Capsicum and health benefits

Capsicum helps in curing many diseases that include lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol and warding off strokes and heart attacks, speeding up metabolism, treating colds and fevers, preventing cancer and pain control. Capsaicin is a flavorless, odorless chemical concentrated in the veins of chiles and peppers.

Capsicum contains Vitamins A and C, and beta-carotene. It's low in fat, calories and cholesterol. If you thought your diabetic diet was supposed to be boring, try spicing up your cuisine with capsaicin-based products, like hot sauce or jalapeno peppers.

Listed below are some of the health benefits of Capsicum:

* Enhances Metabolism: Capsicum increases the metabolism by lowering triglycerides, which are stored fats in blood corpuscles.This helps in burning calories.

* Anti Oxidant Property: Capsicum is an important source of vitamin A and vitamin C. These two vitamins are powerful antioxidants that help in fighting free radicals in the body and help in treating heart diseases, osteoarthritis, bronchial asthma, cataract etc. The free radicals are responsible for causing cellular damage, damage to nerves and blood vessels.

* Pain Relief: Scientists believe that the compound capsaicin found in capsicum blocks the transmission of pain from the skin to the spinal cord. This is considered helpful in treating neuralgia, pain associated with herpes zoster and postoperative amputation trauma.

* Cancer Prevention: The compound capsaicin is also believed to treat cancer by preventing carcinogens from binding with DNA. As a regular dietary intake, it has been found through various studies that eating capsicum can provide some protection from cancer.

* Prevents Clotting of Blood: Studies suggest that capsicum has the capacity to prevent clotting of blood. Vitamin C is found to play a major role in dissolving blood clots.

* Fights Food-Borne Bacterial Diseases: In a study it has been found that capsaicin content in capsicum is effective in fighting off food-borne bacterial diseases like Vibrio vulnificus bacteria found in raw shellfish.

Capsicum is a vegetable that comes in an exciting range of colors, like green, red and yellow. It is native to America and in fact, has been cultivated by the people of the tropical Americas since thousands of years. Known by a number of names, like chili pepper, bell pepper and red or green pepper, the vegetable is used as a spice, medicine and obviously, a vegetable. Apart from being great in taste, capsicum also holds a great degree of nutritional value and accords numerous health benefits to people. In the following lines, we have listed the nutrition benefits of eating capsicum.

Nutritional Value of Capsicum

• Carotenoids (Capsanthin, Capsorubin, Carotene and Lutein)
• Proteins
• Fats
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Capsaicinoid Oleoresin
• Provitamins E, P, B1, B2 and B3
• Steroidal Alkaloidal Glycosides (Solanine and Solasadine)
• Scopoletin (Coumarin)

Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Capsicum

• Beneficial to the mucous membranes, eyes and skin
• Helps wards off infection
• Promotes cardiovascular health, by helping lower blood pressure
• Has antioxidant properties that neutralize the free radicals responsible for damaging tissue and cells
• Has anti-inflammatory properties
• Helps reduce cholesterol and thus, is effective in warding off strokes and heart attacks
• Speeds up the metabolism and helps burn more calories
• Good for treating colds and fevers
• Stimulates stomach secretions and improves digestion
• Lowers triglycerides
• Has a laxative effect
• Triggers the release of endorphins
• Good for diabetics

source: http://coolhealthtips.blogspot.com/2008/12/capsicum-and-health-benefits.html

10 Juice recipes to beat the summer heat

Fruit juices are very essential during summer because it contains all the natural vitamins which our body needs. Below r 10 different juice recipes

1. Banana Honey Delight


Ingredients

Banana 1 ripe
Milk 1 1/2 cup
Lemon Juice 1 tbsp
Honey 2 1/2 tbsp
Raisins 2 tbsp
Cinnamon 1/4 tbsp ( ground )

Directions

1. This drink should be made just before serving.
2. Mix all contents in a blender and blend till it turns into a fine paste.
3. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of cinnamon powder on top.


2. Dry Ginger Drink

Ingredients:

Dry Ginger 30 gms
Sugar 4 tsp
Coriander seeds 10 gms

Directions:

# Heat about 4 glasses of water , then add the dry ginger , coriander seeds , sugar .
# Let the water boil for about 5 minutes , then strain the water.



3. Fruit punch


Ingredients:

Sugar 4 cups
Pineapple juice 1 cup
Oranges, peeled& flaked 3 nos.
Lemon juice 3 nos.
Cherries 1 tin
Pineapple slices, crushed 1 tin

Directions:

# Boil sugar in 2 cups water for 10 minutes.
# Cool and blend all the remaining ingredients well.
# Store in bottles and serve with crushed ice


4. Kesari Pista Milk shake

Ingredients:

Pista( soak them in water for about 1 hour) 100 gms
Almond(soak them in water for 2 hours) 50
Saffron a pinch
Sugar 50 gms
Milk 3 cups

Directions:

# Take a pan and heat the milk , let the 3 cups simmer in very low heat , let it simmer until the milk becomes 1 1/2 cup.
# Grind the almonds , along with the pista , and the saffron until they form a smooth paste
# Add the ground paste to the milk and then stir them well.
# Let the milk come to a boil for about twice.
# And remove them from the stove, and when the milk comes to room temprature.
# Place them in the refrigrator. Serve them cold.


5. Low Fat Mango Drink

Ingredients:
Skimmed Milk 1 Cup
Unsweetened Mango Juice 1 Cup
Orange Juice 1/2 Cup
Honey 1 tbsp

Directions:

1. Transfer all contents into a blender and blend them till they turn smooth and creamy.
2. Add crushed ice and serve.


6. Mango Shake

Ingredients:

Mango 2
powdered sugar 8 tsp
Milk 4 cups
Ice crushed as required

Directions:

# Add the contents into the blender and grind it well
# Serve it cold


7. Punjabi Lassi

Ingredients:

Yogurt 500g
Cream 50g
Sugar 150g
Rose essence 3 drops
Ruafza 1 tsp
Ice cubes 100g

Directions:

# Mix yogurt, ice cubes, sugar in a vessel and blend to a fine paste.
# In a tall glass, add 1 tsp ruafza, the above yogurt mix, sprinkle rose essence and chill it.
# Serve with cream on it.


