Health Benefits of Almonds

The health benefits of almonds are extensive, and they are frequently used as a healthy solution for relief from constipation, respiratory disorders, coughs, heart disorders, anemia, impotency, and diabetes. It also helps in maintenance of healthy hair, skin care (psoriasis), and dental care.

Almonds are found in places like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Turkey, Syria, Jordan and Israel. This highly nutritional nut is a rich source of vitamin E, calcium, phosphorous, iron and magnesium. It also contains zinc, selenium, copper and niacin. Compared to all other nuts, almonds are the most packed with nutrients and beneficial components.

Both sweet and bitter almonds are readily available. Traditionally, sweet almonds are edible, while bitter almonds are used to make almond oil, common oil that is used to add flavor to food. Almonds are usually eaten raw, but many people also add them as ingredients in salads, casseroles, and other dishes. Almond milk is also a delicious beverage, and an alternative to less nutritious cow’s milk. You can eat almonds directly, preferably on an empty stomach to increase and speed up the absorption of their nutrients. You can soak them in water overnight so you can eat them the morning. Crushed almonds are also a wonderful garnish for a number of dishes.

Almonds are known to have great medicinal value, which, along with their good taste, is the main reason that so many people proactively add almonds to their diet. Some of the researched and verified benefits of almonds are given below.

Good for your brain: Almonds are a source of many nutrients which help in the development and health of the human brain. Almonds have been connected to a higher intellectual level and they have long been considered an essential food item for growing children. Almonds also contain two vital brain nutrients, riboflavin and L-carnitine, which have been shown to increase brain activity, resulting in new neural pathways and a decreased occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown that almonds in the diet, as well as almond oil, are nutritive to the overall health and functioning of the nervous system.

Many mothers give almonds soaked in water to their children every morning. Two or three pieces of soaked almonds are enough, and you can also remove the outer shell if it causes allergic reactions, as the majority of the nutrients are not held in the shell.

Regulation of cholesterol: Regular consumption of almonds helps to increase the level of high density lipoproteins (HDL) and they reduce the level of low density lipoproteins (LDL). This balance is vital to a healthy cholesterol level, and a reduction of LDL (bad cholesterol) is always a good thing.  

Bone Health: Almonds are a fantastic source of many vitamins and minerals, and phosphorous is definitely counted among them! Phosphorous can have a considerable impact on the strength and durability of bones and teeth, while also preventing the onset of age-related conditions like osteoporosis.

Good for your heart: The mono-unsaturated fats, protein and potassium contained in almonds are all instrumental in heart health. Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant and also reduces the risk of heart diseases, while the presence of magnesium in almonds can help avoid heart attacks. Almonds help reduce the presence and impact of C-reactive proteins which causes artery-damaging inflammation. Almonds are also a great source of folic acid. Therefore, they help to reduce the level of homocysteine, which causes fatty plaque buildup in arteries. Furthermore, the flavonoids in the skin of almonds combine with Vitamin E to form a powerful shield against artery wall damage. Research suggests that short-term almond-enriched diet may improve vascular function in asymptomatic healthy men aged between 20 and 70 years without any effect on markers of oxidative stress.

Immune System Strength: Your body has many components that add to overall health, including the alkalinity of the systems. Almonds are great sources for alkali materials, and this is known to benefit the strength of the immune system, as well as increase the ability to stave off diseases and various health conditions. Along with almonds’ contribution to alkaline levels, it also has a high content of Vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant. It seeks out all the damaging free radicals in the body and eliminates them, because they actually promote chronic diseases and can be horribly hazardous to the body’s organ systems. Antioxidants like the Vitamin E found in almonds affect all major diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Research has actually shown that people who ingest high levels of Vitamin E are actually 30-40% less likely to contract heart disease.

Skin care: The benefits of almonds in regards to skin health are well known, and almond oil massages are often recommended for newborn babies. Almond milk is also added to some soaps, because of almonds well-established reputation of improving the complexion of skin.

Anti-Inflammation: Many people think that the word “fat” means something negative, but in fact, certain fatty acids are essential, and can be very beneficial for overall health. The body can’t create its own fatty acids, which is why we need to get them from dietary sources. Almonds have two very important fatty acids, both linolenic and linolenic acids. Those fatty acids help to reduce inflammation all around the body, which is a general condition that many people suffer from. The fatty acids also help to reduce the levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), and they promote healthy skin and hair! All in all, almonds pack a powerful, healthy punch.

