Alcohol Pros and Cons?

Good nutrition can help to improve your health and prevent diseases. The nutrients that your body needs are carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water. Some people feel that alcohol is another necessity in their diet, while others feel that any amount is toxic and needs to be avoided.

The key to determining whether you need alcohol is to understand what alcohol is and how it is processed in your body. Calories provide energy for our bodies to function. We get calories from carbohydrates, protein, fat, and alcohol. For each gram, you get a set number of calories.

One Gram Calories
Carbohydrates 4
Protein 4
Fat 9
Alcohol 7

The vitamin, mineral, and water content add to the nutritional value for each of these energy sources but do not provide any calories. A food is considered to be a source of "empty calories" when there are no other nutrients present besides the nutrient that provide the calories. Alcohol is considered to be a source of empty calories because it provides only negligible amounts of vitamins and minerals. Due to the fact that alcohol often replaces nutrient-rich food and directly interferes with the body's absorption, storage, and use of nutrients, it has also been called the "antinutrient nutrient."

Alcohol can also be classified as a drug. Under this category, it is the most widely used drug in the world. Approximately 10 to 15 million Americans are alcoholics or problem drinkers, and more than 100,000 deaths each year are attributed to alcohol consumption. The majority of the population consumes alcohol moderately or occasionally. The potential to become addicted to alcohol is a serious problem that warrants limitations on its consumption.

Function

# Alcohol increases the risk of various health conditions, such as heart and liver disease. Alcohol works directly on the central nervous system, impairing brain function. Over time, excessive alcohol consumption can destroy brain cells, resulting in various degrees of brain damage.

Effects

# Alcohol affects the way people behave. For instance, some people become more violent. This can lead to an increase in crime. People experience a decrease in mental alertness when drinking alcohol and may make poor decisions. Alcohol dulls the senses and alters one's perception of situations and surroundings. Alcohol also affects memory.


Reference

1. http://www.medicinenet.com/alcohol_and_nutrition/article.htm

2. Read more: What Are the Dangers of Alcohol? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_4569634_what-dangers-alcohol.html#ixzz19w2Rdgt4

Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera, also known as the true or medicinal aloe, is a species of succulent plant that probably originated in the southern half of the Arabian peninsula, Northern Africa, the Canary islands and Cape Verde. Aloe vera grows in arid climates and is widely distributed in Africa, India and other arid areas. The species is frequently cited as being used in herbal medicine.

Aloe vera contains many beneficial ingredients. Aloe vera contains all the vitamins, except Vitamin D, that people need on a daily basis. It also contains enzymes, minerals, anti-microbial, amino acids and sugars that are all beneficial to the human body. All of these ingredients in aloe vera are why it is used to aid digestion, reduce inflammation, cleanse and sooth the body.

Aloe vera is one of the only known natural vegetarian sources of Vitamin B12, and it contains many minerals vital to the growth process and healthy function of all the body's systems. It also known to contain antioxidants that can neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.

Aloe vera juice is made from aloe vera gel. It is one of the aloe vera products that can be taken internally so a person can get the internal benefits of aloe vera. Although there have not been many studies involving how beneficial aloe vera juice can be, many people have experienced the benefits and aloe vera juice is now quite popular.

The three main categories of research include anti-inflammatory, anti- bacterial, and anti-viral actions of Aloe vera. The juice is said to soothe digestive tract irritations such as colitis, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. Aloe's ability to encourage the release of pepsin (a gastric juice enzyme necessary for digestion) when the stomach is full is a possible reason for its ulcer-healing effects (Journal of the American Osteopathic Society, 1963, vol.62).

Aloe vera juice is known to help to detoxify the body and cleanse the colon. The detoxification properties of the juice also work to detoxify the blood stream. It is also said that aloe vera juice could benefit a person with intestinal or stomach problems. It should aid in the healing of ulcers and help the digestive tract to work smoothly. It is also said that aloe vera juice can improve circulation. The aloe helps dilate the capillaries and aid in cell growth. Aloe vera juice also has many benefits that aloe vera gel does. It acts as a antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agent, preventing illness. The overall effect of taking aloe vera juice regularly can be a feeling of energy and health. Probably due to the increase in absorption of nutrients and enhanced intestinal health.

