35 Wonderful Benefits Of Aloe Vera Juice

The scientific epithet Vera means true or genuine. This makes aloe vera the most genuine and versatile panacea to all your health woes. You must have seen an aloe vera plant in a kitchen garden and must have wondered how this ornamental plant can help to improve your health. Well, that is nature’s most jealously guarded secret!
Many of us must have also used facial creams and shampoos enriched with Aloe juice.The sap derived from the stems of this succulent plant is used to make the aloe vera juice. With so many benefits to offer, no wonder why Aloe Vera was considered the plant of “immortality” by the Egyptians. Aloe vera has been used since time immemorial for its soothing and curing properties.

Image: Shutterstock

But do you know why this short cacti plant is known as the ‘miracle plant’? To know the miraculous properties of aloe vera juice, you have to know how to make aloe vera juice at home. Always use organic aloe vera juice to reap maximum benefits.
Aloe vera is succulent plant species that has thick fleshy stems with spiny leaves. The fleshy stem contains the aloe juice which is being used for various purposes since the beginning of the first century as an excellent home remedy. The juice and the gel are used in numerous medicinal, cosmetic and health treatments.

How To Make Aloe Vera Juice:

1. Cut and open a few stems of the plant from the middle section. Choose the outer stems as they are the most mature of all and have the highest concentration of antioxidants.
2. The liquid which oozes out is the fresh aloe gel.
3. Squeeze out the entire gel from the stem and store in a bowl.
4. Put the gel in a blender and add 1 cup of water.
5. Blend them to get pure Aloe Vera juice. Use the extracted juice within 3-4 days; otherwise the juice will lose the antioxidants.

Rich Source Of Vitamins And Minerals:

Both the aloe juice and gel are powerhouses of antioxidants, antibiotics, work as stimulator of cell growth and have scar and pain inhibitor properties. They are rich in the following vitamins and minerals:

1. Calcium
2. Sodium
3. Iron
4. Potassium
5. Manganese
6. Zinc
7. Folic acid
8. Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, E
9. Amino acids

Aloe vera is the most bioactive of all aloe species. There are more than 75 active constituents in the plant, this includes, polysaccharides like acemannan, anthraquinoes like barbaloin, enzymes, lignin, saponins and salicylic acids.Aloe vera gel can be used for its laxative properties. Sometimes the aloe vera gel and the entire leaf are used to treat ulcerative colitis, metastatic cancer, infectious disease and chemotherapy treatment.

Aloe Vera Juice Benefits:

Aloe Vera produces two substances called gel and latex. Aloe gel is the clear jelly like substance that is found inside the plant. This aloe juice comprises of the pulp extracted from the fleshy plant stems. Aloe juice can be applied on the skin and hair or consumed to get relief from irritable bowel syndrome, inflammation, osteoarthritis and stomach ulcers. It is also a general health tonic that you can consume every morning to reap all its benefits.

Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice for Health:

1. Digestive Cure:

Aloe Vera is very useful for curing bowel problems due to its high anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe vera also helps in the growth of good bacteria in the gut, this keeps all digestive disorders at bay.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment:

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an auto-immune disease which affects the entire body. The immune system attacks the body tissues, especially, the membranes lining the joint. There is inflammation and stiffness.There is fluid buildup in the joints that makes the matter worse.Since, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease; the patients generally have conventional drugs like painkillers, non-steroidal drugs and corticosteroids. These medicines have a harsh impact on health.
Whereas, having aloe juice for two weeks can help reduce inflammation in the body like rheumatism, inflammation of ears and eyes and arthritis. Aloe juice contains anti-inflammatory compounds like plant sterols that help to reduce the pain and stiffness to a great extent. The plant sterols function like the steroid painkillers, without causing any harm to body.

3. For Muscle and Joint Pains:

Applying the gel externally can ease muscle and joint pains. But do not forget to use freshly prepared gel.

4. For Heart Reflux:

Having severe digestive problems? Drink Aloe Vera juice as it reduces symptoms of heart reflux and stabilizes the alkaline levels of the body. It has soothing effect on the stomach walls and reduces heart burn and discomfort. Due to its laxative properties it also treats constipation.

5. Reduces Cholesterol Level:

Aloe is great for maintaining the cholesterol level by reducing triglycerides. Include fresh Aloe juice in your daily diet to maintain your cholesterol level and increase the level of good cholesterol.By reducing cholesterol you are protecting your heart from damage.

6. Healthy Weight Loss:

You must have taken slimming tablets or tried all the exercises and diets to lose weight. However, you didn’t get the desired results. Do you want to lose weight naturally? Aloe vera juice is the easy and natural weight loss solution. It reduces weight by stabilizing the metabolic rate, reducing lipid levels and helping burn fat.

7.For Dental or Oral Hygiene:

Studies have shown that regular consumption of aloe juice improves oral health and hygiene. It reduces gingivitis and plaque formation. It provides a relief for cold sores and mouth ulcers.
Washing the mouth with aloe juice improves the oral hygiene. A study from the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology reveals that the local application of aloe vera juice improves the periodontal health post dental procedures like root canal and scaling. Another study from the Journal of Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine shows that aloe juice helps to reduce oral lichen planus, a common dental problem.

8. Fights Diabetes:

Aloe Vera is good for diabetes patients because it helps to regulate the blood sugar levels when consumed regularly. However, consult your doctor before you start consuming the aloe juice. You need to have the dose prescribed by doctor so that it doesn’t interfere with the medicines you are having to curb blood sugar.

