LIST OF SUPERFOODS- Nutrient- rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being
Saffron: The Golden Spice
Saffron is one of the highly prized spices known since antiquity for its color, flavor and medicinal properties. It is the dried "stigma" or threads of the flower of the S. crocus plant. The plant is a bulbous perennial plant that belongs to the family of Iridaceae of the genus, Crocus and known botanically as Crocus sativus.
Saffron is a reddish-golden colored spice derived from the styles and stigmas of the flower of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus). Used primarily as a seasoning agent for cooking and a coloring agent, Saffron also has numerous health benefits that make it one of nature's most powerful herbs.
The saffron crocus is native to the Mediterranean and Western Asia. It has long been the most expensive spice in the world by weight, ten times more costly than vanilla. The reason saffron carries a hefty price tag is that its production is extremely labor intensive. It takes 80,000 crocus flowers to make only 500 grams of saffron after toasting. Despite its cost, many herbalists and natural health enthusiasts consider saffron's health benefits to be worth their weight in gold.
Health benefits of Saffron
- Saffron contains many plants derived chemical compounds that are known to have been anti-oxidant, disease preventing and health promoting properties.
- The flower stigma are composed of many essential volatile oils but the most important being safranal, which gives saffron its distinct hay-like flavor. Other volatile oils in saffron are cineole, phenethenol, pinene, borneol, geraniol, limonene, p-cymene, linalool, terpinen-4-oil, etc.
- This colorful spice has many non-volatile active components; the most important of them is α-crocin, a carotenoid compound, which gives the stigmas their characteristic golden-yellow color. It also contains other carotenoids, including zea-xanthin, lycopene, α- and β-carotenes. These are important antioxidants that help protect the human body from oxidant-induced stress, cancers, infections and acts as immune modulators.
- The active components in saffron have many therapeutic applications in many traditional medicines as antiseptic, antidepressant, anti-oxidant, digestive, anti-convulsant.
- This novel spice is a good source of minerals like copper, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, selenium, zinc and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese and copper are used by the body as co-factors for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is essential for red blood cell production and as a co-factor for cytochrome oxidases enzymes.
- Additionally, it is also rich in many vital vitamins, including vitamin A, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin,vitamin-C that is essential for optimum health.
Medicinal uses
- The active components present in saffron have many therapeutic applications in many traditional medicines since long time ago as anti-spasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic.
- Research studies have shown that, safranal, a volatile oil found in the spice, has antioxidant, cytotoxicity towards cancer cells, anticonvulsant and antidepressant properties.
- Αlfa-crocin, a carotenoid compound, which gives the spice its characteristic golden-yellow color, has been anti-oxidant, anti-depressant, and anti-cancer properties.
Chia: Ancient Super-Seed Secret
By Lindsey Duncan, ND, CN
Long ago, before the Spanish conquest of Latin America – and well before the Ch-ch-ch-chia Pet was born – chia seeds were a staple food, like corn and beans, in the diets of the Aztecs and Mayans. Chia actually got its name from the Mayan word for “strength.” Most evidence shows that humans began using chia seeds around 3500 BC. Aztecs and Mayans consumed chia seeds regularly, grinding them into flour, pressing them for oil and drinking them mixed with water. At this time in history, chia seeds were considered to be almost magical because of their ability to increase stamina and energy over long periods of time.
After the Spanish conquest of Latin America, chia seeds and their benefits became somewhat eclipsed, as the Spanish introduced their own foods and prohibited the farming of chia. Now, as modern scientists and nutritionists are recognizing the extreme lack of certain nutrients in the standard American diet, they are looking to istory for natural solutions, including chia. Because of this, it is regaining popularity and its benefits are becoming known to modern America. The chia seeds are “super” because, like a superfruit, they deliver the maximum amount of nutrients with minimum calories. They have several of the same benefits as the more well-known “super seed” flax, but unlike flax seed, you don’t need to grind them to reap the health benefits. The nutritional benefits of chia include fiber, omega fatty acids, calcium, antioxidants and much more – even protein! While the American Dietetic Association recommends 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day, unfortunately the average American only gets 12 to 15 grams. With nearly 11 grams of fiber per ounce, chia delivers 42% of your recommended daily value of fiber in a single serving. Fiber is vital for all aspects of health, and is especially key for weight loss and digestion. Fiber helps slow digestion and makes you feel fuller by soaking up fluid and expanding in your digestive tract.
Chia absorbs up to 12 times its own weight and expands to curb your appetite, so adding just an ounce or so of chia seeds to your diet can reduce caloric intake and help lower the energy density (or calories) of foods, plus double the amount of fiber you receive.