Aloe vera juice is said to be one of the finest body cleansers, cleaning morbid matter from the stomach, liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, and is considered the finest, known colon cleanser. Studies have shown that it is healing and soothing in the relief of indigestion, stomach distress and ulcers. People claim relief from arthritis, bladder and kidney infections; leg cramps, constipation, hemorrhoids, insomnia, and for vaginitis, it is said to be an excellent vaginal douche. An excellent internal tonic for energy and well being Aloe juice may add greatly to the strength of the food fed, digestive tract, skin, and overall good health and happiness.

It is also used to ease heartburn, ulcers, diverticular disorders, and other types of digestive upset. It is used as an anti-inflammatory and may be taken internally as a remedy for certain digestive complaints. European folk medicine calls for using Aloe vera juice to relieve heartburn and ulcers. Preliminary research has shown promising results. Clinical trials in Japan indicate that certain compounds in Aloe vera reduce the secretion of stomach juices and the formation of lesions.

Precautions:

Aloe vera is non-toxic, with no known side effects, provided the aloin has been removed by processing. Taking Aloe vera that contains aloin in excess amounts has been associated with various side effects.

If you are using oral corticosteroids, such as beclomethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, it is important not to overuse or misuse Aloe vera juice. A potassium deficiency can develop, and you may experience toxic effects from the medication.

Although it is removed, in practice Aloe vera juice may sometimes still contain tiny quantities of the laxative compound found in aloe latex. Should you begin to have cramps or diarrhea do not ingest any more of the juice.

Reference:

http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-aloe-vera.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloe_vera

http://www.aloe-vera-studies.org/aloe-vera-benefits.php

Benefits of Cabbage

The health benefits of cabbage include treatment of constipation, stomach ulcers, headache, excess weight, skin disorders, eczema, jaundice, scurvy, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, eye disorders, heart diseases, ageing, and Alzheimer's disease.

Cabbage is abundant is Vitamin C – even more than orange. Vitamin C, being one of the best anti oxidant, reduces free radicals in your body which are the basic causes of ageing. It also helps repairing the wear and tears in the body. Thus it is very helpful in treating ulcers, certain cancers, depressions, for strengthening immune system and fighting against cough and cold, healing of wounds and damaged tissues, proper functioning of nervous system and thereby help curing Alzheimer’s disease etc.

Cabbage is very rich in fiber. This helps retain water and forms the bulk of the food and the bowels. Thus it is a good cure for constipation and related problems.

Cabbage is a good detoxifier :it purifies blood and removes toxins (primarily free radicals and uric acid which is major cause for rheumatism, gout, arthritis, renal calculi, skin diseases, eczema, hardening and de-colorization of skin etc.). This detoxifying effect of cabbage is due to the presence of vitamin C and sulphur.

Cabbage, being rich in iodine, helps in proper functioning of the brain and the nervous system, apart from keeping the endocrinal glands in proper condition. Thus, it is good for brain and treatment of neurotic disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. The various other nutrients present in cabbage such as vitamin-E which keeps the skin, eye and hair healthy, calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc., are very useful for overall health. The cabbage can also be used for treatment of varicose veins, leg ulcers, peptic and duodenal ulcers.

Benefits of Cabbage:
1. Cabbage is anti – inflammatory vegetable

2. Cabbage contains lactic acid that acts to disinfect colon

3. Cabbage can also be used to reduce headache pain
4. Another benefit of cabbage is in it's anti –cancer properties and is also said to be able in treating other skin conditions
5. Drinking cabbage juice from the stem is a good remedy for ulcers.
The use:
1. Drink fresh cabbage juice if you suffer from gastritis

2. This is another benefit of cabbage. Drink 25 – 50 ml cabbage juice everyday to treat headache, asthma, bronchitis and other digestion problems.

3. White cabbage juice dabbed on mouth ulcers will make the healing faster.

These information taken from:

http://www.oohoi.com/natural%20remedy/everyday_food/cabbage.htm
http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-cabbage.html

Disadvantages of drinking coffee

While everybody seems to drink coffee, here are among the main reasons why we should limit the intake of coffee and stimulating drinks such as tea, chocolate and soda.

The main culprits in all of these are the caffeine. Here what caffeine does to our body:

1. Caffeine Is Highly Addictive

Like other drugs, caffeine causes a chemical addiction within the brain. Quitting coffee or soda can create withdrawal symptoms – headaches, sleepiness, irritability, anxiety – while the brain’s chemistry readjusts.

2. Caffeine Increases Stress Levels

Drinking four or five cups of coffee a day makes the body act as if it is under constant stress. Combined with additional work pressures, it can increase blood pressure significantly, leading to an increased risk of long-term heart disease, says a US report.

