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 Proper and balanced diet is the key to a healthy and fit body. Learn all about eating the right kind of food and find out how to lose weight without compromising on your favourite food and much much more. Read on…..
Benefits of Garlic
Garlic has been around for centuries and is known and recognized for its medicinal powers. From the earliest times right up until today, garlic has been used for various forms of healing, as well as building strength and endurance. Studies have proved that garlic is best for prevention of heart disease and cancer. In the ancient times garlic has been used to treat everything from leprosy to wounds in both world wars and different other diseases.
Garlic for your Heart
Studies have shown that garlic aids with circulation by widening blood vessels, thus lowering blood pressure. Garlic works in the body on the platelets, which are the blood clotting cells, making them less likely to stick together and cling to artery walls causing heart attacks. Garlic is also credited with dissolving clot forming proteins that affect the formation of plaque. It is also believed that garlic may interfere with the metabolism of cholesterol and aid with lowering the over all cholesterol count. All these factors lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Garlic prevents cancer
Garlic helps in preventing cancer and kills the growth if cancer cells. Garlic contains allium which is helpful in preventing cancer. Also one component of garlic, alliin, is an antioxidant. Some nutrients, such as selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E, and in particular alliin, scavenge free radicals, the free-roaming, unstable molecules that lead to cell damage and premature aging. Free radicals have also been implicated in the growth of tumors. In laboratory animals, garlic extracts have actually inhibited the growth of cancer cells.
Other Benefits of Garlic
Garlic helps combat colds and the flu. It is used to treat sore throats, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), digestive disorders, bladder infections, and liver and gallbladder problems. It’s believed to kill harmful bacteria in the stomach and protect against gastric cancer. It appears to be a potent antioxidant and may boost the response of your immune system. It also works as an anti-inflammatory. Garlic is effective against bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections.
Include Garlic in your diet
Garlic comes in many different forms including fresh herb or clove, liquid, oil, powder and capsules. If you find that the pungent odor of garlic is a bit more than you bargained for you can purchase the odorless garlic supplements. But it is best if you get your quota of garlic in food, as it may be more easily absorbed into your system.
A word of caution
Don’t use garlic supplements if you’re taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) or hypoglycemics (a type of diabetes drug). Do not take if breastfeeding. Rarely, may cause allergic reactions.
 Of course, we all know that honey is one of nature’s most delicious treats, but did you know that there are many topical uses for honey as well? Because honey contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, it is a wonderful beauty aid that nourishes the skin and the hair. Honey acts as an antibacterial and antifungal agent and helps disinfect and speed the healing process in wounds, scrapes and burns.
For best results, use raw honey. Raw honey is unprocessed and has up to 50 percent more vitamins than processed or cooked honey.
Following are the various benefits of honey:
- Honey mixed with ground almonds makes an excellent facial cleansing scrub.
- A tablespoon of honey whisked together with an egg white, 1 teaspoon of glycerin and about 1/4 cup of flour makes an excellent firming mask. Just smooth on the face, leave on 15 minutes, and rinse off with warm water. You’ll love the results.
- Honey also makes a great moisturizing pack. Just mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 2 teaspoons of whole milk, smooth over the face and throat, and let it do its job for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, and finish splashing with cold water.
- Honey also makes a great lotion for dry patches of skin on hands, elbows, or other parts. Just mix 1 teaspoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and a 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply to hands, elbows, heels of your foot, etc., and wash off after 15 minutes. Instant relief!
- Honey works well on chapped lips and for acne because it has antibacterial properties.
- To give your hair lustrous shine, mix 1 teaspoon of honey into 4 cups of warm water. Use as a hair rinse. And if you’re a blond, add the juice of 1 lemon, too.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with a cup of warm water. Use it as a mouthwash. Honey cleans teeth and dentures, and kills germs in the mouth.
 Like all citrus fruits, lemons are a good source of vitamin C which enhances the beauty of your skin and has a lot to give both to health and beauty. They are also good for cleansing your digestive
system.
