for this, if you like it sweeter add another apple.
Broccoli is helpful in repairing sun damaged skin and it also helps to prevent it. Cruciferous vegetables have so many health benefits. How often do you eat them? How often do you juice them?

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Chlorophyll Benefits

Liquid Chlorophyll can be bought in a health food store or online. But even better than that, did you know you can add chlorophyll to your diet by drinking smoothies and fresh organic juices every day?
Chlorophyll is the pigment that makes algae, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and every plant green. It is the most important molecule in photosynthesis which allows plants to receive energy from light.
Our blood and chlorophyll have structures very similar. Hemoglobin is made up of four elements- hydrogen, carbon, oxygen and nitrogen built around iron. Chlorophyll is constructed of the identical elements built around magnesium. It’s green blood! Isn’t it amazing that we humans breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide and our green plants and trees do the opposite?

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Dandelion Greens

• handful of dandelion greens
• handful of kale
• 1 large cucumber(peeled if waxed)
• 2 honey crisp apples (deseeded)
• handful of cilantro

Honey crisp apples are in season and can be found at almost every grocery store. I noticed the organic and non-organic honey crisps were very different physically. The non-organic honey crisps were much larger, shiner and without any blemishes. The organic ones were small and had lots of little blemishes. Ofcourse I bought the organic honey crisps. They are super sweet and delicious.
I found lots of dandelion greens in the yard this morning. The yard is pesticide free and safe to eat. I picked the greens along with a few flowers. I rinsed them well and let them soak in spring water before adding them to the juice.

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Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of my favorite beauty products. It also has a long list of numerous health benefits. First, let me tell you all the ways you can use this for your outer body, head to toe. For starters, you can use it as a facial and body lotion. It makes your skin silky smooth. On your face and neck it works wonderfully even under make up. Speaking of make up, you can use it to remove make up! I was reluctant to use coconut oil on my face, thinking I would break out. Coconut oil will not cause break outs. It absorbs nicely and leaves your skin smooth and dewy looking. I love using it in place of body lotion. Coconut oil also helps to relieve eczema, body odor, dry areas, preventing fungal infections and blemishes.
Coconut oil will work wonders on your hair. I use it as a daily conditioner and deep conditioner every couple of weeks. After shampooing, I like to rub a half teaspoon in my hands and then all over my hair especially the ends. No need to rinse. Since I have been using it I have noticed my hair is much stronger, shinier and thicker. The smoothies and juices are partly responsible for that, too. For deep conditioning, use 3-4 spoons and massage in scalp all the way to ends. Leave in overnight, if possible, or at least for an hour, then rinse and shampoo lightly. Make sure you are using a good shampoo that doesn’t strip your hair. Some people have also reported less gray hairs after using coconut oil. Adding a few drops of lavender oil is nice and calming and makes your hair smell really good

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Benefits of Juicing

Why juice? Juicing is the best way to get the nutrients  from many different vegetables. More than likely you will not eat a half a head of cabbage, three celery stalks, several leaves of kale, two to three carrots, a cucumber, a handful or parsley and a potato. But by juicing you could drink this before you even have breakfast. How many fresh vegetables do eat every day?
Juicing helps you absorb all the good nutrition, including antioxidants, from vegetables and fruits. Most of us have impaired digestion from years of improper food choices. This limits our body’s ability to work properly and absorb the much needed nutrients from fruits and vegetables. Very little digestive energy is necessary to process fresh fruit and vegetable juices so your digestive system will get break and all the nutritional goodness will get in your system quickly

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Young Thai Coconuts are Safe

