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.  

Drumstick, Moringa tree and leaves – Simple, Pocket friendly and healthy Vegetable

In my previous post we discussed about health benefits of the natural energy drink coconut water.

Drumsticks in my tree

Now we will see the common usage stick like vegetable Drumstick. Many medicinal properties of the drumstick tree have long been known in India and other parts of the world. This tree grows very quickly and gives quick yields also. Here you can see drumsticks from the tree in my home. 

All parts of this tree are very useful and have long been used for medicinal purposes. Drumstick pods are used in curries, soups and in many Indian dishes.  

This vegetable and its leaves contain Protein, Calcium, Iron, Vitamins A, B and Vitamin C. These medicinal properties are present more in the leaves. Hence the leaves are used as wonderful tonic for kids, teenagers for building strong healthy bones and increasing body resistance.  

Easy recipe for soup:  Take a hand full of these leaves in half a cup of water, boil it for 5 minutes. Soup is ready. You can add a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also use flowers instead of leaves. This soup can be used to help treat Respiratory problems, Asthma, Wheezing, Bronchitis also even for Tuberculosis. This soup helps to ease any kind of Chest congestion, Sore throat, Cough.

Pregnant women should often use this plant in their diet as it helps ease any kind of pre and post-delivery complications.

Fresh Flowers in my tree

UTI can be treated by drinking this medicinal juice. Mix a table spoon of leaf juice with a glass of carrot or cucumber juice by adding a pinch of rock salt.

Here is another simple recipe for good energy. Boil a hand full of flowers in a cup of milk. Energy drink is ready to use. Can be used only once in a week.

Oil is extracted from the seeds of drumstick and the oil is called Ben oil. This kind of oil is used in salad, in cooking, in lubricating machines, in hair products etc.,

Other benefits: The root of this vegetable tree can be boiled in sufficient water and should be inhaled deeply to clear the nasal passage to get rid of mucus blocking. A paste of this root can be used to treat itching over the skin. Drumstick can help to treat digestive disorders, to reduce the pain and discomfort caused by stomach ulcers, mouth ulcers. And help to heal these ulcers faster.

Please do not cut the leaves with knife. Just wash them and drain the water.

Drumstick tree is called one of the power houses of minerals and one of the common trees in many countries. No doubt it is used in many dishes. But excessive consumption of this plant may harm to our health. It is better to have once or twice in a week. The amount consumption may be varied from person to person according to their body conditions.

The above mentioned benefits and usages are few. If you know anything more about this plant please mention here so that,  it may benefit all of us.  

Cool and Healthy Coconut Water (Part 2 of 2)

In my previous post we discussed about some health benefits and the medicinal properties of coconut water. Now I would like to add few more information of this natural energy drink.

Coconut water is the juice which is extracted from very young or tender coconuts. If mature they produce coconut milk rather than coconut water. Each coconut contains approximately 200 to 1000 ml of water depending upon the size and cultivation.

Tender coconut in a Thailand Restaurant
Photo by: User:Yuvipanda

Research showed that cytokines property contained in the coconut water showed significant anti-ageing and anti-carcinogenic effects. It contains more B complex vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamine, pyridoxine etc., These vitamins are essential in the sense of human body requires them from external sources to replenish.

Coconut water contains a lot of Potassium. 100 ml of coconut water has 250 mg of potassium, 105 mg of sodium.

                         

Everybody likes it

These electrolytes help replenish electrolyte deficiencies in the body due to various illnesses. Coconut water helps in keeping check over urinary infections and also it is very effective in treating kidney and urethral stones. If consume regularly it may reduce urinary problems like irritation, and other urinary ailments. It also helps to treat stomach ulcers.  Probably that’s why almost everybody likes it.

The name for this tree in Sanskrit is KALPA VRIKSHA that means “tree that gives all that is necessary for living”. This itself a proof for the importance of this nature product.

While drinking coconut water, it is always better to drink the natural form, rather than packaged coconut water to get full health benefits.  Check out this video on the benefits and also what you get extra when you drink natural Coconut Water

Hope you got good information about Coconut Water, the wonderful natural drink. Please pass along your feedback and comments.

Cool and Healthy Coconut Water (Part 1 of 2)

In my previous posts we had discussed about home remedies for diabetes Part 1 and Part 2. Now we will see the health benefits of a “cool” drink – Coconut Water. 

No doubt that many of us are into drinking coconut water often or occasionally. Surely whenever temperature rises, (as in a typical Indian Summer), it becomes a popular drink and is consumed by the people of all ages. 

