health benefits of almond

Lung Cancer

A diet rich in pistachios may provide some protection from lung cancer, according to preliminary research presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research Conference. The researchers theorize that the almond's richness in gamma-tocopherol, a type of vitamin E, may be the key to cancer protection, although further research is required.

Brain Health

Thanks to the healthy dose of vitamin E that nuts can deliver, they are considered a brain food -- helping to prevent cognitive decline that happens with age. almond  (even though they are legumes, we commonly group them with nuts), in particular, may be a good choice because they are high in the B-vitamin folate, which improves neural health, reducing risk of cognitive decline.

Beyond protecting against age-associated problems, a British Journal of Nutrition study found tha talmond may improve working memory (not just reference memories), problem-solving and motor function -- at least in rats!

 They provide healthy fats and aid in weight loss:

Although nuts are high in fat, frequent nut eaters are thinner on average than those who almost never consume nuts. (Data from the Nurses’ Health Study)
Those who ate nuts at least two times per week were 31 percent less likely to gain weight than were those who never or seldom ate them in a study involving 8865 adults.

Decrease  ‘Bad’ Cholesterol:

  One clinical study showed that almonds added to the diet had a favorable effect on blood cholesterol levels and that none of the study groups experienced weight gain in the study by Dr. Gene Spiller, Director of the Health Research and Studies Center, Inc.

They alkalize the body

Almonds are the only nut and one of the few proteins that are alkaline forming.  When your body is not alkaline enough, you risk osteoporosis, poor immune function, low energy and weight gain.

Fabulous benefits of Sesame

One of the first oil seeds known to humankind, sesame seeds have been widely employed in culinary

as well as traditional medicines for their nutritive, preventive, and curative properties. Sesame are an

important sources of phyto-nutrients such as omega-6 fatty acids, flavonoid phenolic anti-oxidants,

vitamins, and dietary fiber with potential anti-cancer as well as health promoting properties.


list of its benefits : 

1- Rich In Beneficial Minerals , as copper which  plays an important role in the activity of lysyl oxidase,  an enzyme needed for the cross-linking of collagen and elastin—the ground substances that provide  structure, strength and elasticity in blood vessels, bones and joints. Magnesium which Preventing the airway spasm in asthma, Lowering high blood pressure, a contributing factor in heart attack, stroke, and diabetic heart disease , and finally Preventing the trigeminal blood vessel spasm that triggers migraine attacks.  Calcium which Prevent Colon Cancer, Osteoporosis, Migraine and Premenstrual syndrome .

2-  Prevent Diabetes:  One study, published in 2011 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found  that sesame oil “improved the effectiveness of the oral antidiabetic drug glibenclamide in type 2 diabetic patients”. Another study concluded that “substitution of sesame oil as the sole edible oil has an additive effect in further lowering BP and plasma glucose in hypertensive diabetics.


3- protect from cancer : Sesame seeds contain anti-cancer compounds including phytic acid, magnesium and phytosterols , Manganese , Copper , calcium , zinc , fiber , Vitamin B6 . Sesame seeds have the highest phytosterol content of all seeds and nuts.


4- fantastic for nerves : 100 g of sesame contains 97 µg of folic acid , about 25% of recommended daily intake. Folic acid is essential for DNA synthesis. When given to expectant mothers during their peri-conception period, it may prevent neural tube defects in the newborns. also niacin is another B-complex vitamin found abundantly in sesame. About 4.5 mg or 28% of daily-required levels of niacin is provided by just 100 g of seeds. Niacin helps reduce LDL-cholesterol levels in the blood. In addition, it enhances GABA activity inside the brain, which in turn helps reduce anxiety and neurosis.


5- For Healthy Skin : The high zinc content helps produce collagen, giving skin more elasticity and helping repair damaged body tissues. Regular use of sesame oil can reduce skin cancer

Health benefits of ginger

Ginger is thought to have originated in the Himalayan foothills of Northern India. Today, it is widely grown all over the world as a major commercial spice crop. Ginger plant grows to about a meter in height and features thin grass like dark-green leaves and small yellow flowers.

Cancer

Ginger root contains a very high level of antioxidants. Ginger has the ability to induce cell death (apoptosis) and suppress certain protein. According to some studies, ginger may be a powerful weapon against cancers.

Analgesic 

Got an ache? Ginger can help. Its anti-inflammatory properties help make sore muscles, creaky joints and even arthritis feel better, naturally.

Reduce menstrual pain

Ginger, when taken at the beginning of the menstrual period, can reduce symptoms of menstrual pain in some women. Here are some tried and tested tips to relieve menstrual pain.

Anti-coagulant

  Add ginger in most of your cooking or add a teaspoonful of young ginger juice in your beverages to enjoy the anticoagulant properties of ginger. It helps make blood platelets less sticky which in turn reduces your risk of atherosclerosis.

Prevention of Diabetic Nephropathy

A study done on diabetic rats found that those rats given ginger had a reduced incidence of diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage).