8. Strawberry Yogurt

Ingredients

Yogurt ( Well set ) 500 gm
Strawberry Crush 1/2 cup
Milk 1/4 cup
Honey 2 tbsp
Custard Powder 1 tbsp
Sugar 2 tbsp
Fresh strawberries for garnishing

Directions

1. Prepare custard by adding milk, custard powder and sugar and cook while stirring continuously till the ingredients turn thick and creamy.
2. Cool it for some time.
3. Transfer the custard, honey, yogurt and strawberry crush into a blender and blend it into a fine paste.
4. Chill and serve with strawberry garnish.


9. Tomato Juice


Ingredients:

Tomato pieces 4 cups
Sugar 5 tsp
Lemon juice 1/2 tsp
Salt 2 tsp

Directions:

# Pulp tomato pieces with sugar in a blender for 30 seconds.
# Filter through a sieve and wash the retained pulp by pouring cold water over the sieve.
# Do not return the pulp to mixer. Over pulping spoils the taste due to the seeds and the skin getting extracted.
# Make up to 6 cups with cold water. Then add lemon juice, sugar and salt.
# Garnish with mint leaves if desired and serve ice cold.


10. Almond Honey Milk

Ingredients:

Blanched almonds 1/2 cup
Milk 2 cups
Cardamom powder or vanilla 1/2 tsp
honey or sugar to taste

Directions:

# Add almonds and water in a blender or food processor fitted with the metal blade and process for 2-3 minutes or until the nuts are reduced to a fine puree. Add 2 cups of milk and further blend on low speed for about 15 seconds. Heat the milk blend to a boil.
# Pour the mixture through a strainer over a pan. Press out as much liquid as possible, then add the cardamom seeds. Stirring constantly, bring to a near boil over moderately high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes. Add the sweetener.
# Indians will pour the milk back and forth from one pan to another to make the milk frothy much like a low tech cappuccino machine. The frothy milk is then served.

source: http://coolhealthtips.blogspot.com/2009/04/10-juice-recipes-to-beat-summer-heat.html

Eat slowly to lose weight fast

By eating slowly, you will have full control your food intake. It takes 20 minutes from the time you begin eating o the time your brain receives the message from your stomach that food has been consumed. During those 20 minutes, if you eat quickly, it is possible to devour an abundance of food – much much more than you ever need. If you have always eaten rapidly, it will take a conscious effort to eat slowly. Here are some tips to get you started

1) Have a (non-alcoholic) drink before starting on the food; this will slow you down, and at the same time will fill you with fluid. Water – plain or sparkling – is ideal, but tea or even a cappuccino does the trick in the colder months. Take pleasure in the drink while everybody is busy with the bread basket. It will take the edge of your hunger, so you can relax and enjoy your meal.

2) Start with a course that takes time to eat. A salad containing lettuce, rocket, cucumber, capsicum, onion and carrot needs a lot of chewing. Hot soup is a good option because you cannot consume it quickly; try a chew variety such as bean or chunky vegetable. When you have finished, you will be satisfied and able to take your time with the next course – or maybe not even bother with it all.
source: http://coolhealthtips.blogspot.com/2009_04_01_archive.html

Cool Information About Smoking

Do you smoke? Have you ever stopped to think about how smoking is affecting your body and your life? Most teens are aware that people who have smoked for awhile can get lung cancer and emphysema and eventually die, but many don't know about all of the bad things that smoking can to them right now. If you smoke, you owe it to yourself to find out about the effects of smoking on your life now. Here, we've listed some information about what smoking is doing to your body and some of the common reasons why people keep smoking even though they know it's bad for them. These are important things to think about to help you decide if you should continue smoking.

Why is cigarette smoking bad for us?

Everyone knows that smoking can cause cancer when you get older, but did you know that it also has bad effects on your body right now? A cigarette contains about 4000 chemicals, many of which are poisonous. Some of the worst ones are:......

source: http://coolhealthtips.blogspot.com/

Some Usefull Health Tips On THE EYE Care

With so many of us spending lots of time in front of the computer every day it comes to no surprise that research is showing a rise in visual problems. What can one do? First, it’s important to find out how you can protect your eyes through eye health exams and by making a few minor changes in your computer viewing habits.

Here are some helpful Eye Care Tips -

Positioning is everything

Correct positioning of your computer, keyboard and typing copy is essential. Your screen should be positioned about an arm’s length from your eyes and 20 degrees below eye level. Consider foot and wrist rests for added comfort.

Lighting can make all the difference

Room lighting should be diffuse, not direct, to reduce glare and reflections from your screen. Look into an internal or external glare screen and be sure to set your colour, contrast and brightness levels to suit you.

source: http://coolhealthtips.blogspot.com/2009/04/some-usefull-health-tips-on-eye-care.html

Is Red Wine Really Good for Your Health?

When word got out about the health benefits of wine, most wine drinkers stopped swirling for a long minute and took notice. It was the mid 90s when story of the "French Paradox" poured from all media sources, and wine drinkers across the world swirled and sipped and rejoiced.

In case you missed it, baffled researchers launched a study of French folk, trying to determine why people with diets so high in cheese fats were not suffering from more heart attacks.

The findings? It's their moderate and steady intake of wine. Long after the discovery that the French were absurdly beating health odds, tons of research in support of wine drinking for good health continued to surface.

First, there were scores of positive studies related solely to the healing powers of resveratrol, an antioxidant found in red grape skins and therefore in red wine. However, now they're finding just as many benefits from white wines. As a matter of fact, winemakers worldwide are even altering their production processes in order to boost the health benefits in white wine. All kinds of new findings still frequently bombard the media today.

