HEALTH BENEFIT OF VITAMIN E

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is important for protecting cell membranes.

Vitamin E supplements have become popular as antioxidants, substances that studies suggest may help protect cells from damage. The British Dietetic Association says some phytochemicals such as flavonoids, glucosinolate and phyto-oestrogens “act as antioxidants, which may reduce damage to cell DNA and cell membranes. However, whether there are clear benefits of antioxidants remains unclear."

Vitamin E uses

Many people use vitamin E supplements with the hope that the vitamin’s antioxidant properties will prevent or treat disease. Early laboratory studies of vitamin E supplements were promising, but studies of vitamin E in people have been disappointing. Studies of vitamin E for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cataracts and many other conditions have been inconclusive and more research is needed.
So far, the only established benefits of vitamin E supplements are in people who have an actual deficiency. However, vitamin E deficiencies are rare. They’re more likely in people who have diseases, such as digestive problems and cystic fibrosis. People on very low-fat diets may also have low levels of vitamin E.

Vitamin E dose and instructions for use

The NHS says the amount of vitamin E you need is:

• 4mg a day for men
• 3mg a day for women

The tolerable upper safe levels of a supplement are the highest amount that most people can take safely. Higher doses might be used to treat vitamin E deficiencies but you should never take more unless a doctor says to do so.
For adults the upper safe level for vitamin E is 540mg/day.
Because vitamin E is fat-soluble, supplements are best absorbed with food.

Vitamin E food sources

Most people get enough vitamin E from food. Good sources of vitamin E include:

• Vegetable oils, such as olive and soya
• Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach
• Fortified cereals and other foods
• Eggs
• Nuts

Vitamin E supplement information

Vitamin E is available in tablets, capsules and liquids. It’s standard in multivitamins. Vitamin E is also sold as a topical ointment. Like any supplement, keep vitamin E supplements in a cool, dry place, away from humidity and direct sunlight.

There are eight different types of vitamin E. Alpha-tocopherol is the most common. It’s also the most active form.

Vitamin E warnings

• Side effects. Topical vitamin E can irritate the skin. Overdoses of vitamin E supplements can cause nausea, headache, bleeding, fatigue and other symptoms.
• Interactions. People who take blood thinners should not take vitamin E supplements without talking to their doctor first. If you take any medication, it’s best to check with your doctor to make sure vitamin E supplements won’t interfere.
• Risks. Vitamin E supplements have unclear benefits and risks, so don’t use them in high doses or for the long term unless your doctor suggests it

 

 

10 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

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• 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 presure 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 alternavies to blood pressure medication that you could try after speaking to your doctor about the change. 

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 athetrosclerosis (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 cholestrol

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 allargies

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 suger 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.

Can help you lose weight

How does it help?

• According to recent research, garlic may help to regulate the formation of fat cells in our body by converting pre-adipocytes to fat cells (adipocytes) by preventing the conversion.

Ceylon Tea Benefits for Your Health

if you consider there is a museum named after it, you can safely infer that the benefits of Ceylon Tea are well known to many. Ceylon tea, which is unique to the highlands of the island nation of Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon), is the namesake of the Ceylon Tea Museum. The local terrain and resulting weather conditions make Sri Lanka an ideal country for the production of Tea. The first commercially produced Tea plantation being planted in Sri Lanka in 1867.

This type of tea is considered a great option for those who are looking for both health benefits and the warming effects of a dark and strong brew that has a tangy and lively flavor. Ceylon tea is also available in green tea form.

Health Benefits

How Ceylon Tea Affects Skin

The tea leaf in its natural state is comprised of a number of compounds. According to the American Journal of Biological Sciences, Ceylon tea is abundant in Polyphenols. Polyphenols are a naturally occurring antioxidant that exists in some foods, including in the Ceylon tea leaf. When the human body ingests polyphenols, a number of positive side effects occur, primarily that of improved skin care. Drinking Ceylon tea in its green tea form, according to some researchers, leads to an improvement in the body’s ability to safeguard healthy cells.

n addition, the polyphenols in the tea also reactivate dying skin cells to multiply and rejuvenate the skin. This leads to a significant improvement in the skin’s appearance, elasticity, and its ability to heal from sun damage and other skin ailments. Finally, some researchers have suggested that due to the ability of the polyphenols in Ceylon tea to reactivate dying skin cells, drinking Ceylon tea may also advance the body’s healing process in terms of wounds.

Disease-Fighting Benefits

Ceylon tea in black form is also known for its ability to help defend your body against illness. In fact, the Antioxidants found in black Ceylon Tea help your body fight free radicals (molecules with unpaired electrons). Essentially Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals. These unpaired electrons can cause DNA mutation which can in some cases contribute to Cancer and other serious illness.

Ceylon Tea also has other health benefits including providing your immune system a boost, lowering stress and improving your bodies ability to recover from stress and illness.

Weight Loss Properties

Ceylon tea is also known to assist with weight loss. As mentioned above Ceylon Tea contains Polyphenols, these Antioxidants can contain compounds known as flavonoids. Studies show that flavonoids have numerous health benefits, including kick-starting weight loss. The process behind this is very simple. Ingesting flavonoids increase your body’s metabolism enough to help reduce weight over time. According to studies, this process has been most effective when the test group drinking the Ceylon were older and significantly overweight.

