Good Klostrol Bad Choklet

Saturday, 13 August 2016

Some Nature Cures

I was not able to update this blog for a long time. Still a large number of viewers have visited this blog and read my old posts. That gives me a lot of inspiration and confidence to continue this effort.
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I NEITHER ENDORSE NOR OBJECT TO THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS BLOG. THEY ARE SIMPLY COLLECTED AT ONE PLACE

Disclaimer : All the postings of mine in this Blog are only my collection. MY ALL EFFORT IS COPY PASTE ONLY. Most of them are received in my email inbox, Some are downloaded from internet posted by some one else. I am just saving some time of readers to get them readily available. So none of these are my own creation. I believe I am not violating any copy rights law or taking any illegal action am not supposed to do.If anything is objectionable, please notify so that they can be removed.
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I have not tried any of the remedies given below. I do not have much confidence about their authenticity. These remedies may come under दादीमाँ के नुस्खे and may work though the explanations do not appear logical.
These are given as an example of the forwards being circulated freely on social media. To be taken with a pinch of salt (not literally).
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1. Control of breathing through your left or right nostrils

Natural Therapy For Headaches !
In about 5 mins, your headache will go.......

The nose has a left and a right side.
We use both to inhale and exhale.
Actually they are different.
You'll be able to feel the difference.

The right side represents the sun.
The left side represents the moon.

During a headache, try to close your right nostril and use your left nostril to breathe.
In about 5 mins, your headache will go.

If you feel tired, just reverse, close your left nostril and breathe through your right nostril.
After a while, you will feel your mind is refreshed.

Right side belongs to 'hot', so it gets heated up easily.
Left side belongs to 'cold'.

Most females breathe with their left nostril, so they get "cooled off" faster.
Most of the guys breathe with their right nostril, they get worked up.

Do you notice, the moment you awake, which side breathes better?
Left or right ?
If left is better, you will feel tired.
So, close your left nostril and use your right nostril for breathing..
You will feel refreshed quickly.

Continue the exercise for one month.
Why not give it a try.....a natural therapy without medication.

2. CURE FOR ACIDITY:

Acidity, it is said, is worse than Cancer. It is one of the most common disease people encounter in their daily life. The home remedy for Acidity is Raw Grains of Rice.
The Process:
1. Take 8 - 10 grains of raw uncooked rice
2. Swallow it with water before having your breakfast or eating anything in the morning
3. Do this for 21 days to see effective results and continuously for 3 months to eliminate acidity from the body

The Cure:
Reduces acid levels in the body and makes you feel better by the day.

3. CURE FOR CHOLESTEROL:

Cholesterol problem accompanies with Hypertension and Heart Problems. This is also one of the common problems in people who have High Blood Pressure and Diabetes. The home remedy for Cholesterol problem is RAW SUPARI.
The Process:
1. Take Raw Supari (Betel Nut that is not flavoured) and slice them or make pieces of the same
2. Chew it for about 20 - 40 minutes after every meal
3. Spit it out
The Cure:
When you chew the supari, the saliva takes in the juice that is generated and this acts like a Blood Thinner. Once your blood becomes free flowing, it brings down the pressure in the blood flow, thereby reducing Blood Pressure too.

4. CURE FOR BLOOD PRESSURE:

One of the simple home remedy cure for Blood Pressure is Methi Seeds or Fenugreek Seeds.
The Process:
1. Take a pinch of Raw Fenugreek Seeds, about 8 - 10 seeds
2. Swallow it with water before taking your breakfast, every morning
The Cure:
The seeds of Fenugreek are considered good to reduce the blood pressure.

5. CURE FOR DIABETES:

There are 2 home remedies for Diabetes. One is Ladies Finger and the other is Black Tea.
BLACK TEA: Due to high medication, the organ that is worst affected is the Kidney. It has been observed that Black Tea (tea without milk, sugar or lemon) is good for the Kidney. Hence a cup of black tea every morning is highly advisable.
The Process:
1. Boil water along with the tea leaves (any tea leaves will do).
2. Drink the concoction without adding milk, sugar or lemon.
The Cure:
Black Tea will help in enhancing the function of the kidney, thereby not affecting it more.

LADIES FINGER or OKRA:

Ladies finger is considered to be a good home medicine for diabetes.
The Process:
1. Slit the ladies finger into 2 halves vertically and soak it in water overnight.
2. The next morning, remove the ladies fingers and drink the water, before eating your breakfast.
The Cure:
After the ladies fingers are soaked overnight in the water, you can observe that the water becomes sticky in the morning. This sticky water is considered to be good for people who suffer from Diabetes.

God Bless all of us with Good Health

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Monday, 2 May 2016

Recognize a Heart Attack Long Before it Happens

I NEITHER ENDORSE NOR OBJECT TO THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS BLOG. THEY ARE SIMPLY COLLECTED AT ONE PLACE

Disclaimer : All the postings of mine in this Blog are only my collections. MY EFFORT IS COPY PASTE ONLY. Most of them are received in my email inbox, Some are downloaded from internet posted by some one else. I am just saving some time of readers to get them readily available. So none of these are my own creation. I believe I am not violating any copy rights law or taking any illegal action am not supposed to do. If anything is objectionable, please notify so that they can be removed.
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This information is received by me from an e-mail forward. I think some of the symptoms are so common that many persons may be feeling them in everyday life, perhaps due to gas in the stomach, not having sleep, overdoing work, not used to work or plain ageing. Placed on this blog as it may help some readers.

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Recognize a Heart Attack Long Before it Happens

Heart attacks have been one of the leading causes of death in the US for many years, and very often, symptoms which could have been spotted well-in-advance go unnoticed. You may perhaps be familiar with the classic signs: a heavy sweat, clutching of the left arm, pain in the chest, and so on. But sometimes signs of a heart attack are not so obvious, particularly amongst women, who often don't seem to realize what's happening to them, or appreciate the seriousness of the situation, until it is too late.

Whatever the symptoms may be, do not wait until it's too late. Be aware of what changes are taking place in your body and take necessary precautions - being alert will help save a life, whether it be your own, or a friend's.

See Fig. 1 : What is Happening

What is happening to the body in the process of a heart attack

During a heart attack, the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot, which happens due to the build-up of plaque in the coronary arteries. Consequently, this build-up causes a severe loss of blood supply to your heart, which then causes a heart attack.

