Ginger juice contains certain volatile oils that can help awaken your taste buds and get the juices flowing. It purifies the mouth and stimulates the production of saliva which aids the digestion process. Having a combination of ginger juice, salt and lime before or after a meal makes it easier to digest your food.
Ginger juice certain volatile oils that can help awaken your taste buds
Ginger juice has amazing antibacterial properties. Consuming ginger juice with dried pepper can help eliminate mucous and congestion in the lungs. To cure cold, mix equal quantities of ginger juice and honey and drink it warm at least two to three times in a day. Drinking plain ginger juice can also help in clearing a sore throat.
The fresh juice of ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is known to act is a pain reliever. A very effective remedy for back pain is to mix a spoonful of ginger juice with some olive oil and massage it over your skin. Leave it overnight and you will feel relieved the next morning. It can also help in curing a toothache or a pulsating migraine headache. For a toothache, it is best to keep a small piece of ginger between your cheek and tooth and let the natural juices do the work. For migraine, drink two tablespoons of ginger juice with honey. You can even rub some ginger juice on your stomach to get relieve from a sinus headache.
In his book, ‘The Healing Herbs,’ renowned health writer Michael Castleman explains that certain chemical compounds in ginger can help in reducing hypertension or high blood pressure. It prevents blood clots from being formed in your arteries and blood vessels and thus, controls blood pressure. According to Castleman, the chemical compounds in ginger can also help lower overall blood cholesterol levels as well as low density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol) which can cause heart disease. It is recommended to have a tablespoon of fresh ginger juice twice a day but you must consult your health expert before doing so.
Ginger water may do wonders for bad breath too and save you from embarrassing situations. The Vitamin C in ginger juice helps in killing the bacteria in the mouth that causes bad breath. Mix a spoonful of ginger juice with some lime in warm water and gargle for few minutes.
This is easily understandable as acne is an inflammatory condition and ginger is known got its anti-inflammatory properties. It is a natural and effective treatment for acne and acne scars. You can directly apply a small amount of ginger juice on the affected area and leave it on for 5 minutes. Rinse with cool water and let it dry. The Vitamin C in ginger juice can help in clearing skin blemishes. You can even use the juice to make ginger tea which is great for detoxifying the skin. Brew the ginger juice with tea leaves, add some honey and lemongrass to reap more beauty benefits and drink up. According to Dermatologist Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj, "Ginger juice can help remove toxins from the skin and supply more iron through the blood that will leave you with a healthy glow. It can also be applied on cuts or wounds to heal them naturally and prevent scarring."
Drinking ginger juice regularly can give you long and strong hair. It may sound repulsive, because of their strong smell, but mixing onion and ginger juice and applying it to your scalp can help your hair grow thick and strong. Make sure you apply it to your scalp properly and leave it for 15 minutes to half an hour. Wash off and dry. Ginger juice conditions your hair and also increase the blood flow to the hair follicles. Moreover, the antiseptic quality of ginger can help prevent dandruff. You can even mix ginger juice with olive oil if you have dry hair. Another very popular hair mask that you can make to promote hair growth is by mixing 4 teaspoons of coconut oil, 3 crushed garlic cloves, 6 teaspoons of coconut milk, 2 teaspoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of ginger juice. Apply to your scalp and rinse after 30 minutes. The sulphur compounds in garlic along with the ginger juice aid hair growth.
]]>It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, and it’s closely related to turmeric, cardamom, and galangal.
The rhizome (underground part of the stem) is the part commonly used as a spice. It’s often called ginger root or, simply, ginger.
Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice. It’s a very common ingredient in recipes. It’s sometimes added to processed foods and cosmetics.
Here are 11 health benefits of ginger that are supported by scientific research.
Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional and alternative medicine. It’s been used to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few of its purposes.
The unique fragrance and flavour of ginger come from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol.
Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger. It’s responsible for much of ginger’s medicinal properties.
Gingerol has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, according to research. For instance, it may help reduce oxidative stress, which is the result of having an excess amount of free radicals in the.