9. Helps to Detox:

Mix 2 teaspoons of fresh Aloe Vera juice with 1 glass of water and drink it everyday early in the morning. This will help detoxify and cleanse your system. Aloe juice helps to treat ulcers and detoxify the digestive system.

10. Maintains Gum Health:

Applying fresh aloe gel directly to the gums reduces the pain and inflammation. Since, oral hygiene affects overall health, it is important to curb gum bleeding and inflammation. If gum bleeding is due to bacterial infection, aloe juice helps to fight infections and makes your mouth clean and fresh. No doubt, so many toothpaste and mouthwashes are made of aloe vera extracts!

11. Reduces Eye Irritation:

Create your own natural eye wash with Aloe Vera gel. Mix 2 teaspoons of aloe gel in a cup of water. You can also add a teaspoon of boric acid. Use this eye wash to reduce the reddening and irritation in the eyes.

12. Relieves Sinus and Chest Congestion:

Suffering from constant sinus problems? Now ditch your medicines and try the natural option. Aloe Vera is rich in magnesium lactate that works as an antihistamine which helps in reducing the problem of sinus and chest inflammation due to various allergies.

13. Anti-Carcinogenic:

The regular intake of the aloe juice helps to fight cancer. It contains high level of anti-carcinogenic properties that hinder the growth of tumours.

14. Builds Immunity:

Drinking aloe juice regularly replenishes the amino acid deficiency in your body. The high vitamin content in it boosts up your body’s immune system and self-defense mechanism.

15. Fights Common Cold and Cough:

Those who suffer regularly from cold, coughs, flu, stuffy nose, bronchitis and other respiratory disorders, Aloe Vera juice is the best natural solution.The Vitamin C content of aloe vera juice ensures protection from common colds that occur with environmental changes.

Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice for Skin:

Aloe Vera is suitable for all skin types including highly sensitive skin. You must have seen and used various skin care products which contain the Aloe gel. It is the most common remedy for all skin problems.

16. Fights Signs of Ageing:

The anti-ageing property of Aloe keeps the skin supple and rejuvenated and also lightens blemishes.

17. Removes Dead Cells and Stretch Marks:

Aloe Vera moisturizes the skin and helps to removedead cells, wrinkles and fine lines. Aloe juice also helps to remove stretch marks.

18. A Soothing Aftershave:

Men can use Aloe Vera gel as an after shave. It reduces the irritation and inflammation of the skin and heals the cuts due to shaving.

19. Removes Acne and Acne Marks:

Suffering from acne for a long time? Then make Aloe Vera your friend as it is the best natural remedy for curing acne and pimples and also its scars. It has antimicrobial property that helps kill the bacteria causing acne and reduces the acne marks by lightening the skin.

20. Prevents Sun Tan and Soothes Skin:

All of us apply numerous sun blocks and creams to prevent harmful sun rays from damaging our skin. But the rays sometimes penetrate through them. Aloe Vera gel is highly beneficial for treating sun burns. It is an excellent cooling agent. Apply fresh gel on your skin everyday to get immediate results. It reduces the pain and the redness of the skin and forms a protective layer which reduces further damage.

21. Heals Wound:

It heals cuts and wounds, dermatitis and also insect bites when applied externally.

22. For All Seasons:

Aloe gel is hydrating and moisturizes the skin well. So it can be used in all weathers to prevent dry and patchy skin.

Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice for Hair:

Excessive exposure to dust, sun and pollution makes your hair extremely dry, brittle and damaged. It strips your hair of all its natural oils and moisture causing split ends and dandruff. Aloe Vera is useful for all hair types, especially for dry and damaged hair. Regular use of Aloe Vera in your hair packs make your tresses smooth, soft and damage-free. Following are some of the benefits of aloe vera for your hair.

23. Promotes Hair Growth:

Aloe Vera is rich in proteolitic enzymes which help to remove the dead skin which clogs the pores of the scalp, which hinders the growth of new hair follicles. Accumulation of excessive sebum on the scalp can lead to hair problems like partial baldness. So the Aloe gel removes the sebum making the scalp squeaky clean and promoting hair growth.

24. Maintains the pH Balance:

Aloe Vera has alkaline properties which help to maintain the pH level of the scalp and hair. This keeps the hair moisturized and allows hair growth.

25. Reduces Dandruff:

Aloe Vera is widely used for curing dandruff since the ancient times. Due to its property of enzymatic breakdown of skin cells and anti- fungal properties, it helps to reduce dandruff from the scalp. It also heals scalp diseases like psoriasis and seborrhea.

26. Hair Conditioning:

You can add 2 teaspoons of fresh Aloe gel into your favourite conditioner and use it daily. This would enhance the moisturizing properties of your conditioner as it deeply hydrates your hairshafts giving you soft and smooth hair. You can also make these following hair packs for hair conditioning at home.

Face Packs Using Ale Vera Juice/Gel:

Here are some homemade face aloe vera packs:

27. Aloe Clay Pack:

Image: Shutterstock

• In the Multanmite (Fuller’s Earth) paste, add ½ teaspoon of Aloe gel.
• Then add a few drops of rose water and honey and mix well to get a smooth paste.
• Apply on the face and keep for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

28. Aloe Fruit Pack:

Image: shutterstock

• Blend a few pieces of your favourite fruits like papaya, banana, apple, orange etc.
• Into this add a teaspoon of the aloe gel and mix well.
• You can also add a teaspoon of almond oil or wheat germ oil if you have dry skin.
• Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse with cool water.

