Health benefits of Cardamon

Its range of health benefits :

1. it fights against gas and also, helps to relieve gas & heart burn;
2. it gives quick relief for headache (apply it's paste over forehead);
3. it helps to protect against heat stroke (try chewing a cardamom, when exposing under the sun);
4. it provides as a good breath freshener because of its fragrance;
5. it helps to detoxify caffeine;
6. it is beneficial to respiratory disorders, including sore throat;
7. it helps in asthma and whooping-cough;
8. it has good anti-spasmodic abilities (stopping spasms & tremors);
9. it helps in stimulating & regulating the 'discharge' of gastric juices and balances stomach acids;
10. it helps to maintain healthy teeth gum & tooth infections;
11. it supports the detoxification process of the body;
12. it helps to resolve urination problems;
13. it warms the respiratory tract & enhances circulation to the lungs;
14. it helps to reduce stomach cramps;
15. it helps in improving voices;
16. it helps to relieve hiccups;
17. it resolves the after effect from vomiting;
18. it helps to calm the nervous system.

How to remove Gallstones Without Surgery ?

This is a 6 Days Method, formulated by Dr Lai Chiu-Nan of China, which has proven effectiveness for many patients.

Gallstones may not be everyone’s concern but may lead to cancer. We all have them (big or small, many or few). “Cancer is never the 1st illness. There are a lot of other problems leading to cancer. I came across some materials stating that people with cancer usually had stones”, said Dr Lee of China.

One symptom of gallstones is a feeling of bloatedness after a heavy meal as if you can’t digest the food. If it gets more serious, you feel pain in the liver area”.

Dr Lee offers the apple juice treatment which is good for those with a weak liver. Liver and gallbladder are closely linked.

1) Drink 1 glass (250ml) 100% apple juice 4 times a day for 5 days. 1 glass at breakfast, 1 glass at lunch, 1 glass at dinner & 1 glass before going to bed. It softens the gallstones. Eat normally.

2) On the 6th day, skip dinner. At 6pm, take a teaspoon of Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) with a glass of warm water. At 8 PM, repeat the same for purging purpose. It helps to flush out all solid stuff. It also opens the gallbladder ducts. At 10 PM, drink half a glass of olive oil mixed with half a glass of lemon juice. The oil lubricates the stones to ease their passage. Lemon juice helps to extract the stones out from gallbladder ducts.

Super foods to promote Prostate Health

[This content is extracted from the website of 'fitnea.com']

In fact, the best and easiest advice to anyone, in avoiding such a problem ---> is to avoid all sort of meaty diets, wines and stress. In other words, the safety and healthiest methods would be to adopt a vegetarian lifestyles (with the appropriate balance).

However, following food items are considered as the best 'blocker' to prostate problem :
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Brazil nuts

It contains a rich source of selenium. It is estimated that, just an ounce of Brazil nuts can contain as much as 10 times the RDA for selenium. Studies have shown that selenium intake is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. The Brazil nuts has a very good source of zinc (an important mineral that plays an important role). Because of its high saturated fat content, it is suggested that ones should not consume in excess (perhaps, just a few ounces per week), as they are such a super food when it comes to selenium.
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Broccoli

This vegetable contains high amounts of the phytonutrients sulforaphane and the indoles (both having anticancer properties). Studies has discovered that indole carbinol, can suppress the growth of prostate cancer cells and inhibited the production of prostate specific antigen. Researchers found that eating broccoli more than once a week can reduce the likelihood of developing stage III and IV prostate cancer by 40 percent. Do not overcooked (not longer than five minutes), or otherwise, its anticancer abilities will fade. In order to boost the healthful value of broccoli, do add virgin olive oil, fresh garlic and cayenne.
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Green tea
It provides a good source of antioxidant compounds called catechins, which has been shown to destroy certain viruses and bacteria, boost immunity and fight prostate cancer. Research has shown that green tea polyphenols can significantly lower the levels of biomarkers for prostate cancer. Studies has shown that men who drink at least 3 cups of green tea a day have a reduced risk of prostate cancer. And, experts have found that compounds of green tea interfere with the activity of an enzyme having a role in initiating prostate cancer. These compounds also prompt prostate cancer cells to destroy. Catechins help to repair damaged DNA that can otherwise trigger cancer growth.
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Mushrooms

Asian mushrooms are known to contain lentinan, a type of ß glucan that has demonstrated anticancer properties. They also contain a potent antioxidant called ergothioneine. Its forte is exerting potent antioxidant properties to protect the cells throughout the body, including the prostate. One research recently found that ergothioneine provides protection to cells from damage associated with toxins and other substances.
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Pomegranates

