Natural Health Ezine » Healthy Beverages

Health Benefits Of Sorrel

NHE — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:28:21 +0000

Every holiday season in Jamaica, a certain type of drink makes an appearance. The main ingredient comes from the sorrel plant. Sorrel is a perennial herb that also goes by the names Narrow-leaved Dock or Spinach Dock. Sorrel tea can be consumed either hot or cold. Sorrel is also used as a dried herb in meals. The taste is a bit sour, and it’s customary to add flavorings to it, such as ginger or cinnamon to sweeten it. In addition to being a great drink for the holidays, the health benefits of sorrel are many. Sorrel is not at all common in America, but it’s popularity is sure to grow, the more people learn about it’s benefits. Sorrel is most prominent in France, Greece, Egypt, Rome, and the Caribbean.

Disease Prevention

The sorrel plant contains nutraceleuticals, which are said to be helpful to people’s health. Nutraceleuticals can help prevent and treat several diseases including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer. A group of compounds known as flavonoids are present in red sorrel, which are known to be anti-oxidants. The flavonoids are also what makes is a good deterrent against specific types of cancer. The immune system is also enhanced due to the flavonoids. Sorrel contains high amounts of vitamin C, vitamin A, magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

The anti-oxidant properties in the sorrel plant can help fight the signs of aging. It can help protect against free radical damage that can leave the skin looking aged and wrinkled. Free radicals also have a hand in causing stroke and Alzheimer’s disease, along with many other problems.

When used as a dried herb, the leaves of the sorrel plant can be used to treat itchy skin, fever, scurvy, and ringworm. Sorrel can be cut thinly and sprinkled over soups and salads to help relieve these ailments. Even if you don’t suffer from these issues, sorrel makes a great addition to a meal. Sorrel can be incorporated into meals as a sauce, that can go over fish or chicken dishes.

When taken in the form of a tea, this herb is helpful in treating jaundice and kidney stones. The liquid that comes out of the leaves can be used to help certain rashes. When the leaves are consumed dry and fresh, it acts as a diuretic and can clear out the body’s system. As a result of this “cleansing” the prostate benefits and can work more efficiently. Sorrel has also been used to treat hemorrhages when combined with the seeds and roots of the plant.

Tea Recipe

As stated earlier, Jamaicans drink sorrel tea during the holiday season. They combine six ounces of dried sorrel with two tablespoons of dried ginger, and an eighth of a teaspoon of ground allspice. When you mix these ingredients into hot water, it makes a warm and inviting tea. If it’s too bitter for your taste, it’s OK to add sugar to make it a little sweeter. For best results, boil the water for about 10 minutes with the ingredients in the water. It’s best to use a tea strainer when you pour it into a cup, to avoid getting leaves and other residue in your drink. You can either drink it hot right away, or put it in the refrigerator for later. If you pour it over ice, it creates a great iced tea beverage.

Sorrel is much more that a holiday beverage. There are quite a few health benefits of sorrel. Because sorrel is a natural laxative, only a small amount should be used at any one time. It could cause the stomach to react badly. However, medical studies have been performed, showing that this herb can help improve a person’s quality of life and help to maintain the health and function of the whole body.

Photo by Eatwell.in

10 Good Foods For Prostate Health

Guest Author — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:40:03 +0000

An overlooked area for prostate health is diet and nutrition. Men go about their lives not thinking about how important it is to eat food for good prostate health. Eating a proper diet goes a long way in preventing prostate disease. This article will cover the importance of diet and nutrition for managing prostate health for men of all ages.

Beneficial Prostate Foods

There are many different types of foods that benefit the prostate. Some foods that should be a regular part of your diet and their benefits are:

1. Broccoli

Evidence suggests broccoli has properties to block prostate cancer cells. The chemicals in broccoli are strong antioxidants and can even destroy free radicals that cause cancer. For the most health benefits, broccoli is best eaten raw or steamed with minimal cooking. Try to eat at least 3 servings a week.