29. For Dry Skin and Sensitive Skin:

• In 2 teaspoons of aloe gel, add a teaspoon of rose water and almond oil.
• Then add fresh cucumber paste and mix well to form a smooth consistency.
• Apply and keep for 15 minutes and rinse with cool water.

This face mask also acts as an excellent scrub. It hydrates and smoothens oily skin, removing the dead cells, oil and excess sebum.

• In a mixing bowl, add 2 teaspoons of oatmeal and cucumber paste.
• Into this, add 1 teaspoon of aloe juice and mix well to from a smooth paste.
• Gently scrub in circular motions.
• Now lie down for 15-20 minutes and rinse off with warm water.

30. Green Tea Mask:

This face mask is especially beneficial for women with pre-mature ageing. Green tea and Aloe are rich in antioxidants that help to fight free radicals and reduce signs of ageing.

• Mash ¼th avocado pulp and cucumber puree in a bowl.
• Into this add a teaspoon of the Aloe gel and green tea water.
• Mix well to form a paste and apply on the skin. Keep on for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water.
  

31. Moisturizing Mask:

Shea butter has excellent hydrating and moisturizing properties. It is an essential ingredient in various creams and lip balms.

• In one teaspoon of aloe gel, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and Shea butter.
• Mix and mash all the ingredients, for a nice smooth paste.
• Apply and leave the mask on for 20 minutes and wash with cool water.
• This face pack is ideal for dry and sensitive skin people.
• In 2 teaspoons of besan (gram flour), add curd and one teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel.
• Mix well to from a smooth hair pack and apply on hair.
• Rinse off after 30 minutes with a mild shampoo.
  

Hair Packs Using Ale Vera Juice/Gel:

32. Cleansing Pack:

• In 2 teaspoons of besan (gram flour), add curd and one teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel.
• Mix well to from a smooth hair pack and apply on hair.
• Rinse off after 30 minutes with a mild shampoo.

33. For Soft Hair:

• In 3 teaspoon of Aloe gel, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and coconut oil.
• Massage onto the scalp and keep for 20 minutes.
• Wash off your hair with a shampoo.
• In a blender, add the Aloe gel and a handful of hibiscus leaves. You can also add the flowers for better results.
• You will get a smooth green paste. Apply this on the root and hair strands and leave it for 30 minutes.
• Wash with shampoo. You may also have to shampoo your hair twice to remove this hair pack.
  

34. Hibiscus Pack:

You can also apply fresh Aloe gel directly on the scalp and wash off after 20 minutes with mild shampoo. It work wonders for your hair giving you soft, smooth and healthy hair.

Side Effects Of Aloe Vera Juice:

You should not consume more than 4 ounces of aloe vera juice. Excess intake of aloe vera can cause nausea and liver inflammation.

• Always check the labels before purchasing aloe vera juice, see the percentage of aloe vera in it. This will prevent you from consuming unhealthy fillers.
• Sometimes, aloe vera interferes with some prescription or over the counter drugs. For instance, it may increase the blood sugar lowering effects of some drugs but it can cause loss in potassium if taken with water pills and diuretics.
• If you have any discomfort after consuming aloe vera juice report to the doctor. Some people may face allergic reactions to aloe vera.
• Generally, aloe latex is known for its laxative properties, but consuming one gram of latex everyday can cause diarrhea, kidney problems and stomach cramps. So you need to ask the doctor how much aloe latex is suitable for consumption.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding avoid drinking aloe vera juice, since it may cause birth defects. Also never give aloe juice to children below 12 years, since it can cause stomach pain and diarrhea.
• Sometimes, aloe vera can react with diabetes drugs. So you can ask your doctor whether it is safe to have aloe juice. If you are consuming aloe juice keep a close watch on your blood sugar levels.
• If you suffer from intestinal conditions like Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative Colitis don’t have aloe latex or any product made from whole aloe leaf. Since aloe latex is a bowel irritant.
• If you suffer from hemorrhoids stay away aloe juice as it may worsen the condition.
• Always have the correct doses of aloe vera otherwise it can cause severe kidney problems.
• Aloe vera can interfere with the blood sugar levels during or after surgery. So stop taking aloe vera two weeks before a surgery. Also aloe vera might prevent the blood from clotting; this same function is done by Sevoflurane, the anesthesia used during surgery. So have aloe during surgery can cause excessive bleeding.
• Never have aloe vera juice with Digoxin (Lanolin) since stimulant laxatives like aloe latex can decrease potassium levels and increase the side effects of Lanolin.
• Aloe Vera can react with the oral medicines and reduce its efficiency.

Recommended Dose:

• For solving constipation problems, you can consume 100-200 mg of aloe juice. Avoid the aloe latex if possible.
• To treat psoriasis you can use 0.5% of the aloe vera gel based cream thrice a day.

This dose is fixed by scientific research, to know how much is suitable for you consult your doctor or follow the instructions on the label.
If you are already discouraged after reading the side effects of aloe vera juice. Remember, the popular saying, too much of everything is not good. Yes, you must have little bit of aloe vera juice, having lots of juice will not give you any extra benefits. If you have already tried drinking aloe juice before and got disgusted with the taste, let me tell you that sometimes you need to ignore what your taste buds demand and drink it for your health’s sake. You can also use aloe juice to get enviable skin and hair. So make aloe juice your daily companion and say hello to good health.
Hope after reading this post, you now knows the reasons why Aloe Vera is known as the “miracle plant”. Include this in your daily skin and hair care routine and see the difference yourself.
Till then take care and keep it stylish

Health Benefits of Chiku (Sapodilla)

The fruit Chiku has an exceptionally sweet and delicious flavour along with lots of nutritional values. Chiku is one of the best fruits to provide quick energy as Sapodilla is loaded with fructose and sucrose and regarded as a natural boosting energy food. This sweetie fruit is the store house of many nutrients, which is good for well being. The Chikoo, which is botanically known as Manilkara zapota is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamin A, C and E, copper, iron, etc.

