Healing food

Healing food Could hot cocoa be the next "wonder drug" for high blood pressure? Harvard researchers praise stunningly simple discovery! According to recent estimates, nearly 1-in-3 American adults has high blood pressure. But for the Kuna Indians living on a group of islands off the Caribbean coast of Panama , hypertension  doesn't even exist. In fact, after age 60, the average blood pressure for Kuna Indian islanders is a perfect 110/70.  Is it because they eat less salt? No. Kuna Indians eat as much, if not more salt, than people in the U.S.   Is it due to their genes? No. Kuna Indians who move away from the islands are just as likely to suffer from high blood pressure as anyone else!  So what makes these folks practically "immune" to hypertension -- and lets them enjoy much lower death rates from heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and cancer?  Harvard researchers were stunned to discover it's because they drink about 5 cups of cocoa each day. That's right, cocoa!  Studies show the flavonols in cocoa stimulate your body's production of nitric oxide -- boosting blood flow to your heart, brain, and other organs. In fact, one study found cocoa thins your blood just as well as low-dose aspirin!  But that's not all. A  Harvard Medical School professor claims cocoa can also treat blocked arteries, congestive heart failure, stroke, dementia, even impotence!         Painless cholesterol cure....  Works in just 7 days.... and drives the "food police" crazy! Want to lower your cholesterol so fast it'll make your head spin? It's a breeze, just eat guacamole -- or any dish containing avocados!  Most health experts and nutritionists will tell you this rich, delicious Mexican dish is BANNED from any cholesterol- watcher's menu. But not Dr. Steven Pratt. That's because new research shows eating avocados can lower your cholesterol even faster than drugs... without the side effects!  One study found after just 7 days on a diet including avocados, LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglyceride levelsdropped by 22 percent. Meanwhile, HDL ("good") cholesterol shot up 11 percent -- something most cholesterol- lowering drugs won't do!    The cinnamon cure for high blood sugar.... Sprinkle a little cinnamon on your toast, cereal, oatmeal, or sliced apples. It not only tastes good, it lowers your blood sugar!  In a recent study, people reduced their blood sugar levels by as much as 29 percent in just 40 days. That's with NO drugs, NO diet changes -- just plain old cinnamon!         The fat that blasts away cancer....  You've been told cancer runs in families. You've been told what to eat and what NOT to eat -- including LESS fat. Yet Dr.. Steven Pratt says there's one fat you should eat MORE of. It's the monounsaturated fatcalled oleic acid, found in olive oil!  It should come as no surprise. After all, olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet. And people in  Spain and Greece are far less likely to develop cancer than in the U.S.   But what's really interesting is how olive oil not only preven ts c ancer, it blasts away cancer cells that already exist! So if you're even the slightest bit worried about cancer, this is one SuperFood you don't want to be without!           NEW prostate-protecting champ trumps tomatoes!  Unless you've been asleep under a rock for the past decade, you've heard the news about tomatoes. They contain a potent antioxidant called lycopene that's been proven to reduce the risk of certain cancers -- in particular, prostate cancer.  A famous Harvard study back in 1995 found that out of 48,000 men surveyed, those who ate 10 or more servings of tomatoes a week reduced their risk of prostate cancer by more than one-third. What's more, they lowered their risk of aggressive prostate tumors (the kind that are really tough to treat) by HALF!  But before you reach for that slice of pizza or bottle of ketchup, listen up. What if I told you about a sweet, refreshing food Dr. Steven Pratt recommends that's even better for your prostate than tomatoes?  This NEW prostate protecting champ is watermelon! Ounce for ounce, watermelon is even richer in lycopene than tomatoes. And since you probably eat more watermelon in one sitting than you do tomatoes, you don't have to gorge on it 10 times a week in order to slash your cancer risk! Just a few times a week should do it.   Knock out an ulcer with broccoli?!  About 25 million Americans will suffer from a peptic ulcer at some point in their lives. To get rid of their ulcers, most will take an antibiotic like amoxicillin.  Pretty tame stuff, right? Wrong! Amoxicillin can bring with it unwanted side effects like fever, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, even a yucky condition called "hairy tongue"!  And if you think that's bad, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the cost of treating an ulcer with antibiotics over an average 17-day period can run upward of $1,000!  Fortunately, there's one unconventional treatment with NO side effects Dr. Pratt swears by. "Eat broccoli!" he says. Why?  Broccoli contains a remarkably potent compound called sulforaphane, that kills off the H. pylori bacteria that cause most ulcers. Not only can it knock out an ulcer, eating one serving a day for a month might run you 20 bucks... a fraction of the cost of drugs!