3. Caffeine accelerates Aging and Wrinkles

Caffeine contributes to the decline in production of hormones produced in abundance during youth – DHEA, melatonin, and others – which speeds the aging process. Because caffeine dehydrates the body, skin loses water from its cells, causing wrinkling and sagging.

4. Caffeine Accelerates Bone loss

Caffeine causes the urinary excretion of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and trace minerals, which can lead to osteoporosis.Some women are more likely to be affected by caffeine than others due to genetic factors; however, it seems prudent to recommend that all older women have adequate dietary calcium, and limit caffeine intake to no more than 300 milligrams per day.

5. Caffeine Causes The Mood Swings

Mood disturbances such as anxiety, depression, irritability, and attention disorders are aggravated by chronic caffeine consumption. Rather than increasing mental activity as many caffeine drinkers believe, caffeine actually decreases blood flow to the brain by as much as 30% and negatively impacts memory and mental performance. Mood disturbances may appear after the stimulant effect of caffeine wears off – often about three hours later prompting many to consume more caffeine and they may also appear during the recovery period after quitting caffeine.

6. Caffeine Disturbs Normal Sleep Patterns

Because it is a stimulant, caffeine keeps you awake longer, thereby shortening the amount and the quality of sleep each night, which takes a toll on your level of alertness the next day and overall health. Because of sleep deprivation and fatigue, a person might look to caffeine for a boost, thereby perpetuating the vicious cycle.

Excess caffeine in the body causes anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, headaches, muscle tremors, gatrointestinal problems, diarrhea, nausea and irregular heartbeat.

So, dear readers, considering the effect of caffeine to our body please choose your drinks wisely from now on. A good substitute will be a good herbal tea that do not contain caffeine at all.

Reference:

http://www.neelscorner.com/disadvantages-of-caffeine/
http://www.natural-homeremedies.org/blog/pros-and-cons-of-drinking-coffee/

Benefit of Oats

The common oat (Avena sativa) is a species of cereal grain grown for its seed, which is known by the same name (usually in the plural, unlike other grains). While oats are suitable for human consumption as oatmeal and rolled oats, one of the most common uses is as livestock feed. Oats make up a large part of the diet of horses and are regularly fed to cattle as well. Oats are also used in some brands of dog and chicken feed.

Probably the oldest known oat grains were found in Egypt among remains of the 12th Dynasty, which was about 2,000 B.C. These probably were weeds and not actually cultivated by the Egyptians. The oldest known cultivated oats were found in caves in Switzerland that are believed to belong to the Bronze Age.(1)

Oats are chiefly a European and North American crop. These areas have the cool, moist climate to which oats are best adapted. Russia, Canada, the United States, Finland, and Poland are the leading oat producing countries. Oats are adapted to a wide range of soil types, thus temperature and moisture conditions are the usual limiting factors as to where oats are grown. Perhaps no other country uses oats as much in their cropping system as does Scotland. Some winter oats are produced in the United States, but most are spring oats produced mainly in the north central states.(1)

Benefits of oats:

Oats are a common breakfast dish and are an excellent source of iron, dietary fiber and thiamin. They also contain antioxidants that are believed to protect the circulatory system from diseases such as arteriosclerosis, which affects the arterial blood vessel.

There are many variations of oats, and each one characterized according to the way in which they have been processed. Steel cut oats are whole, crushed grains of oat, which has been cut into smaller pieces. Steel cut oats are less processed and have a nuttier flavor. They are also commonly referred to as coarse-cut oats, Irish or Scotch oats.

One hundred grams of dry, rolled oats contain about 380 calories, 67 grams of carbohydrates, 16 grams of protein and 6 grams of fat. They also contain 0.7 milligrams of thiamin, 0.7 milligrams of vitamin E, 4 milligrams of iron and 474 milligrams of phosphorous.(2)

Oats also is great for nervous system as it has large amount of Vitamin B complex. it is also high in calcium, potassium and magnesium.

