BENEFITS OF CAULIFLOWER

Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable, from the species Brassica oleracea, in the family Brassicaceae. It is a mass of tiny, tightly packed flower heads (called curds), which grow from a thick central stem to form a single, round head. Surrounding the curd are ribbed, coarse green leaves that protect it from sunlight, impeding the development of chlorophyll.

Cauliflower derives its name from Latin caulis (cabbage). Brassica oleracea also includes broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, collard greens, and kale, though they are of different cultivar groups. Due to the lack of chlorophyll, most cauliflowers are white, but it’s also possible to find green and purple varieties, as well as the sweeter Romanesco cauliflower, with its distinctive pointed florets.

14 SECRETS OF CAULIFLOWER REVEALED:

Brain Health: Cauliflower is a good source of Vitamin B- choline, that boosts brain cell development and prevents age-related memory decline and protects against toxins.

Arthritis:  Cauliflower contains vital boron that stimulates the absorption of calcium and magnesium necessary for bone development and prevention of osteoporosis and arthritis.

Cancer Prevention: Cauliflower contains carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, and phytonutrients like kaempferol, ferulic acid, cinnamic acid and caffeic acid.  These anti-oxidants help neutralize toxins and free radicals in your body, reducing the risk of lung, breast, bladder, colon, prostate, and ovarian cancer.

Cardiovascular Support:  Vitamin C, K and some traces of omega-3 in cauliflower, along with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties helps prevent arterial plaques (atherosclerosis), reverse blood vessel damage, maintain the patency of the blood vessels and improve blood circulation. It also contains allicin, which has been found to reduce the occurrence of stroke and heart disease.

Colon Health:  Dietary fiber in Cauliflower is important for normal bowel movements and protects the colon from cancer-causing damage. Additionally, glucoraphin protects your stomach lining against bacterium helicobacter pylori, thereby reducing your risk for stomach ulcers and cancer.

Digestive system:  The amino acid glutamine in cauliflower juice is very gentle and calming on the digestive system, detoxifying, repairing ulcers, healing and regenerating the digestive system.

Protects Against Flu:  The high content of vitamin C in cauliflower prevents outbreaks of common infections like cold, flu and fever.

Diabetes mellitus:  Cauliflower has a low glycemic index and its anti inflammatory properties coupled with dietary fiber help keep blood sugar levels in check in patients suffering from diabetics.

Pregnancy support:  Cauliflower is high in folate -vitamin B9, which helps in fetal development and prevents risk of neurological defects, such as spina bifida, in the fetus. Cauliflower is also a good source of vitamin C which again is beneficial during pregnancy.

Weight loss:  Cauliflower is low in calories, at the same time filling, which reduces cravings. Folates and Vitamin C trigger metabolism and fat burning making it a great addition to any weight loss diet.

Detoxification: Cauliflower contains glucosinolates and thiocyanates (including sulforaphane and isothiocyanate), which triggers enzymes in the liver that neutralise potentially toxic substances.

Anti-Inflammatory: Antioxidants,Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin K in cauliflower, help to prevent chronic inflammation that leads to conditions such as arthritis, chronic pain, and certain bowel conditions. Also Isothiocyanate molecule called ITC, or indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is an anti-inflammatory compound operating at the genetic level, suppressing inflammation at the root.

Stronger Bones: Cauliflower contains Vitamin K, phosphorus and calcium which not only help in transmission of nerve impulses but strengthens your bones and teeth. Magnesium helps the parathyroid gland to produce hormones needed for the bone to function normally.

Nutrient Store: Cauliflower is a great source of vitamin C, K, protein, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, fiber, vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine) and B9 (folic acid), folate, pantothenic acid, potassium, and manganese. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin K.

Side Effects and Precautions:

Kidney Stones and Gout: Since purines (naturally occurring substances in plants and animals) can be broken down to form uric acid, excess accumulation of purines in the body can lead to excess accumulation of uric acid leading to gout and formation of kidney stones.

