Monday, July 29, 2013

Bitter Gourd - Sweet Benefits

Best thing to have in Monsoon season is Bitter Gourd with its sweet benefits.
when Rain falls, Children used to sing in Gujarati -

"આવ રે વરસાદ ઘેબરીઓ પરસાદ,
ઊની ઊની રોટલી ને કારેલાનું શાક" 

Bitter Gourd is very essential Herb of #Ayurveda science. To create interest of this bitter tasted vegetable in children, elder people made this sweet poem so that automatically one can get attache n crav to eat it...

Bitter gourd (Latin Name : Momordica charantia) is widely used as a vegetable and as a traditional medicine throughout Asia.

The Ayurveda scholar Bhavprakash said the qualities of Bitter Gourd like this :

" कारवेल्लं कठिल्लं स्यत कार्वेल्ली ततो लघु : l 
कारवेल्लं हिमं भेदी लघु तिक्तं वातलं ll 
ज्वर् पित्त कफस्त्रघ्न पाण्डु मेह् कृमिन हरेत् l 
तद् गुणा कारवेल्ली स्याद्विशेषादिपनि  लघु : ll "

Antidiabetic, abortifacient, anthelmintic, antimalarial, and anticancer properties are associated with bitter gourd. Bitter melon (Karela) is a valuable herb gifted to us by Mother Nature. It is one of the healthiest vegetables known to man.
Apart from being eaten mainly as vegetable, it is particularly reputed as a folk medicine due to its therapeutic properties. Although the bitter taste can turn you away, but it can really improve your health.

Bitter gourd is the english name of Momordica charantia. It looks like a hideous, light green cucumber and it tastes very bitter. There are two varieties of this vegetable. It is mostly found in tropical parts of the world, including Africa, Asia and South America.




It has numerous vital vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin C, Iron, Calcium, Phosphorous, Copper and Potassium. There are many health reasons why you should take this bitter vegetable seriously. Here are a few:

Diabetes:
The bitter gourd is particularly used as a remedy for diabetes because of its hypoglycemic action. It contains insulin-like peptides, alkaloids and charantin, all of which act together to lower blood and urine sugar levels without increasing blood insulin levels. These compounds activate a protein called AMPK, which is well known for regulating fuel metabolism and enabling glucose uptake, processes which are impaired in diabetics. You can take the juice of 4-5 bitter gourds every morning on an empty stomach, add seeds in powdered form to food or prepare a decoction by boiling the pieces of this fruit in water. If you are taking medications to lower your blood sugar, adding bitter gourd might make your blood sugar drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar carefully.

Blood Purification:
It has blood-purifying properties. As a result, the juice is used in the treatment of blood disorders like blood boils and itching due to blood poisoning. Have it little by little on an empty stomach daily, in 4-6 months you will see enhancement in your state.

Piles:
Fresh juice of bitter gourd is good for patients suffering from piles. Take a mixture of bitter melon juice and buttermilk every morning for about a month and you will see an improvement. A paste of the roots of bitter gourd plant can also be applied over piles to get a favorable result.

Good for stomach:
It contains cellulose which is a very good source of fiber thus preventing constipation. It also good digestive agent and helps in stimulating the secretion of gastric juices. This can be very helpful for people with dyspepsia. However, sometimes it may worsen heartburn and ulcers.

Aids weight loss:
It stimulates liver for secretion of bile juices that are very essential for metabolism of fats. Thus, if you want to have a perfect, slim figure, then bitter gourd can help you.

Eye care:
It has high amount of beta-carotene that helps alleviate eye problems and improving eyesight.

Alcoholism:
It is an antidote for alcohol intoxication, and helps purify, restore and nourish liver. Its juice is also beneficial in the treatment of a bad hangover.

Cholera:
Fresh juice of leaves of bitter gourd is also a useful medication in early stages of cholera.

Immune booster:
A glass of bitter gourd juice in the morning can help to strengthen your immune system and increase your body's fighting power against infection. Researchers hypothesize that bitter melon is as an immunomodulator. One clinical trial found limited evidence that bitter melon might improve immune cell function in people with cancer.