Nutritional Value

Before putting anything into your body, it can be extremely helpful to understand the nutritional value of the item. Ceylon tea has zero calories (if consumed without milk or sugar), so it is certainly not something you should be concerned about drinking if you are counting calories. If there is any nutritional value, it is in the level of potassium. One serving of Ceylon tea, which is one cup, contains 25mg of potassium. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that the American’s daily value of potassium as 4,700 milligrams. While the serving in Ceylon is highly minimal compared to the daily recommendation, it will assist you to increase your daily intake. Potassium is known to assist with improving your blood pressure, cholesterol, and even curing irregular heart rhythms

Ceylon Tea and Pregnancy

The American Pregnancy Association indicates that tea, itself isn’t harmful on pregnant women. However, what may be harmful is what is contained within the tea itself. Ceylon tea is a non-herbal tea. Therefore, while Ceylon tea is abundant in healthy Antioxidants, it is also rich in caffeine that does not bode well for pregnant women. It is recommended that pregnant women avoid consumption of caffeine because the baby is unable to metabolize the substance. Currently, there are hardly any vendors that sell caffeine-free Ceylon tea. It could be that the demand for the caffeine-free form is low or that the process of removing the caffeine from Ceylon tea is too costly or strenuous

Caffeine Content of Ceylon Tea

ceylon tea in its dark form is pretty high in caffeine content. An eight-ounce cup of Ceylon tea contains about 23-110 milligrams of caffeine. If you are looking to reduce the caffeine content of your tea in an easy and natural manner, all you need to do is steep your tea for less time. For example, rather than keeping the tea bag in your cup for a few minutes, simply steep it for about 45 seconds to a minute. If you are not using a traditional tea bag and opt for the natural leaves, the same system applies. The longer you steep your tea in a cup of warm water, the higher the caffeine content will be.

Side Effects

Ceylon, like black teas, do have a number of side effects. The good news is that these side effects are not very serious. According to WebMD, drinking black tea can have negative side effects due to the caffeine content. Drinking numerous cups of Ceylon tea that also have a high caffeine content can lead to issues like headaches, sleep issues, irritability, dizziness, heartburn, confusion, tremors, and an irregular heartbeat.

To avoid these types of issues, it is best that you refrain from drinking more than a cup or two of tea a day. In addition, if you have serious health problems that are related to your heart, then you may be advised to speak with your health professional about any caffeinated drink you regularly drink. The high caffeine content can have an impact on your heart rate

Summary

Ceylon tea is the perfect daily beverage that you can drink either hot or cold. Drinking a cup of Ceylon tea can lead to improved skin health, weight loss, and a portion of your recommended daily portion of potassium. While Ceylon tea’s caffeine content can have negative repercussions if you have health issues, are pregnant, or if you overconsume the tea, the caffeine levels can generally have a number of benefits too. For instance, the caffeine levels in the tea can easily help you stay awake, focused and energized throughout your day.

n our quest to lose weight, many of us make the rookie mistake of exercising intensely but not paying attention to our diet.
The world abounds with foods brimming with terrific weight-loss properties, if only we paid attention. Oats are one such food.
Oats are whole grains that play a vital role in reducing weight and combating obesity.
Obesity significantly increases a person’s risk of developing coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and elevated blood glucose levels.

How Eating Oats Can Help You Lose Weight Quickly

Home » Kitchen Ingredients » How Eating Oats Can Help You Lose Weight Quickly

In our quest to lose weight, many of us make the rookie mistake of exercising intensely but not paying attention to our diet.
The world abounds with foods brimming with terrific weight-loss properties, if only we paid attention. Oats are one such food.

Oats are whole grains that play a vital role in reducing weight and combating obesity.
Obesity significantly increases a person’s risk of developing coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and elevated blood glucose levels.
Obesity also increases the risk of endothelial dysfunction, a disease in which the inner linings of the blood vessels in the heart stop functioning properly.
This disease also directly contributes to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. It is one of the major contributors to coronary heart disease.
Endothelial dysfunction significantly decreased in adults who consumed oatmeal after a high-fat diet, according to a 2001 study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 78.6 million (more than one-third) U.S. adults are obese.
The yearly medical cost of obesity in the U.S. was $147 billion in 2008, according to a 2009 study published in Health Affairs. Medical expenses for obese individuals were $1,429 higher than those who were not obese, the study further notes.
If you are piling up the pounds and looking for a one-step miracle fix, you are in for disappointment. Weight loss is a gradual process that requires dedication.
Consult a nutritionist and gym instructor for a holistic plan to curb your weight.
In the meantime, here is a solid tip: Incorporate oats in your daily diet to make the first positive dietary change toward a healthy body.

Here are some reasons why eating oats can help you lose weight quickly.