Regulation of blood pressure: The potassium present in almonds helps to regulates blood pressure, and almonds are very low in sodium, which helps to control fluctuating blood pressure. The other nutrients also keep the body balanced in terms of other essential needs, which can prevents any other deficiencies. Balanced vitamins and minerals are essential for a healthy lifestyle, but if certain elements are neglected, the entire body can be affected, including anxiety, overall stress, and inevitably, increased blood pressure.

Boosts energy: The presence of manganese, copper and Riboflavin in almonds helps in energy production and metabolic rate. If you are on the go, a handful of almonds can get you through the day without filling you up with calories or fat.

Prevention of cancer: Almonds improve the movement of food through the colon, thereby preventing build-up and subsequent colon cancer. The National Cancer Center has done extensive research on the link between high-fiber diets and a reduced risk of colon cancer.

Protection against diabetes: Almonds also help to reduce the reactionary rise in glucose and insulin levels after meals. This modulation offers protection from the dangerous spikes in blood sugar which diabetics often suffer from following a large meal, or a meal with an unexpectedly high level of sugar in it. Almonds help regulate the absorption and processing of glucose, making the entire process much smoother, and subsequently safer.

Good for pregnancy: Almonds contain folic acid, which helps reduce the incidence of birth defects in newborn babies. It also stimulates healthy cell growth and tissue formation. Neural tube defects are conditions where the neural tube is either underdeveloped or is partially missing in the fetus. Doctors regularly prescribe folic acid supplements to pregnant women to ensure proper development of the tube, and almonds have enough folic acid to keep mothers and their babies healthy.

Weight loss: Unsweetened almond milk can be used if you are attempting to lose weight. The mono-unsaturated fat contained in almonds satisfies appetite and prevents over-eating. The dietary fiber in almonds also contributes to the sensation of being full, despite eating only a small amount. Studies have revealed that an almond-rich, low calorie diet is good for obese people to assist in shedding their excess weight. Studies have shown that those people who regularly consume almonds (at least twice a week) are far more likely to remain at their ideal weight, rather than those who rarely or never consume almonds and suffer from weight fluctuations. Finally, the fiber contributes to consistent bowel movements, which helps in weight loss and the general health of the body through the elimination of toxins.

Prevention of constipation: Almonds are rich in fiber, and like most other fiber-rich foods, almonds help prevent constipation. However, it is also important to drink a significant amount of water when eating almonds to speed up the digestive process and beneficial effects of the nut. You don’t even need to eat an excessive amount, the amount of fiber in 4 or 5 almonds is enough to keep your digestion and bowel movements regular.

People can even reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s disease by consuming almonds, because they have been known to have such a positive effect on neural activity. Stimulating new neural passageways and connections can keep Alzheimer’s disease and neural degeneration from developing.

However, just like almost any other food, almonds have their downside. They do contain oxalates, and excessive oxalates can cause crystallization, which can lead to a host of different issues.  People that have kidney or gallbladder problems should avoid eating almonds.

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Liquid Gold: 7 Health Benefits of Honey That Could Heal Your Whole Body

Honey contains a treasure chest of hidden nutritional and medicinal value for centuries. The sweet golden liquid from the beehive is a popular kitchen staple loaded with antibacterial and antifungal properties that has been used since the early days of Egyptian tombs.

Honey’s scientific super powers contribute to its vastly touted health benefits for the whole body. The healthy natural sweetener offers many nutritional benefits depending on its variety. Raw honey is the unpasteurized version of commonly used honey and only differs in its filtration, which helps extend its shelf life. A tablespoon of raw honey contains 64 calories, is fat-free, cholesterol-free, and sodium-free, says the National Honey Board. Its composition is roughly 80 percent carbohydrates, 18 percent water, and two percent vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Typically, honey is sweet but can be cruel to infants. Spores of Clostridium botulinum bacteria — found in dirt and dust, which can contaminate honey — may lead to infant botulism and produce a toxin inside the body that can cause muscle weakness and breathing problems. Medical world recommends waiting until after 12 months of age to give infants honey; consumption is safe for older adults and kids, since they have a mature digestive system that can handle the spores.

Consume honey responsibly and reap the numerous health benefits of this liquid gold.