Skin care:
Bitter gourd is also effective in treating skin diseases or skin infections, eczema and psoriasis. It also helps in keeping the skin free from blemishes and keeps the skin glowing. The blood purifying properties make sure that you don't get acne.

HIV:
Laboratory tests suggest that compounds in bitter melon might be effective for treating HIV infection. In one preliminary clinical trial, an enema form of a bitter melon extract showed some benefits in people infected with HIV. However, more research is necessary before this could be recommended.

Anti-inflamatory:
The phenolic compounds and carotenoids present provide antioxidant activity, which can protect against a number of chronic diseases. Bitter melon has been found to induce anti-inflammator y responses.

In fact,
its extracts are already sold as pills as well and it is being marketed as a blood sugar level reducing medicine.
But rather than going for an indirect method of intake why not try to eat some amount of Karela in the form of vegetable/soup/curry in your diets, to get all the benefits.

Although there are several health benefits of including bitter gourd in your diet, it is not recommended to take it in excess amounts as it can lead to abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Also, pregnant women are also advised against having bitter gourd.
For medicinal Use Always seek Ayurveda Doctor's advise.

Papaya - A Versatile Fruit

A slice of ripe Papaya for breakfast is a great way to start your day, for this fruit is literally bursting with healing and rejuvenating enzymes. 
Ayurveda, the world’s oldest system of medicine, with its roots in India, has recognized the unique qualities of Papaya and used it for many of its treatment protocols and herbal remedies. In Kerala, the tropical paradise in South India, the Papaya tree is a familiar sight, and the traditional families of Ayurvedic physicians for which this state is famed, all use this wonder fruit in   many of their preparations and concoctions.
The Papaya is a versatile fruit.  It is orange-yellow when ripe and used in jellies, preserves, and fruit juices. The green, unripe fruit is used in curries and salads as well as to tenderize meat, while the leaves and root of the plant are also used in a variety of dishes. In addition, the bark is used for rope making and the leaves can be used as a soap substitute and are excellent stain removers as well..


Unique Goodness
Papaya contains several unique protein-digesting proteolytic enzymes including papain and chymopapain. Proteolytic enzymes protect you by digesting and destroying the defense shields of viruses, tumors, allergens, yeasts, and various forms of fungus. Once the shield is destroyed, tumors and invading organisms are extremely vulnerable and are easily taken care of by the body’s own immune system.
Ayurveda recommends the use of the Papaya to balance  Vatta and Pitta- two of the three life energies- the third being Kapha-  which according  to Ayurveda  determine a person’s constitution. Only when the three energies are perfectly balanced in a proportion unique to every individual, will he or she enjoy good health.
Ayurvedic physicians use Papaya used for treating digestive problems anddigestive problems. It is a remedy for flatulence, liver disorders and infection of the pancreas, as well as for gastro-intestinal problems and enzyme deficiencies.. Ayurvedic medicines for arthritis use Papaya too .Fresh cuts or wounds are treated with applying the juice of a fresh fruit. The dried latex collected from unripe papaya fruits are used in the preparation of some Ayurvedic medicines that are effective in the treatment of warts, moles, eczema, and skin allergies. Apart from the fruits, the roots and leaves of this tree also have medicinal properties.
Papaya Home Remedies
  • To get rid of intestinal worms mix papaya latex with castor oil and take this mixture in the early mornings. For adults the quantity advised is 60 drops of the milk mixed with 30 drops of castor oil. In case of children,  oral administration of 15 drops of castor oil mixed with 15 drops of the latex is suggested. This time tested remedy for intestinal worms is very effective and has no adverse side effects. 
  • The latex from the unripe fruit is also excellent for the rapid cure of stubborn ulcers in mouth, tongue, and throat.  
  • To treat skin diseases, especially scabies and scalp eczema, papaya latex is mixed with alum powder and the paste is applied on the affected areas. The area is then cleaned with warm water after an hour .
  • One simple way to lose weight is by consuming unripe papaya fruits both raw and cooked.
CAUTION :
  • Pregnant women should keep away from both unripe and ripe papaya fruit in the early stages of their pregnancy. These fruits have a tendency to abort the formation of the fetus. 
  • For the rest,   inclusion of Papaya in your daily diet is the Ayurvedic  way to keep the Doctor away!