Contributing to its super-seed status, ounce for ounce, chia seeds have more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon! Chia is one of the most concentrated sources of omega-3 in any food. It also contains high amounts of omega-6. Everyone needs to consume high amounts of these essential fatty acids in their diet, because these EFAs build new cells and regulate various processes of the body, but our bodies cannot make them internally. They also support heart health and beautiful skin, hair and nails. Chia also contains calcium; in fact, it delivers 18% of your daily value per ounce, which is three times more than skim milk. Many Americans – especially vegetarians or those who avoid dairy – are not getting enough calcium. Calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, a disorder characterized by porous and fragile bones. Osteoporosis is a serious health problem for more than 10 million US adults, 80% of whom are women. Another 34 million have osteopenia, which is essentially pre-osteoporosis. Overall, this tiny little seed packs a big nutritional punch.
http://www.doctoroz.com/blog/lindsey-duncan-nd-cn/chia-ancient-super-secret
Long ago, before the Spanish conquest of Latin America – and well before the Ch-ch-ch-chia Pet was born – chia seeds were a staple food, like corn and beans, in the diets of the Aztecs and Mayans. Chia actually got its name from the Mayan word for “strength.” Most evidence shows that humans began using chia seeds around 3500 BC. Aztecs and Mayans consumed chia seeds regularly, grinding them into flour, pressing them for oil and drinking them mixed with water. At this time in history, chia seeds were considered to be almost magical because of their ability to increase stamina and energy over long periods of time.
After the Spanish conquest of Latin America, chia seeds and their benefits became somewhat eclipsed, as the Spanish introduced their own foods and prohibited the farming of chia. Now, as modern scientists and nutritionists are recognizing the extreme lack of certain nutrients in the standard American diet, they are looking to istory for natural solutions, including chia. Because of this, it is regaining popularity and its benefits are becoming known to modern America. The chia seeds are “super” because, like a superfruit, they deliver the maximum amount of nutrients with minimum calories. They have several of the same benefits as the more well-known “super seed” flax, but unlike flax seed, you don’t need to grind them to reap the health benefits. The nutritional benefits of chia include fiber, omega fatty acids, calcium, antioxidants and much more – even protein! While the American Dietetic Association recommends 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day, unfortunately the average American only gets 12 to 15 grams. With nearly 11 grams of fiber per ounce, chia delivers 42% of your recommended daily value of fiber in a single serving. Fiber is vital for all aspects of health, and is especially key for weight loss and digestion. Fiber helps slow digestion and makes you feel fuller by soaking up fluid and expanding in your digestive tract.
Chia absorbs up to 12 times its own weight and expands to curb your appetite, so adding just an ounce or so of chia seeds to your diet can reduce caloric intake and help lower the energy density (or calories) of foods, plus double the amount of fiber you receive.
Contributing to its super-seed status, ounce for ounce, chia seeds have more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon! Chia is one of the most concentrated sources of omega-3 in any food. It also contains high amounts of omega-6. Everyone needs to consume high amounts of these essential fatty acids in their diet, because these EFAs build new cells and regulate various processes of the body, but our bodies cannot make them internally. They also support heart health and beautiful skin, hair and nails. Chia also contains calcium; in fact, it delivers 18% of your daily value per ounce, which is three times more than skim milk. Many Americans – especially vegetarians or those who avoid dairy – are not getting enough calcium. Calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, a disorder characterized by porous and fragile bones. Osteoporosis is a serious health problem for more than 10 million US adults, 80% of whom are women. Another 34 million have osteopenia, which is essentially pre-osteoporosis. Overall, this tiny little seed packs a big nutritional punch.
http://www.doctoroz.com/blog/lindsey-duncan-nd-cn/chia-ancient-super-secret
Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll’s benefits to your health are many: pain relief, ulcers, skin disorders, freshening the breath and helping your body obtain more oxygen as discussed above, plus aiding the health of your digestive system; acting as … ‘The Ultimate Superfood’.
Chlorophyll benefits
the human body a lot because it is a green compound that is originally created by plants which helps plants absorb elements including sunlight to perform photosynthesis. Photosynthesis in it’s most basic explanation is a process where plants take sunlight and turn it into food and energy. It transforms carbon dioxide and water and results in glucose and oxygen. Chlorophyll has a green pigment and it is this compound that gives plants there green colour. The richer the colour the more chlorophyll it has!
Chlorophyll benefits:
*Chlorophyll is a great detoxer of the body which helps cleanse the body of impurities and carry them out of the body naturally. It also Chlorophyll rich drinks may not look pretty - but their damn good for you! It binds to toxins like heavy metals such ad mercury and lead and helps the body release then from where they were stored. It is important to note that EVERYBODY has a build up of some metals for example pollution and cars produce metals that we breath, if u eat fish then they hVe mercury, even the water you drink has some toxins like lead in it. One of the most notable benefits of chlorophyll is it benefit to your skin and complexion. Chlorophyll naturally brings radiance to dull, tired skin and helps get rid of blemishes, pimples etc that result from build up of toxins. Improved digesting and absorption of nutrients is another benefit. When you are younger your body digests foods very well but as you age and as a result of eating a lifetime of processed foods our bodies supply of digestive enzymes drops dramatically. This results in poor digestion and absorption of nutrients from our foods – but the good news is that chlorophyll benefits digestion too.
Chlorophyll benefits for your skin
Your skin is the largest organ in your body and it is as a result very important for detoxing. If you have a lot of toxins you will see a dramatic decline in your skins look and feel. It will start to get pimples, acne, premature aging, blemishes, uneven tone, even issues like eczema can start to develop. Toxins are stored in the skin because they should naturally pass out through sweat, and when you wash – you wash away these toxins. The problem is many people have such a large build up of toxins that the skin can’t cope on it’s own causing all sorts of issues. Chlorophyll benefits your skin by helping the toxins pass out of the body naturally so they don’t build up in your skin and help your skin get back it’s youthful appearance – fast! In general chlorophylls number 1 benefit is helping the body return to it’s state of perfect efficiency. That’s why you’ll notice more energy, more focus, better skin, better moods, less headaches and stress and so on.