Check out some of the most recent studies that boast the health benefits of wine:


source: http://coolhealthtips.blogspot.com/2009/04/is-red-wine-really-good-for-your-health.html

Food as Medicine

HEADACHE? EAT FISH!
Eat plenty of fish -- fish oil helps prevent headaches.
So does ginger, which reduces inflammation and pain.
HAVE FEVER? EAT YOGHURT!
Eat lots of yoghurt before pollen season.
Also-eat honey from your area (local region) daily.


TO PREVENT STROKE DRINK TEA!
Prevent buildup of fatty deposits on artery walls with regular doses of tea. (actually, tea suppresses my appetite and keeps the pounds from invading....Green tea is great for our immune system)!

INSOMNIA (CAN'T SLEEP?) HONEY!
Use honey as a tranquilizer and sedative.

ASTHMA? EAT ONIONS!!!!
Eating onions helps ease constriction of bronchial tubes.

ARTHRITIS? EAT FISH, TOO!!
Salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines actually prevent arthritis. (fish has omega oils, good for our immune system)

UPSET STOMACH? BANANAS - GINGER!!!!!
Bananas will settle an upset stomach.
Ginger will cure morning sickness and nausea.

BLADDER INFECTION? DRINK CRANBERRY JUICE!!!!
High-acid cranberry juice controls harmful bacteria.

BONE PROBLEMS? EAT PINEAPPLE!!!
Bone fractures and osteoporosis can be prevented by the manganese in pineapple.

PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME? EAT CORNFLAKES!!!!
Women can ward off the effects of PMS with cornflakes, which help reduce depression, anxiety and fatigue.

MEMORY PROBLEMS? EAT OYSTERS!
Oysters help improve your mental functioning by supplying much-needed zinc.

COLDS? EAT GARLIC!
Clear up that stuffy head with garlic. (remember, garlic lowers cholesterol, too.)

COUGHING? USE RED PEPPERS!!
A substance similar to that found in the cough syrups is found in hot red pepper. Use red (cayenne) pepper with caution-it can irritate your tummy.

BREAST CANCER? EAT Wheat, bran and cabbage
Helps to maintain estrogen at healthy levels.

LUNG CANCER? EAT DARK GREEN AND ORANGE AND VEGGIES!!!
A good antidote is beta carotene, a form of Vitamin A found in dark green and orange vegetables.

ULCERS? EAT CABBAGE ALSO!!!
Cabbage contains chemicals that help heal both gastric and duodenal ulcers.

DIARRHEA? EAT APPLES!
Grate an apple with its skin, let it turn brown and eat it to cure this condition. (Bananas are good for this ailment)

CLOGGED ARTERIES? EAT AVOCADO!
Mono unsaturated fat in avocados lowers cholesterol.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE? EAT CELERY AND OLIVE OIL!!!
Olive oil has been shown to lower blood pressure.
Celery contains a chemical that lowers pressure too.

BLOOD SUGAR IMBALANCE? EAT BROCCOLI AND PEANUTS!!!
The chromium in broccoli and peanuts helps regulate insulin and blood sugar.

Kiwi: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, Vitamin E & fiber. It's Vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

Apple: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low Vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of Vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.

Strawberry: Protective fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protects the body from cancer causing, blood vessels clogging free radicals. (Actually, any berry is good for you..they're high in anti-oxidants and they actually keep us young.........blueberries are the best and very versatile in the health field........they get rid of all the free-radicals that invade our bodies)

Orange: Sweetest medicine. Taking 2 - 4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessen the risk of colon cancer.

Watermelon: Coolest Thirst Quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are Vitamin C & Potassium. (watermelon also has natural substances [natural SPF sources] that keep our skin healthy, protecting our skin from those darn uv rays)


Guava & Papaya: Top awards for Vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high Vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber which helps prevent constipation.

Papaya is rich in carotene, this is good for your eyes. (also good for gas and indigestion)

Tomatoes are very good as a preventative measure for men, keeps those prostrate problems from invading their bodies.

SWINE FLU Some usefull Health Tips To Protect Yourself

A swine flu outbreak appears to have killed dozens in Mexico and more cases are showing up in the United States and around the world. Health officials are recommending several steps to prevent the spread of the virus:

Public health emergencies and pandemic disease outbreaks tend to create media frenzies. Reports of swine flu are the latest examples dominating headlines everywhere.

There have been 28 confirmed cases in New York. Read the press release from SU’s Health Services about the threat to the university community.

Here is a list of ten practical steps you can take to prepare and protect yourself and your family.

1) Know the symptoms - Here are some of the symptoms that sound like swine flu - fevers over 100 degrees, body aches, cough, runny nose, and sometimes, nausea and diarrhea. It’s also useful to know if you might have had an exposure - either by recent travel to Mexico, or to the areas of known cases so far in America - California, Texas, New York, Ohio and Kansas. Or you may have been exposed to a sick person who came from those areas. The incubation time for swine flu is believed to be pretty short - 48-72 hours, and the virus seems to spread easily between people. If this sounds like your symptoms, then what do you do?

2) Don’t panic - If you have a cold or flu, and the media is full of details about a potentially lethal pandemic, it’s hard to not imagine the worst. Once the announcement of confirmed cases of swine flu at St. Francis Preparatory School in New York hit the news, local hospitals were swamped with concerned people. Not only is this difficult for the healthcare system, it can also be potentially dangerous for everyone - all those people gathered in one place can help spread potential infection even more, including to hospitalized patients who are particularly vulnerable.

3) Call or go? - If you have symptoms and possible risks that sound like swine flu, call your doctor or local public health clinic before going in. You may be asked to go to a specific place to be tested, or you may be asked to stay home as long as you are able to breathe well. Anyone, however, who is rapidly getting worse, or having difficulty breathing, needs to be seen urgently by a doctor.

