15 health benefits of methi

The seeds and leaves of methi (fenugreek) are readily available and widely used in Indian kitchen. They have a strong aroma and a bitter taste. But when used in small quantities they impart flavour to your food. It is commonly used in curries, vegetable dishes, dals and not to forget the mouth-watering methi paratha. But did you know that methi is a rich reservoir of medicinal properties too? Methi contains protein, fibre, vitamin C, niacin, potassium, iron and alkaloids. It also contains a compound diosgenin which has oestrogen-like properties, as well as steroidal saponins. These compounds impart many benefits to methi – from being your beauty product to being an answer to your health problems!

Here are 15 health benefits of methi (fenugreek):

Increase breast milk production

Fenugreek ranks high among the ‘must haves’ for nursing mothers. This is due to the presence of diosgenin in the spice which increases milk production in lactating mothers.

Induce and ease child birth

Fenugreek has been known to be helpful in inducing childbirth by stimulating uterine contractions. It is also known to reduce labour pain. But here’s a word of caution. Excess intake of fenugreek seeds during pregnancy could put you in risk of miscarriage or premature childbirth.

Ease women’s health problems

Fenugreek contains compounds like diosgenin and isoflavones with oestrogen-like properties which help reduce symptoms like discomfort and menstrual cramps associated with PMS. These compounds also ease menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood fluctuations. Women are more prone to iron deficiency during adolescence (initiation of menstrual periods), during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Including green leafy veggies like fenugreek (methi) in your diet can supply a good amount of iron. But make sure to add tomatoes or potatoes to the preparations to enhance the iron absorption.

Breast Enlargement

Want to enlarge your breasts? Include fenugreek in your regular diet. The oestrogen-like property of fenugreek can help in breast enlargement by balancing hormones in women.

Reduce cholesterol

According to studies fenugreek helps to reduce cholesterol level, especially that of the low density lipoprotein (LDL).

Reduce cardiovascular risk

Fenugreek seed has cardiovascular benefits due to the presence of galactomannan. It lowers the risk of heart attack. It is also an excellent source of potassium which counters the action of sodium to help control heart rate and blood pressure.

Control diabetes

Fenugreek is beneficial for people with diabetes.  Galactomannan, a natural soluble fibre present in fenugreek slows down the rate of sugar absorption into blood. Fenugreek also contains amino acid responsible for inducing the production of insulin.

Aid digestion

Fenugreek helps flush out harmful toxins. It relieves indigestion and helps treat constipation.

Cure acid reflux or heartburn

One teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in your food can be an effective remedy for acid reflux or heartburn. Mucilage of fenugreek seeds coat the lining of the stomach and intestine and sooth irritated gastrointestinal tissues. Before consuming, you can soak the methi seeds in water to make their outer coat mucilaginous.

Remedy for fever and sore throat

Fenugreek when taken with a teaspoon of lemon and honey can work wonders to reduce fever by nourishing the body. The soothing effect of mucilage in fenugreek also helps to relieve cough and pain from sore throat.

Prevent colon cancer

The fibre content (saponins, mucilage, etc.) of fenugreek binds to toxins in the food and flush them out. This in turn helps to protect the mucus membrane of the colon from cancers.

Lose weight by suppressing appetite

Include fenugreek in your weight loss diet by chewing soaked methi seeds in the morning on an empty stomach. The natural soluble fibre in the fenugreek can swell and fill the stomach thereby suppressing your appetite.

Cure for skin inflammation and scars

Apply a clean cloth soaked in methi seed paste for effective treatment of skin problems like burns, boils, eczema, etc. Fenugreek seeds also help in getting rid of scars.

Beauty product

Fenugreek can be an excellent ingredient for your home-made beauty product. Fenugreek can be used in face packs to help prevent blackheads, pimples, wrinkles, etc. Washing your face with water boiled with fenugreek seeds or applying a paste of fresh fenugreek leaves for twenty minutes on your face can work wonders for your skin.

Solution to hair problems

Using fenugreek as a part of your diet or as a paste to directly apply on your hair makes yourhair shiny and black. Massaging your head everyday with boiled fenugreek seeds soaked overnight in coconut oil can be an excellent remedy for thinning of hair and hair fall. What more? Fenugreek is also great to keep the dandruff away

Health Benefits of Almonds (Badam)

Almond

About Almonds/Badam

Almond or Badam is a most beneficial and natural edible seed cultivated in many countries and related to the genus Prunus. Almonds were first originated in the western Asia and North Africa. It is a drupe type seed closed inside the hard shell. Almonds are found of many types of different tastes like bitter or sweet whereas some almond species are toxic too.

