All About Jackfruit You Should Know

Are you looking for unique fruit to mix with your drinks or dishes? Go to local supermarkets and buy a jackfruit. You probably never knew about this fruit before, but once you taste it, you will love it.

Jackfruit is believed indigenous to the rain forests of the Western Ghats of India. Later on, it spread early to other parts of India, Southeast Asia, the East Indies, and Philippines. Besides being planted in those areas, it is also planted in central and eastern Africa. In Brazil and Surinam, this fruit is increasingly popular. In tropical areas, it is even a common garden tree.

If you do not have any idea about this fruit, just imagine durian, but in larger shape. Do not get surprised on its size since it is known as the largest edible tree-grown fruit on earth! Can you imagine fruit which size is 350-900mm in length and 250-500mm in diameter? The weight even can reach 80 pounds!

When you first experience tasting this fruit, you may think that the smell is unpleasant. The fully ripe smell is "sharp", although it can not be compared to durian. The fruit is unusual as it is borne on the main branches, the trunks, and occasionally even from surface roots of the tree. The tree grows to an enormous size, like a large eastern oak, so it looks sturdy and massive.

When the fruit ripens, the exterior part, or the skin, turns into green or yellow. After peeling the skin, you will find large edible yellow bulbs with sweet taste. Before peeling a fresh jackfruit, you better oil your knife first because it is very sticky.

Jackfruit is often cooked for main course dishes, desserts, soups, drinks, ice creams, fruit salads, and even chips. For main course dishes, people tend to cook it when unripe and immature, but they use the fully ripe ones for desserts. It is also available canned in sugar syrup, or frozen. Some manufactures worldwide also produce dried jackfruit chips which have unique taste. You can even roast and boil the seeds!

Jackfruit contains many vitamins and minerals. It can help prevent cancer since it contains isoflavones, antioxidants, and phytonutriens. It can also help cure ulcers and indigestion. It is also good for your diet since it is a source of dietary fiber. Now, go to local markets, get a jackfruit, and mix it with your dishes!

Read How to Eat Jackfruit Ayur Jack

By Blaine F Johnston

Ashwagandha or Withania The Indian Ginseng

Ashwagandha to Enhance Immunity and Stamina

Ashwagandha is an indigenous Indian herb, which is popular in the west as the Winter Cherry. The Indian name of the herb literally means 'horse smell' (ashwa = horse, gandha = smell). It is called so because its root smells like horse's urine when wet. Ashwagandha is a small to medium sized herb, growing up to 1.5 meters at a maximum with small green flowers growing in clusters of about 25 in number. This herb is found in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, apart from India.

The main medical constituent of ashwagandha is somniferine, an alkaloid which is present in all parts of the herb. The oil extracted from its roots is composed of two constituents - a water soluble part and a water insoluble part. The water soluble part contains some sugar, while the water insoluble part contains fatty acids among other vital substances. Besides that, ashwagandha oil is also rich in tannin, glucose, potassium nitrate and several alkaloids.

Ayurveda Health benefits of ashwagandha

The following curative properties of ashwagandha are made use of in Ayurvedic medicine:-

(i) Ashwagandha is best known for its stimulating properties on the libido. It is used as an aphrodisiac in men. For this reason, ashwagandha is also referred to as the Indian ginseng.

(ii) Ashwagandha is a mild hypnotic. It can be used in allaying pains.

(iii) Ashwagandha is effective in treating urinary ailments. It can facilitate easy flow of urine. Also it helps in opening the sweat pores, which make it possible to expel liquid wastes through perspiration.

(iv) Ashwagandha is an antibiotic and an antibacterial agent.

Ashwagandha is indispensable in various constituents of Ayurvedic medicine. The following are some ways in which it is used in treatment of diseases.

(i) Common Cold

Ashwagandha is used in opening up the respiratory tract and treating diseases that originate in the chest cavity. If a person has a common cold, then the powdered root of ashwagandha is taken in quantities of three grams. Decoction of the ashwagandha root is also popularly used. In a similar fashion, the berries and seeds of the ashwagandha are also used for resolving chest complaints.

(ii) Conjunctivitis

The leaves of the ashwagandha are boiled in water and the steam is used to foment the eyes. This relieves the pain and the itchiness of sore eyes.

(iii) Digestive Disorders

Both dyspepsia and loss of appetite can be treated with ashwagandha. For this purpose, the roots of the herb are used. Ashwagandha pacifies the pitta dosha which is responsible for digestion and brings the body to a state of normalcy.

