Cinnamon and honey are the two staples that can be found in almost every kitchen shelf. You often top off your salads, snacks, breakfast meals and many recipes with these kitchen ingredients to make your dish more delicious and also healthy. Both of these behold a lot of nutritional benefits. Let us discuss them one by one.
Honey: Honey is a good source of natural sugars. The vitamin content of honey includes B6, niacin, thiamine, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, and a variety of other amino acids. It is also rich in a variety of minerals like iron, calcium, copper, potassium, manganese, magnesium, zinc and sodium.
Cinnamon: This sweet spice is known for its anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory, carminative and anti-flatulent properties. This spice is an excellent source of manganese, iron, calcium, fiber, potassium, zinc, and magnesium. Little amounts of vitamin A and vitamin K are also present in cinnamon.
Because of these nutrient contents, honey and cinnamon are considered for numerous health issues. These include:
• Immunity: a mixture of honey and cinnamon is very beneficial for the immune system of a person. It enhances the immunity and knocks out fatigue. With a strong immunity, we can fight a variety of ailments like flu, viral infections, cold, sore throat and many other such illnesses. The antioxidant properties of both honey and cinnamon help to eradicate the free radicals in the body.
• Control diabetes: the effect of flavonoids contained in cinnamon almost equates to that of insulin levels, which encourages the sugar from the blood stream into the cells where it is required as energy for their proper functioning. Honey provides a natural source of energy that does not cause much fluctuation in blood sugar levels. A combination of these two hence controls and even improves diabetes.
• Lose weight: cinnamon boosts the metabolism while honey provides natural sugars that are required by the body in the form of energy. A combination of these two in warm water is a great weight loss tool.
• Cancer: the phytochemicals contained in honey along with the anti-tumor properties of cinnamon are found to be helpful in resisting the spread of cancers. Certain acids of honey also help in combating the cancerous materials in the body.
• Prevents itching: a paste made of a mixture of one spoon of honey to two spoons of water with one teaspoon of cinnamon can be applied on the itching body part to make any itching go away within minutes.
• Skin care: a mixture of these two ingredients is also beneficial to cure plenty of skin problems like rashes, pimples and a variety of skin infections. The anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antioxidant property of these two, works wonders for almost all skin problems.
• Reduce arthritis: honey and cinnamon is beneficial for those suffering with arthritis. Simply drink a mixture of two spoons of honey and a teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a cup of hot water two times a day. This will help in reducing the pain of arthritis and if consumed regularly, the arthritis may also be cured.

Whenever we are on the verge of eating something spicy, some of us may eat a chilli pepper with our meals or sprinkle a pinch of powdered chilly to our dish to make it hot and spicy. Although chilli peppers burns our tongues, make our eyes water and bring us out in a sweat, we still love to have it as it brings a tinge of flavor, even to an ordinary meal. Besides being considered as a spicy ingredient of a dish, a chilli pepper is also known for its medicinal properties and is widely used as a natural remedy for various health issues. Here we shall be discussing about the health benefits of eating chilli peppers.

• Vitamin A and Vitamin C content of chilli peppers is excellent to boost your immune system. Vitamin A is essential to keeping a healthy mucous membrane that lines the nasal passages and intestinal tract, while vitamin C acts as an antioxidant to soak up free radicals and make the body immune to fight infections like chest congestion and the common cold.
• Studies have shown that when chilli peppers are regularly consumed in the diet, the body requires less levels of insulin to break down the food. Hence to lower down the blood sugar levels in the body a lower amount of insulin is required. Therefore, chillies work great for those suffering with diabetes.
• The cardiovascular functioning of a person is improved when he/she consumes chilli peppers regularly in the diet. Chillies, especially the red chillies lower the levels of bad cholesterol and triglyceride and also reduce platelet aggregation. They also help in increasing the body’s ability to dissolve fibrin, which if not dissolved can form blood clots. Further, chillies also promote blood circulation and prevent strokes.
• The high levels of antioxidants found in chilli peppers can cause cancer cells growth to be inhibited. Therefore, a certain amount of chilli peppers is often recommended to people suffering from prostate and bowel cancers as chilli triggers the death of cancer cells.
• Many people relate stomach ulcers with chilli consumption. However this is not true. While chilli is not the cause of ulcers, it actually aids in the prevention of ulcers. It helps in killing the ulcer causing bacteria by stimulating the stomach cells to secrete protective fluids.
• For those suffering with osteoarthritis pain, chilli is often recommended as a natural pain killer. Studies have shown that consumption of chilli is associated with the famous feel-good chemical neurotransmitters in your brain called endorphins and when the chilli is even hotter, you can experience a bigger endorphin rush and your pain will be gone away within seconds.
• A chilli is helpful in fighting obesity, which is a common condition leading to various health issues. The thermogenic properties of a chilli pepper make you feel hot after eating it. This hotness generated consumes energy and hence the metabolism process is increased causing a speedy breakdown of fats causing a loss in unwanted weight.