2. Tomatoes

They are rich in lycopene, which is another strong antioxidant. Lycopene also has anti-cancer properties. Unlike broccoli, tomatoes are best cooked for better health benefits. 3-5 servings a week is a good diet plan.

3. Berries

Foods like strawberries & blueberries have strong antioxidant support and anti-inflammatory properties. They also have anti-cancer properties as well. A substance called “polyphenols” is the main beneficial ingredient in berries. Suggested serving should be 3-5 per week.

4. Nuts

Many different types of nuts including walnuts, pecans, macadamia, Brazil, and almonds are great prostate support foods. Nuts are rich in a compound called “selenium”. Selenium has been researched for slowing tumor growth and has
antioxidant powers. Consume at least 5-7 servings a week of various nuts.

5. Fish

This is rich in selenium, but also has zinc. Zinc is an important nutrient for prostate health. Zinc plays the role of strengthening the immune system and prevents unwanted cell growth. Salmon is a great fish source for prostate health. Try to eat fish at least twice per week.

6. Apples

This fruit is loaded with a compound called “quercetin”. Quercetin has very strong anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also an important bioflavonoid and antioxidant. Bioflavonoids are natural nutrients found in most fruits and vegetables. The apple peel supplies most of the benefits. The peel contains both quercetin & bioflavonoids. Apples should be eaten on a daily basis.

7. Watermelon

This is another food rich in lycopene. The red color of watermelon demonstrates the presence of lycopene. All red-colored fruits have some sort of lycopene presence. Watermelon or red-colored fruits should be eaten at 3-5 servings per week.

8. Soy-based foods

Foods like soybeans and raisins are rich in soy. Soy can protect and strengthen prostate tissue. Soy foods should be at 2 servings or more a week. But make sure it’s non-GMO and soy should always be eaten in it’s rawest form to get the full benefits.

9. Purified water

Water is very important to the body. Water is a natural cleanser. It will help keep the prostate flushed of unwanted toxins. Drink 6-10 cups of purified/bottled water daily.

10. Green tea

This beverage is rich in antioxidants. Green tea prevents the spread of cancer cells. Suggested intake of green tea is at least 4 cups daily.

Actually, all fruits and vegetables are good for the prostate. The above list is just a few foods that are beneficial to prostate health. Red (colored) fruits are particularly the best fruits to make a regular part of your diet.

Foods To Avoid Or Limit

While there is a long list of foods to have in your diet, there is also a list of foods to keep out of your diet. Below is a list of some of the foods to avoid/limit.

1. Dairy products

Avoid dairy products at all cost. Especially eggs and processed milk products. In numerous studies, dairy intake is linked to prostate cancer. Men who consume dairy products regularly have as much as a 40% higher risk of developing
prostate cancer.

2. Refined sugars

Avoid foods with added sugar. I say “added” here because a lot of foods have natural sugar like fruits & vegetables. Cancer cells thrive on sugar which can lead to cancer growth.

3. Red meats

Try to limit red meat intake. Red meat may have other health benefits, but for prostate health these foods are better left out of the diet. Red meats are loaded with fats and steroids. A diet high in fat intake is linked to prostate cancer. If you’re going to eat red meat then let it be very minimal.

4. Caffeine

Beverages like coffee and soft drinks are loaded with caffeine. This stimulant leads to damage of soft tissues like the prostate. Cut out or limit the consumption of caffeine.

5. Spicy foods

Foods such as chili and pepper can irritate the prostate. Don’t make spicy foods a regular part of your diet. However, certain spices can actually benefit the prostate like cayenne pepper and garlic.

The above list has just a few of the foods to avoid for maintaining prostate health. Of course, consult your doctor or nutrionist when devising a diet plan. There may be some foods that are harmful for the prostate, but necessary for other reasons. Also, try to purchase foods that are “organic” or “natural” for optimal health.

As you can see, eating a healthy diet plays a very important role in prostate health. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies. Avoid fatty foods and drink plenty of purified water. Eating healthy is doing you and your prostate a big favor. You may not be thinking about it now, but giving your prostate the needed nutrients can certainly keep it from having a possible
problem in the future.