There are two main types:

Sudden: A person may or may not have had any symptoms in the past. All of a sudden, plaque ruptures, which triggers a chain of events and a sudden heart attack.

Gradual: This results from a gradual progression of coronary disease. In these patients, an artery narrows over time. Once it has narrowed down to more than 70 percent, a number of warning symptoms will start to show, possibly even months ahead.

Therefore knowing the warning signs of a heart attack today, can help you or someone you know and love survive tomorrow. The sooner you recognize the symptoms and get treatment, the better.

The symptoms can occur for months or even longer sometimes, and the spectrum of symptoms is very wide.

Spot the signs well in advance

1. Difficulty breathing, especially a shortness of breath

When blood flow to the heart decreases, your lungs will feel the effect as well, as not enough blood gets pumped to your lungs, thus restricting your airflow and causing a shortness of breath. This can become an issue if you can't catch your breath even when sitting still and thus warrants an immediate check-up.

2. Constant tiredness and drowsiness

Restricted blood flow to the heart may give you an unshakable feeling of fatigue. This usually results from a sizable buildup of plaque in your arteries that carry blood both to and from your heart. This is concerning if you find it especially difficult to get up from your chair to go into the kitchen. Something this simple may feel as challenging as having to run a marathon.

3. Dizziness and lightheadedness

Poor blood circulation will limit your blood flow to the brain. Whilst dizziness and lightheadedness can be mistaken for many things, it is an especially common sign of a heart attack amongst women.

See Fig.2 :Symptoms

4. Breaking out into a cold-sweat and feeling weak

Suddenly breaking out into a cold sweat is another sign that should be taken seriously, particularly when paired with a feeling of weakness. This occurs because your arteries have continued to narrow, restricting the blood flow throughout the entire body.

5. Chest pressure and pressure in other parts of the body

Chest pressure is perhaps one of the most obvious symptoms of a heart attack and is often a clear indication that a heart attack is about to happen. However, most people tend to ignore the tight feeling or chest pain, believing that it is nothing serious. Women should pay particular attention to this feeling of pressure or mild discomfort if it occurs anywhere in the chest, not just on the left side where your heart is.

Feeling a mild to severe pain or sense of pressure in other parts of your body, such as your stomach, shoulder, arm, throat or jaw are symptoms which should not be ignored.

6. Cold and flu symptoms

People have also recorded the development of cold and flu symptoms prior to a heart attack. Symptoms of nausea and vomiting or stomach pain should also be looked upon with a watchful eye, particularly amongst women, who often mistaken these symptoms for indigestion or stomach flu.

What to do in the event of a heart attack

If you suspect that you are having a heart attack, here's a guide on what to do and what not to do.

DO:

· Call EMERGENCY SERVICES at once.

· As you wait for the EMTs to arrive, sit or lie down.

· If you have an aspirin at hand, chew on it to help thin your blood. If no aspirin is at hand, don't move around in search of one.

DON'T:

· So long as you get help at once, heart attacks are very survivable, so don't panic.

· Get immediate care from trained emergency responders. Don't call a friend or a relative.

· Don't deny your symptoms. Chances are that they are not from something you ate, they won't just go away.

· Don't drive yourself or have someone drive you to the nearest hospital.

· Don't move around. You cannot walk off a heart attack.

Call emergency services immediately. Don't book an appointment with your cardiologist or doctor.

The sooner you call emergency services, the better your chances of survival. Every minute of delay makes death or serious heart damage much more likely.

Prevention is always best

Simple lifestyle changes can help diminish your chances of a heart attack in the future. Heart attacks can be preventable as illustrated in these six habits.

In a study conducted in the Netherlands on almost 18,000 men and women without heart disease, individuals were tracked for up for up to 14 years. More than 600 of the group had heart attacks in this period, and some even died. The study conculded that if people followed these four simple steps, they would be able to lower their risk of heart attacks by 67%.

See Fig.3 : Prevention

· 30-40 minutes a day of physical exercise

· A healthy Mediterranean diet rich in fruit, vegetables and whole grains

· Not smoking

· Enjoying more than one alcoholic beverage a month (so long as it is not an issue)

· Sleeping seven or more hours each night

· Maintaining weight and waist control.

DISCLAIMER: This article serves for informational purposes only. It is always important to seek help and thorough information from a professional doctor if you are concerned about your health.

Sunday, 6 September 2015

Health Snakes and Ladders

Interesting Snakes and Ladders for Health

Wednesday, 2 September 2015

Drink More Water

I was not able to update this blog for last five months because of an accident, surgery, hospitalization and recovery period. Still a large number of viewers have visited this blog and read my old posts. That gives me a lot of inspiration and confidence to continue this effort.

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I NEITHER ENDORSE NOR OBJECT TO THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS BLOG. THEY ARE SIMPLY COLLECTED AT ONE PLACE

Disclaimer : All the postings of mine in this Blog are only my collection. MY ALL EFFORT IS COPY PASTE ONLY. Most of them are received in my email inbox, Some are downloaded from internet posted by some one else. I am just saving some time of readers to get them readily available. So none of these are my own creation. I believe I am not violating any copy rights law or taking any illegal action am not supposed to do.If anything is objectionable, please notify so that they can be removed.
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This is what I normally write on top of each post. But I have no hesitation in generally endorsing the following post. Water is good, it cleanses your body of all the toxins and facilitates circulation of blood.
However, in some deceases it accumulates at unwanted places within the body and causes health problems. Some medicines are prescribed to remove the excess water from the body through urine.

So take care while following this advice in consultation of your doctor. In any case water is preferable to soft drinks.
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Unless You Want to Get Sick and Over-weight, Drink More Water

Drinking water is becoming more scarce these days. People have replaced them with juices, sodas and energy drinks, creating a host of problems for a body that was made to drink pure water. Most people don't realize they are constantly dehydrated, even if just a little, and the body pays a hefty price for it. Hydration is important, and here's why.

Dehydration causes Fatigue, High Blood Pressure, Asthama and allergies, Skin disorders, high cholesterol, Digestive dis orders, Constipation, Bladder or kidney problems, Joint pains os stiffness, Weight gain, premature aging etc. Water in our body plays vital part in smooth operation of all the organs in our body.