Photo by: Crisco 1492

What are the health benefits of this unadulterated healthy drink?.  

Coconut and Coconut water are one of the gifts of nature. This natural water contains many medicinal properties like potassium, antioxidant properties etc., 

It is less in sugar than any other soft drinks and some of fruit juices. It helps in natural way to replenish the supply of electrolytes in our body. 

It helps to lower blood pressure since it contains potassium. Since it contains GLUCOSE it gives energy to our body. To compensate the loss of minerals and fluids during physical activities (e.g. Sports or Working-out) one has to take is energy drink to compensate the energy loss. Drinking Coconut water during such times is much better than packaged drinks. 

Coconut Water contains CYTOKINES and LAURIC acid it helps in the process of cell growth and the cells regulation. Coconut water is rich in magnesium and potassium which are helpful to those suffering low blood pressure and helps to reduce the risk of heart problems. Drinking this natural water will help to increase good cholesterol (H D L) by the way maintaining good cardiovascular health.

Coconut water helps to treat DEHYDRATION caused by dysentery, cholera, diarrhea, fever, flu etc., It also helps to prevent muscle cramps because it contains huge potassium. Since it contains calcium it helps to strengthen bones, muscles and tissues. Doctors recommend this as a good form of Oral rehydration therapy.

                                                        

Coming to Diabetes - Question arises whether diabetic can drink coconut water? Studies reveal coconut water helps to control diabetes and when taken often it may help to improve blood circulation.

Coconut water from tender coconuts is used in many hair and skin products because of its antibacterial, anti- fungal, and antioxidant properties. And its contents of vitamin K and iron which are very essential for maintaining hair softness and hair shine. 

Coconut water is one of the best sources for preventing health issues in pregnant women. 

Coconut trees in Oman
Photo by: billy1847

Important thing is coconut water is free  from any harmful or artificial flavoring and coloring, and unnatural sugars. Coconut trees are abundant in many regions and more particularly on coastal areas. See this picture from Oman which is a vast desert in the persian gulf. 

It is a natural energy drink without any adulteration. Usually young coconuts (tender coconuts) are harvested from the coconut tree for the usage of coconut water.

Hope this is useful information about this energy drink. Please pass on your comments or notes. 

Home Remedies for Diabetes (Part 2 of 2)

We saw a few simple Home remedies for typeII diabetes in our earlier post. Let us see a few more here.

Bitter gourd: Bitter gourd is also known as bitter melon. I have already described about the medicinal properties of this vegetable in one of my previous posts about using Bitter gourd for Diabetes. It stimulates pancreas to release insulin. It is commonly used in our kitchen in various forms. For treating diabetes, it is better to take it in the form of juice. Take the juice from few pieces of this bitter gourd, add sufficient water, mix it with a pinch of salt and drink in the morning with empty stomach daily for one month to control your blood sugar levels. After one month test your sugar levels and if necessary continue for another month.

Mango leaves: Mango leaves can play a good role in helping blood sugar levels. Take 2 or 3 fresh tender and budding leaves, boil them with water and drink it in the morning daily, it will help to control diabetes.

Photo by: Sanjay Acharya 

Fenugreek seeds: Fenugreek seeds have organic compounds that stimulate the pancreas into increasing its insulin output, thereby reducing the dangerous activities of glucose in the blood.

CINNAMON:  Many studies suggest cinnamon (lavanga pattai in Tamil) plays an important role in controlling blood sugar levels while simultaneously increasing body’s natural production of insulin. Take ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder every morning for 40 days to have best result. Cinnamon tea, if taken daily also will give good result. How to prepare tea? Boil one or two cinnamon in a cup of water for 5 to 7 minutes and drink it everyday morning.

Why I am very particular in discussing about many products/plants/seeds etc., for diabetic treatment? Because it is one of a very trouble-some disease and many people are suffering from diabetes and the numbers are increasing day by day. And they are seeking for remedies to control/prevent the disease.

Many Studies reveals and diabetologists are saying diabetes cannot be cured completely, but can be kept under control, if they do exercises, walking, keeping diet under control and taking medicines in time, with periodically consulting your doctor with required test results.  While speaking of tests, here I have to say HbA1c (three months average) is more important apart from routine tests. With this diabetic people can lead a normal life.

Finally diabetes is not a disease it is only disorder. Wishing all of us get better in our Diabetes control and Sugar control for a good quality of life.