Tony Bowen is a freelance writer. He is currently a resident writer for Online Nursing Schools, which researches areas of nursing education, online nursing programs, and healthcare. In his spare time, he enjoys writing, fishing, hunting, sports, and video games.

Photo by spisharam – AWAY

Tulsi Health Benefits

NHE — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:14:25 +0000

There’s an herb that is not well known yet to the Western world, but it’s becoming more popular. It’s bound to gain more recognition the more we get to know the health benefits of the herb. It’s called Tulsi, or Holy Basil. Tulsi has been around for thousands of years and is highly honored in India for its amazing healing properties. Tulsi health benefits provide more than just healing abilities. Health benefits such as boosting the immune system, enhancing stamina, and promoting a healthy metabolism can prevent sickness from occurring. Tulsi health benefits are vast. Let’s take a look at just a few of the advantages it provides.

The healing power of Tulsi is astounding. Chewing the leaves can clear out phlegm and mucus from bronchial tubes. The leaves of Tulsi are an expectorant, meaning it helps to eliminate the mucus that builds up in the lungs. This makes it a great herb for anyone suffering from a slight cough, bronchitis, or a chest cold.

The leaves of Tulsi can also strengthen the stomach and can enhance digestion. Tulsi can aid in the healing of the common cold, sore throats, and fever. Drinking Tulsi tea in a liter of boiling water can help reduce a temperature. The juice that is found in the herb’s leaves is what makes the fever reduction possible.

Tulsi can be useful in treating other respiratory ailments, such as asthma and influenza. A mixture of Tulsi leaves, ginger, and honey can be an effective treatment for these issues. And a mixture of Tulsi leaves, table salt, and cloves can give fast relief to the flu.

The Holy Basil helps to strengthen the kidneys. Kidney stones may be passed quicker by drinking the juice found in the leaves of Tulsi mixed with honey. Tulsi is a mild diuretic and a detoxifier and can help reduce levels of uric acid concentration within the blood. The main cause of kidney stones is a build up of this uric acid. Since Tulsi is a mild diuretic, it can help to pass the stone quicker than normal.

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Anti-oxidants, such as vitamin C and eugenol, are found in Tulsi and protects the heart from free radical damage. The herb also helps with lowering cholesterol levels. Stress can also cause issues with the heart. Stress can increase blood pressure, which can put strain on the heart. Drinking Tulsi tea can help sooth raw nerves and help to lower stress levels. Blood pressure can be lowered by drinking tea with this herb.

Tulsi can keep teeth strong and healthy. If you dry the herb’s leaves in the sun, then mash them into a powder form, it can be used to brush your teeth. Just add a little water to the powder and it turns into a sort of paste. Instead of adding water, you can also add mustard oil and create a paste with that. This herbal toothpaste can maintain your teeth, help to alleviate bad breath, and can be used to massage the gums to prevent gingivitis. It can also be used to help teeth disorders such as pyorrhea.

Sore eyes and night blindness can be remedied by Tulsi. These eye disorders are caused by a lack of vitamin A. Placing two drops of the juice from the leaves into each eye can help alleviate these issues. Or you can fill a bowl with water and let the leaves soak in it for a while. Wash your eyes out with this water and it should reduce the soreness. Drinking Tulsi tea regularly can protect the eyes from free radical damage, and can reduce your chance of getting glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, vision defects, and opthalmia.

These are just a handful of Tulsi health benefits. Other advantages include the following:

Quicker wound healing after surgery
Protects against infection
Acts as a vaccine against pox
Anti-carcinogenic to help fight against cancer and tumors
Reduces labor pains
Destroys rabies germs
Treats cholera
Treats gastroenteritis
Treats whooping cough
Treats measles
Treats mumps
Treats urinary and genital infections

The list just keeps going. This is definitely one herb to be on the lookout for. The health benefits are seemingly endless.

Photo by Leepak

The Many Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar

NHE — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:59:25 +0000

This is a guest article from Nick Lewis.

Apple cider vinegar is one of those innocuous products that may be sitting in your cupboard gathering dust, despite containing a myriad of health uses and benefits. Yes, it can be used as a salad dressing or in a pickle sauce but it has also been touted as a folk remedy for nearly everything you can think of for decades at least.