Thursday, 14 May 2015

FALL ASLEEP IN 60 SECONDS

Asleep in 60 seconds: 4-7-8 breathing technique claims to help you nod off in just a minute

Method has been pioneered by Harvard-trained Dr Andrew Weill. It involves regulating your breathing to various counts of 4, 7 and 8. It lets oxygen better fill the lungs, calms the mind and relaxes muscles.You've tried a warm bath, a hot, milky drink and even counting sheep, but you're still lying wide awake wondering why you can't fall asleep.
Now, one scientist claims he has a way of getting insomniacs to slip into a slumber in just 60 seconds and it doesn't involve prescription drugs or strange lighting.

Dubbed the 4-7-8 breathing technique, the method is described as a 'natural tranquiliser for the nervous system' helping to reduce tension in the body.

FALL ASLEEP IN 60 SECONDS

Exhale completely through your mouth while making a 'whoosh' sound.
Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
Now hold your breath for a count of seven.
Exhale completely through your mouth, making another whoosh sound for eight second in one large breath.
Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three times for a total of four breaths.

Full article in the link below.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3067526/Can-t-sleep-4-7-8-breathing-technique-claims-help-nod-60-SECONDS.html

Tuesday, 25 November 2014

How are we protected? The Immune System

I NEITHER ENDORSE NOR OBJECT TO THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS BLOG. THEY ARE SIMPLY COLLECTED AT ONE PLACE

Disclaimer : All the postings of mine in this Blog are only my collection. MY ALL EFFORT IS COPY PASTE ONLY. Most of them are received in my email inbox, Some are downloaded from internet posted by some one else. I am just saving some time of readers to get them readily available. So none of these are my own creation. I believe I am not violating any copy rights law or taking any illegal action am not supposed to do.If anything is objectionable, please notify so that they can be removed.
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I always wondered how our immune system works? How it can recognize the nature of the offenders and immediately create antibodies against them? Not only 'intelligent' human beings, but other living beings are having such defense mechanisms. This video is a simplified view of the complicated system.
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Why You Are Still Alive - The Immune System Explained

Learn How Your Immune System Works
The human body is a complex machine. Your body is constantly under threat from bacteria, viruses and other harmful toxins, every second of your life. Fortunately for us, we have our immune systems to thank, for keeping us alive and healthy.
Your immune system acts as a natural defensive mechanism to fend off harmful bacteria and other viruses from penetrating your body. Think of it as a game of a biological chess. Your move, immune system!

Take an in depth journey inside your immune system, and see how it works:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQGOcOUBi6s#t=53

Here are a few extra tips to keep your immune system healthy:
    Keep your blood pressure under control.
    Don't smoke.
    Maintain a healthy diet and avoid foods saturated with fats.
    Exercise on a regular basis.
    Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Sunday, 26 October 2014

Papaya Tea for Treating Uric Acid and Gout Problems

Papaya for Uric Acid Problem !!!

Auther : unknown Source : also not known

Just try it if you've got uric acid after all no harm done.
This is a really effective, just mix green papaya cubes to the ordinary green tea, my cousin-brother tried and found it very effective.

I have also shared with a friend with gout to try this (his "toe joints" started to deform), after a week of drinking this formula there is significant improvement, and after two weeks the toe joints heal and revert to normal state. It is almost three years now, the joint pain is gone, but he maintains the intake between 1-3 times monthly to avoid relapse. Other friends suffering from years of gout problem have also recovered. It is good for all, even those without gout.

Good formula! Do share with the people in need!

An improved sequence by Professor Lai from the China School of Pharmacy :
Cut green papaya into small cubes, place into the water, bring to boil, then add tea leaves,
similar to the tea-making process. Clinical tests show that this brings better effects for treatment of gout, subject to frequent drinking of this formula.

100 Benefits of Meditation

Physiological benefits:

1. It lowers oxygen consumption.
2. It decreases respiratory rate.
3. It increases blood flow and slows the heart rate.
4. Increases exercise tolerance.
5. Leads to a deeper level of physical relaxation.
6. Good for people with high blood pressure.
7. Reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate.
8. Decreases muscle tension
9. Helps in chronic diseases like allergies, arthritis etc.
10. Reduces Pre-menstrual Syndrome symptoms.

11. Helps in post-operative healing.
12. Enhances the immune system.
13. Reduces activity of viruses and emotional distress
14. Enhances energy, strength and vigor.
15. Helps with weight loss
16. Reduction of free radicals, less tissue damage
17. Higher skin resistance
18. Drop in cholesterol levels, lowers risk of cardiovascular disease.
19. Improved flow of air to the lungs resulting in easier breathing.
20. Decreases the aging process.

21. Higher levels of DHEAS (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
22. Prevented, slowed or controlled pain of chronic diseases
23. Makes you sweat less
24. Cure headaches migraines
25. Greater Orderliness of Brain Functioning
26. Reduced Need for Medical Care
27. Less energy wasted
28. More inclined to sports, activities
29. Significant relief from asthma
30. Improved performance in athletic events

31. Normalizes to your ideal weight
32. Harmonizes our endocrine system
33. Relaxes our nervous system
34. Produce lasting beneficial changes in brain electrical activity
35. Helps cure infertility (the stresses of infertility can interfere with the release of hormones that regulate ovulation).

Psychological benefits:

36. Builds self-confidence.
37. Increases serotonin level, influences mood and behaviour.
38. Resolve phobias fears
39. Helps control own thoughts
40. Helps with focus concentration

41. Increase creativity
42. Increased brain wave coherence.
43. Improved learning ability and memory.
44. Increased feelings of vitality and rejuvenation.
45. Increased emotional stability.
46. Improved relationships
47. Mind ages at slower rate
48. Easier to remove bad habits
49. Develops intuition
50. Increased Productivity

51. Improved relations at home at work
52. Able to see the larger picture in a given situation
53. Helps ignore petty issues
54. Increased ability to solve complex problems
55. Purifies your character
56. Develop will power
57. Greater communication between the two brain hemispheres
58. Respond more quickly and more effectively to a stressful event.
59. Increases ones perceptual ability and motor performance
60. Higher intelligence growth rate

61. Increased job satisfaction
62. Increase in the capacity for intimate contact with loved ones
63. Decrease in potential mental illness
64. Better, more sociable behaviour
65. Less aggressiveness
66. Helps in quitting smoking, alcohol addiction
67. Reduces need and dependency on drugs, pills pharmaceuticals
68. Need less sleep to recover from sleep deprivation
69. Require less time to fall asleep, helps cure insomnia
70. Increases sense of responsibility

