Quick look into benefits of some fruits

Rasberries

More Reason To Eat Fruits

Natural Home Remedy For Diabetes

Turmeric

HEALTH BENEFITS OF TURMERIC

Here are 20 reasons to add turmeric to your diet:

1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent,... useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.
2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.
3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.
4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.
5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.
6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.

7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque build up in the brain.
8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.
9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.
10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.
11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.
12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
14. Because of its anti- inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.
16. Promising studies are under way on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.
17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.
18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.
19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.
20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form. It is available in pill form in most health food stores, usually in 250-500mg capsules

Source:  Green Yantra

Top 5 Diabetes Healing Foods

TOP 5 DIABETES-HEALING SUPERFOODS

Even though we live in a pill-popping, drug-oriented culture, more and more people are starting to realize that food is really our best medicine. In 90% of all chronic and degenerative diseases, poor diet is either the direct cause or a significant factor. This is especially true for Type 2 diabetes. There is no stage of Type 2 that can’t be helped by making some... smart dietary changes. And the earlier they are made, the more dramatic the health improvements will be.

The “prescription” is simple:

A few simple changes in a patient’s eating habits can actually reverse Type 2 so that all metabolic functions, including the body’s insulin production, return to normal.

Here’s the shorthand version…

- Quit consuming the foods and beverages that spike your blood sugar and trigger the insulin response (sweets, sodas, juices, plus refined carbs such as bread, baked goods, pasta, chips, and grain-based commercial foods, like breakfast cereals). Over-consuming these can cause Type 2, and even small amounts will make it worse.

- Start eating more of the foods that heal the damage that insulin-resistance and diabetes have done to your body. Do this by turning your diet into an anti-inflamatory diet as inflammation is one of the root causes of diabetes (beware: inflammation destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas). In this diet try to include plenty of what I call “the diabetes-healing superfoods.” Here are the top 5 according to extensive scientific research…

1. Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)

If you have diabetes or prediabetes, controlling blood sugar has a huge impact on how you feel — and this marvelous monounsaturated oil can really help. A 2006 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine put people on either a low-fat diet, a Mediterranean diet emphasizing EVOO, or a Mediterranean diet emphasizing nuts. Those getting more olive oil and nuts had significantly lower blood sugar levels than those on the low-fat diet.

Thanks to the powerful antioxidant, oleocanthal (responsible for the strong, peppery “bite” freshly-pressed olive oil produces when consumed) EVOO also reduces inflammation, one of the root causes of diabetes. Getting inflammation under control is essential for healing — and reversing — Type 2 and prediabetes. The study mentioned above also found that the olive oil diet lowers C-reactive protein, an indicator of systemic inflammation.

Unfortunately, the olive oil in your supermarket may not be strong enough. EVOO’s inflammation-fighting properties begin to fade after pressing. The longer it sits around, the weaker it gets. (Most supermarket olive oil can be a year old — or older.) Worse, the olive oil industry is rife with scandals. Because of the premium price it commands, many companies are tempted to fluff up their products with cheaper oils, such as soybean and rapeseed, to their products to maximize profits. Try to find freshly pressed olive oil from a local farm or at your local health food stop.

2. Pacific wild-caught salmon 

In 2010, University of California researchers discovered that the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in cold-water fish improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation. This is good news for folks with any type of blood sugar disorder, but the story keeps getting better. 

A 17-year-long study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that elevated blood levels of omega-3 protect against sudden death from heart disease — while lower levels actually increase the danger. Here’s why this is important: 75% of diabetic fatalities are caused by heart attack or stroke. That’s an astonishing number!

It’s easy to see why preventing and healing cardiovascular disease is so important if you have diabetes — which is why omega-3 fish is a true “diabetes superfood.” You should try to eat two or three servings per week, but be sure to go “wild,” and avoid farm-raised fish. Farmed salmon is notoriously low in omega-3’s and contains unhealthy chemicals such as polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), is frequently genetically-engineered “Frankenfish” and is raised in ecologically “dirty” conditions.

