Lemons are vitamin C
rich citrus fruits that enhance your beauty, by rejuvenating skin from
within bringing a glow to your face. One of the major health benefits of
drinking warm lemon water is that it paves the way for losing weight
faster, thus acting as a great weight loss remedy.
Lemon Water Flushes Out Toxins And Is Extremely Beneficial For The Body
Warm lemon water serves as the perfect ‘good morning drink’, as
it aids the digestive system and makes the process of eliminating the
waste products from the body easier. It prevents the problem of
constipation and diarrhea, by ensuring smooth bowel functions.
Nutritional Value Of Lemons
A glass of lemon juice contains less than 25 calories. It is a rich
source of nutrients like calcium, potassium, vitamin C and pectin fibre.
It also has medicinal values and antibacterial properties. It also
contains traces of iron and vitamin A.
Lemon, a fruit popular for its therapeutic properties, helps maintain
your immune system and thus, protects you from the clutches of most
types of infections. It also plays the role of a blood purifier. Lemon
is a fabulous antiseptic and lime-water juice also works wonders for
people having heart problems, owing to its high potassium content. So,
make it a part of your daily routine to drink a glass of warm lemon
water in the morning and enjoy its health benefits. Read on for more interesting information on the benefits of warm lemon water.
16 Health Benefits Of Drinking Warm Lemon Water
Lemon is an
excellent and rich source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that
protects the body against immune system deficiencies
Lemons contain pectin fibre which is very beneficial for colon health and also serves as a powerful antibacterial
Having warm lemon juice early in the morning helps flush out toxins
It aids digestion and encourages the production of bile
It is also a great source citric acid, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium
It helps prevent the growth and multiplication of pathogenic bacteria that cause infections and diseases
It helps reducing pain and inflammation in joints and knees as it dissolves uric acid
It helps cure the common cold
The potassium content in lemon helps nourish brain and nerve cells
It strengthens the liver by providing energy to the liver enzymes when they are too dilute
It helps
balance the calcium and oxygen levels in the liver In case of a
heartburn, taking a glass of concentrated lemon juice can give relief
It is of immense benefit to the skin and it prevents the formation of wrinkles and acne
It helps maintain the health of the eyes and helps fight against eye problems
Aids in the production of digestive juices
Lemon juice helps replenish body salts especially after a strenuous workout session
Packed with all the goodness, make it a point to begin your day with a
glass of warm lemon water. Its cleansing and healing effects will have
positive effects on your health in the long run. However, it is very
important to note that when lemon juice comes directly in contact with
the teeth, can ruin the enamel on the teeth. Hence, it is advised to
consume it diluted and also rinse your mouth thoroughly after drinking
lemon juice.
Curious about what other healthy morning rituals could set you up for a perfect day?
Discover the health benefits of one of the oldest sweeteners on
earth, plus some interesting trivia, some great recipes and a few
cautions.
Bees swallow, digest and regurgitate nectar to make honey; this
nectar contains almost 600 compounds. We need our bees, so let’s do
everything we can to save them and keep them here on this earth.
Honey is so good we have included it in our list of powerfoods that should be in your kitchen right now.
“My son, eat thou honey, for it is good” — King Solomon – Proverbs: 24:13
Health Benefits: 1. Prevent cancer and heart disease:
Honey contains flavonoids, antioxidants which help reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease. 2. Reduce ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders.
Recent research shows that honey treatment may help disorders such as
ulcers and bacterial gastroenteritis. This may be related to the 3rd
benefit… 3. Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-fungal:
“All honey is antibacterial, because the bees add an enzyme that makes
hydrogen peroxide,” said Peter Molan, director of the Honey Research
Unit at the University of Waikato in New Zealand. 4. Increase athletic performance.
Ancient Olympic athletes would eat honey and dried figs to enhance their
performance. This has now been verified with modern studies, showing
that it is superior in maintaining glycogen levels and improving
recovery time than other sweeteners. 5. Reduce cough and throat irritation:
Honey helps with coughs, particularly buckwheat honey. In a study of 110
children, a single dose of buckwheat honey was just as effective as a
single dose of dextromethorphan in relieving nocturnal cough and
allowing proper sleep.
6. Balance the 5 elements:
Honey has been used in ayurvedic medicine in India for at least 4000
years and is considered to affect all three of the body’s primitive
material imbalances positively. It is also said to be useful useful in
improving eyesight, weight loss, curing impotence and premature
ejaculation, urinary tract disorders, bronchial asthma, diarrhea, and
nausea.