Benefits of Almonds/BadamUnited States is the largest almonds producing country in the world which produces around 80% of the whole supply. Some other almonds producing countries are Spain, Italy, Iran, Syria, Turkey, Algeria and etc. I am related to the nursing field, experienced a lot about almonds and sharing my experiences about the all the pros and cons of the almonds.

Prevents from Heart Problems

• Having almonds on regular basis reduces the risk of heart attack, atherosclerosis and hypertension as it lowers the level of bad cholesterol in the blood and availability of some important minerals like potassium, magnesium, vitamin E, protein, folic acid, low sodium, monosaturated fats, oleic acid (an unsaturated fatty acid which lowers the blood pressure) and etc.

Protects Artery Walls from Damage

• Almonds help by protecting the artery walls from getting damage because of the flavonoids contents available in its skins.

Build up Bones and Teeth

• Almonds help in building the bones and teeth very strong because of its phosphorus contents.

Contains Healthy Fat

• Almonds have a type of healthy fats, fiber, protein thus helps in the weight loss.

Maintains Blood Sugar and Insulin Level

• Eating almonds helps in maintaining the blood sugar level and insulin level after the meals thus helps to fight with diabetes.

Boosts Brain Functioning

• Because of the availability of riboflavin and L-carnitine in the almonds, it boosts the brain functioning as well as reduces the risk of serious brain disease like Alzheimer’s disease.

Nourishes Nervous System

• Almonds help in increasing the high intellectual level and longevity by nourishing well the nervous system.

Maintains Immunity Power

• Almonds reduce the risk of poor immune functioning, osteoporosis, weight gain and fatigue by alkalizing the body.

Softens Skin and Hair

• Almond oil is best for the baby massage as it moisturizes and softens the skin and hair.

Improves Body Stamina

• Almonds provide more energy to the body and increase the resistance power and stamina because of the availability of copper, riboflavin and manganese.

Maintains Gastrointestinal Health

• Almonds maintain the gastrointestinal health because of its high fiber content and prebiotic properties.

Prevents Artery Inflammation

• Almonds have ability to reduce the C-reactive protein (which causes the artery damaging inflammation).

Reduces Risk of Stone Formation

• Almonds reduce the risk of gallstones formation.

Powerhouse of Protein

• Almonds are the powerhouse of the protein thus nourishes the body very well.

Removes Body Toxins

• Its anti-oxidants property helps in removing the toxic oxygen free radicals from the skin as well as the mucous membrane. The vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) content of it works as a fat-soluble antioxidant.

Tone up Body Muscles

• Variety of minerals (such as calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and zinc) availability in the almonds helps to tone up the body muscles and bones thus prevents from osteoporosis.

Prevents from Cancer and Abnormalities in Baby

• Its folic acid content is very beneficial for the pregnant women and prevents the woman from cervical cancer, colon cancer, constipation and baby from the risk of birth defects and abnormalities.

Rich Source of Phytochemicals

• Almonds are the rich source of phytochemicals which keeps the cancer, cardiac problems and various other chronic diseases away.

Reduces Weight

• Every raw almond has 7 calories, dietary fibers and proteins which help in reducing more weight.

Used to Prepare Things

• Almonds are used to prepare variety of almond butter, almond oil, almond syrup and etc which are used for various purposes.

Improves Memory Power and Concentration

• Eating raw almonds and using almond oil is beneficial in improving the memory power and concentration thus makes the children sharp minded and active.

Makes Skin Healthy

• Regular uses of raw almonds and massage with almond oil makes the skin bright, soft, smooth and supple from dry and cracked skin.

Prevents from Wrinkles and other Skin Problems

• It also prevent from psoriasis, reduces the wrinkles, black heads, dark circles under eyes, pimples and etc.

Reduces Dryness and Dandruff of Hair

• Badam rogan oil massage on the scalp reduces the dryness, dandruff, graying of hair and protects from being coarse and hair fall.

Prevents from Disorders

• Eating almonds provides many health benefits like prevents from respiratory disorders, anemia, heart disorders, impotency, constipation, coughs, diabetes and etc.