In keeping with the current vogue for organic produce, it is more likely sold as organic apple cider vinegar and one would be advised to stick to these, as many apple cider vinegar products contain other ingredients that may actually diminish the health benefits to be garnered from using pure apple cider vinegar.

Among the many health uses its supporters lay claim to, apple cider vinegar is said to help with muscle cramps, hair loss, colds, flus, sinus congestion, dermatitis and weight loss. Various less verifiable claims have been made on its behalf over the years, and apple cider vinegar has been sold as a genuine ‘cure-all’ by more unscrupulous sellers for serious conditions.

It would be a shame if organic apple cider vinegar was tarnished by these salesmen as recent scientific research has verified many of the more sensible claims for the benefits of taking apple cider vinegar, and has thrown up some interesting, and perhaps unexpected benefits.

Apple cider vinegar first rose to prominence as a weight loss aid in the 1970s, but a recent study showed that taking apple cider vinegar before a meal can increase satiety levels, meaning that participants felt more satisfied following a meal, which could combat tendencies to over-eat, lending credence to this claim.

Another recent study has shown that organic apple cider vinegar can lower post-meal glucose spikes which may contribute to weight loss, but is perhaps more interesting for diabetics who may also benefits from taking apple cider vinegar before bed to lower morning glucose levels.

Organic apple cider vinegar is also touted by proponents of the alkaline/acid balance theory as a way of alkalinising the blood, thus contributing to overall general health. Supporters of this theory claim that an acidic blood PH level can lead to all sorts of negative health effects ranging from anxiety to sluggishness. Coupled with evidence that apple cider vinegar can help lower blood pressure and strong anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties and its use as a daily tonic seems sensible.

One word of warning though: pure apple cider vinegar is very strong, so it is advisable to dilute it before imbibing as it can lead to throat damage otherwise. Typically the advice is to mix 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar into a full glass of water for a simple tonic, although there are many different recipes for apple cider vinegar drinks out there. Hippocrates himself is said to have prescribed apple cider vinegar with honey for many illnesses.

Does Baking Soda Work For Heartburn Relief?

NHE — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 09:44:59 +0000

Is seems as though there’s a prescription for everything these days. If you mention symptoms to your doctor, they waste no time writing a prescription. Not all ailments require a prescription though. Heartburn does have prescription medication options, but sometimes, they’re just not needed if the case is not too severe. Treating heartburn at home, using baking soda is a viable alternative to shelling out money for medication. Baking soda is one of those items that every household needs to have. It’s good for just about anything, including making you teeth whiter, unclogging drains, and helping to relieve indigestion. But, does baking soda work for heartburn relief?

The discomfort of heartburn is never fun to deal with. Heartburn occurs after eating certain foods that have the acid pumps in the stomach working overtime. The over abundance of acid can rise up into the esophagus and can cause a burning sensation. It feels sort of like the inside of your chest is on fire. If you suffer from occasional heartburn, then baking soda is a good option. If you experience heartburn more often, and it’s persistent, then consult with your doctor. For mild heartburn, baking soda can relieve the burning sensation almost immediately.

The Recipe

One dose of baking soda is ½ teaspoon. Add ½ teaspoon to a four ounce cup of warm water, and mix it thoroughly to make sure the baking soda is dissolved completely. Sip the mixture slowly until it’s gone. You should feel relief right away. The baking soda works like an antacid. It slows down the acid production in the stomach, and helps to shut down the acid producing pumps. It’s OK to drink this mixture up to seven times a day. Taking more than seven doses of baking soda can have adverse effects. In excess amounts, baking soda can totally neutralize stomach acid, making it very difficult to digest food. Baking soda is also loaded with sodium. Just one teaspoon has over 1,200 milligrams. Needless to say, that’s quite a lot. This could potentially be a problem for people who have high blood pressure.