In Alaska, wild salmon are protected, while farmed salmon are banned. When you purchase salmon labeled “wild Alaskan,” you’re getting a clean product with high levels of omega-3. 

3. Onions 

Onions are one of the top food sources for the trace mineral chromium, which produces a powerful benefit on blood glucose levels. Research shows that chromium helps your body use insulin more efficiently, maintains steady blood sugar levels, and reduces the need for diabetes drugs.

Chromium deficiency and diabetes often accompany each other, according to a study published in Diabetes Care. This isn’t a surprising when you realize that the symptoms of chromium deficiency (such as out-of-control levels of glucose, insulin, triglycerides, and high cholesterol) resemble those of prediabetes.

A recent study published in Biochemistry shows that chromium is an insulin potentiator, meaning that it makes your insulin more effective. For people with insulin resistance or full-blown diabetes, this is a big benefit because chromium lessens your need for your body’s own insulin (or your insulin dose) to normalize your blood sugar levels.

One cup of raw onion (about ½ cup cooked onion) gives you 24mcg of the government’s “adequate intake” recommendation of 25 — 35mcg of chromium. So sauté up a big batch of onions, add some garlic and herbs, and throw them on salads, toss them in soups and fritattas, and use them to smother a juicy, grass-fed burger.

4. Cinnamon 

Chances are you have a cinnamon in your spice cupboard. And chances are you never thought of cinnamon as medicine. However, cinnamon has been used medicinally since ancient times. This popular spice was used in ancient Egypt, China, and India for culinary and medicinal purposes. Cinnamon has been shown to help lower blood glucose levels in people with Type 2 diabetes and even increase the amount of insulin produced in the body. 

A study published in the journal Diabetes Care in 2003 looked at 60 men and women with Type 2 diabetes who were taking diabetes pills. The participants took either 1, 3, or 6 grams of cassia cinnamon or a placebo, in capsule form, for 40 days. After this time, blood glucose levels dropped between 18% and 29% in all three groups that received cinnamon. Also, the participants who had taken the smallest amount of cinnamon (1 gram) continued to have improved blood glucose levels 20 days after they stopped taking it. So make sure to add cinnamon to anything sweet you do eat to counter act the blood sugar spike.

5. Nuts 

These little diabetes-busters are bursting with healthy fats, vitamins, and lots of minerals. If you’re prediabetic, or want to avoid Type 2, eating nuts will cut down your risk. If you already have diabetes, nuts help you manage your blood sugar and weight.

Almonds are particularly beneficial because they’re high in protein and antioxidants, and have a low glycemic index (GI). According to a study published in Metabolism, eating almonds with a meal reduces the GI load of the entire meal!

Nuts contain monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which reverse insulin resistance. And remember the diabetes-heart disease connection? Nuts are another weapon in your heart-healthy arsenal, as studies show that daily consumption of nuts cuts the risk of heart attack by 35%.

The absolute best way to eat nuts is after they have been soaked over night to release their enzyme inhibitors. All you do is take a hand full of nuts and place them in a bowl of water, leave them to sit over night and in the morning discard the water and the nuts are ready to eat.

Source: Dr. Stephan Ripich, M.D of myhealingkitchen.com

Pomegranate

The pomegranate fruit is well known to everyone and it is grown throughout India. The colour and taste of the fruit gives attraction to the eyes of the individuals. It has curative and medicinal properties and it also helps to cure various ailments in human body. The fruit is red inside and reddish yellow outside. The reddish seed of the fruit gives more taste than that of white one. The fruit when it is taken directly, it gives cooling effect to the abdomen and also does blood purification. It contain considerable amount of oxalic and nicotinic acid.