71. Reduces road rage
72. Decrease in restless thinking
73. Decreased tendency to worry
74. Increases listening skills and empathy
75. Helps make more accurate judgments
76. Greater tolerance
77. Gives composure to act in considered constructive ways
78. Grows a stable, more balanced personality
79. Develops emotional maturity

Spiritual benefits:

80. Helps keep things in perspective
81. Provides peace of mind, happiness
82. Helps you discover your purpose in life
83. Increased self-actualization.
84. Increased compassion
85. Growing wisdom
86. Deeper understanding of yourself and others
87. Brings body, mind, and spirit in harmony
88. Deeper Level of spiritual relaxation
89. Increased acceptance of one self
90. Helps learn forgiveness

91. Changes attitude toward life
92. Creates a deeper relationship with your God
93. Increases the synchronicity in your life
94. Greater inner-directedness
95. Helps living in the present moment
96. Creates a widening, deepening capacity for love
97. Discovery of the power and consciousness beyond the ego
98. Experience an inner sense of Assurance or Knowingness
99. Experience a sense of Oneness
100. Leads to enlightenment

I WONDER WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO ALL DOCTORS

Tuesday, 14 October 2014

Cholesterol, Alcohol, Heart and Brain

I NEITHER ENDORSE NOR OBJECT TO THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS BLOG. THEY ARE SIMPLY COLLECTED AT ONE PLACE

Disclaimer : All the postings of mine in this Blog are only my collection. MY ALL EFFORT IS COPY PASTE ONLY. Most of them are received in my email inbox, Some are downloaded from internet posted by some one else. I am just saving some time of readers to get them readily available. So none of these are my own creation. I believe I am not violating any copy rights law or taking any illegal action am not supposed to do.If anything is objectionable, please notify so that they can be removed.
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This is 100th post on this blog and it is on Cholesterol again.
A lot has been already written about cholesterol on earlier posts. A recent report supposed to be from Harward Medical School and another from a newspaper is given below. Some comments on this subject are also given below.

These pieces of info on cholesterol should be taken with due attention given to the commercial interest whch these info promote. You may know that all cholesterol reducing drugs are highly priced. The Western medical science is still silent on their side effects as they are drugs for long term use as per the profession.

Compared to other races,Indian race has genetic disadvantage with regard to high cholesterol as well as developing CHD as arteries are relatively narrower. Accordingly Indians have to be more careful.
Doctors in India prescribe statins to bring down cholesterol levels when measures like diet control, exercise, reduction in stress and no-smoking fail.
Like any other allopathic medicine(antibiotics, painkillers, even multivitamins etc.),statins have side effects but one has to consider cost benefit.
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Focus on Cholesterol ....

(Stated to be from Harward Medical School)

Could heart-healthy HDL cholesterol also be good for the brain?

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the "good" cholesterol particle. Under the right conditions, HDL scoops up cholesterol from the bloodstream and brings it to the liver, where it gets broken down. That's why having high levels of HDL cholesterol is a good thing.
But wait, there's more! Studies suggest that HDL may stop inflammation, prevent blood clots from forming, and prevent other heart-harmful events in the body.
And there is now evidence that HDL might be good for the brain, too. A small but growing number of studies suggest that high levels of HDL might decrease the risks for stroke and dementia. For example, a re-analysis of data from the Vitamin Intervention for Stroke Prevention study showed that people with high HDL levels were more likely to fully recover from a mild or moderate stroke. Other studies have found that high HDL lowers people's chances of having certain kinds of strokes. And there's some interest in experimenting with HDL levels to treat strokes.

HDL and dementia

Studies have identified an association between low HDL levels and dementia. Of course, that does not mean that low HDL levels cause dementia. Still, there is some evidence that HDL may hinder the development of beta-amyloid plaques. These plaques, many experts believe, are a primary cause of Alzheimer's disease.
How to raise HDL levels
Here are a few ways to increase your HDL levels. First we'll talk about lifestyle choices, then medications.
Five lifestyle choices that boost HDL

Exercising

    Drinking moderate amounts of alcohol. That means one drink a day if you're a woman, and one to two if you're a man. And only drink alcohol if you can do so safely and responsibly.
    Losing weight, if you're overweight.
    Avoiding trans fats. If you see "partially hydrogenated oil" on a food's ingredient list, then it has some level of trans fats. Processed foods and fried foods from restaurants tend to be the biggest sources of trans fats.
    Eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products can increase HDL levels. Mediterranean-style diets (large amounts of olive oil, whole grains, fruit, and vegetables) are also HDL boosters.

Four medications that can boost HDL

    Niacin. In large doses (1 to 2 grams per day), niacin can increase HDL by 20% to 30%. One problem with niacin is that it can cause flushing, a sudden reddening of the skin that can be very uncomfortable. Taking aspirin 30 minutes or so before niacin can prevent flushing.
    Fibrates (clofibrate, fenofibrate, gemfibrozil). These medications lower triglycerides and raise HDL, making them a good choice if you have high triglycerides (200 to 499 mg/dL) as well as low HDL (40 mg/dL or lower). Side effects are a worry: taking both a fibrate and a statin increases the risk of muscle weakness. Fenofibrate (Antara, Tricor, other brands) is the best fibrate to take with a statin.
    Statins. These drugs are most often prescribed to lower "bad" LDL cholesterol, but they also increase HDL. However, the effect on HDL varies with the statin and is most pronounced at high doses. Rosuvastatin (Crestor) seems to be more effective at boosting HDL than simvastatin (Zocor), and simvastatin may be more effective than atorvastatin (Lipitor).
    Statin-niacin combinations. These have been shown to increase HDL by 18% to 21%. Muscle weakness can be a problem with statins, but adding niacin to a statin doesn't seem to increase this risk. One combination pill, Advicor (niacin and lovastatin), is already on the market.

Tuesday, 23 September 2014

Answers to 18 commonly asked Health Questions

The Definitive Answers To 18 Of Your Biggest Health Questions

1. Does olive oil prevent heart disease?
Short answer: Yes
The health benefits of olive oil come from the presence of polyphenols, antioxidants that reduce the risk of heart diseases and cancers. But to get these healthy compounds, consumers should buy good-quality, fresh "extra-virgin" olive oil, which has the highest polyphenol content. Most commercially available olive oils have low levels of polyphenols associated with poor harvesting methods, improper storage, and heavy processing.