1. Contains Fiber

Just as it does in your breakfast bowl when you add water to it, the soluble fiber in oatmeal turns into a gel-like substance in your digestive tract and regulates digestion.
This keeps you feeling full longer and inhibits unnecessary hunger pangs that make you load up on calories.
According to a 2000 study published in The Journal of Nutrition, dietary fiber prevents obesity and affects a sense of satiety by regulating the energy intake and fat absorption from food so it is not used all at once, making you feel hungry faster.
Furthermore, soluble fibers like oatmeal help protect the heart in overweight individuals.
In a 2015 study published in Food and Nutrition Research, 14,690 dietary surveys of children (ages 2 to 18 years old) from 2000 through 2010 were used to assess oatmeal consumption and its effects.
Results showed oatmeal intake resulted in better nutrient consumption and quality of diet, and decreased the risk of obesity and abdominal fat buildup.

2. Whole Grains

Whole grains slowly release sugar into the bloodstream, thereby maintaining a consistent energy level.
Sugar provides energy to the body. However, when there is an excess supply, the body stores it as fat. Whole grains prevent this from happening.
A low-calorie diet containing fibrous whole grains as an intrinsic constituent combined with regular exercise significantly decreased body fat and increased the intake of dietary fiber, minerals and nutrients, according to a 2006 study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.
Furthermore, whole grains (unlike refined grains) have all their nutritional properties intact. Combined with all the other weight loss-aiding properties of oats, this becomes crucial as it not only helps you shed pounds but also makes sure you are not depriving yourself of nutrients.

3. Contains Protein

One cup of uncooked steel cut oats (156 g) contain about 26 g of protein.
Protein-rich diets that contain 25 to 30 g of protein per meal improve satiety and weight management, and reduce the risk of diabetes, heart attacks and strokes, according to a 2015 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Dietary protein promotes weight loss further by aiding thermogenesis, the process by which certain foods enhance metabolism.
Proteins are a lot harder for the body to break down than fats and carbohydrates. Hence, the body ends up expending more energy when processing dietary protein. This revs up your metabolism significantly.

4. Contains Beta-Glucan

Beta-glucan is a substance that occurs in the cell walls of plants like barley and oats. The greatest concentration of beta-glucan is found in oat bran.
Oats rich in beta-glucan significantly decreased the body mass index (BMI), body fat, weight and waist-to-hip ratio in adult subjects with BMIs higher than 27, according to a 2013 study published in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition.
Beta-glucan aids weight loss by curbing the blood glucose level.
People who are overweight often consume a good amount of carbohydrate-rich foods and soft drinks. These substances release excess sugar in the bloodstream, some of which is converted to energy and the rest is stored as fat.
Muesli (oats-based cereal) containing 4 grams of beta-glucans significantly lowered glucose levels in study subjects, according to a 2007 study published in the European Journal of Clinical Medicine.
Food intake dropped by more than 95 calories in subjects who had consumed more than 5 g of beta-glucans 4 hours before a meal, according to a 2009 study published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research.

5. Contains Complex Carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates found in oats convert to sugar at a slower rate than simple carbohydrates found in refined food products. Sugar releases energy in the body.
When sugar is released into the bloodstream all at once, as happens with simple carbohydrates, some is converted to energy while the rest is instantly stored as fat.
Gradual release of energy prevents this from happening, thereby inhibiting weight gain.
In a 2003 study published in the Journal of American Medical Association, 60 subjects consumed a slow energy-releasing diet with complex-carbohydrate foods as a major constituent while 60 subjects adopted a healthy lifestyle but did not follow a specific diet.
After 2 years, the first group reported a significant and greater reduction in body weight, BMI, blood pressure, glucose, insulin and triglycerides than the second group.
Therefore, incorporating oats in your daily diet will promote weight loss and boost overall health.

6. Aids Workout Sessions

Oats are rich in beta-glucans, soluble fiber, proteins and complex carbohydrates that gradually release energy so the body never runs out. All these properties render oatmeal an indispensable pre-workout food choice.
Male athletes who consumed rolled oats with water 45 minutes before exercise showed increased performance duration, maintained normal glucose levels longer, and increased carbohydrate metabolism (releases energy) during exercise, according to a 2001 study published in Metabolism.
Like other whole grains, oats contain antioxidants that help protect the mitochondria (energy reserve of the body) from energy-sucking free radicals.
Oatmeal is also rich in vitamins (especially B vitamins like folic acid and thiamine), minerals (particularly manganese, magnesium and phosphorous) and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients further energize you so you may exercise your way to fitness.

7. Low to No Sugar

High-sugar foods can hamper your weight-loss efforts. Unless you purchase ready-to-eat-oatmeal that is likely to contain added sugar, oats promise you little to no sugar.
It depends on what variety you purchase – 3.5 oz (100 g) of rolled oats contain 0.99 g of sugars while steel cut oats contain no sugar.
This makes oats particularly beneficial to those who are trying to lose weight or are diabetic.

8. Low in Calories & Fat

A person needs to burn around 3,500 calories to shed 1 pound. One cup of oatmeal contains about 106 calories – an insignificant amount.
A cup of oatmeal contains 11 g of fat, but it is incredibly low in saturated fats that promote weight gain and increase the risk of heart disease.
The low-calorie content of oatmeal, combined with the benefits of beta-glucan and its high-fiber and high-protein properties, make it the perfect food for promoting long-term satiety and weight loss









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Top 10 home remedies for cough to get instant relief

Be it dry cough or wet cough, here are natural remedies to get rid rid of it.