(iv) Insomnia

Due to its hypnotic properties, ashwagandha is prescribed to people who are not able to sleep soundly at nights.

(v) Loss of Libido in Men

Ashwagandha is an aphrodisiac, mostly for men. This is the curative property for which it is renowned all over the world. In order to increase sexual performance of men, Ayurvedic doctors prescribe taking three or four grams of the root with a vehicle like milk or ghee at least half an hour before performing the sexual act. For permanent treatment of these problems, a preparation of ashwagandha is made with sugar, honey, pepper and ghee. This is administered to the person once daily. In addition to increasing libido, ashwagandha can also treat male problems like spermatorrhea and premature ejaculation.

(vi) Rheumatism

Ashwagandha is taken in doses of three grams per day for the treatment of geriatric problems such as rheumatism. The root of the ashwagandha is used for this purpose.

(vii) Skin Problems

Ashwagandha has very effective properties in the treatment of problems of the skin. Its roots and leaves are ground into a paste and applied externally for the treatment of carbuncles, ulcers and swellings. In case of boils and swelling, its leaves are warmed in water and used to foment the affected parts. For bedsores and wounds, ashwagandha leaves are boiled in fat or ghee and applied.

(viii) Sterility in Women

Ashwagandha can treat sterility in women and help them conceive a child. Its roots are powdered and taken in quantities of six grams with milk. This is taken for a week continuously after menstruation.

(ix) Syphilis

Ashwagandha has antibacterial properties, which are made use of in the treatment of syphilis. A paste of its leaves is applied on the syphilitic sores continually. This relieves the itchiness of the sores and treats the disease eventually.

(x) Tuberculosis

In the treatment of tuberculosis, ashwagandha is used in the following manner. A decoction of its root is prepared with pepper and honey. This decoction is used in the treatment of tuberculosis. It is found to be especially beneficial in the treatment of scrofula, which is a painful tuberculosis of the lymph glands that manifests itself in the neck region.

Special Ayurvedic Preparations

The following are some Ayurvedic preparations in which ashwagandha is the main ingredient:-

(i) Ashwagandha lehya

Ashwagandha is made into a fine paste known as linctus. This is ashwagandha lehya which is taken for all the diseases that can be cured with the consumption of ashwagandha.

(ii) Ashwagandharishta

Ashwagandharishta is a very valuable extract of ashwagandha with several other herbs such as manjishta, yashti, arjuna, chandana, etc. It is used as a general tonic in several medical problems including debility, digestion problems and psychotic problems like hallucinations.

Precautions

Ashwagandha is a very beneficial herb, but it must never be prescribed to pregnant women. The various chemical constituents of ashwagandha can lead to abortion of the foetus. Though it is used to correct sterility itself, its use must be discontinued as soon as the woman conceives.

Also Read Health Benefits and Uses of ashwagandha


By John Anne

Sesame Oil - An Ideal Oil For Skincare and Beauty

Massage oils, skin creams, facial oils and body oils all require a carrier oil, a neutral-smelling base for essential oils and other healing oils. Many carrier oils are there simply to do the job of providing a platform for the other ingredients. But sesame oil is a carrier oil that brings its own healing and rejuvenating properties.

It is especially helpful for anyone with dry skin. Dry skin requires extra care. It is vulnerable to environmental damage and aging. Wind, sun damage and free radicals all put dry skin under constant stress, and if it is not supported, this can lead to the breakdown of skin structure that we see as "aging." Lines appear, then wrinkles, and even sagging skin. Fortunately, sesame oil is naturally rich in nutrients, particularly vitamins A and E, that provide important building materials to help the body maintain supple skin. You can protect your skin by choosing creams, oils and lotions that contain it.

In addition to nourishing the skin, sesame oil also draws toxins out of the body. Molecules in the oil attract and attach to fat-soluble toxins lodged in the skin and pores, drawing them to the skin's surface where they can be easily washed away with soap and water. So this is an oil for the whole body, not just the face and neck. It can be used as a purifying massage oil for the whole body.

In face creams, or used alone, sesame oil stimulates cell rejuvenation to create firmer, smoother skin. It is packed with vitamin A, a nutrient that repairs skin tissue and improves collagen production, Good collagen production keeps skin looking young by filling in fine lines and preventing the appearance of wrinkles.