Allergic Response: Cauliflower may prompt (very rare) an allergic response characterized by symptoms such as severe itching, facial and hand swelling and breathing difficulties.

Gas and Bloating: Sulphur-rich cruciferous vegetables like Cauliflower contains non-digestible carbohydrates that cause gas and bloating in the digestive system.

Iodine Absorption and Goiter: Cruciferous vegetables contain cyanogenic glucosides, sugar-like molecules that block iodine absorption when you digest them. When you have low iodine levels, the thyroid enlarges so it can trap more iodine, a condition known as a goiter. Hypothyroidism, characterized by decreased metabolism, cold sensitivity, dry hair and skin, difficulty thinking and weight gain may occur if you eat a diet consisting almost entirely of cruciferous vegetables.

Vitamin K: Cauliflower contains large amounts of vitamin K that helps your blood clot and can interfere with blood thinning medication like Coumadin and decrease its effectiveness.

MAGNESIUM - THE ESSENTIAL FORGOTTEN MINERAL

Magnesium is all over the place. It’s one of the top ten most abundant minerals on the entire planet. It’s also one of the top five most abundant minerals within the human body, about half of it found within the bones. It’s everywhere but somehow millions of people suffer from insufficient amounts of this important and abundant mineral in their daily routine.

Over 300 different reactions in your body require the right amount of magnesium. High amounts of it are found within the soft tissue of the brain and heart, two major systems that depend on the mineral to operate efficiently. It helps regulate your body temperature and rid the body of toxins. The list of health benefits is far too lengthy to detail, but here are a few key advantages attributed to magnesium intake:

• Regulating blood pressure
• Reversing osteoporosis
• Preventing heart disease
• Treating diabetes
• Alleviating depression and anxiety
• Curing sleep disorders
• Strengthening bones
• Creating proteins
• Helping weight loss
• Encouraging healthy circulation
• Treating asthma
• Preventing stroke

Reacting with Calcium and Vitamin D

We’ve all heard how important calcium is for strong bones and immunity but without the right amount of magnesium, calcium can actually be dangerous. Once the body has benefited from calcium the magnesium helps flush it out of the cells. Without enough magnesium the calcium accumulates and acts as a toxin rather than being absorbed into the bones healthily.

Just as calcium depends on magnesium, magnesium depends on vitamin D for proper absorption. Magnesium isn’t absorbed well during digestion so if you’re low on vitamins you could be consuming magnesium but not getting all the benefits. Finding a balance between these three essentials is ideal for maintaining health.

How to Identify a Magnesium Deficiency

It’s not terribly difficult to determine if you’re deficient since the overwhelming majority of people on the planet are. It is estimated that 68 to 80 percent of Americans weren’t getting the proper amount of magnesium in their system. A magnesium test checks the level of magnesium in the blood. However most of the magnesium in the body is found in the bones and inside the cells and only a tiny amount of magnesium is normally present in the blood. Hence there aren’t many accurate tests out there to find out if you’re in dire need of magnesium, but there are symptoms that indicate your body would benefit from it.

Some small indicators include a lack of focus and energy throughout the day. You may tire easily and find difficulty concentrating. Magnesium deficient people tend to be irritable and experience heightened levels of stress and anxiety. Listed below are some common symptoms of deficiency:

• Noise sensitivity
• Sleep disorders
• Infertility
• Frequent headache
• Digestive issues
• Depression
• Temperature swings

There are also more serious indicators. You may experience a lack of appetite or feelings of sickness. If left unattended symptoms can worsen into abnormal heartbeats, seizures, and drastic mood swings.

Diseases Caused by Magnesium Deficiency

Since magnesium is so essential to bodily processes, a lack of it can contribute to a wide variety of health issues. Without the right amount of this crucial mineral you could be putting yourself at risk for some serious health issues.

Because of the way it interacts with calcium, a lack of magnesium could contribute to the development of osteoporosis and frail bone health. There has also been a connection with the prevention of heart disease and heart attacks. Sudden heart attack death victims are commonly found to have low levels of magnesium.

