Benefits of Bean Sprouts

Certainly bean sprouts are a storehouse of number of vitamins and minerals. Bean sprouts not just have a lovely fresh flavor but they are extremely good for your health too. The bean sprouts that are easily available for you in market to relish are generally the sprouted moong beans. But you can easily sprout aduki bens, alfalfa, lentils and soybeans at your home too.

Do you know that the sprouting process of beans not only increase the nutritive value of beans but also reduces its calorific value too. Sprouted beans increase the digestive enzymes which facilitates digestion process of your body. But before indulging into a sprouting process, make sure you allow that much amount of humidity and warmth which are needed for proper sprouting otherwise it could lead to the growth of harmful bacteria. Therefore Extreme hygiene and caution should be taken during sprouting process to avoid the food borne illnesses.

Beans contains significant amount of proteins, vitamin C and number of essential B vitamins which are needed by your body for proper functioning of various body system.

People who go on for dieting, beans sprouts serve their best purpose. Mind it, the bean sprouts forms the ideal food for calorie conscious people as beans are very low in calories and can be eaten without any dressing over it.

Beans sprouts a have an excellent flavor, can be eaten raw in forms in salads or between sandwiches.

You can even treat bean sprouts as a snack item that can be eaten at any time of day. But Make sure you use the sprouts soon after buying. Don’t keep them for long hours, they might taste sour. Go for firm sprouts which are green and yellow in color not the limp ones. Avoid the ones that are turning brown.

Bean Sprouts

Energy value (calories per serving): Low

Protein: High Fat: Low

Saturated fat: Low

Cholesterol: None

Carbohydrates: High

Fiber: Moderate Sodium: Low

Major vitamin contribution: B vitamins, folate, vitamin C Major mineral contribution: Iron, potassium

 

About The Nutrients in Bean Sprouts

 

Because beans use stored starches and sugars to produce green shoots called sprouts, sprouted beans have less carbohydrate than the beans from which they grow. But bean sprouts are a good source of dietary fiber, including insoluble cellulose and lignin in leaf parts and soluble pectin and gums in the bean. The sprouts are also high in the B vitamin folate and vitamin C.

 

One-half cup raw mung bean sprouts has 1.2 g dietary fiber, 31.5 mcg folate (16 percent of the RDA for a man, 17.5 percent of the RDA for a woman), and 7 mg vitamin C (11.5 percent of the RDA).

 

Raw beans contain anti-nutrient chemicals that inhibit the enzymes we use to digest proteins and starches; hemagglutinens (substances that make red blood cells clump together); and "factors" that may inactivate vitamin A. These chemicals are usually destroyed when the beans are heated. Sprouted beans served with the bean must be cooked before serving.

 

Buying Bean Sprouts

 

Look for: Fresh, crisp sprouts. The tips should be moist and tender. (The shorter the sprout, the more tender it will be.) It is sometimes difficult to judge bean sprouts packed in plastic bags, but you can see through to tell if the tip of the sprout looks fresh. Sprouts sold from water-filled bowls should be refrigerated, protected from dirt and debris, and served with a spoon or tongs, not scooped up by hands.

 

Avoid: Mushy sprouts (they may be decayed) and soft ones (they have lost moisture and vitamin C).

 

Storing Bean Sprouts

 

Refrigerate sprouts in a plastic bag to keep them moist and crisp. If you bought them in a plastic bag, take them out and repack them in bags large enough that they do not crush each other. To get the most vitamin C, use the sprouts within a few days.

 

Preparing Bean Sprouts

 

Rinse the sprouts thoroughly under cold running water to get rid of dirt and sand. Discard any soft or browned sprouts, then cut off the roots and cook the sprouts.

 

Do not tear or cut the sprouts until you are ready to use them. When you slice into the sprouts, you tear cells, releasing enzymes that begin to destroy vitamin C.

 

What Happens When You Cook Bean Sprouts

 

Cooking destroys some of the heat-sensitive vitamin C in sprouts. To save it, steam the sprouts quickly, stir-fry them, or add them uncooked just before you serve the dish.

 

How Other Kinds of Processing Affect This Food

 

Canning. Vitamin C is heat-sensitive, and heating the sprouts during the canning process reduces their vitamin C content.

