Sunday, November 15, 2009

Health Benefits of Cashew Nuts



Cashew is a bean shaped nut that grows on a tropica

evergreen tree. The casher tree is related to poison ivy

and the shell of the cashew nuts contains an irritating poison.

People who touch the shell sometimes develop skin rashes

/blisters; this is the reason why cashew nuts are always sold

shelled and dried. Even the so-called "raw" cashews have

actually been roasted to remove all the poison/toxic resin

from the nuts. Cashew nuts has a high content of

monounsaturated fats, copper and magnesium

Nutritional Content: Per 100 gms.

  • Thiamine: .63 mg.
  • Riboflavin: .19 mg.
  • Niacin: 2.1 mg.
  • Calcium: 46 mg.
  • Phosphorus: 428 mg.
  • Fat: 48.2 gm.
  • Carbohydrates: 27 gm.
  • Protein: 18.5 gm.
  • Calories: 578

Health Benefits:

  • Good body builder
  • Cashew has no cholesterol.
  • Cashew helps maintain healthy gums and teeth.
  • Cashew is an energizing food.
  • Cashew contains healthy monounsaturated
  • fat that promotes good cardiovascular health,
  • because monounsaturated fats reduce high
  • triglyceride levels which are associated with
  • increased risk for heart disease.
  • Cashew is rich in antioxidants that help in the
  • elimination of free radicals that may cause some
  • cancer.
  • Magnesium works with calcium to support healthy
  • muscles and bones in the body. It also helps promote
  • normal sleep patterns in menopausal women.
  • Cashew nuts have a high energy density and high
  • amount of dietary fiber, both have been attributed
  • to a beneficial effect on weight management, but
  • only when eaten in moderation
  • Cashew's has high copper content is vital in energy
  • production, greater flexibility in blood vessels, bones
  • and joints.
  • Cashew nut consumption helps the body utilize iron,
  • eliminate free radicals, develop bone and connective
  • tissue, and produce the skin and hair pigment melanin.

Storage tips: Cashews spoil quickly at room temperature

and should be refrigerated. If refrigerated in a tightly sealed

container, they will keep for six months or up to a year if frozen.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Health Benefits of Grapes

Good News from the Grapevine

Grapes can be eaten fresh or dried (raisins), while grape juice
is a favorite beverage. Although seedless grapes are highly
sought after for table grapes, the absence of seeds does
diminish the phytochemical content of the grape. Grapes
are also used for making jam and jelly.

Currants are dried Zante grapes, but the name currant
has also been applied to two berries, black currants and
red currants, that are unrelated to grapes. Sultanas were
originally raisins derived from a lighter grape of Turkish
origin.

Concord grapes

Grape seeds provide an edible oil. Grape seed extract is
also available as a supplement. It is claimed to strengthen
capillary walls, so that it finds use in the treatment of
venous insufficiency, and edema following surgery. It
also reduces the risk of blood clots.

Many of the health benefits attributed to red/purple
grapes are due to the pigments that are concentrated
largely in the skin and seeds, which have about 100
times higher level than the pulp of the grape. Anthocyanins
tend to be the main polyphenolics in red grapes while the
catechins are the more abundant phenolic in white grapes.
The phenolic content of grape skins depends upon the
variety, the soil, climate, geography, cultivation practice,
and exposure to fungal infections. Grapes are also rich in
ellagic acid, a potent flavonoid that helps fight cancer.

Grapes and grape juice function in different ways in the
cardiovascular system. The pigments in red, purple and
black grapes protect the cardiovascular system by a
number of mechanisms that include the suppression of
blood clots, inhibition of LDL cholesterol oxidation,
reduced homocysteine levels, and anti-atherosclerotic
properties. Grapes stimulate endothelial nitric oxide
production which induces relaxation of the blood vessel
walls, and a reduction in blood pressure levels. Recently,
it was shown that a Concord grape extract lowered
LDL cholesterol, raised HDL cholesterol, and decreased
plasma inflammatory biomarkers.

Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene), a
dietary constituent found in grapes exerts a wide variety
of pharmacological activities. Resveratrol is as an effective
agent for cancer chemoprevention due its ability to block
many steps in the carcinogenesis process. Resveratrol
contained in red grapes and berries has been shown to
inhibit prostate cancer cell growth, induce apoptosis,
influence interleukin-6, and exert immuno-modulatory
effect on mouse lymphocytic leukemia. One of the possible
mechanisms for the protective activity of resveratrol is
by down regulation of inflammatory responses.
Resveratrol also inhibits the nuclear transcription factor,
NFkappaB.

Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins are two
groups of polyphenolics in Concord and similar grape
juices. These substances show cancer preventive and
anti-proliferative properties and can detoxify the
activity of some cancer-causing substances. Concord
grape juice can protect healthy breast cells from DNA
damage caused by a chemical carcinogen. Grape juice
also suppresses the growth and development of breast
cancer cells in laboratory animals given chemically
induced tumors. The grape juice reduced both mammary
tumor size and the number of tumors per animal. The
pigments in grape juice also improve immune
responsiveness.

Vineyard Stock Photography VINEYARD

Promising data suggests the use of grape juice to
promote brain health and delay neurodegenerative
diseases
. Participants that drank purple grape juice
and similar fruit juices three times a week were about
70% less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. When
laboratory animals were fed Concord grape juice they
showed significantly improved scores on memory and
coordination tests.

Author: Winston Craig, MPH, PhD, RD.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Health Benefits of Massage

The Health Benefits of Massage

* Massage calms the nervous system and promotes a sense of relaxation and well being.

* Massage reduces tension and anxiety.

* Massage improves blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells.

* Massage stimulates the lymphatic system, which carries away the body’s waste products.

* Massage prevents and relieve muscles cramps and spasms.

* Massage therapy can help with pain management in conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, muscle spasms.

Remind yourself of these health benefits if you start to feel guilty about getting massage!

Massage is not a good idea if you have a fever, infections, inflammation, osteoporosis and other medical conditions. If you have any questions about whether a massage would be right for you, ask to speak to a massage therapist before you make your appointment.


The popularity of receiving massage treatments has been growing substantially in the last 10 years. Many people recognize that receiving natural therapies such as massage is very beneficial to the body. However, many people have never received a massage simply because they either do not make the time to see a masseuse or they feel that pain for a one-hour massage plus gratuity is very expensive. As always, technology now offers other possibilities to receive the benefit of receiving frequent massage therapy.


G-Pro Gold

Massage chairs have advanced rapidly over the years. They now contain a number of different types of technologies which come together to provide very effective massage treatments. Whether you would like a full body massage or prefer to target a specific area, massage chairs are a practical alternative to receiving frequent massage therapy.

Many people are conscious of their bodies and our timid to get a massage in nothing but a towel. They also may not feel comfortable going to see a masseuse for whatever reasons. It massage chair provides a convenient method to receive the positive benefits of massage treatment with out the embarrassment.

Although there are many benefits to receiving frequent massage treatments. The important thing to note is that massage must be received on a regular basis. Massage chairs provide a practical and convenient way to receive frequent massage therapy in your home or office.

Many of us are feeling much more stress today than perhaps ever before. The changing situation in the world is causing the stress levels of everyone to rise. It seems that we are working harder to stay where we are at.

The impact of stress on the body can be enormous. We come under stress; our minds tend to concentrate on the problems at hand. This can cause tension in the body. This tension often results in stiffness showing up in different parts of your body.

Massage chairs provide an effective means to combat stress in its early stages. When we start to come under stress, this is the perfect time to get a massage chair treatment. A massage helps to ease the tension in the body and to relax the mind.

Oftentimes we are so busy in our hectic schedules that we don't take enough time for our health and well-being. A massage chair is a constant reminder that we need to take a time out for ourselves. Just a few minutes a day can have an enormous effect on your outlook and health.

Relaxation is a critical part of leading a healthy lifestyle. If we are always on the go and never relax then our body doesn't have sufficient time to heal. Relaxation helps to distract the mind to calm and quiet it. This gives the body time to heal rather than be under stress.

Frequent massage chair therapy helps to improve the circulatory flow. The stimulation of muscles and other tissues in the body helps it better process. Enhance circulatory flow helps you feel better and can also help to lower blood pressure and improve pulse rates. Of course, you should always check with your medical professional to make sure that a massage chair is right for your situation.

Massage chairs offer a way to relieve minor aches and pains in the body. They are especially effective in relieving stiffness due to stress or physical exertion. Many common ailments can be relieved with the stimulating and invigoration that the various massage programs in a massage chair contain.

Get frequent massage chair therapy to enhance your health and well-being. Massage chairs provide you with a practical, convenient and economical way to receive frequent massage treatments. Massage chairs are a constant reminder to take the time to relax a few minutes a day which can have a great impact on your total health and outlook.

The entire family can receive all the Massage Chair Benefits on a daily basis. Massage chairs provide you great access to frequent massage therapy. See how Massage Chairs can help you keep your stress in check with stimulating and invigorating massage therapy at your fingertips.

Here are some tips adapted from the American Massage Therapy Association to help you enjoy your massage.

* Be receptive. Don't eat just before a massage session.

* Breathing helps to facilitate relaxation. People often stop breathing when they feel anxious or a sensitive area is massaged. If you realize this is happening, remind yourself to breath.

* Try not to tighten up during the massage. Let your massage therapist know if this is happening. They may need to adjust the massage technique being used. They may also be able to help you relax the affected area.