Prevent Heartburn

There are ways of preventing heartburn, however. Stay away from spicy foods. Foods that are spiced heavily can irritate the stomach, and cause acid pumps to work hard and produce too much acid. When this happens, heartburn will set in. Other foods to avoid are foods that are high in fat, certain kinds of chocolate, mint or peppermint products, caffeinated beverages such as coffee, fruit juices, alcoholic beverages, carbonated drinks, meatballs, onions, and tomato based products. Not all foods that cause heartburn in one person will effect another person the same way. Everyone has different foods that trigger a heartburn episode. Find out what foods give to you problems, and do your best to avoid them.

Causes of Heartburn

Things that can cause heartburn that you might not think about include stress and bad posture. Avoiding stress as much as possible can lessen your chance of getting heartburn. Make sure you sit and stand with proper posture. The more you slouch, the more the insides of your body will get scrunched up. Sitting and standing straight will let things flow smoothly, and will avoid the feelings of heartburn.

So, does baking soda work for heartburn relief? Yes, it does, but it’s not a long term solution to the problem. If you’re over the age of 60, don’t drink more than seven servings of the mixture of baking soda and warm water. If you have recurring heartburn, it’s best to consult your doctor. However, if you get heartburn only on rare occasions, then taking baking soda to relieve the burning sensation is just fine, as long as you don’t use too much of it.

Photo by dooq

Health Benefits of Drinking Black Tea

NHE — Tue, 04 May 2010 09:49:21 +0000

There’s nothing like a hot cup of tea to get your day off on the right foot. There’s literally thousands of types of teas you can choose from. Herbal teas, weight loss teas, green teas, white teas, black teas, caffeinated teas, non caffeinated teas. The list goes on and on. Each tea has different health benefits. Black tea, for instance, has many health benefits. The term “black tea” is commonly used to describe a cup of tea that has no milk added to it. However, black tea is an actual type of tea. Black tea is made from Camellia sinensis leaves, as is green, white, and oolong tea. Black tea is more oxidized than the other teas, therefore it contains more caffeine. People tend to think caffeinated drinks are “bad” for you. It is true that drinking large amounts of caffeine can have negative side effects. But as long as it’s consumed in moderation, caffeine is perfectly fine to drink. What are the benefits of drinking black tea?

Drinking black tea can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. It helps to open up the arteries, making it easier for the blood to flow through them. Black tea consumption can help prevent blockages from forming in the arteries.
There are certain properties in black tea that have been shown to help fight certain types of cancer. These properties can slow the growth of cancer cells, and prevent the cancer from spreading.
Black tea is loaded with anti-oxidants, which help to slow down the process of aging. Certain properties in black tea can help fight the damage done by free radicals. Damage from free radicals can lead to a number of diseases and health issues.
Weight loss can be achieved by drinking black tea. It helps to burn fat, and it speeds up the metabolism. Many people who are looking to lose weight and stay in shape, drink black tea regularly. People trying to lose weight, or those who have reached their desired weight, know that it is a bad thing to “drink your calories”. Black tea contains no calories, and can be counted toward the recommended 64 ounces of water a day.
Cholesterol can be lowered by drinking black tea. It helps to lower the bad cholesterol (LDL), while still managing to raise the good cholesterol (HDL).
Drinking black tea can help strengthen the enamel of teeth. Black tea contains fluoride, the main element that prevents tooth decay.
Black tea can help people who have diabetes. It helps to lower the body’s glucose level. By lowering the glucose level, there is a decreased chance of the person developing cataracts, one of the problems brought on by diabetes.
While black tea contains more caffeine that green, white, and oolong tea, it still contains less caffeine than a cup of coffee. By consuming less caffeine, there’s a decreased chance that you’ll have sleep problems, such as insomnia.
Drinking black tea can help relieve the pain of arthritis. Black tea can help with joint inflammation associated with arthritis.

In most cases of tea drinking, adding milk to black tea will reduce these health benefits. The same will happen by adding sugar. It’s best to drink black tea with nothing added to it. If the black tea tastes too strong at first, try steeping it for a short period, and slowly increase that time little by little. You’ll develop a taste for plain black tea in no time. The health benefits of drinking black tea are many, and can be a help with many diseases. Your skin will look young and healthy, and you’ll have more energy to get you through the day.