Honey is referred as “Yogavahi” since it has a quality of penetrating
the deepest tissues of the body. When honey is used with other herbal
preparations, it enhances the medicinal qualities of those preparations
and also helps them to reach the deeper tissues. 7. Blood sugar regulation:
Even though honey contains simple sugars, it is NOT the same as white
sugar or artificial sweeteners. Its exact combination of fructose and
glucose actually helps the body regulate blood sugar levels. Some honeys
have a low hypoglycemic index, so they don’t jolt your blood sugar.
Watch this video Sweetener Comparison where I compare stevia, brown rice syrup, honey, molasses and agave, and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each.) 8. Heal wounds and burns:
External application of honey has been shown to be as effective as
conventional treatment with silver sulfadiazine. It is speculated that
the drying effect of the simple sugars and honey’s antibacterial nature
combine to create this effect. 9. Probiotic:
Some varieties of honey possess large amounts of friendly bacteria. This
includes up to 6 species of lactobacilli and 4 species of
bifidobacteria. This may explain many of the “mysterious therapeutic
properties of honey.” 10. Beautiful skin:
Its anti-bacterial qualities are particularly useful for the skin, and,
when used with the other ingredients, can also be moisturizing and
nourishing! For a powerful home beauty treatment for which you probably
have all the ingredients in your kitchen already, read Carrot Face Mask.
Different honeys have different flavonoid profiles, depending on the floral source of the nectar. Types of Honey (most popular)
Alfalfa
Blueberry
Buckwheat
Clover
Manuka
Orange Blossom
Wildflower
There are at least 40 types – each one has distinctive taste and unique properties.
Darker honey tends to have higher antioxidant levels.
Monofloral honey (honey from a single plant species) usually has the lowest glycemic index
(GI). For example, locust honey from the Black Locust tree has a GI of
32. Clover honey, which is used commercially, has the highest glycemic
index at 69. Honey Suggestions:
If you want to get the goodness from your honey, make sure it is pure and raw.
Raw honey contains vitamins, minerals and enzymes not present in refined honey. Honey Cautions:
Best not to feed to infants. Spores of Clostridium botulinum
have been found in a small percentage of honey in North America. This
is not dangerous to adults and older children, but infants can have a
serious reaction of illness in the first year. Do not add honey to baby
food or use as a soother to quiet a fussy or colicky baby. Most Canadian
honey is not contaminated with the bacteria causing infant botulism,
but it’s still best not to take the chance.
Honey is a sugar, so do not eat jars full of it if you value your
good health and want to maintain a healthy weight. It has a high caloric
value and will put you on a sugar high and low.
To cook with honey or not: There is some controversy about cooking with honey, although I cannot substantiate it from all of my research about honey.
“…when honey is heated above 108 degrees Fahrenheit, it becomes
transformed into a glue-like substance that is extremely difficult to
digest. This substance is considered a toxin (ama), since it adheres to
the tissues of the body and is very difficult to remove.” (quote from
the Ayurveda Wellness Center)
That said, I am not convinced that we should not cook with honey,
although I am not using it in most of my cooked recipes until I get to
the bottom of this.
I love my homemade dandelion flower pancakes topped with these healthy syrups (below). Honey Recipes: Honey Syrup: the goodness and taste of both honey and molasses. Orange Honey Syrup: healthier than sugar-based syrups with an orange zing! Dandelion Flower Syrup: combining the goodness of honey with another powerfood: dandelions. Peanut Butter Bliss Balls: Recipe created in my hippy days in the 70s—they are yummy! Mango Squares: mmmmangos yum! Oatmeal Cinnamon Porridge & Sultanas: with a little honey for breakfast. Dandelion Tea: for any time with a dash of honey. Sugarless Date Squares: Not so sweet as the usual ones.
Read this in Hindi
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 tim
Garlic is one of the most common ingredients in Indian dishes but apart
from imparting flavour to food, this tiny, white pod also has immense
medicinal properties. Used since time immemorial to treat various
ailments, garlic is one ingredient in your kitchen that has a number of
uses. Here are the top 15 health benefits of garlic you should know
about.
What makes garlic so special?
It has a variety of potent sulphur-containing compounds which are the reason for its characteristic pungent odour.
Allicin, the vital compound in the pod, is known to have great
anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant properties.
