SkyBlue Cross Alternative Health Blog

Wednesday, 4 January 2012

Top 10 Superfoods and How to apply each of them to better your health

Different individual has its own specific body characters; though We're often fed news about superfoods and superherbs -- and it's tempting to want to believe everything we're told. Some superfood claims are backed by scientific studies, while other enticing claims turn certain foods into fads, though the foods have few proven benefits. We looked at the studies of 10 pantry picks and give you the real goods about their disease-fighting powers. anyone are welcome to consult us  for you specific need.
1. Rhubarb
Rhubarb is frequently regarded as a fruit (based on how we eat it), but botanically it is a vegetable belonging to the same family as sorrel and buckwheat. Championed for its phytochemical lindleyin, this nutritional all-star makes the cut for its potential role in relieving hot flashes in perimenopausal women. How the plant cools hot flashes is not exactly clear. Researchers have identified an extract in the root that may have estrogen-like properties. Need another reason to eat rhubarb? The plant is rich in potassium, vitamin C and dietary fibre.
Dietary uses: Canadian-grown rhubarb is available from February to July in most grocery stores but is most flavourful in the spring. Rhubarb is commonly eaten cooked in jams or spreads; baked in pies, cakes and muffins; and used in sorbet, ice cream and punch. Further studies are needed to determine the safety of medicinal amounts of the extract -- in concentrated pill form it may cause stomach cramps and mineral and electrolyte imbalances. Rhubarb root should not be consumed by children, or women who are pregnant or lactating.
2. Pumpkin seeds
This versatile seed, also known as pepitas, has long been treasured by American aboriginal peoples for its dietary and medicinal properties. Now these seeds are receiving the superfood attention they deserve. Of all the nuts and seeds typically consumed as snacks, pumpkin seeds are among the leaders of phytosterols -- a naturally occurring compound with an established reputation for cholesterol-lowering properties. Phytosterols are also being studied for their potential role in prostate health. Each 1/4 cup (50 millilitre) serving of the seed provides a healthy dose of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and is a good source of minerals, including phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and iron, making it one of the most nutritious and flavourful seeds around.
Dietary uses: Pumpkin seeds are available year-round from grocery stores but are freshest in the fall when pumpkins are in season. They make a good snack, either on their own or mixed with walnuts, almonds, peanuts and dried fruit. High in fibre, they lend crunch and nutty flavour to salads, vegetables, pasta dishes, sauces and casseroles. But watch your portion size; one cup (250 milliltres) packs 750 calories.
3. Goji berries
Hailed as the newest superfood, goji, a Himalayan berry, has inspired a surge of interest for its use in treating diabetes, hypertension, malaria, fever, cancer and other ailments. Gram for gram, goji berries pack more vitamin C than some oranges and more beta-carotene than carrots. Unfortunately, though, there isn't enough evidence yet to confirm the health claims, since we only have testimonials and animal studies to go by. And goji berries and goji juice are costly.
Dietary uses: Goji berries are similar in taste to raisins but more tart. They can be eaten raw or cooked and are a tasty addition to tea, soup and hot cereal.
4. Cinnamon
Valued in ancient times as currency and once considered more precious than gold, cinnamon -- one of the world's oldest known spices -- has made the pilgrimage from spice rack to science lab. Preliminary studies are investigating its role in lowering blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, most likely due to the insulin-like effects of its polyphenols (natural substances found in plants). It's still too early to know if cinnamon can help curb blood sugars, but with studies suggesting its effects can be seen with a daily dose of just half a teaspoon (two millilitres), it's worth keeping this spice in mind when reaching into the spice cabinet.
Dietary uses: Cinnamon (the inner bark of the tropical cinnamon tree) comes in the form of sticks and powder. Sprinkle it on toast, add it to oatmeal or use it on desserts. Make cinnamon tea by pouring one to two cups (250 to 500 millilitres) of boiling water over one- to 1-1/2-inch sticks; steep for 10 minutes. Caution: Ingesting four tablespoons (60 mL) of cinnamon oil has been linked to serious side-effects.
5. Quinoa
Regarded as a sacred food by the Incas, quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) provides a wide range of vitamins and minerals. This supergrain seed contains more protein than most cereal grains (22 grams per one cup/250 millilitres uncooked quinoa) and is considered a complete protein because it contains all eight of the essential amino acids we need for tissue development.
Quinoa is higher in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, manganese, and zinc, and lower in sodium compared with wheat, barley and corn. This gluten-free grain also receives an honourable mention for being low in saturated fat (one gram of fat per one cup/250 millilitres uncooked quinoa).
Dietary uses: Quinoa can be substituted for most hot cereals and is a good replacement for rice. Cook it like porridge, include it in casseroles or stews, or add it (steamed, toasted or baked) to soups, salads or desserts. You can also use ground quinoa in breads, cookies, puddings, muffins and pasta. It's available in most grocery and health food stores.