Home Remedies for Diabetes (Part 1 of 2)

Hello Friends,

In my previous posts I have mentioned several herbs/plants/seeds etc., like AMLA, Bitter gourd, Insulin Plant, Garlic etc which are helping us to reduce or to control blood sugar in natural way for TYPE II diabetes. You can check about 10 posts in this blog regarding natural help for diabetes. In this post, I would like to collect and give you some of the HOME REMEDIES for type II.

There are several home remedies to prevent or to control diabetes. I have given only few remedies below which are very easy to prepare and easy to follow. Out of these given home remedies you can select according to your need. These are natural remedies and with no adverse side effects. These remedies are based on my selection from my experience and collections from reliable sources. Selection is yours and it should be depend upon one’s body nature and the condition of the problem.

Apple cider vinegar: ACV Plays an important role in controlling the sugar levels in the blood. It also controls the rising of blood glucose level which noticeably after meals (that is PP). Mix a pinch of salt with two spoonful of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it before taking meals, say 15 minutes before meal. Do it daily for 2 or 3 months and check for good result. There are some other health benefits in apple cider vinegar that I had mentioned in a previous post.  

Photo by: Sonja Pauen - Stanhopea

Curry leaves: Curry leaves is a naturally added in Asian and mainly Indian cooking  almost daily. Curry leaves is a traditional and reliable one to reduce the symptoms of diabetes and help to treat the insulin within the body. There are some organic compounds within these leaves which inhibit the breakdown of starches into simple sugars like glucose which is one the cause for diabetic flare-ups.  Apart from using the fresh raw leaves, we can dry the leaves and make into powder. Take ½ spoon of this powder mixing with butter milk or in water drink it twice a day which will help you to control type II diabetes.

Photo by: Biology Big Brother 
from Eukaryotic Cell, Organism

Aloe Vera: The Gel present in ALOE-VERA is power full component in fighting diabetes because it contains the medicinal property Called PHYTOSTEROLS. Studies have shown that Aloe vera can cause reducing in fasting blood sugar levels. It is also known to reduce levels of triglycerides in blood.  

Note:  If you are under regular diabetic medication and care, use Aloe Vera only after consultation with a medical doctor as you might need monitoring of your blood sugar levels and adjustments to medication. Further, Aloe vera can also cause a decrease in potassium and can interact with a few medications. So, ensure proper consultation and monitoring before use.

I will write about some more easy home remedies for this diabetes type II in part 2.

Benefits of Radish - Di-uretic,helps Blood Pressure and other benefits.

Radish is also one of the root vegetables. Originally it was cultivated in Europe and china. Now it becomes a common vegetable being consumed around the world because this root vegetable is quick in growing and contains many health benefits.

Radishes are extremely low in calories and also fat free. 

Bunch of Radishes

A cup of radish slices contains only 19 calories. Even the leaves of this root vegetable can be used in cooking as well as in medicine. Radish contains fiber, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, copper, calcium, manganese, and other B complex vitamins.

A Cup of thin sliced radish can be eaten raw or can be cooked. Before using it should be washed well and should be peeled.

Radish helps in purifying blood. It can be used to treat kidney and urinary problem. It is one among our grandma’s remedies.  This is a wonderful remedy to treat some Urinary problems and also it helps to cleanse kidney.

All of us know the varieties of this root vegetable are white and red in colours. There are red cells in RED RADISHES which help to cancer cells in our body it is proved by a study conducted by Jawaharlal Nehru technical university that these red cells contain the medicinal property called isothiocyanates and anthocyanin helps fight against cancer cells. The fiber content in the red radish is also very helpful in preventing cancer. Check out the link to the study papers. Check out the Chapter pdfs regarding Radish’s benefits.

Further this root vegetable contains many vitamins and minerals which help to maintain cardiovascular functions and also maintain lower cholesterol levels. The fibre content in this root vegetable helps to regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Radish can be a part any weight loss diet. The water and fibre content creates a full feeling, thereby helping in weight loss. Further it is in low calories. No Wonder it helps in fighting constipation problems because of high fibre content which helps to clear the food stuck in colon and also helps facilitate the secretion of bile.

It can be used to fight against cold and cough. The anti-congestive properties help in clearing the mucus formed in the throat. It also helps to keep the immune system in our body. In the cases of SINUS infection or asthma, these radishes are acting as natural de-congestants.

After knowing the number of health benefits of this root vegetable, I hope you may definitely add this vegetable in your daily dishes frequently.