2. Do cough syrups work?
Short answer: No
In 2006, the nation's chest physicians agreed that the majority of over-the-counter cough medicines don't actually work. These colorful syrups typically contain doses of codeine and dextromethorphan that are too small to be effective. Only cough suppressants that contain older antihistamines seem to relieve coughs. That includes brompheniramine, an active ingredient in Dimetapp.

3 Do sugary soft drinks lead to diabetes?
Short answer: Yes
The majority of health research is stacked against sugar-sweetened soda. A large 2004 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that women who drank one or more sugary drinks per day increased their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 83% compared to those who consumed less than one of these beverages per month.

4 Do I need sunscreen with more than 30 SPF?
Short answer: No
Sunscreens with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 block about 97% of ultraviolet rays, while sunscreens with an SPF of higher than 30 block 97%-98%. It's more important that you choose "broad-spectrum" sunscreen, meaning it protects against both UVB and UVA rays. Sunbathers also need to apply a generous amount of sunscreen in order to get the full benefit of the SPF.

5. Is the MSG in Chinese likely to give you a headache?
Short answer: No
A review of 40 years of clinical trials, published in the journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners in 2006, found that all previous research "failed to identify a consistent relationship between the consumption of MSG and the constellation of symptoms that comprise the syndrome," including headaches and asthma attacks. The misconception spawned from several poorly-done small studies in the 1960s that seemed to connect MSG with a variety of maladies that people experienced after eating at Chinese restaurants.

6. Do nuts make you fat?
Short answer: No
As much as 75% of a nut is fat. But eating fat doesn't necessarily make you fat. The bigger factor leading to weight gain is portion-size. Luckily, nuts are loaded with healthy fats that keep you full. They're also a good source of protein and fiber. One study even found that whole almonds have 20% less calories than previously thought because a lot of the fat is excreted from the body.

7. Is walking as effective as running?
Short answer: Yes
Studies have shown that how long you exercise (and thus how many calories you burn ) is more important than how hard you exercise. Running is a more efficient form of exercise, but not necessarily better for you. A six-year study published in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology in April found that walking at a moderate pace and running produced similar health benefits, so long as the same amount of energy was expended.

8. Is drinking fruit juice as good for you as eating fruit?
Short answer: No
Calorie for calorie, whole fruit provides more nutritional benefits than drinking the pure juice of that fruit. That's because when you liquefy fruit, stripping away the peel and dumping the pulp, many ingredients like fiber, calcium, vitamin C, and other antioxidants are lost. For comparison, a five-ounce glass of orange juice that contains 69 calories has .3 grams of dietary fiber and 16 milligrams of calcium, whereas an orange with the same number of calories packs 3.1 grams of fiber and 60 milligrams of calcium.

9. Are all wheat breads better for you than white bread?
Short answer: No
Not all wheat breads are created equal. Wheat breads that contain all parts of the grain kernel, including the nutrient-rich germ and fiber-dense bran, must be labeled "whole grain" or "whole wheat." Some wheat breads are just white bread with a little bit of caramel coloring to make the bread appear healthier, according to Reader's Digest.

10. Can a hot tub make me sick?
Short answer: Yes
Hot tubs (especially ones in spas, hotels, and gyms ) are perfect breeding grounds for germs. The water is not hot enough to kill bacteria, but is just the right temperature to make microbes grow even faster. Even though hot tubs are treated with chlorine, the heat causes the disinfectant to break down faster than it would in regular pools. The most common hot tub infection is pseudomonas folliculitis, which causes red, itchy bumps. A more dangerous side-effect of soaking in a dirty Jacuzzi is a form of pneumonia known as Legionnaire's disease. This is what reportedly sickened more than 100 people at the Playboy Mansion back in 2011.

11. Does coffee cause cancer?
Short answer: No
Coffee got a bad rap in the 1980s when a study linked drinking coffee to pancreatic cancer. The preliminary report was later debunked. More recently, health studies have swung in favor of the caffeinated beverage. Coffee has been linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, liver cancer, and even suicide.

12. Do eggs raise cholesterol levels?
Short answer: No
Although egg yolks are a major source of cholesterol ( a waxy substance that resembles fat ) researchers have learned that saturated fat has more of an impact on cholesterol in your blood than eating foods that contain cholesterol. "Healthy individuals with normal blood cholesterol levels should now feel free to enjoy foods like eggs in their diet every day," the lead researcher from a 25-year University of Arizona study on cholesterol concluded.

13. Can you drink too much water?
Short answer: Yes
It is very rare for someone to die from drinking too much water, but it can happen.
Overhydrating is most common among elite athletes. Drinking an excess of water, called water intoxication, dilutes the concentration of sodium in the blood leading to a condition known as hyponatremia. The symptoms of hyponatremia can range from nausea and confusion to seizures and even death in severe cases. To avoid this, drink fluids with electrolytes during extreme exercise events.

14. Can yogurt ease digestive problems?
Short answer: Yes
Our digestive tract is filled with microorganisms ( some good and some bad). Yogurt contains beneficial bacteria, generically called probiotics, that helps maintain a healthy balance. Probiotics can relieve several gastrointestinal problems, including constipation and diarrhea. Certain brands of yogurts, like Activa by Dannon, are marketed exclusively to treat tummy issues.

15. Do whitening toothpastes whiten teeth more than regular toothpastes?
Short answer: No
Whitening toothpastes usually contain peroxides and other strong abrasives that might make your teeth appear whiter by removing stains. Unlike at-home whitening strips and gels that contain bleach, these toothpastes do not actually change the color of your teeth.

16. Is it safe to microwave food in plastic containers?
Short answer: Yes
But the plastic container should display the words "microwave safe." This means that the Food and Drug Administration has tested the container to make sure no chemicals used to make the plastic leech into foods during microwaving. If chemicals do seep out into food, the amounts are tiny and not dangerous to our health. As a general guideline, plastic grocery bags as well as most plastic tubs that hold margarine, yogurt, cream cheese, and condiments are not microwave safe.

17. Can watching TV ruin your eyesight?
Short answer: No
Watching TV will not destroy your rods and cones as the outdated myth suggests. Before the 1950s, TVs emitted radiation that could increase an individual's risk of eye problems after excessive TV viewing. Modern TVs have special shielding that blocks these harmful emissions.