That is why garlic is best had when it’s finely chopped, minced or
pureed and let sit for some time.
Garlic is also a reliable source of selenium.
Allicin, along with other compounds like ajoene, alliin, etc. also
have a healing effect on your circulatory, digestive and immunological
systems and help in lowering blood pressure, detoxification, healing,
etc.
Helps keep bacterial and viral infections at bay Due to its innate compounds, garlic can help keep both bacterial and viral infections at bay. How does it help?
They help control bacterial, viral, fungal, yeast and worm infections.
Fresh garlic is thought to play a role in preventing food poisoning by killing bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella enteritidis, etc.
Can help treat skin infections Since it has both antibacterial and antiviral properties, garlic is great when it comes to treating skin infections. How does it help?
The chemical ajoene found in garlic may help treat fungal skin infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot.
Tip: If you have a skin infection, you could apply the juice of come
crushed garlic cloves on the area once or twice a day. Wash the juice
off with some clean, room temperature water. Helps prevent the formation of clots in the body How does it help? The anti-clotting properties of ajoene found in garlic help in
preventing the formation of blood clots in the body. While this fact is
great for people with heart ailments and those prone to suffering from a
stroke and other clotting disorders, it may also increase the risk of
bleeding after surgery. Tip: To help stay healthy have one crushed garlic pod everyday on an empty stomach. Can keep your blood pressure levels in check How does it help?
Allicin in garlic blocks the activity of angiotensin II (a protein
that is responsible for increase in blood pressure) and helps in
reducing blood pressure.
The polysulphides present in garlic are converted into a gas called
hydrogen sulphide by red blood cells that helps dilate your blood
vessels and helps control blood pressure. If your blood pressure levels
are of concern, there are natural alternatives to blood pressure medication that you could try after speaking to your doctor about the change.
Tip: To help control your blood pressure you could add garlic to your
daily meals. Apart from that you could also eat one pod of raw garlic on
an empty stomach to keep your blood pressure under control. Helps protect your heart How does it help?
With age, your arteries tend to lose their ability to stretch and garlic can help maintain their elasticity.
It also helps protect the heart from the damaging effects of free oxygen radicals.
The sulphur-containing compounds of garlic also prevent our blood vessels from becoming blocked and slow the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
The anti-clotting properties of ajoene (a compound present in
garlic) helps prevent the formation of clots inside your blood vessels.
Can reduce the levels of bad cholesterol How does it help?
The allicin present in garlic helps moderately lower our blood triglycerides and total cholesterol.
This compound also helps reduce arterial plaque formation.
The anti-arthritic property of garlic is due to diallyl sulphide and thiacremonone.
Garlic has also been show to improve allergic airway inflammation (allergic rhinitis).
Tip: Raw garlic juice may be used to immediately stop the itching due to rashes and bug bites. Can protect you against frequent colds and bouts of sore throat How does it help?
The daily use of garlic might reduce the frequency and number of colds.
Its antibacterial properties help in treating throat irritations.
Garlic may also reduce the severity of upper respiratory tract infections.
Its ability to promote expectoration makes it irreplaceable in chronic bronchitis.
Helps keep your blood sugar levels in check How does it help?
Garlic increases insulin release and regulates blood sugar levels in your body, especially if you are a diabetic.
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.
Flu symptoms can cause a world of misery, from fever and cough to sore throat, nasal congestion, aches, and chills. But there are ways to feel better.
Prescription antiviral drugs may ease symptoms of the flu
when taken shortly after you get sick. In many cases, however, simple
home remedies may be all you need for relief of mild to moderate flu symptoms.
Here are10 natural remedies for the flu:
1. Drink up. The flu can leave you dehydrated, especially if have vomiting or diarrhea.
So be sure to get enough fluids. Water is fine. So are fruit juices and
electrolyte beverages. You may want to stay away from caffeinated
drinks, because caffeine is a diuretic. Herbal tea with honey can soothe a sore throat.
If you feel nauseated, try taking small sips of liquids -- gulps might
cause you to throw up. How can you be sure you’re getting enough fluid?
Your urine should be pale yellow, almost colorless.
How about drinking alcohol? No way. “When you have
the flu, the last thing you want to do is drink alcohol,” says William
Schaffner, MD, chairman of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University
School of Medicine in Nashville, Tenn. “It makes you sleepy, and flu
does that already.”