The various benefits of lemons are listed below:
- Squeeze some lemon juice into warm water and drink it. It helps by cleansing your body of toxins.
- Cellulite can also benefit from lemons. First of all, start each day with a drink of hot water and squeezed lemons. Water retention is also banished this way. Then use a lemon based cellulite oil to rub onto the affected areas.
- Lemons can be rubbed directly onto skin and left for about 2 hours before rinsing. This is good to reduce wrinkles and treat blemishes. The treatment will work better if followed by olive oil after rinsing. It works by speeding up skin renewal and uncovering a fresh new layer of skin. However, it is important not to do this before going out in the sun as it will have a bleaching effect.
- Another beauty treatment that can be done with lemons is a hair tonic. Massage some lemon juice onto hair and leave it for a while before rinsing. Again, do not do this before going in the sun. This treatment is especially good for greasy hair as it will regulate the sebaceous glands which produce oil and make the hair shine and prevent dandruff.
 Vitamins are an important ingredient in our daily diets. Vitamins keep us healthy and strong. Vitamins are necessary for our growth, vitality and well-being. Sometimes vitamins are used as therapies for various ailments and disease. We must get vitamins from our natural foods or dietary supplements. You can also buy vitamin supplements to increase the level of a particular vitamin your body can use. Below listed are the various vitamins and their benefits.Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat soluable vitamin, meaning that it needs fats and minerals for proper absorption. Retinol Vitamin A comes from animal food sources and is stored in the body, whereas Beta-carotene Vitamin A comes from both plant and animal sources, and is not stored in the body. Retinol Vitamin A benefits your vision, tissues, skin, teeth, hair, nails and bones in many ways.
Possible Benefits of Vitamin A
 Helps improve vision. And protects against formation of cataracts.
Inhibits cancerous growth and may reverse precancerous conditions.
Antioxidant properties help prevent heart disease and reduce risk of heart attack and stroke.
Powerful immune protector.
Antioxidant properties may be helpful for Alzheimers, chronic fatigue syndrome, male infertility and fribromyalgia.
Promotes wellness of bones, eyes, hair, mucous linings, membranes, nails, skin and teeth.
Food Sources
Dark green leafy vegetables and yellow, orange or red fruits and vegetables: sweet potatos, carrots, cantaloupe, broccoli, spinach, lettuce, fish liver oils, liver, kale, turnip greens, squash, tomatos, pumpkin, peaches, mangos, apricots, milk and dairy products.
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Vitamin B1
Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin) is a water soluble vitamin, meaning any excess is excreted and not stored in the body. It is known as a “morale booster” since it affords beneficial effects on the nervous system and in a person’s mental disposition. Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin) is necessary to convert carbohydrates from food into energy. It plays a key role in reactions that lead to the formation of energy (along with riboflavin and niacin), and this energy metabolism process is needed for growth, physical movement, nerve functioning, and most body processes.
Possible Benefits
Aids in energy production and efficient energy metabolism.
Promotes growth and healthy nerves – stress relief.
Aids digestion, particularly carbohydrates.
Improves mental attitude and mental clarity.
Strengthens the heart.
Keeps nervous system, muscles, and heart functioning normally.
Soothes heartburn and helps fight airsickness or seasickness.
Studies have shown it aids in lowered blood pressure, weight loss, better sleep and increased energy.
Food Sources
Grains, meats, sunflower seeds, pork, bran cereal, peas, fish, beef, liver, ham, peanuts, almonds, macaroni, rice, bread, lima beans, corn, broccoli, potato, orange juice, orange, avocado, dried beans, oatmeal, milk and dried yeast.
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Vitamin B2
Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin) is a water soluble vitamin, meaning any excess is excreted and not stored in the body. People have an increased need for Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin) in stress situations, and it is the most common vitamin deficiency. Vitamin B-2 is easily destroyed by light, water when cooking, sulfa drugs, estrogen, and alcohol consumption.
Possible Benefits
Aids in growth and reproduction.