18. Is bottled water better for you than tap water?
Short answer: No
Bottled water is no safer or purer than tap water, although it is substantially more expensive. A recent study by Glasgow University in the U.K. found that bottled water is actually more likely to be contaminated than water from your faucet because it is less well-regulated. Bottled water and tap water typically come from the same sources (natural springs, lakes, and aquifers). While public water supplies are tested for contaminants every day, makers of bottled water are only required to test for specific contaminants every week, month, or year

Wednesday, 17 September 2014

Amazing frozen lemons

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Disclaimer : All the postings of mine in this Blog are only my collection. MY ALL EFFORT IS COPY PASTE ONLY. Most of them are received in my email inbox, Some are downloaded from internet posted by some one else. I am just saving some time of readers to get them readily available. So none of these are my own creation. I believe I am not violating any copy rights law or taking any illegal action am not supposed to do.If anything is objectionable, please notify so that they can be removed.
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Lemon is a common citrus fruit in India and its juice is used in preparation of many tasty dishes. It is squeezed on top of many food items to give a nice taste. However, generally only its juice is used and the fruit is thrown away after squeezing, except in pickles. The article below gives a novel method of using the whole fruit.
Lemon is known to be a good source of Vitamin C and has certain other medicinal properties. However I am not convinced about it being better than some other proven medicines, especially for cancer. If lemon is so good at killing Cancer cells, probably no in India should have that dreaded decease.
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Amazing frozen lemons

All it is.....is a frozen lemon

Many professionals in restaurants and eateries are using or consuming the entire lemon and nothing is wasted. How can you use the whole lemon without waste?

Simple.. place the washed lemon in the freezer section of your refrigerator. Once the lemon is frozen, get your grater, and shred the whole lemon (no need to peel it) and sprinkle it on top of your foods.

Sprinkle it to your vegetable salad, ice cream, soup, cereals, noodles, spaghetti sauce, rice, sushi, fish dishes, whisky.... the list is endless.

All of the foods will unexpectedly have a wonderful taste, something that you may have never tasted before. Most likely, you only think of lemon juice and vitamin C. Not anymore.

Now that you've learned this lemon secret, you can use lemon even in instant cup noodles.

What's the major advantage of using the whole lemon other than preventing waste and adding new taste to your dishes?

Well, you see lemon peels contain as much as 5 to 10 times more vitamins than the lemon juice itself. And yes, that's what you've been wasting.

But from now on, by following this simple procedure of freezing the whole lemon, then grating it on top of your dishes, you can consume all of those nutrients and get even healthier.

It's also good that lemon peels are health rejuvenators in eradicating toxic elements in the body.

So place your washed lemon in your freezer, and then grate it on your meal every day. It is a key to make your foods tastier and you get to live healthier and longer! That's the lemon secret! Better late than never, right? The surprising benefits of lemon!
Lemon (Citrus) is a miraculous product to kill cancer cells. It is 10,000 times stronger than chemotherapy.

Why do we not know about that? Because there are laboratories interested in making a synthetic version that will bring them huge profits.

You can now help a friend in need by letting him/her know that lemon juice is beneficial in preventing the disease. Its taste is pleasant and it does not produce the horrific effects of chemotherapy.

How many people will die while this closely guarded secret is kept, so as not to jeopardize the beneficial multimillionaires large corporations?

As you know, the lemon tree is known for its varieties of lemons and limes.

You can eat the fruit in different ways: you can eat the pulp, juice press, prepare drinks, sorbets, pastries, etc... It is credited with many virtues, but the most interesting is the effect it produces on cysts and tumors.

This plant is a proven remedy against cancers of all types. Some say it is very useful in all variants of cancer. It is considered also as an anti microbial spectrum against bacterial infections and fungi, effective against internal parasites and worms, it regulates blood pressure which is too high and an antidepressant, combats stress and nervous disorders.
The source of this information is fascinating: it comes from one of the largest drug manufacturers in the world, says that after more than 20 laboratory tests since 1970, the extracts revealed that It destroys the malignant cells in 12 cancers, including colon, breast, prostate, lung and pancreas...
The compounds of this tree showed 10,000 times better than the product Adriamycin, a drug normally used chemotherapeutic in the world, slowing the growth of cancer cells.

And what is even more astonishing: this type of therapy with lemon extract only destroys malignant cancer cells and it does not affect healthy cells.
So, give those lemons a good wash, freeze them and grate them. Your whole body will love you for it!!!!!

Saturday, 6 September 2014

The danger of high Triglycerides

The real danger of high Triglycerides

If I asked you what the danger was in having high blood sugar, you would probably say it means insulin resistance or Type 2 diabetes. Then if I asked what elevated cholesterol can contribute to, chances are good you’d say heart disease. And then if I really challenged you and asked what protein in your urine could mean, you just might know that it suggests a kidney problem. But how about if I asked you about elevated triglycerides? Especifically what they are and what the big deal is about them?
Hello? Anybody there?
Fact is, most people don’t really understand triglycerides. The typical response I hear when I ask people about them is, "Aren't they something like cholesterol and they’re tied to heart disease?"
Well, sort of. But there’s a whole lot more to it than that.
Let me give you a brief crash course in triglycerides so you can better understand what they really are, what the elevations mean and most importantly, how to help keep yours healthy.

So...what are triglycerides anyway?

Simply put, triglycerides are your body's main type of fat.
When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn't need to use for energy at that moment into triglycerides. The triglycerides are stored in your fat cells (adipose tissue).
So when you 'pinch an inch' you’re viewing fat cells that are your little biological warehouses for triglycerides.
Later on when it’s been a while since you had food and your body needs a source of energy, hormones (including insulin) release triglycerides into your bloodstream for your energy needs between meals.
Triglycerides also insulate and protect your organs and store your body's reserve of essential fatty acids (like Omega-3 and Omega-6 EFAs).

So, similar to cholesterol, triglycerides are NOT the demons that people think they are. Without them you’d be deep-sixed before long!
The trouble with triglycerides is some people have WAY too many and they’re stored in an area that can spell trouble.
Here’s what I mean.

High triglycerides and the "apple figure"

Just like elevated glucose in the bloodstream, high blood levels of triglycerides also increase your risk of heart disease by damaging your artery walls.
The danger is similar to not changing the oil in your car.
When neglected, both human blood and engine oil get thick and slushy, which makes the heart (or engine) have to work harder to pump the fluid. This viscous fluid also picks up excess debris and forms harmful deposits, which eventually cause a breakdown.
A car engine will burn up. In humans, the result is atherosclerosis and eventually a heart attack or a stroke.
And it's especially risky for people with an "apple figure" (having excess weight around their middle) and insulin resistance or Type 2 diabetes.
For men with diabetes AND the apple figure, the risk for heart disease goes up two and a half times. For women with diabetes and this shape, it rises EIGHT times.