Friday, July 26, 2013

Periodic Table of Vitamins

With new gimmcky health products hitting the shelf daily, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish those that are beneficial from those that are not.

As an essential source of nutrients, vitamins do play an important role in our health. Below is a guide of the important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and some tips on where they can be found.

Vitamins are substances that your body needs to grow and develop normally. There are 13 vitamins your body needs. They are vitamins A,D,E,K and the B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 and folate). You can usually get all your vitamins from the foods you eat. Your body can also make vitamins D and K. People who eat a vegetarian diet may need to take a vitamin B12 supplement.
  • Each vitamin has specific jobs. If you have low levels of certain vitamins, you may develop a deficiency disease. For example, if you don't get enough vitamin D, you could develop rickets. Some vitamins may help prevent medical problems. Vitamin A prevents night blindness.
  • The best way to get enough vitamins is to eat a balanced diet with a variety of foods. In some cases, you may need to take a daily multivitamin for optimal health. However, high doses of some vitamins can make you sick.
There are 13 essential vitamins. That means they are needed for the body to function. They are:
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin K
  • Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
  • Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
  • Vitamin B3 (niacin)
  • Pantothenic acid
  • Biotin
  • Vitamin B6
  • Vitamin B12
  • Folate (folic acid)
Vitamins are grouped into two categories:
  • Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body's fatty tissue.
  • Water-soluble vitamins must be used by the body right away. Any left over water-soluble vitamins leave the body through the urine. Vitamin B12 is the only water-soluble vitamin that can be stored in the liver for many years.

Function

Each vitamin has specific functions. You can develop health problems (deficiency disease) if you do not get enough of a particular vitamin.
Vitamin A - helps form and maintain healthy teeth, bones, soft tissue, mucous membranes, and skin.
Vitamin B6 - is also called pyridoxine. The more protein you eat, the more vitamin B6 is needed to help the body use protein. Vitamin B6 helps form red blood cells and maintain brain function, among other things.
vitamin B12 -  like the other B vitamins, is important for metabolism. It also helps form red blood cells and maintain thecentral nervous system.
vitamin C -  also called ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant that promotes healthy teeth and gums. It helps the body absorb iron and maintain healthy tissue. It also promotes wound healing.
vitamin D - is also known as the "sunshine vitamin," since it is made by the body after being in the sun. Ten to 15 minutes of sunshine 3 times a week is enough to produce the body's requirement of vitamin D. However, many people living in sunny climates still do not make enough vitamin D and need more from their diet or supplements. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which you need for the normal development and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones. It also helps maintain proper blood levels of calcium  and phosphorous.
vitamin E -  is an antioxidant also known as tocopherol. It plays a role in the formation of red blood cells and helps the body use vitamin K.
Vitmin K -  is not listed among the essential vitamins, but without it blood would not stick together (coagulate). Some studies suggest that it helps promote strong bones in the elderly.
Biotin -  is essential for the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates, and in the production of hormones and cholesterol.
Niacin -  is a B vitamin that helps maintain healthy skin and nerves. It is also has cholesterol-lowering effects.
Folate -  works with vitamin B12 to help form red blood cells. It is necessary for the production of DNA, which controls tissue growth and cell function. Any woman who is pregnant should be sure to get enough folate. Low levels of folate are linked to birth defects such as spina-bifida. Many foods are now fortified with folic acid.
Panthothenic Acid -  is essential for the metabolism of food. It is also plays a role in the production of hormones and cholesterol.
Riboflavin -  (B2) works with the other B vitamins. It is important for body growth and the production of red blood cells.
Thiamine  (B1) helps the body cells change carbohydrates into energy. It is also essential for heart function and healthy nerve cells.