I love young Thai coconuts! When I heard that they were sprayed or soaked in chemicals, I was very concerned. But here’s what I found.
After the outer green husk of the young coconut is removed, the young Thai coconuts are soaked for 2 to 5 minutes in solution mixed with sodium metabisulfite, which is used in preserving foods and wine making. It is also used as a bleaching agent in paper and textile industries.  Some people can be allergic to this. It can cause respiratory problems including shortening of breathe, wheezing, coughing and skin reactions. Without this post harvest treatment, the fiber of the coconut would turn reddish brown after husking. The fiber is also prone to fungus and mold.  The coconuts would look very unappealing and most of us would not want to buy it. After they are dried, the coconuts are wrapped in plastic and sent away to survive the long journey to stores and farms around the world.
They are Safe!
Matt Amsden of RAWvolution, had his coconuts tested a Michelson Laboratories, an accredited microbiology and chemical testing lab in Commerce, California. The results came back and showed that his Thai coconuts were never in contact with formaldehyde.
There is an article on the internet that shows a coconut that was soaked 3 hours  in dye and it did not penetrate the shell.  The coconut shell is a very strong barrier which keeps anything from penetrating into the juice and the meat. See the sources below for the report.
A publication by the Journal of Chromatography A revealed that two methods were used to determine 11 pesticides in coconut water. Limits of detection ranged from 0.002 to 2.0 mg/kg. The analytical procedures were applied to 15 samples and no detectable amounts of the pesticides were found in any samples under the conditions described.
Source: Determination of pesticide residues in coconut water by liquid–liquid extraction and gas chromatography with electron-capture plus thermionic specific detection and solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (N. M. Britoa et al., Journal of Chromatography A, Volume 957, Issue 2, 31 May 2002, Pages 201-209)
Since young Thai coconuts have become so commercial, pesticides and fertilizers are used on export farms. I personally feel that conventionally grown raw young Thai coconuts are a far healthier choice than pasteurized organic bottled coconut water.
Tips
Use your knife to cut away the husk around the top area to make it easier to cut into the shell.  Then use the heel of the knife to hit it once hard. You can then pry the coconut open and pull the top off as pictured above.
Always wash your hands well after handling the raw coconuts.
Be sure to scoop the inside out and get the meat. It’s the best part!
Also, if a coconut is has a slight pink color on the inside, it means it has been exposed to heat. It is unclear whether this happens on the tree or during transport.  I have read articles that report that coconut water will also turn pink when exposed to air. I have also seen some bottled coconut waters that claim it is naturally occurring. I am not sure about the safeness of eating and drinking young Thai coconuts that have turned pink, so my thoughts on it are like the old saying, when in doubt, do without.
When selecting young Thai coconuts always look closely at the bottom. Choose coconuts that are uniformly smooth and don’t have any signs of pinking or other discoloration.
Vitamins, amino acids and minerals
Coconut water contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, sodium, iron and copper. It is rich in essential amino acids such as lysine, cystine, leucine, phenylalanine, tryptophan and histidine. The levels of  arginine,  cysteine, alanine, and serine is higher than those of cow’s milk. Coconut water also contains B complex vitamins and ascorbic acid.
Did you know?
Coconut water is called the “Fluid of Life.”
During the WWII in the Pacific, coconut water was siphoned directly from the coconuts to wounded soldiers for emergency plasma transfusions.
It helps to dissolves kidney stones by flushing the stones faster.
Reduces urinary tract infections.
Boosts metabolism and controls weight.
There are so many uses for coconut water, see more from the sources below.