A lack of magnesium could also contribute to the development of kidney stones. The mineral makes calcium dissolve much more effectively in the urine. Without this you could prevent painful kidney stones from forming. Some other diseases caused by magnesium deficiency include PMS, high blood pressure, menstrual cramping, insomnia and cancer.

How to Stay Magnesium Sufficient

The first step in maintaining healthy levels of magnesium is identifying the root of the problem. For most people, it lies within a restricted diet. New advances in farming have drained crops of magnesium and ruined foods that were once great sources. Water used to also be a good source of magnesium but the fluoride being added makes it harder for the body to break down the minerals.

There are also several habits that contribute to magnesium depletion. Drinking caffeine daily (especially with loads of sugar), eating too much processed foods, and drinking lots of alcohol are all habits that can lower mineral levels. There are also certain types of medication like birth control pills and diuretics that deplete magnesium. Consult your physician if you’re taking any medication and concerned about your magnesium levels.

What You Can Do

The best food sources for magnesium are usually vegetables and nuts. There are plenty of fruits and whole grains that can also give you a magnesium boost. Next time you go shopping consider some of the following items for your list:

• Dark Leafy Greens (like spinach and kale)
• Sunflower/Pumpkin Seeds
• Lentils and Beans
• Brown Rice
• Avocado
• Banana
• Dark Chocolate Bars or Powder

Sadly now that farm soil has been depleted of minerals we can’t rely on diet alone for proper magnesium intake. If you can, gravitate toward foods that are organic and non-processed. If you have trouble eating vegetables try finding a juicing routine that fits your taste. Some people have turned to the use of supplements. Magnesium supplements can be found in powder form, liquid, capsules or tablets. Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, dietary supplements should be taken only under the supervision of your health care provider.

14 Home Remedies for Diabetes

14 Home Remedies for Diabetes

Home Remedies for Diabetes

1. Fenugreek Remedies for Diabetes

Many researchers have established that fenugreek is effective in lowering fasting blood sugar or glycated hemoglobin (HBA1C) levels in diabetic patients.

Some clinical trials conducted with Type 2 diabetics showed fenugreek could reduce the rate at which sugar is absorbed during the process of digestion.

Ways to use Fenugreek for Diabetes

• Soak 1 tbsp fenugreek seeds in water overnight. In the morning chew the seeds and drink the water along with it. Do it on an empty stomach everyday for few months.

• Take 1 tbsp of fenugreek seeds powder and add it to a glass of milk or warm water. Have it every day.

• Take 100 g fenugreek seeds (6-7 tbsp) and 50 g turmeric powder (about 3 tbsp). You may add a little white pepper too with this mixture. Add 1 teaspoon of this powder mix to a glass of milk and have twice daily.

• You can also add fenugreek powder to your flour that you use to make breads or chapatis.

2. Amla Gooseberry Remedy for Diabetes

Amla or the Indian gooseberry is one of the richest sources of vitamin C. It helps your pancreas to produce optimum so that your blood glucose levels remain balanced.

Ways to take Amla for Diabetes

• Take 2-3 gooseberries and discard their seeds. Now grind the amla to get a fine paste. Either using a fine cloth or a sieve, squeeze out the juice from this amla paste. You should get two tablespoons of amla juice.

• Mix these 2 tbsp of amla juice in a cup of water, mix well and have it every morning on an empty stomach.

• Take a cup of bitter gourd juice and 1 tablespoon of amla juice. Mix them well and have it daily for few months.

• When fresh amla is not available, the powder of amla fruit can be be taken mixed with water. Use 1- ½ tbsp of such powder in a glass of water.

• Take ½ tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp amla powder and ½ tbsp fenugreek seeds powder. Mix them in half a glass of water. Have this daily in the morning on an empty stomach.

• Include amla in your daily diet.

• You may also have raw amla.

3. Bitter Gourd Remedies for Diabetes

Many Asian countries including India has been using bitter gourd as one of the effective remedies for diabetes. Now many researches too have established the effectiveness of bitter melon on blood sugar levels.