Photo by (matt)

The Extraordinary Health Benefits of the Olive Leaf

NHE — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:11:44 +0000

Many people are shocked to hear that olive tree leaves are packed full of health benefits. Olive leaves have been used for thousands of years to cure a variety of illnesses. Olive leaf teas and extracts are the most popular ways of consuming the powerful leaf. Some have shied away from olive leaf teas because of a bitter taste, but this does not happen if the tea is steeped correctly.

One of the most important uses for the olive leaf is its ability to knock out dangerous pathogens that are within the body. The olive leaf has a super tracking device that finds the poisonous substances, hunts them down and destroys them. Olive leaf has been used in the past to help cure patients suffering from malaria and other deadly tropical diseases.

It can be used to treat more common infections as well. Our bodies are constantly exposed to fungus, bacteria, parasites and viruses. Our immune systems are always working to fight off these invaders but constantly fighting tends to weaken any defense mechanism. Taking an olive leaf supplement or drinking olive leaf tea everyday can help take care of some of those pesky critters and leave our immune system in top fighting form for the big viruses like colds and flus.

Olive leaf can successfully lower a person’s blood pressure without using prescription medication. Imagine being able to drink a glass of tea in the morning and be on with your day. Prescription medications, especially those for blood pressure have a lot of risks associated with them. Lower blood pressure means a healthier heart and less risk of heart disease.

Diabetics can benefit from olive leaf as well. This powerful little leaf helps lower blood sugar levels without the use of insulin. This can save a diabetic money and the pain that is often a result of daily insulin injections. It is important to keep in mind, that those suffering from low blood sugar levels should avoid olive leaf teas and supplements.

Women will be happy to know that drinking olive leaf tea reduces the rate of yeast infections. Yeast infections are a common issue among women of every age, race or social status. A woman develops the itchy infection when the sensitive bacteria levels in the body are thrown off. Olive leaf helps eliminate the bad bacteria and support a healthy bacteria level.

As with any herbal remedy, they are not the ultimate miracle cure for everything. However, just the few health benefits mentioned above should be reason enough to incorporate olive leaf into the daily diet. Herbalists do warn that the first few days of olive leaf use may be unpleasant. This is usually just a couple of days of discomfort while the olive leaf goes to work getting rid of the intruders hiding inside the body. The intruders are not happy to be evicted and do cause some turmoil, but rest assured it means the olive leaf is doing its job.

How Cinnamon And Honey Can Help Your Health

NHE — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 12:26:56 +0000

Can you think of any better food toppings than honey or cinnamon? Both of these ingredients are wonderful to add to food and drinks to make them sweeter and more decadent. People often stay away from honey and cinnamon because they think they’re not healthy for you. Both of these ingredients are known for being a part of pastries and other fattening deserts. However, there are quite a few health benefits of honey and cinnamon.

Age-old benefits

The combination of honey and cinnamon has been used for thousands of years, as a treatment for many health problems. They’ve been used together for a very long time as a home remedy. The combination of honey’s enzyme and cinnamon’s oil produces an anti-microbial called hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide has the power to put a halt to the growth of fungi and harmful bacteria. Here are a few ways as to how cinnamon and honey can help with your health.

Honey and Cinnamon Cures and Remedies

Taken together every day, cinnamon and honey help to strengthen the body’s immune system. The combination helps to fight off viral and bacterial infections. There are large amounts of iron in honey, which helps to strengthen white blood corpuscles.

The combination of cinnamon and honey helps to slow down the aging process by controlling free radicals. Taking this combination in the form of hot tea can help the skin feel soft and can increase longevity.

The pain of arthritis can be relieved by massaging the painful area with a paste made from two parts cinnamon and one part honey. Copenhagen University held a study in which 70 patients used this mixture, and found it very helpful with the pain.

Cholesterol levels can be reduced by combining cinnamon and honey. The combination helps to revitalize the veins and arteries, as well as improve blood circulation. By lowering cholesterol levels significantly, there’s a smaller chance that a blockage in the veins and arteries will develop.