 

Medical Uses and/or Benefits

 

Lower risk of some birth defects. As many as two of every 1,000 babies born in the United States each year may have cleft palate or a neural tube (spinal cord) defect due to their mothers' not having gotten adequate amounts of folate during pregnancy. The current RDA for Eolate is 180 mcg for a woman and 200 mcg for a man, but the FDA now recommends 400 mcg for a woman who is or may become pregnant. Taking folate supplements before becoming pregnant and continuing through the first two months of pregnancy reduces the risk of cleft palate; taking folate through the entire pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects.

 

Lower risk of heart attack. In the spring of 1998, an analysis of data from the records for more than 80,000 women enrolled in the long-running Nurses Health Study at Harvard School of Public Health/Brigham and Woman's Hospital in Boston demonstrated that a diet providing more than 400 mcg folate and 3 mg vitamin B6 a day from either food or supplements, more than twice the current RDA for each, may reduce a woman's risk of heart attack by almost 50 percent. Although men were not included in the analysis, the results are assumed to apply to them as well. NOTE: Fruit, green leafy vegetables, beans, whole grains, meat, fish, poultry, and shellfish are good sources of vitamin B6.

 

Adverse Effects Associated with Bean Sprouts

 

Food poisoning: Reacting to an outbreak of Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 food poisoning associated with eating raw alfalfa sprouts, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning in 1998 and again in summer 1999, cautioning those at high risk of food-borne illness not to eat any raw sprouts. The high-risk group includes children, older adults, and people with a weakened immune system (for example, those who are HIV-positive or undergoing cancer chemotherapy). Tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1999 suggest that irradiating raw sprouts and bathing them in an antiseptic solution at the processing plant may eliminate disease organisms and prolong the vegetable's shelf life; this remains to be proven.

Source:

http://www.ayushveda.com/womens-magazine/health-benefits-of-bean-sprouts/

http://www.asianonlinerecipes.com/vegetables-guide/bean-sprouts-2.php

Benefits of Apples

The apple is the pomaceous fruit of the apple tree, species Malus domestica in the rose family Rosaceae. It is one of the most widely cultivated tree fruits. The tree is small and deciduous, reaching 3 to 12 metres (9.8 to 39 ft) tall, with a broad, often densely twiggy crown.[1] The leaves are alternately arranged simple ovals 5 to 12 cm long and 3–6 centimetres (1.2–2.4 in) broad on a 2 to 5 centimetres (0.79 to 2.0 in) petiole with an acute tip, serrated margin and a slightly downy underside. Blossoms are produced in spring simultaneously with the budding of the leaves. The flowers are white with a pink tinge that gradually fades, five petaled, and 2.5 to 3.5 centimetres (0.98 to 1.4 in) in diameter. The fruit matures in autumn, and is typically 5 to 9 centimetres (2.0 to 3.5 in) diameter. The center of the fruit contains five carpels arranged in a five-point star, each carpel containing one to three seeds.

The tree originated from Central Asia, where its wild ancestor is still found today. There are more than 7,500 known cultivars of apples resulting in range of desired characteristics. Cultivars vary in their yield and the ultimate size of the tree, even when grown on the same rootstock.

At least 55 million tonnes of apples were grown worldwide in 2005, with a value of about $10 billion. China produced about 35% of this total. The United States is the second leading producer, with more than 7.5% of the world production. Turkey, France, Italy and Iran are among the leading apple exporters.

Benefits of apples

Bone Protection
French researchers found that a flavanoid called phloridzin that is found only in apples may protect post-menopausal women from osteoporosis and may also increase bone density. Boron, another ingredient in apples, also strengthens bones.

Asthma Help
One recent study shows that children with asthma who drank apple juice on a daily basis suffered from less wheezing than children who drank apple juice only once per month. Another study showed that children born to women who eat a lot of apples during pregnancy have lower rates of asthma than children whose mothers ate few apples.

Alzheimer's Prevention
A study on mice at Cornell University found that the quercetin in apples may protect brain cells from the kind of free radical damage that may lead to Alzheimer's disease. 

Lower Cholesterol
The pectin in apples lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol. People who eat two apples per day may lower their cholesterol by as much as 16 percent.

Lung Cancer Prevention
According to a study of 10,000 people, those who ate the most apples had a 50 percent lower risk of developing lung cancer. Researchers believe this is due to the high levels of the flavonoids quercetin and naringin in apples.

Breast Cancer Prevention
A Cornell University study found that rats who ate one apple per day reduced their risk of breast cancer by 17 percent. Rats fed three apples per day reduced their risk by 39 percent and those fed six apples per day reduced their risk by 44 percent. 