2. Sip some soup. For generations, caring parents have been serving chicken soup to kids with colds and flu. But was mom right? Possibly. A study published in the journal Chest showed that chicken soup may help with symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections like the flu.
“I believe that chicken soup does help with
symptoms,” says Reid B. Blackwelder, MD, professor of family medicine at
East Tennessee State University in Kingsport. But not all doctors agree
that chemistry alone explains the soup’s apparent benefits. “When you
lean over a bowl of hot chicken soup and the vapor gets up your nose,
you feel better,” Schaffner says. “But some [of the benefit] is clearly
emotional. It just makes you feel better having someone make soup for
you.”
3. Be a couch potato. Listen to your body. If it’s telling you not to exercise, don’t. If it’s urging you to spend all day in bed, do. Don't press on with daily chores even in the face of severe cold or flu symptoms. Rest is “another way of supporting the body’s ability to fight infection,” Blackwelder say
And don’t skimp on nighttime sleep. “Good sleep cycles help the immune system work well, so it’s important to get your full eight hours of sleep each night,” Schaffner says.
4. Humidify. Breathing moist air helps ease nasal congestion and sore throat
pain. One good strategy is to indulge in a steamy shower several times a
day -- or just turn on the shower and sit in the bathroom for a few
minutes, inhaling the steam. Another is to use a steam vaporizer or a
humidifier. Clean it often to make sure it’s free of mold and mildew.
5. Make a tent. Need a quick way to open clogged airways?
Bring a pot of water to a boil and remove it from the heat. Drape a
towel over your head, close your eyes,
and lean over the water under the “tent,” breathing deeply through your
nose for 30 seconds. David Kiefer, MD, clinical instructor of family
medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle,
recommends adding a drop or two of peppermint or eucalyptus oil to the
water for extra phlegm-busting power. Repeat this as often as necessary
to ease congestion.
6. Try a warm compress. On the forehead and nose, a warm cloth is a great way to relieve headache or sinus pain.
7. Be a sucker.Cough drops, throat lozenges, and hard candy can be surprisingly effective at easing a cough
or sore throat. Some doctors, including Kiefer, swear by lozenges
containing slippery elm. Others recommend zinc lozenges to help shorten cold symptoms, though Schaffner is not convinced of their effectiveness. “If there is an effect [against colds and flu], it’s a small one,” he says. “I wish their effect were as good as their taste is bad.”
8. Swish and spit. Gargling with salt water helps get rid
of the thick mucus that can collect at the back of the throat,
especially after you've been lying down. It can also help ease stuffy
ears, Kiefer says.
9. Try nasal irrigation. To ease stuffiness and post-nasal drip -- and perhaps cut the risk of getting a sinus infection -- some doctors recommend nasal irrigation. You can buy a neti pot
in health food stores and drugstores, or opt for a saline squeeze
bottle. You pour salt water into one nostril and let it run out the
other, clearing out your nasal passages. You can buy pre-made saline
solution or make it by mixing salt and lukewarm sterile or distilled
water.
10. Line up a caregiver. A caregiver can’t lower your
temperature or cure a sore throat, but “having someone to tuck you into
bed and bring you fluids is very comforting,” says Blackwelder. If a
friend or family member offers to help, even if it’s only to stop by and
check in on you, count your blessings -- and take them up on it.
During my research on turmeric, I have come across several disorders
which I never knew existed. Lupus is one of them. But this does not mean
Lupus does not affect many people. According to stats, close to 1.5 mn people in America have Lupus. Worldwide this number is estimated to be 5 mn. This is a huge number.
So what is Lupus? Lupus is an autoimmune, inflammatory condition that
occurs when the immune system attacks healthy organs and tissues. It
could affect different parts of the body like skin, joints, heart,
lungs, brain or blood cells. Systemic lupus erythematosus,
cutaneous lupus, neonatal lupus and drug-induced erythematosus are the 4
lupus types. Lupus is difficult to diagnose for the symptoms are
similar to many other ailments. Butterfly facial rashes on either side
of the cheeks are a distinctive sign that a lot of lupus sufferers
demonstrate.
Apart from this rash, lupus symptoms could
be fatigue, fever, joint pain, shortness of breath, skin lesions, dry
eyes, confusion, chest pain and more. No two patients may suffer from
identical symptoms. Women are more likely to contract lupus. Exposure to
the sun and some medications could trigger lupus. Treatment can only
control and not cure lupus.