Satisfies Appetite

• Almonds help in managing weight as it has mono-unsaturated fat which satisfies the appetite and prevents the person from over-eating.

Real Facts about Almonds

• California is the leading almonds producer in the world and first almond tree was planted there as well during 1700′s.
• 500 ml of the almond oil is attained from the 1000 pound almonds.
• 40% of the total production of almonds is used in chocolate industry.
• It is believed in the Romans that almonds are the indication of good luck for newly married couple.

Why it is Necessary to Eat Soaked Almonds?

• If you are using almonds on daily basis, it is very necessary to soak the almonds in water for the whole night and taken in the morning in order to sprout and set free the full nutritional value of the almonds by activating their beneficial enzymes. These enzymes help in improving the digestion and allow a better access to its nutrients. The skin of the almonds has an enzyme inhibitor which protects the almond until the suitable water and sunlight allow it to get germinated.
• Soak the almonds during the night for at least 10 to 12 hours, rinse them in the morning to eat or place them in a wet towel for the next 12 hours to get sprouted. The tannins of the skin of the unsoaked almonds may interfere with the proper digestion of the carbohydrates, proteins and cellulose.
• Same for the processed or roasted almonds, roasting and processing process may kill the enzymes. It should be also taken care of while purchasing the raw almonds form the market that it should not be pasteurized as the pasteurization process may also kill the enzymes.

Nutritional Benefits of Almonds/Badam per 100 g

(Source: USDA Nutrient Database)

Energy: 576 kcal

Carbohydrates: 21.69 g

Sugars: 3.89 g

Starch: 0.74 g

Dietary fibers: 12.2 g

Water: 4.70 g

Fat: 49.42 g

Saturated Fat: 3.731 g

Monounsaturated Fat: 30.889 g

Polyunsaturated Fat: 12.070 g

Protein: 21.22 g

Amino Acids:

Tryptophan: 0.214 g

Threonine: 0.598 g

Isoleucine: 0.702 g

Leucine: 1.488 g

Lysine: 0.580 g

Methionine: 0.151 g

Cystine: 0.189 g

Phenylalanine: 1.120 g

Tyrosine: 0.452 g

Valine: 0.817 g

Arginine: 2.446 g

Histidine: 0.557 g

Alanine: 1.027 g

Aspartic acid: 2.911 g

Glutamic acid: 6.810 g

Glycine: 1.469 g

Proline: 1.032 g

Serine: 0.948 g

Water: 4.70 g

Vitamins:

Vitamin A: 1 IU

Thiamine or vitamin B1: 0.211 mg

Riboflavin or vitamin B2: 1.014 mg

Niacin or vitamin B3: 3.385 mg

Pantothenic acid or B5: 0.469 mg

Vitamin B6: 0.143 mg

Folate or vitamin B9: 50 μg

Choline: 52.1 mg

Vitamin E: 26.2 mg

Minerals:

Calcium: 264 mg

Iron: 3.72 mg

Magnesium: 268 mg

Manganese: 2.285 mg

Phosphorus: 484 mg

Potassium: 705 mg

Sodium: 1 mg

Zinc: 3.08 mg

Copper: 0.3 mg

Selenium: 0.8 mcg

Phytonutrients

Beta-carotene: 1 μg

Lutein and zeaxanthin: 1 μg

How to Select and Store

Always select fresh, hard, bright colored, heavy, well skinned and small amount of the almonds from market. Avoid buying bad or rancid smelling, light, wrinkled, spotted, blackish skinned and etc. It can be stored for months at room temperature if placed away from the direct sun light, cool, dry and safe place.

How to Enjoy

There are many ways of enjoying almonds such as soaked raw almonds, roasted, salted, mixed with dry fruits, with milk and etc. It can be added to other dishes to enhance look and taste such as biscuits, icecream, sweet dishes, kheer, laddoos, pasta, halwa, namkin and etc.