4) Contain the illness - First, take care of yourself - rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take over-the-counter medications to help with fevers, aches and pains, and stomach symptoms. Do not, however, give cough or cold medicines to children under two years of age - those medications are contraindicated. Some people with respiratory illnesses feel much better with a humidifier. If you have asthma, emphysema or other lung-affecting diseases, you need to be sure to take your regularly prescribed medicine, and watch closely for worsening symptoms, including difficulty breathing. If you live alone, be sure you check in with family or friends by phone each day. They’ll want to know how you’re doing, and it’s good to have someone helping you keep watch on your symptoms. Second, take steps to contain the spread - if you live with others, practice careful hand-washing, bypass the hugs and kisses of well-wishers, and do not share telephone handsets or computers. Be especially careful to always cough into the elbow of your arm (yes! the elbow, not your hand!). Dispose of your snotty tissues yourself, to protect others. People with swine flu are believed to shed the virus for 4-5 days, but young children can spread virus for as long as 10 days - so stay home until you feel well.

5) Protection works - if you feel fine, is there anything you can do to protect yourself and limit the potential spread of the virus? Influenza is spread by coughing and sneezing (droplet transmission). Influenza is also spread by touching a surface that’s been contaminated, then touching your own face/mouth/nose (fomite transmission). The question of whether or not “close contact” spreads the virus (e.g. being in the same air space - called airborne transmission) has not been completely answered by existing research. Also unanswered is the question - if it is spread that way, then how-close-is-close? No one knows. So, given all that, what can you do? First, handwashing works. Wash, wash and wash again. Invest in some hand sanitizer for the whole family. A bottle for everyone! Use hand sanitizer for those bus and subway rides where thousands of hands touch the same strap and rail. Alcohol-based diaper wipes can be used for shared telephones, keyboards, and work-out equipment. If you get on a plane, wipe down the armrests, tray-tables and entertainment console. If you work in a place - like a cafe - where it’s not possible to wipe down the cash register between each person’s use, then do not touch your face while you work. Don’t touch your face at all until you’ve washed your hands first. Teachers at schools can be especially helpful by reminding kids to handwash, cover coughs, and sneezes, and by eliminating shared hand-held items (like hall passes) that could be replaced with individual slips of paper. Teachers and administrators play an especially important role by supporting families who keep their kids out of school because of illness.

6) What about a mask? - The data shows that masks do work - as long as there is a tight seal about the mouth and nose. That means the floppy blue pleated mask you sometimes see hanging below a person’s nose isn’t doing a thing for anyone. And, if you’re a guy, a beard is probably stopping any mask anywhere from ever working for you. Expert panels and pandemic review boards, in general, do not recommend masks despite saying they work, both because masks often aren’t properly fitted, and because masks in public are not “widely accepted.” If you’re exposed to people who cough on you, and you are able to wear a mask, be sure to pinch the metal strip across your nose down snug, and tighten the straps so the mask touches skin around all the edges. And shave that beard.

7) Eat the pork (if you want) - Swine flu gets its name because pigs can get the infection and spread it to each other - as well as to humans. This latest virus contains pieces that indicate it evolved from swine flu virus, and can now spread from person to person. Swine flu is not spread by properly prepared and cooked pork products. So if you want to eat pork, you can.


8) Getting sick - stay home! - In our go-go-go culture and these severe economic times, it can be very hard to call a boss and cancel a day’s work. Perhaps even more so if there’s a big meeting and your third grader feels “crummy” but doesn’t (yet) look sick. Now, however, is the time to pay attention to symptoms - and if you or your loved ones are feeling like there’s a flu coming on, stay home.

9) Stockpile? - The public health department recommends that each home have two weeks of supplies, in case we must stay home - either for illness or to help contain transmission. That means two weeks of food for everyone in your home, two weeks of all medications (both over-the-counter and prescription), and, if you’re like most people, two weeks of books and DVDs.

10) Stay in? - If there is an outbreak in your community, but you’re feeling healthy, it can be a very difficult decision whether or not to stay home from vital activities like work. Luckily public health officials are acting on the latest reports, so keep an eye on the news for announcements like closures of schools. However, if you’re in an area of potential transmission, now is probably a good time to postpone some completely discretionary activities that involve large crowds, like going to the movies or the mall. Decisions are much harder when the activity is both not-exactly-required and not-discretionary - like going to church, for example, or community events like your school’s Open House. Right now, it’s too early for any of us to be a Swine Flu Shut-In, but you may want to have your hand sanitizer constantly with you for the next few weeks.

Refered From : http://www.docgurley.com/2009/04/26/swine-flu-ten-tips-for-me-and-you/ SWINE FLU Some usefull Health Tips To Protect Yourself

Laughter Therapy : What Happens When We Laugh?

We change physiologically when we laugh. We stretch muscles throughout our face and body, our pulse and blood pressure go up, and we breathe faster, sending more oxygen to our tissues.

People who believe in the benefits of laughter say it can be like a mild workout — and may offer some of the same advantages as a workout.

"The effects of laughter and exercise are very similar," says Wilson. "Combining laughter and movement, like waving your arms, is a great way to boost your heart rate."

One pioneer in laughter research, William Fry, claimed it took 10 minutes on a rowing machine for his heart rate to reach the level it would after just one minute of hearty laughter.

And laughter appears to burn calories, too. Maciej Buchowski, a researcher from Vanderbilt University, conducted a small study in which he measured the amount of calories expended in laughing. It turned out that 10-15 minutes of laughter burned 50 calories.

While the results are intriguing, don’t be too hasty in ditching that treadmill. One piece of chocolate has about 50 calories; at the rate of 50 calories per hour, losing one pound would require about 12 hours of concentrated laughter!

Laughter's Effects on the Body

In the last few decades, researchers have studied laughter's effects on the body and turned up some potentially interesting information on how it affects us:

Blood flow. Researchers at the University of Maryland studied the effects on blood vessels when people were shown either comedies or dramas. After the screening, the blood vessels of the group who watched the comedy behaved normally — expanding and contracting easily. But the blood vessels in people who watched the drama tended to tense up, restricting blood flow.