The health benefits of Pomegranate are given below

DIARRHOEA AND DYSENTARY

Seeds are effective remedy for diarrhoea and dysentery. The one tablespoon powder mixed with buttermilk, consumed two or three times daily. Even the pomegranate juice is proved beneficial in case of diarrhoea as it contain astringent properties. The outer skin of the pomegranate is boiled in a cup of water till it become half and taken 2-3 times a day.

COUGH

The pomegranate fruit is used for reducing cough. The flower of the fruit is to be kept in sun and dried, make it as powder and taken with hot water. The flowers of the fruit are taken, crushed, remove the juice from it with a small piece of ginger (read more on health benefits of ginger). Add small quantity of honey in it and taken.

PILES

The pomegranate fruit is effective in case of piles. The fruit should be consumed every morning in an empty stomach by adding a pinch of salt. This is taken for about three months regularly. It can also be taken with honey. Take a tsp. of the powder of the dry rind of Pomegranate with buttermilk to arrest the bleeding piles.

INTESTINAL WORMS

The bark of the fruit is to be dried in sun and make it powered. Take 2 tea spoonful of powder and boiled in a form of kashayam. This is taken in an empty stomach for about a week. This is very effective in case of intestinal worms.

HYPERACIDITY

The pomegranate fruit is effective in case of hyperacidity as it is rich form of alkali. So it helps to neutralize the acid. It is to be taken daily in an empty stomach for about a month.

DIGESTION

The pomegranate fruit plays a vital role in secretion of enzymes. So this fruit improves the function of digestion. Mix the juice of pomegranate with a tsp. of honey and drink to cure conditions of indigestion especially when accompanied by giddiness.

IN BLOOD IN MOTIONS AND DIARRHOEA

 A decoction of equal parts of Kutaja bark and Pomegranate rind powder is taken with a tsp. of honey.

IN DISTASTE

 Saumph (cumin seeds) and Pomegranate seeds should be pasted and held in the mouth to clear the unpleasant taste.

IN TASTELESSNESS

 The juice of Pomegranate,  rock salt and honey should be held in the mouth for a few minutes and then swallowed.

IN BLEEDING FROM THE MOUTH

 The powder of the ring of Pomegranate fruit should be licked with sugar and honey.

TO PREVENT ABORTION

 In threat of abortion during the 5th month of pregnancy, the powder of the leaves of Pomegranate and sandal powder should be taken frequently with yoghurt and honey.

IN NASAL BLEEDING

 Pound the buds with water and instill a few drops in the nose to stop bleeding.

IN ANAL ITCHING

 Roast the rind of the fruit until it turns black and powder it. Mix this charred powder in some oil and apply over the anus.

IN TAPEWORM INFECTION

 Make a decoction of the stem bark and drink. Punicine, the alkaloid in the stem bark is very effective against tapeworm.

TO INCREASE MEMORY

 Dry the flower buds of pomegranate and powder them. Roll the powder into small pills and take a pill thrice a day to enhance memory power.

CONSTIPATION

 The pomegranate fruit is considered to be a laxative and used in case of constipation. Fruit should be taken about 100-200 gms. in morning and evening. It helps to increase peristaltic movements of the intestines and there by helps to relieve the constipation.

ANAEMIA

The pomegranate fruit is effective in case of anemia. It helps to increase the hemoglobin content in the blood, as it is rich in iron content. Pomegranate is to be taken about 200gms in the morning in a empty stomach

11 HEALTH BENEFITS OF POMEGRANATE JUICE

1 .Fights Breast Cancer

 Studies show that pomegranate juice destroys breast cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. It may also prevent breast cancer cells from forming.

2.Lung Cancer Prevention

 Studies in mice show that pomegranate juice may inhibit the development of lung cancer.

 3.Slows Prostate Cancer

 It slowed the growth of prostate cancer in mice.

4. 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.

5. Protects the Neonatal Brain

 Studies show that maternal consumption of pomegranate juice may protect the neonatal brain from damage after injury.