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Benefits of Raw Garlic

Did you know that garlic is one of the most ancient medicinal foods in the world? In the ancient world, garlic was fed to soldiers and slaves to keep them in good health. Today it is available in all kinds of tasty dishes, but the best way to get the maximum benefits of garlic is eat it raw and crushed. Like most vegetables, its potency is harmed when cooked.
The key compound in garlic is an amino acid called allicin. When raw garlic is crushed or chopped, alliin reacts with the enzyme allinase. Garlic was designed so that the alliin and the allinase were in different parts of the garlic plant. They are meant to react and protect the garlic plant when it was crushed. Together the action of the enzyme allinase with the amino acid, alliin produces allicin. Allicin is what is responsible for the amazing health benefits of raw garlic. If you were to eat raw garlic whole without crushing it, you would miss the good benefits of it! So always crush the garlic or chop it fine to get the benefits. It is best to use garlic as fresh as possible as allicin starts to diminish quickly after its produced.
Did you know that garlic lowers cholesterol? The Journal of the Royal College of Physicians, supplements of garlic were given for 4 weeks and they were shown to lower total serum cholesterol levels by 12 percent. Plus the garlic raised the HDL cholesterol, the good, protective cholesterol, by 4 to 15 percent. It also lowers triglyceride levels by up to 17 percent.
Raw garlic can also reduce plaque. The allicin helps to prevent platelets in the blood from sticking together.
Garlic is also a good preventative for the common cold. Raw garlic exerts antimicrobial activity against viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. Its good for lungs, for treating asthma, bronchitis, inflammation, rashes, bug bites. tooth aches, ear infection and other infections including Staph and MRSA. Unlike antibiotics that actually weaken your immune system, garlic actually boosts your immune system.
In 2008, Dr. Ron Cutler and the University of East London released the results from a human clinical study performed on 52 patients with hospital acquired MRSA. All 52 patients were treated with a form of stabilized allicin and recovered fully from their MRSA infections. Many of the wounds healed in just 4 to 12 weeks and many of the patients had previously been treated with multiple antibiotics with no improvement.
EPIC, The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition conducted a study with women and men from 10 different countries. Results showed that higher consumption of garlic and onion were associated with a reduced risk of intestinal cancer.
The Iowa Women’s Study reported results from their study “women who consumed the highest amounts of garlic had a 50 percent lower risk of cancer of the distal colon compared with women who had the lowest level of garlic consumption.”
Studies in China, found that frequent consumption of garlic, onions and chives was associated with reduced risk of esophageal and stomach and prostate cancer.
A study conducted in the San Francisco Bay area found that pancreatic cancer risk was 54 percent lower in people who ate larger amounts of garlic compared with those who ate lower amounts.
In France, a study found that increased garlic consumption was associated with a statistically significant reduction in breast cancer risk. After considering total calorie intake and other established risk factors, breast cancer risk was reduced in those consuming greater amounts of fiber, garlic, and onions.
Several population studies show an association between increased intake of garlic and reduced risk of certain cancers, including cancers of the stomach, colon, esophagus, pancreas, and breast cancer.
Convinced that you should never pass on the garlic? I am. I think we should eat garlic as often as possible, who cares if we stink! We will be boosting our immune systems and reaping all kinds of wonderful health benefits. So eat garlic often!
Sources
Michelle Moore, Microbiologist, Researcher and Natural Health Advocate http://www.staph-infection-resources.com/
Arthur Haines, Delta Institute of Natural History

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6 Best Manuka Honey According to Reviews

Manuka honey is one of nature's best healing foods. It is a specialized raw honey made by bees that pollinate the Manuka bush in New Zealand. It can be used to treat infections, acid reflux, stomach ulcers, sore throats, acne, and much more. Even some hospitals are bandaging patients' wounds with Manuka in order to prevent MRSA and other infections.
If you've decided to tap into the power of the bees and buy some Manuka, we've created this list of the highest rated Manuka honey for sale on Amazon according to reviews. The important thing to keep in mind is that you want to buy one with a UMF rating higher than 10 so you'll be getting all of the medicinal properties you possibly can.
Manuka honey is expensive but most people (including me) who've used it say it's worth the money and a lot less expensive in the long run than antibiotics or other medications. (Not to mention the side effects those drugs may have.) Of course, you should always consult your doctor before stopping any medications or treating yourself with alternative remedies.
Here are the 6 best Manuka honey according to reviews on Amazon.
1. Wedderspoon Raw Organic Manuka Honey Active 16+
The highest rated manuka honey on Amazon is Wedderspoon Raw Organic Manuka Honey Active 16+, 17.6-Ounce Jar with 164 five star reviews and 30 four star reviews out of a tota of 220 reviews as of this writing. Indeed, Wedderspoon is considered by many to be one of the best Manuka honeys on the market.
Reviewers say that it is "excellent quality," stomach pain is "gone," "calms my heartburn," "very pleased with this honey," "cleared up my eczema," and "pain free for the first time in years," flavor is "to die for," "more restful sleep," "a cure-all," and "worth every penny."