Top 15 Benefits of Chikoo

Health Benefits of Chiku (Sapodilla)

1. Chiku is rich in dietary fibre, may be used as a good natural laxative. Being having adequate fibre, it helps to aid in digestion thus relieves from indigestion and constipation.
2. The anti-inflammatory properties of tannins present in Chikoo reduce the chances of erosive gastritis, enteritis, irritating bowel and reflux-esophagitis and gastric disorders.
3. Sapodilla protects the inner lining of the mucous membrane of colon from carcinogenic toxins.
4. Chiku contains Tannin, a powerful antioxidants that acts as anta-acid and contend free radicals. Tannins are effective against many diseases ant acts as anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic.
5. Chiku is endowed with minerals such as potassium, copper, iron, folate, niacin, and pantothenic acid which are good for many metabolic body activities.
6. Sapodilla is having vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin B complex. These vitamins and antioxidants boost immunity of the body and also good for hair and skin.
7. Vitamin E in Chiku has a chemical compound alpha-tocopherol that might reduce the risk of developing heart diseases.
8. Vitamin C helps to improve your immunity and also protect you from gout and cataracts.  Vitamin C, also good to provide shining skin.
9. The presence of vitamin is beneficial for vision. It also helpful for lungs.
10.  Boiled Semi-liquid of Chico skin may be given to children to control loose motion. The ingredient is also beneficial in case of fever.
11. Eating of Chico helps to relieve from congestion and cough. It is known as expectorant removal.
12. Sapodilla is diuretic in nature, good in removal of waste products from the body by frequent urination. It helps in water concentration thereby prevents water retention.
13. Chikoo is good for lactating mother due to essential nutrients and carbohydrate. It helps in pregnancy by overcoming nausea and dizziness.
14. Sapodilla has enough calcium, phosphorous, and iron. These nutrients are helpful in strengthening of bones.
15.  When the crushed seeds of Chikoo are eaten, it helps to remove kidney and bladder stones because of its diuretic in nature.

Sapodilla Nutritional Values and Facts

Sapota is an easily digestible fruit. Due to presence of simple sugar and other compounds, it helps to revitalizes the body by replenishing energy. The nutritional facts of Chiku  in 100 grams of the fruit  are as: Calories (141 Kcal), Fat (1.9 grams), Carbohydrate (34 grams), Dietary Fibre (9 gram), Protein (0.75 gram), Water (132.6 grams), Calcium (35.7 mg), Iron (1.36 mg), Magnesium ( 20.4 mg), Phosphorous (20.4 mg), Potassium ( 328.1 mg), vitamin C (24.99 mg), Niacin (0.34 mg), Pantothenic acid (0.43 mg), Folate (23.8 mcg), Vitamin A ( 102 mg), Vitamin E (0.43 mg

10 Proven Health Benefits of Eggs

Eggs are among the few foods that I would classify as “superfoods.”
They are loaded with nutrients, some of which are rare in the modern diet.
Here are 10 health benefits of eggs that have been confirmed in human studies.

1. Eggs Are Incredibly Nutritious

Eggs are among the most nutritious foods on the planet.
A whole egg contains all the nutrients required to turn a single cell into a baby chicken.
A single large boiled egg contains:

• Vitamin A: 6% of the RDA.
• Folate: 5% of the RDA.
• Vitamin B5: 7% of the RDA.
• Vitamin B12: 9% of the RDA.
• Vitamin B2: 15% of the RDA.
• Phosphorus: 9% of the RDA.
• Selenium: 22% of the RDA.
• Eggs also contain decent amounts of Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Calcium and Zinc.

This is coming with 77 calories, 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of healthy fats.
Eggs also contain various other trace nutrients that are important for health.
Really… eggs are pretty much the perfect food, they contain a little bit of almost every nutrient we need.
If you can get your hands on pastured or Omega-3 enriched eggs, then these are even better. They have more Omega-3s and are much higher in Vitamin A and E.

Bottom Line: Whole eggs are among the most nutritious foods on the planet, containing a little bit of almost every nutrient we need. Omega-3 enriched and/or pastured eggs are even healthier.

2. Eggs Are High in Cholesterol, But They Don’t Adversely Affect Blood Cholesterol

It is true that eggs are high in cholesterol.
In fact, a single egg contains 212 mg, which is over half of the recommended daily intake of 300 mg.
However… it’s important to keep in mind that cholesterol in the diet doesn’t necessarily raise cholesterol in the blood.
The liver actually produces large amounts of cholesterol every single day. When we eat more eggs, the liver just produces less cholesterol instead, so it evens out.
The response to egg consumption varies between individual:

• In 70% of people, eggs don’t raise cholesterol at all.
• In the other 30% (termed “hyper responders”), eggs can mildly raise Total and LDL cholesterol.

However, as I will outline later in the article, the situation is a bit more complicated than that and these changes are actually beneficial.
(Exceptions… people with genetic disorders like familial hypercholesterolemia or a gene type called ApoE4 may want to minimize or avoid eggs.).

Bottom Line: Eggs are high in cholesterol, but eating eggs does not have adverse effects on cholesterol in the blood for the majority of people.

