Showing posts with label natural food sources. Show all posts
Showing posts with label natural food sources. Show all posts

Friday, October 31, 2014

15 Amazing Buckwheat Benefits for Skin, Hair and Health

Buckwheat is closely related to sorrel, rhubarb, and knotweed. Raw buckwheat is a very light tan, slightly greenish. Buckwheat hulls are pyramidal in shape and have the same size as wheat kernels. It has a very mild taste.

Buckwheat can be a suitable substitute for wheat. Light buckwheat flour is lighter in color and very fine in texture when compared with dark buckwheat flour. Dark buckwheat flour is made from grinding the seed with the hull. Dark buckwheat flour contains a higher nutritional value and  fiber content.

Amazing Health Benefits of Buckwheat


Buckwheat is a warehouse of nutrients. These grain-like seeds can be an excellent substitute for barley, rye, wheat, and oats. Buckwheat rich in starch, protein, fat, fiber, mineral composition, and significant amounts of magnesium and iron. Buckwheat also contains essential amino acids.


Buckwheat Benefits for Skin, Hair and Health
photo by superfoods.gr

1. Reduces Blood Pressure:

Buckwheat rich in magnesium which is role in improving blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels. This lowering blood pressure naturally without chemicals.

2. Aids in Weight Loss:

Whole grain buckwheat has few calories and free of cholesterol and saturated fat. It can be helpful in weight loss due to suppressing appetite, facilitating proper digestion, building lean muscle mass, and lowering blood sugar. Buckwheat diet also recommended for diseases of the cardiovascular system. [More: Tips for Reduce Cholesterol]

3. Prevention against Breast cancer:

Fiber present in buckwheat reduces the risk of breast cancer. It also lowering risk of breast cancer for pre-menopausal women who eating this foods. Lignans, the antioxidants present in this seeds, role in estrogen reception. Thus, beneficial for women during their menopause. [More: 14 Foods to Prevent Breast Cancer]

4. Lowering the risk of Diabetics:

These seeds contains a medicinal chemical which reduces haemorrhage and strengthens capillary walls, hence lowering the risk of heart attacks and fatal strokes in people with diabetes and high blood pressure. It improves micro vascular circulation and integrity in diabetics, thus preventing the loss of kidney function and damage of muscle cells and nerves.

D-chiro-inositol is required for proper conduction of insulin for treating type II diabetes. Type II diabetic patients deficient in this compound. Buckwheat also contains this compound. This is an suitable food for diabetic patients.

5. Protection against Asthma:

Consumption of buckwheat can lower the risk of childhood asthma by around 50%.  Due to its high content of vitamin E and magnesium, buckwheat help in reducing the incidence of childhood asthma.

6. Cardiovascular Health:

Buckwheat rich in B vitamins, especially vitamin B6, folate, and niacin. These seeds are greatly beneficial for the cardiovascular health. These vitamins reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood. Niacin causes cholesterol removal and enhance the blood vessel strength. The minerals like magnesium, iron, phosphorus, manganese and copper help in improving blood oxygenation and reducing blood pressure. Buckwheat is greatly beneficial for people with cardiovascular problems.

7. Mental Health:

Buckwheat also quite useful to mental health. Tryptophan present in buckwheat influences mood positively, thus preventing depression.

8. Healthy Bone Structure:

Buckwheat consists of manganese which promote healthy bone structure by forming essential enzymes for assisting metabolic progression in the body and for building bones.

Magnesium is also beneficial for dental and bone health. It helps in the production of energy. It prevents the development of osteoporosis and facilitates the absorption of calcium by the body. Therefore, buckwheat contributes to healthy bone.

9. Prevents Gallstones:

Buckwheat high in insoluble fiber that can help in preventing gallstones. Insoluble fiber speeds up the movement of food, increases insulin sensitivity but lowering blood sugar and secretion of bile acids.

10. Health Benefits of Buckwheat Protein:

Buckwheat consists of a greatly high quality proteins which offers several health benefits. In combination with amino acids helps in reducing cholesterol levels, preventing diabetes and obesity too. Moreover, buckwheat proteins can reduce hypertension.