Vitamin E is one of the best nutrients for dry skin, and this oil provides a rich, soothing and gentle source of vitamin E for topical use. It blocks free radicals from damaging the skin and helps to rejuvenate damaged skin, again, preventing lines and wrinkles from forming. Skin spots and blemishes can be reduced with vitamin E., which is very helpful when applied directly to the skin. But vitamin E is sticky and uncomfortable to use in an undiluted form. It can be too much to deal with. Fortunately, sesame oil is an ideal source of this vital nutrient. With all its natural vitamin E content, plus vitamin A and other healing and nourishing compounds, this oil makes a major contribution to any skin care product in which it is contained. Plus it can serve as a very serviceable carrier oil. What could be better?

Well, it does get better. You can rub this oil into small cuts, abrasions, and chapped skin, and it will relieve irritation and help to rejuvenate the damage, all the while fighting off fungal and viral infections.

And that is why sesame oil is so popular with manufacturers of natural skin care products. In my view, organic sesame oil is the way to go, ideally with other botanicals infused in it to maximize its healing and rejuvenating effects.

Read Role of Sesame Oil in Boosting Strength of Male Organ


Author:  Gaelle Lehrer Kennedy 

The Benefits of Black Pepper

Black pepper is probably the one spice I wouldn't want to do without, I use it in every savoury dish I cook and I can tell when someone has omitted it, even if I am eating an otherwise spicy curry. There have been some scares over the possible health risks of eating too much black pepper, but you would never be able to eat it in the quantities that can harm you.

Black pepper has always been known as a carminative, which means that it helps get rid of flatulence and intestinal gas. It is also a diuretic, and diaphoretic. The former term means that it helps remove excess water from the body and the latter means that it promotes sweating, which is useful if you have a fever. It can also boost the immune system as it has powerful antioxidant effects. If you buy whole peppercorns and grind them yourself, the outer layer will help keep you in weight loss and slim by breaking down fat cells. What more could you want from one very small spice?

Black pepper also provides us with minerals that our bodies need, such as manganese, copper, iron, chromium and calcium. It is rich in vitamin K which is found in green vegetables such as kale, broccoli and brussel sprouts.

You can add ground black pepper to herbal teas to increase its warming effects. I particularly like it with lemon juice in green tea.

In Ayurvedic medicine, practised on the Indian sub-continent, black pepper is used along with long pepper and ginger, as a remedy for a number of diseases. Alone, it is used as a remedy for cholera, colic, headache, toothache, and urinary problems. It has been applied as a paste, externally, for skin diseases.

In China it is thought to have 'warming' qualities and is used to treat what is called "cold stomach," the symptoms of which include diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

With all these health benefits it is no wonder that in the ancient world black pepper was highly- prized and even used as currency and offerings to the gods. It was the search for pepper (and other spices) that led to the discovery of new lands in the Renaissance and earlier. It was a much-sought after commodity and in the Middle Ages, a man's wealth was measured in how many peppercorns he had. Of course, it was very useful when it came to preserving meat during that time, as was salt, but the peasants couldn't afford to use peppercorns for this purpose.

Next time you look at your spice rack, think about all the health benefits there are in those small jars and only buy peppercorns and grind them yourself as you need them for maximum health benefits.

Also Read Ayurveda Health Benefits of long Pepper or Pippali



By Lynne Evans 

Dry Fruits & Dried Fruits - What's the Difference?

Hardly anybody knows that there is a vast difference between dry fruits and dried fruits. Generally when we say dry fruits we consider the dried one also but it is not so. There is a thin line of difference between the two.

Difference between dry fruits & dried fruits:

Dry fruits are basically natural and are of hard texture. Dry fruits are again divided into dehiscent - that whose seeds are contained in a seapod and indehiscent- those which are not in seedpod e.G cashewnuts, almonds, walnut, pista etc.

Dried fruits on the other hand are natural fleshy fruits which are dried either naturally or through machines such as food dehydrator e.G raisins, figs, cherries, apricots etc.