3. Eggs Raise HDL (The “Good”) Cholesterol

HDL stands for High Density Lipoprotein. It is often known as the “good” cholesterol.
People who have higher levels of HDL usually have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke and various health problems.
Eating eggs is a great way to increase HDL.
In one study, 2 eggs per day for 6 weeks increased HDL levels by 10%.

Bottom Line: Egg consumption consistently leads to elevated levels of HDL (the “good”) cholesterol, which is linked to a reduced risk of many diseases.

4. Eggs Contain Choline – an Important Nutrient That Most People Don’t Get Enough of

Choline is a nutrient that most people don’t even know exists.

Yet, it is an incredibly important substance and is often grouped with the B vitamins.
Choline is used to build cell membranes and has a role in producing signalling molecules in the brain, along with various other functions.
Dietary surveys have shown that about 90% of people in the U.S. are getting less than the recommended amount of choline.
Whole eggs are an excellent source of choline. A single egg contains more than 100 mg of this very important nutrient.

Bottom Line: Eggs are among the best dietary sources of choline, a nutrient that is incredibly important but most people aren’t getting enough of.

5. Eggs Turn LDL Cholesterol From Small, Dense to Large, Linked to a Reduced Risk of Heart Disease

LDL cholesterol is generally known as the “bad” cholesterol.
It is well known that having high levels of LDL is linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
But what many people don’t realize is that there are subtypes of LDL that have to do with the size of the particles.
There are small, dense LDL particles and then there are large LDL particles.
Many studies have shown that people who have predominantly small, dense LDL particles have a higher risk of heart disease than people who have mostly large LDL particles.
Even if eggs tend to mildly raise LDL cholesterol in some people, studies show that the particles change from small, dense to large LDL… which is a good thing.

Bottom Line: Egg consumption appears to change the pattern of LDL particles from small, dense LDL (bad) to large LDL, which is linked to a reduced heart disease risk.

6. Eggs Contain Lutein and Zeaxanthin, Antioxidants That Have Major Benefits For Eye Health

One of the consequences of ageing is that eyesight tends to get worse.
There are several nutrients that help counteract some of the degenerative processes that can affect our eyes.
Two of these are called Lutein and Zeaxanthin, powerful antioxidants that tend to build up in the retina of the eye.
Studies show that consuming adequate amounts of these nutrients can significantly reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, two very common eye disorders.
Egg yolks actually contain large amounts of both Lutein and Zeaxanthin.
In one controlled trial, eating just 1.3 egg yolks per day for 4.5 weeks increased blood levels of Lutein by 28-50% and Zeaxanthin by 114-142%.
Eggs are also high in Vitamin A, which deserves another mention here. Vitamin A deficiency is the most common cause of blindness in the world.

Bottom Line: The antioxidants Lutein and Zeaxanthin are very important for eye health and can help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts. Eggs are high in both of them.

7. In the Case of Omega-3 or Pastured Eggs, They Lower Triglycerides as Well

Of course, it doesn’t just matter what we eat… it also matters what the foods that we eat, ate.

In this regard, not all eggs are created equal. Their nutrient composition varies depending on how the hens were fed and raised.
Eggs from hens that are raised on pasture and/or fed Omega-3 enriched feeds tend to be much higher in Omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids are known to reduce blood levels of triglycerides, a well known risk factor for heart disease.
Studies show that consuming Omega-3 enriched eggs is a very effective way to reduce triglycerides in the blood. In one of the studies, just 5 omega-3 enriched eggs per week for 3 weeks reduced triglycerides by 16-18%.

Bottom Line: Omega-3 enriched and pastured eggs contain significant amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids. Eating these types of eggs is an effective way to reduce blood triglycerides.

8. Eggs Are High in Quality Protein, With All The Essential Amino Acids in The Right Ratios

Proteins are the main building blocks of the human body.
They’re used to make all sorts of tissues and molecules that serve both structural and functional purposes.
Getting enough protein in the diet is very important and studies show that currently recommended amounts may be too low.
Well… eggs are an excellent source of protein, with a single large egg containing 6 grams.
Eggs contain all the essential amino acids in the right ratios, so our bodies are well equipped to make full use of the protein in them.
Eating adequate protein can help with weight loss, increase muscle mass, lower blood pressure and optimize bone health… to name a few.

Bottom Line: Eggs are fairly high in quality animal protein and contain all the essential amino acids that humans need.

9. Eggs do NOT Raise Your Risk of Heart Disease and May Reduce The Risk of Stroke

For many decades, eggs have been unfairly demonized.
It has been claimed that because of the cholesterol in them, they must be bad for the heart.
Many studies published in recent years have examined the relationship between egg consumption and the risk of heart disease.
In one review of 17 studies with a total of 263,938 participants, no association was found between egg consumption and heart disease or stroke.
Many other studies have led to the same conclusion.
However… some studies have found that people with diabetes who eat eggs have an increased risk of heart disease.
Whether the eggs are actually causing the increased risk isn’t known, because these types of studies can only show statistical association. They can not prove that eggs caused anything.
It is possible that diabetics who eat eggs are less health conscious, on average.
On a low-carb diet, which is by far the best diet for diabetics, eating eggs leads to improvements in risk factors for heart disease.

Bottom Line: Many studies have looked at egg consumption and the risk of heart disease and found no association. However, some studies have found an increased risk in people with type 2 diabetes.

