BENEFITS OF BARLEY WATER

1. Treats UTI's

Drinking barley water is a great natural remedy for urinary tract infections (UTIs). Being a natural diuretic, it increases urination to help flush toxins and the infection-causing bacteria out of the body.

2. Supports Weight Loss

Barley water is a great health drink for those striving to lose weight. Its high fiber content, especially beta-glucans, keeps you satiated for a long time so you do not indulge in eating unnecessarily, simply out of habit.

3. Lowers Cholesterol

Being high in insoluble fiber, barley water is considered good for reducing blood cholesterol levels, thereby decreasing the risk of developing heart disease. The dietary fiber in barley is also high in beta-glucans that help prevent the absorption of cholesterol from food in the stomach and intestines.

4. Digestive Aid

Being alkaline in nature and rich in soluble as well as insoluble fiber, barley water is excellent for your intestinal health and promotes digestion. It is beneficial for treating digestive problems including constipation, hemorrhoids and gastritis.

5. Controls Diabetes

Barley water is good for diabetics because it helps stabilize blood glucose levels. The beta-glucans (a type of soluble fiber) in barley help slow the absorption of glucose after a meal and reduce the rise in glucose and insulin.

Best Foods For Pregnancy

Eggs.

Eggs are also rich in choline, which promotes your baby's overall growth and brain health, while helping prevent neural tube defects. Some eggs even contain omega-3 fats, important for both brain and vision development. (Brands that have omega-3s will probably state it on the label. Look for DHA-enriched eggs because those contain the most beneficial form of omega-3s.)

Beans

it's important to get enough protein during pregnancy, but you may not yet realize that fiber could become your new best friend. When you're pregnant, your gastrointestinal tract slows down, putting you at risk for constipation and hemorrhoids. Fiber can help prevent and relieve these problems.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes get their orange color from carotenoids, plant pigments that are converted to vitamin A in our bodies

Although consuming too much "preformed" vitamin A (found in animal sources, such as liver, milk, and eggs) can be dangerous, carotenoids are a different type.

Whole grains

Whole grains are important in pregnancy because they're high in fiber and nutrients, including vitamin E, selenium, and phytonutrients (plant compounds that protect cells).

But don't stop at popcorn: There are lots of other whole grains out there, from oatmeal to barley. Fluffy, nutty-tasting quinoa is one of Ward's favorites.

Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt typically has twice the protein of regular yogurt, making it one of Geagan's favorite pregnancy foods. And any kind of yogurt is a great source of calcium, which is vital in a pregnancy diet. If you don't take in enough calcium, the limited amount you have will go to your baby, says Geagan, depleting the calcium in your bones.

Dark green, leafy vegetables

Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and other green leafy vegetables are loaded with vitamins and nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as the all-important folate. They've also been found to promote eye health, Geagan says.

Lean meats

Beef and pork stand out among meats because they contain choline in addition to protein, says Ward.

Don't eat deli meats or hot dogs, though, unless they're heated until steaming hot. There's a small risk of passing bacteria and parasites, such as listeria, toxoplasma, or salmonella, from the meat to your baby, says Mayo Clinic obstetrician Mary Marnach.

Colorful fruits and veggies

Eating plenty of green, red, orange, yellow, purple, and white fruits and vegetables ensures that you and your baby get a variety of nutrients. "Each color group provides different vitamins and minerals," explains dietitian Jodi Greebel, owner of Citrition, a nutrition counseling service in New York.

Energy-Dense Foods for Gaining Weight:

• Nuts: Almonds, Walnuts, Macadamia Nuts, Peanuts, Etc.
• Dried Fruit: Raisins, Dates, Prunes and Others.
• High-Fat Dairy: Whole Milk, Full-Fat Yogurt, Cheese, Cream.
• Fats and Oils: Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Avocado Oil.
• Grains: Whole Grains like Oats and Brown Rice.
• Meat: Chicken, Beef, Pork, Lamb, Etc. Choose Fattier Cuts.
• Tubers: Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes and Yams.
• Dark Chocolate, Avocados, Peanut Butter, Coconut Milk, Granola, Trail Mixes.