Other Benefits of Buckwheat:

Due to a good mineral list such as magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, and high flavonoids content, buckwheat is very effective to fix low hemoglobin, and frequent flu and colds. Being high content of vitamin B complex, buckwheat is often used to treat liver disorders.

Buckwheat Benefits for Skin


Buckwheat helps your skin. Sufficient supply of nutrients to the body is essential for healthy and radiant skin. Being a warehouse of nutrients, buckwheats role in skin health.

11. Makes Skin Glow:

Buckwheat consists of magnesium which relaxing the blood vessels. Therefore, improving blood circulation.

Magnesium contained in buckwheat has a relaxing effect on the blood vessels, therefore improving blood circulation. This leads to a glowing skin.


Natural Skin Care
Photo by downloadjpeg.com

12. Prevents Ageing:

Buckwheat rich in flavonoids and antioxidants, which prevent premature skin ageing. Buckwheat rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids which aid to enhance skin’s elasticity.

13. Natural Lotion:

Buckwheat really helps in skincare. Buckwheat contains rutin which aid against skin damage caused by the sun due to its anti-inflammatory properties. While flavanoids helps to giving it strong anti-aging and block free radicals. Therefore, it can be regarded as a natural suntan lotion.

In addition, rutin helps our body maintain skin collagen and properly utilize vitamin C, which essential for healthy skin.

Hair Benefits of Buckwheat


There are several hair problems like hair thinning, hair fall, dandruff, alopecia and split ends. Sufficient supply of important nutrients be required for maintaining healthy and strengthening the hair follicles. Buckwheat is a storehouse of essential nutrients that are beneficial for hair health.


Natural Beauty Hair
photo by tamilnetonline.com

14. Improves Hair Health:

Vitamin B6 is very important for hair growth. Buckwheat is a storehouse of vitamin B6.

15. Helps Hair Growth:

Buckwheat consists of carbohydrates which beneficial for proper growth of hair. Vitamin A, zinc, and B-complex vitamins present in this seeds making it highly conducive for hair growth. [More: Essential Vitamins and Supplements for Hair Growth]

Buckwheat Nutritional Value:

Buckwheat is a storehouse of nutrients that contains various kinds of nutrients consists of vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals, soluble and insoluble fiber, sugar, sodium and amino acids. It also contains minerals, flavonoids, quercitin, and essential fatty acid which is important for overall health.

It contains minerals like manganese, magnesium and copper. Moreover, it has two health-promoting flavonoids-rutin and quercitin and all the eight essential amino-acids. Buckwheat is also a great source of an essential fatty acid called Alpha-Linolenic acid which is very important for overall health.

Nutrition Facts for Buckwheat


Nutrition of Buckwheat
Photo by weightchart.com


source: stylecraze.com

Monday, September 8, 2014

Unexpected Health Benefits of Dates

Dates, delicious fruits which brimming with much-needed energy and minerals to help you stay healthy and fit. Its a good source of fiber, sugar, and energy.

The benefits of dates include relief from intestinal disorders, constipation, x dysfunction, heart problems, diarrhea, abdominal cancer, anemia, and many other conditions.

These delicious fruits are effective for gaining weight also, rich in several minerals, vitamins, and fiber too. The date fruits contain magnesium, calcium, potassium, manganese, oil, iron, sulfur, copper, and phosphorous which beneficial for our health.  It also contains vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, folate, vitamin A and vitamin K. Dates are necessary for a balanced and healthy diet.

The best ingredients for muscle development, useful in preventing abdominal cancer. By eating dates helps avoid overeating of food. When the body begins to absorb the high nutritional value of the dates, feelings of hunger are soothed.

Dates are very best versatile foods that can regulate the digestive process. It can significantly boost energy levels. Taking dates everyday will help you to maintain your eye health. These fruits quite effective in guarding against the problem of night blindness also.