Why Turmeric can be beneficial in Lupus
The fundamental reason why turmeric can be of help in Lupus is that
Lupus is an inflammatory disease and Curcumin which is the active
ingredient in turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and
antibacterial properties.
The benefits of turmeric as an anti-inflammatory agent have been
studied extensively. The spice has been used for centuries as a medicine
and extensive research conducted in recent times have found that
curcumin – a diferuloylmethane – is the anti-inflammatory agent in
turmeric. It is able to regulate many transcription factors, adhesion
molecules, protein kinases, enzymes and redox status that are all the
causes of inflammatory conditions in the body. Curcumin therefore seems
an attractive therapeutic supplement for use in the treatment of
pro-inflammatory chronic diseases that include lupus, neurodegenerative,
pulmonary, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases.
An immune system breakdown could lead to various infections and
autoimmune diseases that include systemic lupus erythromatosis, IBD,
myasthenia gravis, type1 diabetes, uveitis, myocarditis etc. Herbal
supplements are being widely prescribed for use in treating these
autoimmune diseases since they are safe, inexpensive and produce very
few side effects. Curcumin is a polyphenol that is prescribed for
healing wounds and for pain. The best benefits of curcumin are through
dietary consumption. However, there are many dietary supplements
available which maybe prescribed for autoimmune diseases.
What Scientific research shows?
At the heart of lupus are pain-causing inflammatory conditions that
can become chronic and even life-threatening. Herbs which have
anti-inflammatory properties like turmeric may help manage the pain of
lupus. It may not act as fast as conventional pain medications but if
used regularly, it could diminish some of the symptoms
when used with a conventional treatment regime. Curcumin is already
known to diminish arthritic pain which is also an inflammatory disease.
It does so by inhibiting cytokines that are pro-inflammatory proteins.
Turmeric has helped in healing of inflammatory conditions in
laboratory animals. A dosage of 1200mg curcumin daily has reduced joint
swelling and morning stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis. It has also
helped patients walk faster. This is also an autoimmune disease similar
to lupus. There is no research at present to establish the same
connection between lupus and curcumin. However, since the similarities
between lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are high, it could be worth using
curcumin after consulting a doctor. Follow the recommended dosage as
suggested by the physician. Sometimes curcumin is combined with
bromelain which also has anti-inflammatory properties and is used to
treat lupus. Bromelain can improve the absorption levels of curcumin.
Another study was conducted on the uses of curcumin on lupus
nephritis on mice. The mice were fed a diet that contained curcumin 1%
from the age of 18 weeks till the completion of the study. The mice fed
with curcumin had lower serum levels and proteinuria levels. Their renal
inflammation reduced after treatment with curcumin. It has been
suggested that the protective effects are due to the interaction of
curcumin with regulatory T cells. This shows that curcumin has
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits that could help the
therapeutic treatment of lupus nephritis.
Lupus nephritis is a serious condition that could prove fatal when there is a relapse. Preliminary studies have
been conducted on the way curcumin could help with inflammatory
conditions related to this disease. 24 patients with lupus nephritis
were selected and divided into 2 groups – trial and placebo. Along with
their meals, the trial group was given a single capsule containing 500mg
turmeric for 3 months. The control group was given a placebo. A
decrease in proteinuria, hematuria and blood pressure was found in the
trial group. There were no adverse side effects reported from curcumin
usage in the trial group. The placebo group displayed no significant
reduction in any of the parameters. Hence, it has been suggested that
turmeric could be a safe adjuvant therapy to be used for lupus
nephritis.
Turmeric Dosage
Recommended curcumin dosage is 400-600mg thrice daily to treat
rheumatoid arthritis. This is also the normal recommended dosage for
other conditions. You can also take turmeric supplements as cut root,
dried powdered root, tincture or fluid extracts. The dosage depends on
the medical condition.
My advice has always remained to use turmeric in daily diet and not as
supplements unless the first option is not possible or difficult.
Precautions
Turmeric used for cooking is safe for use. In high doses and taken
for long periods, turmeric could cause nausea, indigestion, dizziness or
diarrhea. But this is true for any herb and even food we eat, thus is
not a serious issue. But it does mean, one has to be control while
taking turmeric, especially supplements where taking an overdose is very
easy.
Those with gallbladder problems are advised to avoid turmeric since
it could worsen the disease. Pregnant and breastfeeding women,
diabetics and those requiring surgery need to avoid turmeric
supplements. Always seek medical advice before starting any new
medications for lupus or other medical conditions and never
self-medicate.
