EATING MORE FISH IS HEALTHY REGARDLESS RISK OF TOXINS

Eating more fish is definitely a heart-healthy benefit. You might be a little weary, however, of the risk of toxins, like mercury found in some kinds of fish. The safety of farm-raised fish, wild fish and fish you catch is also a concern for many people. Use this article as a resource to help you learn how you can eat fish safely.

Some of the health benefits associated with eating fish includes:

• Generally low in calories
• Generally low in saturated fat
• Generally low in cholesterol
• It is a good substitute for poultry and meat because it is generally low in calories, saturated fat and cholesterol
• Cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel and herring are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which appear to decrease risk of coronary artery disease, may protect against irregular heartbeats, and help to lower blood pressure.

There are potential drawbacks to eating fish even though it is good for your health. Some types of fish may contain contaminants like mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins or other chemical pollutants. Fish get these toxins from pollutants in lakes, rivers and oceans. Other disease-causing organisms, bacteria, viruses and parasites also infect fish just the same way that poultry and meat can be infected.

Although the Food and Drug Administration regulates seafood to reduce potential hazards, you still need to safely store, prepare, cook and serve fish to help reduce your risk of contracting food-borne illnesses.

One of the major contaminants found in fish is mercury. Large, predatory fish like tilefish, swordfish and king mackerel tend to have higher levels of mercury. The Environmental Protection Agency report that for most people the amount of mercury they consume by eating fish is not a health concern.

There are two locations from which our fish purchased in the grocery store come from. They are:

• Fish caught in the wild such as an ocean, river or freshwater lake
• Fish raised on a fish farm

Farm-raised fish may have more total fat, calories and higher levels of contaminants due to toxins present in the feed given to fish. Farm-raised fish is more readily available and often cost less. State or federal governments set harvest limits on commercially harvested fish that make them more expensive. The United States requires labels on consumer fish products that states either “farm-raised” or “wild.” Wild fish may also be harvested for personal consumption by sport anglers.

Fish caught by sport angling are not held to the same standards as fight caught commercially. The FDA regulates commercial fish to help ensure safety. Advisories in each state is responsible for protecting residents from the health risk of eating wild fish, for example, which types and much fish is safe to eat. If you are unable to find local advice, the FDA and EPA recommend you limit consumption of fish from local waters to about 6 ounces a week.

Most people do not eat enough fish and have no need to worry of eating too much to cause a health concern. The American Heart Association recommends at least two, 3-ounce servings of fish – preferably omega-3-rich fish – each week. For most consumers, especially those at risk for heart disease, the omega-3 benefits of eating fish regularly outweighs the potential risks.

For women who might become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers and children younger than age 5, the FDA and EPA recommend the following:

• Avoid eating shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tilefish due to the high levels of toxins
• Eat up to 12 ounces per week of fish and shellfish that contain low levels of mercury. Sources include: shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, Pollock, catfish. Limit intake of albacore tuna to 6 ounces per week.

You don’t have to avoid seafood altogether if you are in any of the above groups. In fact, some studies suggest that not enough seafood during pregnancy may contribute to poor verbal skills, behavioral problems and other developmental issues during childhood.

In addition to the many governmental safety precautions in place, you still need to safely store, prepare, cook and serve fish. Review the following tips:

• Never consume raw seafood, particularly raw shellfish
• Wrap fresh fish in a plastic bag securely and store in your refrigerator
• Eat fresh fish within two days, most preferably the day of purchase
• Store frozen seafood no more than six months
• Do not refreeze fish.
• Defrost frozen seafood in the refrigerator just before cooking or for quicker thawing, place frozen fish in a sealed bag and immerse in cold water.
• Wash hands, cutting boards and utensils with soap and water after coming in contact with fish
• Allow 10 minutes cooking time for every inch of thickness for medium-cooked fish.
• Use a fork or the tip of a knife to cut into the fish to see if it is done. When done the fish should separate into flakes and appear opaque throughout.

Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (2007)

Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.

Author: Connie Limon, Trilogy Field Representative. Visit nutritionandhealthhub.com and sign up for a weekly nutrition and health tip. The article collection is available as FREE reprints for your newsletters, websites or blog. Visit www.healthylife27.com to purchase an array of superior quality, safe and effective products inspired by nature, informed by science and created to improve the health of people, pets and the planet.

Read more...

COFFEE - PROS/CONS OF HEALTH

A new cottage type industry has sprung up over the past twenty-five years that has looked at the health aspect of coffee drinking. It’s no surprise because worldwide over four hundred million portions are drunk daily. However, health experts have questioned its safety. Recent studies have shown that the benefits may outweigh the risks.

The prime ingredient in your cup of cappuccino is caffeine. It a known type of stimulant. Blood pressures rise, heart rates increase and sometimes this can result in irregular beats. However scientists are sure the effects are only mild and only temporary. In contrast to this, new information suggests certain healthy aspects.

A cure for cancer? No – plenty of evidence shows that it may help minimalise any risk of colon cancer, but only if you drink four plus cups a day. Unfortunately that level of drinking could have counteraffects also.


Heard the saying, everything in moderation? Well this is also true of coffee. As with wine, coffee has antioxidants that do protect you against heart diseases and some cancers. It removes the cells that destroy oxygen from your blood. However, others contend that you get more from apples, cranberries and tomatoes. Others suggest vitamins, minerals and fibre in vegetables and fruit are best.

Chinese scientists show that drinking your coffee can reduce the horrible symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. Drinking regular and decaffeinated coffees, according to the Scandinavians and Americans may also reduce type 2 diabetes. Note - Scandinavians have the highest consumption worldwide.

It is also said that it may help in the reduction of kidney and gallstones. Improvements in digestion because of the increase in the stomach’s acid are also apparent.

If you are an asthmatic, ask your doctor about evidence that it can help lower constrictions in airways. Interestingly, coffee has theophylline, a well-known bronchiodialator.

Unfortunately there also risks. It is known that male sperm swim fast, go further and last longer in coffee laced fluids, but female fertility can suffer. Others may suffer high amounts of homocyteine levels in their blood, which can cause heart disease if you drink too much. Harmful LDL cholesterol has been found due to increased levels of cafestol produced during the European water boiling process. Thankfully filters and percolators remove most of it.

There has been a noticeable rise in calcium loss and a decrease in bone density in coffee consuming women versus those who don’t. Four cups daily may give you incontinence. Others may find sensitivity to caffeine that in my personal experience with one main coffee-house can cause hormonal changes to the point of getting non-malignant breast tumours.

Fortunately the benefits do outweigh the risk as long as you stick to moderate drinking. However for those truly caffeine addicted folk, especially those who cannot survive on moderate levels, try drinking a cola. You can get your fix with 1/3 caffeine to every ounce. There again maybe a cola versus a latte is not worth the gamble.

Read more...

HOW TO KNOW WHEN YOU ARE GETTING TOO MUCH CAFFEINE

Nine out of 10 Americans consume some type of caffeine on a daily basis. Beverages that contain caffeine are among the most popular behavior-altering drug or beverage available without prescription. Within an hour the affects of caffeine include a wide-eyed alert feeling, more energy and a drive toward productivity. It is no wonder so many people rely on daily doses of caffeine to battle fatigue and ill dispositions.

When is caffeine use considered to be too much? There are certain circumstances that call for reducing the amount of caffeine you consumer. Study after study suggests moderate caffeine intake is not likely to cause harm, however, too much can affect your health, and too much caffeine can be different for each individual. Heavy daily caffeine consumption is defined as more than 500 to 600 mg. a day, or about four to seven cups of coffee. Think about your daily caffeine habits and review the following. If any of these physical symptoms apply, you may need to cut back on your caffeine consumption.