Ways to have Bitter Melon or Bitter Gourd for Diabetes.

• Take 4-5 bitter gourds and peel them. Also remove the seeds. Crush the peeled and de-seeded bitter gourds to paste. Place this paste into a sieve and extract the juice. Drink this fresh bitter gourd juice on an empty stomach every morning. If you wish, add some water.

• Cook bitter gourd in ghee (clarified butter) and have this frequently. If possible, have it daily for at least three months.

• Include at least one dish made from bitter melon daily into your diet.

• Mix 1 tablespoon of amla juice with 1 cup of bitter gourd juice and have daily for few months.

• If you can’t find fresh bitter gourds, take a few pieces of dried bitter melon and boil them in a cup of water. Have this bitter gourd tea once or twice a day. This will be less bitter than the fresh juice of bitter guard.

4. Cinnamon Remedies for Diabetes

A research conducted on people with Type 2 diabetes establishes that 1-6 g of cinnamon per day can not only lower serum glucose but also triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol!

Ways to Use Cinnamon Powder for Diabetes

• Take one liter of water and boil it. Once it starts boiling switch to simmering and simmer it for about 20 minutes. Add three teaspoons of cinnamon powder while you simmer the water. After 20 minutes, strain the liquid. Have this water daily.

• Add 1 tsp of cinnamon powder in 1 cup of warm water. Drink this daily.

• You may also sprinkle cinnamon powder on your salads, dips or other dishes.

• Add cinnamon powder to your milk, coffee or tea.

5. Jamun Remedy for Diabetes

Rich in Vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus and iron. It has been traditionally used by Unani, Ayurvedic and other Asian medicine systems for controlling diabetes. Jamun seeds are extensively used to cure diabetes.

Ways to use Jamun for Diabetes

Have 1- to 1- ½ tsp of jamun powder mixed with water every morning on an empty stomach.

• Jamun is a seasonal fruit. When available, have them raw daily.

• Chew the jamun leaves.

6. Curry Leaves Remedy for Diabetes

A study published in Chemico-Biological Interactions states that due to its rich mineral reserves like those of iron, zinc and copper, curry leaves are important in maintaining normal glucose levels in blood. These minerals activate beta cells of pancreas that are responsible for the production of insulin hormone.

Ways to use Curry Leaves for Diabetes

• Chew 8-10 fresh curry leaves in the morning.

• Use curry leaves in your daily cooking. Add them to salads and dips and even in gravies, sauces and curries.

7. Aloe Vera remedy for Diabetes

While aloe vera is traditionally used as a medicine for diabetes, some modern researches too have found it beneficial for lowering blood glucose and blood lipid levels in diabetic patients and heart patients. The hypoglycemic activity of aloe vera has proved to be useful in both, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus rats.

Make Aloe Vera Herbal Mixture for Diabetes

Get this:

• Aloe vera gel- 1 tsp

• Bay leaves powder- 1 tsp

• Turmeric powder- 1 tsp

Do this:

• Add bay leaves powder and turmeric powder to aloe-vera gel.

• Mix well.

• Have this mixture daily before lunch and dinner.

• You can also mix 1-2 tsp of aloe-vera juice with a glass of buttermilk and have it daily.

8. Mango Leaves Remedies for Diabetes

While mango fruit is not meant for diabetics, mango leaves are!

Ways to use Mango leaves for Diabetes

• Soak 10-15 mango leaves in a glass of water overnight. Filter this water in the morning and have it on an empty stomach. Have your breakfast after one hour.

• Dry the leaves of mango tree in shade. When they are completely dried, grind them to get powder. Store it in a container and have ½ tsp of this mango leaves powder daily before lunch and dinner.

9. Neem Margosa Leaves Remedy for Diabetes

Known for its antibacterial and antifungal effects, neem is also beneficial for diabetes due to its anti-hyperglycemic activity.

Ways to take Neem leaves for Diabetes

• Take enough neem leaves to get 1 tablespoon of neem leaf juice. Crush the leaves and strain to get 1 tbsp of juice. Have this every morning on an empty stomach.