Ginger appears to be highly effective against nausea.
It may help relieve nausea and vomiting for people undergoing certain types of surgery. Ginger may also help chemotherapy-related nausea, but larger human studies are.
However, it may be the most effective when it comes to pregnancy-related nausea, such as morning sickness.
According to a review of 12 studies that included a total of 1,278 pregnant women, 1.1–1.5 grams of ginger can significantly reduce symptoms of nausea.
However, this review concluded that ginger had no effect on vomiting episodes.
Although ginger is considered safe, talk with your doctor before taking large amounts if you’re pregnant.
It’s recommended that pregnant women who are close to labour or who’ve had miscarriages avoid ginger. Ginger is contraindicated with a history of vaginal bleeding and clotting disorders as well.
Ginger may play a role in weight loss, according to studies conducted in humans and animals.
A 2019 literature review concluded that ginger supplementation significantly reduced body weight, the waist-hip ratio, and the hip ratio in people with overweight or obesity.
A 2016 study of 80 women with obesity found that ginger could also help reduce body mass index (BMI) and blood insulin levels. High blood insulin levels are associated with obesity.
Study participants received relatively high daily doses — 2 grams — of ginger powder for 12 weeks.
A 2019 literature review of functional foods also concluded that ginger had a very positive effect on obesity and weight loss. However, additional studies are needed.
The evidence in favour of ginger’s role in helping prevent obesity is stronger in animal studies.
Rats and mice who consumed ginger water or ginger extract consistently saw decreases in their body weight, even in instances where they’d also been fed high fat diets.
Ginger’s ability to influence weight loss may be related to certain mechanisms, such as its potential to help increase the number of calories burned or reduce inflammation.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common health problem.
It involves degeneration of the joints in the body, leading to symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness.
One literature review found that people who used ginger to treat their OA saw significant reductions in pain and disability.
Only mild side effects, such as a dissatisfaction with the taste of ginger, were observed. However, the taste of ginger, along with stomach upset, still prompted nearly 22% of the study participants to drop out.
Study participants received between 500 milligrams (mg) and 1 gram of ginger each day for anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks. A majority of them had been diagnosed with OA of the knee.
Another study from 2011 found that a combination of topical ginger, mastic, cinnamon, and sesame oil can help reduce pain and stiffness in people with OA of the knee.
This area of research is relatively new, but ginger may have powerful anti-diabetic properties.
In a 2015 study of 41 participants with type 2 diabetes, 2 grams of ginger powder per day lowered fasting blood sugar by 12%.
It also dramatically improved haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a marker for long-term blood sugar levels. HbA1c was reduced by 10% over a period of 12 weeks.
There was also a 28% reduction in the Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A-I ratio and a 23% reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA), which is a by-product of oxidative stress. A high ApoB/ApoA-I ratio and high MDA levels are both major risk factors of heart disease.
However, keep in mind that this was just one small study. The results are incredibly impressive, but they need to be confirmed in larger studies before any recommendations can be made.
In somewhat encouraging news, a 2019 literature review also concluded that ginger significantly reduced HbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes. However, it also found that ginger had no effect on fasting blood sugar.
Chronic indigestion is characterized by recurrent pain and discomfort in the upper part of the stomach.
It’s believed that delayed emptying of the stomach is a major driver of indigestion. Interestingly, ginger has been shown to speed up emptying of the stomach.
People with functional dyspepsia, which is indigestion with no known cause, were given either ginger capsules or a placebo in a small 2011 study. One hour later, they were all given soup.
It took 12.3 minutes for the stomach to empty in people who received ginger. It took 16.1 minutes in those who received the placebo.
These effects have also been seen in people without indigestion. In a 2008 study by some members of the same research team, 24 healthy individuals were given ginger capsules or a placebo. They were all given soup an hour later.
Consuming ginger as opposed to a placebo significantly accelerated emptying of the stomach. It took 13.1 minutes for people who received ginger and 26.7 minutes for people who received the placebo.
Dysmenorrhea refers to pain felt during the menstrual cycle.