Best sources of chlorophyll
Chlorella is a nutrient rich single cell algae that has the highest level of chlorophyll out of all other foods in the world. It is a detoxing ‘power house’! It has more than 10 times more chlorophyll than alfalfa which is where commercial grade chlorophyll comes from. Chlorella is also extremely bio available. If a food had nutrients in high bio availability this means your body can easily absorb the nutrient instead of it just passing through your body and ending up as expensive waste. You see it is not good enough to just eat an ingredient high in a nutrient if your body can’t absorb and use that nutrient. The good news is chlorella had the beat of both worlds. For that reason chlorella benefits all those who take it.
*Spirulina is another rich source of chlorophyll. Spirulina is naturally high in many other beneficial nutrients also and once again all nutrients have a high bio availability. Spirulina benefits for the body are many.
Chlorophyll benefits
the human body a lot because it is a green compound that is originally created by plants which helps plants absorb elements including sunlight to perform photosynthesis. Photosynthesis in it’s most basic explanation is a process where plants take sunlight and turn it into food and energy. It transforms carbon dioxide and water and results in glucose and oxygen. Chlorophyll has a green pigment and it is this compound that gives plants there green colour. The richer the colour the more chlorophyll it has!
Chlorophyll benefits:
*Chlorophyll is a great detoxer of the body which helps cleanse the body of impurities and carry them out of the body naturally. It also Chlorophyll rich drinks may not look pretty - but their damn good for you! It binds to toxins like heavy metals such ad mercury and lead and helps the body release then from where they were stored. It is important to note that EVERYBODY has a build up of some metals for example pollution and cars produce metals that we breath, if u eat fish then they hVe mercury, even the water you drink has some toxins like lead in it. One of the most notable benefits of chlorophyll is it benefit to your skin and complexion. Chlorophyll naturally brings radiance to dull, tired skin and helps get rid of blemishes, pimples etc that result from build up of toxins. Improved digesting and absorption of nutrients is another benefit. When you are younger your body digests foods very well but as you age and as a result of eating a lifetime of processed foods our bodies supply of digestive enzymes drops dramatically. This results in poor digestion and absorption of nutrients from our foods – but the good news is that chlorophyll benefits digestion too.
Chlorophyll benefits for your skin
Your skin is the largest organ in your body and it is as a result very important for detoxing. If you have a lot of toxins you will see a dramatic decline in your skins look and feel. It will start to get pimples, acne, premature aging, blemishes, uneven tone, even issues like eczema can start to develop. Toxins are stored in the skin because they should naturally pass out through sweat, and when you wash – you wash away these toxins. The problem is many people have such a large build up of toxins that the skin can’t cope on it’s own causing all sorts of issues. Chlorophyll benefits your skin by helping the toxins pass out of the body naturally so they don’t build up in your skin and help your skin get back it’s youthful appearance – fast! In general chlorophylls number 1 benefit is helping the body return to it’s state of perfect efficiency. That’s why you’ll notice more energy, more focus, better skin, better moods, less headaches and stress and so on.
Best sources of chlorophyll
Chlorella is a nutrient rich single cell algae that has the highest level of chlorophyll out of all other foods in the world. It is a detoxing ‘power house’! It has more than 10 times more chlorophyll than alfalfa which is where commercial grade chlorophyll comes from. Chlorella is also extremely bio available. If a food had nutrients in high bio availability this means your body can easily absorb the nutrient instead of it just passing through your body and ending up as expensive waste. You see it is not good enough to just eat an ingredient high in a nutrient if your body can’t absorb and use that nutrient. The good news is chlorella had the beat of both worlds. For that reason chlorella benefits all those who take it.
*Spirulina is another rich source of chlorophyll. Spirulina is naturally high in many other beneficial nutrients also and once again all nutrients have a high bio availability. Spirulina benefits for the body are many.
Spirulina
Discovering the best quality whole foods becomes one of the most crucial basis, that influences our health and thru that the quality of our life. We are living in an exceedingly industrialized country that sends upon us an overwhelming quantity of over manufactured foods , that assert a negative effect on our health. Consuming whole foods seems to have a very minor reference in the communications industry. Because of this becomes complicated for people to achieve a healthy eating habit when everything around points to the fastest, cheapest and very often the most dangerous custom-built aliment. Affluent studies have brought up that a diet high in healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are accompanying with a lowered risk of illness. Amidst the whole foods, the nutritionists have accentuated, that they are a group that can be called: “super foods”, because they are more digestible and with a broader account of nutrients, that commonly are never found in other whole foods. One of the” kings of the super foods” and with over 100 nutrients, Spirulina, a blue-green algae, is frequently described as the most complete food source in the world that can bring to us a diverse coverage of health benefits. Spirulina contains over 100 easily absorbed, life-enhancing nutrients:
-Proteins: protein content is between 55 and 70% of the cell weight
-Vitamins: B1(Thiamine), B2(riboflavin), B3 (nicotinamide), B6 (pyridoxine), B9( folic acid) ,vitamin C, D and E.
-Minerals: Potassium, calcium, iron , magnesium, sodium and zinc.
