Preliminary results from studies have indicated that cinnamon has antifungal, antibacterial and antiparasitic properties. Cinnamon has been found to be effective in fighting vaginal yeast infections, oral yeast infections, stomach ulcers and head lice
Denmark researchers have discovered that ginger can block the effects of prostaglandins. These are substances that cause inflammation of the blood vessels
in the brain, which leads to migraines. Though the results are still experimental, 1/3 teaspoon of fresh of powdered ginger taken when you feel a migraine coming on can help stop pain before it starts. Using the same theory, ginger has been found to produce "marked" relief in arthritis pain. The ginger tea described above or 1/2 teaspoon of ginger is recommended by Danish researchers for arthritis relief
Scientific research has found that astragalus is effective in checking diabetes. Astragalus extracts and supplements are now quite common in the drug stores. But nothing beats preparing the real thing in a chinese soup.
Capsaicin, the stuff that turns up the heat , not only causes the tongue to burn, it also drives prostate cancer cells to kill themselves, according to studies published in the March 15 issue of Cancer Research.
Research carried out in 2006 at the IIT Research Institute in Chicago showed that a compound (ixocarpalactone A or IxoA) isolated from the edible part of tomatillos caused human colon cancer cells to stop dividing and to disintegrate. This research is continuing.
Chili peppers' bright red color signals its high content of beta-carotene or pro-vitamin A. Just two teaspoons of red chili peppers provide about 6% of the daily value for vitamin C coupled with more than 10% of the daily value for vitamin A. Often called the anti-infection vitamin, vitamin A is essential for healthy mucous membranes, which line the nasal passages, lungs, intestinal tract and urinary tract and serve as the body's first line of defense against invading pathogens.
inger's anti-vomiting action has been shown to be very useful in reducing the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, even the most severe form, hyperemesis gravidum, a condition which usually requires hospitalization. In a double-blind trial, ginger root brought about a significant reduction in both the severity of nausea and number of attacks of vomiting in 19 of 27 women in early pregnancy (less than 20 weeks). Unlike antivomiting drugs, which can cause severe birth defects, ginger is extremely safe, and only a small dose is required.
A review of six double-blind, randomized controlled trials with a total of 675 participants, published in the April 2005 issue of the journal, Obstetrics and Gynecology,has confirmed that ginger is effective in relieving the severity of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. The review also confirmed the absence of significant side effects or adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes.
A study at the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Milan in Italy has concluded that thymol, the major component of thyme, has the ability to interfere with the formation of candida.
A preliminary in-vitro study has determined the effectiveness of thymol, and other oil extracts in treating onychomycosis, the fungal infection of toe and fingernails.
The soaked maize is then washed, and the wet corn is ground into a dough, called masa. It is this fresh masa, when dried and powdered, that becomes masa harina. (Add water once again to make dough for tortillas or tamales.)
Fresh masa is available in Mexican markets, refrigerated and sold by the pound. But masa harina is a fine substitute. Availability and your personal taste determine whether you start with fresh or dried masa.
Do not substitute corn meal or regular corn flour, however; they're produced from different types of corn and are processed differently. They will not produce the same results. Regular wheat flour also cannot be substituted.
Sweet potato may help prevent cancer in glands and organs with epithelial tissue due to its high Vitamin A content.
Fresh tomatillos can be refrigerated for a maximum period of about two weeks. However, if you remove the husks and place the ripe fruit in breathe-through plastic bags before refrigeration, tomatillos can lasts for about a month.
Presence of lauric acid in coconut milk renders anti fungal, anti bacterial and anti viral properties to it. The effect is that it is excellent when it comes to fighting infections.
Yellow peppers are high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids. They also contain beta-carotene, vitamin B6, and potassium. They contain powerful antioxidant properties. This means they protect against cancer and heart disease.
Masa is Spanish for dough, but in Mexico it sometimes refers to cornmeal dough (masa de maíz in Spanish). It is used for making tortillas, tamales, pupusas, arepas and many other Latin American dishes. The dried and powdered form is called masa de harina or maseca (which is actually a commercial brand); it is reconstituted with water.
Corn husk, as the very name suggests, is the outer shell of corn. While it is easily available in the market, you can also take out the husk of the corn on your own, with a little time and effort. Cornhusk is useful to us in many ways. It is used in making Mexican dish (made of cornmeal
batter and shredded meat), apart from being a raw materials in many crafts and decorative items. However, to make corn husk useful, you will first need to boil it in water. Thereafter, pat it dry and then start using it. Another option is to peel the corn on the cob and dry the peels, before using them. Cornhusk is also known by the name of tamale wrapper, since it is often used for wrapping tamales. Read on to know more about the various uses of corn husks.