• Restlessness
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Muscle tremors
• Sleeplessness
• Headaches
• Nausea, diarrhea or other gastrointestinal problems
• Abnormal heart rhythms

If you have caffeine sensitivity just small amounts may cause unwanted physical symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness and irritability. The more sensitive you are to caffeine, the less you need to consume on a daily basis.

Each person’s caffeine sensitivity may depend on many factors that include:

• Body mass: If you have a smaller body mass you will probably feel the effects of caffeine sooner than those with larger body masses.
• History of caffeine use: If you are not a regular user of caffeine you may be more susceptible to its negative effects than are people who do.
• Stress: All types of stress can increase a person’s sensitivity to caffeine.
• Age
• Smoking habits
• Drug or hormone use and other health conditions such as anxiety disorders

Additional Factors that May Influence how your Body Reacts to Caffeine:

Chronically losing sleep due to the consumption of too much caffeine results in sleep deprivation. Sleep loss accumulates. Nightly decreases can add up and eventually start to disturb your daytime functioning. Sleep deprivation can cause impaired memory, mood swings, lack of concentration and poor performance at work or school. If you determine the cause of your sleep deprivation is too much caffeine, you need to cut back on the amount of caffeine you consume.

Some antibiotics such as Cipro and Noroxin can increase the length of time caffeine remains in your body and cause unwanted physical symptoms.

Theophylline used to open up bronchial airways sometimes has caffeine-like effects. Theophylline use along with caffeinated foods and beverages may increase the concentration of theophylline in your blood. Physical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and heart palpitations may result.

The herbal dietary supplement of ephedra increases risk of heart attack, stroke, seizures and death. Ephedra combined with caffeine is even more risky. The Food and Drug Administration has banned ephedra in the marketplace because of the health concerns. The ban only applies to dietary supplements and not herbal teas that may contain the herb.

Your doctor or pharmacist is the best source to tell you whether or not caffeine might affect your prescription drugs.

Tips on How to Reduce Caffeine Consumption:

• Gradually reduce the amount of caffeine you consume. Drink one less can of soda, one less cup of coffee or a smaller cup of coffee each day.
• Replace caffeinated coffee, tea and soda with decaffeinated beverages
• Brew tea for less time to cut down on caffeine content, or choose herbal teas without caffeine stimulant
• Switch to caffeine-free versions of over-the-counter medications you take

For most adults, caffeine is a part of daily life and most often does not pose a health problem.

Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (2007)

Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.

Summary: When is caffeine use considered to be too much? There are certain circumstances that call for reducing the amount of caffeine you consumer. Study after study suggests moderate caffeine intake is not likely to cause harm, however, too much can affect your health, and too much caffeine can be different for each individual.

Read more...

SLOWING THE PROGRESSION OF OSTEOPOROSIS

Our skeletal system consists of bones of a variety of different shapes and sizes. It serves many different functions including providing a framework for the body in which to support the tissues and protect the vital organs. It acts as levers, working with the muscles to produce body movement. It also works to produce red blood cells within the marrow and serves as a reservoir for calcium and phosphorus.

Calcium is one of the primary minerals required for normal bone formation as well as for many of our biological functions. As we grow, the body uses calcium to create new bone. At around the age of around 35, we achieve peak bone mass. After that, bone mass gradually and steadily declines and which if left unchecked can cause our bone tissue to become weak and brittle. Osteoporosis occurs when the body fails to form enough new bone or when too much calcium is reabsorbed back into the body to support its necessary biological functions or both.
Often thought of as a women’s disorder, osteoporosis is the most common type of bone disease, a disease in which the bones become fragile and more likely to break. Many times individuals who have decreased bone density don’t even know it. Progressing gradually over many years, often times the first indication of a problem is when a bone suddenly breaks such as in the hips, wrists or spine. The truth is, any bone can be affected and activities as insignificant as laughing, coughing or light lifting can cause a fracture.