-Essential fatty acids like DHA
-Photosynthetic pigments: chlorophyll, beta-carotene (64 to 70 times more that spinach). In common belief, spirulina protein is containing all essential amino acids , compared to the proteins of meat, milk or eggs and so the vegetarians can use the this supplement for adding additional quality protein to their diet.
Different sources of protein, such as legumes, whole grains or meat, provide protein in a lesser amount per cell weight. Considering of the account of nutrients containing in the cell of spirulina the UN Food and Agriculture Organization recommends it for fighting dietary deficiency around the world, mostly India and Africa. In the USA, the NASA has appointed to use it for astronaut nutriment and plan to cultivate it in airspace stations. And in Russia it was studied in patients affected by the Chernobyl catastrophe to act as a radiation shelter to the body and being one of their most important weapons in battling the symptoms found in patients living in the contaminated area.
Some of the health benefits of spirulina are:
-Fighting cancer
-Boosting immune system
-Normalizing Cholesterol
-Cushioning diabetes risks
-With no sugar or carbohydrates being present in the plant and a large mass of protein spirulina can boost in weight loss.
-Helps keeping the energy level very high in the organism.
Other health benefits are shown in recent studies to come from the anti- oxidative role that beta-carotene and phycocyanin plays in the metabolism of the cell. As long as you consume spirulina powder that has vitamins, protein,minerals, Omega 6 Fatty acids, chlorophyll and other phytonutrients, your body answer back in a very affirmatory way. NASA studies are demonstrating that two pounds of Spirulina powder has the same grand account of nutrients that they are found in about 2000 pounds of “assorted vegetables”. According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, health benefits of spirulina attend in treating fibromyalgia, and the University of Maryland Medical Center website notes that spirulina may support your immune system, fight viral infections and affect allergic reactions but no assuring medical research has been done to accredit any of this statements.
Spirulina is being cultivated as the "food of the future" because of its astonishing ability to synthesize high-quality complete nutriment more adequately by comparison with any other whole food. http://healthbenefitsofspirulina.com
-Proteins: protein content is between 55 and 70% of the cell weight
-Vitamins: B1(Thiamine), B2(riboflavin), B3 (nicotinamide), B6 (pyridoxine), B9( folic acid) ,vitamin C, D and E.
-Minerals: Potassium, calcium, iron , magnesium, sodium and zinc.
-Essential fatty acids like DHA
-Photosynthetic pigments: chlorophyll, beta-carotene (64 to 70 times more that spinach). In common belief, spirulina protein is containing all essential amino acids , compared to the proteins of meat, milk or eggs and so the vegetarians can use the this supplement for adding additional quality protein to their diet.
Different sources of protein, such as legumes, whole grains or meat, provide protein in a lesser amount per cell weight. Considering of the account of nutrients containing in the cell of spirulina the UN Food and Agriculture Organization recommends it for fighting dietary deficiency around the world, mostly India and Africa. In the USA, the NASA has appointed to use it for astronaut nutriment and plan to cultivate it in airspace stations. And in Russia it was studied in patients affected by the Chernobyl catastrophe to act as a radiation shelter to the body and being one of their most important weapons in battling the symptoms found in patients living in the contaminated area.
Some of the health benefits of spirulina are:
-Fighting cancer
-Boosting immune system
-Normalizing Cholesterol
-Cushioning diabetes risks
-With no sugar or carbohydrates being present in the plant and a large mass of protein spirulina can boost in weight loss.
-Helps keeping the energy level very high in the organism.
Other health benefits are shown in recent studies to come from the anti- oxidative role that beta-carotene and phycocyanin plays in the metabolism of the cell. As long as you consume spirulina powder that has vitamins, protein,minerals, Omega 6 Fatty acids, chlorophyll and other phytonutrients, your body answer back in a very affirmatory way. NASA studies are demonstrating that two pounds of Spirulina powder has the same grand account of nutrients that they are found in about 2000 pounds of “assorted vegetables”. According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, health benefits of spirulina attend in treating fibromyalgia, and the University of Maryland Medical Center website notes that spirulina may support your immune system, fight viral infections and affect allergic reactions but no assuring medical research has been done to accredit any of this statements.
Spirulina is being cultivated as the "food of the future" because of its astonishing ability to synthesize high-quality complete nutriment more adequately by comparison with any other whole food. http://healthbenefitsofspirulina.com
Coconut Oil
The Benefits of Coconut Oil
By Charles Mattocks
I have been using many new oils to cook or take for health reasons, including flax seed oil, hemp oil, and coconut oil. I also use coconut oil in my new line of chocolate. I’ve have done a lot of research and have come to the conclusion that coconut oil not only tastes great, but the health benefits are amazing. I encourage you to take a look into some of the benefits and give it a try. Of course, one of the first things I looked into were the affects it would have with diabetes and I was very impressed.
Benefits of Coconut Oil
Diabetes:
This is one fat that diabetics can eat without fear. Not only does it not contribute to diabetes, but it helps regulate blood sugar, thus lessening the effects of the disease. Island people have consumed large amounts of coconut oil for many generations without ever encountering diabetes, but when they abandoned it for other foods and oils, the results were disastrous.
Weight Loss
The connection between coconut oil and weight loss is interesting. Farmers in America discovered this early last century when they tried to fatten their cattle by feeding them coconut oil. Instead of gaining weight, their cattle lost weight! So again, this is not news. Do a simple Internet search such as “benefits of coconut oil” and you will get plenty of details.
