Tomatoes - Sauce, Salad, Juice, Pizza, others. Many uses and Many benefits.

In my previous post we discussed about benefits of grapes. Now we can see about the health benefits of TOMATOES.

We can see always these three vegetables onions, potatoes, and tomatoes stored in every kitchen shelf. One way or other they are used in our daily dishes. These have become our traditional vegetables. I have given the medicinal benefits and usages of onions in one of my previous posts. Hope you would have gone through that post. Now it is the turn of Tomatoes. 

Handful of different tomatoes
from Ho Farms in
Kahuku, Hawaii.
Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS

Tomatoes are part of nightshade family like potatoes and eggplants. Even though they are fruits they are considered as vegetables. Ripe tomatoes should be used within two or three days and it is better never refrigerate them since in cold temperature their flavor is lost and the flesh turns grainy. 

The word tomato comes from Spanish word tomate. Tomatoes are grown worldwide for its edible uses. It is learnt that there are more than 7500 varieties of tomatoes are grown in various purposes. They are grapes tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, plum tomatoes and so on.  Hybrid plants are common.

What are all the medicinal benefits of tomatoes?

Tomatoes contain the bright-red carotene lycopene which is one of the natural powerful anti-oxidants. Studies reveal that lycopene especially in cooked tomatoes help to prevent prostate CANCER. Consumption of tomatoes has been associated with decreased risk of breast cancer, head and neck cancers also.

Tomatoes are beneficial for reducing cardiovascular risk associated with type II diabetes. They are sweet, juicy and delicious with low in calories and fat free. They are good sources of Vitamin A, C, K with Folate and Potassium. They are low in Sodium, Saturated fat, Cholesterol.

They also provide Thiamine, Niacin, Vitamin B-6, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Copper which are very essential medicinal properties for keeping good health. The vitamin A present in tomato helps  improve vision.

Tomatoes help skin to protect against sun damage. The content of lycopene makes skin less sensitive to UV light damage. It also helps in building strong bones because of Vitamin K and Calcium. They are very good source of Chromium which helps to regulate blood sugar levels. 

Green unripe tomatoes
Photoby: TigerisLagoona

Another interesting report is tomatoes can prevent kidney stones and gallstones when eaten without seeds.

Tomato can be consumed as raw, can be made as a healthy juice, and can be mixed in salads, or in cooking of dishes. Tomatoes pickles are very good to eat. Unripe tomatoes like the ones in the photo can also be used in cooking. 

If you have anything more about this wonder vegetable please free to add here. Also feel free to put your questions or comments. Also, provide any feedback on the topics or contents. 

Health benefits of grapes - For Heart, Metabolism and immunity

Hello friends, My blog is one year old baby now. Your response is much encouraging and gives me a moral booster to continue writing about various subjects in this blog.

In our last three previous posts we have discussed about the health benefits of Water melon, Drumstick (Moringa), Coconut water. 

Fresh brown grapes

Now let us discuss about GRAPES, its health benefits and usages. 

Grapes are non-climatic type plants. Grapes are one of the most liked fruits in the world. 

Grapes are available in different varieties and in different colours according the cultivation and nature of fields in which they are cultivated. Mostly they are available in red, green, black and purple colours.

Grapes in a farm fence

It is learnt that grapes were cultivated first in the middle- east. Grape is considered a berry. Grapes are in different in tastes according to the varieties.

Studies reveal that grapes will help in prevention of cancer, heart diseases, high blood pressure, and constipation etc. They are high in water content and good for hydration.

Green grapes

How do Grapes help in cancer treatment? Grapes contain powerful antioxidants known as POLYPHENOLS which can slow/prevent many types of cancer cells including prostate and colon cancers. You can learn more about PolyPhenols and their health benefits in the www.grapescience.com website.

The appearance of flavonoid quercetin which is a natural anti-inflammatory may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis (A disease of heart involving hardening of arteries due to Plaque or Plak buildup) . The high content of polyphenol in grapes may help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorder by preventing artery wall build ups and reducing blood pressure via anti-inflammatory mechanism.

The fiber and potassium present in the grapes are also support to heart health. High potassium in take may reduce risk of stroke, increase bone strength and help reduce the formation of Kidney stones.

How grapes help to treat constipation? Eating of grapes will help to have free bowel movements there by it will prevent constipation.

