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.

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.

On reaching menopause, a woman is vulnerable to face many health  issues mainly because of the estrogen hormone reducing. However, the risk of many of those health issues can be avoided by consuming a healthy and balanced diet full of essential nutrients. Before discussing about the necessary diet for women after menopause, let’s first take a look at the various health issues that women are prone to after menopause.

Mental health: estrogen is one of the necessary hormones that govern the mental health of a woman. Because of the certain properties of this hormone it protects against memory loss and aids in proper brain functioning. It stimulates production of neurotransmitters and also eliminates the production of free oxygen radicals that cause Alzheimer. When a woman reaches her menopause stage, she becomes more prone to get Alzheimer because of the decline in estrogen production.

Bone Density: because of the lack of estrogen after menopause, a woman becomes more susceptible to osteoporosis, as she tends to lose bone density. Her bones become fragile and get easily fractured. Estrogen is responsible for the resorption of calcium in the bones and also maintains the levels of vitamin D, which is again an important nutrient in maintaining strong bones.

Heart health: Estrogen again is responsible for maintaining a healthy heart. This particular hormone can maintain cholesterol levels, smoothen blood vessels for a normal blood flow and reduce free radicals that affect the arteries. A menopausal woman is at a higher risk of heart ailments due to a fall in estrogen levels.

Diet essential for menopausal woman

Now that we know the various problems that a menopausal woman can face, we also must know that eating a healthy and nutritious diet can help menopausal women avoid many of those problems. Here we have a list of certain foods rich in nutrients that should be included in the diet of a woman after menopause.

 

Fats: unsaturated fats reduce the risk of heart diseases and diabetes and should be therefore consumed in the daily diet of a woman after menopause. These include skimmed milk, nuts, olive oil, peanut butter, avocados etc. While eating these sources of unsaturated fats is necessary, avoiding those with saturated fats is also necessary for a menopausal woman.

Carbohydrates: carbohydrates are one of the essential macro-nutrients that supply the body with energy. Wholegrain cereals like oats, rice, barley and cornmeal, starchy vegetables like potatoes, yams, green peas, brown bread and wholemeal pasta are rich sources of carbohydrates that should be included in the diet of a menopausal woman.

Protein: meat products, eggs, nuts, beans and lentils, yogurt, cottage cheese and soy milk are some of the protein rich sources that should be included in the diet of a woman after menopause. Proteins tend to increase the immunity and save from various illnesses and infections.

Calcium: this is yet another important mineral nutrient that the body of woman approaching menopause lacks. Dairy products like, cheese, yogurt, milk, green leafy vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, soya beans and tofu are some of the rich sources of calcium. In order to prevent disease like osteoporosis and maintain a good bone health even in old ages, calcium rich foods should be incorporated in the diet of a menopausal women.

Many of us enjoy eating different kinds of nuts as a snack food along with something to drink. Their salty, creamy and savoury taste and texture also makes them a popular ingredient in a host of dishes. While many people are fond of nuts, there are some who are afraid of their high caloric and fat content and therefore avoid them as much as possible. However, according to researches and various studies, incorporating nuts in your daily diet, especially that of women, have plenty of health benefits.

The primary women’s health issue is being overweight or obese, which is the main cause of many diseases with a risk to life. Nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashews and others were found to be beneficial in weight loss, according to a study. But weight is not the only women’s health issue that could be resolved with consuming a particular quantity of nuts. There is a galore of health benefits associated with nut consumption including:

 

Stress Reduction: including nuts in your daily diet can help in reducing stress in your body.  The good nutrients present in nuts like alpha-linolenic acid of walnuts, and a collection of vitamins including vitamin E and vitamin B along with magnesium in almonds and cashews can protect your body against the harmful effects of stress and also help to boost your immune system.

Heart Health: almonds, hazel nuts, peanuts, walnuts and cashews are a few nuts that can help in reducing LDL cholesterol that causes major heart issues.  They also include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat and fiber, which are heart healthy. These nuts also contain arginine and amino acid that are converted to nitric acid for relaxing the blood vessels.

Lung Cancer: pistachios are rich in gamma-tocopherol, a type of vitamin E that helps in providing lung cancer protection. Therefore this particular nut is a must have in a women’s diet plan.

Cholesterol: nuts, especially walnuts are good for keeping away the bad cholesterol or LDL out of your body. A higher level of LDL can cause cardiovascular ailments, stroke and abdominal and stomach pains. Other than walnuts, almond and pistachios are also found to lower the bad cholesterol and increase the good cholesterol or HDL in your body. Many nutritionists recommend including these beneficial nuts in your diet to lessen the risk of heart disease.

Pancreatic Cancer: the consumption of nuts like brazil nuts, cashews, pecans and other popular variety of nuts lower the risk of diabetes mellitus, which is one of the causes of pancreatic cancer in women. Therefore incorporating nuts in your daily diet can save you from this disease.

Brain Health: most nuts like almonds, peanuts, walnuts, pistachios, cashew nuts and different others are great for maintaining good brain health. They consist of vitamin E, which is good for having a sharp memory. As you age you are more at a risk of cognitive decline. Peanuts that are rich in folates and brain boosting fats can prevent this risk.