1. Alleviates Allergies

Honey’s anti-inflammatory effects and ability to soothe coughs has led to the belief it can also reduce seasonal allergy symptoms. Although there are no clinical studies proving its efficacy, Dr. Matthew Brennecke, a board certified naturopathic doctor practicing at the Rocky Mountain Wellness Center in Fort Collins, Colo., told Medical Daily in an email, "A common theory is that honey acts like a natural vaccine." It contains small amounts of pollen, which if the body is exposed to small amounts of it, it can trigger an immune response that produces antibodies to the pollen. "After repeated exposure, you should build up these antibodies and the body should become accustomed to their presence so that less histamine is released, resulting in a lesser allergic response."

2. All-Natural Energy Drink

Honey is an excellent source of all-natural energy at just 17 grams of carbohydrates per tablespoon. This natural unprocessed sugar — fructose and glucose — directly enter the bloodstream and can deliver a quick boost of energy. The rise in blood sugar acts as a short-term energy source for your workout, especially in longer endurance exercises.

Brennecke said there is a con to adding honey to your workout. “If your goal in exercising is to increase muscle mass, working out on an empty stomach first thing in the morning is the way to go.  When your body is in starvation mode (upon waking in morning), and you start exercising, you release insulin-like growthfactor-1 (IGF-1), which will help you build bulk,” he said. Brennecke does warn this only works when blood sugars are low.

3. Boosts Memory

The sweet nectar is loaded in antioxidants that may help prevent cellular damage and loss within the brain. A 2011 study published in Menopause found a daily spoonful of Malaysian honey may boost postmenopausal women’s memory, which can provide an alternative therapy for the hormone-related intellectual decline. After four months of taking 20 grams of honey a day, the women were more likely to have better short-term memory than their counterparts who took hormone pills.

Honey’s ability to help the body absorb calcium, according to Brennecke, helps aid brain health. The brain needs calcium in order to process thought and make decisions. “As our populations continue to get older and older, the likelihood of dementia setting in because of poor intake of vitamins and minerals continues to get higher and higher,” he said.

4. Cough Suppressant

Honey can be the all-natural cure when it comes to pesky colds. A persistent cough that won’t go away can easily be remedied with two teaspoons of honey, according to a 2012 study published in the journal Pediatrics. Children between the ages of 1 and 5 with nighttime cough due to colds coughed less frequently when they received two teaspoons of honey 30 minutes before bed.

The golden liquid’s thick consistency helps coat the throat while the sweet taste is believed to trigger nerve endings that protect the throat from incessant coughing. Honey is believed to be as effective as the common cough suppressant ingredient dextromethorphan. It can be used in treating upper respiratory tract infections.

5. Sleep Aid

Honey can be a health aid for sleepless nights. Similar to sugar, honey can cause a rise in insulin and release serotonin — a neurotransmitter that improves mood and happiness. “The body converts serotonin into melatonin, a chemical compound that regulates the length and the quality of sleep,” Rene Ficek, registered dietitian and lead dietitian nutritionist at Seattle Sutton's Healthy Eating in Chicago, Ill., told Medical Daily in an email.

Moreover, honey also contains several amino acids, including tryptophan that is commonly associated with turkey. Honey’s steady rise in insulin, according to Brennecke, causes the tryptophan in honey to enter the brain, where it’s then converted into serotonin and then into melatonin, which is a sleep aid. This hormone is responsible for regulating sleep and wake cycles.

6. Treats Dandruff

Honey can bring temporary relief to the scalp by targeting dandruff. A 2001 study published in the European Journal of Medical Research found applying honey diluted with 10 percent warm water to problem areas and leaving it on for three hours before rinsing led to itch relief and no scaling within a week. Skin lesions healed within two weeks and patients even showed an improvement in hair loss. The patients did not relapse even after six months of use.

Thanks to honey's antibacterial and antifungal properties, it can also treat seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, which are often caused by an overgrowth of fungus. Moreover, “honey also has anti-inflammatory properties, which address the redness and itching on the scalp,” Brennecke said.

7. Treats Wounds and Burns

Honey is a natural antibiotic that can act both internally and externally. It can be used as a conventional treatment for wounds and burns by disinfecting wounds and sores from major species of bacteria such as methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A 2005 study published in the British Journal of Surgery found all but one of patients who suffered from wounds and leg ulcers showed remarkable improvement after applying a topical application of honey.

Dr. Diane Radford, a breast surgical oncologist in St. Louis, Mo., told Medical Daily in an email, Manuka honey has antibacterial properties for wound healing. “The precursor for the active antibacterial agent methylglyoxal (MGO) comes from the nectar of mānuka trees. A specialized research unit at the University of Waikato is looking into the conversion to the active product,” she said.