6. Psyllium
Traditionally, psyllium is renowned as a laxative, since it absorbs water and swells as it moves through the digestive tract. But this all-star soluble fibre has many health benefits: lowering LDL, or "bad," cholesterol, helping control diabetes (it reduces the post-meal rise in blood sugar) and aiding in controlling appetite and weight (it makes you feel full longer). Since psyllium is a concentrated source of soluble fibre (with eight times more soluble fibre than oat bran), it's easy to eat enough of it during the day to enjoy its potential health benefits.
Dietary uses: Just 1/3 cup (75 millilitres) of Bran Buds with Psyllium, available at most grocery stores, provides 12 grams of fibre (almost half of our daily fibre needs). Caution: Incorporate psyllium and other high-fibre foods into your diet slowly to avoid abdominal pain and bloating, and drink plenty of water to avoid constipation.
7. Shallots
This vegetable deserves an award thanks to its active ingredient: fructo-oligosaccharides, a prebiotic that some researchers have chosen as the hottest in food and nutrition research. Prebiotics take centre stage for their potential to promote gut health by encouraging the growth and function of "good bacteria" that live in our digestive tract.
Emerging research is also revealing an important supporting role for flavonoids, antioxidants that are abundant in shallots. Preliminary research is investigating flavonoids for their preventive role in cancer and heart disease, but further research is still needed to support these potential benefits.
Dietary uses: Shallots are more subtle in flavour than their cousins, the onion and garlic, and they do not cause bad breath. Eat them raw or cooked till tender. Add shallots to soups, stews, spreads and stir-fries.
8. Milk thistle
Best known as a liver tonic, the power ingredient in milk thistle is silymarin, which may have protective effects on the liver, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Differences in research design -- variations in the type and extent of liver disease, and dose and duration of milk-thistle therapy -- make it difficult to draw definitive conclusions on the effectiveness of this herb.
Dietary uses: Milk thistle is available at drugstores and health food stores; take as directed.
9. Turmeric
Curcumin -- the active ingredient of the Indian curry spice turmeric -- may ease aches and inflammation. In Ayurveda (the traditional medicine of India), this herb has been used for thousands of years to treat arthritis and other ailments. Some research suggests that turmeric may help relieve some symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis; however, the evidence to date, while encouraging, is still far from conclusive.
Dietary uses: Turmeric is sometimes substituted for saffron. Use in Indian curries or dishes such as chicken tangine and chicken tandoori.
10. Borage oil
Borage oil, which is produced from the borage seed, has made the nutritional spotlight for its high content of gamma-linolenic acid -- an omega-6 essential fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties. Evidence suggests that specialty formulas that contain borage oil may reduce inflammation of the lung in critically ill, hospitalized patients with respiratory distress.
Dietary uses: Borage oil is a component of Oxepa -- a specialty formula used in the critical-care unit to reduce lung inflammation. In concentrated (oil) form, borage can cause liver toxicity; pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid using borage oil. The medicinal plant can be eaten raw or cooked. Use fresh borage leaves to add flavor to cream cheese and vinaigrettes.
If you feel Superfood  maybe good to you , and need professional help, you are welcome to  contact us for further help.

Reference Source:www.canadianliving.com
Athour: http://www.SkyBlueCros.com , SkyBlue Cross Global Holistic Health Alternative Service

Tuesday, 3 January 2012

Lotus Seeds' Health Benefits

By: http://www.SkyBlueCross.com
Lotus seeds, called lian zi in Chinese, can be used in food as well as purely for medicine. This Chinese herb is used mainly for the spleen, heart and kidneys, but also possesses calming qualities.