Food Sources

FAT-SOLUBLE VITAMINS-
Vitamin A:
  • Eggs
  • Meat
  • Milk
  • Cheese
  • Cream
  • Liver
  • Kidney
  • Cod
  • Halibut fish oil
Vitamin D:
  • Cheese
  • Butter
  • Margarine
  • Cream
  • Fortified milk
  • Fish
  • Oysters
  • Cereals
Vitamin E:
  • Wheat germ
  • Corn
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Olives
  • Spinach and other green leafy vegetables
  • Asparagus
  • Vegetable oils and products made from vegetable oils, such as margarine
Vitamin K:
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Spinach
  • Soybeans
  • Cereals
WATER-SOLUBLE VITAMINS
Folate:
  • Green, leafy vegetables
  • Fortified foods
Niacin (B3):
  • Dairy products
  • Poultry
  • Fish
  • Lean meats
  • Nuts
  • Eggs
  • Legumes
  • Enriched breads and cereals
Pantothenic acid and biotin
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Dairy products
  • Whole-grain cereals
  • Legumes
  • Yeast
  • Broccoli and other vegetables in the cabbage family
  • White and sweet potatoes
  • Lean beef
Thiamine (B1):
  • Fortified breads, cereals, and pasta
  • Whole grains
  • Lean meats
  • Fish
  • Dried beans
  • Peas
  • Soybeans
  • Dairy products
  • Fruits and vegetables
Vitamin B12:
  • Meat
  • Eggs
  • Poultry
  • Shellfish
  • Milk and milk products
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
  • Citrus fruits and juices
  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes
  • Broccoli
  • Turnip and other greens
  • Sweet and white potatoes
  • Cantaloupe
Most other fruits and vegetables contain some vitamin C; fish and milk contain small amounts.

Side Effects

Many people think that if some is good, a lot is better. This is not always the case. High doses of certain vitamins can be poisonous. Ask your doctor what is best for you.

Recommendations

The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine establish recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) for vitamins. The recommendations reflect how much of each nutrient you should receive on a daily basis, based on the known nutritional needs of practically all healthy people.
The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods from the food guide pyramid.
Specific recommendations for each vitamin depend on age, gender, and other factors (such as pregnancy).

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Magnesium Heals ur Mind & Body

Lets see some benefits of Magnesium 


1. Better sleep - The sleep regulating hormone melatonin is disturbed when Magnesium is deficient. Furthermore, Magnesium brings balance and controls stress hormones. Stress and tension are often reasons why people suffer from insomnia in the first place
2. Relaxes the nervous system - Serotonin, which relaxes the nervous system and elevates mood, is dependent on Magnesium

3. Bigger, stronger muscles - Magnesium allows the body to produce more Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1), which is a major contributor to the growth and strength of muscles. Furthermore, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the cell's energy store, and is created with help from Magnesium

4. Better flexibility - Magnesium loosens tight muscles. Without Magnesium, muscles do not relax properly and cramps occur. Magnesium is important for flexibility, because low Magnesium results in a buildup of lactic acid, causing pain and tightness

5. Bone integrity and strength - Magnesium helps to fix calcium properly. It may blow some people's mind that the calcium supplements they're taking are not only useless, but are actually contributing to osteoporosis! There are actually about eighteen essential nutrients that contribute to bone health; Magnesium is definitely one of the most essential, because it stimulates a particular hormone called calcitonin. And, it also suppresses a hormone called parathyroid that breaks down bone

6. Remineralizes teeth - Magnesium deficiency causes an unhealthy balance of phosphorous and calcium in saliva, which damages teeth

7. Alkalizes the body - Magnesium helps return the body’s pH balance. Magnesium reduces lactic acid, which is partly responsible for post-exercise pain (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)

8. Hydrates - Magnesium is a necessary electrolyte essential for proper hydration

9. Helps to relieve constipation - Magnesium can be used to cleanse the bowels of toxins

10. Enzyme function - Enzymes are protein molecules that stimulate every chemical reaction in the body. Magnesium is required to make hundreds of these enzymes work and assists with thousands of others

11. Diabetes - Magnesium enhances insulin secretion, which facilitates sugar metabolism. Without Magnesium, glucose is not able to transfer into cells. Glucose and insulin build up in the blood, causing various types of tissue damage, including the nerves in the eyes