The most common skin problem that almost every adolescent and teenager face is acne. Though acne is a naturally occurring skin problem, it can make your face look quite unpleasant and unattractive, it might make you lose confidence in your own self. Sleep deprivation, too much stress, unhealthy eating habits are also some of the major causes of acne. Although your face is the most common place where it occurs, it can also appear on your chest, back and scalp. In this article we shall be discussing a few of the natural ways to get rid of acne.

Baking soda: sodium bicarbonate or baking soda is found in almost every kitchen as it is used to bake cakes and cookies. It is an excellent exfoliant for your skin. It opens the pores of the skin and removes the dead skin cells. Moreover, the mild anti-inflammatory and antiseptic property it beholds makes it a perfect remedy to clear away acne. Mix two spoons of baking soda with water or lemon juice and apply this paste on your face for 10 minutes and then wash your face with cold water.

Oatmeal: dirt and excess oil is cleared away from the skin pores by using a mixture of cooked oatmeal with honey and lemon juice. Rub this mixture on your face and leave it on for around half an hour. Then wash it off with lukewarm water. Exfoliate your skin with this mixture twice a week and get rid of that horrible looking acne.

Fuller’s earth: also known as multani mitti, fuller’s earth is a perfect solution for greasy and acne prone skin. It absorbs the excess oil from the skin and unclogs the pores. Make a mud pack by mixing equal proportions of Fuller’s earth, rose water, and sandalwood powder. Apply it on your face and keep it on until dry and then wash it with cold water. You can use this mixture once a week and also get an improved complexion.

Lemon juice: due to its acidic properties, lemon juice can be applied to the face to clear acne right away. Simply rub a lemon slice on the acne affected area for around 5 minutes and then wash with plain water. The acne dries up and withers off themselves, leaving your skin feeling clean and beautiful. You can use it daily, but if your skin is dry, then you can make use of lemon juice every third day.

The do’s and don’ts of acne

 

If you have acne prone skin, then you should make certain changes in your eating habits in particular. Here are certain do’s and don’ts that can help in preventing acne and are related with women health

• Eat fibrous fruits and vegetables which are helpful to improve your digestion and also clear away as well as prevent acne.
• Drink lots of water to flush out toxins from your body and keep acne at bay.
• Include yogurt in your diet as the good bacteria in it fights off the bacteria that cause acne.
• Do not touch the acne on your face as the dirt on your hands can trigger the acne.
• Avoid scrubbing your face as it aggravates acne causing it to multiply.

Adding spices to your dishes is the easiest way to turn your bland meal into a flavored dish that you’ll definitely enjoy eating. But, do you know that these spices do much more than just making your food delicious. They encapsulate various properties that are very beneficial for your health and keeps away major illnesses. Here we have a list of 5 spices that not only perks up your favorite dish, but can also promote good health.