• Always take tender shoots of neem to use for diabetes remedies.

• Chew 8-10 tender neem leaves daily in the morning.

• Mix 1-2 tsp of dried neem leaves powder in a glass of water and have this in the morning daily.

10. Holy Basil Leaves Remedy for Diabetes

Holy basil is a medicinal herb having a number of beneficial health properties. Also known as tulsi, basil is antiasthemitic, antistress, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antitumor, gastric antiulcer, antioxidant, antimutagenic and immunostimulant apart from being anti-diabetic. Leaves of holy basil reduce fasting blood glucose significantly.

Ways to have Holy Basil for Diabetes

• Chew 2-4 fresh basil leaves in the morning on an empty stomach.

• Crush basil leaves to get 1 tsp of its juice. Have this early in the morning on an empty stomach.

• Take 5 basil leaves, 5 neem leaves, and 5 beal leaves (leaves of stone apple tree). Crush them to get paste. Have this every morning on an empty stomach.

11. Lady’s Finger Remedy for Diabetes

High on vitamins A, B6, C, K, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and soluble fiber, lady’s finger or okra makes a good remedy for diabetes. It is an excellent blood sugar stabilizer.

How to use lady’s finger for diabetes?

Get this:

• Lady’s finger- 2-3

• Water- 1 glass

Do this:

Wash the lady’s fingers thoroughly.

• Cut the head and tail of the lady’s fingers. Then slit the vegetables vertically from middle to get two long pieces from 1 lady’s finger.

• Place them in the glass filled with water.

• Cover and let it soak overnight.

• In the morning, have the water on an empty stomach. If you can, eat the lady’s fingers too. Raw lady’s fingers are more beneficial than cooked ones.

Do it daily for a couple of months.

12. Flaxseed Remedy for Diabetes

Flax seed is a rich high of essential omega-3 fat alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), protein, fiber and plant compounds known as lignans. These lignans function as antioxidants when you consume them. Some of the studies conducted have said that flaxseed can stabilize blood sugar levels.

How to use Flaxseed for Diabetes?

• Add a tablespoon of flaxseed powder in a glass of water or milk and have it with your breakfast.

• Add a tsp of flaxseed powder in your breakfast cereal.

• Add flaxseed powder to your soups and gravies.

13. Papaya Leaf Remedies for Diabetes

Papaya leaves help in enhancing insulin sensitivity. It decreases the enzyme levels of ALT and AST, the bio-markers of type 2 diabetes, for improving insulin sensitivity so that cells can efficiently take up the glucose

Make Papaya Leaves Tea for Diabetes

Get this:

• Papaya leaves- 10

• Water- 8 cups

Do this:

• Add papaya leaves to water.

• Boil the water till it is reduced to half of its quantity, about 4 cups.

• Let it cool down

• Have this in small doses throughout the day.

This detoxifying tea is good for your overall health too as it cures indigestion and boosts your immunity too.

14. Diet Remedies for Diabetes

Here are some diet remedies that will help you manage your diabetes.

• Avoid refined flour. Instead use wholegrains in your diet. Use whole wheat breads, whole wheat pasta and brown rice in place of polished rice.

• Use low fat dairy products like skimmed milk, cheese, yogurt etc.

• Include garlic, onion, bitter gourd, spinach, raw banana, black plum in your diet.

• Mix 1 part of barley flour, 1 part black chickpea flour and 4 parts of whole-wheat flour. Use this mixed flour to make your pancakes and breads.

• Avoid sweets. Reduce intake of salt too.

• Avoid having high carbohydrate foods, potatoes, sweet potatoes, colocasia, yams, yogurt high in fat, oily and spicy foods.

• Avoid having sweet fruits like pineapple, grapes, mangoes, etc.

• Take ½ tsp ginger juice and ½ tsp garlic juice, mix with a little honey or jaggery and have this twice a day.

• Make a juice of carrot, pumpkin and pomegranate and have one to two glasses of this juice daily.