Studies reveal that grapes can help to control diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy.

Few more important benefits of grapes are:

• Better blood sugar regulation including high blood pressure 
• Better total cholesterol regulation reducing LDL cholesterol levels
• Better inflammatory regulation in the blood
• Increase levels of glutathione (is produced in human liver and is important for metabolism, immunity and health) in the blood.

Grapes can be eaten as raw or can be enjoyed as juice. They is widely used for making different varieties of wines, jams, and jelly etc.,  For more interesting information and facts on grapes, check out Wikipedia page on grape

I hope by knowing the above usages and medicinal properties of this wonder grapes, all of us should have a bit of grapes in our weekly diet.  

Water Melon - The Juicy, Red and Healthy Thirst Quencher

Red Juicy Watermelons
Photo by: Steve Evans

Every one seems to love this juicy fruit during summer time. During the summer season water melon is available in plenty with affordable price. It is a great addition to our healthy diet. 

From the reports it is learnt that the first harvest of this vegetable fruit recorded 5000 years ago in Egypt. 

Doubt may arise whether watermelon is fruit or vegetable? Water melon is considered as fruit and also vegetable. If you consume this fruit during summer time it makes you fresh and cool.

Scientific name for this fruit is CITRULLUS LANATUS and is a Scrambler and Trailer (like Pumpkin) type of plant. It is originally mainly from Southern Africa.

Cube Watermelon from Japan
Photo by: Flickr user laughlin

Generally it is used as a fruit to be a sweet enhancer along with our diets. Packed with many vitamins and minerals water melon is considered one of the healthier food. It is low in calories and also fat free.

Although normally it is available in affordable prices, there are some special varieties available. The Cube variety from Japan costs average of 300$ to even 6000$ (yes, six thousand US Dollars!)  

Only ripe water melon is to be used for dietary purposes. How to find out it is ripe? Just thump it if it sounds hollow then it is taken as ripe one. 

If it is fresh and uncut, it can be stored for 10 days. If it is cut it can be stored for 4 days only. While storing this fruit care must be taken that it should be fully wrapped by plastic cover to avoid contamination and for long storage.

What are all its health benefits?

Watermelon is high in water content. It contains 92% of water and 8% of sugar thus help in maintaining water balance in the cells. Water melon acts as a natural moisturizer as well as a toner and keeps the skin cool and fresh. 

Water melon Nutrients

It also contains a lot of other minerals as seen in the list from Wikipedia. You can check the USDA (US Department of Agriculture) link to see the complete list of nutrients in Raw Water melon.

Water melon is rich in electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. The contents full of fatigue fighters namely Potassium, Vitamin C, Lycopene, and Iron and in this fruit drive away any feeling of fatigue.

Water melon contains Vitamin A, which is important for optimal eye health and boosts the immunity by enhancing the infection fighting actions of white blood cells called lymphocytes.

Vitamin B6 which contains in this fruit helps immune system and help to maintain normal nerve function and form red blood cells.

Vitamin C contains in water melon help to protect our body from harmful free radicals that can accelerate aging and also help to protect cataract.

Contents of Potassium which is necessary for water balance. People with low potassium may experience muscle cramps.

The Red flesh of Water melon contains significant amount of Lycopene (Red tomatoes also contain Lycopene). Lycopene is helpful in reducing the risk of many cancers.  

American Heart Association’s heart check mark program had certified that water melon is low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

Amino acid citrulline can help to maintain blood flow within heart and cardiovascular function. It may help to cure Inflammation and dehydration.

By knowing the above health benefits of this golden fruit, I hope you may use often along with your daily dietary.

For more information about Watermelon and benefits you can check the Wikipedia link here and more another link here.

I have mentioned a few benefits of this fruit. Add your comments or any other uses or benefits of this fruit.  Your feedback through comments in this regard will benefit all of us.  

Benefits of Ginger - Anti Oxidant, Helps in Digestion and anti-cancer properties

By using natural products along with our diet or in cooking we are automatically getting the medicinal benefits of those products. Hence Naturopathy principle is “Food is Medicine” and this helps us in many ways in keeping away many diseases. That is why number of nature herbs/plants is included in our diet.

The image below gives you a good idea of how your food plate should be divided for healthy lifestyle.  