Honey has been utilized for its medicinal properties for over 2,000 years and continues its legacy as a multipurpose health aid.

Bigybag.

Health Benefits of Dates

Dates can provide lot of health benefits. Dates are high in iron content and fluorine. Dates are rich source of vitamins and minerals.  Consuming dates regularly can help to lower cholesterol and keep many health disorders away. Read on to know more about the top 10 benefits of consuming dates.

The health benefits of dates are innumerable. It is, in fact, a dry fruit that is sweet in taste and is rich in minerals and vitamins. The cultivation of dates can be traced back many years in history. Have a quick look at top 10 health benefits of dates.

Health Benefits of Consuming Dates :

  Dates are free from cholesterol and contain very low fat. Dates are rich in vitamins and minerals.

       They are rich source of protein, dietary fiber and rich in vitamin B1, B2, B3 and B5 along with  vitamin A1 and C.

        It helps improve the digestive system as it contains soluble and insoluble fibers and different kinds of amino acids.

       Dates are great energy boosters as they contain natural sugars like glucose, sucrose and fructose. To get more advantage add dates to milk and make it a very nutritious snack. Dates are very low in calories and are extremely suitable for health conscious people.

       Dates are rich in potassium and reduced in sodium. This helps regulate a healthy nervous system. Researches have revealed the fact that potassium intake up to a certain extent can reduce risk of stroke. Dates also help in lowering of the LDL cholesterol.

                                                                                                                                                                            

        Dates have high iron content and are very useful in treating anemia. The patients can eat many dates  for better advantages. Dates also have fluorine that slows down the process of tooth decay.

        It helps people suffering from constipation. Soak dates overnight and take it along with water to  have added advantage.

        It helps increase one’s sexual stamina. Soak one handful of dates in goat’s milk overnight. In the  morning grind the dates in the milk and add honey and cardamom powder and drink it.

        Dates help in weight gain and are beneficial for those who suffer from over slimming problem.  Dates are excellent for alcoholic intoxication.

       Cures abdominal cancer. The best thing is that it does not have any side effect on the body and is      completely natural as well as it works better than medicine. It also helps in improving eye sight and     helps in curing night blindness as well.

Dates can be chipped and sprinkled on sweet dishes, cakes and puddings and this enhances the state of the dish too. Selection of dates is very easy and you can have good ones if they appear fleshy and evenly colored. Make sure there is no artificial sugar coating. Wash the dates properly before you eat because dust accumulates on the dates easily. In addition to all these, storing dates is not a big deal. They are dry fruits and so you do not have to face hassles to store them.

Dates can be introduced in daily diet in any form. You can introduce it in the form of snacks. Adding dates in any form makes the food tasty and healthy too. It fills anyone with energy no matter how tired he is. Keeping in mind the health benefits of dates, one should take utmost care while choosing the right quality of dates.

Do not forget to wash the dates thoroughly so that the dust is cleaned properly before consumption. Buy and consume only those dates that are properly packed and processed. No matter how beneficial eatables are, you need to take care while choosing them and so go for the good ones even if you have to pay a little bit more for that. 

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Horse Gram

Horse gram is a reddish brown legume with many health benefits. It is rich in taste and at the same time provides you many nutritional benefits. Hence it is one of the favorite foods for all walks of people. As it is a grain with rich amounts of proteins, vitamins and iron it is believed that it can reduce the extra fats in the body along with the help of reducing weight. It is having good amounts of B-complex vitamin and proteins.  It aids in purifying menstruation and prevents and cures the arthritis. The high amount of dietary fiber present in the horse gram balances the blood pressure and sugar glucose levels.

Health benefits of horse gram

· The horse gram plant exhibits the properties of astringent, diuretic and antioxidant. It is used in the treatment of many health problems especially to treat diarrhea, hemorrhage and hemorrhoids.

· In curing the menstrual problems, leucorrhea and bleeding during the pregnancy period horse gram plant works effective.

· Horse gram plant treats the patients who are suffering from weak liver, spleen enlargement and colic with its medicinal properties. And to cure the kidney stones, gall stones and high blood pressure increase the intake of horse grams.

Soak two or three table spoons of horse gram in sufficient amount of water for a whole night, in the following day make the horse gram in to paste and consume it for two times a day. You can also drink the soaked water for the added benefits.

In ayurvedic medicine horse gram has wide importance, it is suggested to consume to sort out the health problems such as gastric, worm infections, cough, ulcers, excessive perspiration and difficulty in breathing.