Cough and cold, though not serious in all cases, do disrupt our lives. While in some cases, it may be necessary to take some cough suppressing medicines but often, simple substances in your kitchen and OTC medications might help you to deal with cough. Here are some quick and effective home remedies for cough you can try!

1.Lemon

Lemons can be used in a variety of ways for curing coughs. Lemons have properties that reduce inflammation and also provide a dose of infection-fighting vitamin C.

• A simple cough syrup can be made by combining two tablespoons of lemon juice and one tablespoon of honey. Drink this healthy syrup several times a day.
• Another way to use lemons is to blend lemon juice with a little honey and a pinch of cayenne pepper and then drink it. 

2.Ginger

Ginger is one of the most popular natural cures for a cough.

• Cut fresh ginger into small slices and crush them slightly. Put them in a cup of water and bring to a boil. Drink this herbal solution three to four times a day for relief from sore throat, non-stop coughing and even congestion. You can also some lemon juice and honey to it.
• Another option is to chew fresh raw ginger on and off throughout the day to reduce your cough.

3.Onion

One of the simplest home remedies for a cough is to cut onions. Breathing in the strong vapors can help stop coughing.

• You can also make a cough syrup from baked onion juice, comfrey tea and honey. Drink it daily to get relief from a dry cough.
• Another option is to combine one-half teaspoon of onion juice with one teaspoon of pure honey. Swallow this solution at least twice a day to alleviate a cough and soothe your throat.

4.Garlic

Garlic has both antibacterial and antimicrobial components that help treat coughs.

• Boil two to three cloves of garlic in a cup of water and add a teaspoon of oregano. Allow it to cool to room temperature, add some honey and drink it. This will help your breathing and alleviate other cough symptoms.
• Eat a clove of crushed garlic mixed with a few drops of clove oil and some honey for sore throat relief. You can also use garlic in your cooking.

5.Hot Milk with Honey

Hot milk with honey can relieve a dry cough and reduce chest pain you may be experiencing from continuous coughing. For best results, drink it before going to sleep. For added benefits from the analgesic properties of honey, swallow a teaspoon of plain honey on empty stomach. This will help clear the mucus and soothe your throat.

6.Turmeric

The herb turmeric has a therapeutic effect on coughs, particularly a dry cough

• Heat half a cup of water in a boiling pot. Add one teaspoon turmeric powder, and one teaspoon black pepper. You may also add cinnamon sticks. Boil this for about two to three minutes. Add one tablespoon of honey. Drink this daily until the condition improves.
• Alternatively, make an herbal tea by adding one teaspoon of turmeric powder and one teaspoon of carom seeds to a cup of water, and boil it until water reduces to one-half cup. Add some honey and drink this herbal solution two to three times a day.
• Another way to use turmeric is to roast turmeric root and grind it into a smooth powder. Mix it with water and honey, and drink it twice a day.

7.Carrot Juice

Carrots have many vitamins and nutrients that can help relieve various symptoms of a cough.

1. Make fresh juice from four to five carrots and add some water to dilute it. For taste and added benefits, add one teaspoon of honey.
2. Drink the juice three to four times a day until your symptoms improve.

8.Cayenne

Cayenne helps reduce chest pain due to continuous coughing. It is also warming and stimulating.

1. Make a healthy cough syrup by mixing one-fourth teaspoon cayenne pepper, one-fourth teaspoon ground ginger, one tablespoon honey, one tablespoon apple cider vinegar and two tablespoons of water.
2. Drink the syrup two to three times a day.

9.Almonds

Almonds have nutritional properties that play a proactive role in healing cough symptoms.

1. Soak five to six almonds in water for 8 to 10 hours.
2. Make a smooth paste out of the soaked almonds and add one teaspoon of butter.
3. Eat it three to four times a day until your symptoms go away.

These home remedies can give you relief from the various symptoms of a cough without the side effects that come with pills and cough syrups.

10.Grapes

Grapes have properties that act as an expectorant, releasing the mucus from the affected parts of your respiratory system. The faster you get rid of the mucus, the faster your coughing will end. You can simply eat grapes or make some fresh grape juice. Grape juice with a spoonful of honey will be soothing as well as effective.
But if you have continuous coughing for more than two weeks, consult your doctor.

 

 

 

Uses of Garcinia Kola

Improve Lung Function

Garcinia kola has been used for centuries to treat chest colds in traditional medicine, but research has taken a look and found out why it is effective. A study in the 2008 issue of The Internet Journal of Pulmonary Medicine, performed on mice, reports that garcinia kola improved respiratory function after 28 days of use of a garcinia extract. Written by David A. Ofusori, MSc, from Igbinedion University in Nigeria, the study shows that garcinia kola works by dilating the alveolar ducts and sacs in the lungs by improving the strength of the fibers in the lung tissue. Garcinia kola's beneficial lung properties are attributed to its high antioxidant content.