Benefits of Dry Fruits

both the dry fruits and dried fruits are essential for good health. They help in improving mental and physical development of human body. They contain high nutritional and nourishing qualities. It also helps in:

- creation of new blood cells
- strengthening the muscles
- enhancing freshness on face
- preventing anemia
- reproduction and the metabolism of fat and carbohydrates
- recommended in case of chronic constipation problems
- cases of debility and wasting diseases
- reducing young age problems of pimple, acne, dry skin and above all delays wrinkles

Examples of dry fruits and dried fruits:

Dry fruits:

cashew nuts: 

the botanical name for cashew is 'anacardium occidentale' and is also known as the the 'nature vitamin pill'. It contains relatively high fat content which counts to 12 grams per ounce and 2 grams saturated fat. This fat content is considered good in medical terms. Its fat ratio is available in 1:2:1 for saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated. Besides, it also has phytosterols, tocopherols, and sqaulene which are considered good for health and lowering the risk of heart diseases. Cashew nuts have zero percent cholesterol content. It contians 82.5 milligrams of magnessium and antioxidants high in cropper contents which helps in developing bone and connective tissue.

Almonds: 

the botanical name for almonds is prunus dulcis. Almonds are not truly nuts but drupe grown in deciduous trees. Almonds are of two kinds sweet and bitter. Almond which come out of white flowers are sweet and the ones out in pink flower are bitter. It is a rich source of vitamin e, calcium, phosphorous, iron and magnesium. It contains 26% of carbohydrates, and 24 mg of vitamin e, rich in monounsaturated fat which is considered 'good' fat. It helps in improving memory and gives strength and improves eyesight.

Pista: 

the botanical name of pista is pistacia vera. It is known as pistachio and is said to be a great source of vitamins. Pista contains phytosterols which compete with the cholesterol in the intestinal lumen and helps in reducing the cholesterol levels and keeping heart healthy. It is said to be an excellent source of copper, manganese and vitamin b6, as well as a good source of a variety of other b vitamins. It contains fiber and hence beneficial for gastrointestinal health. It is wise to take unsalted pista than the salted one as salted tends to shoot the blood pressure level.

Dried fruits:

raisins: does any one know what actually raisins are? Well, raisins are the dried grapes. Eat as you want, raw or cooked, just garnish the way you like them. Raisins come from a french word 'rasin' which means 'grapes'. The sugar percentage in raisins ranges from 67% to 72%. It helps in cleaning the blood and helps in the free flow of the blood. Raisins also help to get rid of uncleaned blood. It also acts as an antioxidants making you healthier. The minerals present in raisins mixes with estrogen and thus make the bone stronger.

Figs: the botanical name for figs are ficus carica. Figs can be eaten both fresh and dry. These plants have the highest source of calcium and fiber. The dry figs are rich in fiber, copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and vitamin k. It is really good for those suffering from constipation as it has a laxative effect and contain antioxidants.

Dates: 

date palm commonly known as the phoenix dactylifera. These are sweet edible fruits. It is one of the most beneficial food product both in terms of a medicine and tonic. It can be easily digested and hence it useful for supplying energy and repairing waste. The presence of nicotinic content helps in intestinal disturbances. It is also an excellent remedy for intoxicating alcoholism.

I hope this small description on dry fruits and dried fruits has given you the basic idea about the difference. Whatever be the difference whether it is dates, figs or cashew nuts, it is beneficial for health and thus is important.

Read - Best Dry Fruits to Increase Sperm Count Fertility

By Naresh R

Three Tips For The Ageing Taste Buds

As we age, our ability to smell and taste diminishes. Most taste loss is secondary to smell loss, but people notice the taste loss more and think of it as "taste loss" even though the underlying cause may be smell loss. Testing can often help determine whether smell or taste loss is the primary diagnosis.

Taste can begin to decline as early as age 30 and is progressive - it increases with the passing years. Most people over 50 report that food tastes a bit "flatter" or that flavour is "more blunted" than it was in their youth. This tends to cause the overuse of sugar and sweet as people try to compensate for their inability to taste as well. Too much salt and sugar can be very harmful to those with hypertension or diabetes so it is something that should be carefully monitored.

Sometimes the cause of our age related taste loss is the accumulation of years of taste bud damage from excess use of very hot, spicy foods. If you are very fond of these spices you may be damaging your taste buds. The need for ever-increasing "heat" is not a sign that you are getting used to hot peppers, it's a sign you have damaged your taste buds.

Fortunately, if you are younger than 50, your taste buds will regenerate fairly quickly, so damage can be quickly repaired if you stop using these hot spices. However, over the age of 50 taste buds do not regrow nearly as quickly so extra care should be taken to avoid damage.

In fact, about half of those between the ages of 65 and 80 will suffer from this problem though many are unaware of it. By the time we are over 80, three-quarters of us will have problems with our smell and taste.