One of the traditional uses of ginger is for pain relief, including menstrual pain.
In a 2009 study, 150 women were instructed to take either ginger or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for the first 3 days of their menstrual period.
The three groups received four daily doses of either ginger powder (250 mg), mefenamic acid (250 mg), or ibuprofen (400 mg). Ginger managed to reduce pain as effectively as the two NSAIDs.
More recent studies have also concluded that ginger is more effective than a placebo and equally as effective as drugs such as mefenamic acid and acetaminophen/caffeine/ibuprofen (Novafen).
While these findings are promising, higher quality studies with larger numbers of study participants are still needed.
High levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol are linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
The foods you eat can have a strong influence on LDL levels.
In a 2018 study of 60 people with hyperlipidaemia, the 30 people who received 5 grams of ginger-pasted powder each day saw their LDL (bad) cholesterol levels drop by 17.4% over a 3-month period.
While the drop in LDL is impressive, it’s important to consider that study participants received very high doses of ginger.
Many cited a bad taste in the mouth as their reason for dropping out of an OA study where they received doses of 500 mg–1 gram of ginger.
The doses taken during the hyperlipidaemia study are 5–10 times higher. It’s likely that most people may have difficulty taking a 5-gram dose for long enough to see results.
In an older study from 2008, people who received 3 grams of ginger powder (in capsule form) each day also saw significant reductions in most cholesterol markers. Their LDL (bad) cholesterol levels dropped by 10% over 45 days.
These findings are supported by a study in rats with hypothyroidism or diabetes. Ginger extract lowered LDL (bad) cholesterol to a similar extent as the cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin.
Study subjects from all 3 studies also experienced drops in total cholesterol. Participants in the 2008 study, as well as the lab rats, also saw reductions in their blood triglycerides.
Ginger has been studied as an alternative remedy for several forms of cancer.
The anti-cancer properties are attributed to gingerol, which is found in large amounts in raw ginger. A form known as [6]-gingerol is viewed as especially powerful.
In a 28-day study of individuals at normal risk for colorectal cancer, 2 grams of ginger extract per day significantly reduced pro-inflammatory signalling molecules in the colon.
However, a follow-up study in individuals at a high risk for colorectal cancer didn’t produce the same results.
There’s some evidence, albeit limited, that ginger may be effective against other gastrointestinal cancers such as pancreatic cancer and liver cancer.
It may be effective against breast cancer and ovarian cancer as well. In general, more research is needed.
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can accelerate the aging process.
They’re believed to be among the key drivers of Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline.
Some animal studies suggest that the antioxidants and bioactive compounds in ginger can inhibit inflammatory responses that occur in the brain.
There’s also some evidence that ginger can help enhance brain function directly. In a 2012 study of healthy middle-aged women, daily doses of ginger extract were shown to improve reaction time and working memory.
In addition, numerous studies in animals show that ginger can help protect against age-related decline in brain.
Gingerol can help lower the risk of infections.
In fact, ginger extract can inhibit the growth of many different types of bacteria.
According to a 2008 study, it’s very effective against the oral bacteria linked to gingivitis and periodontitis. These are both inflammatory gum diseases.
Fresh ginger may also be effective against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of respiratory infections.
The bottom line
Ginger is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain.
It’s one of the very few superfoods actually worthy of that term.
]]>Passion fruit is a flowering tropical vine, known as Passiflora, that grows in warm climates, including South America, Australia, South Africa, and India.
Passion fruit contains a soft pulp and lots of seeds inside a hard rind. People can eat the seeds and pulp, juice it, or add it to other juices.
Passion fruit has recently gained a lot of attention because it is a rich source of powerful antioxidants and may also have other health benefits.
In this article, we look at the nutritional profile and possible health benefits of passion fruit.
Passion fruit contains high levels of vitamins A and C.
Passion fruit is a beneficial fruit with a healthful nutrition profile. It contains high levels of vitamin A, which is important for skin, vision, and the immune system, and vitamin C, which is an important antioxidant.