Colon Cancer Prevention
One study found that rats fed an extract from apple skins had a 43 percent lower risk of colon cancer. Other research shows that the pectin in apples reduces the risk of colon cancer and helps maintain a healthy digestive tract.

Liver Cancer Prevention
Research found that rats fed an extract from apple skins had a 57 percent lower risk of liver cancer. 

Diabetes Management
The pectin in apples supplies galacturonic acid to the body which lowers the body's need for insulin and may help in the management of diabetes. 

Weight Loss
A Brazilian study found that women who ate three apples or pears per day lost more weight while dieting than women who did not eat fruit while dieting.

Source:

Wikipedia

http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/10-health-benefits-of-apples.html

Diet and Sleep

Most people think that sleep and diet are closely linked with each other and it is true. Some natural chemicals in the can body promote sleep as do some diet. If tea, coffee, cola drinks, or chocolate is eaten before sleep, it may keep you awake by supplying caffeine to your body system.

What are the causes of insomnia?

Insomnia is the inability to sleep. It may be caused by anxiety, depression and stress particularly if you have something important to do or to complete and the deadline is approaching, or examination is around the corner. Your brain becomes more active and as such the body releases many chemicals that can make your eyes wide open even when it is already way past midnight.

Yes, obesity too can cause insomnia to a certain extent. This is because the structure of the body of an obese people making breathing difficult and increases the likelihood of getting disruptive snoring which eventually leads to sleep apnoea.

Restless legs can also affect your sleeping pattern. Restless leg is regarded as the periodic involuntary movements, particularly when lying in bed. According to many naturopaths, this can be rooted to iron deficiency and therefore high-level iron food is recommended which includes pulses, dried apricots, dark green leafy vegetables and nuts (almonds).

How food can help sleep?

The secret is neither to keep your stomach empty nor keeping it over-full. An empty stomach leaves the digestive lining scratching each other and of course it hurts when you want to sleep. Yet, a full stomach makes your digestive system works hard to digest the food and this requires much energy and sometimes leads to indigestion, heartburn, or flatulence (the presence of gas in the stomach). Rich or spicy food also can make sleeping harder.

Food for sleep;

1. Milk: a sweetened milk drink at bedtime can encourage better sleep because the sugars can enhance the absorption of more tryptophan that is derived from milk protein. The brain then converts tryptophan to a soothing chemical called serotonin.
2. Starchy foods: Just as milk, starchy food also triggers the release of serotonin. This promotes sleep. Examples are bread and pasta.
3. Honey: stir a little honey in warm milk or chamomile tea.
4. Herbal tea: Chamomile tea, lime blossom and valerian are said to be most effective.

Decrease the intake of caffeine which is found in coffee, tea, cola drinks and chocolate.

Avoid: late-night meals that are greasy, spicy, rich or heavy.

Reminder: Don’t forget to routinely brush your teeth after eating (or drinking) as the residues may cause tooth caries.

Source: Reader’s Digest, Foods that Harm, Foods that Heal.

DRINK WATER ON EMPTY STOMACH

DRINK WATER ON EMPTY STOMACH

It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven a its value. We publish below a description of use of water for our readers. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese med ical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:

Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, ga str itis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and men str ual diso rd ers, ear nose and throat diseases.

METHOD OF TREATMENT

1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth , drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water .....interesting

2. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minutes

3. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.

4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours

5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.

6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.

The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/reduce main diseases:

1. High Blood Pressure - 30 days

2. Ga str ic - 10 days

3. Diabetes - 30 days

4. Constipation - 10 days

5. Cancer - 180 days

6. TB - 90 days

7. Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwa rd s - daily.

This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times.

It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life.

Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.

This makes sense .. The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals .not cold water. Maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain...

For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you.

It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed . It will slow down the digestion.

Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

Health - Very Very Important Tips

Health - Very Very Important Tips

Answer the phone by LEFT ear .
Do not drink coffee TWICE a day.
Do not take pills with COOL water .
Do not have HUGE meals after 5pm.
Reduce the amount of OILY food you consume.
Drink more WATER in the morning, less at night.
Keep your distance from hand phone CHARGERS .
Do not use headphones/earphone for LONG period of time.
Best sleeping time is from 10pm at night to 6am in the morning..
Do not lie down immediately after taking medicine before sleeping.
When battery is down to the LAST grid/bar, do not answer the phone as the radiation is 1000 times.

Forward this to those whom you CARE about!