I know from personal experience with my mom, just how many problems this can cause. For some time now, she has been complaining that food no longer has any taste and that she can't smell things as well. Now at 85, we find she is using sour milk and completely unaware of it. She eats less and less and seems to have very little appetite at all.

I embarked on a journey to learn all that I could to help her. I've learned that there are changes in the body that underlie taste loss and that it nearly always begins with smell loss. This is because true taste loss is much less common than smell loss and though few people know it, smell is an integral part of the taste experience.

As our body ages there are structural changes that occur in the skull that lead to a pinching of the olfactory (smell) nerve. Once this nerve gets pinched the messages can no longer get passed along to the brain and our brain tells us that it doesn't smell anything.

Additionally, blood flow to the brain decreases as we age and this causes the brain to work less well. Exercise is an important way to help increase blood flow, but unfortunately many older people do not get enough of it. Experts believe that exercise does help those with smell and taste loss, so if it all possible it should be incorporated into a daily routine. It doesn't have to be a lot either - just 10 minutes a day - before each meal can make a significant difference!

Finally, a third factor in the age related loss of taste and smell is an increase in the thickness of the nasal mucous which blocks the uptake of odor molecules. Drinking plenty of fluids helps to thin out the nasal mucous. Proper hydration is also known to improve smell and taste loss. When I worked with older patients who hated the taste of water, I recommended they try the many flavoured waters that are on the market today. This is a great tip for anyone that isn't fond of plain water.

Avoiding extremely spicy foods, getting some exercise, and drinking plenty of fluids are three simple ways to improve the sense of smell and taste.

Read Concept of 6 tastes or rasa in Ayurveda

By Kerry Hook

Do Not Leave Out Curd From Your Diet Program

Yogurt or curd, whatever you like to call it is every bit as tasty as it is nutritious. Apart from making you lick your lips, it can also do wonders to your overall health. Here are reasons why you cannot leave curd away from the dining table.

1. Curd has friendly bacteria called lactobacillus acidophilus that is very good for the digestive system. Curd can neutralize toxic substances before they can turn carcinogenic or cancer-causing. Curd helps to fight diarrhea, helps colon health and reduces the risk of colon cancer.

2. The healthy bacteria in curd helps to strengthen the immunity. It increases the power of white blood cells that fights infections.

3. Curd reduces the risk of osteoporosis which affects women. As yogurt is rich in phosphorous, it can be quite helpful in maintaining bone strength.

4. Curd or yogurt is packed with calcium , Vitamin B12, riboflavin and protein. One cup of curd eaten gives you 1/3 of the daily calcium requirement and 10 grams of protein everyday, which is about 20 percent of the daily requirement

5. Yogurt is good for people who want to diet, reduce their weight and get slimmer. It lowers the cholesterol levels in the body helps in weight loss

6. Curd can be easily digested which means it is highly metabolic and does not get stored as fat.

7. Curd is very good to remove the risk of vaginal infections. It removes the yeast colonies from accumulating in the female genitalia.

8. Since yogurt can be easily digested compared to milk, it is even better for people who are lactose intolerant and cannot digest milk.

9. A latest research has shown that curd can be increasingly good for the strength of your gums, root canal and teeth

Also read Health Benefits of Curd and Sugar

By Arunraj V.S.

Top Four Benefits Of Getting A Body Massage

A body massage is a special and comfortable way to have a masseuse work through the whole body. During a session, the client is at liberty to inform the masseuse where he or she thinks requires more attention. It is practised worldwide across all cultures. Most spas or beauty parlours have very unique facilities that offer this service to various clients. Most of these features and facilities are designed to provide peace of mind to an individual. Some of them have the space, furnishings, and furniture such as massage tables to make the stay as comfortable as possible. The type of personnel employed also influence the uniqueness of the spa. Body massages are known to bring about a number of benefits to the human body. These include:

· Improved blood circulation

Through body massage, the blood circulation in the body is improved. This means that oxygen in the blood is well circulated and as a result, various toxins are removed from the body. Without a good flow of oxygen into the body, an individual becomes prone to pain such as headaches and also muscle tension.

· Improve skin tone and skin health

Different oils and creams are usually used during the body massage sessions. For instance the eucalyptus oils and other herbal oils which contain especially the vitamin E supplement. Through these oils, the skin is rejuvenated. This is because the oils aid the skin cells to be revitalised.