In my previous posts I have shared my opinion and views about the benefits of lemon and usages of lemon. Check those out if you have not. There are some very simple good usages and recipes.

Now we will see the benefits of Ginger. This is a root vegetable of ginger plant. Ginger has been used in Asian, Arabic and other countries as an herbal medicine since ancient times.

One of the most benefits from Ginger is its helping the digestive systems. You probably know this since you would have experienced Ginger Ale or Ginger juice helping you with relief during upset stomach. Ginger can help to digest fatty foods and reducing gas thereby preventing constipation problem.

If you have common respiratory problem ginger is the remedy because it is a natural expectorant. 

Research shows that ginger can provide relief to migraine due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels. Ginger is widely used as a natural herb for treating cold and flu.

A study reveals that ginger can be used to treat diabetic-nephropathy, i.e. kidney related issues caused by diabetic complications

If you take ginger in the form tea it will help as natural heart burn remedy.

Picture of Ginger Plant

It has got blood thinning properties which helps to prevent heart attacks.

Ginger has high in potassium. manganese and also contains  vitamins A, C, E, B complex phosphorus, sodium, iron, zinc, calcium and so on. Ginger inhibits 5-L0 enzymes the only food for prostate cancer cells. Prostate cancer cells die in one or two hours without these enzymes. The components of ginger stop spreading of any type of cancer cells.  Many studies/researches are being conducted on the effects of Ginger in curing or destroying various types of Cancers.  

Naturally ginger helps to boost immune system. It can be used in tea, coffee, and also in cooking of various dishes to promote energy in our body and increase the metabolic rate. Ginger with lemon tea will have more medicinal effects.

Ginger with honey has more health benefits. Here is one simple recipe. Take some pieces of peeled ginger and add sufficient amount of honey keep it stored in a bottle for three or four days, then use one or two pieces whenever you get the complaints of nausea or vomiting symptoms. It is also for travelling sickness.

I have given only few benefits and usages of this herb, if you know anything more about this valuable herb please feel free to mention in this post.

TURMERIC - The Natural Indian Antiseptic

In my previous post we discussed about the valuable medicinal effects of BITTER GOURD. Now it is about a well-known spice called TURMERIC.

Turmeric is one of the nature’s gifts for us.

Turmeric is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to Indian Subcontinent. It is a root product like ginger.

It is used right from the ancient times in India as well as in many other countries. Most Indians cannot think of a day without this herb in our cooking. 

  

Photo Author: Thamizhpparithi Maari

The main active ingredient in this herb is CURCUMIN. This CURCUMIN has got many medicinal properties. This will help to treat many diseases including Cancer, Allergies, Arthritis, and Common cold etc. Turmeric is used in various forms in traditional medicines in Siddha, Ayurveda etc.,

Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent can be used for cuts, burns. It can be applied on burns and cuts and help in curing them. Due to these properties turmeric is used in many beauty products.

This valuable spice contains anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to treat cancers and helps in prevention of cancer spreading to other parts of the body. Do you know turmeric can be used to prevent PROSTATE CANCER? A study revealed the concentrated sources of the phytonutrient curcumin can help in preventing prostate tumour growth cells and also may stop existing prostate cancer.

Important note for young ladies - if you are having trouble with acne, turmeric is the best remedy. It is harmless and gives great results. Mix the turmeric powder with sandal wood powder with little water and apply on the affected parts of the face, as a regular basis for some time. It will definitely reduce the appearance of acne. It is a cheaper, Natural and effective remedy for this kind of problems.

Turmeric is widely used in powder form. For many years turmeric powder is used in our kitchen for preparing many dishes.  

Hot milk with few pinches of turmeric powder will help to cure “throat infection” and “gum infection”. By knowing its valuable medicinal properties turmeric (Manjal in Tamil), is considered auspicious in India and is used widely in our most religious ceremonies, especially in weddings and other religious functions.

I have given some information about this valuable herb. You may know more about this yellow herb if so feel free to give your comments.

Here is one valuable tip: Are you suffering from nose block due to cold? Turmeric can be used as a natural inhaler. Just select a turmeric longer in size, by holding one end,  heat the other end on candle flame or lamp flame till you get smoke from the turmeric, then inhale the smoke for few seconds repeat for two or three times. Definitely you will be relieved from the nose block and cold. This one of our grandmas’ easy and effective remedy.