Health Benefits of Dates

Photo source: ocmenus.com

Health Benefits of Dates

Bone Health and Strength

Minerals found in dates make it a super food for fighting off painful and debilitating diseases like strengthening bones and osteoporosis. Dates contain magnesium, manganese, selenium, and copper, which are integral to healthy bone strength and development. So, give a boost to your bones!
[More: 7 Simple Tips to Prevent Osteoporosis ]

Men's Weakness

Dates are beneficial for increasing your stamina. Soak dates in fresh goat’s milk over night, then grind them in the same milk with a mixture of honey and cardamom powder. It reducing sterility caused by various disorders.

The high levels of flavonoid and estradiol components of dates are what increase sp3rm count and motility, and promoting increased test3s weight and size. So, for a masculine boost, eat dates, because these frutis are a powerful natural aphrodisiac!


muscle strength by eat dates fruit

Photo source: dynamiccontractiontechnique.com

Allergies

The most interesting of dates is the presence of organic sulfur. It beneficial for reduce of seasonal allergies and allergic reactions. Organic sulfur compounds have a positive impact on the amount of suffering people experience from Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis. Dates are a amazing way to somewhat stem the effects of those seasonal allergies.

Weight Gain

Dates should be included as daily menu of a healthy diet. Dates consist of proteins, sugar, and many essential vitamins. If consumed with cucumber paste, you can also keep your weight at balanced level, rather than over-slimming. The calories in these fruits are sufficient to meet the daily requirements. If you want to increase your weight, or to build your muscles, or you have become weak, you need to eat dates!

[More: Healthy Ways to Gain Weight Naturally ]

Constipation

For those that are seeking chronic constipation remedies, the fiber found in dates can help to relieve a clogged colon when necessary. Dates are often categorized as a laxative food. Simple method to use dates for relieving the stomach of hard stools.: Soak them in water over night. Then, eat the soaked dates in the morning. Dates have high levels of soluble fiber, which is essential in promoting healthy bowel movements which can relieve symptoms of constipation.

Healthy Heart

Dates are very helpful in to maintaining your heart healthy. Soak them in water for the night, then consumed in the morning, they have a positive effect on weak hearts. Dates are a rich source of potassium, which reduced the risk of stroke.

Besides that, dates are suggested as a healthy way to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol, which is factors affecting heart attacks and stroke. Hence, dates can seriously improve the overall health of the heart. [More: Tips for Reduce Cholesterol ]

Intestinal Disorders

The nicotine content in dates beneficial for curing intestinal disorders. It helps to inhibit growth of the pathological organisms. Hence, they help stimulate the growth of friendly bacteria. In terms of digestive issues, dates contain soluble and insoluble fibers, amino acids which can stimulate the digestion of food, meaning that more nutrients will be absorbed by the digestive tract for proper usage.

Anemia

High mineral content in dates beneficial for many health conditions, but their iron content levels make them a perfect dietary supplement for anemia. It help to increasing strength and energy, while decreasing feelings of sluggishness and fatigue. [More: Natural Remedies to Relieve Depression ]

Soak 2 dry fruits in a cup of milk, and let them soak overnight. Eat the these fruits in the morning on an empty stomach. It really helps anemic patients. Eating dates every day in the morning empty stomach and then have milk. It works wonders!


Treat Anemia Naturally

Photo: shutterstock / jamesstewartdds.com

Energy Booster

Dates are rich in natural sugars like sucrose, fructose, and glucose. Hence, they are the perfect to increase energy. Many people use dates for a quick snack when they are feeling sluggish or lethargic.

Nervous System Health

Vitamins in dates boost to nervous system health and functionality. Potassium promote a responsive and healthy nervous system, and it also improves the alert and speedness of brain activity. Hence, dates are a wonderful food source for elderly and their nervous system becomes unsupported or sluggish, and to keep your mind sharp.

Night Blindness

Dates are usually employed to fight off various conditions affecting the throat, nose, and ear. Rubbed the paste of date palm around the eyes to reduce the frequency of night blindness, and this solution is used as an alternative medicine.



Amazing Health Benefits of Dates

Photo source: kellyshealthykitchen.wordpress.com

Diarrhea

Potassium in ripe dates as an effective way of controlling diarrhea. They are easy to digest. The soluble fiber in dates can help relieve diarrhea and healthy functioning of the excretory system.

Intoxication

The benefits of dates include as a remedy for intoxication. Dates provide quick relief for that. They should be soaked overnight for the best results.