Immune response. Increased stress is associated with decreased immune system response, says Provine. Some studies have shown that the ability to use humor may raise the level of infection-fighting antibodies in the body and boost the levels of immune cells, as well.

Blood sugar levels. One study of 19 people with diabetes looked at the effects of laughter on blood sugar levels. After eating, the group attended a tedious lecture. On the next day, the group ate the same meal and then watched a comedy. After the comedy, the group had lower blood sugar levels than they did after the lecture.

Olive Oil Information and Health benefits

Olive oil benefits have long been made known many years ago. The use of olive oil is an old practice that continues to exist in the present day. In fact, even medical studies have linked significant findings to olive oil benefits.

One of the main olive oil benefits is the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.Studies conducted revealed that this is owed to the fact that this nation prefers to use olive oil to animal fat-based oils. Thus they experience more of the benefits of olive oil.

The skin is the most visible example of olive oil benefits to the human body. Olive oil contains essential vitamins that are helpful in delaying the aging process. The healthy fatty acids present in olive oil promote soft and suppler skin, which is an important component of beauty. So, now you have discovered another vital beauty secret that is proven to be safe and effective


Benefits & Uses Of Olive Oil
Super Food For Heart
Olive oil is highly beneficial in preventing heart diseases and keeping the heart healthy. It is rich in mono-saturated fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E. It helps in lowering the blood pressure significantly and decreases the risk of heart attack as well. In addition, it helps in preventing the blood clots from reaching certain levels and thus reduces the chance of their becoming delinquent.

To Lower Blood Cholesterol Levels The monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil help lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels without affecting HDL ("good") cholesterol or triglyceride levels. To lower your cholesterol at least 15 percent of your daily calories should come from monounsaturated fatty acids. Whenever possible use olive oil in place of butter or other vegetable oils in cooking, in preparing dressings for salads or vegetables and in making sandwiches.

Inhibits Growth Of Cancer
Some studies have shown that the growth of breast, colon, bowel, and skin cancer can be significantly reduced with regular use of olive oil. Oleic acid, one of the main monosaturated fats present in olive oil, has the ability to cripple the cancer gene and thus, prevent cancer growth.
Olive oil for constipation In the morning, take 1 teaspoon of olive oil mixed with lemon juice on an empty stomach. Or try an enema made from 5 ounces of olive oil in 20 ounces of boiling water, cooled to lukewarm.

Helps Maintain Lower Weight
Some fatty acids found in olive oil can curb hunger cravings. You can substitute olive oil for other vegetable oils, as the effect of fats in the former is far less cumulative. In addition, it promotes healthy metabolism and forces the body to burn off calories at a faster rate. So, if you are planning to lose weight and maintain a healthy body, olive oil would prove to be quite useful.
Anti Aging Remedy
The anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil help slow down the aging process of cells, on the inside as well as outside. It helps give the skin a stunning glow and also reduces the wrinkles. You can use the oil in your salad dressing, cook your food in it and even apply it on your skin directly.
Excellent Beauty Product
Olive oil does wonder to your skin, giving it a natural glow and shine. In fact, it plays an important part in increasing the overall beauty of a person. It is used in several beauty and cosmetic products. You can use it as scrub, cleanser, and moisturizer. It can be applied to the hair, to give shine, increase volume, reduce dandruff and control hair fall. Incorporate it in your lifestyle and see the magic yourself.
Blood Sugar Controller
Olive oil contains the highest amount of mono-saturated fats, compared with any other oil and helps in stabilizing the level of blood sugar. The oil also proves to be a great source of vanadium, a lesser-known mineral that is also helpful in controlling the blood sugar level in the human body.
Lessens Severity Of Asthma & Arthritis
Olive oil is a very good anti-inflammatory agent and the mono-saturated fats present in it prove helpful in decreasing any inflammation in the body. Thus, the oil proves helpful in lessening the severity of asthma and arthritis.

To Treat Ear Complaints To clear stopped-up ears, put a few drops of lukewarm olive oil in the affected ear. Lie for 5 minutes on the opposite side, then turn over, so that the olive oil can flow out again. (Do not put any liquid in your ear if you think you may have a perforated eardrum!) For earaches, soak a cotton pad in olive oil, then add 5 drops of lavender oil. Place it loosely in your outer ear until the pain abates.
Studies have shown that people who consumed 25 milliliters (mL) - about 2 tablespoons - of virgin olive oil daily for 1 week showed less oxidation of LDL cholesterol and higher levels of antioxidant compounds, particularly phenols, in the blood.

Build Strong Fingernails To help build strong fingernails and soften cuticles, soak your nails each night in a mixture of 3 parts lukewarm olive oil to 1 part freshly-squeezed lemon juice. Put on cloth gloves and let the oil penetrate overnight. Your nails will gradually become more resistant to breaking and chipping.

But while all types of olive oil are sources of monounsaturated fat, EXTRA VIRGIN olive oil, from the first pressing of the olives, contains higher levels of antioxidants, particularly vitamin E and phenols, because it is less processed.

10 Anti Cancer Foods That Helps In Our Daily Diet

Cancer. The mere mention of the word makes us shrink in fear. It's like a death sentence. It's the leading cause of death in the United States, overtaking heart disease. But take heart, recent statistics show a decline in the incidence of both diseases. Now, that's heartening news! And the American Cancer Society reports that half of all these cancer deaths can be prevented by adopting a healthier lifestyle (assuming you already lead a healthy one). Now, that's doubly heartening news! Opting for a healthier (and heartier) lifestyle means you should stop smoking, lose weight, exercise, and eat more antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, according to a recent article published inHealthy Options lifestyle newsdigest


For starters, let's get to know more about the top 10 anti-cancer foods.Take this list (and please take them often):

1) Tomatoes :You probably know that tomatoes are oozing with lycopene, which helps ward off the free radicals associated with lung and digestive cancers as well as prostate, ovarian and lung cancers. Lycopene is also found in watermelon and pink grapefruit.