Bone and Dental Health
Coconut oil improves calcium and magnesium absorption in the body, which in turn is greatly beneficial to dental and bone health. The improved calcium absorption created by coconut oil use ceases tooth decay and aids in the development of strong teeth. The combined increased calcium and magnesium absorption are of great benefit to middle-aged women who may become afflicted with osteoporosis.
Coconut Oil: A Good Saturated Fat?
You may ask, isn't coconut oil a saturated fat? And aren't saturated fats harmful? Yes, coconut oil consists of 90% saturated fats. But whether or not saturated fats are harmful depends on who you ask. Among mainstream nutritionists, the idea that saturated fats cause heart disease is an “absolute truth” that is never questioned. Those who question this belief, however, point out that mankind has been consuming mainly saturated fats – in the form of butter, lard, coconut oil, etc – for thousands of years, yet heart disease was rare before the 1920s. If anything, the rise of heart disease in recent decades may correspond to the increasing use of polyunsaturated vegetable oils like corn, safflower and canola, as well as margarine.
Conclusion
Coconut oil has done wonders for the way I feel and has also helped lower my blood sugar. I won’t speak for everyone and I suggest you consult you doctor before you try any of these oils.
http://www.doctoroz.com/blog/charles-mattocks/benefits-coconut-oil
By Charles Mattocks
I have been using many new oils to cook or take for health reasons, including flax seed oil, hemp oil, and coconut oil. I also use coconut oil in my new line of chocolate. I’ve have done a lot of research and have come to the conclusion that coconut oil not only tastes great, but the health benefits are amazing. I encourage you to take a look into some of the benefits and give it a try. Of course, one of the first things I looked into were the affects it would have with diabetes and I was very impressed.
Benefits of Coconut Oil
Diabetes:
This is one fat that diabetics can eat without fear. Not only does it not contribute to diabetes, but it helps regulate blood sugar, thus lessening the effects of the disease. Island people have consumed large amounts of coconut oil for many generations without ever encountering diabetes, but when they abandoned it for other foods and oils, the results were disastrous.
Weight Loss
The connection between coconut oil and weight loss is interesting. Farmers in America discovered this early last century when they tried to fatten their cattle by feeding them coconut oil. Instead of gaining weight, their cattle lost weight! So again, this is not news. Do a simple Internet search such as “benefits of coconut oil” and you will get plenty of details.
Bone and Dental Health
Coconut oil improves calcium and magnesium absorption in the body, which in turn is greatly beneficial to dental and bone health. The improved calcium absorption created by coconut oil use ceases tooth decay and aids in the development of strong teeth. The combined increased calcium and magnesium absorption are of great benefit to middle-aged women who may become afflicted with osteoporosis.
Coconut Oil: A Good Saturated Fat?
You may ask, isn't coconut oil a saturated fat? And aren't saturated fats harmful? Yes, coconut oil consists of 90% saturated fats. But whether or not saturated fats are harmful depends on who you ask. Among mainstream nutritionists, the idea that saturated fats cause heart disease is an “absolute truth” that is never questioned. Those who question this belief, however, point out that mankind has been consuming mainly saturated fats – in the form of butter, lard, coconut oil, etc – for thousands of years, yet heart disease was rare before the 1920s. If anything, the rise of heart disease in recent decades may correspond to the increasing use of polyunsaturated vegetable oils like corn, safflower and canola, as well as margarine.
Conclusion
Coconut oil has done wonders for the way I feel and has also helped lower my blood sugar. I won’t speak for everyone and I suggest you consult you doctor before you try any of these oils.
http://www.doctoroz.com/blog/charles-mattocks/benefits-coconut-oil
Almonds
Health Benefits of Almonds
The health benefits of almonds include getting relief from constipation, respiratory disorders, cough, hearth disorders, anemia, impotency, and diabetes. It also helps in hair care, skin care (psoriasis), and dental care. Found in places like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Turkey, Syria, Jordan and Israel, almond is a very nutritious nut. It is a rich source of vitamin E, calcium, phosphorous, iron and magnesium. It also contains zinc, selenium, copper and niacin. Almonds contain the most nutrients in comparison to all other nuts.
Both sweet and bitter almonds are available. Usually, sweet almonds are edible and bitter almonds are used to make almond oil, which is used to add flavor to food. Almonds are usually eaten raw, but people also add them as ingredients in salads. Almond milk is a delicious drink. You can eat almonds directly, preferably eat it empty stomach to ensure absorption of their nutrients. You can soak them in water overnight and eat in the morning. You can also garnish various dishes with crushed almonds. Almonds are also known to have great medicinal value. Few of the benefits of almonds are given below.
Good for brain:
Almond is a source of many nutrients which help in development of the brain. Almond induces high intellectual level and has been considered as an essential food item for growing children. Many mothers give almonds soaked in water to their children daily in the morning (2-3 pieces of soaked almonds are good enough, you can also remove the outer shell if it causes allergy to you.
Regulates cholesterol:
Regular consumption of almonds helps to increase the level of high density lipoproteins (HDL) and reduce the level of low density lipoproteins (LDL), thereby effectively controlling cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol is called bad cholesterol.