HEALTH TIPS FOR ARMS AND LEGS

Treating Dark Elbows and Knees Naturally

• Rub lime juice over the discolored area and leave for 15-20 minutes. Soak a towel in hot water and scrub firmly. Repeat this for 2 weeks.
• Mix half teaspoon of lime juice with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Apply and wash in the same way with a hot towel. Repeat this everyday for better results.

Rough Palms - Herbal Cure for Rough Palms

• Take 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of any oil. Massage between both palms for a minute and rinse after 10 minutes.
• Take 1 teaspoon of sugar along with 1 teaspoon of limejuice and rub between palms for a minute or two and wash after 10-15 minutes.

Beauty Tips - Treating Rough Hands and Feet

• Add corn flour to hot water and soak hands and feet in it for 5-10 minutes before sleep.
• Make a paste out of roasted onion by smashing it. Apply this paste on cracked heels and wash after 20 minutes. Continue this for one month and you will see the difference.
• After a bath massage Mustard oil well into hands and feet when your body is still moist. Wash with water and pat with a towel to dry.
• Add half teaspoon Vinegar to half a cup of curd. Massage feet and ankles well with this mix and wash after five minutes.
• Mix Candle wax with Mustard oil and heat. Now apply this gently on the cracked areas of the heels. Wear socks over this, leave overnight and wash in the morning.

Body Lotions and Masks for smooth and soft skin

Body Lotions - A body lotion is a low to medium viscosity preparation intended for application on external skin and body, usually after bath. Many lotions, especially hand and face creams can be classified as cosmetics and not medicine. Its main purpose is to smoothen and soften the skin.

Given below are some beauty tips and ways to prepare body lotions.

• Mix 1 table spoon of limejuice with 1 table spoon of Glycerin and 1 table spoon of rose water. Mix well and store it in a glass bottle. Apply daily half an hour before a bath or apply at bedtime and wash in the morning before bath.
• In Winter season, right after a bath while the skin is still wet, rub some Baby oil into the skin gently to avoid dryness.
• Make a paste with 2 tablespoons of oats and 1 tablespoons lime juice and milk. Apply on the body and wash after 5 minutes before a bath.
• Take 1 cup of fresh rose petals with half a cup of milk. Add 1 teaspoon of gram flour and some Rose water. Make a paste and apply on arms and legs before bath. Wash after 10 minutes.
• Mix 1 teaspoon Vaseline with 1 teaspoon Glycerin and leave overnight. This is good for dry skin and also during winter season.
• Mix 1 teaspoon of Vaseline with 1 teaspoon of Vitamin E oil and 1 teaspoon of Glycerin and apply over the entire body. Have a bath after an hour repeat this for a week or two.

Home Made Mask for Hands and Feet :

Ingredients:

• Papaya - Half cup
• Pineapple - Half cup
• Avocado - Half cup
• Honey 4 tablespoons
• Bran 1 cup

Procedure - Make a paste out of the above ingredients and apply till elbows for hands and ankles for feet. Wash after it gets dried up. This helps to get soft and supple skin.