1. Turmeric: people who admire Indian food around the world are familiar with this particular spice, turmeric is the reason why the curry of the Indian dish gets its yellow color. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is therefore used in ointments for burns. It is also used in a variety of skin products for treating a variety of skin troubles. The active ingredient circumin contained in this herb helps to prevent skin cancer as well as breast cancer. Turmeric is also known to boost immunity against a variety of infections like flu and chest congestion.2. Sage: this Mediterranean native herb enhances the flavor of any dish. Due to its unique pleasant aroma it is used as a fragrance in soaps and also in a variety of cosmetics. Sage includes antioxidants like apigenin, diosmetin, and luteolin and is also rich in vitamin K. It is therefore used in medicines to treat digestive problems and mental disorders like Alzheimer’s and depression. Along with that, it is used to treat digestive problems, sore throat, various skin diseases and is also used as a memory booster.3. Cinnamon: this is a sweet spice which not only adds flavor to your oatmeal or apple slices but also is loaded with numerous health benefits. It contains antioxidants that
   protect the cell from being damaged by harmful free radicals in the body. Its major nutrient contents are iron, calcium, manganese and fiber. This spice although is sweet to taste, helps manage the blood sugar levels and also blood pressure. It also boosts the metabolism of your body and thus helping you reduce weight.

   4. Ginger: the aromatic, pungent and spicy flavor can be added to almost every dish- veg or non-veg. Known for its powerful anti-inflammatory substance called gingerol, this spice is beneficial for people suffering with pain due to arthritis and osteoarthritis or after performing strenuous exercise. It also promotes the elimination of intestinal gas and also soothes the intestinal tracts. Ginger can also help in fighting certain cancers and is also used for treating upset stomach. This spice is also helpful in treating nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and etc.

2. Black Pepper: sprinkling just a pinch of black pepper enhances the taste of almost every savory dish, or even fruits. Also called ‘the king of spices’, it is known for its antioxidant as well as antibiotic properties. This spice is known to promote intestinal health and cure digestive problems. It also stimulates the breakdown of fats and helps you to lose excessive weight. This spice helps in reducing LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol levels, thus helping to keep your heart healthy.

 

 

 

There is no wonder why tea has been a popular drink amongst people for thousands of years now. It is not only delicious to drink but also beneficial for your health. Drinking tea, especially herbal teas, helps to reduce obesity and therefore is an excellent addition to any weight loss plan. When you replace the sugary soda drinks with herbal tea consumption you will immediately notice weight reduction. Along with that, the herbs have additional benefits such as preventing strokes, arthritis, tooth decay and many more such diseases. Here we have a list of 9 different herbal teas that can help in shedding weight.

 

Star anise tea: digestive troubles like upset stomach, diarrhoea, nausea and other such problems can be cured by star anise fruit of a small evergreen anise tree (Illicium verum), which is native to China. A cup of tea made with the entire pod simply by steeping it in hot water can cure almost all digestive issues and also help in boosting the metabolism, which indirectly helps in losing weight.

Peppermint tea: this tea again helps in improving digestion and thus aid in burning more calories. You can make a light, refreshing tea with peppermint leaves and drink it either hot or chilled.

Green tea: green tea contains the chemical EGCG, which helps in enhancing the metabolism process of the body. Thus drinking around three cups help in melting the extra body fats. Along with EGCG, green tea also includes antioxidants, which again boost metabolism and help shed those extra pounds.

Rose tea: rose tea is a blend of fresh roses and a bud of tea and is found to have therapeutic effects. Not only does it clarifies toxins from the body and beautifies the skin, the majority of vitamins in it including vitamin A, B3, C, D and E act against infections, improves digestion by preventing constipation and thus help in losing weight.

Oolong tea: this semi-fermented tea is known to have a stronger effect than green tea in losing weight as it melts the extra body fat, reduce bad cholesterol, and prevents obesity. Having two cups of this herbal tea daily can help you in weight loss.

Chickweed Tea: chickweed is one of the most effective herbs known for helping with weight lost. It is rich in potassium which helps with food cravings. A cup of chickweed tea assists your body to burn more fats.

White Tea: this herbal tea is a great for weight loss because of its EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) content, which is a kind of fat absorption blocker. It promotes the metabolism of your body and is recommended to drink with meals.

• Bilberry Tea: This herbal tea helps to reduce hunger cravings. It contains antioxidants and healthy levels of Vitamin C, which helps in balancing blood sugar and also cleansing the digestive tract of impurities, extra foods, and fats making it an excellent weight loss beverage. Having two cups a day is recommended for losing weight fast.

Arthritis is a disease concerning one or several joints in the body that produces unbearable pain and inflammation. It is typically caused by wear and tear and is treated with pain medication.