Diseases like heart disease, breast cancer, and osteoporosis are some of the most common illnesses that a woman suffers today. These hazardous diseases along with many others can however be altered by changing your sedentary lifestyle and adopting a more healthier routine. Regular exercise along with a nutritious diet for women is very important for maintaining health and getting rid of various diseases, even those that have a risk of life. In this article, we will be discussing a few essential nutrients required by every woman to stay strong and fit throughout her life.

When you consume the recommended servings of the major food groups that contain essential nutrients, your body becomes strong enough to literally combat almost every disease that can interfere with your daily life. Here we have a list of six of those essential nutrients, incorporating them in your daily diet can do wonders for you by helping you maintain a proper metabolic function, hormone balance and bone strength.

Magnesium: this mineral is required in about 300 enzyme and metabolic reactions in the body of a woman. It’s deficiency can cause headaches, irritability, weakness, irregular heartbeat, constipation, and insomnia. Magnesium is required in your body to keep nerves and muscles functioning normally. It also helps in keeping up with a healthy immune and metabolic system. Green leafy vegetables, seaweed, avocado, nuts, chocolate, beans, brown rice and millets contain magnesium and should be included in a women’s diet.

Calcium: If you want to manage your bone health and prevent diseases like osteoporosis, you must include calcium rich foods in your diet. Besides maintaining the health of your bones and teeth, this mineral is also required for nerve transmission, intracellular signalling, and hormonal secretion. Dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt etc. and non dairy products like sea vegetables, cabbage, kale and broccoli as well as juices and cereals must be included in your diet.

Iron: this mineral is essential for the body as it enhances the hemoglobin protein that is required to carry oxygen in the blood. A deficiency of iron causes fatigue, weakness, less immunity, anemia and a lesser amount of hemoglobin.  Iron rich food sources include red meats, fish and plant food sources like lentils, beans, molasses, dried apricots, and raisins.

Zinc: this is an essential mineral known to boost the immune system in your body by increasing the white blood cell count.  It is also required for the functioning of many enzymes, regulating hormones, the tissue healing process and also increases the fertility of a woman. Oyster and pumpkin seeds, beans, nuts, whole grains and various meat products are rich sources of zinc and therefore necessary to be included in your diet.

Iodine: iodine is an essential mineral known to prevent and also treat many thyroid problems such as thyroid gland enlargement, which in turn can lead to breast cancer. The deficiency of this mineral can effect the metabolism, nerve and muscle functions, nails, skin, hair, teeth, and has profound effects on mental and physical growth of the body. Therefore iodine rich foods including seafood and sea weeds should be included in your diet.

 

Lemon is a citrus fruit regarded by many for its therapeutic properties. This little yellow fruit consist of a plethora of healthy nutrients that are essential to maintain the health of both women and men. In this article we shall be discussing the numerous health benefits of this tiny sun that you can hold in your hand.

• Despite of the sour taste of lemons, they are known to include healthy sugars that are used by the body for energy.
• Lemons consist of concentrated citric acid or vitamin C, which is an essential vitamin required for maintaining the health of cells.
• This tiny yellow fruit is rich in potassium, which is helpful to normalize blood pressure, help you concentrate better, and also maintain water balance in the body.
• Sore throat issues can be sorted out with a mixture of honey and lemon juice or simply gargle with a mix of lemon and warm water to get rid of the unpleasant bacteria on the throat. The vitamin C and flavonoid content of lemons are helpful to eradicate flu and cold infections.
• It is used as a disinfectant and soothes itching skin.
• When a mixture of lemon juice and water is consumed regularly before breakfast, it acts as a detox agent and cleans the liver and intestines. This improves the metabolism and therefore helps with weight loss.
• The alkalizing property of lemons is helpful to restore the body’s pH balance.
• The powerful antibacterial properties of lemon assist in curing many diseases like malaria, typhoid, cholera and other hazardous diseases.

 

Benefits of lemons specifically for women’s health

 

From the information above we now know about the several health benefits of lemons. Now we shall discuss how lemons benefit women’s health.

• Uric acid is a common problem many women suffer. It can cause painful ankles and joints. Drinking lemon juice with water neutralizes the effect of uric acid and detoxify the liver.
• A glass of warm lemon juice when consumed as the very first thing in morning helps to create a bowel movement and flush out waste from the body. Constipation and other digestive problems, which are again common in women, can be resolved using lemons. Drinking lemon juice is also useful for nausea and diarrhea problems.
• Another common problem that a woman might face in her life includes gallstones and kidney stones. The citric acid of lemons can dissolve these and flushes them out of the body.
• The free radicals in the body of a woman can accelerate the process of aging. The vitamin C of lemons is helpful in neutralizing them, hence slowing down aging.
• Many brain disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer can be treated with potent phytonutrient tangeretin, which is present in lemon peel.
• The rutin present in lemons can improve the vision disorders caused by diabetes.
• The cancerous problems in a woman can be treated with lemons as they contain anti-cancerous compounds like limonene and flavonol glycosides.