Will meet you with another natural herb through next post

Garlic – Natural food related to Heart and blood systems

In our previous post, we saw the uses of “Insulin Plant” as natural remedy for diabetes. Now, we'll see about another useful plant that is regularly used as a flavour in cooking.

Garlic Plant is a close relative of onion and other bulbous plants. For many generations garlic is in use because of its medicinal value. Garlic has been used widely to prevent or help in the cure of many illnesses like Ulcers, Headaches, Cancers, Diabetes, High cholesterol, Blood pressure, Fatigue, Liver disorders, Bronchitis and more. It is even helpful in curing Snakebite. 

Some of these effectiveness have been confirmed by “NIH” – National Institutes of Health, U.S.A (mainly in case of BP, Hardening of Arteries, Prevention of Colon, Rectal and stomach cancers etc.). Check out the NIH Link here.

The main medicinal ingredient in garlic is ALLICIN which is an anti-biotic and antifungal compound. This is released when crushing garlic cloves and ALLICIN is what gives the famous garlic smell.

  

Garlic is a natural plant used widely in cooking as a flavour in various cuisines in Asia, Middle east, Southern Europe etc. It is also used as a medicine in ancient and modern to cure many diseases because of its medicinal properties.

Garlic is recommended for the prevention of some types of cancers like Rectal Cancer, Prostate cancer and colon cancer etc.  It is a good herb for prevention of cancer.

Garlic helps to boost up our metabolism rate, thereby helping to reduce over weight easily. It is sometimes called the miracle food in reducing weight. Also garlic lowers or helps to regulate blood sugar. Hence diabetic patients can also take this wonderful drug regularly.

Garlic is also referred in many places as a repellent and even as an antidote for insects and snake bites.  

In the case of earache, just crush one or two cloves of garlic and put two or three drops of oil in to the ears, it will give immediate relief.

For the best result use only Raw garlic because if cooked it will have very little medicinal effect. Use only 1 or 2 cloves of raw garlic a day. Taking more than 1 or 2 cloves daily is not advisable since it may harm to health.

In the cases of children, heart patients, diabetic patients have to consult your doctor before consuming this natural herb.

Next post will cover some more usages of this wonderful nature product.

CONIUM MACULATIUM (POISON HEMLOCK) – Medicine to treat Cancers, Prostate problems

In our two previous posts we have seen the functions and properties of CANTHARIS, a good medicine for urinary problems and CHAMOMILLA, and an effective pain killer. In this post we will find the properties of CONIUM.

CONIUM is prepared by using the fresh flowers of HEMLOCK plants along with their roots. You can find nice picture of hemlock flowers here - 

Hemlock Flowers

This image is from wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conium where you can find more information about Conium

While preparing the Conium medicine, Subsequently the herb is crushed and macerated in alcohol and being diluted.   

Interesting note – In Ancient Greece, Hemlock flowers were used to prepare poison for prisoners. The famous Philosopher Socrates is supposed to have been killed by a potion containing Hemlock

It is a very special remedy for treating glandular enlargements, cancerous tumours like breast cancer and other cancers like prostate tumour. Conium is prescribed for men who are suffering from enlarged prostate and prostate cancer and also to treat the patients who are suffering from urinary problems such as pain and difficulty in passing urine, also when the flow of urine is intermittent.

It is one of the fine remedies for prostate enlargement who experience hard and heavy prostate.

The other physical indications to use conium are

• Flow of urine suddenly stops and continues again after a short interruption
• Vertigo particularly when lying down or turning over in bed, and also when turning head sideways.
• Feeling stitches extending from the abdomen to the right side of the chest. And in the case of stomach indication of sores around the root of the tongue, acidity and burning, gastric ulcers etc.,
• This medicine also will help to treat the old age people who suffer from giddiness. And also in the case of old age patients find pain and stiffness while walking.

Yes CONIUM is one of the SPECIAL medicines for treating cancers like breast cancer and prostate cancer etc. So it is one of the cancer remedies in homeopathy.

Dosage: 4…..4…..4 for Adults. It will work with 30^th to 200^th potency.

It is a medicine mainly for treating men who suffer from prostate enlargement, prostate tumour with urinary troubles.