2. Manuka Health Active MGO 400+ (Old 20+) Manuka Honey
Number two on the list is Active MGO 400+ (Old 20+) Manuka Honey 100% Pure by Manuka Health New Zealand Ltd. - 8.75 oz jar.
Reviewers said it "curbed my acid reflux," "coughing bouts are much less," "expensive but worth it," "cheaper than doctor visit," and "great healing benefits."

3. Wedderspoon Raw Organic Manuka Honey Active 12+
Third is another from Wedderspoon, Wedderspoon Raw Organic Manuka Honey Active 12+ (500g), 17.6-Ounce Jar.
Reviewers said this was "good stuff," "really helped a lot," "just amazing," "all the symptoms disappeared," "taste is just amazing," and "will buy it again."


4. East Cape New Zealand Manuka Honey UMF 15+
Next is East Cape New Zealand Manuka Honey UMF 15+ 17.6 oz size. This Manuka comes with an analysis report from Hill Laboratories verifying that it is what it says it is.
Reviews said it is the "best Manuka Honey on the market," "high quality," "really worked for me," "effective and delicious," "eyelids started to clear up," and the price was "well worth it."

5. Airborne New Zealand Manuka Honey
Fifth on the list is Airborne New Zealand Manuka Honey 18oz. According to the company, their manuka honey always scores as having anti-bacterial properties beyond regular honey on a level of 8-12. They claim their honey is naturally dark, unlike other brands that sell their manuka in brown jars to make it look darker.
Reviewers said it is "sooo delicious," "absolutely fantastic," "kosher certified," "soothing," and "will be a repeat customer."

6. Haddrell's of Cambridge 100% Raw UMF 16+ Active Manuka Honey
Finally, there's Haddrell's of Cambridge 100% RAW UMF 16+ ACTIVE MANUKA HONEY.
On the positive side, reviewers said: "it is working wonders for me," "I'm hooked," and "wonderful and very healing." On the negative side, one person said it is "not the best manuka" and has a "flimsy lid."

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6 Health Benefits of Vitamin E

The fat-soluble vitamin E actually describes a group of eight related compounds called tocopherols. Here are six health benefits of vitamin E.

Antioxidants
Vitamin E, along with other vitamins C, B3, selenium and glutathione, battle against oxidative stress caused by free radicals within our bodies. If not properly checked, the free radicals can damage our cells and possibly lead to diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer.

Skin Protection
Whether applied topically or ingested, vitamin E has been conclusively shown to protect our skin from ultraviolet radiation, thus guarding us from both skin cancer and premature aging.

Cancer Prevention
Studies have reported that a diet rich in vitamin E may lessen the probability of bladder cancer (the fourth leading cancer killer among men) by nearly 50%. Whereas alpha-tocopherol prevents bladder cancer, the combination of and gamma- and delta-tocopherol checks the onset of prostate cancer by effectively causing the cancerous cell to self-destruct without harming neighboring healthy cells.

Metabolism Booster
Vitamin E interrupts the development of nitrosamines (carcinogens formed in the stomach), which improves the body's metabolic function.

Anti-Inflammatory
Research has also shown that gamma-tocopherol possesses anti-inflammatory effects that can combat arthritis, rheumatism, asthma, and other inflammatory disorders linked to chronic inflammation.

Alzheimer's Disease
A recent study at Rush University showed that a vitamin high in vitamin E (a combination of tocopherol forms, not including alpha-tocopherol) lowered the risk of Alzheimer's Disease by 67% in subjects.

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11 Health Benefits of Spinach

It is difficult to overestimate the nutritional powerhouse that is spinach. Here are eleven reasons why spinach should find its way into your grocery bag.
Diet
One cup of spinach has nearly 20% of the RDA of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar, and curbs overeating.