· Peace of mind

Another important benefit that body massages give to many people is the peace of mind. Everyone needs peace of mind at some point in their lives. Having peace of mind makes an individual feel good about themselves naturally. Important decisions can be made when you are at peace and in total serenity. Your mind is opened up to a number of things like increased awareness, creativity and development plans.

· Lower stress levels

It is important to reduce stress levels at whatever costs. This is because the health conditions likely to arise as a result of stress are very severe. For instance High blood pressure which is also a very costly condition. Going through body massage sessions will help reduce stress levels and thus is an effective way of managing stress.

It also helps in improving the lifestyle and wellbeing of many people. You should do a lot of research on some of the best places that provide these services to receive this pleasurable experience that is available to all.

By Imma Sila
Also Read Health Benefits of Ksheerabala Oil

Meet the New Ginseng

Ginseng which mainly originates in Asia is a medicinal plant. Its roots are used to prevent sickness as it has healing and preventative properties. Ginseng is so widely used such that it has begun to show up in many of the everyday products available on the market, including soft drinks, juices and more.

Ashwagandha is known as Indian ginseng as it has a various array of healing properties. Ashwagandha fights the signs of aging and is one of the best herbs for the mind in terms of creating clarity. There are many positive attributes of this herb but only a few will be mentioned in this article. When used externally Ashwagandha aids in the healing of skin diseases and swelling on the skin. Similar to ginseng the herbs root is used in many forms, such as ground up to a fine powder to add to teas or to create a paste.

Herbs are very powerful substances and like anything else can become toxic to the system if too much of it is used. To prove how powerful this herb is it has been shown that it aids in the fight or relief of such diseases as AIDS, MS, cancer and alcoholism. It is wise to consult your Ayurvedic physician prior to the use of this herb so that you learn the proper ashwagandha preparation method and dosage amount according to your body type and constitution. Live healthy by being aware of the natural herbs that are available to you, but also do proper research and ask a professional.

Read about Indian Ginseng Ashwagandha -  

What is a Body Massage?

The holistic application of physical touch to affect the systems of the body-the muscular, skeletal, elimination, digestive, circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, lymphatic, emotional, mental and nervous systems is called Body massage. Body massage is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body with the hands for healing, therapeutic, pleasurable and relaxing effects. Body massage is the loving touch of the heart expressed through the hands. Professional therapeutic massage originated in China, is an age-old healing art, which can alleviate mental, physical and emotional ailments.

Let us study about the healing powers of body massage.

STRESS

Body massage helps releasing stress and tension in our bodies by increasing oxygen flow and blood circulation in the body. Excessive unresolved tension and stress in our daily lives could cause continuous muscular tension. This type of mental tension or stress diminishes the flow of oxygen and blood to the muscles and organs causing pains and aches, feelings of fatigue, symptomatic heaviness, tightness of muscles and stiffness. This can even increase the chance of strains and injuries. . Tension creates a tendency for a build up of toxins in the body, and reduces the flow of the more subtle energy or life force (Prana or Chi).  Muscular stress also deforms the skeletal anatomy, which further compounds present problems and develops new ones.

Benefits of Body massage

1. Assists weight loss

2. Improves and increases blood circulation and the flow of tissue fluid (lymph)

3. Nourishes the skin (with the right oils)

4. Soothes and relaxes nerves

5. Assists in removal of deposits of tissue

6. Releases emotional and mental tension

7. Creates a feeling of well-being

8. Gives pleasure

If you have any illness it is always advisable to inform a doctor before you go for a body massage.

Also Read  Manifold Wonders of Massage Therapy

Natural Cures For Diabetes

Natural cures for diabetes can serve as a healthy alternative to prescription medications for many Type 2 diabetes sufferers.

The fact t is, hundreds of Americans discover that they have type 2 Diabetes every week. It is also thought that nearly 15 million Americans are currently affected by diabetes and the number rises almost daily.

As you nay know, diabetes can is divided into two categories. The first is Type 1 in which the body is unable to produce insulin. Type 2 is where the body continues to produce insulin, but in insufficient quantities.

Type 1 diabetes, used to be called childhood diabetes because it tends to afflict children and young adults. On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes can occur at any age and is often afflicts older people - especially those who are overweight..

The good news for anyone diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is that it can be managed and that there are natural remedies and herbs that can help.

Herbs that can help
Some of the most popular and effective herbs that can be used to treat and manage diabetes include the following.