Turmeric Benefits Trump Medications

 1.Anticoagulants/Antiplatelets

Turmeric  has no known side effects like other allopathic drugs unless taken in extremely excessive amounts.

2. Anti-depressants

Although few studies have been conducted on humans, dozens of research trials have proven that turmeric is especially effective in correcting depression symptoms.

3. Anti-inflammatories

 the most powerful aspect of curcumin is its ability to control inflammation.

aspirin and ibuprofen are least effective, while cur cumin, is among the most effective anti-inflammatory compounds in the world.

Diseases today such as cancer, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, high cholesterol and chronic pain can be the result of inflammation.

4. Arthritis management

Because curcumin is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and pain reducing characteristics, a study was conducted on 45 rheumatoid arthritis patients to compare the benefits of cur cumin in turmeric to arthritis drugs (diclofenac sodium), that put people at risk of developing leaky gut and heart disease.

5. Cancer treatment

 Combined cur cumin with chemotherapy to treat bowel cancer cells in a laboratory showed that the combined treatment killed more cancer cells than the chemotherapy alone.

 curcumin interferes with cancer development, growth, and spread. cur cumin blocked the formation of cancer-causing enzymes in rodents.

6. Diabetes management

For lowering blood sugar and reversing insulin resistance there’s arguably no better natural treatment than adding turmeric into your diet.

7. Gastrointestinal treatments

Oftentimes, people with digestive and stomach complaints become intolerant to medical interventions because the stomach flora is already compromised and drugs can literally tear up the mucosal lining.

An in-depth analysis of all the studies evaluating curcumin’s ability to manage inflammatory bowel disease (IBS, Crohn’s disease, and Ulcerative Colitis) found thatmany patients were able to stop taking their prescribed corticosteroids

However, supplementing with curcumin did not have these side effects and, because of its anti-inflammatory properties, actually helped heal the gut and supported the growth of good bacteria (probiotics).

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake

• Milk– with 8 grams of protein per cup, milk is a great choice for kids (who are tolerant of course). If you have a dairy allergy, you can use soy milk, which ALSO has 8 grams of protein!  Soy milk is a great dairy alternative.
• Silken Soft Tofu– Adding 4 grams of protein, the silken soft is a great choice for smoothies! It even says it’s for sauces and smoothies right on the package!
• Chia Seeds- With 2 grams of protein for just 1 tablespoon, chia seeds are a perfect addition.  It not only adds the protein, but also some fiber, and omega 3 fats, enhancing absorption of fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin D.
• Peanut butter– Not only is this a delicious addition, 2 tablespoons also have 8 grams of protein! As much as the milk!  We know that nuts and seeds are a good source of protein, but I think we don’t realize how much.  8 grams for 2 tablespoons makes peanut butter a great source.

INGREDIENTS

• 12 ounces of Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake:
• 1 Cup milk
• 1/2 cup silken soft tofu
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1-2 tablespoons cocoa
• 1-2 tablespoons honey

Blend all ingredients together in a high powered blender until smooth as milk!  Store in the fridge and serve cold.

Health Benefits of Eating Tofu

Improves Heart Health:

Heart attack and cardiovascular diseases has emerged as one of the largest cause of death in developed countries and it is all because of our unhealthy food habit that is based mostly on processed foods. Regular consumption of tofu however helps in reducing the risk of stroke and other cardiac diseases because it helps in reducing the level of harmful cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL level in the blood. In addition, it also helps in raising the level of HDL or “good” cholesterol.

Maintains Blood Pressure:

The bioactive peptides-glycinin and conglycinin present in fermented tofu acts as natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, thereby reducing inflammation and damage of blood vessels and also helps in lowering high blood pressure and keeping it under control. Add tofu to your regular diet and protect your heart from the harmful effects of inflammation.

Fights Obesity and Helps Weight Loss:

With extremely low cholesterol and fat content, tofu is an amazing food that helps in weight loss and prevention of obesity in an effective manner. The peptins present in fermented tofu prevents the blending and deposition of certain fatty acids in the cells there by helping in burning fat and controlling obesity. Add this amazing health food in to your regular diet if you are looking to shed some extra pounds.