Relieve Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, characterized by pain, inflammation and limited movement in the joints, according to the National Institutes of Health. Causes of osteoarthritis can include joint injury, obesity and aging. Since many arthritis sufferers prefer natural herbal medicines to other pain relievers and medications, researchers at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria tested the effects of garcinia kola against arthritis symptoms. The results of the study, written by Olayinka O. Adegbehingbe and published in the July 2008 issue of the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, conclude that garcinia kola significantly reduced inflammation and pain and increased joint movement in subjects that had osteoarthritis symptoms. It is believed that garcinia kola works well as a result of its antioxidant properties.

The side effects reported from the garcinia kola use in this study were weight loss, increase in sex drive and extended sleep. If you take garcinia kola and experience diarrhea, hives, irregular heartbeat or other signs of allergic reaction, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention.

Reduce Eye Pressure

An increase in eye pressure can lead to glaucoma, according to a report from The New York Times Health Guide. Researchers at Lagos University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria tested the effectiveness of eye drops that contained 0.5 percent extract of garcinia kola. The results of their study, published in the January 2010 issue of Middle East African Journal of Opthamology, showed that the opthamolic solution that contained the garcinia significantly reduced eye pressure when used twice a day

Garcinia kola or bitter kola is a tree that grows in the rain forests of west Africa. The fruit, seeds, nuts and bark of the plant have been used for centuries in folk medicine to treat ailments from coughs to fever. According to a report from the Center For International Forestry Research, garcinia kola trade is still important to the tribes and villages in Nigeria. As with any herb, never consume garcinia kola without first discussing its use and benefits with your physician, especially if you are currently being treated for other medical conditions or are on any medications.

Best Penis Enlargement Foods

The Best Penis Enlargement Vitamins

In addition to consuming our recommended penis enlargement foods, the following penis enlargement vitamins will have a significant effect on your penis.

• Vitamin A – Vitamin A is an antibacterial vitamin that will fight against any infections you encounter. And infections of any kind can hurt any penis enlargement gains you have experienced! Vitamin A can be found in the following foods: Carrots, butternut squash, and sweet potatoes. You can also buy Vitamin A soft-gel supplements on Amazon. We recommend this Vitamin A supplement.

• Vitamin B5 – Vitamin B5 helps improve the recovery speed of your penis post-exercising, which promotes penis enlargement. Vitamin B5 also helps your penis work at peak performance. This penis enlargement vitamin can be found in: Sunflower seeds, bran, liver, and shiitake mushrooms. Vitamin B5 supplements are a simple way to get the penis enlargement results you are looking for as well. We recommend this Vitamin B5 supplement.

• Vitamin C – Crucial for maintaining sexual function, Vitamin C is a vital penis enlargement vitamin. The following penis enlargement food contain Vitamin C: guava, broccoli, and yellow bell pepper. You can also try this Vitamin C supplement.

• L-Arginine – L-Arginine is known to help men with erectile dysfunction and is also proven to promote tissue expansion. That being said, L-Arginine is a key penis enlargement vitamin. The following penis enlargement foods contain L-Arginine: Tuna, oats, pine nuts, and beef flank steak. Here is our recommended L-Arginine supplement.

Best Penis Enlargement Foods

Next time you are in the grocery store, make sure to pick up the foods the foods needed to feed your penis. The following penis enlargement foods can all be found quickly (and cheaply) in your nearest supermarket:

• Onions – Research shows that onions are great for creating healthy blood flow circulation throughout the body to the heart. Furthermore, onion consumption helps prevent blood clotting. But what people seldom realize is that onions help not only blood flow to the heart, but also with blood flow to the penis.

• Salmon – Like we touched on in the case with onions, foods that generate a healthy blood flow are proven to help you attain a stiffer erections. Eating salmon is no exception. Rich in Omega 3 and other fatty oils, salmon is great for thinning blood, which in turn helps generate a healthier blood flow.

• Bananas – Good for your heart and for your blood flow, bananas are our #1 recommended food for penis enlargement.

Penis Enlargement Foods – Other Helpful Links

Did you like this complete penis enlargement foods article? Make sure to check out our other popular penis growth pages!

• The Complete Penis Pumping Guide – Many penis pumps available online and in print sex advertisements are unsafe and ineffective. Use this guide to get the information you need!

• How To Enlarge My Penis – All men know the size of their penis, but only a small percentage of men are satisfied with their measurements. In fact, many of these unsatisfied men are the men that have above-average sized penises! Take a look at the “How to Enlarge my Penis” tips below and get a bigger dick today!

• #1 Penis Exercise Guide – Are you unsatisfied with the size of your penis? A recent study showed that over 50% of all men wish that their penis was larger. Use this guide to get the extra girth and length that you desire!

• Penis Enlargement Foods – Eating properly has many significant health benefits, including significant penis enlargement benefits. The following penis enlargement foods can help you get the extra girth and length size you have been dreaming of. 