What is A C V – Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple Cider
Vinegar

We have seen many remedies for our health benefits in our posts. There is another remedy called APPLE CIDER VINEGAR. Some of you would have heard of this drink/tonic or even would have used this drink for home uses or for cooking. It is being observed that many people are turned to this A C V. Why? Because they know the health benefits of A C V.  What is this A C V and what are all its health benefits? Let us see in this post. Ok?

Benefits of this are plenty. This product A V C is also known as CIDER VINEGAR. This drink is a type of vinegar made from cider or apple must. The main ingredient in A V C is acetic acid. It also contains other acids like vitamins, minerals, salts and amino acids.

A C V will help to fight Heart problems, High cholesterol, Diabetes and is also said to help in fighting Cancer. Amino acids help to break down the protein blocks arising from the food we eat, so that amino acids are free to fuel different processes in the body. One hormone that is particularly important for weight loss is growth hormone. This hormone is instrumental in the breakdown of fat cells. The acid in the A CV helps to increase the availability of amino acids to create more growth hormones.

A C V is high in pectin. If you drink a glass of water with one or two teaspoons of A V C before your meals, the insoluble fibre will make you feel full and you will eat less food.

The acid contains in A V C helps to release iron from the food we take, so that iron can be used throughout our body. This process is very important because iron is a key component of haemoglobin and myoglobin. These two properties are responsible to carry oxygen to the cells throughout our body. Iron also gives the ability to burn calories in the body. This way ACV is very helpful in Weight loss.

Other health benefits are: A V C can be used to clear the stuffy nose. Mix a teaspoon of A C V in a glass of water and drink it fully. This will help to clear sinus blockage.

To treat sore throat, Just take ¼ cup of warm water and one spoon of A C V, mix well and gargle every one or two hrs.

The amino acid contained in the A C V acts as antidote and it contains potassium, and enzymes that may relieve the tired feeling. A table spoon of A C V with a glass of chilled veg soup will help to get relief from exhaustion.

By gargling with A C V mixed with water will help in removing stains and whiten the teeth and also help to kill the bacteria in the mouth. Don’t forget to brush as usual after gargle.

A study reveals vinegar slows the rise of blood sugar levels after consumption of meals and when taken at bedtime it helps to lower sugar levels.

Unfiltered & Natural
ACV

A C V is available in most of the departmental stores in India. Look for the import and expiry dates as many are imported.  The best one to buy is “Natural and unfiltered one” – Check out a sample from one company here.

Note: Be careful about the concentration. ACV is Acidic in Nature.  Do not take A C V as it is. Based on the concentration. It should always be diluted with water (2 spoons in one glass of water etc) before consuming otherwise it can harm the tooth enamel and cause throat trouble. Take two spoons of ACV in diluted water a day. Not more.

Green Peas - Tiny Vegetable with Big health benefits!

In our previous post we discussed about a very common and useful Ayurveda medicine Tri-Phala (Three fruits). 

Photo by Bill Ebbesen

In this post we will see the health benefits of GREEN PEAS vegetable.

These starchy and sweet green peas or garden peas has been in use in various part of the world - mainly in Egypt, and Mediterranean countries like Greece etc. In India, it originated in the sub Himalayan plains of north-west India and is now grown in Gangetic plains and in south india.

PEAS are really powerhouses of nutrition that are natural boon to our health.

They contain many Nutrients - Carbohydrates, Dietary fibers, sugars, Vitamins - C, B6, B12, A, Folic Acid, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, Amino acids.... Phew!!! It is very surprising, isn't it? How a small pea can contain so many minerals. You may doubt me. Please check this link from the US Department of Agriculture for more details.

Photo by AndrewMT

Peas also contain antioxidants and are low in calories. 100gms of green peas contain 81 calories with no cholesterol. It reduces L D L and increases H D L cholesterol levels. Due to such good benefits, Peas is grown in many parts of the world today. Check out the green spots in the map to see where it is grown.

These green vegetable contain phytosterols which help lower cholesterol level in the body. It contains vitamin K thereby help to keep our bones healthy. One cup of peas contains 44 % of vitamin K which helps to anchor calcium inside bones. Vitamin B also helps to prevent osteoporosis.

Peas may also help to treat wrinkles, bronchitis and the fiber content in the peas improves bowel movement. It also contains essential B complex vitamins such as pantothenic acid, niacin, thamine, pyridoxine and many more. Further it contains many minerals, like calcium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese etc.

A study conducted in Mexico City reveals one needs only 2 milligrams of peas per day to help in preventing stomach cancer. Also it is helping in anti-ageing and for strong immune system with high energy.