Turmeric
is a spice that comes from the turmeric plant. It is commonly used in
Asian food. You probably know turmeric as the main spice in curry. It
has a warm, bitter taste and is frequently used to flavor or color curry
powders, mustards, butters, and cheeses. But the root of turmeric is
also used widely to make medicine. It contains a yellow-colored chemical
called curcumin, which is often used to color foods and cosmetics.
Some people apply turmeric to the skin for pain, ringworm,
sprains and swellings, bruising, leech bites, eye infections, acne,
inflammatory skin conditions and skin sores, soreness inside of the
mouth, infected wounds, and gum disease.
In food and manufacturing, the essential oil of turmeric is used in
perfumes, and its resin is used as a flavor and color component in
foods.
Don't confuse turmeric with Javanese turmeric root (Curcuma zedoaria).
How does it work?
Turmeric
contains the chemical curcumin. Curcumin and other chemicals in
turmeric might decrease swelling (inflammation). Because of this,
turmeric might be beneficial for treating conditions that involve
inflammation.Turmeric
is a spice that comes from the turmeric plant. It is commonly used in
Asian food. You probably know turmeric as the main spice in curry. It
has a warm, bitter taste and is frequently used to flavor or color curry
powders, mustards, butters, and cheeses. But the root of turmeric is
also used widely to make medicine. It contains a yellow-colored chemical
called curcumin, which is often used to color foods and cosmetics.
Some people apply turmeric to the skin for pain, ringworm,
sprains and swellings, bruising, leech bites, eye infections, acne,
inflammatory skin conditions and skin sores, soreness inside of the
mouth, infected wounds, and gum disease.
Turmeric is also used as an enema for people with inflammatory bowel disease.
In food and manufacturing, the essential oil of turmeric is used in
perfumes, and its resin is used as a flavor and color component in
foods.
Don't confuse turmeric with Javanese turmeric root (Curcuma zedoaria).
How does it work?
Turmeric
contains the chemical curcumin. Curcumin and other chemicals in
turmeric might decrease swelling (inflammation). Because of this,
turmeric might be beneficial for treating conditions that involve
inflammation.
Ginger is a common ingredient in Asian and Indian cuisine. However,
ginger has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries among
many cultures.
Ginger has a long history of use for relieving digestive problems such as nausea, loss of appetite, motion sickness and pain.
The root or underground stem (rhizome) of the ginger plant can be
consumed fresh, powdered, dried as a spice, in oil form or as juice.
Ginger is part of the Zingiberaceae family, alongside cardamom and
turmeric, and is commonly produced in India, Jamaica, Fiji, Indonesia
and Australia.
This MNT Knowledge Center feature provides an in-depth look at
the possible health benefits of ginger, its nutritional profile, how to
incorporate more ginger into your diet and any potential health risks
associated with consuming it.
Possible health benefits of ginger
Ginger has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries.
Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated
with a reduced risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions.
Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like ginger decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and overall mortality while promoting a healthy complexion and hair, increased energy and overall lower weight.
1) Digestive issues
The phenolic compounds in ginger are known to help relieve
gastrointestinal irritation, stimulate saliva and bile production and
suppress gastric contractions and movement of food and fluids through
the GI tract.
2) Nausea
Chewing raw ginger or drinking ginger tea is a common home remedy for nausea during cancer treatment.
Ginger tea can help relieve nausea and aid cold recovery.
Pregnant women experiencing morning sickness can safely use ginger to relieve nausea and vomiting, often in the form of ginger lozenges or candies.
During cold weather, drinking ginger tea is good way to keep warm. It is
diaphoretic, which means that it promotes sweating, working to warm the
body from within. As such, in the wake of a cold, ginger tea is
particularly useful.
To make ginger tea at home, slice 20-40 g of fresh ginger and
steep in a cup of hot water. Adding a slice of lemon or a drop of honey
adds flavor and additional benefits, including vitamin C and antibacterial properties.
3) Pain reduction
A study involving 74 volunteers carried out at the University of Georgia found that daily ginger supplementation reduced exercise-induced muscle pain by 25%.
Ginger has also been found to reduce the symptoms of dysmenorrhea
(severe pain during a menstrual cycle). In one study, 83% of women
taking ginger capsules reported improvements in pain symptoms compared
to 47% of those on placebo.
4) Inflammation
Ginger has been used for centuries to reduce inflammation and treat inflammatory conditions.