Cancer
Flavonoids -- a phytonutrient with anti-cancer properties abundant in spinach -- have been shown to slow down cell division in human stomach and skin cancer cells. Furthermore, spinach has shown significant protection against the occurrence of aggressive prostate cancer.

Anti-Inflammatory
Neoxanthin and violaxanthin are two anti-inflammatory epoxyxanthophylls that play an important role in regulation of inflammation and are present in unusual amounts in spinach.

Antioxidants
The vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, manganese, zinc and selenium present in spinach all serve as powerful antioxidants that combat the onset of osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.
Blood Pressure
By inhibiting the angiotensin I-converting enzyme, peptides within spinach have been shown to effectively lower blood pressure.

Vision
Both antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin are especially plentiful in spinach and protect the eye from cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Immunity
One cup of spinach contains over 337% of the RDA of vitamin A that not only protects and strengthens "entry points" into the human body, such as mucous membranes, respiratory, urinary and intestinal tracts, but is also a key component of lymphocytes (or white blood cells) that fight infection.

Skin
The high amount of vitamin A in spinach also promotes healthy skin by allowing for proper moisture retention in the epidermis, thus fighting psoriasis, keratinization, acne and even wrinkles.

Bones
One cup of boiled spinach provides over 1000% of the RDA of vitamin K that can prevent excess activation of osteoclasts (the cells that break down bones), as well as promote the synthesis of osteocalcin, the protein that is essential for maintaining the strength and density of our bones.

Calcification
Vitamin K is a crucial component of the process called carboxylation, which produces the matrix Gla protein that directly prevents calcium from forming in tissue. Eating one cup of spinach contributes to this process that fights atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Brain and Nervous Function
The abundance of vitamin K in spinach contributes greatly to a healthy nervous system and brain function by providing an essential part for the synthesis of sphingolipids, the crucial fat that makes up the Myelin sheath around our nerves.

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11 Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice

omegranate juice has become popular in the past few years, but does it really live up to the hype? It looks like it.
Several recent studies have shown significant potential health benefits from drinking pomegranate juice. Here are eleven:
Fights Breast Cancer
Studies in Israel show that pomegranate juice destroys breast cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. It may also prevent breast cancer cells from forming.
Lung Cancer Prevention
Studies in mice show that pomegranate juice may inhibit the development of lung cancer.
Slows Prostate Cancer
It slowed the growth of prostate cancer in mice.
Keeps PSA Levels Stable
In a study of 50 men who had undergone treatment for prostate cancer, 8 ounces of pomegranate juice per day kept PSA levels stable, reducing the need for further treatment such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy.
Protects the Neonatal Brain
Studies show that maternal consumption of pomegranate juice may protect the neonatal brain from damage after injury.
Prevention of Osteoarthritis
Several studies indicate that pomegranate juice may prevent cartilage deterioration.
Protects the Arteries
It prevents plaque from building up in the arteries and may reverse previous plaque buildup.

Alzheimer's Disease Prevention It may prevent and slow Alzheimer's disease. In one study, mice bred to develop Alzheimer's disease were given pomegranate juice. They accumulated significantly less amyloid plaque than control mice and they performed mental tasks better. Lowers Cholesterol
It lowers LDL (bad cholesterol) and raises HDL (good cholesterol).
Lowers Blood Pressure
One study showed that drinking 1.7 ounces of pomegranate juice per day lowered systolic blood pressure by as much as 5 percent.
Dental Protection
Research suggests that drinking pomegranate juice may be a natural way to prevent dental plaque.