* Drink extra water after a massage.

* Allow for some open, quiet time after your massage session if possible. Sometimes one needs a little time to integrate or absorb the results of the massage session or needs some "re-entry" time.

Remember, massage has its greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often a person gets a massage, the better he or she will feel and the more quickly one’s body will respond. If you are getting massage to address chronic muscular tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session is usually needed, so be prepared to schedule several sessions.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Flowers I Love

As you can see, I like to post pictures of flowers in
this blog. It goes to show how much I love flowers.
For me they are so beautiful and delicate. They bring joy
and smiles to those who see them, what more to receive
a bouquet of it from someone close.

Bouquet of Flowers by Keith Kerr.


I liken good honest Muslims to flowers because they
are beautiful due to their characteristics and god- fearing
souls. But unlike the flowers, Muslims are delicately pretty
inside and out. Delicate here indicates their sensitivity
towards any issue regarding man and not their weaknesses.
The flower petals are delicate when being touched or blown
by the wind.

Muslims bring joy to other people for they bring goodness
and security to the society they live in. People in large would
feel calm and safe when being around Muslims whom
they trust.

Picture of Poppies - Free Pictures - FreeFoto.com
Unto Him belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever
is in the earth, and whatsoever is between them, and whatsoever
is beneath the sod. (6)
And if thou speakest aloud, then lo! He
knoweth the secret (thought) and (that which is yet) more hidden.
(7)
Allah! There is no God save Him. His are the most beautiful
names. (8)
(Toha)
Picture of Poppy - Free Pictures - FreeFoto.com


Picture of Flowers in a Garden Border - Free Pictures - FreeFoto.com
A bed of flowers

Picture of Aubretia - Free Pictures - FreeFoto.com
Aubretia

Picture of Sunflower - Free Pictures - FreeFoto.com
Sunflowers

Picture of Water Lily - Free Pictures - FreeFoto.com
Waterlily

Picture of Water Lily - Free Pictures - FreeFoto.com
White Water Lily

Picture of Hanging Basket - Free Pictures - FreeFoto.com
Hanging Basket

Picture of Daffodils - Free Pictures - FreeFoto.com
Daffodils

Picture of Tulips - Free Pictures - FreeFoto.com
Tulips

Picture of Rhododendron - Free Pictures - FreeFoto.com
Rhododendron

Red Rose

And strain not thine eyes toward that which We cause some wedded

pairs among them to enjoy, the flower of the life of the world, that

We may try them thereby. The provision of thy Lord is better and

more lasting. (131) And enjoin upon thy people worship, and be

constant therein. We ask not of thee a provision: We provided for thee.

And the sequel is for righteousness. (132: Toha)

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Migraine Headache

Migraine Headache Remedies | Migraine Headache Treatments

Migraine Headache are paroxysmal ailments, that are accompanied by a severe headaches. The headache normally occurs on one side of the head. Migraines is associated with disorders of digestion, liver, and sight. Migraine headache occur sometimes due to great mental tension and stress. Migraine headache patients are typically smart, inflexible, disciplined. Sudden migraines attacks may occur due to overworked muscles in the head and neck and due to continuous stress. The blood flow drops because these tight muscles squeeze the arteries. When the person suddenly relaxes these tight muscles expand and stretch the blood vessel walls. The blood pumped with each heartbeat then pushes the vessels further causing immense pain.



Migraine Headache Symptoms:

Pain on one side of the head:

Migraine headache have a certain pattern: Normally, the pain is on only one side of the head and often starts from behind the eye. The migraines attack is concentrated on the left side on once occasion and on another you have a headaches on the right side.

A short period of depression, irritability and loss of appetite:

Migraines and depression are sometimes related in some persons. The affected person may have a period of depression prior to a migraines attack. Migraine headache also are sometimes preceded loss of appetite and irritability. Migraines attacks may occur every day in some people or may occur with a weeks gap or a month or may be over a year. There is no predictable migraines attack cycle that has been established yet.

Pounding pain, nausea, and vomiting:

Symptoms of migraine include pounding pain, nausea and vomiting. You can feel the blood pulsating through the affected side of the head.

Numbness or weakness in an arm or leg, or on one side of the face:

Migraines pain may be preceded by numbness and weakness or an arm or a leg. The eye may start paining or one side of the face gets numb prior to a migraine headache. In some cases the entire face and tongue may get numb making the speech slurry. Digestive problems are experienced sometimes as the headaches develops.

Common Migraine (without aura) symptoms:

Irritability, laziness, stiff neck, yawning are signs of common migraines (migraine without aura). Confused thinking, weakness, difficulty in concentrating are some other signs.