There are two different kinds of osteoporosis – Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 Osteoporosis is only found in post-menopausal women and is directly related to estrogen deficiency. Type 2 osteoporosis can be found in both men and women and is due to both aging and a prolonged calcium deficiency. Other causes of osteoporosis can include Cushing syndrome, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, being confined to bed, bone cancer and a family history of osteoporosis.

If you smoke, have an eating disorder, have low body weight, consume a low calcium diet, consume alcohol in excess, experienced early menopause or are taking certain medications including steroids and anticonvulsants you may also be at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is not a new health disorder and there are a large number of tried and true natural and alternative health remedies that can be used to prevent or minimize bone loss.

Recommendations For Wellness

If you are concerned about your bone health, talk to your doctor about having a bone density test done, especially if you are a woman over the age of 50.

Consume a diet of calcium rich foods. Calcium can be found in all milk products as well as in tofu, salmon, sardines (with the bones) and dark leafy green vegetables.

Supplement your daily food intake with supplemental calcium to ensure you are getting the recommended amount of calcium daily.

Go outside and get some sun. Exposure to the sun causes our body to produce vitamin D – a vitamin that aids in calcium absorption. If that’s not possible, add a vitamin D supplement to your daily health routine.

Start an exercise program. The best exercises for bone health are weight-bearing exercises which force you to work against gravity. Activities such as lifting weights, walking, hiking, jogging, climbing stairs and dancing are all excellent for your bones.

Quit smoking, eliminate caffeine and carbonated soft drinks and reduce your salt intake, each of which enhances calcium loss from the body.

Limit alcohol consumption. Heavy alcohol use can lead to decreased bone formation.
Talk to your doctor or health care practitioner about Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. Hormone replacement therapy has been shown to help prevent bone loss and increase bone density.

Some studies indicate that foods such as spinach, chard, beet greens and chocolate! Contain substances that can prevent calcium absorption.

Herbs such as horsetail, oat straw and alfalfa have been traditionally used in North America as effective remedies for osteoporosis.

Studies suggest that magnesium may help to improve bone density and assist in calcium absorption. If blood levels are low, magnesium supplementation may be helpful.

The mineral zinc is required in a number of biological processes which include the formation of a strong bone structure. Scientists have discovered that individuals with osteoporosis often have low zinc levels.

Read more...

WEIGHT LOSS THROUGH SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES

Being overweight is quite certainly one of the greatest health risk people over the world are facing today. Medically, this condition is known as obesity. Obese people are very vulnerable to a large number of lethal diseases, such as atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems, diabetes, paralysis and gangrene. Hence, doctors and medical experts all over the world stress on maintaining a healthy weight to keep most diseases at bay.

In Ayurveda, there are several dietary and herbal techniques by which people can reduce weight. Just like it does in other treatments, Ayurveda does not believe in any kind of debilitating treatment methods; instead its treatments are centered on making the person lead a healthier lifestyle. The following article is about some of the best remedies and methods that people can do within their homes to achieve a healthier profile.


Treatment with Simple Home Remedies

Remedy # 1

This one is not actually a remedy, but it is the most important thing you must do in order to keep your weight in a normal level. And that is, stick to a healthy diet. The following are the dietary guidelines you must follow in order to keep your waistline healthy: -

1 Do not overindulge in eating any one type of food. Keep your diet balanced.

2 Keep the intake of sugars and fats to a minimum. The fats to be avoided are the saturated fats and the trans-fatty acids.

3 Too much carbohydrates build weight. Hence, the intake of rice and potatoes must be reduced. Wheat, barley and maize are ideal substitutes for rice in people who has weight problems.

4 You must have at least one bitter vegetable per day. This helps in the proper metabolism of fats and do not allow them to accumulate in the body.

5 Never eat to full capacity.

6 Consume a lot of fluids in the day. This helps to eliminate the undigested foods effectively.

7 Exercise is extremely important. It is necessary to indulge in mild physical activity after each meal even if you cannot make time to go to a gym.