 Lotus flower blooming

 History
 The lotus flower was brought to China thousands of years ago.
 The lotus flower originated in India, but was taken to China, as well as to other parts of the world, 2,000 years ago. Now it is grown on a large scale in China, with the majority of the seeds coming out of the south.
 Food
 Lotus seeds are used in Chinese recipes.
 Lotus seeds are used in many Chinese soups and desserts. They are sweet-tasting and are a good source of protein.
 Benefits and Contraindications
 Lotus seeds are calming and can assist with insomnia.
 One of the medicinal benefits of lotus seeds is stopping chronic diarrhea, according to Mike Adams, creator of NaturalNews.com and HerbReference.com. Subhuti Dharmananda, director of the Institute for Traditional Medicine in Portland, Oregon, says the seeds "alleviate restlessness, palpitations, and insomnia."
 Warning
 Because lotus seeds have antidiarrheal properties, people with indigestion or constipation should avoid them.
 Fun Fact
 Lotus seeds are also eaten in the southern United States, called by the Cajun population "graine a voler," which in French means "flying seed." The name stems from the phenomenon that the seeds can actually pop out of the pods on their own as the pods dry.


 Nutritional Value
 According to the website NutritionData.com, lotus seeds are good source of protein, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. They are also low in saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., director from the Institute for Traditional Medicine, also reports that lotus seeds are a good source of protein and used in soups in traditional Chinese cooking. The website Nutritional Wellness also lists iron and zinc among trace elements included within the seeds.
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 Anti-Aging Properties
 All lotus seeds contain the anti-aging enzyme L-isoaspartyl methyltransferase, which is said to help repair damaged proteins, according to the Kushi Institute, a macrobiotic website. Because of this, many cosmetic companies are now finding ways to include the seeds in anti-aging blends. Daike Tian, in an article on the Water Gardeners International website, states that lotus seeds contain kaempferol, a natural flavonoid which prevents inflammation. Tian claims this this helps repair aging gum tissue.
 Medicinal Uses
 Dharmananda claims that lotus seeds have astringent properties that have specific benefits to the kidneys, helping to restore vital energy within the body. He states that the seeds are also used to treat sexual conditions. In accordance with Chinese medicine, the sweet and neutral taste of lotus seeds said to nourish the spleen and alleviate diarrhea. Dharmananda goes on to claim that the seeds are traditionally thought to have sedative or calming properties, and are therefore used to treat insomnia or restlessness. Tian claims that within Chinese medicine, the lotus embryo, or heart of the lotus seed, benefits the heart because of its bitter and cooling properties. The bitter components are said to include the isoquinoline alkaloids, which he claims have antispasmodic and calming effects, which he claims can help dilate blood vessels, thus reducing blood pressure.
 Combination Formulas
 Lotus seeds are often a vital component when combined with other herbs to create traditional formulas within Chinese medicine. Dharmananda lists several on the Institute for Traditional Medicine website. The Sheng Ling Baizhu San blend is well known and is said to help weak digestion and alleviate diarrhea. The formula Qingxin Lianzi Yin can be used for urinary and reproductive disorders, including urinary tract infections and prostatitis

 Overview
 Homer told about the lotus eaters who deterred Odysseus's men on their epic journey and whose fare made people forgetful and apathetic. Truth divulging from legend, the seeds and leaves are edible and have been used in dishes for thousands of years without making anyone lose their memory. Besides being edible and ornamental, the lotus plant has many health benefits as well.
 What is Lotus
 The lotus, Nelumbo nucifera, is a fresh water plant that has been cultivated in southeast Asia and the Mediterranean for over 5000 years, according to Plant Culture. China and Japan classify the lotus as a vegetable and regularly eat the roots, called rhizomes, as well as its stems and leaves. The petals are used to spice dishes and to make teas. The seeds, a major export from China, are prepared in many way for eating or healing applications.
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 Preparing and Eating
 The seeds can be eaten raw but are typically dried before export. Typically, Asians roast the seeds or use them to prepare traditional foods such as "moo pies," as well as red bean and lotus seed soup for newlyweds, according to the Institute of Traditional Medicine. Inside of the seed is a bitter embryo. Many recommend removing the bitter part before cooking. It is the embryo and seed extracts which are often used for medicinal purposes.
 Nutrition
 Eating 1 oz. of raw lotus seeds provides 94.3 calories. While 1 oz. of seeds is a very small sample size it is a low-fat, cholesterol-free snack. Lotus seeds contain no sugar but do provide 18.3 g of carbohydrates and 4.4 g of protein as well as 4.6% and 5.6% of the daily values of calcium and iron, respectively. Calorie Lab notes that the seeds are also a good source of thiamine, phosphorus, potassium and manganese.
 Health Benefits
 Western research has found many uses for the whole of the lotus plant. The seeds are powerful antioxidants and help fight inflammation and aging, writes D. Tian, Ph.D, author of "The Versatile and Valuable Lotus," in the November 2008 edition of the "Water Gardeners International Online." He adds that good investigative evidence supports using the seeds as an antiviral; they can help fight the herpes 1 virus. Dr. Tian also reports that since the 1960s, research has found the seeds to be useful in lowering hypertension. Most of the studies have used animals in a lab setting, but there is good promise for human trials.
 Traditional Medicine
 Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine view the seeds as astringent, meaning among other things that they can decrease abnormal fluid leakage from organs such as the spleen, kidney and heart, according to Dr. Tian. Men are given lotus seeds as part of treating deficient kidney function related to sexual problems. The inner part of the seeds, the bitter greens or embryos, are considered "cooling," and are used to treat the heart for "pathogenic heat."
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 References
 Plant Cultures: Lotus History
 Institute for Traditional Medicine: Lotus Seed