6. Prevention of Osteoarthritis

 Several studies indicate that pomegranate juice may prevent cartilage deterioration.

7. Protects the Arteries

 It prevents plaque from building up in the arteries and may reverse previous plaque buildup.

8. 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.

9. Lowers Cholesterol

 It lowers LDL (bad cholesterol) and raises HDL (good cholesterol).

10. 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.

11. Dental Protection

 Research suggests that drinking pomegranate juice may be a natural way to prevent dental plaque.

Health Benefits Of Mango

Mangoes can be eaten both raw and ripe. Mangoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals essential for the human body. Always have mangoes in your daily diet as this can benefit your health more than you usual non fiber diet.

Prevents Cancer and Heart diseases

High amount of antioxidants are present in mangoes. So mango when consumed regularly fights against cancer and other heart diseases. As mentioned earlier it also lowers cholesterol.

Improves Digestion

Mangoes are very much beneficial for people suffering from acidity and its enzymes helps to relieve indigestion problems. The Bio-active elements such as Esters, Terpenes and Aldehydes present in mango aids to easy digestion.

Lowers Cholesterol

High level of soluble dietary fiber, Pectin and Vitamin C present in mangoes helps to lower serum cholesterol levels specifically Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol.

Improves Concentration and Memory Power

Mangoes are useful to children who lack concentration in studies as it contains Glutamine acid which is good to boost memory and keep cells active.

Eye health

One cup of sliced mangoes supplies 25 percent of the needed daily value of vitamin A, which promotes good eyesight. Eating mangoes regularly prevents night blindness, refractive errors, dryness of the eyes, softening of the cornea, itching and burning in the eyes.

Benefits to skin

Mango is effective in relieving clogged pores of the skin. What this means is that people who suffer from acne, which is caused by clogged pores, will benefit from mango. Just remove the mango pulp and apply it on your skin for about 10 minutes and then take bath or wash your face. Use warm water for washing your face.Eating mango regularly makes the complexion fair and the skin soft and shining.

High Iron for Women

It’s a known fact that Mango is rich in Iron. People who suffer from anemia can regularly take mango along with their dinner. Pregnant ladies can also take mangoes occasionally as their body needs iron and calcium during that time But Too much consumption of mangoes should be avoided during pregnancy. 

For Diabetes

Mango is slowly gaining new acclaim as diabetes fighter. Earlier there was a myth that people with diabetes should not eat mangoes but that’s not true.

Boost memory

Mangoes are useful to children who lack concentration in studies as it contains Glutamine acid which is good to boost memory and keep cells active.

Avoid heat stroke

Unripe mangoes, a rich source of pectin, when steamed and juiced with cumin (jeera), rock salt and sugar, provide an excellent remedy for heat stroke and heat exhaustion in summer.

Weight gain

 Mangoes can be beneficial for people wanting to gain weight. A 100 gram of mango contains about 75 calories. Also, raw mangoes contain starch which get converted into sugar as the fruit ripens. So ripe and sweet mangoes when consumed with milk (rich in protein) can be very helpful in weight gain.

Fenugreek Seeds (Uluva/Methi seeds)

Fenugreek (also known as Greek Hay and Fenugreek), is an herb that is commonly found growing in the Mediterranean region of the world. While the seeds and leaves are primarily used as a culinary spice, it is also used to treat a variety of health problems in Egypt, Greece, Italy, and South Asia.

Fenugreek seeds have been found to contain protein, vitamin C, niacin, potassium, and diosgenin (which is a compound that has properties similar to estrogen). Other active constituents in fenugreek are alkaloids, lysine and L-tryptophan, as well as steroidal saponins (diosgenin, yamogenin, tigogenin, and neotigogenin).