10. Eggs Are Highly Fulfilling and Tend to Make You Eat Fewer Calories, Helping You to Lose Weight

Eggs are incredibly fulfilling.
They are a high protein food… but protein is by far the most fulfilling macronutrient.
Eggs score high on a scale called the Satiety Index, which measures the ability of foods to induce feelings of fullness and reduce subsequent calorie intake.
In one study of 30 overweight women, eating eggs instead of bagels for breakfast increased feelings of fullness and made them automatically eat fewer calories for the next 36 hours.
In another study, replacing a bagel breakfast with an egg breakfast caused significant weight loss over a period of 8 weeks.

Cocoa Beans Benefits

Cocoa Beans

Cocoa Beans Benefits

Cocoa beans are known to have more than 300 healthful compounds. Some of these include, phenylethylamine, theobromine, and many polyphenols, like flavonoids. Cocoa beans also contain many vitamins and minerals as well as healthy doses of potassium and copper, which support cardiovascular health, and iron, which transports oxygen through the body. Calcium and magnesium is also found in cocoa beans, which are necessary in order for all the major organs to function properly.
Cacao beans, better known as cocoa beans, first appeared in the Amazon basin, and grow only in moist, warm and shady climates. Cocoa beans are primarily grown in Africa, Asia and, Central and South America. Cacao beans are produced by the plant Theobroma cacao, which translated, means "food of the Gods". That is a good name for them, given the numerous health benefits provided by them. Listed below are the many health benefits of cocoa beans:

Antidepressant

Cocoa beans are considered to be nature's anti-depressant. These beans contain dopamine, phenylethylamine (PEA) and serotonin, all of which are used to promote positive mental health and moods. In addition to this, these beans also contain monoamine oxidase inhibitors and amino acid tryptophan. Monoamine oxidase (MOA) inhibitors work to keep dopamine and serotonin in the bloodstream longer, which could ease depression and promote feelings of well being. Tryptophan is important in the body's production of serotonin.

Antioxidant

Research reveals that cocoa beans are perhaps the best source of antioxidants, containing up to ten percent antioxidant concentration levels. That is three times more antioxidants than green tea and twice the amount in red wine. Blueberries are often said to be a great source of antioxidants, however, while domestic blueberries have 32 antioxidants, and wild blueberries have 61, cocoa beans have 621!
Antioxidants have several health benefits. Tthey protect against cell damage and reduce the risks of several kinds of cancer. Antioxidants also help regulate cholesterol levels.

Cardiovascular Health

Cocoa beans are also good for the cardiovascular system as they contain polyphenols, which has been proven to be quite beneficial for good heart health. Research indicates that polyphenols, as found in cocoa beans, might reduce blood pressure.
Cocoa beans contain magnesium. This is another nutrient that promotes good heart health. Magnesium increases heart strength and improves its condition. This helps to ensure that the heart will continue to effectively pump blood. Magnesium also decreases the risk of blood clots. This in turn, reduces the risks of strokes and heart attacks.

Epicatechin

Cocoa beans also contain a subscance known as: epicatechin . This is a compound so rich in health benefits that a Harvard Professor thinks it should be considered a vitamin! It is suspected that the effects of epicatechin are comparable to that of anesthesia and penicillin. Epicatechin is also suspected to reduce the risks of diabetes, heart disease, cancer and strokes. Due to its bitter flavor, epicatechin is often removed from common cocoa products, therefor to reap the benefits of this compound it is necessary to purchase whole cocoa beans.

Energy Booster

Cocoa beans reduce anxiety while simultaneously promoting alertness. A cup of cocoa can provide the same energy as a cup of coffee. However, due to the fewer stimulants in cocoa, there is no strong crash afterward, as there is with a cup of coffee.

Weight Loss

A good number of the health benefits that are known to be contributed to cocoa beans indicate a possibility that they could be a weight loss aid. Research shows that the polyphenols in cocoa beans might improve sensitivity to insulin. Scientists are currently studying the connection between obesity and a condition known as Insulin Resistance Syndrome. Increased insulin sensitivity, from coco beans or dark chocolate for example, may support weight loss efforts. Further more, the natural anti-depressants found in cocoa beans might make it easier for individuals to stay on track with their diets.

Incorporating Cocoa Beans Into Your Diet

Cocoa beans, in their raw form, may be purchased at health stores. It is possible to purchase and consume them in that manner however many people find it difficult to deal with the harsh, bitter taste. Luckily there is a more pleasant tasting option, dark chocolate. There are specific characteristics that dark chocolate, selected for health, should contain: Healthy dark chocolate needs to have no less than 70% cacao. No milk or any other dairy products should be present in the chocolate as they inhibit the body's ability to absorb antioxidants. The chocolate should be made from cacao butter and not coconut or palm oil.
Chocolate is a tasty food source that we can enjoy all the more knowing that is has health benefits as well!

10 health benefits of eggs

10 health benefits of eggs

Many people believe that eating eggs may be bad for your health. Here are some excellent reasons to justify why eating eggs can make you healthier, brainier, leaner and stronger.

Many people believe that eating eggs may be bad for your health. Here are some excellent reasons to justify why eating eggs can make you healthier, brainier, leaner and stronger.