Tips on eating Oats (3)

1. Eating oat regularly will lower your blood cholesterol level

2. Buy and eat oats if you're feeling sad. It’s a natural antidepressant - will make you feel calmer and normally used to treat depression, anxiety and nervous disorder

3. Unrefined oatmeal can be eaten on regular basis to reduce stress while cooked oats will relieve fatigue

4. Because of its high fiber content, the other benefit of oats is in protecting us from bowel cancer.

Creative uses (3)

1. A bowl of oat porridge with a spoonful of honey makes a calming breakfast for a child in the morning before an exam

2. If you suffer from constipation, try eating raw oats before looking for any drugs.

3. Oatmeal bath ( a form of water therapy) will help heal eczema and other skin conditions

4. Make it your choice of cereal if you want to reduce your cholesterol level. Take it daily.


1. http://www.agron.iastate.edu/courses/agron212/Readings/Oat_wheat_history.htm
2. http://health.learninginfo.org/oats.htm
3. http://www.oohoi.com/natural%20remedy/everyday_food/oats.htm

Benefits of Figs

The Greeks considered figs so precious that they forbade their export. The Romans transported figs to Europe, and even today in some parts of southern Europe figs are thrown at newlyweds, much like rice is thrown in some countries. Figs are widely used in the Mediterranean lands, where they are considered the “poor man’s food.” This is because they are easily available and highly nutritious.
Varieties of Figs

Figs can be black or white, fresh or dried. All kinds are nutritious, but fresh ones are highly perishable. Therefore, 87% of figs sold are dried figs. Three pounds of fresh figs are required to produce one pound of dried figs.

Composition of Figs

Figs are rich in vitamins and other nutrients.

* Figs contain vitamins A, C, B complex and D and dietary fiber.
* They are rich in a number of minerals like manganese and especially calcium. Dried figs have a high content of iron, while black ones are rich in potassium.
* Mucin and pectin are also present.
* Like bananas, figs are rich in natural sugar.


Health benefits of figs can be attributed to the presence of minerals and vitamins in them. Figs contain vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, calcium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, sodium, potassium and chlorine.

A few of its health benefits include:

* Prevent constipation: There are 5 grams of fiber per three-fig serving. So, it helps in healthy bowel function and prevents constipation.
* Helps to reduce weight: The fiber in figs also helps to reduce weight and is recommended for obese people.
* Lower cholesterol: Figs contain Pectin, a soluble fiber. When fiber goes through the digestive system, it mops up globes of cholesterol and carries them out of body.
* Prevent coronary heart disease: Dried figs contain phenol, Omega-3 and Omega-6. These fatty acids reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
* Prevent colon cancer: The presence of fiber helps to mop up and usher out cancer causing substances.
* Protection against post-menopausal breast cancer: Fiber content in figs give protection against breast cancer.
* Good for diabetic patients: The American Diabetes Association recommends figs for a high fiber treat. Fig leaves reduce the amount of insulin needed by diabetic patients who have to take insulin injection. Fig is rich in Potassium. Potassium helps to control blood sugar. Fig leaves have anti-diabetic properties
* Prevention of hypertension: People used to take more sodium in the form of salt. Low potassium and high sodium level may lead to hypertension. Figs are high in potassium but low in sodium. So, it helps to avoid hypertension.
* Strengthens bones: Figs are rich in Calcium. Calcium helps to strengthen bones.
* People having high calcium diet may be affected by increased urinary calcium loss. Potassium content in figs helps to avoid that.
* Prevent macular degeneration: Vision loss in older people is due to macular degeneration. Fruits and figs generally are good for avoiding this condition.
* Relief for throat: The high mucilage content in figs, helps to heal and protect sore throats.

Figs are quite useful in various respiratory disorders including whooping cough and asthma. Since they are also good for digestion, they help in treating constipation, indigestion, stomach ache, etc. Fig is also good for fever, earache, boils, abscesses, venereal diseases and is excellent for the liver. Fig is a highly alkaline food, therefore helps to regulate the pH of the body. Figs are rich in flavonoids and polyphenols. These are antioxidants, which prevent the damage caused by free radicals. Fig is known for its soothing and laxative properties. Figs are low in fat and sugar.

Figs are sweet and soft and their paste is used as a replacement for sugar. Processed figs are used to make pies, pudding, cakes, other bakery products, jam, jellies and preserves.

Precaution: Taking too much fig can cause diarrhea. Dried figs are high in sugar and might cause tooth decay.