Good for heart:
Mono-saturated fat, protein and potassium contained in almonds are good for the heart. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and reduces the risk of heart diseases. The presence of magnesium in almonds helps to avoid heart attacks. Almonds help reduce C-reactive protein which causes artery-damaging inflammation. Almond is also a source of folic acid. They therefore help to reduce the level of homocystein, which causes fatty plaque buildup in arteries.
Skin care:
The benefits of almond for skin care are well known, and hence a massage with almond oil is often recommended for new born babies. Almond milk is also added in some soaps as almonds help in improving the complexion of the skin.
Regulates blood pressure:
Potassium present in almond helps to regulates blood pressure. Almonds are very low in sodium which also helps in containing blood pressure.
Prevention of cancer:
Almond improves the movement of food through the colon, thereby preventing colon cancer.
Protection against diabetes:
Almonds also help in reducing the rise in sugar and insulin levels after meals. This offers protection from diabetes.
Good in pregnancy:
Almond contains folic acid. Folic acid helps to reduce the incidence of birth defects in newborn babies.
Weight loss:
Unsweetened almond milk helps one to reduce weight. The mono-saturated fat contained in almonds satisfies appetite and prevents over-eating. Studies have revealed that almond rich low calorie diet is good for obese people to assist in shedding their weight.
Prevention of constipation:
Almonds are rich in fibre. Like most other fibre rich food, almonds also help in preventing constipation. Make sure you drink good amount of water after eating almonds.
Boosts energy: The presence of manganese, copper and Riboflavin helps in energy production.
**One avoids the risk of Alzheimer's disease by consuming almonds. But just like any other food, even almonds have their cons. They contain oxalates and excessive oxalates can cause crystallization. So people having kidney or gallbladder problems should avoid eating almonds.
http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/seed-and-nut/health-benefits-of-almonds.html
The health benefits of almonds include getting relief from constipation, respiratory disorders, cough, hearth disorders, anemia, impotency, and diabetes. It also helps in hair care, skin care (psoriasis), and dental care. Found in places like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Turkey, Syria, Jordan and Israel, almond is a very nutritious nut. It is a rich source of vitamin E, calcium, phosphorous, iron and magnesium. It also contains zinc, selenium, copper and niacin. Almonds contain the most nutrients in comparison to all other nuts.
Both sweet and bitter almonds are available. Usually, sweet almonds are edible and bitter almonds are used to make almond oil, which is used to add flavor to food. Almonds are usually eaten raw, but people also add them as ingredients in salads. Almond milk is a delicious drink. You can eat almonds directly, preferably eat it empty stomach to ensure absorption of their nutrients. You can soak them in water overnight and eat in the morning. You can also garnish various dishes with crushed almonds. Almonds are also known to have great medicinal value. Few of the benefits of almonds are given below.
Good for brain:
Almond is a source of many nutrients which help in development of the brain. Almond induces high intellectual level and has been considered as an essential food item for growing children. Many mothers give almonds soaked in water to their children daily in the morning (2-3 pieces of soaked almonds are good enough, you can also remove the outer shell if it causes allergy to you.
Regulates cholesterol:
Regular consumption of almonds helps to increase the level of high density lipoproteins (HDL) and reduce the level of low density lipoproteins (LDL), thereby effectively controlling cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol is called bad cholesterol.
Good for heart:
Mono-saturated fat, protein and potassium contained in almonds are good for the heart. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and reduces the risk of heart diseases. The presence of magnesium in almonds helps to avoid heart attacks. Almonds help reduce C-reactive protein which causes artery-damaging inflammation. Almond is also a source of folic acid. They therefore help to reduce the level of homocystein, which causes fatty plaque buildup in arteries.
Skin care:
The benefits of almond for skin care are well known, and hence a massage with almond oil is often recommended for new born babies. Almond milk is also added in some soaps as almonds help in improving the complexion of the skin.
Regulates blood pressure:
Potassium present in almond helps to regulates blood pressure. Almonds are very low in sodium which also helps in containing blood pressure.
Prevention of cancer:
Almond improves the movement of food through the colon, thereby preventing colon cancer.
Protection against diabetes:
Almonds also help in reducing the rise in sugar and insulin levels after meals. This offers protection from diabetes.
Good in pregnancy:
Almond contains folic acid. Folic acid helps to reduce the incidence of birth defects in newborn babies.
Weight loss:
Unsweetened almond milk helps one to reduce weight. The mono-saturated fat contained in almonds satisfies appetite and prevents over-eating. Studies have revealed that almond rich low calorie diet is good for obese people to assist in shedding their weight.
Prevention of constipation:
Almonds are rich in fibre. Like most other fibre rich food, almonds also help in preventing constipation. Make sure you drink good amount of water after eating almonds.
Boosts energy: The presence of manganese, copper and Riboflavin helps in energy production.
**One avoids the risk of Alzheimer's disease by consuming almonds. But just like any other food, even almonds have their cons. They contain oxalates and excessive oxalates can cause crystallization. So people having kidney or gallbladder problems should avoid eating almonds.
http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/seed-and-nut/health-benefits-of-almonds.html
Goji Berry
Health Benefits of Goji Berry
The benefits of goji berry nutrition come from the wide variety of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients it contains.