Reference:: http://www.livestrong.com

Monday, 2 January 2012

Alternative Medicine Brief Review

By: http: http://www.skybluecross.com 

Advantages of Alternative Medicine
Advantages of Alternative Medicine - More and more people today are recognizing the advantages of alternative medicine over the mainstream medicines. The health care professionals are also recognizing these advantages and hence they prefer the alternative medicines. It has been understood that one of the main advantages of the alternative medicine is that it heals the body and it treats the actual cause for which the disease has occurred. It is very important to understand the actual cause of the disease otherwise it will never go away from the root. On the other hand the mainstream medicine tends to treat only the symptoms of the disease


Alternative Healing---An Introduction

With the growing number of people being affected by newly discovered chronic degenerative diseases such as AIDS and chronic fatigue syndrome, Are you worried or wondering:
Is it possible to maintain good health?

What your body needs to function properly?

Why conventional medicine is becoming more complicated and costly and in some cases simply ineffective?

A growing number of people are turning to alternative medicine and natural healing--simple, traditional low-tech methods of preventing illnesses and solving everyday health problems.

Do you have unanswered questions on....

Why are people flocking to health food stores, with their lotions and potions, and what keeps them going back for more?

What to do if you or someone in your family falls ill?

Natural Drugless Therapies
Are these therapies really old wives tales or can they really work?

Even mainstream doctors have begun to recommend natural drugless therapies' to treat both everyday complaints and serious illnesses. Dietary modifications, for instance, has become the weapons of choice against a number of diseases that would have been treated mainly with prescription drugs a generation ago
Is Your Diet Making You Ill
It is now known that many conditions are caused by the wrong diet and can be reversed by the right diet. Heart disease, cancer, weight problems, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure - they can all be treated to some degree with foods. Natural therapies found in alternative medicine are actually much older than Western treatments such as surgeries and antibiotics. Experts estimate that herbal remedies and Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India, has been around for 5,000 years
Tradition Of Self-Reliance
Many alternative medicine remedies began with scientific research or clinical impressions reported by physicians working with safe, natural substances. But we live in a generation now that has been cut off from this age-old tradition of self-reliance. Healing and health care have become almost the exclusive province of duly licensed physicians. While doctors and other professionals are indeed great to have around, what is not so great is when you cannot do anything without them.
Do You Really Need A Doctor
Shouldn't we be able to do something to save our health - maybe even our lives - without a doctor?
What happens when medical help is not so readily available?

What happens when doctoring simply does not work?

Some of us go to doctor after doctor, and still no help. Is that the end of the line?


Reasons For Turning To alternative Medicine
While antibiotics have saved millions of lives, they have not really solved some resurgence of germs that are turning up in new forms that do not respond to conventional therapies. There has been a real shift in the way people think about their health. Rising health care cost is a factor in the recent surge of interest in alternative medicine. Many people are attracted to the alternative physicians emphasis on treating the whole person - body, mind and spirit. Most importantly some physicians use intensive counseling to help patients find out whether aspects of their daily lives, such as job stress, marital problems, diet or sleeping habits might be behind their symptoms. In this age of managed care and impersonal group practices patients find this individualized approach of alternative medicine particularly appealing