Health and Beauty Benefits Of Carrots

Carrots For Hair:  Whether you make your own carrot oil or you purchase a carrot seed essential oil, did you know you can help your hair grow with it? Carrot oil makes you hair strong and shine with health. Application of carrot oil on your scalp would ensure proper growth of hair; apply carrot oil on the ends of hair to take care of split ends. You can also make a hair pack by mixing boiled carrots with an egg and some yoghurt. Apply it on your hair strands and leave it on for an hour. This pack would help you to get softer and smoother hair.

 

Carrots For Skin: Easy Tips and Applications

• Carrot Pack for oily skin: Boil a carrot in water and blend it in a blender. Add two teaspoons of pure honey. Mix well so that it forms a smooth paste. Leave it on for twenty minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water. This treatment will make your skin glow with health.
• Carrot anti-wrinkle pack: Mix a grated carrot with three spoons of whole milk cream. Use it every week on your face to combat against fine lines and wrinkles.
• Carrot for dry skin: Peel a carrot and place it in a glass jar. Pour coconut oil so that the carrot is covered by the oil. Leave the jar in the sun for about two days. Now strain the oil and use it for moisturizing your skin daily.
• Carrot scrub for exfoliating skin: Add two spoons of sugar to two spoons of grated sugar. Mix thoroughly and use it as a scrub on your face as well as your neck in gentle circular movements. This is one of the cheapest ways you can take to for exfoliating your skin.
• Carrot for blemishes:  Application of carrot juice on blemishes regularly helps to fade them

Beauty Benefits of Carrots

 • Carrots contain carotene, which helps to make your skin look healthy and glowing.
• Carrots contain carotenoids along with other powerful anti-oxidants which help in slowing down the aging process; carrots also help in boosting the production of collagen to keep wrinkles at bay.
• Carotenoids, contained in carrots help in protecting and conditioning the skin.
• Carrots have anti-inflammatory properties and help in revitalizing and toning the skin.

 

Health Benefits of Carrots:

. Carrots help in purifying your blood and improving your eye sight.
• Carrots help in balanced growth of body tissues.
• Carrots are known to lower the level of cholesterol in your body. It also helps in making you less prone to heart ailments.
• Carrots lower the risk of cancers like colon cancer, breast cancer and lung cancer.
• Carrots benefit young and growing girls since it promotes the development of well-toned breasts.
• Carrots protect sun damages and help in healing sunburns

 

 If you are wondering why you should incorporate carrots in your daily life, let me tell you that carrots are known to have several health and beauty benefits. Carrots are extremely rich in nutrients like potassium, calcium and vitamins, while the calorie content is very low. Include carrots in your regular diet and use carrot in your face packs and hair treatments to make the most of this vegetable which is very easily available any time any where.

 

 

9 Health Benefits of Cucumbers

1. Support Heart Health

Cucumbers contain potassium, which is associated with lower blood pressure levels. A proper balance of potassium both inside and outside your cells is crucial for your body to function properly.
As an electrolyte, potassium is a positive charged ion that must maintain a certain concentration (about 30 times higher inside than outside your cells) in order to carry out its functions, which includes interacting with sodium to help control nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and heart function. 

2. Support Your Digestive Health

Cucumbers are rich in two of the most basic elements needed for healthy digestion: water and fiber. If you struggle with acid reflux, you should know that drinking water can help suppress acute symptoms of acid reflux by temporarily raising stomach pH; it's possible that water-rich cucumbers may have a similar effect.
Cucumber skins contain insoluble fiber, which helps add bulk to your stool. This helps food to move through your digestive tract more quickly for healthy elimination.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Cucumbers are very low in calories, yet they make a filling snack (one cup of sliced cucumber contains just 16 calories). The soluble fiber in cucumbers dissolves into a gel-like texture in your gut, helping to slow down your digestion. This helps you to feel full longer and is one reason why fiber-rich foods may help with weight control. 

4. Freshen Your Breath
Placing a cucumber slice on the roof of your mouth may help to rid your mouth of odor-causing bacteria. According to the principles of Ayurveda, eating cucumbers may also help to release excess heat in your stomach, which is said to be a primary cause of bad breath.

5. Fight Inflammation
Cucumbers may help to "cool" the inflammatory response in your body, and animal studies suggest that cucumber extract helps reduce unwanted inflammation, in part by inhibiting the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes (including cyclo-oxygenase 2, or COX-2).

6. Reduce Your Risk of Cancer
Cucumbers contain polyphenols called lignans (pinoresinol, lariciresinol, and secoisolariciresinol), which may help to lower your risk of breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate cancers. They also contain phytonutrients called cucurbitacins, which also have anti-cancer properties. According to the George Mateljan Foundation

 7. Antioxidant Properties

Cucumbers contain numerous antioxidants, including the well-known vitamin C and beta-carotene. They also contain antioxidant flavonoids, such as quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, and kaempferol, which provide additional benefits.
For instance, quercetin is an antioxidant that many believe prevents histamine release—making quercetin-rich foods "natural antihistamines." Kaempferol, meanwhile, may help fight cancer and lower your risk of chronic diseases including heart disease.