1. Eggs help to improve performance
Eggs have a high satiety index, meaning they make you feel full for longer. One large egg supplies 6g of high quality protein and a large variety of essential nutrients, with the exception of vitamin C. This is why teaming up a fruit or orange juice with an egg and whole-wheat/low GI bread provides the perfect breakfast to perform well in a challenging environment.
2. Eggs can help to iron out problems
Many people with mild iron deficiency experience vague symptoms of tiredness, headaches and irritability. Iron is the carrier of oxygen in the blood and plays an important role in immunity, energy metabolism and many other functions in the body. The iron in egg yolk is in the form of heme iron, the most readily absorbable and usable form of iron in food and more absorbable than the form of iron in most supplements.
3. Eggs improve nutrient adequacy of the diet
The nutrient density of eggs makes them a valuable contributor to a nutritious diet. A study among egg vs. non-egg consumers revealed that the diets of the non-egg consumers were more likely to fall short of vitamins A, E and B12. Eggs contributed 10-20% of folate and 20-30% of vitamins A, E and B12 among egg consumers. This study demonstrates the important role one food can play in ensuring nutrient adequacy.
4. Eggs do not increase blood cholesterol
In the 1990s, eggs received a lot of bad publicity due to their cholesterol content of 210mg per egg yolk. Numerous studies have clearly demonstrated the lack of a relationship between egg intake and coronary heart disease.
To put things into perspective, it is important to realise that foods high in fat, especially saturated and trans fatty acids have a far greater impact on heart health than cholesterol in food. Eggs should be recognised as an inexpensive, versatile and easily digestible source of protein.
5. Eggs can help to promote weight loss
Eggs with toast have a 50% higher satiety index than regular breakfast cereals. Several studies have reported that starting the day with an egg breakfast increases satiety in overweight people and may help with weight loss.
In one study where a breakfast of bagels, cream cheese and yoghurt were compared to a breakfast of two eggs, toast and jam (same amount of kilojoules), the latter group stayed fuller for longer and reduced their kilojoule intake at lunch by 29%.
At 315kJ per large egg, eggs actually add few kilojoules for all the nutrients they provide. When teamed up with whole grains (for example whole-wheat bread) and fruit or vegetables they are a complete meal, readily available, easy to prepare and inexpensive, making them a useful tool in weight-loss programmes.
6. Eggs help to promote brain health
Choline is a nutrient that facilitates brain development in the foetus and newborn as well as memory function even into old age. Eggs are an excellent dietary source of choline, and one egg per day will provide 28% of a pregnant woman’s choline requirement.
Choline is of extreme importance during pregnancy and lactation when the reserves can be depleted. At the same time, it is the critical period for foetal brain development and lifelong memory enhancement. In experiments with rats, memory function in the aged rat was in part determined by what the mother ate. Mothers, the message is clear – make a lifelong investment and eat your eggs!
7. Eggs help to prevent cataracts and to protect eye sight
A good dietary intake of eggs, spinach and broccoli is associated with a significant decrease in cataracts (up to a 20% decrease) and age-related lens and retinal degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the elderly (up to a 40% decrease).
Eggs are a good source of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthine, which play an important role in keeping the eyes healthy. It accumulates in the eye where these nutrients protect against some types of harmful, high-energy wavelengths of light. Getting enough lutein and zeaxanthine is therefore very important from childhood onwards throughout the life cycle.
8. Eggs provide the best quality protein
Protein is one of the most important elements of our diet. Our bodies use protein to build new and repair old tissue. Eggs are champions at providing high quality protein. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Nine of these amino acids cannot be manufactured by the body and must be derived from the diet. A complete protein food contains enough of these nine essential amino acids to promote growth and maintain body tissue.
Egg, milk and meat (including poultry and fish) proteins are all complete proteins, but egg protein is of the highest quality, with a rating of 100. Compared to eggs, milk is rated at 93 and fish and beef at 75. One egg has approximately the same protein content as 30g cooked meat, fish or poultry. And apart from being the most versatile and best source of protein in our diet, it is also the least expensive.
9. Eggs can help to protect our bones
Eggs are one of the few natural food sources of vitamin D, our sunshine vitamin. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and for maintaining optimum bone health. Eggs therefore play a supporting role in the prevention of osteoporosis together with dairy products, our main source of calcium.
10. Eggs promote healthy hair and nails
The hair and nails reflect many biochemical imbalances and shortages in the body. Eggs can help to promote healthy hair and nails because of their high content of sulphur-containing amino acids and the wide array of vitamins and minerals.
Many people report faster growing hair after adding eggs to their diet, especially if they were previously deficient in foods containing zinc, sulphur, vitamin B12 and vitamin A.

15 health benefits of garlic

Garlic is one of the most common ingredients in Indian dishes but apart from imparting flavour to food, this tiny, white pod also has immense medicinal properties. Used since time immemorial to treat various ailments, garlic is one ingredient in your kitchen that has a number of uses. Here are the top 15 health benefits of garlic you should know about.
What makes garlic so special?

• It has a variety of potent sulphur-containing compounds which are the reason for its characteristic pungent odour.
• Allicin, the vital compound in the pod, is known to have great anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant properties. That is why garlic is best had when it’s finely chopped, minced or pureed and let sit for some time.
• Garlic is also a reliable source of selenium.
• Allicin, along with other compounds like ajoene, alliin, etc. also have a healing effect on your circulatory, digestive and immunological systems and help in lowering blood pressure, detoxification, healing, etc.

Helps keep bacterial and viral infections at bay
Due to its innate compounds, garlic can help keep both bacterial and viral infections at bay.
How does it help?

• They help control bacterial, viral, fungal, yeast and worm infections.
• Fresh garlic is thought to play a role in preventing food poisoning by killing bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella enteritidis, etc.

Can help treat skin infections
Since it has both antibacterial and antiviral properties, garlic is great when it comes to treating skin infections.
How does it help?

• The chemical ajoene found in garlic may help treat fungal skin infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot.

