Cholesterol Remedies

Cholesterol

comes in two forms, good (HDL) cholesterol and bad (LDL) cholesterol.  When you have a high bad cholesterol count and a low good cholesterol count, it can put you at risk of developing heart disease.  Bad cholesterol flows through the blood stream and can attach to the inside of arteries and cause plaque build-up.  This can eventually lead to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and blocked arteries that can lead to heart attack or stroke.  Plaque can also break off and block an artery, resulting in a stroke.

High bad cholesterol can usually be controlled through a healthy diet, exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.  Medication is sometimes used for those who cannot lower their cholesterol through other means.  Herbal supplements can also be effective in lowering cholesterol.  Here is a list of herbal supplements that can be used to lower cholesterol.

Alfalfa – Studies have shown that alfalfa supplements block the absorption of bad cholesterol and prevent the build-up of plaque.  The chemicals and fiber in alfalfa stick to bad cholesterol in the bloodstream and stop it from attaching to artery walls.  The recommended dose of alfalfa is 40 milligrams a day of alfalfa seeds or 1 gram, 3 times a day of alfalfa capsules.  Alfalfa should not be taken in amounts over 80 grams per day as it can damage red blood cells.  People with lupus are advised not to take alfalfa supplements.

Garlic – Garlic has been used for centuries to treat various ailments and is recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment to lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol.  It keeps cholesterol in balance by lowering bad cholesterol while elevating good cholesterol which is important for flushing away the bad cholesterol.  Garlic also prevents clotting and reduces plaque in the arteries.  To lower cholesterol, the recommended dose is 600 to 900 milligrams of garlic supplements each day.  You can also benefit from eating fresh garlic by ingesting 4 grams per day.  However, don’t overdo the garlic. Chronic overuse of garlic supplements can damage red blood cells and also cause hyperthyroidism (underactive thyroid).

Evening Primrose Oil – Evening primrose oil is used for many illnesses and is effective in lowering bad cholesterol and high blood pressure.  The active ingredient in evening primrose oil is gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an important fatty acid which helps to produce prostaglandins (PFE1).  PFE1 fights against inflammation and helps in preventing blood clots and high cholesterol.  This herbal supplement should not be taken by people who are prone to seizers or who are taking a medication for depression or schizophrenia.  The recommended dose for adults is 6 to 8 grams per day.

Green Tea – Green tea has been used for centuries to prevent and treat many illnesses including heart disease.  According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, clinical studies have shown that the antioxidant properties in green tea can help prevent atherosclerosis and can lower bad cholesterol while raising good cholesterol.  Because green tea works as a diuretic, it is also beneficial for lowering blood pressure.  The recommended dose is 1-2 tablets a day or 1-3 cups of green tea a day.  Drinking milk can lower the antioxidant effectiveness of green tea.  The caffeine in green tea can cause high blood pressure, anxiety and heart palpitations if used in excess.  There are decaffeinated green tea supplements and tea for people who should not have caffeine.

Glucomannan – In clinical trials, glucomannan has shown it is effective in lowering bad cholesterol as well as lowering triglyceride levels and helping people lose weight.  The recommended dose to lower cholesterol is 3.9 grams a day for 4 weeks, then stop for two weeks and resume for another four weeks.  Side-effects include diarrhea, intestinal gas, loose stools, blockage of the esophagus and lower digestive tract and low blood sugar.  People who are already taking a medication for cholesterol should not take glucomannan.

You should have your cholesterol levels checked once every 2 years and more often if you are at risk of developing heart disease.  Talk to your doctor about ways to lower cholesterol if your levels are high and discuss the use of herbal supplements before using them.  Herbal supplements can be a safe, effective way to lower cholesterol if used responsibly.

Amazing Benefits of Coriander Seeds

Coriander is a great source of potassium, iron, vitamin A, K and C, folic acid, magnesium and calcium. Therefore it is known all over the world for its medicinal properties. Read on to learn about the various health and skin benefits of coriander seeds.

1. Aids in digestion:

• It has anti-oxidant properties which promotes healthy functioning of the liver and bowel movements.
• It helps in the production of digestive enzymes and juices. If you suffer from stomach indigestion, include coriander seeds in your diet.
• Soak a handful of seeds in water for a day. Filter out the seeds and drink the coriander water on an empty stomach daily to cure indigestion.