Remedy # 2

Have a totally salt-free diet once a week. This helps reduce weight. Also skip a meal once in a month.

Remedy # 3

Prepare chutney of mint leaves. This must be taken with every single meal. It helps in the proper breaking down of the fats. Also begin your day with a cup of mint tea.

Remedy # 4

Vitamin C is very good for people who are looking to reduce their weight. Since amalaki (Emblica officinalis, Indian Gooseberry) is the best source of vitamin C in the world, it is good to eat two three fruits of the amalaki each day. Also have a glass of any one citrus fruit – orange, lemon, etc. – each day. Green leafy vegetables also have good vitamin C content. They can be consumed raw in the form of salads.

Remedy # 5

Honey is very good for mobilizing the fats in the body. Take a spoonful of honey half an hour after every meal. A good remedy is to mix a teaspoonful of honey and lemon juice and have it twice a day. Alternatively, you can take a bowl of warm water, put a teaspoonful each of honey and lemon juice and drink it in the morning on an empty stomach. This is a very good remedy to dissolve the excess fats.

Remedy # 6

The Indian plum, i.e. jambula, is renowned for its weight controlling properties. Jambula dissolves the excess fats and gets them properly utilized in the body. Take four leaves of the jambula plant and soak them in a glass of water overnight. In the morning, discard the leaves and drink the water on an empty stomach. If you do this everyday, then you will find a positive reduction in your weight in three weeks or a month.

Treatment with Special Ayurvedic Methods

Ayurvedic experts would first try to ascertain what dosha type the patient is, because the treatment of obesity depends on that. Generally, Vashti Karma is prescribed, a therapy that is quite like giving an enema. This flushes the toxins from the body. Then other methods are employed to reduce the excess fats.

There are various herbs and preparations that are prescribed in order to treat obese people. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) and the Triphala choorna are definitely prescribed. It must be noted that the Triphala contains amalaki, bibhitaki and haritaki; all of which are extremely potent in dissolving the excess fats. Shilajit is also prescribed quite often, as it removes the unwanted constituents from the digestive system and provides the body with a good mineral balance that it requires. Most importantly, the significance of a healthy diet and an active lifestyle is stressed upon the patient.

Read more...

IS IT NECESSARY TO TAKE VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS

For most people, taking a vitamin supplement sounds like a good idea, when they remember or get around to it. It is not very high on most people’s priority list, and that is unfortunate, because it is becoming more and more unhealthy.

Now I know most readers are thinking how can not doing something like taking a vitamin supplement make your health situation worse? I eat a good diet, if I have not been taking vitamins supplements up until now and I've been doing OK, why do i you think I will be less healthy in the future?

The simple answer is that the foods you eat are getting less and less nutritious. A study performed by the US department of agriculture, illustrated this perfectly. In that study 100 grams of spinach from a specific farm was processed to determine the exact amount of iron it contained. The study showed that in 1940 100 g of spinach yielded 158 mg of Iron. In 1965 100 g of spinach yielded only 27 mg of Iron, and in 1995 100 g of spinach yielded just 2.2 mg of Iron.

This study clearly demonstrates the growing problem of mineral and vitamin depletion in the farming soil. Farmers have tried different measures to combat this with little success. Air pollution, chemicals, pesticides, over utilization, Steroids and growth hormones have radically reduced the fundamental nutrition in our fruits and vegetables.

Here are a couple of alarming quotes from US Senate Document Number 264 "No man today can eat enough fruits and vegetables to supply his stomach with the mineral salts he requires for perfect health, because his stomach isn't big enough to hold them! And we are turning into big stomachs." "The alarming fact is that foods (fruits, vegetables and grains) now being raised on millions of acres of land that no longer contain enough of certain minerals are starving us ... no matter how much of them we eat."

This is just one of the many reasons the modern diet is growing more and more deficient. There are many other reasons that contribute to the problem. With all of this in mind, vitamin supplementation is no longer a luxury we can continue to put off. It is now essential to supplement your diet to achieve optimal health and vitality.