This superb fruit is rich in antioxidants and a phytonutrient called ellagitannin, which is especially helpful in promoting prostate health. Studies showed that pomegranate extracts can slow the production of prostate cancer cells and prompt the cells to destroy themselves.
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Pumpkin Seeds
It offers unique health benefits for the prostate, especially for those who have benign hypertrophy of prostate. Pumpkin seeds’ oil helps preventing the hormones from triggering multiplication of prostate cells. This oil also contains carotenoids and omega fatty acids. Studies show that men who have high levels of carotenoids in their diet, have a reduced risk of prostate enlargement. Another nutrient found in pumpkin seeds is zinc, which is also associated with prostate health (zinc protects against the development of prostate cancer).
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Salmon
Omega fatty acids are an important nutrient for supporting prostate health. Studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids in fish, slow development of prostate tumor and progression in men. Researchers have reported that eating salmon at least once per week might reduce a risk of developing advanced prostate cancer, even if it is genetically predisposed. Always choose wild salmon for a healthier choice than the farmed variety.
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Tomatoes
This provides a good source of lycopene. It is a potent antioxidant that has proven itself to have properties that enhance prostate health. Tomatoes’ antioxidant potency increases when they are processed. Thus tomato paste, soup, sauce or juice offers more antioxidant protection for the prostate than do fresh ones. As such, many studies showed that processed tomato products really enhance prostate health. Researchers said that, just a serving of tomato product every day can protect against the DNA damage that sets the stage for prostate cancer. Besides, it is also helpful for managing benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Why do people sleepwalk ?

According to the website of  'how stuff works.com', sleepwalking is an intriguing phenomenon. How does it happened (performing physical feats), when you're sleeping. How can a person be unconscious but still coordinate his, or her limbs to walk, talk and, to some extent ... even drive !
Also known as somnambulism, it is classified as an abnormal behaviour during sleep. Sometimes, it may includes bed-wetting and teeth grinding too. Just imagine how complex our brains are and how many tasks it performs. Besides enabling ones to breath, your heart to beat, and recording all the memories of your life ... it also enables you to laugh, cry, love and converse. But, what makes a sleeping body rise ? People used to think that sleepwalkers were acting out their dreams and subconscious desires and fears. Take Shakespeare's Lady Macbeth, who during the day conceals the depth of her treachery, but at night in her sleep confesses her guilt.

Sleepwalking episodes can last from a few seconds to half an hour. Such persons will usually have glassy-looking eyes and blank expressions on their faces. They might look awake but act clumsy. They are capable of performing a variety of activities, from simply getting up and walking around the room ---> to driving a car, or playing an instrument. They occured mostly in children. Individual sleepwalker behaved in their own ways, such as some kids are found wandering on the front lawn, or they walked down the street in their pajamas. However, as time goes on ... kids tend to grow out of it. The adult population of sleepwalkers is lesser. Sleepwalking often runs in families and occurs more often in boys than in girls.
The question is ---> why do we get up and walk around in the middle of the night ?

In fact, no one knows exactly why people sleepwalk. People used to think that sleepwalkers acted out their dreams. It has nothing to do with epilepsy, hysteria, dissociative disorders, or any other complications. Nonetheless, mental health professionals defined sleepwalking as a "disorder of arousal," which means that something triggers the brain into arousal from deep sleep. This means, the person is in a transition state between sleeping and waking.

Most adult sleepwalkers also sleepwalked during their childhood. It rarely begins in adulthood except as a symptom of other disorders. Children tend to sleepwalk more when they are overly tired, or stressed. The same factors also affect adults (certain medicines, alcohol and fever illnesses). If your child is sleepwalking, he, or she will probably either grow out of it, or can be helped by a regular sleep schedule and some stress reduction. If you're an adult and start sleepwalking, it might be a good idea to talk to a doctor. Otherwise, it should be considered as a harmless 'behaviour' and it will take its own pace to grow out of it.

Benefits Of Water Spinach (Kangkong)

Water spinach has been ranked high among the world’s healthiest foods. Used to be a poor man's food. Certain variety (plant with bigger & hollow trunk) are usually found growing along the sides of drain. The sister variety (thinner stalk) are often grown in large scale at the farms and sold commercially. It is also known as ‘kangkong’ and is a popular green leafy vegetable, eaten by most households. It is basically herbaceous aquatic, or semi aquatic perennial plant that is found in tropical and subtropical regions. 