Tip:
If you have a skin infection, you could apply the juice of come crushed garlic cloves on the area once or twice a day. Wash the juice off with some clean, room temperature water.
Helps prevent the formation of clots in the body
How does it help?
The anti-clotting properties of ajoene found in garlic help in preventing the formation of blood clots in the body. While this fact is great for people with heart ailments and those prone to suffering from a stroke and other clotting disorders, it may also increase the risk of bleeding after surgery.
Tip:
To help stay healthy have one crushed garlic pod everyday on an empty stomach.
Can keep your blood pressure levels in check
How does it help?

• Allicin in garlic blocks the activity of angiotensin II (a protein that is responsible for increase in blood pressure) and helps in reducing blood pressure.
• The polysulphides present in garlic are converted into a gas called hydrogen sulphide by red blood cells that helps dilate your blood vessels and helps control blood pressure. If your blood pressure levels are of concern, there are natural alternatives to blood pressure medication that you could try after speaking to your doctor about the change.

Tip:
To help control your blood pressure you could add garlic to your daily meals. Apart from that you could also eat one pod of raw garlic on an empty stomach to keep your blood pressure under control.
Helps protect your heart
How does it help?

• With age, your arteries tend to lose their ability to stretch and garlic can help maintain their elasticity.
• It also helps protect the heart from the damaging effects of free oxygen radicals.
• The sulphur-containing compounds of garlic also prevent our blood vessels from becoming blocked and slow the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
• The anti-clotting properties of ajoene (a compound present in garlic) helps prevent the formation of clots inside your blood vessels.

Can reduce the levels of bad cholesterol
How does it help?

• The allicin present in garlic helps moderately lower our blood triglycerides and total cholesterol.
• This compound also helps reduce arterial plaque formation.

Combat allergies
How does it help?

• The anti-arthritic property of garlic is due to diallyl sulphide and thiacremonone.
• Garlic has also been show to improve allergic airway inflammation (allergic rhinitis).

Tip:
Raw garlic juice may be used to immediately stop the itching due to rashes and bug bites.
Can protect you against frequent colds and bouts of sore throat
How does it help?

• The daily use of garlic might reduce the frequency and number of colds.
• Its antibacterial properties help in treating throat irritations.
• Garlic may also reduce the severity of upper respiratory tract infections.
• Its ability to promote expectoration makes it irreplaceable in chronic bronchitis.

Helps keep your blood sugar levels in check
How does it help?

• Garlic increases insulin release and regulates blood sugar levels in your body, especially if you are a diabetic.

Can help keep cancer at bay

• Garlic’s anti-cancer properties are due to the allyl sulphides it contains.
• According to studies, diallyl sulphide found in garlic inhibits the transformation of PhIP (a type of compound that has been associated with increased incidence of breast cancer) into carcinogens.

Helps beat iron deficiency and anaemia
How it helps

• Diallyl sulphides present in garlic increase the production of ferroportin (a protein that helps in the absorption and release of iron) and improves iron metabolism — all of which helps prevent iron deficiency and associated diseases like anaemia.

Can give your sex life a much needed boost
How does it help?

• Garlic’s aphrodisiac properties which is due to its ability to increase the circulation and intensifying an orgasm.

Helps relieve pain caused due to a toothache
How does it help?

• It can help relieve toothaches due to its antibacterial and analgesic properties. But be aware that it can be irritating to the gum

Tip:
Simply put some crushed garlic clove directly on the affected tooth.

What Are the Benefits of Chayote?

Chayote is often cooked with seasoning due to its mild flavor.

Chayote is a gourd plant, eaten in similar fashion to the summer squash, cucumbers and melons. You can add raw chayote to salads or cook them in meat or vegetarian dishes. The whole plant including the fruit, stem and leaves contains multiple nutrients and has anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in the treatment of high-blood pressure, kidney stones and indigestion. Chayote can also help support weight loss efforts, as it is low in calories and fibrous.

High in Fiber

A high-fiber diet helps treat constipation and normalize bowel movements. Eating chayote is a good way to increase your fiber consumption. One chayote contains 3.5 grams of fiber, which contributes 14 percent of your daily value of 25 grams. Fiber also helps control blood sugar levels -- particularly helpful for diabetics -- and lowers cholesterol, which promotes a healthier cardiovascular system.

Aids Weight Loss

A whole chayote only has 38.6 calories and 0.1 grams of fat. The high water content and fiber help keep you fuller for longer without taking in a lot of calories. You can eat chayote as a snack to keep hunger at bay and stay within your daily calorie intake. Due to the fruit's soft texture, you can use chayote to bulk up a salad or add it to a smoothie.

Provides Essential Vitamins

Chayote is an abundant source of folate and vitamin C. Folate is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for female fertility and cancer prevention. Taken before and during pregnancy, it reduces the risk of neural tube birth defects. A whole chayote contributes 189 micrograms of folate to your diet, which amounts to about 50 percent of your recommended daily allowance. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that helps fight free radicals, which may increase the risk of heart disease and some forms of cancer. A chayote contains 15.6 micrograms of vitamin C, which amounts to 26 percent of your RDA.

Source Of Trace Minerals

Trace minerals are required in small amounts on a daily basis to help maintain a healthy metabolism, immune system and strong bones. Chayote contains the trace minerals zinc, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and potassium. Trace minerals make up part of the body's hormones and enzymes. A chayote provides 1 milligram of zinc -- 7 percent of your daily value. Zinc plays a role in wound healing and supports proper sense of taste and smell. Calcium and magnesium keep bones strong, and potassium supports nerve and muscle function.