2) Broccoli Sprouts : For a veggie that's so small you can hold it with one hand, this one's got a fistful of antioxidant benefits that last for days. In the same family of cruciferous vegetables are broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage. Their sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol protect against prostate, bladder, colon, pancreatic, gastric, breast, and other hormone-related cancers. Indeed, it's the ultimate baby vegetable, baby!

3) Berries :Blueberries, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, cranberries, and grapes are all berry-rich in anthocyanins that help repair and protect DNA.

4) Soybeans :They're soy-good for your health as they've got isoflavones (like genistein) that prevent and treat prostate cancer. Soybeans may also reduce breast cancer risk. Soy is truly beanificial to our health!

5) Tea :Tea make that green and black is steeped in powerful compounds that, according to countless studies, may lower the risk of several types of cancer. Care for tea?

6) Pumpkin :This Halloween symbol and Cinderella's chariot has magical powers indeed. But not too many know that this superfood is a super-rich source of beta-carotene and alpha-carotene, two carotenoids that work hard to fight lung and ovarian cancers. Also rich in carotenoids are carrots, yams, squash, melons, and sweet red peppers.

7) Spinach :Aye, aye, Popeye was right spinach's a-okay. Its active antioxidant lutein may even help KO cancers of the liver, ovaries, colon, and prostate. Lutein is also found in kale and other leafy greens.

8) Garlic :The allium family, to which garlic belongs, works to boost the body's antioxidant defense systems to protect against stomach, esophageal, and breast cancers. Meet the other members of the family: scallions and onions. Truly, in onion, there is strength.

9) Pineapple :This pine cone-like fruit with its coveted sweet pulp contains an anti-inflammatory enzyme bromelain that may inhibit the growth of malignant lung and breast cancer cells.

10) Apple : Yes, there's a mouthful of wisdom in the saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Studies show that quercetin a flavonoid abundant in apples prevents the growth of prostate cancer cells. The phytochemicals in the skin of an apple inhibits the reproduction of colon cancer cells. According to the National Cancer Institute, eating an apple a day may reduce the risk of lung cancer by as much as 50 percent.Excuse me while I bite into my apple.

Source: Consumerline by Ching M. Alano

Health Benefits Of Garlic For You

Most of us don’t take particularly well to the idea of eating raw garlic; understandably so, considering its pungent taste and the bad breath it leaves behind. There are ways to combat the bad breath, while there is no way to escape from the benefits that two to three pods of chopped garlic can provide. Allacin, Di Allyl-Disulfide (DADS) and S. Allyl Cysteine (SAC) are the main chemical components in garlic, responsible for its health benefits.

Garlic Benefits

1. 
   
   
   Allacin in garlic has anti-biotic properties which the body cannot grow immune to as it does with many synthetic antibiotics. Hence, garlic can be used time and again to combat infections.
   
2. Allacin in garlic increases the anti-oxidative enzyme production in the body. In that sense it is an anti-oxidant and is very effective in protecting cellular damage by free radicals.
   
   
3. When garlic is crushed, mixed with water or vinegar and consumed, DADS which is formed, permeates the walls of the stomach and enters the lymphatic system where it inhibits and kills the cancer cells and prevents tumor formation.
   
   
4. After passing through the lymphatic system DADS enters the vena cava and then the liver where it act as a blood purifier.
   
   
5. In the liver, the SAC in garlic promotes the production of HDL and lowers the production of LDL and triglycerides. LDL, or the bad cholesterol, and triglycerides are detrimental to heart health. Garlic tips the cholesterol ratio in favor of HDL, or the good cholesterol, thereby ensuring well being of the heart.
   
   
6. The SAC in garlic is also known to lower blood pressure.
   
   
7. SAC is also an anti-coagulant. It helps prevent blood clots, and thereby reduces the chances of strokes and thrombosis
   
   
8. It helps in reducing arterial wall plaque, thereby maintaining their elasticity.
   
   
9. Garlic is detoxifying in nature. It is particularly effective in removing lead and mercury from the body.
   
   
10. It is also anti fungal and anti viral in nature. Many skin ailments are known have found a cure in garlic.
    
    
11. Common cold can be effectively treated by consuming two to three crushed or chopped garlic pods in a day.
    
    
12. It helps the body produce anti-bodies, thereby strengthening the immune system.

Keep in mind that:

• 
  
  
  On cutting or chopping garlic, allacin is formed. Hence it is advisable to wait for at least 15 inutes before consuming it, so that an ample amount of allacin is formed.
  
• Some people are sensitive to garlic and complain of irritation in the respiratory tract. In such cases garlic pills are an effective alternative.
  
  
• If you are taking anti-coagulants, it is advisable to refrain from garlic consumption without proper medical advice.
  
  
• Garlic must be taken as a supplement and not as a diet replacement.

Healing Power of Garlic

Garlic has long been a wonder drug for centuries as a remedy for everything from a nose cold and flu to the Plague. Garlic is used mostly as an alternative medicine in which natural extracts are used to promote health and wellness and has also been used topically to treat some acne problems.

The stronger the garlic and its cent, the more sulphur it contains. It was long thought that sulphur was the key to the medicinal power of garlic, but as it turns out, researchers have found that an acid in garlic is responsible for the flavor and its natural healing properties. An organic compound called allicin could be the antioxidant in charge.

Many people do not like garlic is because of its after effect “Garlic breath”. One way to avoid it, is to take garlic supplements, but of course the original ingredient in its raw form is always preferred. Garlic is a natural antibiotic and can be taken for as long as needed as long as you are not allergic to it. Antioxidants prevent the body from free radicals which kill good cells in your body.

Some other things that garlic has been know for is detoxifying your body of metals, lowers blood pressure, gets rid of yeast infections, reduces cholesterol levels, and just makes you feel great.

Headache Causes, Symptoms

Headache is defined as pain in the head or upper neck. It is one of the most common locations of pain in the body and has many causes.

• The head is one of the most common sites of pain in the body.
  