Disadvantages of Almonds

Eating almonds in limit is very good for getting all the health benefits of it however having too many a day can cause various side effects to the health. Here I am pointing out some harmful effects of eating more almonds:

• Eating almonds more than the daily limit may trigger with the weight gain. As almonds are loaded with the high calories and fat so one can gain weight.
• Its high manganese content may interfere with some antipsychotic drugs, laxatives, antacids, blood pressure medicines as well as certain antibiotics. Normal requirement of the manganese is 1.8 to 2.3 mg daily to maintain the body function properly.
• Eating too much almonds may cause the vitamin E overdose (cause lethargy, headaches, diarrhea, blurred vision and flatulence) as almonds are the good source of vitamin E.
• Eating a lot of almonds daily may cause some gastrointestinal problems like constipation and abdominal bloating because of the more fibres. One ounce of almonds gives 3.5 g of fiber.

Precautions about Almonds

• A patient suffering from the gall bladder or kidney stones should avoid taking almonds as high oxalate content of it may cause serious problems.
• Some person who are allergic to the almond protein and develop the allergic reactions, should avoid eating almonds.
• Raw bitter almonds should also be avoided as they contain hydrocyanic acid and prussic acid which are toxic in nature.
• Children below one year should be avoided eating almonds.
• Almonds should be eaten with its skin as it has more antioxidant flavanoids.

How many Almonds to Eat a Day

Eating 5 to 6 almonds daily is ok for the normal person accordingly his/her daily calorie requirement. Eating almonds in normal quantity may help in managing or losing weight but it should be in limit. Over the limit it may cause some serious problems.

Bedtime Drink

It is very important to know that detoxification is very essential for your body. By detoxification you can eliminate the toxins from your body which contributes in proper absorption of nutrients from the food. Cancerous and toxic compounds are also neutralized by the process of detoxification. In the next part of the article we will present you one amazing beverage which has the ability to speed up your metabolism, improve your immune system, cleanse your body of toxins and it can help you to lose weight also.

Belly fat is linked with hypertension, diabetes and development of heart diseases. Many researches show that excess belly fat is the first sign of diabetes type 2. Excess belly fat can be the cause of sudden heath death, according to one study which is published in The Journal Hearth magazine.

If you are determined to lose belly fat, then you will start to exercise regularly and eat healthy. We will present you one beverage which contains the most effective fat burning ingredients which will surely help you to reach your goal.

Ingredients:

• ½ lemon
• 1 cucumber
• 1 tsp. grated ginger
• A bunch of parsley
• 1/3 cup of water

Instructions:

Take all of the ingredients, put them in a juicer and make an amazing juice. Drink this juice every night before going to sleep. You will notice results very quickly.

Gum Disease, The Silent Killer: 7 Simple Home Remedies To Cure It Naturally

Healthy nutrition may be key to helping fight gum disease, which is not only important to oral health, but also to general health and well being. Eighty-five percent of American adults suffer from some form of gum disease, and 50 percent have moderate to severe periodontitis. Of those diagnosed, only 3 percent seek treatment, putting the rest at risk for a number of serious health issues—so the odds are that you have it … and you just don’t know it.

7 HOME REMEDIES TO TREAT IT NATURALLY

Baking Soda
Mix plain baking soda with enough water to create a paste, and rub it along your gum-line with your fingers.

Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is also be featured in several remedies for swollen and bleeding gums. Simply rub the gel of aloe vera on the gums and let it sit. Do this repeatedly until the problem subsides.

Lemon Juice

The anti inflammatory properties contained in lemon juice could be very useful in the healing treatment of gum infections. Furthermore, lemons contain vitamin C, and that may empower your gums to fight off the disease. Squeeze the juice of the lemon and add a bit of salt to it. Combine the salt and lemon juice well until it turns into a paste of sorts. Apply this paste on to your own teeth and leave it on for several minutes before gargling with water.

Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is really an exceptionally effective antiseptic that nature provides. Rub a little bit of tea tree oil in the gums to stop gum disease and also to help alleviate symptoms. You can even locate a toothpaste that includes tea tree oil to help fight bacteria when brushing.

Clove Oil
Clove oil is really a typical ingredient in quite a few natural treatment options for bleeding gums. Some national health practitioners propose rubbing clove oil to the affected gums, but warns that one might experience a burning sensation in the beginning. If burning continues then consult to your doctor.

Mustard Oil
Mustard oil is found in every home. It is extensively used as a cooking medium for its health benefits. It is rich in vitamins and has antioxidant properties. Take half teaspoon of pure mustard oil in the palm of your hand. With your clean finger rub the oil all over the gums using a gentle circular motion. Rinse with warm water. This will increase the blood circulation, stimulate the gums and soothe the pain. For strong gums use this application daily.