Weight Loss?

Combining cinnamon and honey is a safe method of weight loss according to many dietitians. By drinking one cup of hot water with the combination of the two, is said to stop the accumulation of fat in the body.

Both honey and cinnamon can help fight off fatigue. Honey has a very high amount of iron in it, as well as a very high amount of natural sugar. Iron increases hemoglobin levels in the blood, and the natural sugar does not do any harm to the body.

People who suffer from a chronic cough, the common cold, or sinus problems benefit from taking honey and cinnamon. They both are made up of ingredients that inhibit the growth of germs that cause the influenza virus, and also kills these germs.

Honey, Cinnamon, and Cancer

One of the more miraculous benefits of honey and cinnamon is their ability to cure certain types of cancer. Research has been done in both Australia and Japan showing that advanced cases of bone and stomach cancer have been successfully cured. Patients with certain types of cancer are urged to take one tablespoon of honey along with one teaspoon of cinnamon three times a day, for one month.

A few additional ways how cinnamon and honey can help with your health include the following:

A paste made up of the two ingredients can be made to help control baldness and hair loss.
Using honey and cinnamon as a paste can help reduce the pain of a toothache.
They can help with an upset stomach, and help relieve gas.
Consumed with warm water, cinnamon and honey can stop the growth and kill germs in the bladder.
They can clear up acne, ringworm, eczema, insect bites, along with many other skin problems.
Using honey and cinnamon while gargling will help keep your breath fresh all day.

These are just some of the various ways as to how cinnamon and honey can help with your health. It’s simple to add cinnamon and honey to your diet. Cinnamon and honey have been valued ingredients for thousands of years for their healing abilities. These ingredients have a lot more power in them than one may initially think. Adding this combination to foods or to drinks can provide you with many health benefits, not to mention making your meals and drinks a little sweeter in taste.

Photo by Kymberly Janisch

How To Make The Lemon Cayenne Pepper Detox Drink

NHE — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:34:34 +0000

Whether you’ve been eating healthy for years, or you’re just starting out, your body can accumulate toxins and other impurities. A build up of these materials can come from pesticides, foods that contain trans fats, exhaust fumes from cars, or certain chemicals in soda. A good way to combat this build up is to treat your body to a detoxification, or cleanse. There are many detoxifying drinks that you can make to cleanse your body of toxins and impurities. One of the more famous drinks is the lemon Cayenne Pepper detox drink.

When you take the leap to try this detox diet, you’ll be expected to drink anywhere from six to twelve glasses of the mixture every day, for a period of seven to ten days. To get the full benefits of this cleanse, it is recommended that no solid food be consumed, as solid food will hinder the results of the drink. It is OK, however, to consume herbal tea or salt water while on this detox diet.

It is very easy to make this detox drink at home. Here is a step by step guide on how to make the lemon Cayenne pepper detox drink. You’ll want to have the correct ingredients on hand to start out.

To make the lemon cayenne detox drink you’ll need…

Lemon juice
Cayenne pepper
Natural maple syrup
Filtered water
You’ll also need a cup or a mug that will hold 10 ounces of water.

Step 1:

Pour five ounces of filtered water into your cup. Use filtered water instead of water from the tap. There can be quite a few impurities in regular tap water. You can use bottled water as an alternative.

Step 2:

Put in two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice into the water. It is best to use the juice from freshly squeezed lemons. It is preferable to use organic lemons. Be sure that no pulp or seeds gets into the mixture. Two tablespoons is roughly equal to half a lemon. It is suggested to never use concentrated lemon juice. You won’t get the full benefits, as concentrated juice contains added sugar and preservatives.

Step 3:

Add in two tablespoons of natural maple syrup to the mixture. This should be organic grade B maple syrup. Make sure it’s genuine maple syrup, and not maple flavored syrup. The maple syrup helps to control hunger, and is a source of energy for the body.

Step 4:

Mix in 1/10 teaspoon of Cayenne pepper. The Cayenne pepper will help speed up your metabolism. Cayenne pepper also helps loosen up mucus, and is a good source of Vitamin B and Vitamin C.