10 Tips for Incorporating Figs in your Diet

1. Eat dries figs as a healthy energy snack. For extra flavour and nutrients, stuff them with nuts and a little honey
2. Add figs to baked goods such as muffins, cakes and muesli bars.
3. Add dried or fresh figs to porridge, oatmeal or breakfast cereals.
4. Stew dried figs in fruit juice with other dried fruits to make a delicious fruit salad. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg before serving
5. Poach figs in red wine or fruit juice and serve with Greek yogurt or creme fraiche.
6. Add quartered fresh figs to a salad of fennel, rocket and parmesan cheese.
7. Stuff fresh figs with goat's cheese and chopped almonds and serve as an appetizer or dessert.
8. Make a fig butter by boiling dried figs in fruit juice until soft. When all the liquid has been absorbed, place the mixture in a food processor and blend until smooth. Use to spread on rice cakes, toast or crackers.
9. Add chopped fresh figs to rice, quinoa or couscous dishes.
10. Make a fig tart by grinding two handfuls of walnuts in a food processor. Add one packet of dried figs, 1/2 packet raisins, 200ml apple juice, 1 tablespoon grated orange zest, 2 tablespoons honey and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Process until the mixture is the texture of a sticky paste. Press into a pastry case and bake at a medium heat for 35 minutes.


Reference:

Read more at Suite101: Health Benefits of Eating Figs: Nutrition Facts and Tips for Serving Figs http://food-facts.suite101.com/article.cfm/fabulous_figs#ixzz0eKkuWFO2

http://food-facts.suite101.com/article.cfm/composition_and_health_benefits_of_figs

http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-figs-or-anjeer.html

Benefits of Green tea

Benefits of Green tea

Green tea is a type of tea made solely with the leaves of Camellia sinensis that has undergone minimal oxidation during processing. Green tea originates from China and has become associated with many cultures in Asia from Japan to the Middle East. Recently, it has become more widespread in the West, where black tea is traditionally consumed. Many varieties of green tea have been created in countries where it is grown. These varieties can differ substantially due to variable growing conditions, processing and harvesting time.

Over the last few decades green tea has been subjected to many scientific and medical studies to determine the extent of its long-purported health benefits, with some evidence suggesting regular green tea drinkers may have lower chances of heart disease and developing certain types of cancer. Green tea has also been claimed as useful for "weight loss management"

Tea consumption had its origin in China more than 4000 years ago. Green tea has been used as both a beverage and a method of traditional medicine in most of Asia, including China, Japan, Vietnam, Korea, India and Thailand, to help everything from controlling bleeding and helping heal wounds to regulating body temperature, blood sugar and promoting digestion.

The Kissa Yojoki (Book of Tea), written by Zen priest Eisai in 1191, describes how drinking green tea can have a positive effect on the five vital organs, especially the heart. The book discusses tea's medicinal qualities, which include easing the effects of alcohol, acting as a stimulant, curing blotchiness, quenching thirst, eliminating indigestion, curing beriberi disease, preventing fatigue, and improving urinary and brain function. Part One also explains the shapes of tea plants, tea flowers, and tea leaves, and covers how to grow tea plants and process tea leaves. In Part Two, the book discusses the specific dosage and method required for individual physical ailments.

Ancient Chinese people knew the benefits of green tea for health. They have always used it for medical purposes. However, in Ancient China, it was used especially against the headaches and depression. Green tea has a great importance in China history. It is produced from the leaves of Camellia Sinensis by some special processes. Unlike black tea, it has little amount of caffeine which causes to insomnia, nausea and frequent urination.

The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.

Links are being made between the effects of drinking green tea and the "French Paradox." For years, researchers were puzzled by the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in fat, the French have a lower incidence of heart disease than Americans. The answer was found to lie in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet. In a 1997 study, researchers from the University of Kansas determined that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol, which may explain why the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is quite low, even though approximately seventy-five percent are smokers.

Why don't other Chinese teas have similar health-giving properties? Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What sets green tea apart is the way it is processed. Green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are made from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various diseases.

This is the list of benefits that may be obtained by drinking green tea
1. It is used to treat multiple sclerosis.
2. It is used for treatment and prevention of cancer.
3. It is used to stop Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
4. It is used to raise the metabolism and increase fat oxidation.
5. It reduces the risk of heart diseases and heart attacks by reducing the risk of trombosis.
6. It reduces the risk of esophageal cancer.
7. Drinking green tea inhibits the growth of certain cancer cells, reduces the level of cholesterol in blood, improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol.
8. It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular diseases
9. It is used to treat impaired immune function. .
10. Some researches show that, drinking green tea regularly may help prevent tooth decay by killing the bacteria which causes the dental plaque.

Some Possible Side Effects
Some green tea lovers commonly restrict their intake because of the stimulants it contains — equivalent to about a third the amount of caffeine as is found in coffee. Too much caffeine can cause nausea, insomnia, or frequent urination.

References:
http://healthmad.com/alternative/10-great-benefits-of-drinking-green-tea/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_tea

http://chinesefood.about.com/library/weekly/aa011400a.htm