Benefits of Egg

After Doing Some Research on the Internet: I Found Out These About Eggs

1. Eggs are great for the eyes. According to one study, an egg a day may prevent macular degeneraton due to the carotenoid content, specifically lutein and zeaxanthin. Both nutrients are more readily available to our bodies from eggs than from other sources.

2. In another study, researchers found that people who eat eggs every day lower their risk of developing cataracts, also because of the lutein and zeaxanthin in eggs.

3. One egg contains 6 grams of high-quality protein and all 9 essential amino acids.

4. According to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, there is no significant link between egg consumption and heart disease. In fact, according to one study, regular consumption of eggs may help prevent blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks.

5. They are a good source of choline. One egg yolk has about 300 micrograms of choline. Choline is an important nutrient that helps regulate the brain, nervous system, and cardiovascular system.

6. They contain the right kind of fat. One egg contains just 5 grams of fat and only 1.5 grams of that is saturated fat.

7. New research shows that, contrary to previous belief, moderate consumption of eggs does not have a negative impact on cholesterol. In fact, recent studies have shown that regular consumption of two eggs per day does not affect a person's lipid profile and may, in fact, improve it. Research suggests that it is saturated fat that raises cholesterol rather than dietary cholesterol.

8. Eggs are one of the only foods that contain naturally occurring vitamin D.

9. Eggs may prevent breast cancer. In one study, women who consumed at least 6 eggs per week lowered their risk of breast cancer by 44%.

10. Eggs promote healthy hair and nails because of their high sulphur content and wide array of vitamins and minerals. Many people find their hair growing faster after adding eggs to their diet, especially if they were previously deficient in foods containing sulphur or B12.

11. Eggs are packed with a range of nutrients including protein, essential vitamins A, D, E, and B group as well as minerals iron, phosphorus and zinc. They’re relatively low in saturated fat, making them a healthy fast food for all the family.They’re low in calories with only around 80 kcals per medium egg – so they are great if you’re on a diet, especially combined with vegetables and salads as part of healthy balanced meals!

12. Eggs are one of the most nutritious foods money can buy. They contain a wealth of vitamins, minerals and protein. In particular, they contain B vitamins that perform many vital functions in the body and are especially rich in vitamin B2 riboflavin, important in the release of energy in the body, and vitamin B12 needed for normal blood formation.

13. Eggs are a source of vitamin D, which is involved in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and is necessary for bone health. They also contain vitamin A – essential for normal growth and development and vitamin E that is necessary for cell protection from the damage caused by free radicals.

14. Eggs contain many essential minerals, in particular phosphorus, essential for healthy teeth and bones, as well as iron, which is essential for red blood cell formation and zinc, for the normal function of the immune system.

15. Trace elements are also present in eggs, especially iodine, required to make thyroid hormones, and selenium, an important antioxidant. Antioxidants work by preventing the damage caused by uncontrolled oxidation in the body and are believed to help protect against diseases such as heart disease and some cancers.

16. Eggs are a great source of choline. Although not an essential nutrient, because it can be made by the body, dietary choline has become the focus of recent interest because of its role in brain function. Studies in animals suggest that choline intake during pregnancy might influence development of the baby’s brain in the uterus, but this has not been proven in humans.

Source:
http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/10-health-benefits-of-eggs.html
http://www.britegg.co.uk/nutrition05/startnutrition.html

Benefits of Colostrum

For centuries colostrum has been considered a potent health aid all over the world. It's a universally accepted natural health food, usually without side effects. Over the years, researches have proven the outstanding health benefits offered by quality colostrum. No matter the age, gender, or even species, colostrum can revitalize the health of all living beings.

The list of diseases colostrum is believed to cure is impressive. Researches have confirmed that colostrum can cure anemia, asthma, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, diabetes, emphysema, gout, gingivitis, hemorrhoids, influenza, lupus, joint injuries and post-surgery pain, multiple sclerosis, nerve injuries, shingles, stress, stroke, temper outbursts, tendonitis, thyroid disorders, ulcers, and more.

People all over the world take antibiotics to fight diseases. But antibiotics are artificial and they usually come with side affects. Colostrum is as effective as an antibiotic for many diseases but without the side affects. Also, the growth factors found in colostrum can reverse or repair the damage caused by age, injury and more.

Colostrum helps athletes and body builders by building lean muscle mass and it burns fat because it has IGF-1, which metabolizes fat for energy.

And colostrum can work wonders for children, as it revitalizes memory, improves concentration, and develops a strong immune system in kids. Even pets can benefit from bovine colostrum, since the bovine variety is the only colostrum in nature that is not species-specific.