Benefits vision, alleviates eye fatigue, and prevents/delays onset of cataracts.
Reduces the frequency and severity of migraines by increasing energy to the brain.
Promotes healthy skin, nails, and hair.
Works as an antioxidant booster to fight free radicals, fight cancer, and strengthen the lens of the eye.
Helps eliminate sore mouth, lips, and tongue.
Helps metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins for energy.
May be important for healthy nerves.
Speeds healing of wounds, injuries, and after-surgery recovery.
May help with many nerve-related and other ailments: Alzheimers, numbness & tingling, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis.
May help with sickle-cell anemia if have riboflavin deficiency.
Beneficial for anxiety, stress, and fatigue.
Food Sources
Milk, yogurt, American cheese, cheddar cheese, liver, pork chop, beef, egg, tuna, collard greens, broccoli, spinach, macaroni, bread, liver, cereals, avocados, mushrooms, kidney, yeast and leafy green vegetables.
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Vitamin B6
Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine) is a water soluble vitamin, meaning any excess is excreted and not stored in the body. This important vitamin performs more than 100 functions over and over during a day’s time, and must be present for the production of antibodies and red blood cells. Women taking oral contraceptives, adolescent girls, and pregnant women may especially have low levels of Vitamin B-6, making them prone to depression and other ailments.
Possible Benefits
Helps prevent cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Assists in proper assimilation of protein and fat.
Clears excess estrogen from the body and can alleviate PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
Works as building block for brain neurotransmitters and may reduce epileptic seizures.
Helps prevent various nervous and skin disorders.
Alleviates nausea and morning sickness.
Eases insomnia.
Treats carpal tunnel syndrome by alleviating nerve inflammation in the wrist.
Helps relieve asthma attacks.
May relieve depression, stress, and anxiety in those deficient of this vitamin.
Promotes proper synthesis of anti-aging nucleic acids.
Reduces night muscle spasms, leg cramps, hand numbness, and some neuritis conditions.
Food Sources
Liver, salmon, fish, chicken, ham, hamburger, veal, eggs, pork, beef, split peas, dried beans, banana, avocado, watermelon, turnip greens, brussel sprouts, potato, sweet potato, carrots, peas, chickpeas, brewer’s yeast, wheat bran, wheat germ, kidney, heart, cantaloupe, cabbage, blackstrap molasses, and milk.
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Vitamin B12
Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamin) is a water soluble vitamin and is effective in very small dosages. It’s not a typical vitamin, for it is produced only by microorganisms and is found nearly exclusively in foods of animal origin. Vegetarians or people with low intakes of animal products are at the greatest risk for a deficiency of Vitamin B-12, as well as people with gastrointestinal disorders, ulcers, Crohn’s disease, gout, chronic heartburn, and excessive alcohol drinkers.
Possible Benefits
Prevent anemia by forming and regenerating red blood cells.
Help maintain a healthy nervous system and reduce depression and irritability.
Alleviate nerve pain, numbness, and tingling.
Enhance proper utilization of fats, carbohydrates, and protein.
Increase energy.
Reduce heart disease risks.
Sharpen mental agility, concentration, memory, and balance due to its “brain booster” effects.
May improve multiple sclerosis and tinnitus.
Promote growth and increase appetite in children.
Keeps the immune system healthy.
May slow the progression of HIV infection to AIDS.
Improve ability to fight off disease.
Food Sources
Liver, trout, beef, clams, crab, lamb, tuna, veal, hamburger, eggs, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, brewer’s yeast, oysters, sardines, and organ meats.
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Vitamin C
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), a water soluble vitamin, is a potent antioxidant and studies suggest that this nutrient may prevent premature death from heart disease and cancer. Besides its antioxidant benefits, Vitamin C plays a primary role in collagen formation which is essential for the growth and repair of tissue cells, gums, blood vessels, bones, and teeth. Smokers and older people have a greater need for this vitamin.
Possible Benefits
Protection against cancer and heart disease.