Read more...

VEGETARIAN DIET SECRECTS: VEGAN FOODS REDUCE RISK OF HEART DISEASE

The major source of heart disease is cholesterol circulating in the blood stream. Scientists agree that the levels of cholesterol should stay balanced in order to avoid serious health conditions, like heart attacks or blood pressure problems. If you suffer from heart disease your doctor will prescribe all sorts of chemical medication to reduce cholesterol.

Now scientists have come up to the conclusion that eating vegan foods like vegetables, seeds, nuts and other "Green Foods" may be as effective at reducing cholesterol as medicines. Experiments involving different types of vegan foods proved that a balanced vegan diet with vegetables, soy products, bread, fruits and nuts could be a possible drug-free alternative to reduce cholesterol and protect your body against heart threats.

What is really important when implementing this diet is to combine all sorts of food. Researches proved that a combination of vegan foods can cut cholesterol by up to three times more than when you insist on eating a single vegan food (e.g. only vegetables and soy products).

Here's the diet I recommend for a typical weekday.

- In the morning consume soy milk, cereals, fruits and nuts. You can also eat some bread with vegan butter and honey.

- For lunch you can have a vegetable soup with lots of bread and fruits for dessert.

- For dinner you can have a fruit salad or a vegetable salad combined with nuts like almonds or walnuts.

A similar diet was adopted by a dozen of people during experiments done by Canadian scientists. The results were amazing. Their cholesterol levels had dropped by almost 30% in just a few months. This combined diet could be as effective as medication according to the researchers.

Even though a lot more experiments and research are needed before the diet could be recommended to people, one thing is certain. There is hope for a natural treatment that doesn'r involve chemicals, for people with heart disease or high cholesterol.

Read more...

ENHANCE MEMORY THROUGH AYURVEDIC HERBS

The human brain is one of the most sophisticated organs nature has ever made. One of the most interesting aspects of the brain is its power to retain information, which we call as memory. Memory is perhaps the most vital of the aspects that differentiates human beings from other animals. However, memory can become faulty due to several reasons, and in that case the person is not able to make full use of his or her potentials.

Since ages, drugs and natural remedies have been prescribed to enhance memories in people. Ayurveda has a treasure-chest of such memory enhancing drugs, which are today popular all over the world due to their proven effective qualities. The following is a list of the most effective herbs used in memory enhancement all over the world.

1. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)

Brahmi is perhaps the most investigated of all herbs for its memory enhancement properties. Now it is certified that brahmi has several chemicals that promote the protein synthesis process in the nerve and the brain cells, which is directly responsible for developing the mental capacity of the brain. Brahmi can make a person think clearer, and hence the memory becomes more vivid. In India, brahmi is used in countless forms to improve mental capacity for school-going children. Brahmi also increases the grasping power of the brain, due to which people can understand and assimilate information easily.

In adults, brahmi helps in relaxing and soothing the cells of the brain, and brings it to a normal state of functioning. Thus, brahmi is a valuable anti-anxiety agent and an antidepressant. Brahmi oil is quite often used to massage the head. This sort of massage immediately puts the mind at rest and the mental abilities rise drastically after its use.

2. Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba)

Ginkgo works by improving the blood circulation to the central nervous system. This is the primary requisite for a healthy and capable brain. Apart from this, ginkgo corrects any damage done to the cells of different parts of the body, including the brain. It also minimizes the effects of the blood clotting. All these properties of the ginkgo have been studied in detail by western experts and they have obtained very encouraging results.

Ginkgo has got a place of respect in Ayurveda. The extract of the ginkgo is prescribed to people who have amnesia and Alzheimer’s disease. Several herbal brain tonics have ginkgo as one of the chief ingredients.

3. Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica)

The gotu kola is very effective in increasing the circulation of blood to different parts of the body, including the brain. It protects the brain from damage due to the wear and tear of its cells. Gotu kola can regenerate lost energy from the human system, and make the person feel more zestful.