2. Good source of Vitamin C:

• Coriander is a rich source of many essential vitamins like folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin A and beta carotene.
• Coriander leaves and seeds contain 30% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C.
• Vitamin C is a powerful anti-oxidant which is essential for healthy body and skin.

3. Anti-diabetic:

• It is anti-diabetic properties of the coriander seed.
• It stimulates the production of insulin thus maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
•  It reduces the amount of LDL (bad cholesterol) and increases the amount of HDL (good cholesterol) in the blood.
• Those suffering from diabetes and high cholesterol should drink coriander water daily.

4. Anti-bacterial properties:

• Many food and water borne diseases like cholera, typhoid, food poisoning, dysentery etc are caused by bacteria (salmonella). 
• Regular intake of coriander protects from food borne diseases due to its anti-bacterial properties.

5. Anemia:

• It contains high amount of iron which helps to prevent anaemia.
• Women particularly should include coriander seeds and fresh leaves in their diet along with iron supplements.

6. Detox remedy:

• If some heavy toxic metals like lead, arsenic, mercury, aluminium etc get accumulated in our body, it leads to serious health problems like Alzheimer’s disease, loss of memory and eyesight, improper functioning of cardio-vascular and neurological system.
• Coriander seeds contain natural compounds which help to detox the body and remove all the traces of heavy toxic metals.

7. Eye care:

• Considered one of the best remedies for conjunctivitis (pink eye),
• Coriander also prevents other eye diseases and problems.
• The high antioxidant content in it reduces redness, itchiness and inflammation in the eyes.

8. Women’s health:

• Its good home remedies heavy menstrual flow, then include coriander seeds in your regular diet.
• It also helps to prevent menstrual irregularities.  
• Boil around 6grms of coriander seeds in half a litre of water and add a teaspoon of sugar. Drink the mixture when it is still warm.
• However this mixture should be consumed thrice a day daily.

Benefits of Coriander for Skin

9. Skin diseases:

• Coriander is quite effective for curing various skin diseases like eczema, itchy skin, rashes and inflammation.
• It also helps to cure mouth ulcers and sores. Gargle with boiled coriander water to reduce and cure mouth ulcers.
• It can also be used as a cure for itchy skin and rashes. Make a paste of coriander seeds with a little bit of water and add a teaspoon of honey. Apply this paste over the itchy skin for instant relief.

10. Pimples:

• The anti-bacterial properties of coriander seeds work as an effective home remedy for pimples, acne and blackheads.
• Prepare a face mask with coriander paste, honey and turmeric.
• You can also add multani mitti if you have oily skin. Apply the mask all over the face and let it dry. Rinse with cold water.

11. Dark lips:

• Prepare a mixture of 2 teaspoons of coriander juice and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply this all over the lips and keep it overnight. Wash off next morning and repeat the same for some days to reveal healthy and pink lips.

Benefits Of Coriander Leaves For Hair:

12. Hair loss:

• This will prevent further hair fall and help stimulate the roots for the growth of new hair.
• Add some powdered coriander seeds in your hair oil and use it to massage your scalp atleast twice a week.

CONSTIPATION HOME REMEDIES

1. Oil…it gets more than cars running

Pure olive oil is more than just a healthy and tasty fat, it can also help relieve constipation. It’s not surprising really when you consider what olive oil’s texture and consistency is like- it’s practically the poster child for constipation home remedies. It stimulates your digestive system, which helps get things moving through your colon, and taken regularly it can prevent constipation as well.

You will need…
-1 tablespoon of olive oil
-1 teaspoon of lemon juice (optional)

Directions
In the morning consume one tablespoon of olive oil. It works best on an empty stomach, so have it before you eat anything else. If you forget, wait until later when you haven’t eaten for a while. You can mix it with a little bit of lemon juice if you like to lighten the flavor (lemon juice also acts as a natural aid for constipation.)

2. Freshen up from the inside out

The citric acid in lemon juice acts as a stimulant for your digestive system, and can also help flush out toxins and undigested material that may have built up along the walls of the colon. Mixing the juice with water not only lessens the intensity of the lemon flavor, but helps get you the fluids you need to get everything moving normally again.

You will need…
-1 fresh lemon
-1 cup of warm water

Directions
Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into 1 cup of warm water. Drink or sip until finished completely.