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How to Keep Your Sight for Life

Most Americans report that, of all disabilities, loss of eyesight would have the greatest impact on their daily life, according to a recent survey by the NIH's National Eye Institute (NEI). Vision loss ranks ahead of loss of memory, speech, arm or leg, and hearing. After all, 80 percent of the sensory information the brain receives comes from our eyes.
Still, it may be surprising to learn that losing eyesight is not a normal part of aging. What's more, the NEI reports that most cases of blindness can be prevented through early detection and treatment of eye diseases.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the National Eye Institute (NEI). Its research and funding have helped prevent and treat eye diseases and vision disorders and enabled great strides in the understanding of eye health. Still, tens of millions of people of all ages suffer vision loss from very common, correctable conditions because they don't understand their own eyes.
Blindness or low vision affects 3.3 million Americans age 40 and over. That's one person in 28, according to one recent NEI-funded study. This figure is projected to reach 5.5 million by the year 2020. Low vision and blindness increase significantly with age, particularly in people over age 65. People 80 years of age and older currently make up 8 percent of the population, but account for 69 percent of blindness.
"As vision research advances, we are finding newer and better ways to detect and treat eye diseases," says NEI Director Paul A. Sieving, M.D., Ph.D. "Programs that educate people about early detection and treatment will become even more important."

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Onions are Beneficial for Your Health

What would life be like without onions? The onion has been used as an ingredient in various dishes for thousands of years by many cultures around the world. World onion production is steadily increasing so that onion is now the second most important horticultural crop after tomatoes.

There are many different varieties of onion, red, yellow, white, and green, each with their own unique flavor, from very strong to mildly sweet. Onions can be eaten raw, cooked, fried, dried or roasted. They are commonly used to flavor dips, salads, soups, spreads, stir-fry and other dishes.

Onions (Allium cepa) belong to the lily family, the same family as garlic, leeks, chives, scallions and shallots.There are over 600 species of Allium, distributed all over Europe, North America, Northern Africa and Asia. The plants can be used as ornamentals, vegetables, spices, or as medicine. There are over 120 different documented uses of the Alliums.

Onion and other Allium vegetables are characterized by their rich content of thiosulfinates, sulfides, sulfoxides, and other odoriferous sulfur compounds. The cysteine sulfoxides are primarily responsible for the onion flavor and produce the eye-irritating compounds that induce lacrimation. The thiosulfinates exhibit antimicrobial properties. Onion is effective against many bacteria including Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella, and E. coli. Onion is not as potent as garlic since the sulfur compounds in onion are only about one-quarter the level found in garlic.

The Value of Onions

Onions have a variety of medicinal effects. Early American settlers used wild onions to treat colds, coughs, and asthma, and to repel insects. In Chinese medicine, onions have been used to treat angina, coughs, bacterial infections, and breathing problems.

The World Health Organization (WHO) supports the use of onions for the treatment of poor appetite and to prevent atherosclerosis. In addition, onion extracts are recognized by WHO for providing relief in the treatment of coughs and colds, asthma and bronchitis. Onions are known to decrease bronchial spasms. An onion extract was found to decrease allergy-induced bronchial constriction in asthma patients.

Onions are a very rich source of fructo-oligosaccharides. These oligomers stimulate the growth of healthy bifidobacteria and suppress the growth of potentially harmful bacteria in the colon. In addition, they can reduce the risk of tumors developing in the colon.

Cardiovascular Help

Onions contain a number of sulfides similar to those found in garlic which may lower blood lipids and blood pressure. In India, communities that never consumed onions or garlic had blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels substantially higher, and blood clotting times shorter, than the communities that ate liberal amounts of garlic and onions. Onions are a rich source of flavonoids, substances known to provide protection against cardiovascular disease. Onions are also natural anticlotting agents since they possess substances with fibrinolytic activity and can suppress platelet-clumping. The anticlotting effect of onions closely correlates with their sulfur content.

Cancer Prevention

Onion extracts, rich in a variety of sulfides, provide some protection against tumor growth. In central Georgia where Vidalia onions are grown, mortality rates from stomach cancer are about one-half the average level for the United States. Studies in Greece have shown a high consumption of onions, garlic and other allium herbs to be protective against stomach cancer.

Chinese with the highest intake of onions, garlic, and other Allium vegetables have a risk of stomach cancer 40 percent less than those with the lowest intake. Elderly Dutch men and women with the highest onion consumption (at least one-half onion/day) had one-half the level of stomach cancer compared with those consuming no onions at all.