Reference: www.articledoctor.com

Sunday, 1 January 2012

Lotus Root Health Benefits Overview

By: http://www.SkyBlueCross.com

Lotus root is sweet and can be eaten as fruit, sliced and stir fried, or stuffed with glutinous rice in its flue-shaped holes and steamed as dessert. Tender young lotus roots are good for salads while starchy mature lotus roots are good for making soups. Ground mature lotus root powder makes wonderful thick soup and dessert soup. It also stops diarrhea, clears Heat and improve appetite. Lotus roots contain much iron, vitamins B & C.
Read More
The rich fibre content of lotus roots stimulates peristalsis and relieves constipation. Drinking 2 to 3 glasses of lotus root juice a day can stop bleeding of the esophagus an stomach (vomiting blood); bleeding of the rectum, intestines or stomach (blood in feces); nose bleeding or gum bleeding. Lotus root soup also serves similar purposes. Patients with high fever can drink it cold, while those with steady temperature should drink it warm. Drinking water chestnut juice mixed with pear juice can help clear phlegm while mixing it with grape juice and carrot juice eases dry tongues.

 Besides its use as a food, all parts of the lotus plant - seeds, leaves, and flowers as well as the root - have long been respected in the East for their medicinal properties. In Oriental medicine lotus seeds are eaten to increase energy and vitality and to aid digestion. Containing twenty percent protein, the seeds are also nourishing. Though the entire rhizome can be used medicinally, the portion where the links join has the greatest effect. The physical resemblance of lotus root to the lungs is a clue to its healing properties. Lotus root has traditionally been used to treat various respiratory problems. Small doses of the juice extracted from raw, finely grated lotus root is prescribed for lung-related ailments, such as tuberculosis, asthma, and coughing, for heart disease, and to increase energy and neutralize toxins.
 Lotus root is said to melt mucus accumulation in the body, especially in the respiratory system. Lotus Root Tea is also said to be effective, particularly to relieve coughing. A macrobiotic remedy combining lotus root and kuzu is often used to treat colds accompanied by fever and/or troubled stomach and intestines.

 Combined with the juice of grated ginger, lotus root juice is said to be good for enteritis (inflammation of the intestine). A plaster compress made from lotus root, white flour, and grated ginger is considered an effective folk remedy for dispersing and moving stagnated mucus. When applied to the face, lotus root plaster can relieve sinus congestion and inflammation.

Reference: http://www.naturalimport.com

Saturday, 31 December 2011

Green Gram Health Benefits Overviews

By: http://www.OWorking.com 

Overview
Green gram, also known as mung bean, has been cultivated exclusively for the seeds that are contained in the plant's pod. Used since ancient times in Indian and Chinese cuisine, mung beans have migrated throughout the Far East and Southeast Asia. Nutritious and mild in flavor, green gram takes on the flavor of the spices and other ingredients added to it. When mung beans are dried and halved, they go by various names, including green gram dal.

The Mung Bean
Green gram is a small, oval-shaped bean that you can cook before or after soaking. Once cooked, the bean is sweet and soft in texture, and it is easily digested, so it doesn't produce flatulence like many other legumes. The mung bean has an olive green husk and a dark-mustard-colored interior. The dried bean is often split to expedite cooking and sold as green dal. If it has been hulled before splitting, only the yellow endosperm remains, and the bean goes by various names including moong dal and mung dal. Green gram dal, which still has the husks, maintains its shape better when cooking, while moong dal becomes soft and mushy like porridge. Because of their soft consistency, dals are used for stews, soups, salads and desserts.

Low-Fat Protein
Like other beans, the mung bean is a rich source of low-fat protein. One cup of mature, boiled beans contains 14 g of protein, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Unlike many other plant-based sources of protein, mung beans have a wide amino-acid profile, providing at least some of every type of amino acid. Green gram dal contains virtually no trans or saturated fats. It does contain a small amount of healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat.
High Fiber
One cup of cooked green gram dal has a whopping 15 g of fiber. It contains both insoluble and water-soluble fiber, which together yield varied benefits. Fiber scrubs your intestinal tract as it makes its way through your digestive system. It fills you up, sating your appetite. Water-soluble fiber reduces LDL cholesterol -- the "lousy" cholesterol -- and reduces risk for cardiovascular disease.
Low-Glycemic
Because of the high amount of fiber, green gram dal is considered low-glycemic. It digests slowly and gradually releases glucose into your bloodstream, stabilizing your blood sugar. Consumption of low-glycemic foods lower your risk for developing diabetes, and since green gram dal prolongs the release of sugar into your bloodstream, it can help curb your post-meal cravings. A study published in 2008 in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" indicates that mung beans might lower blood glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol and might improve glucose tolerance



Green Gram - The Popular Healthy Sprout


During my younger days, my mother used to feed me dishes which had green gram as a major ingredient. She used to say that eating these food kept one healthy and resistant to common ailments. I would have appreciated what she told, much better, if I was aware of the health giving qualities of this wonderful pulse which formed an essential ingredient in all her dishes.