3. Molasses makes the world go ‘round

Blackstrap molasses has been a sweet savior for more than a few sufferers of constipation, be it chronic or occasional. The reason blackstrap molasses works so well is because of how it is made. Regular molasses is essentially pure cane sugar juice boiled to concentrate and crystallize the sugar. The third boiling results in blackstrap molasses, which is crystallized but contains significant amounts of vitamins and minerals, specifically magnesium, which is what helps the constipation. It’s natural, tasty, and while you thank goodness someone decided to repeatedly boil a bunch of sugar, your body will thank you for the natural remedy.

You will need…
-1 teaspoon of blackstrap molasses
-warm water or tea (optional)

Directions
Consume one teaspoon of blackstrap molasses. Start slow and small here-if you don’t like the flavor of molasses, you can add it to a cup of warm water or tea to dilute the taste. If you find that a teaspoon has not been effective, you can go as high as 1-2 tablespoons, but try less at first.

4. Coffee is our friend (sometimes)

A lot of people love their morning coffee, but it does more than just give off heavenly aromas and help you perk up. Caffeine is a natural stimulant for the digestive system, so indulging in a cup of joe will help get you up and running in more ways than one. 1-2 cups is fine, but make sure you don’t overdo it-too much can actually have the opposite effect. Coffee is a diuretic and makes you urinate more frequently, and if you drink it an excess, it can cause constipation by dehydrating your body and drawing out water that would normally soften your stool.

5. Get moving

If you want stuff to move through your body, you need to move too! Our lifestyle these days not only involves dietary changes that increase constipation, but we’re often sitting much more than we’re active. While there isn’t an exact scientific reason as to why lack of exercise is linked with getting clogged up, we can assume that moving the body helps get the smooth muscle in the colon moving as well. Keep in mind, however, that you should wait an hour after big meals before exercising. There are also specific stretches and workouts that are supposed to help with getting good old number 2 out the door.

6. Go natural (aka fiber, fiber, and more fiber)

You’ll hear people talk a lot about how a natural diet helps relieve and prevent constipation. An overall healthy diet just improves everything, and our bodies know how to process fruits, veggies, grains and roughage more than the refined or artificial foods that don’t pass as easily. To get more specific, natural foods tend to contain boatloads of fiber-that magical word that signifies the end of toilet suffrage. In short, fiber is material that cannot be digested, and it acts like a sponge. It draws water from its surroundings, making it swell, which softens stool and adds bulk to it, which in turn helps it pass. Like coffee, some kinds of fiber (like beans) can contribute to constipation, so always drink plenty of water. Some good fiber-filled foods include-

-Beans
-Apricots
-Whole grain bread
-Berries
-Broccoli
-Plums, pears, and apples
-nuts
-Potatoes (skip the fries though)

7. Get some FLAXitive

Flaxseed oil is a pretty simple home remedy for constipation. It sort of coats the walls of the intestine, as well as stool, and increases the number of bowel movements you are having. Enjoying your oil with orange juice is a double whammy when it comes to constipation, since oranges have a good amount of fiber in them (make sure to get orange juice with pulp, which is what has most of the fiber.)

You will need…
-1 glass of orange juice with pulp (8 oz.)
-1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil

Directions
Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil with 1 glass of orange juice. Drink as needed, but give it time (up to 5 hourse) to start working so you don’t overdo it.

8. Aloe-it’s benefits aren’t just skin deep

Aloe is known to soothe minor cuts and burns, but it can also soothe your tummy. It’s best to use pure aloe vera gel from the plant. The gel straight from the plant is more concentrated than commercial aloe juice so don’t use more than 2 tablespoons. If you don’t have an aloe plant, than drinking aloe juice can accomplish similar results.

You will need…
-2 tablespoons of pure aloe gel or 1 cup of aloe vera juice

Directions
Mix two tablespoons of pure gel with fruit juice and drink in the morning, OR drink one cup of aloe vera juice as needed.

9. Establish a routine

Potty schedules aren’t just for puppies, they’re a great way to relieve and prevent constipation in humans too. Regulating the timing of when you go to the bathroom will regulate your bowel movements as well. Set aside about 15 minutes anywhere from 1-3 times a day, and take your time, even if nothing happens. Make sure you stay relaxed, and eventually your body will catch on.

10. Baking soda does it all

Baking soda lies at the heart of home remedies. It’s is so incredibly versatile, and it pretty much does its job 95% of the time. It works incredibly well for constipation (and tummy aches in general) because it is a bicarbonate, which will encourage air to come out of you one way or another, and relieve pain from pressure. It also re-alkalizes the stomach, neutralizing the acid a little bit and helping things pass through your gut.