Western Yellow, New York Bold, and Northern Red onions have the richest concentration of flavonoids and phenolics, providing them with the greatest antioxidant and anti-proliferative activity of 10 onions tested. The mild-tasting Western White and Vidalia onions had the lowest antioxidant content and lowest anti-proliferative activity. The consumer trend to increasingly purchase the less pungent, milder onion varieties may not be the best, since the onions with a stronger flavor and higher astringency appear to have superior health-promoting properties.

Use and Safety

Onions have a universal appeal. They are safely consumed by most people. However, consuming large quantities of onions can lead to stomach distress and gastrointestinal irritation that may result in nausea and diarrhea. There are no known interactions with drugs except that they can potentiate the action of anticoagulants.

Conclusion

Onions, and other Allium species, are highly valued herbs possessing culinary and medicinal value. Some of their beneficial properties are seen after long-term usage. Onion may be a useful herb for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, especially since they diminish the risk of blood clots. Onion also protects against stomach and other cancers, as well as protecting against certain infections. Onion can improve lung function, especially in asthmatics. The more pungent varieties of onion appear to possess the greatest concentration of health-promoting phytochemicals.

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Bell Pepper Benefits

Bell pepper, also referred to as sweet pepper, is available in a wide array of colors and flavors. Bell peppers are native to Mexico and some parts of South America.

The color and flavor of a bell pepper depends on the variety of the pepper plant and the stage of ripeness. As a bell pepper ages, its flavor becomes sweeter and milder. The fruit is frequently consumed in the unripe form, when the bell pepper is still green.

Benefits of Bell Peppers

Bell peppers offer extensive health benefits. Bell peppers are nutrient-rich and contain nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, folic acid, beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. The various health benefits of bell peppers are often linked to metabolism, insulin levels, pain control, weight loss, natural cold remedies and endorphin levels.

Prevention of Cataracts and Heart Problems

The Vitamin C and beta-carotene in bell peppers help prevent cataracts and several other vision-related diseases. Elderly people can thus benefit from consuming bell peppers.

Bell peppers also contain capsaicin and flavonoids, which prevent blood clots and reduce cholesterol levels. The combined action of the two elements greatly reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Cancer and Heart Diseases

While all varieties of bell pepper are rich in nutrients and good for health, red bell peppers pack the biggest health punch. Red bell peppers are known to be more beneficial because of their higher nutrient content. They are particularly helpful in preventing most cancers and heart problems.

Antioxidant Benefits

Bell peppers contain antioxidants that enable better blood circulation, promote optimal health and reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease. Bell peppers are enriched with Vitamin A and they promote lung health, while building immunity against smoking and pollution. The Vitamin C in bell peppers helps fight rheumatoid arthritis by making the joints strong and flexible.

Intake

Less than 4 ounces of raw bell pepper can provide an adult body with significant amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, thiamine and folic acid.

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:: Benefits of Fish Oil

All the Health Benefits of Fish Oil

Some people wonder, as this writer once did, what is the purpose of fish oil?

You have seen it in the vitamin aisles, standing among dozens of other herbal vitamin and mineral supplements. But you know nothing about fish oil. Does it have any benefits?

Much research has been conducted on this subject. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which offer several benefits. Many people do not get the required daily amount of these fatty acids in their diet. They would definitely benefit from increased intake. Among other things, the benefits of fish oil include maintaining a healthy heart.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for our bodies. However, they must be derived from a food source. Enter fish oil!

Linolenic acid can be obtained by consuming fats, oils, nuts and soybeans. Two other omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can be created by the body when linolenic acid is present. Both of these can be derived from seafood. These acids are very important for the development of brain and nervous system functions as well as eyesight.

These acids are also believed to be beneficial in reducing the risk of arthritis, high blood pressure, some cancers and heart disease.

There is currently no recommended daily allowance (RDA) for omega-3 fatty acids, but it is believed that 200 mg a day will help you reap the benefits of fish oil; more so, if fish does not feature on your diet too often.

Understanding the benefits of fish oil and incorporating it into your diet will keep your heart and body healthy, especially as you become older more susceptible to heart disease.

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