  
• The most common types of headache can be classified as 1) primary, 2) secondary, and 3) cranial neuralgias, facial pain, and other headaches.
  
  
• The most common types of primary headaches are 1) tension, 2) migraine, and 3) cluster.
  
  
• Tension headaches are the most common type of primary headache and usually are treated with over-the-counter medications for pain
  
  
• Secondary headaches are a symptom of an injury or an underlying illness.
  
  
• Patients should seek medical care for new onset headaches, fever, stiff neck, change in behavior, vomiting, weakness or change in sensation.
  

There are three major categories of headaches:

1. Primary headaches,
   Primary headaches include migraine, tension, and cluster headaches, as well as a variety of other less common types of headache.
   
   
2. Secondary headaches,
   Secondary headaches are those that are due to an underlying structural problem in the head or neck
   
   
3. Cranial neuralgias, facial pain, and other headaches
   Cranial neuralgia describes a group of headaches that occur because the nerves in the head and upper neck become inflamed and are the source of the head pain. Facial Pain and a variety of other causes for headache are included in this category.

Treatment
The pain killers may grant you relief form the pain temporarily but is not permanent solution. The three most common and most effective migraine and headache treatments are the triptans, the ergots and the midrins. These three families of medications target the source of the headache instead of simply numbing the pain. Migraine headache treatments and medications is effective if should affect source of the pain.

Getting Down to the Cause

Migraine and headache occur due to the expansion of blood vessels in the brain. The brain is a very dense construction and the blood vessels as long thing balloons. Usually these blood vessels are deflated. The headache happens because these blood vessels grow larger and larger, like a balloon being blown up. As the blood vessels get bigger, they put pressure on the structure around them; this pressure is what causes a migraine. Thus focusing on the source of pain rather than just curbing the ache would curb the Migraine.

The Mechanics of Treatment

All three medications discussed above hits the root cause of the problem. It causes the blood vessels to constrict, relieving the pressure and hence the pain. The pain killer pills generally numb only the pain instead of addressing the main cause of the problem. It's for this reason that the medical treatments for migraines and headaches listed above are the most effective when it comes to treating true, sever, headaches.

Is One Better than the Others

Out of the three medical treatments listed, the triptan family is, at present, thought to be the safest especially for the heart patients. This is because all three medications constrict blood vessels all over the body, not just in the brain; thus mostly people are prone to a higher risk of heart problems and an attack following use of one of these vessel-targeting medications.

Total Health Solution

Through this site you will find a wide range of up-to-date and quality assessed information on important health topics.We hope to help you find resources that fit your needs. How far are you willing to go to help yourself? ……. And how many alternative care health solutions would you commit yourself to trying?

Good health is an integral component of human wellbeing. It is a fundamental human capacity that enables every individual to achieve her/his potential to actively participate in social, economic and political processes, Whether he/she may be rich/poor, high caste, low caste. Therefore, optimum care, nutrition and protection of children from infection, at birth and throughout our life till we go away from this beautiful world, not only ensure survival but importantly form the foundations for lifelong development.

Overall, improving the health of its large population, especially among the most economically and socially vulnerable sections of the society, is central to the achievement of human development of any state or nation. The entire approach of socio-economic development is human based. Thus, the importance of health sector is vital as reflected in this context “Health for All and All for Health”.

The implementation of health care programmes are the must in our state.We need to build on the areas of our current engagement in Healthcare policy, medical ethics, implementation of whole systems change in hospitals, interface of health responsibility by making a deep responsibility and empowering difference.

The enlightened advice and guidance for channelzing the investment in health sector is missing. This void needs to be filled. It is you and me should filled it and co-operate the authorities who are taking the charge for the programmes in particular. If it is so then even the NGOs or any agencies or organizations or group of professionals could start working with the players in health scenario – mainly the investors, corporate bodies and industry houses, policy makers.The Total-Health 4 All gives you a better help.

Herbal Remedies for Headaches

There are not many people who can say that they never had a headache. Headaches are not only a distressing nuisance but big business as well because there are so many commercial products, sold in millions every day. There are many environmental and stress related factors that can induce what might be termed a simple headache. However, if people suffer from persistent headaches for no obvious reason a complication may be responsible, and medical advice should be sought without delay.

For simple or everyday headaches it is not necessarily the best idea to start pill popping as soon as they occur. Indeed it may be better to consider whether there is a more natural approach. Of course, the best way to eliminate the problem would be to remove the cause, but if it is work or environmentally related, that may not be possible. Therefore, an alternative approach could be to try natural herbal remedies, which many people have found successful in treating their own headaches.

A visit to your local herbal or health shop may be beneficial. Aspirin, which is one of the main headache cures, was originally derived from willow bark. Mixed with other herbal extracts such as peppermint or chamomile, willow bark may bring about the relief you are seeking. Be sure to obtain the advice of an adviser from your supplier, because it is possible to overdose on herbs as well as over the counter medicines. If in doubt ask, and make sure that anything you take is safe. Ready-made preparations, from reputable suppliers, offer the best solution to those who are not experts themselves.

Different types of herbs have been found to be useful for different kinds of headache. For instance many have found peppermint to be useful for migraines, and it is generally considered to be particularly safe. Primrose supplements contain phenylalanine that may be useful for treating work and stress induced headaches. Feverfew has proved its worth for ages past, as have other herbal remedies that your health adviser may be able to recommend.

Some people derive benefit from essential oils, finding that the aroma from the likes of lavender, or tea tree oil to be therapeutic. It is not difficult to imagine such treatment works after a hard day in the office or factory. A few drops of your favorite oil, added to your bath water, may refresh and invigorate your headache away!

Just remember that there are herbal alternatives to many over the counter drugs. That is not to say that natural products can't have side effects. They can, and that is why it is so necessary to get qualified advice before taking anything you are unsure about.

Avoid Swine Flu - Naturally

Although swine flu has now been classified as a pandemic, there is no need to panic. The disease has spread throughout the world, but in most instances it has been in a relatively mild form. Unfortunately, there have been some deaths, but for the most part those affected have satisfactorily recovered, or are recovering.