Arthritis

The analgesic and anti-inflammatory property of ginger may help reduce joint pain of arthritis in some people. To help relieve muscle and joint ache, add some ginger oil into bath.

amazing benefits of green tea

Green tea is the healthiest beverage on the planet.

It is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients that have powerful effects on the body.

This includes improved brain function, fat loss, a lower risk of cancer and many other incredible benefits.

List of its benefits : 


Weight Loss: 

 Green tea increases the metabolism. The polyphenol found in green tea works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which your body turns food into calories.

Bone Health :

Routine tea consumption, especially for more than 10 years, has been associated with decreasing the risk of osteoporotic fractures. It's thought that tea helps diminish bone loss through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, tea's health-promoting properties are thought to suppress the breakdown of bone while increasing the amount and activity of bone building cells.

 Improve Brain Function and Make You Smarter :

Green tea does more than just keep you awake, it can also make you smarter. The key active ingredient is caffeine, which is a known stimulant.It doesn’t contain as much as coffee, but enough to produce a response without causing the “jittery” effects associated with too much caffeine.

What caffeine does in the brain is to block an inhibitory neurotransmitter called Adenosine. This way, it actually increases the firing of neurons and the concentration of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.

Heart Disease: 

 Scientists think, green tea works on the lining of blood vessels, helping keep them stay relaxed and better able to withstand changes in blood pressure. It may also protect against the formation of clots, which are the primary cause of heart attacks.

Esophageal Cancer: 

 It can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer, but it is also widely thought to kill cancer cells in general without damaging the healthy tissue around them.

Magic health benefits of guava

Guava belongs to the myrtle family. It is tropical fruit easily available in the market. It guava health benefits and nutrition facts is inexpensive but highly rich in nutrients. Due to its high nutrient content it becomes healthy food.

The list of its benefits :


Immunity:


 Guava is an excellent source of Vitamin C. It contains 228 mg of Vitamin C which is equal to 338% of RDA required in the daily diet. With a high amount of Vitamin C, an antioxidants it increases immune system function. It increases immunity to protect against common diseases like cough, cold and flu. It also increases immune system function to protect from infections.


Cancer Prevention:

 One of the most celebrated and important benefits of adding guava to your diet is its ability to inhibit the growth and metastasis of cancerous cells. There have been numerous studies done in recent years on guava’s effects primarily on prostate cancer, breast cancer, and oral cancers. Guava leaf oil is extremely successful as an anti-proliferative substance, and has actually been shown to be more effective than some leading modern medicines in reducing cancerous growth. Guavas are also rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to be wildly successful in reducing prostate cancer risk. That same antioxidant has also shown to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells, although further human trials need to be done.

Maintain Blood Pressure:

 Guava contains good amount of potassium. Potassium is required to maintain sodium level. Also high potassium is required to maintain fluid level i.e. to balance electrolyte. Thus it helps to maintain high blood pressure, and it reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.


Constipation: 

Guava is one of the richest sources of dietary fiber in terms of fruit. Its seeds, if ingested whole or chewed, serve as excellent laxatives. These two properties of guava help the formation of healthy bowel movements, and aid the body in retaining water and thoroughly cleaning your intestines and excretory system. It is said that constipation alone can lead to 72 different types of ailments, so any help with constipation is beneficial.


Eye Health:

 Guava contains good amount of Vitamin A. As Vitamin A is antioxidants, so it becomes highly preferred food to be consumed to improve eye health. Due to high antioxidants figs protect eyes from free radicals. Also it effective to prevent retinal damage caused due to free radicals. Thus it improves eye vision and protect from cataract or macular degeneration.

Health benefits of pomegranates

Pomegranates one of the oldest known fruits, found in writings and artifacts of

many cultures  and  religions, the pomegranate (punica granatum) is an 

original native of Persia. This nutrient dense,  antioxidant rich fruit has been

 revered as a symbol of health, fertility and eternal life.


The lists of benefits :



 Prevents cancer


Several studies have proven that the antioxidants and polyphenols present in pomegranate can help prevent the growth of cancer cells and stop them from spreading. Cancer can be a tough condition to handle for both the patient and the caregiver, and if it isn’t detected early then it can even prove fatal.


 keep you young

Chinese herbology cites pomegranate juice as a longevity treatment. And thanks to the pomegranate’s antioxidant extracts, modern science and the cosmetics industry agree that topical application of products containing the ruby red fruit can keep wrinkles at bay. Pomegranate-tinged anti-aging creams, massage oils, masques and toners are readily available.



Cardiovascular protection 

Inhibits abnormal platelet aggregation that could cause heart attacks, strokes and embolic disease, it significantly decreases cholesterol blood levels .


 Aids digestion


You need to consume at least 20-35g of fibre everyday according to dietary guidelines prescribed by Harvard School of Public Health. Pomegranate is a rich source of this vital nutrient that not only helps prevent constipation and keep your digestive system in good health, it also helps you absorb other nutrients more efficiently.

Increases your libido

According to a research conducted by researchers from Queen Margaret University, a glass of pomegranate juice consumed daily helped boost testosterone levels in both men and women. This makes pomegranate a natural aphrodisiac that is great for your sex life.