Green gram arose in North-eastern India and there is a long history of its use throughout Asia. Its popularity stems not just from its medicinal and nutritional properties, but also from its adaptability to drought conditions and inferior soils. The nitrogen fixing bacteria in the plant's root help replenish the nitrogen content of the soil, which makes it a valuable inter-crop in rice and sugar cane cultivation.


Health benefits 


Unlike other pulses, green gram is free of flatulence-causing agents. This makes it an acceptable food for convalescents and pleasant weaning food for babies. The protein is especially rich in the amino acid, lysine, but it is somewhat deficient in sulphur-containing amino acids. The seeds are rich in calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, folate and other B Vitamins. They also contain appreciable amounts of Vitamin C.

Raw seeds are rich in trypsin-inhibitors that block the effects of protein digesting enzymes in the gut. Sprouted green gram has lower amounts of these inhibitors, but the best method to eliminate trypsin inhibitors is boiling. Cooking does not affect the protein profile of this seed.

Food Uses 

Green gram's use in creating dishes is widely prevalent all over India. It is eaither used whole or split into dal. Whole green gram is the most popular sprout worldwide. Green gram in its split form is used to make khichdi, dal, barfi, payasam (a sweet dish) and other sweets. Deep fried and salted moong dal (green gram) is a popular Indian snack. Processed green gram is a common soup base, and gram flour is a common ingredient in many fried snacks.

Medicinal Uses 


Chinese medicine uses green gram as a remedy for oedema, fever, headache and generalised anxiety, and as a diuretic. It is also a folk remedy for arsenic poisoning and other mineral toxins

Green Gram - Natural Benefits and Curative Properties
Botanical Name :: Phasleolus aureus
Indian Name :: Mung
Description
The green gram is one of the most wholesome among pulses in India. It is free from the heaviness and tendency to flatulence, which is associated with other pulses.
Origin and Distribution of Green Gram
This plant is a native of India and since ancient times it has been in cultivation. It is not found in a wild state. It was introduced early into Southern China, Indo-China and Java. It has been introduced in comparatively recent times into East and Central Africa, the West Indies and the United States.
Food Value of Green Gram
The green gram forms a very nutritious article of diet. It is consumed in the form of whole dried seeds and in the form of dal prepared by splitting the seeds in a mill. The sprouted mung beans are a highly nutritious food. The beans are soaked overnight, drained and placed in containers in a dark room. They are sprinkled with water every few hours and the sprouts are ready in about three days. One pound of dry beans gives six to eight pounds of sprouts. There is an amazing increase in nutrients in sprouted beans when compared to their dried embryo.
Green Gram (Whole dried Seeds)*
Food Value
Minerals and Vitamins

Moisture - 10.4%
Calcium - 124 mg
Protein - 24.0%
Phosphorus - 326 mg
Fat - 1.3%
Iron - 7.3mg
Fibre - 4.1%
Small amount of Vitamin B Complex
Minerals - 3.5%
* Values per 100 gm's edible portion
Carbohydrates - 56.7%
Calorific Value - 334
Green Gram (Dal)*
Food Value
Minerals and Vitamins
Moisture - 10.1%
Calcium - 75 mg
Protein - 24.5%
Phosphorus - 405 mg
Fat - 1.2%
Iron - 8.5mg
Fibre - 0.8%
Small amount of Vitamin B Complex
Minerals - 3.5%
* Values per 100 gm's edible portion
Carbohydrates - 59.9%
Calorific Value - 348
Natural Benefits and Curative Properties of Green Gram.
Cooked dal of green gram is a very digestive food for invalid and sick persons. Its regular use during childhood, pregnancy and lactation helps one to get the required nutrition and promote health. It is an aperient i.e. a laxative. when given in large quantities. The soup made from it is the best article of diet after recovery from acute illness.
Applied in the form of powder. it is said to be useful in relieving the heat or burning of the eyes. A poultice of this powder is useful for checking secretion of milk and reducing distention of the mammary glands
Fevers :- Water in which green grams arc soaked is an excellent medicine during cholera, measles, chicken-pox, small-pox, typhoid and all types of fevers. It can be given in a small quantity even during acute phase of appendicitis.
Beauty-Aid :- Flour of the green gram is an excellent detergent and can be used as a substitute for soap. It removes the dirt and does not cause any skin irritation. Its application over the face bleaches the color and gives good complexion. Black gram flour is also used for washing the hair with green gram paste to lengthen hair and prevent dandruff.
Uses of Green Gram
The dried beans are boiled and are eaten whole or after splitting into dhal. They are parched and ground into flour after removal of the testa or the seed-coat. This flour is used in various Indian and Chinese dishes. The green pods are eaten as a vegetable. In China and the United States it is used for bean sprouts