Prevents Type 2 Diabetes:

The low fat and low calorie content of tofu makes it a perfect food choice for diabetics. Soy foods have been found to reduce insulin resistance of blood and intake of at least 200 grams of tofu per day can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes significantly. Moreover, the high levels of proteins and nutrients in tofu also assists in lowering and controlling blood sugar levels in people suffering from type 2 diabetes.

Slows Down Skin Aging:

Tofu is not great for health only it is amazing for your skin as well. The proteins present in tofu helps in improving the elasticity of skin and toning facial muscles, making your skin youthful and supple. It nourishes the skin, helps in stopping premature aging and appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet. So flaunt beautiful and younger looking skin with just a regular serving of tofu.

Prevents Menopause Related Disorders:

Menopause is a tumultuous time for women and during the pre-menopausal stage women experience imbalance of the hormone estrogen that causes several reactions like mood swings, sleeping disorders, headaches, hot flashes and dizziness. But the flavonoids and isoflavonoids present in tofu helps in restoring proper estrogen levels in the body thereby relieving the various symptoms associated with menopause. The high calcium content in tofu also helps in preventing osteoporosis and bone erosion that is more common in women after menopause.

HIDDEN BENEFITS OF CAYENNE PEPPER

•        ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

•        AN ANTI-CANCER AGENT

•        PREVENTS MIGRAINES / HEADACHE       

•        HELPS WITH WEIGHT LOSS

•        HELPS WITH TOOTHACHE

•        NORMALIZES BLOOD PRESSURE

•        AIDS DIGESTION

•        BREAKS UP COLD/ FLU MUCUS

•        RELIEVES JOINT PAIN

•        IMPROVES CIRCULATION

•        RICH SOURCE OF VITAMIN-A & C

•        SOURCE OF CALCIUM & POTASSIUM

VITAMIN- D SOURCES IN DAILY ROUTINE

Sunshine, not food, is where most of your vitamin D comes from. So even a healthy, well balanced diet, that provides all the other vitamins and goodness you need, is unlikely to provide enough vitamin D. Read on to find out the best ways to get enough vitamin D safely.

• Egg yolks.
• Cheese.
• Fortified milk.
• Fortified cereal.
• Cod liver oil (warning: cod liver oil is rich in vitamin A; too much may be bad for you)
• Tuna canned in water.
• Sardines canned in oil.
• Milk or yogurt -- regardless of whether it's whole, nonfat, or reduced fat -- fortified with vitamin D.

How to Treat Depression Naturally

1. Consider why you might feel depressed.
2. Move your body. Exercise releases happy-making endorphins, which act like natural anti-depressants.
3. Never skip a meal. Keeping your blood sugar stable reduces mood swings.
4. Eat a serotonin-enhancing diet.  Serotonin-enhancing foods include:

• Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids (such as wild salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, and anchovies, which are even higher in omega-3 fatty acids than other fish)
• Healthy fats like coconut oil
• Eat a high protein diet, especially proteins high in tryptophan, like free range turkey

5. Avoid caffeine, which reduces serotonin levels. 
6. Expose yourself to sunlight, which can boost mood and increase Vitamin D levels. 
7. Meditate or try guided imagery. 
8. Get your hormones balanced. If your thyroid, adrenal or sex hormones are out of whack, your mood can get all wonky. See a good integrative medicine doctor and ask them to order and interpret the following tests:

• Thyroid gland tests - TSH, free T4, free T3, total T3, thyroid antibodies
• Adrenal gland tests - cortisol, DHEA-S, pregnenolone
• Sex hormone tests - estradiol, progesterone, free and total testosterone

9. Make efforts to bolster your mental health by being more authentic in all aspects of your life.

BENEFITS OF BANANA FLOWER

1. Wards Off Infections:

Banana flowers treat infections. Banana flower inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacterias. Some of them are bacillus subtalis, bacillus cereus, and escherichia coli. Banana flower also helps heal the wounds. According to a study, banana flower extracts can also inhibit the growth of the malarial parasite plasmodium falciparum in vitro.