Here's what’s going on:

Fat cells located in your abdominal area release fat into the blood far more easily than fat cells found elsewhere in your body. Release of fat in your middle begins just 3 to 4 hours after you eat, compared to many more hours for other fat cells.
This quick, easy release shows up as elevated triglyceride levels.
How blood triglycerides get too high to begin with, more than 200.
Although a common cause of high blood triglycerides is diet (more on that below), there are also MANY other causes and contributing factors including:
    Obesity
    Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance
    Prolonged stress and/or depression
    Heavy caffeine use
    Smoking cigarettes
    Alcohol abuse
    Lack of exercise
    Chronic liver disease or kidney damage
    Pancreatitis--infection of the pancreas
    Dialysis
    Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
    Cystic fibrosis
    Lupus
    Gout
    Cushing's syndrome--Excess cortisol production, usually the result of steroids, which can cause a fatty hump between the shoulders, a rounded face and pink or purple stretch marks on the skin.
    Estrogens like "the pill" or hormone replacement therapy such as Premarin
    Corticosteroids like Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone, and Prednisone
    Beta-blockers - used to treat high blood pressure and coronary artery disease
    Diuretics - aka water pills; also used to treat high blood pressure
    Tamoxifen - drug treatment for women with breast cancer
    Quinapril (Accupril), an antihypertensive known as an ACE inhibitor
    Mirtazapine - an antidepressant
    Cancer

But far and away, the LEADING causes of elevated triglycerides are these three dietary no-no's:

1- Eating too many refined carbohydrates such as white flour, processed grains, sweets, and other sugar-containing foods
PLUS
2- Eating too many saturated fats (ESPECIALLY trans-fats)
AND

3- Having too few antioxidants in your system.
Here’s why that is so:

The triple dietary whammy

1- The refined carb piece

First of all, having a diet high in refined carbs creates an enormous influx of glucose into your bloodstream every time you eat. Your body tries its best to deal with this tidal wave by clanging the alarm bell for the pancreas to secrete insulin, hoping that the glucose will be taken in by your cells and your blood glucose level will come back down where it needs to be.
Insulin also is the trigger that allows your body to use triglycerides as energy, so it has a dual purpose here.
But when you take in large amounts of refined carbs day in and day out (and thus get far more glucose than your body needs for energy), your poor pancreas goes into overdrive trying to keep up with your insulin requirements.
Eventually you can reach the point where your cells start ignoring the signal to take in the glucose (insulin resistance) and your pancreas gets exhausted (and therefore can’t release enough insulin for your glucose or triglyceride needs).
The end result? You get glucose and triglycerides building up in your bloodstream!

2- The saturated fat/trans-fat piece

Both saturated fats (found in animal products such as meat, butter and eggs) and trans-fats (found in processed foods, baked goods and fast food) raise blood levels of triglycerides. So getting too much of either is not a good idea.
However, your body does NEED saturated fats, especially your brain, nervous system and even your heart, so you shouldn’t completely swear them off.
A good rule of thumb is to limit your dietary intake of fats to about 30% of your total calories, of which 1/3 is saturated fats, 1/3 monounsaturated fats and 1/3 polyunsaturated fats. This will ensure your body gets what it needs without going overboard.
What you SHOULD totally swear off are trans-fats. These are fats that have never occurred in Nature and are created by infusing hydrogen into a polyunsaturated fat.
They are completely foreign (like a poison) to your body and you can’t metabolize them. So instead they tax your liver, gum up your arteries, create free radicals, burrow into your tissues and create inflammation and open the door for atherosclerosis, dementia and premature aging.
Oh, and they also cause your blood triglycerides to soar.

3- The antioxidant piece

Antioxidants are your body’s main defense against the damaging effects of free radicals, so that fact in and of itself makes them a superstar.
But studies have also shown that these impressive little guys can also help lower blood triglyceride levels!
One study performed at Penn State University found that adding spices rich in antioxidants may counteract the effect of fat-rich, triglyceride-raising foods.
During the two-day study, researchers worked with men between the ages of 30 and 65 who were slightly overweight but otherwise healthy.
The men were first served a high-fat meal with antioxidant-rich spices like oregano, rosemary, cinnamon, turmeric, cloves, garlic powder, paprika and black powder. Then the next time the men were served the same high-fat meal, but without the spices.
When the antioxidant rich spices were added, the researchers saw that blood triglyceride levels in the participants had decreased by 30% as compared to the levels with the non-antioxidant meal!

What you can do?

Hopefully you’ve gotten the idea that the way to go here is to respect the role triglycerides play in your body, and to help make sure yours stay at a health-enhancing, not health harming, level!

Part 1- Severely limit your intake of refined carbs, get the right amount of GOOD saturated fats, avoid trans-fats like the plague, and eat more foods that contain natural antioxidants.

If that sounds like a mouthful and seems difficult or overwhelming, nothing could be farther from the truth.

Honey and Cinnamon (शहद और दालचिनी)

Facts on Honey and Cinnamon:

It is found that a mix of honey and cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also note honey as very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects which is also a plus. Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients. Researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, put it on toast instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol and could potentially save one from heart attack. Also, even if you have already had an attack studies show you could be kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of cinnamon honey strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.

ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients can benefit by taking one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken daily even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain -- and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder....who knew?

CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol-could be cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses, and it's delicious too!

UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also is said to clear stomach ulcers from its root.

GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals

INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural 'Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

RASPY OR SORE THROAT: When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS: Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.

WEIGHT LOSS: Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.

BAD BREATH: People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing.

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Toxicity : From Wikipedia:

The European Food Safety Authority in 2008 considered toxicity of coumarin, known to cause liver and kidney damage in high concentrations and a significant component of cinnamon, and metabolic effect on humans with CYP2A6 polymorphism, and confirmed a maximum recommended Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) of 0.1 mg of coumarin per kg of body weight. The European Union set a guideline for maximum coumarin content in foodstuffs of 50 mg per kg of dough in seasonal foods, and 15 mg per kg in everyday baked foods. These limits are low enough to affect the flavour of cinnamon pastries.