Friday, 30 December 2011

Aloe Vera Health Benefits Overview

BY: http:www.OWorking.com 

The scientific name for the type of aloe used medicinally is Aloe barbadensis. It is a member of the lily and onion family of plants.
Aloe has been used as a skin soother historically. It is helpful with soothing cuts, burns, sunburns, bug bites, and scrapes.
Read More
Carrisyn which is an extract made from aloe is known to increase the production of blood cells which can fight infection and as a result help to boost the immune system.
Aloe is good for occasional gastric upset. Aloe may also be used as a natural laxative. The typical dose is 1 to 3 ounces of gel or 50 to 200 mg. The component of aloe that provides the laxative effect is anthraquinone glycosides.
Getting the Most Out of Aloe
Aloe is best used topically in the raw natural form. After the “gel” has been used one can also cut the leaf lengthwise to use as an exfoliating body scrub.
Aloe may also be drunk as a juice; however, it is best and most nutritious made fresh.
Aloe Concerns and Cautions
If too much aloe is ingested it may cause diarrhea and gastric upset.
Aloe can also cause an allergic reaction in some people so use must be carefully monitored for signs and symptoms. The risk of an allergic reaction tends to be higher in those who have a known allergy to onions and/or garlic.
Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should abstain from using aloe.

Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
Energy and Wellness are affected by several factors including:
Digestion
Water Intake
Poor Nutrition
Anemia
Constipation
Immune System Function
Blood Sugar
Exercise
Digestion - We are not only what we eat but what we absorb! Providing the body with proper nutrients is important but not enough. We must be able to utilize those nutrients for the body to function at its optimum level. A lack of energy is one of the first signs that the body is lacking what it needs to perform. Digestion can be improved by chewing food well approximately 10-15 chews per bite. Chewing food is very important because the body has to work harder to digest the food when it is in larger particles. Chewing also starts the digestive juices flowing. Many individuals lack the proper levels of hydrochloric acid and other digestive juices in their bodies and can encourage proper amounts by drinking concentrated whole leaf aloe vera juice before meals. The aloe vera must be in a concentrated form and be high quality non diluted to insure that it is an herbal bitter. Aloe Vera is also a carrier and supports 3-10x better absorption of nutrients when taken before meals and supplements. Signs of improper digestion besides a lack of energy are gas, bloating, constipation and burping. For more information on how to have a healthy digestive system visit the digestive and constipation pages of this website.
Recommended Aloe Life products: Aloe Vera Juice Concentrate or Aloe Gold tablets.

Water: Children and Adults must drink at least 6-8 8oz glasses of water per day. Water is essential; our bodies consist of 70% water. It is used to transport nutrients into the cells and toxins out and allows digestive juices to flow as well as all the excretions of the glands including enzymes, hormones and anti-bodies. For each serving of caffeine ingested per day drink 1 more glass of water. It is best to drink water in between meals or minimal amounts with meals because it will dilute the digestive juices disrupting the digestive process.

Poor Nutrition
: A balanced diet with adequate protein, vegetables and whole grains as tolerated is necessary for energy. Half of an individuals weight in protein is the proper daily amount. Many individuals consume excessive amounts of sugar or refined carbohydrates that give a quick boost of energy but will quickly disappear and bring on fatigue.
Recommended Aloe Life Products: Healthy and Slim Daily Greens, Aloe Vera Juice Concentrate or Aloe Gold Tablets and Aloe Boost.

Anemia: A condition of low red blood cells, which are made in the bone marrow inside of the body’s larger bones. Fatigue and headaches are the most common symptoms. Drinking Aloe Vera Juice before meals seems to stimulate the bone marrow production of red blood cells and all lymphocytes including white blood cells. Other recommended nutrients include protein, vitamins E, C & A, zinc, minerals, folic acid, B- Complex, B-12 sub lingual, iron as needed (too much iron can be toxic) and liquid liver by Enzymatic Therapy.
Recommended Aloe Life Products: Aloe Vera Juice Concentrate or Aloe Gold Tablets.