Nail Warts - Treating Nail warts

• The daily application of Cauliflower juice for 5-10 minutes will reduce the warts.
• Slice a Garlic pod at the end and rub gently on the wart for 5 minutes every day for a week or two.
• Apply the juice of a raw potato and massage very gently with a piece of cotton wash after 5-10 minutes repeat everyday for better results.

BENEFITS OF FISH OIL

Fish Oil - Benefits

 Pain and Inflammation.

Omega 3 fatty acids, particularly EPA, have a very positive effect on your inflammatory response. Through several mechanisms, they regulate your body's inflammation cycle, which prevents and relieves painful conditions like arthritis, prostatitis, cystitis and anything else ending in "itis." 

Cardiovascular Health.

Omega 3 fatty acids have also been proven to work wonders for your heart and the miles and miles of arteries and veins that make up your cardiovascular system. They help to lower cholesterol, tryglicerides, LDLs and blood pressure, while at the same time increasing good HDL cholesterol. This adds years to your life expectancy. 

Brain Function and Intelligence.

Pregnant and nursing mothers can have a great impact on the intelligence and happiness of their babies by supplementing with fish oil. For adults, omega 3 improves memory, recall, reasoning and focus. You'll swear you're getting younger and smarter. 

Depression and Psychosis.

 Making you smarter is not all omega 3 does for your brain. Psychiatry department researchers at the University of Sheffield, along with many other research studies, found that omega 3 fish oil supplements "alleviate" the symptoms of depression, bipolar and psychosis (Journal of Affective Disorder Vol. 48(2-3);149-55). 

 Cancer.

And finally, omega 3 fish oil has been shown to help prevent three of the most common forms of cancer – breast, colon and prostate. Science tells us that omega 3s accomplish this in three ways. They stop the alteration from a normal healthy cell to a cancerous mass, inhibiting unwanted cellular growth and causing apoptosis, or cellular death, of cancer cells.

 Kids

Fish oil benefits are huge for children. Many of them are deprived of essential nutrients that fish oil provides. Here is a list of just a few fish oil benefits for children.

 1. Improves concentration

2. Calms ADHD symptoms

3. Improves learning

4. Increases in test scores

5. Reduces Dyslexia and Dyspraxia

6. Helps language skills

7. Helps with autism

 

Diabetes

It has been continually shown that the fish oil benefits extend to people with diabetes. Fish oil benefits to diabetes consisted of increased power of muscle cells to use glucose (blood sugar). Another fish oil benefit is an increased level of good cholesterol as well as a reduced amount of fatty tissues in the blood.

 Got Diabetes? Take advantage of the fish oil benefits!

 

Good For Your Heart

Back in the 1970s, scientists found out that Eskimos had a very low rate of heart diseases. They found out it was related to fish oil benefits.

 It is prescribed to all patients after they get a heart attack. It is urged by the American Heart Association that you should eat at lease two servings of fish a week. They encourage people to take supplements especially if you are in a higher risk group.

 

Great Skin

Fish oil benefits include the essentials nutrients that your skin craves. It has been reported countless times that your skin will become much radiant and glowing after taking fish oil.

 Many acne people have reported the acne curing fish oil benefits. It has totally turnd their lives around. Bad skin is a way of communicating that we are doing something bad to your bodies. It's just a reflection of what we do and eat.

 Fish oil will completely trasform your skin. Try it out and see and feel the results!

 

 

How many calories should we eat if we want to lose

 weight?

To estimate how many calories you should consume in order to maintain your weight, you'll need to do a little math. By using a simple formula called the Harris-Benedict principle, you can assess your basal metabolic rate -- also known as your BMR.

Calculate Your BMR

Your BMR is the amount of energy your body needs to function. We use about 60% of the calories we consume each day for basic bodily functions such as breathing.

Other factors that influence your BMR are height, weight, age and sex.