Peas contain strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Also contains OMEGA 3 fat in the form of alpha LINOLENIC-ACID (ALA).

Further peas also will help for blood sugar regulation. Since it contains high fiber and, it may help to slow down the blood sugar levels. The anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties may help to prevent or even help to reverse insulin resistance.

Now I hope you may understand the benefits of this greenish vegetable. It can be used in many ways in our kitchen.

Here is one simple way to eat: Boil a cup of peas with required quantity of water and add a pinch of salt and pepper to it and it can be consumed as it is.

Let me know your comments on this article and any information you have about green peas and its benefits also.

Wonder medicine Triphala - To help Diabetes, Blood pressure, Urinary problems etc.

Dear friends,

So far we have seen about many medicinal plants and herbs for treating Type II Diabetes, Heart problems, Blood Pressure and other diseases. Check out the posts to select the herbs or plants according to the condition of your illness. Even you can take one or two of these natural healthy products each day, it will be good for your overall health. Further, these natural products have very limited or no side effects.

One more natural medicine for treating Type II Diabetes is none other than TRIPHALA.  In one of my earlier posts regarding cure for constipation I have suggested about this Triphala and also mentioned that, we will discuss about the other medicinal benefits of this medicine in our later posts. (Just a note, here are my many posts regarding constipation)

Now let us see the other benefits of this Triphala. This medicine is available in tablets and in powder forms and available at Traditional Indian medical stores such as Ayurveda and Siddha etc.,

Three fruits of Triphala

The word TRI-PHALA means "Three Fruits". It is an Ayurvedic medicine consisting of equal parts of 3 fruits namely AMLA (Nellikkai), BAHERA (Thanikai) and HARADE (Kadukai). Names of these herbal fruits may differ from place to place. 

In the picture, you will find AMLA on the outermost circle, Bahera on the middle circle and Harade (Kadukkai) on the innermost circle.

These three fruits are having many medicinal properties that help to cure/prevent many illnesses.

These three herbal fruits in Triphala help for smooth functioning of bowel system and relieve constipation.

The other benefits are, it helps internal purification, improves Digestion, reduces Serum Cholesterol. This Indian medicine contains 31% of linoleic acid which reduces high blood sugar and improves liver function.  It is good for nutritional as well as blood and liver cleansing actions. It has got anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. Triphala can also be used for eye disease.

And also this medicine prevents urinary track disease. How? The urinary system in particular is supported by Amalaki (amla or nellikkai). This fruit is helpful in treating symptoms such as a mild burning sensation while urinating. And also acts as a mild diuretic, helping the body by eliminating excess water in natural way. This kind of action is very helpful in purifying the urine toxins.

The medicinal properties of HARITAKI (Harade or Kadukai) helps to enhance the absorption of nutrients in food and also acts as a cardio preventive by helping to promote heart health.

The other fruit contained triphala is BIBHITAKI (Thanikai).  It helps by creating balance and pure blood in nourishing the eyes and also strengthening the root of the hair.

I have given only few benefits of this wonder drug as an introduction. Here is the wikipedia link about Triphala.  

If you have any comments or if you have got benefits from this medicine, request you to please add your comments.

Highly beneficial Goose Berry (or AMLA)

Hope you would’ve read my previous post about the benefits and uses of dry ginger. Now I have taken the health usage of the very good wonder natural fruit AMLA. All Indian medicines give importance for this little beautiful fruit and use it as an herb because it contains valuable medicinal properties. Amla is often used ingredient in Ayurvedha or Siddha medicines. These small sized wonder is also called Indian GooseBerry.

Amla is nature’s richest source of natural vitamin C. No doubt that most of us

Indian Gooseberries (Amla or Nellikkai)

are using this fruit often in the form of raw, dry or juice (or atleast Pickles, mainly in south India). But to give you some information of its medicinal properties and health benefits I have taken this as subject in this post so that you may try to use this more and in your daily life to prevent many diseases.

Amla contains so much of vitamin C, vitamin B complex and also contains polyphenols and minerals like iron, zinc, etc. This fruit is rich in fibre, hence helps to maintain cholesterol levels. It helps to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and increases HDL (good cholesterol) thereby preventing heart problems

For diabetes also it helps. How? Because it contains polyphenols, which helps to keep sugar levels under control. It is widely used in Indian medicines to treat type II diabetes

Because of its anti-oxidant properties it even helps to prevent cancer.

Amlaincreases the Haemoglobin in blood and purifies blood.

It reduces the risk of gall stone formation.