Abdominal Cancer

Dates being a natural way to reduce the impact and risk of abdominal cancer. They work as a useful tonic for all people, better than medicines, so they don’t have any negative side effects on the body. They can be easily and quickly digested for boost of energy

References: familynutritiononline.com

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Lutein and Zeaxanthin - Eye and Vision Benefits

Lutein and zeaxanthin are compounds called xanthophylls (ZAN-thuh-fills), which are yellow pigments that occur naturally in many plants and vegetables. Though lutein is considered a yellow pigment, in high concentrations it appears orange-red.

In nature, lutein and zeaxanthin appear to absorb excess light energy to prevent damage to plants from too much sunlight, especially from high-energy light rays called blue light.

In addition to being found in many green leafy plants and colorful fruits and vegetables, lutein and zeaxanthin are found in high concentrations in the macula of the human eye, giving the macula its yellowish color. Called meso-zeaxanthin, this carotenoid is not found in food sources and appears to be created in the retina from ingested lutein.

Lutein and zeaxanthin appear to have important antioxidant functions in the body. Eye Benefits of Lutein and Zeaxanthin


It is believed that lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin in the macula block blue light from reaching the underlying structures in the retina, thereby reducing the risk of light-induced oxidative damage that could lead to macular degeneration (AMD).

A number of studies have found that lutein and zeaxanthin either help prevent AMD or may slow progression of the disease:

* Research published in Nutrition & Metabolism found that a nutritional supplement containing meso-zeaxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin effectively increased the optical density of the macular pigment in eyes of the majority of human subjects.

* Studies published in American Journal of Epidemiology, Ophthalmology and Archives of Ophthalmology found higher levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in the diet are associated with a lower incidence of AMD.

Furthermore, they say it is premature to recommend lutein or zeaxanthin supplements until large, well-controlled studies support the benefits of these xanthophylls in preventing macular degeneration.

The National Eye Institute (NEI) is sponsoring a second Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) to evaluate the effect of lutein and zeaxanthin and two omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) on the progression of advanced macular degeneration and/or moderate vision loss in people at moderate to high risk for AMD progression.

The study, called AREDS2, will evaluate the effect of a daily nutritional supplement containing 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin versus a placebo among subjects between the ages of 50 and 85 years.

* Vitamin C - 500 mg
* Vitamin E - 400 IU
* Zinc (as zinc oxide) - 80 mg



An animal study published in August 2012 shows lutein appears to protect the retina from damage due to temporary decreased blood flow and reduced oxygen supply (hypoxia).

The lutein-treated retinas exhibited increased cell viability, less tissue damage and fewer inflammatory markers, suggesting lutein may exert both an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory effect to protect retinal cells, according to the study authors.

In addition to protecting the retina, lutein and zeaxanthin also may reduce the risk of cataracts. Recent studies published in Archives of Ophthalmology have found that healthy diets with high levels of lutein, zeaxanthin and other carotenoids were associated with a lower risk and prevalence of cataracts in women.

It remains unclear how much lutein and zeaxanthin is needed daily for adequate eye and vision protection. There are no known toxic side effects of taking too much lutein or zeaxanthin. Popular lutein and zeaxanthin supplements include:

* EyePromise Zeaxanthin (Zeavision)
* ICaps Eye Vitamin Lutein & Zeaxanthin Formula (Alcon)

* Macula Complete (Biosyntrx)

The source of lutein in many lutein supplements is marigold flowers, while for zeaxanthin it is often red peppers. If you choose a lutein and zeaxanthin supplement, make sure it's a high quality product from a reputable dietary supplement company.

Foods Containing Lutein and Zeaxanthin

The best natural food sources of lutein and zeaxanthin are green leafy vegetables and other green or yellow vegetables. Non-vegetarian sources of lutein and zeaxanthin include egg yolks. Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplements

Because of the apparent eye and cardiovascular benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin, many nutritional companies have added these xanthophyll carotenoids to their multiple vitamin formulas. Others have introduced special eye vitamins that are predominantly lutein and zeaxanthin supplements.

sources: allaboutvision.com