Macronutrients:
~13% complete vegetarian protein with 18 amino acids, half of which are in free form (not bound up in proteins)
~8.2% essential fatty acids half of which are polyunsaturated fats
~67.7% carbohydrates with 10% being fiber, 36% being polysaccharides (very complex long chain sugars) and
only 21.7% being simple sugars (making this a low-glycemic fruit)
Vitamins:
~A
~B1, B2, B5 (in small amounts) and B6
~C (although not in as high amounts as so many MLM companies claim)
~E (which is rarely found in fruits)
Minerals:
~Calcium
~Copper
~Germanium
~Iron
~Magnesium
~Manganese
~Phosphorus
~Potassium
~Selenium
~Sodium
~Zinc
~and many other trace minerals!
Antioxidants (ORAC of 25,300):
~5 carotenoids (beta carotene, lutein, lycopene, cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin)
~Riboflavin
~Ascorbic acid
~Cystine
~Copper
~Selenium
~Manganese
Phytonutrients:
~5 lycium barbarum glycoconjugate polysaccharides (LbGp 1-5 are immuno-modulators, protect against DNA mutations and increase blood serum levels of superoxide dismutase)
~Betaine (protects DNA, increases choline production in the liver, calms the nervous system, enhances memory, promotes muscle growth, prevents fatty liver disease and detoxifies the liver)
~Physaline (anti-cancer, anti-leukemia, immune system booster and treats hepatitis B)
~Sesquiterpenoids (hgh secretagogue, treats cervical cancer, treats menstrual discomfort and benefits the heart and blood pressure)
~Solavetivone (anti-fungal and anti-bacterial)
~Beta-sitosterol (anti-inflammatory, lowers cholesterol, treats sexual impotence and treats prostate enlargement)
The science behind the benefits of goji berry consumption matches up with the traditional human longevity enhancing properties this herbal adaptogen was said to confer. The following four categories are the attributes that Traditional Chinese herbalism says are the benefits of goji berry use. It's interesting how nearly all of the above mentioned scientific goji facts literally fit into these four categories, thus showing us how accurate the alternative diagnostic methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine really is!
Blood: The iron content of the wolf-berry obviously contributes to building red blood cells. The sesquiterpenoids are known to help alleviate menstrual problems as well as benefit the heart and naturally lower blood pressure. Beta-sitosterol lowers cholesterol. These goji facts show why this berry tops the list of live superfoods.
Kidney yin: The most outstanding benefits of goji berry for longevity in humans is the ability that the sesquiterpenoids have in increasing the secretion of human growth hormone (hgh) by the pineal and pituitary glands in the brain. Hgh is a master hormone that is responsible for keeping an entire cascade of steroidal and sex hormones in good balance.
The average 70 year old has hgh levels that are one tenth that of a 20 year old. This low level leads to a wide range of hormones becoming out of balance and essentially causing aging in the body in the long run. Some of the glycoconjugate polysaccharides in lycium barbarum plants protect against DNA mutations by increasing blood serum levels of superoxide dismutase (the king of antioxidants). Betaine also protects the DNA. The zinc content of goji berries benefits the production of male semen as well as being a building block for certain key proteins that repair DNA. Finally, beta-sitosterol treats sexual impotence and prostate enlargement in men.
Liver yin: In TCM the Liver organ system is associated with eyesight and the emotion of anger (interestingly alcoholics are often associated with anger and it is well known how alcohol damages the liver). The carotenoids zeaxanthin (organic goji berries are perhaps the worlds richest source of this antioxidant), lutein and beta carotene are well known to help improve and repair the eyesight and damage to the retina. Physaline can treat hepatitis B in the liver. Betaine increases choline production in the liver, prevents fatty liver disease and detoxifies the liver.
Lung yin: The Lung organ system of TCM is associated with the immune system and the skin. Physaline has immune boosting properties. Ascorbic acid (vit. C) is well known for immune boosting as well. The benefits of goji berry's glycoconjugate polysaccharides is immunomodulation, meaning that they "re-educate" the immune system to work better permanently. Using a military metaphor, immune boosting can be likened to drafting new recruits into an army.
Although it is beneficial if your army is in need of them, having too many troops, especially fresh recruits, increases the chances of friendly fire (the immune system attacking your body by mistake). Immunomodulation can be likened to taking the basic troops you have and training them to become the "navy seals" of your body! Basically you have a smarter, more powerful and more intelligent immune system. Also, the vitamin E content of the Chinese wolfberry his good for the skin.
One historical figure that popularized the benefits of goji berry consumption for Chinese longevity was Li, Ching Yuen. At 50 years of age he was advised by a Taoist hermit he met in the mountains, who claimed to be over 500 years old, to consume a medicinal soup on a daily basis that contained goji berries (benefits are accumulated over long term daily use). Later, after living to the age of 150, he added other herbs to his "program" of centenarian foods such as he shou wu, ginseng, licorice root and gotu kola.
It was purported that Li, Ching Yuen lived to be 256 years of age. Whether or not this is true, it can no longer be proven, however this man did exist and he did live to a very advanced age. Stories of amazing individuals such as Mr. Li can teach us about things such as the benefits of making certified organic goji berries a part of our daily intake of live superfoods.
http://www.secrets-of-longevity-in-humans.com/benefits-of-goji-berry.html
The benefits of goji berry nutrition come from the wide variety of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients it contains.