Water spinach offers a wide range of beneficial nutrients, including the skin & brain. It contains abundant volumes of water, fibres, protein, calcium, iron, vitamin C & A, amino acids and minerals. It can be eaten raw too, for better benefits. Otherwise, eating them in 'steamed' form, is equally great. Alternatively, there are also users who even drank extracted juices of water spinach too.
Its best known benefits, include :

1. Reduces Cholesterol
2. Treatment of Jaundice and Liver Problems
3. Useful in treating Anaemia
4. Treatment of Indigestion and Constipation
5. Anti Diabetic
6. Protection against Heart Diseases
7. Prevention of Cancer
8. Beneficial for Eyes
9. Boosts the Body’s Immunity
10. Anti-ageing Benefits
11. Treatment of skin Diseases
12. Healing Properties
13. Rejuvenates Skin

May I take this opportunity to wish all my dear friends and supporters a very Prosperous New Year 2014 and lets look forward to a better year, filled with Hope, Happiness, Longevity and Better Health !!!

What is Progeria ?

Known to be a rare progressive genetic disorder, which causes children to age rapidly. This sort of problem usually occurs within their first two years of life. However, as they grew up and often, when they reached their 1st year of age, signs and symptoms, such as slow growth and hair loss, will begin to happen. Sadly, these type of patients does not live long and their average life expectancy is about 13 years old. Although, some may die younger, but there are also others ... who have lived to 20 years, or longer.

Heart problems, or strokes are the eventual cause of death in most children. It is said that children with such condition, usually develop severe hardening of their arteries, causing restriction of blood flow. So far, there is no known cure for such 'genetic disorder' condition, but the world has not given up ... researching for a breakthrough.

What is Graves' Disease ?

According to www.medicalnewstoday.com, Graves' disease is defined as an autoimmune disease, in which the patient's own immune system started to attack its own thyroid gland. When this happens, it will trigger the gland to produce large amount of thyroxine. Thyroxine (T4) is a hormone, produced by the thyroid gland which serves to help regulating growth and controlling metabolism in the body. Contrary, graves' disease is a form of hyperthyroidism. When thyroxine levels are high, the patient's metabolic rate increases. This, in turn will affect one's physical appearance, as well as their moods.

However, it seems to affect more on women, especially those, aged 20 years, or more. At this moment, there is no known medication, or treatment to stop the patient's immune system from attacking their thyroid gland. Nevertheless, treatments do exist ... which can ease the symptoms and bring down the production of thyroxine.

The purpose of the immune systems is to attack pathogens, organisms and substances that are existing in our body, especially bacterias, viruses, parasites, cancerous cells and fungi. But, if the immune system starts to attack good tissues in the body, this will become an auto-immune disease. Even medical experts are still unsure, why autoimmune diseases occur. Strangely, when it affects the thyroid gland, it does not damage it, but instead, it will cause the thyroid gland to produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system and is located in the neck (below the Adam's apple). It produces hormones which help to regulate growth and the rate of chemical reactions, by which the body uses energy. The thyroid gland produces thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Thyroxine affects many body systems and has a key role in regulating our body's metabolic rate --->  the rate at which chemical reactions occur in our body; the rate at which our bodies break things down to produce energy, and build new tissue (metabolism).

To ensure that such medical condition is correctly detected, one's must undergo a detailed physical & blood examinations.

What is meant by Sepsis ?

When a patient developed 'Sepsis', it means he is facing a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection. This occurs when chemicals that are released into the bloodstream, to fight any infection ... had triggered inflammation throughout the body. Such inflammation can lead to subsequent changes that can damage multiple organ systems and causing them to stop functioning properly. When it becomes more severe, a patient will go into septic shock, causing their blood pressure to drop dramatically. Often, it will lead to death, especially when involving the elderly patients, or those with weak immune system, including young patients. So far, the only applicable methods of treatment with such condition are usually the application of antibiotics and increased amounts of intravenous fluids.

Common signs of Sepsis are :

• fever above 101.3 F (38.5 C), or below 95 F (35 C);
• heart rate higher than 90 beats a minute; and
• respiratory rate higher than 20 breaths a minute.

Should, it progresses and causing damages to internal organs, some of their obvious symptoms are :

• drastic decreased in urination;
• unstable mental status;
• decrease in platelet count;
• breathing difficulty;
• abnormal heart beat function; and ...
• sometimes, abdominal pain.