You will need…
-1 teaspoon baking soda
-1/4 cup warm water

Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with ¼ cup of warm water. Drink all of the mixture-the quicker you finish it, the better it seems to work.

CHIA SEEDS

• Chia seeds contain 69 calories for every 2 tablespoons of seeds but contain 20% of recommended daily fiber intake.

• This fiber (attached to the outside of the seed)  when exposed to any liquid absorbs almost 9x times its own weight and each seed form its own gel "shell" which is sticky and bulky.

• It is this gel that not only "bloats" your tummy, making it feel full and satiated, but also is slow to digest, thereby resisting the urge to overeat.

• The soluble fiber slows down the body's carbs-to-sugar conversion, balancing blood sugar levels and minimizing sugar cravings.

• The insoluble fiber acts as roughage and cleanses the gastrointestinal tract of waste and toxins, thereby supporting a healthy digestive system.

• Consuming chia seeds contributes to your intake of healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids that recharge the body cells at a cellular level and are vital to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and keeping your appetite in check.

• Being a great plant-based protein source, these seeds act as a steady energy source, helping you stay alert and away from food that you crave when sluggish. Since Chia seeds are abundant in key vitamins and minerals, it prevents nutritional deficiencies that are the root cause for your "sweet tooth", and your binging on junk food.

• Though many weight-loss diets and products promote Chia seeds to be the "magical" weight-loss food it may not be a ticket to easy weight loss. But adding it to your weight loss diet program will help you reach your goals quicker and maintain it over a longer period.

Health Benefits Of Pineapples

Pineapples are loaded with vitamin A and C, fiber, potassium, phosphorous and calcium. They offer a wide range of health benefits, some of them are explained below:

1. Prevents Free Radical Damage:

·         Pineapples are a rich source of antioxidants.

·         They fight against free radicals in the body, preventing cell damage.

·         These antioxidants help protect you from diseases like atherosclerosis, heart diseases, arthritis, various cancers etc.

2. Thwarts Off Cold:

·         Pineapples are abundant in vitamin C and bromelain, which fight against microbial infections.

·         Eating pineapples with the prescribed medicines can help cure cold and cough effectively.

3. Strong Bones:

·         Rich amount of manganese present in pineapples helps in strengthening bones and connective tissues.

·         A cup of pineapple juice gives you roughly 73% of the required manganese for a day.

4. Healthy Gums:

·         Eating pineapple benefits in strengthening your gums, keeping your teeth healthy and strong.

5. Macular Degeneration:

·         Macular degeneration is a condition in which adults lose their vision, making difficult for them to read and recognize things properly.

·         Beta-carotene present in pineapples empowers vision and should be consumed regularly for eye health.

6. Anti-inflammatory Action:

·         Pineapple fruit is very much known for its anti-inflammatory properties which prevent inflammation in arthritis patients and gives strength to the bones.

7. Cures Sinusitis, Sore Throat, Gout, Swellings:

·         Pineapples are a great source of bromelain which help prevent sinusitis.

·         Pineapples are also effective in curing sore throat, gout and swellings.

8. Anti-cancer Properties:

·         The abundance of antioxidants in pineapples helps fight against free radicals.

·         This halts the process of cell damage, preventing several types of cancers.

9. Atherosclerosis:

·         Free radicals cause atherosclerosis which can be easily prevented by antioxidants in pineapples.

10. Heart Health:

·         Powerful antioxidants keep free radicals away, and lower the cholesterol levels, preventing heart diseases.  

11. Immunity:

·         Rich content of vitamin C in pineapple benefits to boost your immune system by its strong antioxidant effect.  

12. Digestion:

·         Bromelain, vitamin C and dietary fiber are abundantly present in pineapples which promote digestion.

13. Bronchitis:

·         Pineapple is anti-inflammatory properties.

·         It helps in reducing inflammation in bronchial tubes which generally arises due to bronchitis.

14. Prevents Hypertension:

·         If you’re suffering from high blood pressure and trying to prevent it, you might want to consider the pineapple diet for hypertension.

·         Higher amounts of potassium and lower amounts of sodium in pineapples help maintain normal blood pressure levels.

15. Treats Intestinal Worms:

·         Pineapple contains the digestive enzyme brome lain.

·         A diet rich in pineapple helps clear certain intestinal parasites such as tapeworms.