In ayurvedha medicines, Amla is used in the famous Chavanaprash. This is a very ancient medicine, mentioned in old books and is a very famous one also (about 400 Crore or 80 mil USD market). Check out this wikipedia page on Chyawanprash.

Chinese vendor
selling Gooseberry

Gooseberry is also very much used in China. It is often used to cure throat inflammation. Here is a picture of a Chinese vendor selling Gooseberry.

Amla helps to cure sore throat. To get vitamin C to our body, consume one raw Amla daily.

It will also solve the constipation problem because it is rich in fiber. Daily or often the consumption of Amla will keep the balances of acids in stomach and improve digestion.

For mouth ulcer take some water add little Amla juice and gargle.  Amla is considered one of the best rejuvenating herbs in Ayurveda. It helps to improve immune system.

This herb is also used widely in many hair tonics since it enriches hair growth and hair pigmentation. It strengthens roots of the hair. Amla hair oil is very popular in India.

Note: For some persons, eating Amla first time might cause sore throat. Try it out first with small portion and then make use of it.

Hope you will make use of this wonder fruit more after seeing the above.  

I have mentioned here only few medicinal benefits of this wonder fruit. Have you used this or heard of any other benefits or uses of this Amla or gooseberry? Please share your information or experiences.

Papaya fruit - Full of Vitamins and Minerals

In continuation of the several natural remedies discussed in previous posts for diabetes, here is another fruit PAPAYA which contains anti-diabetic properties which are very helpful for diabetic patients specially those suffering from type II diabetes.

Most Naturopathy, Homeopathic, even Allopathic doctors are recommending this fruit for diabetic patients. This beneficial fruit contains many properties and can be used to treat many problems.

Papaya Tree

Let us see Papaya’s origin. It is native to tropical regions of America and cultivated in southern Mexico. Now it is cultivated in the other parts of the world including India. 

Papaya is melon like fruit with yellow-orange flesh; it contains large part of water.  

This is a very easy tree to grow in your home backyard. Just plant a few seeds of a ripe papaya and you will get a tree and fruits very quickly.

Papaya contains many medicinal properties - Anti-oxidants, Vitamin B, vitamin C, Pantothenic acid or Vitamin B5, minerals like Potassium, Magnesium, Fibre,  Folic acid etc. These promote the health of cardio-vascular system and provide protection against cancer.

Because Papaya contains vitamin A and C, it helps body’s immune system. The vitamin A which helps to prevent constipation, helps to maintain healthy mucus membranes and helps for the eye sight and to the skin.

Papaya contains papain enzyme which helps to lower inflammation in the body thereby healing wounds and burns. This enzyme helps to digest proteins by breaking the proteins thus helping to improve digestion and also cleansing the digestive track. If proteins are not digested it may cause Arthritis, Constipation, Diabetes, High blood pressure and other related problems

This fruit plays major role in preventing colon cancer since it contains fiber. Fiber does not allow the cancer cells to grow. 

Ripe Papaya fruit and seeds

Papaya is very low in calories say just 39/100 gm and contains no cholesterol. It contains soft and easily digestive flesh with good amount of soluble dietary fiber.  

Raw papaya has higher concentration of nutritional elements than ripe one. Its seeds and leaves also have medicinal effects. The seeds are very effective remedy for stomach problems, ring worm etc.

Papaya is also rich in many essential B complex vitamins like folic acid, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), thiamine (B1).These properties play vital role in metabolism.

This sweet fruit also contains good amount of potassium (257/mg per 100 g) and calcium. These properties are helping in controlling heart and blood pressure problems by countering effects of sodium.

Papaya is very useful for motion sickness. The medicinal property called Folate with vitamin C and E helps in various ailments

How to use: Unripe raw papaya can be used in cooking like other vegetables. Remove the skin with the help of peeler knife and remove the seeds then you can use it as you like. Some tips are given below.

Ripe papaya can be taken as it is after peeling, or with few drops of lemon, it can also be taken as juice and small pieces can be added in the fruit salad.

One important information: After the details study which reveals that the juice from the leaves of this plants is well aiding to cure DENGUE fever, Tamil Nadu State Government is promoting this herb at all government hospitals in the state. The juice obtained from these leaves increases the platelet counts the patients affected by dengue fever. Check out the related news link here

I have given the medicinal benefits of this wonder fruit and the usages. I suggest every one of us can take this fruit in any form at least once a week to get its benefits. Do let me know your valuable feedback or comments

you can give your comments or for any questions you can write in the comments so that others also may know about it and will bebenefited thanks