Sepsis often occurs in people who are hospitalized. Patients in the ICU are more vulnerable to developing infections after their surgeries.

Great information .......... Cinnamon and Honey ! Drug companies won't like this one getting around.

Facts on Honey and Cinnamon :

It is found that a mix of honey & cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most countries of the world. Scientists of today also note honey as very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects which is also a plus.Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients. Researched by western scientists :

HEART DISEASES :
Make a paste of honey & cinnamon powder, put it on toast instead of jelly & jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol and could potentially save one from heart attack. Also, even if you have already had an attack studies show you could be kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of cinnamon honey strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.

ARTHRITIS :
Arthritis patients can benefit by taking one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken daily even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS :
Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.

CHOLESTEROL :
Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol-could be cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS :
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold and clear the sinuses, and it's delicious too !

UPSET STOMACH :
Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache & also is said to clear stomach ulcers from its root.

GAS :
According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM :
Daily use of honey & cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system & protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION :
Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals

INFLUENZA :
A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural 'Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY :
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

RASPY, OR SORE THROAT :
When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.

PIMPLES :
Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS :
Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.

WEIGHT LOSS :
Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER :
Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.

FATIGUE :
Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.

BAD BREATH :
People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS :
Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing.

How well do you know about your Liver ?

A friend sent this simple explanation (via email) to me,
about our Liver and its functions,
which I think is a set of valuable information,
for everyone to share.

Nutrients required by Vegetarians

Undoubtedly, adopting a lifestyle of a Vegetarian will surely render good health, on condition the person concerned knows how to balance his daily meals, including all the necessary nutrients required to energize his body constitution. As been well defined in the web page of www.eatingwell.com, they have listed the followings 8 key nutrients, namely :

1) Calcium
This helps to build strong and healthy bone & teeth, and also helping nerve cells to transmit messages and muscles contraction. The best and biggest source of calcium is from all types of dairy products. Alternatively, it can also be found in vegetables such as : bok choy, broccoli & kale. ToFu (made from bean curd), bean sprout are also good sources, including fortified soymilk.

2) Iodine
This is needed for metabolizing food into energy, including maintaining a normal thyroid function. Most varieties of seafood offers iodine and this particular nutrients are often been overlooked. However, for vegetarian, a good source of iodine is from Iodized salt & kelp.

 3) Iron
This is the main ingredient required by the body to make hemoglobin (to carry oxygen in the blood). For those who are meat-consumers, red meat and dark meat in chicken are some of the best sources of easily absorbed iron. Iron is also found in some plant foods, namely; dried fruits, legumes, seeds, vegetables and whole grains. These are less readily absorbed, especially when we eat them with tea, coffee or cocoa (they have compounds that bind the mineral). Therefore, it is recommended that iron intake for vegetarians is 1.8 times that of non-vegetarians. Consuming vitamin C with iron-rich foods markedly helps its absorption.

4) Omega-3 Fatty Acids
DHA and EPA are the two types of Omega-3 fatty acids that are important for eye & brain development, including the well-being of the heart. Omega-3 fatty acids are found mainly in salmon fish. However, for vegetarians, flaxseed, walnuts, canola oil and soy are their main sources. A variety of foods, including soymilks and breakfast bars, are now fortified with DHA. Supplements of DHA/EPA made from algae are available too.

5) Protein
Every cell in our body contains protein because it is required to repair cells, build tissues, grow hair, nails and bone. Protein is found in almost every food we eat. For vegetarians, there is a good source in protein-rich soybeans, beans, whole grains, seeds and nuts. All these items provides all the amino acids (the building blocks of protein) that we need.

6) Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 plays a major role in making red blood cells & DNA. It is required for proper neurological function and is found abundantly in animal foods. For vegetarians, their alternative sources are soy milks and breakfast cereals. However, for the aged vegetarians, it is recommended that supplements are recommended to assist their bodies to absorb it.

7) Vitamin D
This vitamin helps the body to absorb calcium and is equally important for the development of bone health. Subsequently, it also plays a big role in the nervous, muscular and immune systems. The body itself, will also generate vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Vegetarians usually outsource this vitamin from cow’s milk & soy milk. Fresh mushrooms that have been exposed to UV light (sunlight) are also good sources.

8) Zinc
It is important to maintain a properly functioning immune system and also for cell growth & division. Beef, pork and lamb are known to be an abundant source. But for vegetarians, it is found in soy products, peanuts and legumes. However, zinc are lesser found in plant sources and as such, a vegetarian might needs to use supplement to support.