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Health benefits of cinnamon (dalchini)

http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/health-benefits-of-cinnamon-dalchini/

Cinnamon or dalchini is a staple addition to curries, pulav and biryani, but did you ever think that that tiny little bark could protect you from a host of illnesses right from cancer to cough and cold? Well, it sure can. Here are the top ten health benefits of cinnamon:

Helps keep diabetes under check: According to a study published in the Diabetes Care Journal. cinnamon was a highly effective remedy against diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. The study stated that the spice has the ability to improve one’s glucose levels and lipid levels by activating his/her insulin receptors. It also reduces the total serum glucose, triglycerides and the total cholesterol of a person since it stimulates the enzyme systems that regulate one’s carbohydrate metabolism. Cinnamon also has amazing vasodialatory properties that help beat the risk of cardiovascular disease – a common condition seen in diabetics. (Read: Home remedies for diabetes)

Tip: Cinnamon tea is one of the most beneficial methods to beat diabetes. To make the tea, boil cinnamon in water for 15 minutes. The water will turn brown in colour, strain the liquid and drink. To add flavor you could add a few leaves of tulsi while boiling and add a spoon of honey for sweetness. Keep sipping on this tea throughout the day. Here are more health benefits of tulsi.

Can help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s: A study conducted at the Tel Aviv University [2] found that the extract of cinnamon, when administered on a daily basis to patients with Alzheimer’s improved their longevity and bettered the locomotor defects they experience once afflicted with the disease. Cinnamon extract also known as CEppt, inhibits tau aggregation (tau is a type of protein that aggregates around that part of the nerves that is responsible for transmitting impulses of the brain) and filament formation (a process that is thought to be due to the accumulation of tau protein) which in turn protects the brain from the onset of Alzheimer’s and can also help in slowing down the progression of the disease. (Read: Alzheimer’s disease – it’s more common than you think)

Tip: To help protect you from disease, have a teaspoon of freshly ground cinnamon with a little bit of honey. Have this every day on an empty stomach. If you find this mixture too pungent, try having it as tea. Here are more health benefits of honey.

Helps protect you from cancer: In a study done by the USDA (United States Agricultural Department), it was found that cinnamon extract was a potent weapon against leukaemia and lymphomas. The study found that the extract worked by blocking the path of certain components that were important for the regeneration of the cell, inhabited the further multiplication of cancerous cells, and slowly reduced their spread. It also found that the higher the amount of extract the better the results. Remarkably, the extract only inhibited the growth of unhealthy cells and left the healthy cells untouched unlike conventional therapies like chemotherapy, etc. (Read: Can herbal remedies beat cancer?)

Tip: Add cinnamon to your daily diet either by sprinkling it on your food or with honey.

Relieves arthritic pain: Cinnamon is packed with a compound known as cinnamomum, which has very strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it a great home remedy for arthritic pain. Its natural heating mechanism provides added relief to aching joints. Read more about how exercise can help you to prevent arthritic pain.

Tip: Grind cinnamon into a fine paste with water and apply on the aching joints. You can place a soft muslin cloth on the paste to keep the paste wet for longer.

Helps in digestion: Cinnamon is packed with mineral manganese, fibre, essential oils and calcium. The calcium and fibre combine with bile salts and help in their transport outside the body. The essential oils, help regulate the action of gastric juices on food, improves digestion, assimilation and its anti inflammatory properties helps reduce the inflammation caused due to indigestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and ulcers. Moreover the fibre content helps to relieve constipation and diarrhoea. (Read: 10 Home remedies for constipation)

Tip: To relieve a stomach upset have cinnamon tea infused with mint leaves about two to three times a day.

Helps with weight loss: Cinnamon has great digestive properties, it helps with weight loss by regulating the breakdown of carbohydrates and the production and use of insulin by the body. It also helps improve the digestion and assimilation of food within the body, helping one lose weight. (Read: Herbs for weight loss)

Tip: Drink cinnamon tea with a teaspoon of honey every day, half an hour before breakfast. Alternatively you could add cinnamon powder to your meal by sprinkling it on your salad, coffee or other foods.

Helps beat acne: Cinnamon is a common spice and flavouring agent but the essential oil it contains also has strong anti-microbial properties. The water activity of honey is very low and this means that it does not contain a lot of moisture which can promote the growth of microorganisms. Considering that pimples often arise from an infection within the pores of the skin, combining cinnamon with honey is an effective remedy. (Read: Herbal remedies to get rid of pimples)

Tip: Crush a little cinnamon, and add a bit of honey to make it into a paste. Now apply it on the pimple and leave for a few minutes. You can leave it on overnight also for added benefit. Wash off the paste with warm water and watch that pimple vanish.

Helps cure a cold and cough: Known for its antibiotic and body warming properties, cinnamon is a formidable remedy against a cold and cough. It not only helps to relieve the congestion commonly experienced with a cold, it is also great for a sore throat when combined with ginger, tulsi and honey. Here are more natural remedies for cough and cold.

Tip: Boil a small crushed piece of ginger, a few leaves of tulsi leaves, crushed black pepper in two cups of water. Cover the vessel with a lid and let the mixture boil at a low heat. When the solution has simmered for about ten minutes, strain the liquid, add a teaspoon of honey and drink. It should be warm. This solution will not only soothe an irritated throat, it will also clear up the blocked nasal passage and sinuses.

Beats heart disease and atherosclerosis: Packed with fibre and calcium, cinnamon is great for the heart. Since the fibre and calcium and help transport bile salts outside the body, the body produces more bile salts for other bodily functions by breaking down cholesterol. This directly translates to lower cholesterol levels which protect the heart from blockages and the arteries from atherosclerosis. Read more about ways to use cinnamon to keep the heart healthy.

Tip: Have a teaspoon of cinnamon powder everyday on an empty stomach. You can add honey or drink it with warm water.

Fights tooth decay: Cinnamon oil is known for its antibacterial properties. It is essentially good for the teeth and gums. Cinnamon not only beats tooth decay but also helps prevent gingivitis and bad breath. Here’s more information on how you can prevent tooth decay.

Tip: If you are suffering from bad breath, gargle with cinnamon infused water (cinnamon boiled in water). For toothache and gingivitis, chew on a small piece of cinnamon, to get some relief.

Finally, do what you may with it, but adding just that exact amount of cinnamon is the best thing you can do for your body.

It is important to remember that these are only home remedies for ailments. Please be sure to visit your doctor if you have a serious ailment or the symptoms persist.