8. Protect Your Brain
Cucumbers contain an anti-inflammatory flavonol called fisetin that appears to play an important role in brain health. In addition to improving your memory and protecting your nerve cells from age-related decline, fisetin has been found to prevent progressive memory and learning impairments in mice with Alzheimer's disease


9. Manage Stress

Cucumbers contain multiple B vitamins, including vitamin B1, vitamin B5, and vitamin B7 (biotin). B vitamins are known to help ease feelings of anxiety and buffer some of the damaging effects of stress.

Cucumbers belong to the same plant family as squash, pumpkin, and watermelon (the Cucurbitaceae family). Like watermelon, cucumbers are made up of mostly (95 percent) water, which means eating them on a hot summer day can help you stay hydrated.
However, there's reason to eat cucumbers all year long. With vitamin K, B vitamins, copper, potassium, vitamin C, and manganese, cucumbers can help you to avoid nutrient deficiencies that are widespread among those eating a typical American diet.
Plus, cucumbers contain unique polyphenols and other compounds that may help reduce your risk of chronic diseases and much, much more.

 

 

 

Top 10 Foods that Increase Sperm Count

1.    Pomegranates

Pomegranates are rich in an antioxidant that reduces malondialidehyde which is responsible for damaging the sperms. Consuming pomegranates on a regular basis can help the body in killing free radicals and also in improving the potential of the sperms

2.    Bananas

Bananas contain bromelain which is an enzyme that controls sex hormones. Bananas also contain Vitamin A, B1 and C. These vitamins promote sperm production and also enable the body in improving its stamina

3.    Garlic

Garlic is rich in allicin that helps in improving blood circulation. This in turn promotes blood circulation in the genitals and strengthens the sperms. Garlic also contains Vitamin B6 and selenium which controls the secretion of sex hormones and reduces sperm damage.

4.    Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains an active ingredient known as L-arginine HCL. This helps in increasing the semen volume and it also raises sperm count. Eating dark chocolate can help men in having better orgasms.

5.    Walnuts

Walnut is rich in arginine which helps in raising semen volume and also promotes sperm production. It is also composed of omega-3 fatty acids that promote blood circulation in the penis. Walnuts are rich in antioxidants and they protect the body from several diseases

6.    Fruit Salad

Fruits like strawberries, oranges and cherries contain lots of antioxidants. They prevent sperm damage and also increases sperm count.  Fruits are also rich in folic acid which strengthens the sperms. The antioxidants in the fruits help in killing the free radicals and thus they protect the sperms. Fruits are a rich source of Vitamin C which prevents clumping of the semen. This in turn promotes motility and improves the possibility of fertilization.

7.    Water

Drinking lots of water can help the body in increasing sperm count. It also helps in improving the functioning of the sperms.
Are you concerned about low sperm count? Are you experiencing lowered libido? If you are looking for a natural remedy that can improve the possibility of fertilization then you can follow some of the aforementioned solutions. The foods and fruits mentioned in this review can help your body in raising its sperm count and they can also improve the functioning of the sperms. These foods are also capable of improving fertility.

8.    Egg

Eggs help in promoting fertility and raising the sperm count. Eggs contain vitamin E which prevents tissue degeneration of the testicles. Eggs are also rich in antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and protect the cells.

9.    Spinach

Spinach is rich in folic acid that raises sperm count. Folic acid is also responsible for strengthening the sperms as well as increasing their motility.

10.    Beef

Beef contains zinc which protects the sperms from the influence of free radicals. Zinc also prevents the conversion of testosterone into estrogen. Thus it also promotes libido.
 

Risk factors OF Low sperm count

number of risk factors are linked to low sperm count and other problems that can cause low sperm count. They include:

• Smoking tobacco
• Drinking alcohol
• Using certain illicit drugs
• Being overweight
• Having certain past or present infections
• Being exposed to toxins
• Overheating the testicles
• Having experienced trauma to the testicles
• Being born with a fertility disorder or having a blood relative with a fertility disorder
• Having certain medical conditions, including tumors and chronic illnesses
• Undergoing cancer treatments, such as radiation
• Taking certain medications
• Having a prior vasectomy or major abdominal or pelvic surgery
• Having a history of undescended testicles.

  Complications

  Infertility caused by low sperm count can be stressful for both you and your partner. Complications can include:
  
• Surgery or other treatments for an underlying cause of low sperm count
• Expensive and involved assisted reproductive techniques, such as in vitro fertilization
• Stress related to the inability to have a child.

Low sperm count

Causes

The production of sperm is a complex process and requires normal functioning of the testicles (testes) as well as the hypothalamus and pituitary glands — organs in your brain that produce hormones that trigger sperm production. Once sperm are produced in the testicles, delicate tubes transport them until they mix with semen and are ejaculated out of the penis. Problems with any of these systems can affect sperm production.
Also, there can be problems of abnormal sperm shape (morphology), movement (motility) or function.
However, often the cause of low sperm count isn't identified.