Step one is to calculate your BMR with the following formula:

Women:
655 + (4.3 x weight in pounds) + (4.7 x height in inches) - (4.7 x age in years)

Men:
66 + (6.3 x weight in pounds) + (12.9 x height in inches) - (6.8 x age in years)

 Calculate Activity

In order to incorporate activity into your daily caloric needs, do the following calculation:

If you are sedentary : BMR x 20 percent

If you are lightly active: BMR x 30 percent

If you are moderately active (You exercise most days a week.): BMR x 40 percent

If you are very active (You exercise intensely on a daily basis or for prolonged periods.): BMR x 50 percent

If you are extra active (You do hard labor or are in athletic training.): BMR x 60 percent

 

Add this number to your BMR.

The result of this formula will be the number of calories you can eat every day and maintain your current weightt. In order to lose weight, you'll need to take in fewer calories than this result.

 As you lose weight, you can re-calculate the formula to assess your new BMR.

  

How to Make Fresh Grape Juice??

When you think of grape juice, concord grapes, the grape traditionally used to make conventional grape juice, might come to mind. This variety is absolutely wonderful for making delicious raw grape juice, but isn’t the only choice. 

Grapes are a diverse bunch, available in multiple colors [green, red, amber, blue-black, purple], varying in taste [sweet, dry, tart], texture, and size. Among these varieties, certain grapes are said to be best suited for certain uses. There are wine grapes [best used to produce wine], raisin grapes [dried to make raisins], and table grapes [best eaten as is or used in a recipe] – but don’t let this information limit you from trying each type of grape, regardless of its designated use, or varieties like Muscadine or Scuppernong. 

The naturally sweet taste of fresh-juiced grapes alone is enough to sell me on the idea of making this beautiful drink, and its healthful nutrients [antioxidants – vitamin C, flavonoids, vitamin B1 and B6, manganese, and potassium] only adds to its appeal. 
Fresh Mixed Grape Juice 

I’ve used both seedless and seeded grapes. I especially like the idea of receiving the added bonus of fresh grape seed extract from the crushed seeds of the seeded grapes! 

1/3 cup organic black grapes 
1/3 cup organic red grapes 
1/3 cup organic green grapes 
¼ cup filtered water, optional 

Remove grapes from the stems. Place the grapes in a bowl under running water to wash and strain the water from the grapes. 

Run the grapes in batches through a juicer. Add water, if desired, and stir. 

If using a blender [ideally a high-speed blender], add the grapes and ½ cup filtered water to the blender container. Blend until liquefied. Pour the juice through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to strain and remove the pulp and any seed particles. 

Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. 

Serves 1 – 2, depending on the size of the glass.

Health Benefits of Grapes

Grapes is a small round or oval fruit, some grapes are seedless. Grapes is a rich source of flavonoids, this gives the gives the vibrant purplish color to grapes , grape juice and the stronger the color, the higher the flavonoid content.( Flavonoids are most commonly known for their antioxidant activity. ) 

nutritive Values of Grapes : Per 100 gm. 

* Vitamin A : 80 I.U. 
* Vitamin B : Thiamine .06 mg.; 
* Vitamin c : 4 mg. 
* Calcium : 17 gm. 
* Phosphorus : 21 mg. 
* Fat : 1.4 gm. 
* Carbohydrates : 14.9 gm. 
* Protein : 1.4 gm. 
* Calories : 70 

Health Benefits of Grapes: 

1. Good blood and body builder, it is also a quick source of energy. 

2. Drinking Concord grape juice can be good for the heart.

3. Grape Juice Protect against Breast Cancer

4. Grape juice is easily assimilated and called the "nectar of the gods". It is indicated in cases of constipation, gout, rheumatism, skin and liver disorders. 

5. This alkaline fruit (also called "the queen of fruits") helps greatly to decrease the acidity of the uric acid and lends itself further in aiding the elimination of the acid from the system, thus benefiting the kidneys greatly. 

6. Studies shown that grape juice and raisin tea showed strong antiviral activity against poliovirus, herpes simplex virus. 