TurmericTurmeric is another common ingredient to be found in every home. Its potency to reduce inflammation and fight infection is well known. Take one teaspoon of turmeric powder and mix it with honey to form a thick smooth paste. Apply gently all over the gums and teeth. Leave for three minutes. Rinse with water. The gums will be soothed and feel less tender. Do it every night before going to bed.

Naturally Treat Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep disorder which is characterized by the inability of a person to fall into sleep and or to stay asleep. Insomnia can affect people of all ages and the main symptoms include, difficulty in falling asleep, waking up during the night and difficulty in going back to sleep, waking up too early and feeling tired in the morning after waking up. Insomnia can be short term or long term. The main causes of insomnia are stress, illness, emotional or physical discomfort, environmental factors like sound, light, hot weather and some medications. The person may feel sleepy during the day and get irritated easily. They will have problems with concentration or memory.  It is necessary to treat the underlying conditions to get rid of chronic insomnia. You can try the natural home remedies or approaches to get rid of the problem of insomnia.

BEST NATURAL HOME REMEDIES FOR INSOMNIA

EAT CHICKEN

Eating chicken or turkey before going to bed can help you to get the sleep. Chicken and turkey contains the amino acid tryptophan which is necessary for the production of serotonin. Serotonin in the brain helps us to sleep.

• Have a slice of turkey or chicken before going to bed.

MILK

Milk is another home remedy which contains tryptophan and which help you to get good sleep.

• You can either take a glass of warm milk before heading bed or
• You can take warm milk with a spoonful of honey in it

EAT COOKIES

The carbohydrates in cookies help tryptophan to enter the brain and activate serotonin production. Any sugary food consumed 30 minutes before bedtime acts like a sedative.

• Eat cookies half an hour before going to bed.
• You can also have cookies along with milk to get better results.

GO FOR EARLY DINNER

Take your dinner at least two hours before you go to sleep.  It will be difficult to sleep when your stomach is full.

• Have an early dinner and avoid spicy food at night, if you want to sleep better.
  

LIMIT CAFFEINE AND ALCOHOL

Though alcohol makes you drowsy and put you to sleep, it causes you to get up in the middle of night with a headache, stomach ache etc and when the sedative effect of alcohol goes away it make difficult to get sleep again. Caffeine can stimulate your brain and make you remain awake.

PASSION FLOWER

Passion lower is another herb with mild sedative effect. It is necessary to consume 4,000 to 8,000 milligrams of dried passion flower capsule for effective sleep.

• Consume the capsules one hour before your bedtime.

LAVENDER

The smell of lavender acts as a mild tranquilizer. The aroma of lavender will soothe you to sleep.

• Dab a bit of lavender oil onto the temples and forehead before you hit the bed.

JASMINE

Studies have shown that people who slept in jasmine scented rooms had better sleep than people slept in non scented rooms or even lavender scented rooms.

• Apply a drop of jasmine essential oil on each wrist before you go to bed.
• You can also keep a cotton ball with one or two drops of essential oil of jasmine added to it in your bedroom.

MAKE YOUR ROOM COMFORTABLE

It is necessary to make your bedroom as comfortable as possible to have a good night’s sleep.

• Close your bedroom doors to avoid unwanted noises.
• Running the fan will help to drown other noises
• Keep the room temperature comfortable
• Do not keep computer or TV in your bedroom
• Avoid any lights and keep your room dark.

TAKE A HOT BATH

A hot bath can relax your body and mind and can ready you for a good sleep.

• Take a hot bath at least two hours before bedtime.
• You can add two cups of Epsom salt to a hot bath to relax the muscles.

MILK AND HONEY

• Take a glass of milk and add 1 tea spoon of honey.
• Mixed well and drink this every night before going to sleep.

DO NOT TAKE NAPS DURING THE DAY

If you have insomnia, try to avoid daytime nap. The afternoon nap can disrupt your body clock.

• No matter however tired you are do not nap during the day.
• This will help you to get good sleep at night.

ANISEED AND WATER

ADD 1 TEA SPOON OF ANISEED (ALSO KNOWN AS CHOTI SAUNF) TO HALF LITRE OF WATER.

• Heat the mixture for for 15min and strain the liquid.
• Drink this liquid either hot or warm.
• Take this after-meal or before going to bed.