Gotu kola is generally used in tonics intended to re-vitalize the brain. It improves concentration, makes the brain more receptive to information and also brings about an enhancement in the memory.

4. Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)

Ashwagandha is one of the most essential components used in enhancing memory and overall brain functioning. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, stress-buster and a re-vitalizer. Ashwagandha has a cooling and calming effect on the brain. After a hard day’s work, ashwagandha can bring the brain back to its normal state of functioning.

Ayurveda regards ashwagandha as a medha rasayana, i.e. a brain tonic. It has direct results in improving the memory capacity of the brain. Ashwagandha is very powerful in making new concepts seem clearer and easy to understand. It is a vital component of almost all herbal brain tonics available in the market.

5. Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)

Mulethi is none other than licorice, the herb already known worldwide for its various curative properties. Mulethi is an efficient brain tonic and a re-vitalizer for the brain. Like most of the other herbs mentioned here, mulethi also rejuvenates the brain. In times of stress, mulethi can stimulate mental functions so as to feel a calming and relaxing effect. Mulethi increases the circulation into the central nervous system and balances the sugar levels in the blood. Mulethi is frequently provided to students who are preparing for important examinations, as it helps to remember small facts and bits of information.

6. Vacha (Acorus Calamus)

Vacha is a very vigorous brain tonic, because it shows results in a very short time. It increases the overall memory of the person and strengthens the nervous system. Vacha is prescribed to people who have amnesia.

Improving the memory is a quest on which human beings have embarked centuries ago. In almost all civilizations, there have been attempts to discover the best herbs for brain enhancement with minimum side-effects. Perhaps, Ayurveda wins the race in this. All the herbs Ayurveda uses for its brain tonics have minimum side-effects and are quite safe for the human beings. Western science is now warming up to these herbs and is looking upon them as effective supplements for the human brain.

Read more...

Health Benefits of Garlic

General Description

Garlic belongs to the same family as the onion. Both these herbs have been given special importance in Ayurveda due to their immense curative properties. The first recorded incidence of garlic as a medicinal herb dates as back as 4500 B.C. when the pyramid builders in Egypt were made to eat garlic cloves everyday for building their health. It has also been recommended by Hippocrates, who is regarded as the Father of Medicine.

Garlic is a biennial herb, but it is generally cultivated as an annual herb for convenience. Morphologically, it is a short herb with fibrous roots, a condensed stem and flattened leaves. The separate cloves of the garlic are enclosed together to form a single bulb. There could be anywhere between six and thirty-five cloves in one bulb of garlic.

It is called as lahsuna in the Indian language and its binomial name is Allium sativum. It contains all the vitamins necessary in the human diet, such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin (B complex vitamins) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Garlic contains minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and iron. It also contains iodine, sulfur and chlorine in trace amounts. Besides all these, garlic contains allicin, allisatin I and allisatin II, all of which have been identified to be agents helpful in bringing down high blood pressure.

Properties

Garlic is known for the following curative properties:-

(i) Garlic contains antiseptic properties. Hence it is used in preventing infections.

(ii) Garlic is hypotensive, i.e. it has capacity to bring down blood pressure.

(iii) Garlic is a stimulant for appetite.

(iv) Due to its rich vitamin and mineral content, garlic is very good for the hair.

(v) Garlic increases the inner body strength and vitality.

(vi) Garlic can reduce cholesterol accumulated in the arteries. That explains its widespread use in the treatment of heart problems.

(vii) The strong juices of the garlic dissolve the mucus content in the respiratory tract.

(viii) Garlic increases perspiration, which helps in the removal of the toxins from the sweat pores.

(ix) Garlic is anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic in nature.

(x) Garlic has notable aphrodisiacal properties. It is used in the treatment of many sexual problems.

Uses

Garlic is almost worshipped in Ayurvedic medicine since it is a single treatment for a wide variety of diseases. The following are the diseases in which garlic proves to be very beneficial.