2. Reduces Free Radical Activity:

The presence of free radicals in the body can cause serious problems. Fortunately, the extracts of methanol present in banana flower possess antioxidant properties. These flowers perfectly handle free radicals that cause damages to the body. It treats many health issues, such as premature aging and cancer. To make the full use of the antioxidant property of these flowers, include in health supplements.

3. Reduces Menstrual Bleeding:

Menstruation brings pain in many women. Some suffer from severe PMS symptoms, while others bleed excessively. A cup of cooked banana flowers can help deal with these problems. Cooked banana flowers along with curd or yogurt increases the progesterone hormone in the body and reduces bleeding.

4. Manages Diabetes And Anemia:

Calculated intake of banana flowers reduces blood sugar levels. It also increases the total hemoglobin levels in the body.

5. Rich Source Of Vitamins And Minerals:

Banana flowers contain various vitamins like Vitamin A, C, and E. They also contain potassium and fibers. This makes them an excellent health food and a source of healthy nutrients.

6. Boosts Mood And Reduces Anxiety:

Don’t reach for an anti-depressant, if you are feeling down and out! Try banana flowers instead! Since they contain magnesium, banana flowers reduce anxiety and boosts the mood. They are natural anti depressants without any side effects.

Tips to Overcome Negative Thoughts

1. Meditate or do yoga.
2. Smile.
3. Surround yourself with positive people.
4. Change the tone of your thoughts from negative to positive.
5. Don’t play the victim. You create your life—take responsibility
6. Help someone.
7. Remember that no one is perfect and let yourself move forward
8. Sing.
9. List five things that you are grateful for right now.
10. Read positive quotes.

Health Benefits Of Broccoli

Broccoli is known to be hearty and tasty vegetable which is rich in dozens of nutrients. It is said to pack the most nutritional punch of any vegetable.

Here are some of the benefits of broccoli:

Cancer prevention: Broccoli shares these cancer fighting, immune boosting properties with other cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage.

Cholesterol reduction: Like many whole foods, broccoli is packed with soluble fiber that draws cholesterol out of your body.

Reducing allergic reaction and inflammation: Research has shown the ability of kaempferol to lessen the impact of allergy-related substances on our body. Broccoli even has significant amounts of omega 3 fatty acids, which are well known as an anti-inflammatory.

Powerful antioxidant: Of all the cruciferous vegetables, broccoli stands out as the most concentrated source of vitamin C, plus the flavonoids necessary for vitamin C to recycle effectively. Also concentrated in broccoli are the carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene, other powerful antioxidants.

Bone health: Broccoli contains high levels of both calcium and vitamin K, both of which are important for bone health and prevention of osteoporosis.

Heart health: The anti-inflammatory properties of sulforaphane, one of the isothiocyanates (ITCs) in broccoli, may be able to prevent (or even reverse) some of the damage to blood vessel linings that can be caused by inflammation due to chronic blood sugar problems.

Diet aid: Broccoli is a good carb and is high in fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar, and curbs overeating.

Furthermore, a cup of broccoli has as much protein as a cup of rice or corn with half the calories.

HOW TO TONE YOUR BODY

Healthy Eating and Drinking Habits

• Eat more vegetables than you think you need.
• Nourish your body with fruit.
• Choose lean proteins.
• Don't forget fats and grains.
• Drink mostly water.

Exercises for Greater Muscle Tone

• Raise your heart rate with cardio.
• Start weight training.

Detoxification Methods that Keep You Fit

• Do some yoga.
• Try fasting.
• Detox your mind.

Dash Diet for Hypertension

One of the steps your doctor may recommend to lower your high blood pressure is to start using the DASH diet.

DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. The diet is simple:

• Eat more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods
• Cut back on foods that are high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and trans fats like ghee, butter, cheese.
• Eat more whole-grain foods like high fibre biscuits, multigrain breads or brown breads, fish, poultry, and nuts.
• Limit sodium, sweets, sugary drinks, and red meats

In research studies, people who were on the DASH diet lowered their blood pressure within 2 weeks.

Another diet -- DASH-Sodium -- calls for cutting back sodium to 1,500 milligrams a day (about 2/3 teaspoon). Studies of people on the DASH-Sodium plan lowered their blood pressure as well.