One fruit without the refuse contains the following nutrients in milligrams (mg), international units (IU), or grams (g):
Passion fruit also contains phosphorus, niacin, and vitamin B-6, which a healthy body needs.
Passion fruit is rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that help to mop up harmful free radicals in the body.
Antioxidants play a vital role in keeping the body systems healthy. Scientists know that antioxidants improve blood flow, specifically to the brain and nervous system.
They also reduce cellular stress and reduce inflammation in the body, both of which have links to diseases, such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Passion fruit pulp contains a lot of dietary fiber. Fiber is a crucial component of every diet. It helps regulate the digestive system and keep the gut healthy, preventing constipation and bowel disorders.
According to the American Heart Association, fiber also has benefits in reducing cholesterol and boosting heart health.
Eating passion fruit regularly may help to prevent constipation and improve digestion and overall health.
Passion fruit is a tropical fruit that has a low glycemic index (GI) value. This means that it does not cause a steep increase in blood sugar after eating it, making it a good option for people with diabetes.
Most fruits have a low GI, though the American Diabetes Association warn that melon and pineapple have a high GI.
Passion fruit has a low GI value, making it a good option for people with diabetes.
Some research suggests that a compound found in passion fruit seeds could improve a person’s insulin sensitivity. Improving insulin sensitivity can help reduce the risk of many diseases, including diabetes.
Passion fruit is rich in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
Vitamin C boosts the immune system by helping the body absorb more iron from plant-based foods, and may improve the body’s ability to fight off infections in the body.
Passion fruit is loaded with heart-healthy potassium and is also low in sodium.
Passion fruit, when eaten with the seeds, contains a lot of fiber, which can help to remove excess cholesterol from the inside of blood vessels. A high-fiber diet can reduce a person’s risk of heart disease.
In addition, eating passion fruit may help to normalize blood pressure. Diets low in sodium and rich in potassium help to decrease blood pressure.
]]>Due to its soothing, moisturizing, and cooling properties, aloe vera is often used to treat burns.
A 2013 study with 50 participants found that people who used aloe vera gel to treat superficial and partial thickness burns showed better results than the group that used a 1 percent silver sulfadiazine cream.
The aloe vera group showed earlier wound healing and pain relief. Plus, aloe vera had the benefit of being inexpensive.
More research is needed, but the available evidence suggests that aloe gel can be beneficial for burn wound healing.
If you have a sunburn or another mild burn, apply aloe vera a few times a day to the area. If you have a severe burn, seek medical help before applying aloe.
Consuming aloe vera may benefit your digestive tract and help to soothe and cure stomach ailments, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
A 2018 review looked at three studies with 151 people. Results from the studies showed that aloe vera significantly improved symptoms of IBS when compared to a placebo. No adverse effects were reported, though more research is needed using a larger study size.
Additionally, aloe vera may help inhibit the growth of H. pylori bacteria, which is found in your digestive tract and can lead to ulcers.
Keep in mind that this advice is for aloe vera only. Other aloe plants may be poisonous and should not be taken internally.
Aloe vera toothpaste and mouthwash are natural options for improving oral hygiene and reducing plaque.
Results of a 2017 study found that people who used an aloe vera toothpaste showed significant improvements to their oral health.
The study included 40 adolescents who were divided into two groups. Each group used either an aloe vera toothpaste or a traditional toothpaste containing triclosan twice daily.
After 30 days, the aloe toothpaste was found to be more effective than the triclosan toothpaste in lowering levels of candida, plaque, and gingivitis.
People who used the aloe vera toothpaste showed better overall oral health without experiencing any adverse effects.
Using fresh aloe on your face may help clear up acne. You can also purchase aloe products designed for acne, including cleansers, toners, and creams. These may have the extra benefit of containing other effective ingredients, too.
Acne products made with aloe may be less irritating to the skin than traditional acne treatments.
A small 2014 study found that a cream combining conventional acne medication with aloe vera gel was significantly more effective than acne medication alone or a placebo in treating mild to moderate acne.