Strengthens immunity and may prevent colds or minimize them through its mild antihistamine effects.
Potent antioxidant and raises blood glutathione, another antioxidant produced by the body.
Helps prevent cataracts.
Increases iron absorption.
Acidifies urine to prevent some types of kidney and bladder infections (urinary tract infections).
Helps treat asthma.
Promotes healthy gums.
Assists in lowering blood cholesterol.
Prevents many types of viral and bacterial infections.
Acts as a natural laxative.
Lowers blood clot incidences.
Reduces allergy-producing effects of many substances.
Prevents scurvy.
Extends life by enabling protein cells to hold together.
Food Sources
Kiwi fruit, orange, orange juice, cantaloupe, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, grapefruit, strawberries, watermelon, grape juice, raspberries, green peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, collard greens, potato, tomato, sweet potato, and red peppers.
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Vitamin D
Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) is a fat soluble vitamin often referred to as the sunshine vitamin because the ultraviolet B rays of the sun causes skin oils to produce this vitamin. Light-skinned people get the RDA of Vitamin D with 30 minutes of sunlight exposure twice a week, and darker-skinned people require longer exposures for the light to penetrate the skin. Since the body’s ability to manufacture Vitamin D declines with age, older people (and people who don’t go outside much) may become deficient in this vitamin. Vitamin D’s importance is its role of making calcium and phosphorus available for the body to use.
Possible Benefits
Helps prevent osterporosis.
Promote healthy bones and strong teeth.
Helps absorption of the minerals calcium and phosphorus.
Prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
May help prevent colon, breast, and prostate cancer.
May slow progression of osteoarthritis of the knee.
Food Sources
Sunlight, fortified milk, salmon, tuna, shrimp, herring, beef and chicken liver, egg yolk, and fortified cereals.
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Vitamin E
Vitamin E has four major forms: alpha tocopheryl, beta, delta and gamma. Vitamin E (d-alpha Tocopheryl) is the most common and potent form. Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin that is stored in the liver. This important antioxidant vitamin protects against cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Possible Benefits
Cancer, heart disease, and stroke prevention.
May prevent cataracts.
Works as natural blood thinner and may prevent blood clots.
May help people with diabetes better use insulin.
Enhances immunity.
Protects against cigarette smoke and air pollution.
Assists in healing of the skin.
Enhances the activity of selenium and Vitamin A.
Decreases bad cholesterol.
Protects against muscle damage due to oxidation.
May relieve osteoarthritis symptoms.
Food Sources
Vegetable oil, mayonnaise, margarine, salad dressing, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, peanuts, cashews, sweet potato, collard greens, asparagus, spinach, soybeans, eggs, leafy greens, wheat germ, whole wheat bread, white bread, crab, shrimp, and fish.
 Are you susceptible to cold and flu? Do you think that you are protected against these irritating viruses? If not, we have brought for you some easy home remedies which you have to incorporate in your daily food and say good-bye to cold and flu.
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Chicken soup has to be at the top of the list. Hot chicken soup helps clear clogged airways, and the nourishing broth will give you more energy. Add plenty of vegetables, including onion and garlic, for extra healing power.
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Cook a vegetable soup to boost your immune system. Boil lightly a colourful range of different vegetables with garlic and a teaspoon of black pepper. Toss in a couple of tomatoes for a good measure of Vitamin C.
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Take in proper quantity of vitamin C in your diet. Reach for citrus fruits to increase your vitamin C intake. Drink orange juice for breakfast, have grapefruit, pineapple and strawberries whenever you are hungry.
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Hot and spicy food also does the trick. Cook ethnic foods that contain garlic, peppers and hot sauce to help break up congestion.
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Ginger also is also effective in protecting you against colds and the flu. Try making a ginger tea: Pour a cup of boiling water over 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger; let steep 5-10 minutes.
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Garlic is the best home remedy to keep cold and flu away. Add garlic liberally to your favorite foods, or even chew a raw clove or two.