Due to its estrogen-like properties, fenugreek has been found to help increase libido and lessen the effect of hot flashes and mood fluctuations that are common symptoms of menopause and PMS. In India and China it has also been used to treat arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, improve digestion, maintain a healthy metabolism, increase libido and male potency, cure skin problems (wounds, rashes and boils), treat sore throat, and cure acid reflux. Fenugreek also has a long history of use for the treatment of reproductive disorders, to induce labor, to treat hormonal disorders, to help with breast enlargement, and to reduce menstrual pain. Recent studies have shown that Fenugreek helps lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels, and may be an effective treatment for both type 1 and 2 diabetes. It is also being studied for its cardiovascular benefits.

Other  Uses Bitter Fenugreek Seeds (Methi).

1. Bitter yellow brown seeds with bitter taste, Fenugreek help to lower LDL cholesterol levels.
2. They help to prevent colon cancer by binding themselves to toxins.
3. With fibre and enriched amino acids, they can regulate your Blood Sugar Levels, especially in Type II diabetes.
4. A source of potassium, calcium, iron, selenium, zinc and copper, and some essential vitamins too.
5. Fenugreek seeds enhance digestion, bowel movements and helps to increase lactation in nursing mothers!
6. For skin, soaked methi dana/fenugreek paste works wonders to treat pimples.
7. It enhances hair growth, treats dandruff and curbs hair fall.
8. It is highly cooling for the head and thus induces good sleep!

Home remedies with Fenugreek seeds

Home Remedy for Balancing Cholesterol

Studies have found people who took 2 ounces (56g) of fenugreek seed each day had significantly (around 14 percent) lower cholesterol levels after 24 weeks, and had lowered their risk of heart attack by more than 25 percent. Therefore, a recommended remedy for lowering cholesterol is to take 2 ounces of seeds throughout the day. The seeds can be sprinkled onto prepared food, or they can be consumed with water if they are in capsule form.

Treating Diabetes and Lowering Blood Sugar Levels

Studies have shown that participants with type 2 diabetes had significantly lower blood sugar levels after eating fenugreek. Therefore, a recommended home remedy for treating Type 2 diabetes is to consume 500mg of fenugreek twice daily.

Herbal Cure for Skin Inflammation

Research has shown that Fenugreek is an effective topical treatment for skin problems such as abscesses, boils, burns, eczema, and gout. Therefore, a simple skin inflammation remedy is the following:

• Take a spoonful of fenugreek and grind it into a powder.
• Mix the ground powder with warm water.
• Take a simple piece of clean cloth and soak it into the mixture.
• Apply the soaked cloth directly onto the affected skin as a poultice.

Natural Cure for Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Fenugreek seeds contain a lot of mucilage, which helps sooth gastrointestinal inflammation by coating the lining of the stomach and intestine. Therefore, for an effective remedy against heartburn or Acid Reflux, simply sprinkle 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds onto your food. Another option is to take one teaspoon of seeds and swallow them with water or juice before any meal.

Home Remedy for Fever                                     

The Fenugreek herb has been known to help reduce fever when taken with lemon and honey, since it nourishes the body during an illness. Therefore, to treat a fever, simply consume one to two teaspoons of Fenugreek seeds three times a day along with an herbal tea (such as green tea) with a teaspoon of honey and lemon juice. Some health food stores also sell herbal Fenugreek teas, which can be used instead of the green tea.

What are the Side Effects of Fenugreek?

While Fenugreek is generally considered to be safe when used moderately, there have been reports of a few minor side-effects. Nausea is one common side effect, while other people have reported gastrointestinal discomfort (diarrhea and/or gas). Also, when using this herb topically on the skin, it is important to watch out for skin irritations and rashes.

Fenugreek use during pregnancy is not recommended, since it has the potential to induce labor. If you are pregnant and wish to take it, you should do so only after consultation with your doctor.

If you are currently taking any oral medications, you should always use this herb at least 2 hours before or after these drugs. This is important since Fenugreek fiber has the potential to interfere with the absorption of oral medications due to its mucilaginous fiber (which gives it a moist and sticky texture).