Constipation: Toxins will build up in the colon if an individual does not have daily bowel movements. These toxins will add to feelings of sluggishness and fatigue. Individuals who are experiencing optimum digestive health will have a bowel movement after every meal. Aloe Vera naturally encourages the bowels to move when it contains the yellow sap. It should be taken daily to aid constipation and the digestive processes. Also be sure to include scrubbing vegetables such as carrots, celery, apples, cabbage and fresh beets. Supplements should include calcium, magnesium and essential fats (ex. Udo’s Choice by Flora).
Recommended Aloe Life Products: Fiber mate, Aloe Vera Juice Concentrate or Aloe Gold tablets, Healthy and Slim Daily Greens.

Immune System Function: A symptom of poor immune function is a lack of energy. Conditions such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and autoimmune conditions may have a viral component, which contributes to the illness by keeping the body in a vulnerable state and added fatigue. Increasing immune function will help to fight the viral component and therefore help the condition. Quality Aloe Vera contains polysaccharides, which stimulate part of the immune system (dose dependent) called macrophage. When properly stimulated the macrophages will start phagocytosis by destroying invaders in the blood stream. Quality aloe vera juice should be taken daily to promote immune function. Supportive nutrients are ester C 1-3,000 mg, Bioflavonoids, Vitamin A fish oil 50,000 i.u., Vitamin E 400 i.u., N-A-C 500 mg 1- 4 tablets or glutathione, Single cell Algae, minerals, Essential Fatty Acids, Super Oxide Dismutase (S.O.D.),Chromium Picolinate and Wheat grass.
Recommended Aloe Life Products: Aloe Vera Juice Concentrate or Aloe Gold tablets, Aloe Boost, Fiber mate, Healthy and Slim Daily Greens and Detox Plus Formula.

Blood Sugar: The pancreas produces insulin that signals the body to utilize blood sugars for fuel in energy production. If the body cannot utilize its sugars than it will not be able to produce energy. Unutilized sugar is very dangerous to have in the body and can induce fatigue, confusion, irritability and even comas. Aloe Vera supports the pancreas to help with insulin production to utilize blood sugar! It is not uncommon for individuals with Diabetes to experience a dramatic decrease in blood sugar levels within minutes of taking Aloe Vera. Support nutrients include Vitamin E, Chromium Picolinate, Vanadium, Minerals, Protein 3-4 servings daily, free form amino acids and Water. Recommended Aloe Life Products: Aloe Vera Juice Concentrate, Aloe Boost, Healthy and Slim Daily Greens.

Exercise: Daily exercise is wonderful for the body and will help maintain emotional and physical health. Just 30 min of walking or other cardio vascular exercise such as marching in place or swimming a day will help to lower stress levels, promote healthy bowel regularity and circulation of the blood providing oxygen to all the cells for increasing energy and wellness!
Growing Aloe
Aloe falls into the category of plants known as succulents which denote thick and fleshy leaves and stems that are used to store water during arid conditions. Because of this ability to thrive in areas of low humidity succulents such as aloe thrive as house plants. It is also possible to grow aloe as a potted plant that is allowed to summer outside and winter inside if the climate is requires.
Aloe is like most succulents in that it likes sandy well draining soil. Modest amounts of water and fertilizer are needed to grow aloe; however, they do require high amounts of sunlight. When watering it is important to thoroughly wet the soil then allow to completely dry out before subsequent watering in order to not distort the growth. Aloe may be propagated through the use of stem cuttings.
Aloe Nutritional Values
Aloe Vera Pulp Juice
Serving size – 1 cup
Calories 110
Total Carbs 27 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sodium 25 mg
Potassium 0 mg
Sugars 23 g
Total Fat 0 g
Saturated 0 g
Polyunsaturated 0 g
Monounsaturated 0 g
Trans 0 g
Protein 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Calcium 2%
Vitamin A 0%
Vitamin C 70%
Iron 0%
Reference:http://www.aloelife.com

Thursday, 29 December 2011

By: http://www.OWorking.com

 Healthy Eating can let you have the best chance of staying fit and enjoying life to its fullest.

an that is very simple , just By following Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating and by:


Eating a variety of foods


Choosing more grain products


Choosing lower fat options such as low fat milk and trimming away excess fat on meat


Maintaining a healthy body weight


Participating in regular physical activity


Feeling good about yourself



Reference: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

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