In this study, improvements were seen in lower levels of inflammation and fewer lesions in the group who used the combination cream over a period of eight weeks.
]]>Pay attention to how your body reacts to aloe. Notice if you experience any sensitivities or adverse reactions. Don’t use aloe if you’re allergic to garlic, onions, or tulips. Avoid taking aloe vera within two weeks of any scheduled surgery.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and children under the age of 12, should avoid the oral use of aloe vera.
Carefully follow the dosage information when taking aloe vera gel or latex internally. Limit your use to small periods of time. After a few weeks of use, take a break for at least one week. Always buy from a reputable brand to ensure safety and quality.
The laxative effect of aloe vera latex has the potential to cause diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. These effects could inhibit the absorption of oral drugs and reduce their effectiveness.
Do not take aloe vera internally if you have the following conditions:
Possible side effects of aloe vera include:
Talk to your doctor before using aloe vera if you are also taking the following medications, because aloe vera may interact with them:
You’ll also want to wait a few weeks before cutting leaves from the same plant. You may want to have a few plants on rotation if you plan to harvest aloe often.
To harvest your aloe plant for gel and juice:
If you want smooth aloe gel, after separating the aloe from the exterior part of the leaf, you can put the aloe into a blender and then strain the substance to remove the pulp.
]]>Fiber helps in easing out bowel movements, thus, it is often suggested to include more fiber in your diet, especially, when you are on the toughest journey of losing weight and your weight loss journey looks very difficult. Well, that’s when you should add rice to your diet in advised quantities simply because replacing rice with wheat reduces the intake of amino acids and vitamin B. The husk and bran in the outer layer of brown rice, makes it a much better staple to go for, while chalking out your diet plan.
Another common myth is that rice increases the cholesterol levels as it has high amount of trans fats. Whereas, rice naturally contains no cholesterol raising trans fats and is a perfect carb, which helps to manage cholesterol levels when consumed in right quantities.
Rice can be prepared in various ways and all the delicacies prepared with rice are absolutely delicious: Biryani, Pulao, Fried rice to name a few. Rice preparations are a nice mélange of taste and nutrition. It makes you feel satiated even if you consume small portions. This makes it pretty easy to keep a check on calories.
Naturally, both white rice and whole grain brown rice are gluten-free and make for a perfect staple to go for if you are on a diabetic diet. However, whole grain brown rice is a much healthier staple to start with your weight loss journey.
Globally, rice is considered to be one of the least allergenic foods, which makes it a perfect healthy choice for people who are sensitive to food allergies and infections.
Rice is the most easily digestible grain. In fact, most of the cereals and grains are difficult for the body to digest. All the grains have an outer coating that is rich in phytic acid, which makes it very difficult to digest and only polished rice is free from this outer coating making it a healthy option to go for!
It is scientifically proven that rice is a great source of amino acids, which are essential for protein building blocks. Amino acids play a pivotal role in the functioning of human body. These acids are essential for synthesis of proteins, hormones, enzymes, mental stabilization to name a few.
Eating rice triggers your brain to release serotonin, which boosts your brain functioning and makes you feel happy! So, next time when you feel low just have a wholesome rice meal and feel happy and satiated.
In Ayurveda, rice-based diets are used to treat several chronic diseases. The combination of rice and dal is loaded with ample vitamins, minerals and amino acids, which promotes good health and helps in managing weight.
Rice is a rich source of vitamin B complex, which plays an important role in the body’s ability to produce energy. All types of rice are a good sources of vitamin B. However, as per a research report, long grain brown rice contains higher amounts of vitamin B as compared to wild rice or white rice.
Red rice or hand polished has more protein content as compared to white rice and brown rice. What makes, hand polished rice a much better option to go for is that it takes very less time to cook and is easy to digest. Rice is a great staple to obtain plant-based protein.
If you are suffering from anemia or other iron deficiencies then including rice in your daily meal can help improve your health condition. In fact, both white and brown rice have ample amounts of iron and folate that are essential for the functioning of human body.
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