Bone and  neural  benefits

It has benefits to relieve or protect against depression and osteoporosis.

 Improves the immunity

Eating pomegranates is a great way to boost your immunity as it is rich in Vitamin C. A healthy immune system will keep most diseases and infections at bay, as your body becomes strong enough to fight them. Here are some more foods that can help boost your immunity.

Amazing health benefits of tomato

Tomato, a pulpy nutritious fruit commonly eaten as a vegetable, is another wonderful gift of the Mayans. This humble vegetable of Central America has seized the attention of millions of health seekers for its incredible phyto-chemical properties. Interestingly, it has more health-benefiting compounds than that of an apple!

Botanically, tomate belongs to Solanaceae or nightshade family of common vegetables, which also includes chili peppers, potato, eggplant, etc. Its scientific name is Lycopersicon esculentum.


The list of benefits 


Fight of cancers

Numerous studies have concluded that the more tomatoes people eat the lower their risks of certain cancers, especially lung, stomach and prostate cancers.  A substance called lycopene, which is responsible for tomatoes red color, is thought to be the reason for this cancer protective effect. Processed tomatoes contain even more lycopene than raw ones. The process of cooking breaks down the cell walls, helping to release the lycopene. Eating tomatoes with a little bit of fat, such as olive oil, helps lycopene to be better absorbed by the body.


Maintaining blood health

 Research suggests that a single tomato can provide about 40% of the daily vitamin C requirement and also contains vitamin A, potassium, and iron that is essential for maintaining normal blood health. Vitamin K, which is controls bleeding and blood clotting, tomatoes help in blood circulation.


Reduces Cholesterol and Protects the Heart

 The lycopene in tomatoes prevents serum lipid oxidation, thus exerting a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases. The regular consumption of tomatoes has been proven to decrease the levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. These lipids are the key culprits in cardiovascular diseases and lead to the deposition of fats in the blood vessels.

Improves Vision

 Vitamin A, present in tomatoes, aids in improving vision, as well as in preventing night-blindness and macular degeneration. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that can be formed from an excess of beta-carotene in the body. A lot of vision problems occur due to the negative effects of free radicals, and vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant.



Protect of DNA Damage 

Tomatoes are high in important antioxidants such as vitamin C and Vitamin A. These vitamins work to fend of DNA damage from free radicals. Consequently, tomatoes may help to ward off age related diseases such as atherosclerosis and diabetes.


                                                                           

                                                                                                                                                        

A cup of coffee can increase memory power

A US study has shown that caffeine can sharpen your memories for at least 24 hours after it is consumed – long enough to cram for an exam the night before and sit the test the next day.

Caffeine seems to boost the way you lay down memory circuits in your brain, so that you can recall the memory more clearly later on.

Participants in the study, who didn’t regularly eat or drink caffeine, received a placebo or a 200mg caffeine tablet – the same as a large cup of coffee – five minutes after studying some images.

Study leader Michael Yassa, an assistant professor of psychological and brain sciences at Johns Hopkins University, Maryland, said: “Almost all prior studies administered caffeine before the study session, so if there’ is an enhancement, it is not clear if it is due to caffeine’s effects on attention, vigilance, focus or other factors.”                                                    

The next day, both groups were tested on how well they recognised images from the previous day. The caffeine group was significantly better at identifying them.

Usually, when we learn things, memory circuits are first stored in the brain in a temporary form that can easily be forgotten. They slowly consolidate into permanent memories.

These findings suggest caffeine makes this consolidation more efficient, but scientists are still not sure of the biochemical mechanism.

But go easy on the coffee if you’re thinking of trying out the caffeine memory booster.

Scientists point out the effect seems to tail off when volunteers take a higher dose, meaning more caffeine isn’t necessarily better.

Kidney stones and heart disease

It is well established that kidney stones increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. But a new study published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases suggests they may also increase the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke .
                                                     

A kidney stone is an accumulation of waste chemicals in the kidney - calcium, oxalate, cystine, phosphate, xanthine and irate - that become a hard mass. Normally, these chemicals are passed out the body through urine, but they can build up if there is not enough liquid to get rid of them.

Once these stones are formed, they either stay in the kidney or move down the urinary tract into the ureter. Smaller stones can be passed out the body in urine without causing major discomfort, but larger stones may become stuck. Urine can build up behind the stones, causing a lot of pain.

The number of people affected by kidney stones in the US has been steadily increasing over the last 3 decades. It is thought that 1 in 10 people will have a kidney stone at some point in their lives.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, kidney stones have been increasingly linked to an array of health conditions, such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension.

In this latest study - led by Yanqiong Liu of the Department of Clinical Laboratory at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, China - the researchers wanted to see whether kidney stones influenced the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke.

They found that patients with kidney stones were 19% more likely to experience a CHD incident - defined as having a heart attack or arterial bypass surgery - and were 40% more likely to have a stroke, compared with patients who did not have kidney stones.