• Along with home remedies for diabetes, you also need to be physically active. Exercise regularly even if brisk walking in morning and evening. Walk for at least 40 minutes in a day to manage your diabetes effectively.

Seven Everyday Herbs with Magical Curing Abilities

Seven Everyday Herbs with Magical Curing Abilities

1. Coriander

It is an herb, the leaves as well as seeds of which have several therapeutic uses.

Uses of coriander seeds

Their preparations are used for the following purposes:

•        Soothing sinus problems and headaches:  Boil five tablespoons of coriander seeds in water and breathe in the steam. Wrap your head with a towel so that the steam does not disappear and maximum quantity of it enters your respiratory tract.

•        For treatment of colds and flu :   Brown five tablespoons of coriander seeds in a frying pan; ensuring not to overcook them. Then simmer the seeds in five cups of water with five pieces of ginger root. Minimize the liquid to two cups, filter the concoction and drink after adding some pure honey.

•        For treatment of infection of the urinary tract:  Boil five tablespoons of coriander seeds in five cups of water and minimize the quantity to two cups and drink after adding pure honey. Drink this blend daily for a period of seven days to relieve the fiery sensation while urinating.

Uses of coriander leaves

•        Helps in water retention.

•        Increase the levels of good cholesterol in the blood and decrease the levels of bad cholesterol.

•        Favorable for diabetes patients because coriander leaves incite the release of insulin thereby reducing the levels of sugar in the blood.

•        Benefits the nervous system and sharpens the memory.

•        Excellent for digestive system.

•        Countermeasure anemia due to the presence of high amounts of iron.

2.  Cayenne pepper

Cayenne has the following health benefits:

•        One of the best anti-cold and anti-flu agents that acts by disintegrating the congested mucus.

•        A robust anti-fungal envoy.

•        Averts migraine headaches.

•        Releases allergies.

•        Releases intestinal gas.

•        Assists in saliva production.

•        Blended with lemon juice and honey, cayenne tea is the righteous morning drink for removal of toxic substances from the body.

•        Encourages healthy loss of weight.

•        Acts as an anti-cancer agent.

•        Heart friendly.

3. Cinnamon

This herb has the following health benefits:

•        Improves blood sugar control in diabetics.

•        Decreases bad cholesterol in the blood and increases the good cholesterol.

•        Acts as a blood thinner hence prevents the formation of clots in blood.

•        Anti-microbial properties.

•        Anti-inflammatory.

4. Cloves

•        An anti-inflammatory chemical known as eugenol  is found in cloves hence cloves are heart-friendly and joint friendly.

•        Have antioxidant properties.

•        Has anti-cancer properties.

•        Holds compounds that reform insulin function hence very good for diabetics.

5.  Ginger

This root has the following health benefits:

•        Reduces pain and swelling in people with arthritis.

•        Functions against migraines.

•        Possesses anti-cancer features hence prevents and stagnates the growth of cancer.

•        Assists the process of digestion by upgrading digestive juices and  hence also help in weight loss.

•        Serviceable against nausea.

•        Potent for transient treatment of morning sickness.

6. Onions

 The unbelievable health benefits of onions are as follows:

•        Improve immunity of the body.

•        Have anti-cancer properties.

•        Help control the levels of blood sugar due to the presence of chromium in them.

•        Have anti-inflammatory effects.

7. Fenugreek

Following are the health benefits of Fenugreek

•        Calms menstrual aches as well as menopausal symptoms.

•        Reduces levels of bad cholesterol in the blood.

•        Heart friendly because it is rich in potassium.

•        Controls diabetes because it contains a natural soluble fiber called Galactomannan, which hampers the rate of sugar assimilation into the blood.

•        Alleviates dyspepsia.

•        Remedy for fever and sore throat when taken with lemon and honey.

•        Protects the mucus membrane of the large intestine from cancer.

•        Assists in weight loss by abolishment of appetite.

Puts an end to blackheads, pimples, wrinkles when a paste of fresh fenugreek leaves is applied to the face for  thirty minutes