Bitter gourd

This is most likely the best and most effective way to treat diabetes. It is also known as karela.. You can benefit from eating this vegetable as often as possible. If you would rather not eat the vegetable, youk can take one tablespoon of the juice on a daily basis. Bitter gourd can educe the blood sugar levels in your blood and urine.

Amla

This herb is very high in vitamin C this and, as such, can help control diabetes. If you take a single tablespoon of it every day, for two months or longer, plus a cup of the gourd juice, it will help the pancreas secret insulin.

Belpatra, neem and tulsi.

Take 10 bellpatra, 10 neem leaves and 10 tulsi leaves first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and this can help keep your blood sugar level stable.

Fenugreek seeds

Mix 2 teaspoons of powdered fenugreek seeds with milk and drink daily. As an alternative, eat and swallow the seeds whole.

Curry leaves

If your type 2 diabetes has been linked to obesity, eat tender, freshly matured curry leaves daily for three months. This can also help prevent the onset of diabetes due to hereditary factors.

See your doctor

As with all herbal remedies, you should definitely see your doctor's advice before medicating yourself, especially if you are taking any medicines that your doctor has prescribed to help control the disease.



Also read
Neem a natural boon for diabetics
Ayurveda medicinal properties of Tulsi

Diabetes diet facts and ayurveda view

Patients suffering from diabetes have to be well educated about their diet to keep the blood sugar level under control. A well planned diet always helps to keep the diabetic complications at bay. Here are few important facts which have to be carefully noted by diabetic patients, while consuming food.

1.Spread your daily diet over three healthy meals and two healthy snacks.

2.Strictly avoid extra intake of salt. Pickles, fast foods, chips, chats etc are laden with salt. Hence avoid these in your diet.

3.Reduce Fat in your diet. Increased fat doubles the chances of heart diseases especially in diabetics.

4.Reduce quantity of carbohydrates.  Foods like rice, wheat, ragi, jowar etc are rich in carbohydrates. Reducing the quantity helps to control diabetes.

5.Strictly say no to sugar , sweets, chocolates,  ice creams, soft drinks etc.

6.Include foods which are rich in nutrients like proteins, vitamins and minerals. Pulses, sprouts, green leafy vegetables, fruits, skimmed milk, butter milk etc are good sources of above mentioned nutrients.

7.Avoid foods which have high glycemic index. Potatoes, carrots, breads and banana have high glycemic index and they increase the blood-sugar levels.

8.Avoid red meat and reduce consumption of eggs. Lean fish can be used once in a week. It is always advisable for non vegetarians to slowly shift to vegetarian diet to prevent the complications of diabetes.

9.Ayurveda acharyas strongly suggest not to eat sweets and preparations which are made from sugar and jaggary(gur)  as main ingredient.

10.Texts of ayurveda recommend reduced intake of food which are rich in starch.

11.In ayurveda text “yogaratnakara” , it is mentioned that increased intake of cooked rice (anna), full fat milk (ksheera), red meat and other kapha increasing foods leads to diabetes.


This article is copy righted. The author Dr.SavithaSuri is an Ayurvedic Physician and web master of Know better-food, diet and nutrition .Read more at  Diabetes diet facts and ayurveda view

Health benefits of sesame seeds

1. Sesame seeds contain Vitamin B1,B2, B3 and E.

2. They have powerful antioxidants and help to fight cancer.

3. These oil seeds contain antioxidants sesamol and sesamolin which protects the sesame oil from rancidity. Hence foods fried in sesame oil have long shelf life.

4. Sesame seeds are oil seeds and contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

5. They also contain minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium.

6. These seeds supply required iron and minerals in lactating mothers. Texts of ayurveda eulogize the galactogague properties of sesame seeds.

7. Texts of ayurveda recommend usage of roasted and powdered sesame seeds along with gur in conditions like painful menstruation.

8. Chewing of sesame seeds help to reduce toothache.

9. Consuming sesame seeds along with whole grains help to regularize bowel movement and relieve constipation.

10. They act as brain tonic.

11. Regular consumption of sesame seeds help to strengthen the bone and prevent osteoporosis. The minerals calcium and phosphorus present in these seeds, help to build strong bones.

12. Ayurveda acharyas recommend consuming of these seeds in diabetes to reduce frequency of micturition.

13. According ancient Indian medicine sesame seeds are very good aphrodisiacs and help in erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.

Also Read  Ayurveda Medicinal properties of sesame

Article source = 13 Health Benefits of Sesame seeds