· The regular intake of horse gram helps to flush out the worm infections, it regulates the digestive system and ward offs acidity and flatulence.

· Grind the horse gram and make it into fine powder, add two table spoons of this powder to a cup of water and drink it. This mixture gives you relief from skin rashes and controls the boils.

· Add some amount of horse gram to water and boil it, this boiled water will help to regulate the fever.

· Would you like to treat the menstrual problems like irregular periods and heavy bleeding, then horse gram is an ideal choice. Add horse gram to your daily diet whether in the form of sprouts, soups or boiled water to watch the results.

Similarly to control the bleeding after pregnancy horse gram works well. Women can daily intake one table spoon of horse gram powder in the early morning on empty stomach to improve the overall health.

· Boil a table spoon or two of horse gram in water and grind it to form a semisolid paste, now add this paste to pinch of pepper powder and swallow. This simple method will give you relief from common cold, cough and sore throat.

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Health Benefits of Soya Chunks or Nutrela

1. Nutrela Soya Chunks are Healthy Product

The popularity of Nutrela or Soya foods is increasing incessantly and is mainly attributed to the many number of health benefits that are associated with the use of Soya beans used in the manufacture of Nutrela. Soya chunks plays a very big role in the prevention of many chronic diseases and continues to be a high priority for food scientists around the world.
Even the FDA has established that foods containing proteins derived from Soya has the potential to lessen the risk of coronary cardiac diseases. Only folks with an allergy for Soya (which is just about 0.5 percent of the populace) avoid eating Soya foods. Side by side there has been a mounting interest in the antioxidant benefits of Nutrela (Soya chunks) and especially in the health benefits of isoflavone, a naturally occurring organic compound. Soya chunks are very vital for both, the vegetarians and the vegans. With its high protein content and having surplus vitamins, fibers and minerals, Nutrela Soya has come to stay!

2. High Protein Benefits of Nutrela Soya Chunks

The Nutrela Soya chunks contain a profound amount of protein, which is more than the quantity of protein found in eggs, meats, wheat and milk. An authentic website report states that Soya proteins have all the amino acids needed for the well being of your body, and can make an excellent substitute for the meat-based proteins. Moreover proteins derived from animal source are generally elevated in saturated fat levels. Nutrela manufacturers endorse that the Soya protein in Nutrela is beneficial for the growth of strong teeth and bones in children.

3. Benefits for Nutrela Soya Chunks for Women
   It has been reported that the Soya chunks protein in Nutrela helps to reduce the threat of osteoporosis in menopausal stage women, and may even relieve many a menopausal symptoms too. Similar claims are reflected about Soya in general, since Soya contains the beneficial phyto-estrogens. However, Soya protein may not be considered as fundamental medical treatment for either the menopausal symptoms or osteoporosis.

4. Cholesterol Benefits of Nutrela Soya Chunks

Although Nutrela Soya chunks may lower the LDL levels of cholesterol. However, these claims have been partly refuted by recent research by the American Heart Association, which reported that Soya has no direct benefits on heart health, However if Soya is elevated in fiber, which does benefit the cholesterol levels, Nutrela Soya chunks can ultimately lower cholesterol if replaced with the fatty animal proteins in diet.

5. Nutrela is a source of Vitamins

As Soya protein is regarded to be wealthy in Vitamin B and the Omega-3 fatty acids, which bring mighty benefits for your health, then Nutrela made from Soya protein can also be considered as rich in these vitamins and also has a good supply of iron and calcium. Thus benefits of Nutrela is low cholesterol, nil fats and low salt can be considered as a nutritious diet and can be suggested for growing children, expectant mothers, elderly persons, and the cardiac and diabetic patients.

6. Miscellaneous Other Benefits of Nutrela Soya Chunks

Since Nutrela is made by using Soya bean flour that is de-fatted, it is easy to assimilate. Nutrela has low cholesterol; low saccharides and is also short in salt content; hence it can be favorably consumed by folks of any age. Further, it includes first rate body building proteins and natural minerals, all of which go to form a major segment of essential nutrients. Further all Nutrela products are offered in packaging having multi-layered and laminated cartons in order to conserve its nutrition value and natural taste for a long period of time.

Technically categorized as a textured-vegetable protein, Nutrela in many of its forms like meal, nuggets, granules or chunks is considered as a very good protein that aptly substitutes meat. The best part is that Nutrela is available in any part of the world and many tasty recipes including curries, spicy sautes, deep fried patties, falafels etc can be prepared with ease.

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