A study published in Cancer Prevention Research journal found
that a ginger root supplement administered to volunteer participants
reduced inflammation markers in the colon within a month. Researchers on
the study explained that by decreasing inflammation, the risk of colon cancer
is also likely to decrease. Ginger has also shown promise in clinical
trials for treating inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.
Ginger is a common ingredient in Asian and Indian cuisine. However,
ginger has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries among
many cultures.
Ginger has a long history of use for relieving digestive problems such as nausea, loss of appetite, motion sickness and pain.
The root or underground stem (rhizome) of the ginger plant can be
consumed fresh, powdered, dried as a spice, in oil form or as juice.
Ginger is part of the Zingiberaceae family, alongside cardamom and
turmeric, and is commonly produced in India, Jamaica, Fiji, Indonesia
and Australia.
This MNT Knowledge Center feature provides an in-depth look at
the possible health benefits of ginger, its nutritional profile, how to
incorporate more ginger into your diet and any potential health risks
associated with consuming it.
Possible health benefits of ginger
Ginger has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries.
Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated
with a reduced risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions.
Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like ginger decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and overall mortality while promoting a healthy complexion and hair, increased energy and overall lower weight.
1) Digestive issues
The phenolic compounds in ginger are known to help relieve
gastrointestinal irritation, stimulate saliva and bile production and
suppress gastric contractions and movement of food and fluids through
the GI tract.
2) Nausea
Chewing raw ginger or drinking ginger tea is a common home remedy for nausea during cancer treatment.
Ginger tea can help relieve nausea and aid cold recovery.
Pregnant women experiencing morning sickness can safely use ginger to relieve nausea and vomiting, often in the form of ginger lozenges or candies.
During cold weather, drinking ginger tea is good way to keep warm. It is
diaphoretic, which means that it promotes sweating, working to warm the
body from within. As such, in the wake of a cold, ginger tea is
particularly useful.
To make ginger tea at home, slice 20-40 g of fresh ginger and
steep in a cup of hot water. Adding a slice of lemon or a drop of honey
adds flavor and additional benefits, including vitamin C and antibacterial properties.
3) Pain reduction
A study involving 74 volunteers carried out at the University of Georgia found that daily ginger supplementation reduced exercise-induced muscle pain by 25%.
Ginger has also been found to reduce the symptoms of dysmenorrhea
(severe pain during a menstrual cycle). In one study, 83% of women
taking ginger capsules reported improvements in pain symptoms compared
to 47% of those on placebo.
4) Inflammation
Ginger has been used for centuries to reduce inflammation and treat inflammatory conditions.
A study published in Cancer Prevention Research journal found
that a ginger root supplement administered to volunteer participants
reduced inflammation markers in the colon within a month. Researchers on
the study explained that by decreasing inflammation, the risk of colon cancer
is also likely to decrease. Ginger has also shown promise in clinical
trials for treating inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.
Ginger root - the possible health benefits
In this video, Dr. Josh Axe discusses the possible health benefits of ginger root.
Ginger - nutritional profile
Using fresh ginger is an easy way to flavor foods and drinks without
adding unnecessary sodium. Since it is often consumed in such small
amounts, ginger does not add significant quantities of calories, carbohydrate, protein or fiber.
Ginger does contain numerous other anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds beneficial to health such as gingerols, beta-carotene, capsaicin, caffeic acid, curcumin and salicylate.
Ginger provides a variety of vitamins and minerals:
Carbohydrate - 17.77 g
Dietary Fiber - 2 g
Protein - 1.82 g
Dietary Fiber - 2 g
Sugars - 1.7 g
Sodium - 13 mg
Vitamin B6 - 0.16 mg
Calcium - 16 mg
Iron - 0.6 mg
Vitamin C - 5 mg
Potassium - 415 mg
Magnesium - 43 mg
Phosphorus - 34 mg
Zinc - 0.34 mg
Folate - 11 mcg
Riboflavin - 0.034 mg
Niacin - 0.75 mg
Iron - 0.6 mg
Figures above are per 100g of ginger.
Axe discusses the possible health benefits of ginger root
symptoms
when used with a conventional treatment regime. Curcumin is already
known to diminish arthritic pain which is also an inflammatory disease.
It does so by inhibiting cytokines that are pro-inflammatory proteins.
Ginger is a common ingredient in Asian and Indian cuisine. However,
ginger has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries among
many cultures.