Macronutrients:
~13% complete vegetarian protein with 18 amino acids, half of which are in free form (not bound up in proteins)
~8.2% essential fatty acids half of which are polyunsaturated fats
~67.7% carbohydrates with 10% being fiber, 36% being polysaccharides (very complex long chain sugars) and
only 21.7% being simple sugars (making this a low-glycemic fruit)
Vitamins:
~A
~B1, B2, B5 (in small amounts) and B6
~C (although not in as high amounts as so many MLM companies claim)
~E (which is rarely found in fruits)
Minerals:
~Calcium
~Copper
~Germanium
~Iron
~Magnesium
~Manganese
~Phosphorus
~Potassium
~Selenium
~Sodium
~Zinc
~and many other trace minerals!
Antioxidants (ORAC of 25,300):
~5 carotenoids (beta carotene, lutein, lycopene, cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin)
~Riboflavin
~Ascorbic acid
~Cystine
~Copper
~Selenium
~Manganese
Phytonutrients:
~5 lycium barbarum glycoconjugate polysaccharides (LbGp 1-5 are immuno-modulators, protect against DNA mutations and increase blood serum levels of superoxide dismutase)
~Betaine (protects DNA, increases choline production in the liver, calms the nervous system, enhances memory, promotes muscle growth, prevents fatty liver disease and detoxifies the liver)
~Physaline (anti-cancer, anti-leukemia, immune system booster and treats hepatitis B)
~Sesquiterpenoids (hgh secretagogue, treats cervical cancer, treats menstrual discomfort and benefits the heart and blood pressure)
~Solavetivone (anti-fungal and anti-bacterial)
~Beta-sitosterol (anti-inflammatory, lowers cholesterol, treats sexual impotence and treats prostate enlargement)
The science behind the benefits of goji berry consumption matches up with the traditional human longevity enhancing properties this herbal adaptogen was said to confer. The following four categories are the attributes that Traditional Chinese herbalism says are the benefits of goji berry use. It's interesting how nearly all of the above mentioned scientific goji facts literally fit into these four categories, thus showing us how accurate the alternative diagnostic methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine really is!
Blood: The iron content of the wolf-berry obviously contributes to building red blood cells. The sesquiterpenoids are known to help alleviate menstrual problems as well as benefit the heart and naturally lower blood pressure. Beta-sitosterol lowers cholesterol. These goji facts show why this berry tops the list of live superfoods.
Kidney yin: The most outstanding benefits of goji berry for longevity in humans is the ability that the sesquiterpenoids have in increasing the secretion of human growth hormone (hgh) by the pineal and pituitary glands in the brain. Hgh is a master hormone that is responsible for keeping an entire cascade of steroidal and sex hormones in good balance.
The average 70 year old has hgh levels that are one tenth that of a 20 year old. This low level leads to a wide range of hormones becoming out of balance and essentially causing aging in the body in the long run. Some of the glycoconjugate polysaccharides in lycium barbarum plants protect against DNA mutations by increasing blood serum levels of superoxide dismutase (the king of antioxidants). Betaine also protects the DNA. The zinc content of goji berries benefits the production of male semen as well as being a building block for certain key proteins that repair DNA. Finally, beta-sitosterol treats sexual impotence and prostate enlargement in men.
Liver yin: In TCM the Liver organ system is associated with eyesight and the emotion of anger (interestingly alcoholics are often associated with anger and it is well known how alcohol damages the liver). The carotenoids zeaxanthin (organic goji berries are perhaps the worlds richest source of this antioxidant), lutein and beta carotene are well known to help improve and repair the eyesight and damage to the retina. Physaline can treat hepatitis B in the liver. Betaine increases choline production in the liver, prevents fatty liver disease and detoxifies the liver.
Lung yin: The Lung organ system of TCM is associated with the immune system and the skin. Physaline has immune boosting properties. Ascorbic acid (vit. C) is well known for immune boosting as well. The benefits of goji berry's glycoconjugate polysaccharides is immunomodulation, meaning that they "re-educate" the immune system to work better permanently. Using a military metaphor, immune boosting can be likened to drafting new recruits into an army.
Although it is beneficial if your army is in need of them, having too many troops, especially fresh recruits, increases the chances of friendly fire (the immune system attacking your body by mistake). Immunomodulation can be likened to taking the basic troops you have and training them to become the "navy seals" of your body! Basically you have a smarter, more powerful and more intelligent immune system. Also, the vitamin E content of the Chinese wolfberry his good for the skin.
One historical figure that popularized the benefits of goji berry consumption for Chinese longevity was Li, Ching Yuen. At 50 years of age he was advised by a Taoist hermit he met in the mountains, who claimed to be over 500 years old, to consume a medicinal soup on a daily basis that contained goji berries (benefits are accumulated over long term daily use). Later, after living to the age of 150, he added other herbs to his "program" of centenarian foods such as he shou wu, ginseng, licorice root and gotu kola.
It was purported that Li, Ching Yuen lived to be 256 years of age. Whether or not this is true, it can no longer be proven, however this man did exist and he did live to a very advanced age. Stories of amazing individuals such as Mr. Li can teach us about things such as the benefits of making certified organic goji berries a part of our daily intake of live superfoods.
http://www.secrets-of-longevity-in-humans.com/benefits-of-goji-berry.html