7. Helps reduce platelet clumping and harmful blood clots. 

How to Make Chinese Green Tea

This article details the art of making a cup or pot of green tea using leaves by following traditional Chinese methods.

Things You'll Need 

* Teapot 
* cups 
* kettle 
* water just under boiling(190°F) 
* tea

Steps 
Method 1 

1. Put a hand full of tea leaves in the pot. 
2. Add warm water. Leave for a minute - Boiling water releases a chemical that make the tea sour. 
3. Add some sugar to it (optional, real Chinese tea rarely has sugar added and for only some types) 
4. Wait a few minutes, then serve. You will get a few cups of tea. 


Method 2 

1. Add a lot of tea into the pot. 
2. Add not-quite-boiling water. Leave for a minute and then pour out to wash the leaves. 
3. Add more water. 
4. Wait about 30 seconds to a minute and then pour to serve. 


Tips 

* You will get the same ratio of tea to water whichever method you choose. 
* Try to buy good quality tea. It will last longer and have a more pleasant taste. Teas all have different unique tastes. instead of buying just one (because the name sounds good), buy a few (but in smaller quantities). 
* Using more tea is a sign of respect to a guest. The more tea you put into the pot, the higher the level of respect. 
* Having the spout of the teapot facing anyone is a show of bad manners and disrespect. 
* Boiled water is too hot for tender green tea leaves. Pouring boiled water upon the leaves will cause the immediate release of tannins, resulting in a bitter brew. 


Warnings 

* Watch out for old, out-of-date tea. Check the tea. Smell it. Look at it and check for dried-out leaves. Taste a piece (but dont taste it if is has been wet and in a container for a long time, or smells completely different from its original scent; if it smells a sickly sweet [rotted]). 
* It helps to know how a specific tea will smell before you buy it. If you happen to buy a tea frequently, then you can check at the store if it has gone bad before buying it. 
* If you are buying loose leaf tea, make sure you examine what you are putting in the pot. Rarely small objects, such as twigs, foil(depending on the wrapping), or insects can make their way into tea accidentally. 

How to Make Green Tea

Green tea is a wonderful beverage with potential health benefits. But if you're not familiar with a few basic techniques, you can wind up with a tea that's grassy, bitter, or just too strong. Here's how to get a perfect cup of green tea:

Steps 
1. Determine how many cups of green tea you want to make. The original guideline for brewing is one teaspoon (5 ml) of green tea leaves (or pearls) per one cup of water. This will yield one cup of brewed tea. 
2. Measure out the desired amount of green tea leaves (or pearls) and place them in your tea strainer or sieve. 
3. Fill a non-reactive pot or pan (glass or stainless steel) with water and heat it to about 180 °F (80 °C). You can use a candy thermometer to watch the temperature, but if you don't have one, then keep an eye on the water so that it doesn't boil. 
4. Place the filled tea strainer or sieve into an empty mug. 
5. Pour the heated water into the mug, over the tea leaves. 
6. Steep the tea leaves for 2 - 2 1/2 minutes but not any longer, or else your tea will become bitter. 
7. Let your tea cool a few moments and enjoy your perfect cup of green tea. 

Tips 
* Filtered water is especially recommended, especially if your tap water has a distinct taste or smell. 
* You can shorten your preparation time by heating your water in your microwave. 
* A glass coffee press (if you're making more than one cup) or a glass mug (if you're making one cup at a time) will allow the tea to cool quickly, minimizing bitterness. 
* If you drink a lot of green tea, consider installing a hot-water dispenser on your kitchen sink. The temperature is perfect for green tea. 
* To re-use your tea leaves (or pearls) just plunge the tea strainer into a cup of ice water immediately after the steeping process. Depending on the type of tea you're using, you should be able to get at least one additional use of your leaves or pearls. 

