Olives are concentrated in monounsaturated fats and a good source of vitamin E. Because monounsaturated fats are less easily damaged than polyunsaturated fats, it's good to have some in our cells' outer membranes and other cell structures that contain fats, such as the membranes that surround the cell's DNA and each of its energy-producing mitochondria. The stability of monounsaturated fats translates into a protective effect on the cell that, especially when combined with the antioxidant protection offered by vitamin E, can lower the risk of damage and inflammation. In addition to vitamin E, olives contain a variety of beneficial active phytonutrient compounds including polyphenols and flavonoids, which also appear to have significant anti-inflammatory properties..
The Lemon grass is a good cleanser that helps to detoxify the Liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder and the digestive tract. It cuts down uric acid, cholesterol, excess fats and other toxins in the body while stimulating digestion, blood circulation, and lactation; it also alleviates indigestion and gastroenteritis. It is said that lemongrass also helps improve the skin by reducing acne and pimples and acts as a muscle and tissue toner. Also, it can reduce blood pressure. Just make a concoction by boiling some lemon grass leaves, let it cool for a while and drink the liquid
The outer layer of peppercorn assists in the breakdown of fat cells. Hence, peppery foods are a good way to help you shed weight.
The oil extract from basil has been found to provide protection against growth of many pathogenic bacteria which are posing a major health problem through their resistance to commonly used antibiotics.
Another component of basil’s volatile oils, eugenol, is found to be effective in blocking action of an enzyme causing inflammatory health problems such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions.
Garlic and garlic-derived supplements can help reduce the risk of heart disease in several important ways. Garlic lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, lessens destructive oxidation and decreases the formation of blood clots. It also slows hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis) and helps maintain their elasticity. At the same time, garlic decreases troublesome symptoms of atherosclerosis, such as poor circulation, fatigue and headaches.
Studies have shown that, like garlic, onions and onion extracts decrease blood lipid
levels, prevent clot formation, and lower blood pressure. Studies have also revealed
that onions have a significant effect in lowering blood sugar levels. Throughout
history, onions have also been used to treat asthma. Their action in asthma is
mostly due to their ability to inhibit the production of compounds that cause the
bronchial muscle to spasm, which then causes the muscle to relax
Pepper help enhance circulation and get oxygen to the brain. In addition, it may help keep your joints and respiratory system healthy.
The outer skin of the peppercorn may help enhance metabolism, leading to weight loss.
Cinnamon may significantly help people with type 2 diabetes improve their ability to respond to insulin, thus normalizing their blood sugar levels. Both test tube and animal studies have shown that compounds in cinnamon not only stimulate insulin receptors, but also inhibit an enzyme that inactivates them, thus significantly increasing cells’ ability to use glucose. Studies to confirm cinnamon’s beneficial actions in humans are currently underway with the most recent report coming from researchers from the US Agricultural Research Service, who have shown that less than half a teaspoon per day of cinnamon reduces blood sugar levels in persons with type 2 diabetes. Their study included 60 Pakistani volunteers with type 2 diabetes who were not taking insulin. Subjects were divided into six groups. For 40 days, groups 1, 2 and 3 were given 1, 3, or 6 grams per day of cinnamon while groups 4, 5 and 6 received placebo capsules. Even the lowest amount of cinnamon, 1 gram per day (approximately ¼ to ½ teaspoon), produced an approximately 20% drop in blood sugar; cholesterol and triglycerides were lowered as well. When daily cinnamon was stopped, blood sugar levels began to increase. (December 30, 2003)
Chinese use onions as medicines to cure coughs, angina, bacteria and some breathing issues. Similarly early Americans used onions to treat cough, cold, and asthma.
Good for Gums: Your gums are very important to keep healthy. The gums hold the teeth in place and your teeth would be in bad condition if you have unhealthy gums. By eating pineapple, you are strengthening your gums to make it through the hard years later.
Annatto is a shrub native to the Caribbean, South and Central Americas. Also referred to as the Lipstick tree, it has glossy leaves and pink starburst flowers. Seed pods are picked just as they begin to split and then dried in the sun. Peru is the largest producer while Brazil and Kenya are both known as major annatto processors.
Turmeric has a pain suppressing ability. Most of the studies to date have been on animals however Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine have recorded the medicinal health benefits of turmeric in humans over a long period of time.
This finding may indicate that nutrients in wine are responsible for the positive effect of alcoholic beverages on lung function," said Schunemann. "Red wine in moderation has been shown to be beneficial for the heart, but in this case the relationship was stronger for white wine."
Many have claimed that Tarragon works well to induce appetite and the root of Tarragon was once used to cure toothaches. It is linked to medicinal uses for digestive aid and also for the prevention of heart disease. It can be used to induce menstruation and can be used as a sale substitute for people with high blood pressure. Further medicinal purposes include use for hyperactivity depression, and as an anti bacterial aid for cuts and abrasions.
Many have claimed that Tarragon works well to induce appetite and the root of Tarragon was once used to cure toothaches. It is linked to medicinal uses for digestive aid and also for the prevention of heart disease. It can be used to induce menstruation and can be used as a sale substitute for people with high blood pressure. Further medicinal purposes include use for hyperactivity depression, and as an anti bacterial aid for cuts and abrasions.
Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol.
Several studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes.
In numerous studies, curcumin's anti-inflammatory effects were comparable to the potent anti-inflammatory drugs; both prescription and over-the-counter. Recent research suggests that curcumin may provide an inexpensive, well-tolerated, and effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. In another study, curcumin was given to a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Participants reported improvements in shortened duration of morning stiffness, lengthened walking time, and reduced joint swelling.
In terms of holistic healing benefits, scallions provide the best therapeutic benefit when the bulb of the onion is used. However, there are also health benefits found in the leafy area. Even the scallion roots are considered a health benefit with many Chinese healers recommending the use of the scallion root to treat sore throats and headache pain. For adults with chronic kidney disease, scallions may alleviate many of the secondary health complications of kidney disease, including dizziness, complications with impotence in men, and even provide some detoxification benefit to those individuals who are involved in dialysis.