Step 5:

Add in the remaining five ounces of filtered water. Be sure to mix thoroughly.

This recipe is for one serving of the detox drink. If you want to make more servings to have on hand throughout the day, just adjust the amounts of the ingredients accordingly. It is recommended to not store this detox drink for more than 24 hours. It is best to consume the drink when it’s first made to reap all of the benefits. It is OK to consume this drink hot or cold. It depends of which you prefer. You’ll get the same benefits either way.

Now that you know how to make the lemon Cayenne pepper detox drink, you can start cleansing your body of all the impurities and toxins. Along with the elimination of toxins, this detox drink can also cleanse the kidneys and digestive system. It can purify all of the cells and glands in the body. This detox drink can also help eliminate built up material and waste in the muscles and joints. It can relieve irritation and pressure in the arteries, blood vessels, and nerves. This cleansing drink can help with the anti-aging process as well as keep the blood stream of the body healthy.

While taking the lemon Cayenne pepper detox drink, there’s a good chance you will see some weight loss. Especially if you follow the entire detox plan. There’s also a good chance of some weight gain, once the allotted time for the detox is over. It is always best to talk with your doctor before starting any type of diet. When it comes to detox diets, it’s even more important.

Health Benefits Of Mangosteen Juice

NHE — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:21:19 +0000

A healthy part of a nutritious diet includes eating at least five fruits and vegetables a day. Drinking fruit juice and vegetable juice are good ways to get in these daily amounts. Drinking fruit and vegetable juice provide the body with essential vitamins and minerals. It is easy to combine a couple of fruits or vegetables to make a great tasting drink.

One fruit that can provide many health benefits is the mangosteen fruit, commonly known as “the Queen of the fruits.” This fruit grows in Southeast Asia, is dark purple in color, and is usually two to three inches in diameter. There are several health benefits of mangosteen juice. There is scientific evidence that this fruit has a variety of healing properties. There have been clinical trials that have proven that the mangosteen is good for maintaining every organ in the human body.

Being rich in antioxidants, mangosteen juice can help protect us from the damage that is caused by free radicals. Free radicals degrade the cells of the body, that can spur on the aging process. Antioxidants help make the skin appear smoother and softer, and help to slow down the process of aging. Mangosteen juice contains many essential vitamins including Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, as well as essential minerals including calcium, iron, and potassium. By drinking mangosteen juice, the immune system is boosted to help fight against disease and infection. It also protects against viruses and bacteria that can do significant harm to the body.

One of the other health benefits of mangosteen juice is that it can reverse conditions such as fatigue, depression, anxiety, pain, and diarrhea. It has even been said that is can have a positive effect on diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Mangosteen juice can also effectively treat atherosclerosis, hypertension, and thrombosis, all of which are cardiovascular diseases. The mangosteen has antibacterial, anti fungal and antihistamine properties. Due to antihistamine properties of the fruit, it can be helpful with many allergies. The anti-inflammatory properties help relieve sciatica pain, as well as pain associated with peripheral neuropathy. This fruit also can improve joint flexibility, assist in a healthy respiratory system, and regulate intestinal health.

Mangosteen juice can help with eye problems such as glaucoma, and cataracts. If you suffer from vertigo or ulcers, the properties of this juice may help to ease the effects of these problems. By drinking mangosteen juice regularly, you will feel the effects quickly. You will feel more energized and be ready to face the day with a positive attitude. It may make you feel calmer and less anxious. You’ll have an easier time digesting, food and it may make your everyday aches and pains a little bit easier to tolerate. Your overall health will improve just by adding this juice to your diet. Since it can give you a boost in energy, you may be able to eliminate your consumption of caffeinated drinks, which are just empty calories.

Everybody would like to look and feel young their whole life, and by drinking mangosteen juice this could be accomplished, at least a little bit. You’ll be doing your body a service, both on the inside and on the outside, by drinking mangosteen juice. The health benefits of mangosteen juice are vast in that the fruit has so many positive nutritional components and advantages.

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