Warnings 
* The biggest mistake you can make with green tea is to steep it in water that's too hot. Green, white or silver teas are different from black teas in that they need water that's only about 180° to 185° (80 °C to 85 °C). 
* The second biggest mistake is to steep for too long. Green tea shouldn't be steeped for more than 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. White or silver teas should be steeped for even shorter periods--a minute and a half is usually perfect.

How to Make Lemon Juice Shampoo

Things You'll Need: 

* 1/4 cup liquid vegetable-based soap 
* 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 
* 1/4 cup water 
* 1 lemon 
* Grater 
* Sauce pan 
* Spoon 
* Strainer 
* Plastic shampoo bottle 
* Mixing bowl 


Step 1 

Grate the outside of the lemon's skin until you have a teaspoon of the yellow part of the rind. This is called lemon zest. 

Step 2 
Heat the soap, lemon juice, lemon zest and water in the sauce pan for two minutes. Do not allow the mixture to hiss or boil. Use medium heat. 
 
Step 3 
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. This will probably take about 10 minutes. 

Step 4 
Strain out the lemon zest. You can catch the shampoo in the mixing bowl. 

Step 5 
Store your homemade lemon shampoo in the plastic shampoo bottle. You can use this shampoo every day. Rinse thoroughly after every use. 

25 Health Benefits of Lemons

Lemon is one of those super foods with a myriad health and cosmetic benefits.  There are a few persons for whom it is an allergen, so make sure you are not allergic to this natural product, before you start enjoying the many benefits.

 

1. Lemon being a citrus fruit, fights against infection. It helps in production of WBC's and antibodies in blood which attacks the invading microorganism and prevents infection. 

2. Lemon is an antioxidant which deactivates the free radicals preventing many dangerous diseases like stroke, cardiovascular diseases and cancers. 

3. Lemon lowers blood pressure and increases the levels of HDL (good cholesterol). 

4. Lemon is found to be anti-carcinogenic which lower the rates of colon, prostate, and breast cancer. They prevent faulty metabolism in the cell, which can predispose a cell to becoming carcinogenic. Also blocks the formation of nitrosamines in the gut. 
 
5. Lemon juice is said to give a glow to the skin. 

6. A few drops of lemon juice in hot water are believed to clear the digestive system and purify liver as well.

7. The  skin  of lemon dried under the sun and then ground to make powder  can  be  applied  to  the  hair for a few minutes before bath which relieves head ache and cools the body. 

8. Applying lemon juice to acne dries the existing ones and prevents from getting more. 

9. Lemon juice acts as a natural hair lightner and skin bleach which reduces the pigment melanin and prevents the risk of chemical allergic reactions which is common with hair dyes and bleaches. 

10. Lemon juice is given to relieve gingivitis, stomatitis, and inflammation of the tongue. 

11. Lemon juice is given to prevent common cold. 

12. Lemon juice is given to prevent or treat urinary tract infection and gonorrhea.

13. Lemon juice is applied to the sites of bites and stings of certain insects to relieve its poison and pain. 

14. Lemon juice relieves colic pain and gastric problems. 

15. Lemon juice soothes the dry skin when applied with little glycerin. 

16. Lemon juice used for marinating seafood or meat kills bacteria and other organisms present in them, thereby prevents many gastro-intestinal tract infections. 

17. Lemon juice with a pinch of salt (warm) every morning lowers cholesterol levels and brings down your weight. 

18. Lemon juice is the best drink to prevent dehydration and shock in case of diarrhea. 

19. Lemon juice can also be used as a mouthwash. It removes plaque, whitens the teeth and strengthens the enamel. 

20. A table spoon on thick lemon syrup everyday relieves asthma. 

21. Lemon juice relieves chilblains and itchy skin. 

22. Gargling lemon juice relieves throat infection and also used as a treatment for diphtheria.

23. Lemon juice is an excellent treatment for dandruff and greasy hair. 

24. Lemon applied over the face removes wrinkles and keeps you young. 
25. Lemon juice helps to prevent and cure osteoarthritis.