(i) Acne

Garlic is used in the treatment of acne. If the pimples are rubbed with a cut clove of garlic several times a day, then they will disappear without leaving a scar behind. Garlic must also be included in the diet since it is a blood-purifier and can treat acne from within.

(ii) Asthma

Garlic is a sure remedy for asthma patients. Each night before retiring to bed, asthmatic patients must drink a glassful of milk in which three cloves of garlic have been boiled. Another remedy is very popular in making asthmatic attacks less severe. It is as follows: Peel a clove of garlic, crush it and boil it in 120 milliliters of pure malt vinegar. Cool it, then strain it and add an equal quantity of honey in it. Preserve this syrup in a clean bottle. Take one or two teaspoons of this syrup with a decoction of fenugreek twice each day, after darkness sets in.

(iii) Digestive Problems

Garlic is unanimously considered by all Ayurvedic doctors to be the best herb in the treatment of digestive problems. Daily consumption of garlic in the food helps in the proper movement of the intestines, which helps in digestion. Due to its antiseptic properties, garlic is also good remedy for preventing the inflammations of the gastric canal. Garlic aids in the treatment of colitis, dysentery and diarrhea.

(iv) Heart Problems

Garlic has only recently been proven in the west to be a suitable remedy for heart ailments. It can disintegrate the cholesterol that collects in the arteries, and hence treat the problem of atherosclerosis. It is clinically proven that the chances of a heart attack are significantly lowered if a person who has suffered a minor heart attack begins taking three cloves of garlic on a daily basis.

(v) High Blood Pressure

Due to the rich chemicals present in it, garlic is taken as an effective treatment for high blood pressure. Garlic reduces the spasms of the arteries and reduces the pressure. In addition, it also modifies the heart rhythm and dizziness, shortness of breath and flatulence.

(vi) Parasites

Garlic is an excellent worm expeller. It is also used in treating bacterial infections in the alimentary canal. The best thing about using garlic as a remedy for bacterial parasites is that it kills the harmful bacteria without harming the useful ones.

(vii) Pneumonia

A decoction of garlic is boiled in milk. This is prepared by mixing one gram of garlic in 250 milliliters of milk and one liter of water. All this is boiled till it reduces to one-fourth of the amount. This is to be taken thrice a day. This is a wonderful remedy for pneumonia.

(viii) Ringworm

Garlic is rubbed over ringworm. This burns out the infection and the skin falls off, leaving healed skin behind.

(ix) Rheumatism

Garlic is used in rheumatism treatment due to its anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to rheumatism, garlic is also used for the treatment of lumbago and arthritis.

(x) Sexual Problems

Garlic has aphrodisiac properties. It is used to enhance libido in men and women. It is used as a sex rejuvenatory, i.e. it can improve sexual activity that has been damaged due to accident or disease. It is important for people who overindulge in sex to protect them from nervous exhaustion.

(xi) Tuberculosis

Garlic is used for tuberculosis in the form of a decoction boiled in milk.

(xii) Whooping Cough

In cases of whooping cough, syrup of garlic is given in doses of five drops sweetened with some sugar. This is given thrice a day, and the dosage must be increased if the problem becomes more violent.

(xiii) Wounds

Due to its antiseptic properties, garlic can be effectively used in the treatment of wounds and ulcers. A good antiseptic lotion can be prepared for washing wounds by dissolving one part of garlic juice in three parts of distilled water. When the wound is washed with this lotion, there is marked improvement in a very short time. This also relieves the pain that is associated with wounds due to damage to the nerves.

Special Ayurvedic Preparations

Mostly garlic is eaten raw, and is prescribed to be an integral part of the diet.

Precautions

Garlic is a component of the main Indian diet, and there are no problems associated with its intake. Up to six cloves of garlic can be taken per day without any side-effects. The only problem with garlic is that it gives a bad taste in the mouth and pungent breath due to its sulfur content.

Read more...