Of course people are concerned because this is the first pandemic that has affected the world for many years. So, you may ask whether there is anything you can do to protect yourself, naturally. Fortunately, there are natural health steps you can take, to reduce the chances of swine flu affecting yourself, or your family. If you look after your immune system, it will do its best to protect you, or at least minimise the affect of an infection.

Please Click Here to visit the Natural Health Web Site.

You may ask how it is possible to strengthen your immune system? All you really need to do is to keep as healthy as possible. That will require a healthy diet, sufficient exercise, and not getting too stressed out or fatigued. There are many people who already live a naturally healthy existence, but for the others, it should not be difficult to take a few simple steps to protect themselves.

Fruit and vegetables are relatively inexpensive, and unless you are already eating sufficient, you should increase your intake. In the summer particularly, there are fruit and vegetables in season, which are often the subject of special offers at the supermarkets. Many towns are noted for their outdoor markets, where prices are often lower than in the shops. It is not difficult to improve your diet, and many people who have done so, have realized what they have been missing.

It is essential to get sufficient exercise, which really means as much as you can enjoyably cope with. Some people engage in adventurous and even dangerous sports. That is OK for them, but if you are not so inclined brisk daily walks, may be a sensible alternative. If work gets in the way, you could go for a walk at lunchtime, or if it's not too far walk to work, or get off the bus two stops earlier. There are so many ways and means to assist with staying healthy.

Please Click Here to visit the Natural Health Web Site.

Stress is one of the major health hazards of the modern age. You may not be able to totally avoid it but you should try to ensure that you don't get too tired. Your immune system does not benefit from you being tired out; so do not make undue demands of yourself. The sleep requirements of different people vary considerably. You are the best judge of how much you require, and in the best position to ensure you get it.

Perhaps the best way forward is to use the swine flu scare as an excuse to become naturally healthier. Then if you don't catch it, and hopefully most people won't, you will benefit from the steps you have taken to remain as healthy as possible.

Health Fitness Facts-Tonsillitis Symptoms,Treatment,Causes,Remedies,Pain Relief

What is Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is an infection and swelling of the tonsils which are oval-shaped lymph nodes located in the back of the mouth and the upper part of the throat. Our body has two sets of tonsils. One pair can be seen at the back of the throat. These are called the palatine or faucial tonsils. The other pair is at the back of the tongue and is called lingual tonsils. Also part of the same group of lymph nodes are the adenoids, which are situated behind the nose, and above the throat. Their main function is to filter out bacteria and other microorganisms. Tonsillitis commonly means the inflammation or infection of the palatine tonsils. However, sometimes the infection can involve the lingual tonsils and other lymph nodes in the back of the throat, especially the adenoids. The infection may also be present in the throat and surrounding areas, causing pharyngitis (infection of the pharynx).

Tonsillitis Causes :-

Tonsillitis is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection, mainly due to the Streptococcus, Pneumococcus and Haemophilus bacteria. Viruses such as the Adenovirus and Epstein-Barr virus may also cause tonsillitis. The infection spreads by:

(1) Coming in close contact with someone who has tonsillar or pharyngeal infection with the above organisms.

(2) Having a sore throat that develops into tonsillitis

(3) Sharing utensils or toothbrushes with people infected by or carrying streptococcal bacteria or the Epstein-Barr virus.

Tonsillitis Symptoms :-

Tonsillitis may be acute, sub-acute and chronic. Symptoms for acute tonsillitis include:

(1) Rapid onset of a severe sore throat that worsens over time

(2) Moderate to high fever

(3) Difficulty and pain in swallowing

(4) Red and enlarged tonsils that may or may not have pus

(5) Swollen or tender lymph nodes below the jaw

(6) Hoarseness or loss of voice may or may not be there.

Symptoms for sub-acute tonsillitis can last from 3 weeks to 3 months and include:

(a) Enlarged tonsils

(b) Foul smelling, pasty, infected material that collects within the pits on the tonsils

(c) Sore throat

(d) Bad breath

(e) Mildly swollen, tender lymph nodes

(f) Previous history of acute sore throat which has not been adequately treated by antibiotics and some pain has persisted.

Symptoms for chronic tonsillitis include:

(1) Enlarged and mildly red tonsils that are scarred with large pits

(2) Slightly enlarged lymph node that is not usually tender

(3) Sore throat off and on

Tonsillitis Diagnosis :-

The diagnosis is based on the symptoms and a physical examination of the patient. The tonsils are usually reddened and may have white spots on them. The lymph nodes of the jaw and neck may be enlarged and tender to the touch. A careful examination of the throat is necessary to rule out diphtheria and other conditions that may cause a sore throat.

A culture of the tonsils may show bacterial infection. A culture for the streptococcus bacteria may also be taken. A blood test may also be done to rule out a more serious condition or infection, and to check the white blood cell count. In some case, the doctor may ask for blood tests for glandular fever or mononucleosis, since most patients with mononucleosis develop streptococcal infections of the tonsils.

Tonsillitis Treatment :-

The treatment depends on the cause of the infection. Mostly, tonsillitis is caused by viruses and so antibiotics are ineffective. However, often a viral tonsillitis may lower the resistance, and be secondarily infected by bacteria. In these cases if the tonsillitis is not settling, antibiotics may prevent the bacterial infection. Only if the cause is a bacterium such as streptococcus, antibiotics are given to cure the infection. If oral antibiotics are used, they must continue for the full course and must not be discontinued after the patient feels comfortable, or the infection will not be cured completely.

Tonsillitis Prevention :-

The bacteria and viruses that cause tonsillitis are easily spread from person to person. Avoiding exposure to anyone who is already suffering from tonsillitis or sore throat can lower the risk of transmission. Drinking glasses and eating utensils should not be shared. Old toothbrushes should be replaced to prevent re infection. People taking care of someone suffering from tonsillitis should wash their hands frequently to prevent spreading the infection to others.