Medical causes

Low sperm count can be caused by a number of health issues and medical treatments. Some of these include:

• Varicocele. A varicocele (VAR-ih-koe-seel) is a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle. It's the most common reversible cause of male infertility. Although the exact reason that varicoceles cause infertility is unknown, it might be related to abnormal testicular temperature regulation. Varicoceles result in reduced quality of the sperm.
• Infection. Some infections can interfere with sperm production or sperm health or can cause scarring that blocks the passage of sperm. These include inflammation of the epididymis (epididymitis) or testicles (orchitis) and some sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea or HIV. Although some infections can result in permanent testicular damage, most often sperm can still be retrieved.
• Ejaculation problems. Retrograde ejaculation occurs when semen enters the bladder during orgasm instead of emerging out of the tip of the penis. Various health conditions can cause retrograde or lack of ejaculation, including diabetes, spinal injuries, and surgery of the bladder, prostate or urethra.
  Certain medications also might result in ejaculatory problems, such as blood pressure medications known as alpha blockers. Some ejaculatory problems can be reversed, while others are permanent. In most cases of permanent ejaculation problems, sperm can still be retrieved directly from the testicles.
  
• Antibodies that attack sperm. Anti-sperm antibodies are immune system cells that mistakenly identify sperm as harmful invaders and attempt to destroy them.
• Tumors. Cancers and nonmalignant tumors can affect the male reproductive organs directly, through the glands that release hormones related to reproduction, such as the pituitary gland, or through unknown causes. Surgery, radiation or chemotherapy to treat tumors can also affect male fertility.
• Undescended testicles. During fetal development one or both testicles sometimes fail to descend from the abdomen into the sac that normally contains the testicles (scrotum). Decreased fertility is more likely in men with this condition.
• Hormone imbalances. The hypothalamus, pituitary and testicles produce hormones that are necessary to create sperm. Alterations in these hormones, as well as from other systems such as the thyroid and adrenal gland, may impair sperm production.
• Defects of tubules that transport sperm. Many different tubes carry sperm. They can be blocked due to various causes, including inadvertent injury from surgery, prior infections, trauma or abnormal development, such as with cystic fibrosis or similar inherited conditions.
  Blockage can occur at any level, including within the testicle, in the tubes that drain the testicle, in the epididymis, in the vas deferens, near the ejaculatory ducts or in the urethra.
  
• Chromosome defects. Inherited disorders such as Klinefelter's syndrome — in which a male is born with two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome instead of one X and one Y — cause abnormal development of the male reproductive organs. Other genetic syndromes associated with infertility include cystic fibrosis, Kallmann's syndrome and Kartagener's syndrome.
• Celiac disease. A digestive disorder caused by sensitivity to gluten, celiac disease can cause male infertility. Fertility may improve after adopting a gluten-free diet.
• Certain medications. Testosterone replacement therapy, long-term anabolic steroid use, cancer medications (chemotherapy), certain antifungal and antibiotic medications, some ulcer medications and other medications can impair sperm production and decrease male fertility.
• Prior surgeries. Certain surgeries might prevent you from having sperm in your ejaculate, including vasectomy, inguinal hernia repairs, scrotal or testicular surgeries, prostate surgeries, and large abdominal surgeries performed for testicular and rectal cancers, among others. In most cases, surgery can be performed to either reverse these blockages or to retrieve sperm directly from the epididymis and testicles.

Environmental causes

Sperm production or function can be affected by overexposure to certain environmental elements, including:

• Industrial chemicals. Extended exposure to benzenes, toluene, xylene, herbicides, pesticides, organic solvents, painting materials and lead might contribute to low sperm counts.
• Heavy metal exposure. Exposure to lead or other heavy metals also can cause infertility.
• Radiation or X-rays. Exposure to radiation can reduce sperm production. It can take several years for sperm production to return to normal. With high doses of radiation, sperm production can be permanently reduced.
• Overheating the testicles. Elevated temperatures impair sperm production and function. Although studies are limited and are inconclusive, frequent use of saunas or hot tubs might temporarily impair sperm count.
  Sitting for long periods, wearing tight clothing or working on a laptop computer for long stretches of time also might increase the temperature in your scrotum and slightly reduce sperm production.
  

Health, lifestyle and other causes

Other causes of low sperm count include:

• Drug use. Anabolic steroids taken to stimulate muscle strength and growth can cause the testicles to shrink and sperm production to decrease. Use of cocaine or marijuana might reduce the number and quality of your sperm as well.
• Alcohol use. Drinking alcohol can lower testosterone levels and cause decreased sperm production.
• Occupation. Certain occupations might be linked with a risk of infertility, including welding or those associated with prolonged sitting, such as truck driving. However, the data to support these associations is inconsistent.
• Tobacco smoking. Men who smoke might have a lower sperm count than do those who don't smoke.
• Emotional stress. Severe or prolonged emotional stress, including stress about fertility, might interfere with hormones needed to produce sperm.
• Weight. Obesity can impair fertility in several ways, including directly impacting sperm and by causing hormone changes that reduce male fertility.
• Sperm testing issues. Lower than normal sperm counts can result from testing a sperm sample that was taken too soon after your last ejaculation; was taken too soon after an illness or stressful event; or didn't contain all of the semen you ejaculated because some was spilled during collection. For this reason, results are generally based on several samples taken over a period of time.