 

Though there is no sure shot diet that will alleviate the pain of arthritis, yet according to researchers, there are anti-inflammatory foods that patients of arthritis can benefit by. These are:

Foods that fight arthritis:

Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are known to reduce the inflammation related to arthritis. COX-2 enzymes causing inflammation of the joints tend to be less active when you’re on a diet of Omega-3 fatty acids. They can be found in meat, snacks, corn and sunflower oil, and in salmon, tuna, mackerel, trout and sardines, walnuts and flaxseeds.

Broccoli: Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, bokchoy and kale prevent further arthritis development.

Vitamin D: Those who kept out in the sun or took Vitamin D tablets benefitted by having lesser arthritic pain. The progression of arthritis too slows down immensely when you take Vitamin D tablets. Vitamin D is found in oily fish, bread, dairy products, etc.

Olive oil: Those suffering with arthritis should get on to a Mediterranean diet, which includes olive oil. It helps reduce the stiffness and pain associated with arthritis. Add olive oil, lemon juice and vinegar to your salad, and add herbs if you like too.

These are foods that aggravate arthritis, hence should be avoided:

Fried foods: Foods rich in fats like French fries, donuts, fried chicken and fish should not be eaten by arthritis patients. If one overeats these foods, body fat increases and this puts strain on the joints and increases the chances of wear and tear. Since body fat produces chemicals and hormones, it is responsible for heightened inflammation levels. To prevent arthritis from worsening, grill, bake, steam or roast your food.

Sugars &refined carbs: Refined carbohydrates can be seen in foods with white flour. So, white bread, cakes, rolls and biscuits contain them. Refined carbs cause inflammation in the joints and increase levels of cytokines and other inflammatory substances that worsen arthritis. Foods rich in refined carbs should be swapped for their whole grain counterparts such as whole wheat grain, bread, pasta, and wild and brown rice.

Dairy Products: Dairy products contain certain proteins that aggravate the affected arthritis joints. For relief from arthritis, sufferers are known to switch to a vegan lifestyle, where protein from dairy products is absent. They get this protein from green leafy vegetables.

Depression is a commonly experienced feeling. People feel depressed when they lose someone very close to them or very precious, or when their self-esteem takes a big hit. There are many situations in life to which people crumble and end up feeling depressed over prolonged periods. It could also be due to hypothyroidism or anemia.

It is said that 20 million people in the United States suffer from depression. Though most sufferers of depression do not seek medical help, the first step for patients with depression is to speak to their doctor because if left untreated, depression can become chronic. If patients do not want medical help, they can take recourse to any of these natural remedies:

Natural remedies to cure depression:

                                        

St. John’s Wort: This herb helps as a mood upper for nervousness, sadness, anxiety and insufficient sleep. According to research, St. John’s Wort is a good remedy for mild depression. It is available in the form of tablets, capsules, tea or extracts. For best results, patients should take it for about five weeks. They could experience side-effects such as exhaustion, indigestion, dry mouth and dizziness.

 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These fatty acids stimulate brain function and since our bodies do not manufacture it, we need to add it to our diet. There is definite research that points to a low intake of Omega-3 fatty acids and depression. By eating a diet of Omega-3 fatty acids foods such as salmon, cod, herring, tuna, sardines or anchovies, you can find relief from depression. Take them in the form of capsules, or as cod liver oil capsules. However, take care not to take it two weeks before and after a surgery.

SAM-e: SAM-e or S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine is a naturally occurring chemical in the human body that enhances levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, serotonin and dopamine. It should be taken according to your doctor’s instructions.

Meditation: Meditation helps to quiet the confusion and hurt in the mind and replace it with serenity.

Yoga: There are several effective yoga exercises to fight depression and regain one’s mental control and freedom.

Eat magnesium-rich foods: Foods rich in magnesium can help to improve your moods and add a dash of health to your daily food. Eat pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds and cashew nuts and almonds, apart from legumes and beans, dark leafy veggies to increase your magnesium intake.

Reflexology: In this therapy, a professional applies pressure to certain points on the feet and hands. By manipulating the nerves at these points, the healing process is expedited and the patient experiences relief.