Migraine relief diet Migraine Headache Relief:

Fasting on orange juice and water:

Cleansing the body of toxins is important for effective treatment of migraine headache. Fast for 2-3 days on orange juice and water. Alternatively, fast on juices of carrot, celery or cucumber.

Avoid foods like white flour products, sugar, tinned or preserved foods, etc:

To prevent migraines avoid or reduce white flour products, sugar, confectionery, rich cakes, pastries, sweets, refined cereals, greasy foods, tinned or preserved foods, pickles, condiments and sauces.

All-fruit diet:

3-4 fruit based meals for about 2-3 days after the juice diet could help relieve some of the migraines pain.

Well-balanced diet of seeds, nuts etc:

Adopt a well-balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables and fruits. Include milk, yoghurt, buttermilk, vegetable oils, and honey. All fruit diet for a couple of days each month can keep your body cleansed as a migraines therapy.

Eat frequent small meals, Copious drinking of water is essential:

Drink water regularly and in good quantity. Eat frequent smaller meals than lesser large meals. This help your digestion process.

Other migraines treatment:

* Take warm-water enema to cleanse bowels.Cleanse the bowels by taking warm water enema during the fruit juice diet.

* Hot bath, cold compress applied to head.A hot foot bath, fomentation over the stomach and spine, cold compress applied to the head, and towels wrung out of very hot water and frequently applied to the neck will go a long way in relieving

migraine headache
.

* Plenty of exercise and walk in fresh air is essential.Exercise regularly and frequent fresh air walks help relieve migraines tension.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

HEALTH BENEFITS OF EXERCISE

13 Scientifically Proven Health Benefits Of Exercise

We've all heard it before, "Exercise is good for you because...."

Nowadays you can't check out at the grocery store or do much of anything without being reminded that us mortal humans need to exercise. Still, we persist, procrastinate and eventually complain that we're overweight, sick, dying, etc.

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Listen. Some exercise is better than none, more exercise is generally better than less, and no exercise can be disastrous. No one is asking for you to start a rigorous daily regimen, just do something. If you need motivation, here is a list of scientifically proven health benefits that regular exercise brings.
  • Longevity. People who are physically active live longer. According to a 20 year follow-up study, regular exercise reduces the risk of dying prematurely.

  • New brain cell development, improved cognition and memory. Exercise stimulates the formation of new brain cells. Researchers found that the areas of the brain that are stimulated through exercise are responsible for memory and learning. For instance, older adults who engage in regular physical activity have better performances in tests implying decision-making process, memory and problem solving.

  • Improved sexual function and better sex life. Regular exercise maintains or improves sex life. Physical improvements in muscle strength and tone, endurance, body composition and cardiovascular function can all enhance sexual functioning in both men and women. Researchers revealed that men who exercise regularly are less likely to have erectile dysfunction and impotence than are men who don't exercise.

  • Exercise is a powerful antidepressant. Study after study has shown that exercise promotes mental health and reduces symptoms of depression. The antidepressant effect of regular physical exercise is comparable to the potent antidepressants like Zoloft. It may take at least 30 minutes of exercise a day for at least three to five days a week to significantly improve symptoms of depression
  • Cardiovascular health. Lack of physical activity is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Regular exercising makes your heart, like any other muscle, stronger. A stronger heart can pump more blood with less effort.

  • Cholesterol lowering effect. Exercise itself does not burn off cholesterol like it does with fat, however, exercise favorably influences blood cholesterol levels by decreasing LDL (bad) cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.

  • Prevention and control of diabetes. There is strong evidence from high quality studies (e.g. Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study) that moderate physical activity combined with weight loss and balanced diet can confer a 50-60% reduction in risk of developing diabetes.

  • Blood pressure lowering. The way in which exercise can cause a reduction in blood pressure is unclear, but all forms of exercise seem to be effective in reducing blood pressure. Aerobic exercise appears to have a slightly greater effect on blood pressure in hypertensive individuals than in individuals without hypertension.

  • Reduced risk of stroke. Research data indicates that moderate and high levels of physical activity may reduce the risk of total, ischemic, and hemorrhagic strokes.

  • Weight control. Regular exercise helps to reach and maintain a healthy weight. If you take in more calories than needed in a day, exercise offsets a caloric overload and controls body weight. It speeds the rate of energy use, resulting in increased metabolism. When metabolism increases through exercise, you will maintain the faster rate for longer periods of a day.

  • Muscle strength. Health studies repeatedly show that strength training increases muscle strength and mass and decreases fat tissue.

  • Bone strength. An active lifestyle benefits bone density. Regular weight-bearing exercise promotes bone formation, delays bone loss and may protect against osteoporosis - form of bone loss associated with aging.

  • Better night sleep. If you suffer from poor sleep, daily exercise can make the difference. The natural dip in body temperature five to six hours after exercise may help to fall asleep.
Written by C. Simmons of HealthAssist.net