Consumption of colostrum also improves prostate health, speeds healing of injuries, improves hair growth, reduces allergy symptoms, and it can even improve your sex life. To be able to enjoy all the benefits of bovine colostrum, it should be obtained from the first milking.

Colostrum provides detailed information about colostrum, colostrum benefits, colostrum milk, colostrum and pregnancy and more. Colostrum is the sister site of Progesterone Benefit.

More on Colostrum:

What is Colostrum Used For?

One benefit of colostrum is that it comes from cow's milk so it is a natural health food. It contains a complete formula of essential vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, immune factors and growth factors. 

Colostrum was designed by nature as part of mother's milk so it helps the young grow up strong and healthy. 

First milking bovine colostrum from cow's milk has been used by people all over the world and throughout history to support the immune system and as a natural, complete whole-food dietary supplement. 

Another benefit of colostrum that it is famous for is its historic reputation in helping the body fight off colds and infection and to stimulate the immune system. 

Many people also take it for help with dieting and bodybuilding, and to help in athletic and anti-aging health regimens. 

Discovery of Colostrum Benefits

In the 1940's colostrum became popular for use by people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and other age related problems. 

In the 1950's colostrum was a source of natural antibodies which helped lead to the creation of the polio vaccine. 

In the 1970's and 1980's colostrum grew in popular use against yeast infections, viruses and the flu, and autoimmune problems. 

In the 1990's another benefit of colostrum was discovered. It was found to help fight stomach bacteria and help soothe stomach ulcers. 

In the 2000's colostrum has been studied for its natural growth factors that may help bodybuilders turn fat and flab into firm muscle, and to assist in anti-aging efforts. 

Precautions

There are no reported side effects, adverse reactions or toxicity reports in medical literature regarding any benefit of colostrum. However it is an ingredient in cow's milk so if you are allergic to milk you should consult your doctor. There are no published warnings or risks of taking this health food when used with common sense and following label directions. But as always, consult your health care professional before taking any supplements, especially if you are on medication, are pregnant or nursing. 

Suggestions on Choosing a Quality Supplement

1. Be a careful consumer and buy your dietary supplements only from manufacturers that are pharmaceutical GMP compliant. The most professional companies will maintain strict adherence to regulatory standards and practices. Consumers need to shop carefully because dietary supplements are not standardized or regulated in the U.S. and may not contain what is stated on the label. Some supplements have even been found to contain contaminants. 

2. Check the label to make sure your supplements do not contain any cheap fillers, additives, or artificial colors, etc. Some additives may include sugar, aspartame, gluten, cornstarch, rice starch, silica (sand), artificial flavoring, artificial color, etc. 

3. To get your money's worth and enjoy the benefit of colostrum, make sure you buy only standardized products. Why standardized extracts and products? Because they deliver true-to-label ingredients and potency for the best efficacy and benefits. Tests of some supplements have shown that they contain far less of the active ingredients than they claim on their labels. 

Many companies do not want to use standardized extracts because they make more profit using non-standardized ingredients and cheap additives. Get what you pay for and what your body needs for optimum health. Why take a chance? Use only the best - only standardized extracts. Your health may depend on it. 


Featured Product

One high quality line of products that meets and exceeds these requirements is made by Xtend-Life. They have offices in New Zealand and the United States. Products include bee pollen, coral calcium, pharmaceutical grade fish oil, a cholesterol lowering product, and their daily health formula called Total Balance. Our endless quality comparisons of various products has given us many reasons to believe that Xtend-Life offers the best overall quality nutritional supplements.

Total Balance is an all-natural comprehensive supplement that provides a broad range of synergistic nutrients known to enhance overall health. It contains dozens of the nutrients that are documented on this site. 

The scientifically chosen formula includes vitamins and co-factors, essential minerals, amino acids, standardized herbal extracts, digestive enzymes, specialty nutrients and immunity support ingredients. These are standardized extracts with a pharmaceutical grade enteric coating and are free of any fillers and are guaranteed to contain exactly what is stated on the label. These are made in a facility that follows rigorous manufacturing requirements that far exceed U.S. FDA standards. 

We here at Quality-Nutritional-Supplements have been personally taking these products with excellent results. When we take these products we notice that we feel less hungry, we have more energy during the day and we sleep better at night. We feel less stress, more mental clarity and we enjoy an overall feeling of health and wellness and vitality.

Source:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Colostrum-Benefits&id=144224

http://www.quality-nutritional-supplements.com/benefit-of-colostrum.html