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Stay hydrated with plenty of liquids. Instead of coffee, soda or sweetened beverages drink plenty of water and pure fruit juices. Hot beverages work better for some people; try tea, hot water mixed with lemon or even hot lemonade.
Vitamin E is a great source of vitamin for many different reasons including heart protection, cancer preventer, immunity booster, brain preserver, wound healer etc. Vitamin E is the main antioxidant that protects all calls from damage, so its one of the most important nutrient supplements you can take to keep your whole body healthy and protected against disease.
Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals in the body that cause tissue and cellular damage. Vitamin E also contributes to a healthy circulatory system and aids in proper blood clotting and improves wound healing. Some studies have shown that vitamin E decreases symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and certain types of breast disease.
Vitamin E is good for the heart. Taking vitamin E can significantly lower your risk of heart disease, enhance the functioning of your immune system, and also reduces your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Women need 8 milligrams while men need 10 milligrams of vitamin E daily. It is best to take vitamin E from your daily diet. You can also take vitamin pills.
Sources of Vitamin E
- Wheat germ
- Vegetable oil and margarine
- Avocado
- Whole grain products
- Egg yolk
- Nuts
- Liver
- Peanut butter
 For minor ailments and illness you can use natural herbal remedies without running to the doctor for drugs that contain chemicals, which might cause other side effects. These herbal remedies are generally mild, and thus work best at the initial stages of illness. However if the illness is serious then it is always best to consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Below listed are a few common ailments and their natural herbal cure.
INDIGESTION
For indigestion ginger tea is the best remedy. Boil your tea with a thumbnail piece of ginger. Add sugar or honey for taste. Drink this tea 3 times a day to soothe the upset organ. You can also try one teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in water.
NAUSEA
For nausea, try lemon-lime soda. Make sure it’s not icy cold; room temperature is better as it won’t startle your stomach into cramping.
COLD
If you have a cold, cook a vegetable soup to boost your immune system. Boil lightly a colourful range of different vegetables with garlic and a teaspoon of black pepper. Toss in a couple of tomatoes for a good measure of Vitamin C. The vegetables provide multi-vitamins and minerals to boost your immune system to fight the cold. Garlic has anti-bacterial properties and helps to fight germs and viruses. Black pepper has chemicals to affect your body’s metabolism, which will in turn boost the immune system.
COUGH
For a good homemade cough syrup, mix a tablespoon of honey with a quarter cup of lemon juice and a quarter cup of warm water. Adults may also try adding a tablespoon of brandy or whiskey. This is not particularly tasty but it is effective.
SORE THROAT
Sooth a sore throat by gargling with one teaspoon of salt mixed in a small amount of warm water. Do not swallow. Repeat as often as necessary.
CUTS
Fresh, unprocessed honey contains vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. This is a powerful healer for cuts because the nutrients act directly on the wound, speeding up the recovery of cells. Honey also absorbs water when it is applied on the skin. A skin without moisture is not conducive to bacterial growth. Honey is not an antiseptic but acts like one in its action to inhibit bacterial growth.
THIRST
Cucumbers and coconut juice are “coolers” because they remove metabolic heat generated in the body. They are excellent thirst quenchers for the parched throat, dry body, or feverish body. They work twice as effectively as plain water alone and do not give you the bloated feeling of drinking too much water
INSOMNIA
Insomnia is a common sleeping disorder that may affect people of all ages. Even children may experience difficulty in falling to sleep from time to time. A hot, milky beverage will usually lull you to sleep. Lavender in its dried form or essential oil form is commonly used in aromatherapy to help insomnia sufferers. A few whiffs of the herb send you to dreamland. It is harmless enough for use with children and babies in the same room. There are also sedative teas like chamomile tea, which relaxes your body to induce sleep.
HEADACHE
Stave off a migraine headache by drinking a high-caffeine beverage as soon as you feel it coming on. Take one aspirin and lie down in a dark room. A cool cloth across the forehead can be soothing as well. A tension headache can be eased with a hot shower, massaging the affected area, or even by brushing your hair.
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