Tuesday, October 2, 2012

POPCORNS

POPCORNS

Do you like popcorn?
I almost heard you say, who doesn't. We all love them as a nice
snack, be it home or the movies, as they are tasty, munchy, healthy
and very handy as to prolong it till our favourite programme ends.
Popcorns are getting popular at homes too as they are high in
fibre, low in calories and fat, and are basically good little
things to eat.

Are you fond of popping corns in the microwave? If you are, then
it's about time to stop that habit. Why?

1. Microwave popcorns are high in sodium. And you might already
know that you need to try to cut back on extra sodium diets as they
risk a lot of problems including hypertension, bloating and water
retention.

2. They give you all those trans fats and loads of calories. 100
grams of pop corn will give you 28 grams of fats.

3. One unobserved thing about microwave popcorns are that they
betray you the portion size. You have no idea how much of what you
ate!

4. The popcorn bags are not great friends either. They contain
hazardous chemicals which are linked to infertility and cancer.

Switch on to Airpopped Popcorn

1. To this you can add your favourite oil, the desired amount of
salt and maintain your portion size!

2. They cost less than the other.

So what are waiting for? Grab your favourite snack now. Throw your
favourite flavourings like pepper, oregano, dried herbs oand even
skip the oil and salt. For children, it is an intelligent way of
making them eat some butter too.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Five foods that can trigger a stroke

Five foods that can trigger a stroke http://health.yahoo.net/caring/5-foods-that-can-trigger-a-stroke Few things feel more terrifying and random than a stroke, which can strike without warning. And fear of stroke -- when a blood vessel in or leading to the brain bursts or is blocked by a blood clot, starving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients -- is well founded. After all, stroke is the number-three killer in the U.S., affecting more than 700,000 people each year. Here are five foods that cause the damage that leads to stroke. 1. Crackers, chips, and store-bought pastries and baked goods Muffins, doughnuts, chips, crackers, and many other baked goods are high in trans fats, which are hydrogenated oils popular with commercial bakeries because they stay solid at room temperature, so the products don't require refrigeration. Also listed on labels as "partially hydrogenated" or hydrogenated oils, trans fats are found in all kinds of snack foods, frozen foods, and baked goods, including salad dressings, microwave popcorn, stuffing mixes, frozen tater tots and French fries, cake mixes, and whipped toppings. They're also what makes margarine stay in a solid cube. The worst offenders are fried fast foods such as onion rings, French fries, and fried chicken. Why it's bad For years scientists have known trans fats are dangerous artery-blockers, upping the concentrations of lipids and bad cholesterol in the blood and lowering good cholesterol. Now we can add stroke to the list of dangers. This year researchers at the University of North Carolina found that women who ate 7 grams of trans fat each day -- about the amount in two doughnuts or half a serving of French fries -- had 30 percent more strokes (the ischemic type, caused by blocked blood flow to the brain) than women who ate just 1 gram a day. Another recent study, also in women, found that trans fats promoted inflammation and higher levels of C-reactive protein, which have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. What to do Aim to limit trans fats to no more than 1 or 2 grams a day -- and preferably none. Avoid fast-food French fries and other fried menu items and study packaged food labels closely. Even better, bake your own cookies, cakes, and other snacks. When you can't, search out "health-food" alternative snacks, such as Terra brand potato chips and traditional whole grain crackers such as those made by Finn, Wasa, AkMak, Ryvita, and Lavasch. 2. Smoked and processed meats Whether your weakness is pastrami, sausage, hot dogs, bacon, or a smoked turkey sandwich, the word from the experts is: Watch out. Why it's bad Smoked and processed meats are nasty contributors to stroke risk in two ways: The preserving processes leave them packed with sodium, but even worse are the preservatives used to keep processed meats from going bad. Sodium nitrate and nitrite have been shown by researchers to directly damage blood vessels, causing arteries to harden and narrow. And of course damaged, overly narrow blood vessels are exactly what you don't want if you fear stroke. Many studies have linked processed meats to coronary artery disease (CAD); one meta-analysis in the journal Circulation calculated a 42-percent increase in coronary heart disease for those who eat one serving of processed meat a day. Stroke is not the only concern for salami fans; cancer journals have reported numerous studies in the past few years showing that consumption of cured and smoked meats is linked with increased risk of diabetes and higher incidences of numerous types of cancer, including leukemia. What to do If a smoked turkey or ham sandwich is your lunch of choice, try to vary your diet, switching to tuna, peanut butter, or other choices several days a week. Or cook turkey and chicken yourself and slice it thin for sandwiches. How to Tell if Someone Is Having a Stroke 3. Diet soda Although replacing sugary drinks with diet soda seems like a smart solution for keeping weight down -- a heart-healthy goal -- it turns out diet soda is likely a major bad guy when it comes to stroke. Why it's bad People who drink a diet soda a day may up their stroke risk by 48 percent. A Columbia University study presented at the American Stroke Association's 2011 International Stroke Conference followed 2,500 people ages 40 and older and found that daily diet soda drinkers had 60 percent more strokes, heart attacks, and coronary artery disease than those who didn't drink diet soda. Researchers don't know exactly how diet soda ups stroke risk -- and are following up with further studies -- but nutritionists are cautioning anyone concerned about stroke to cut out diet soda pop. What to do Substitute more water for soda in your daily diet. It's the healthiest thirst-quencher by far, researchers say. If you don't like water, try lemonade, iced tea, or juice. 4. Red meat This winter, when the respected journal Stroke published a study showing that women who consumed a large portion of red meat each day had a 42-percent higher incidence of stroke, it got nutrition experts talking. The information that red meat, with its high saturated fat content, isn't healthy for those looking to prevent heart disease and stroke wasn't exactly news. But the percentage increase (almost 50 percent!) was both startling and solid; the researchers arrived at their finding after following 35,000 Swedish women for ten years. Why it's bad Researchers have long known that the saturated fat in red meat raises the risk of stroke and heart disease by gradually clogging arteries with a buildup of protein plaques. Now it turns out that hemoglobin, the ingredient that gives red meat its high iron content, may pose a specific danger when it comes to stroke. Researchers are investigating whether blood becomes thicker and more viscous as a result of the consumption of so-called heme iron, specifically upping the chance of strokes. What to do Aim to substitute more poultry -- particularly white meat -- and fish, which are low in heme iron, for red meat. Also, choose the heart-healthiest sources of protein whenever you can, especially beans, legumes, nuts, tofu, and nonfat dairy. 5. Canned soup and prepared foods Whether it's canned soup, canned spaghetti, or healthy-sounding frozen dinners, prepared foods and mixes rely on sodium to increase flavor and make processed foods taste fresher. Canned soup is cited by nutritionists as the worst offender; one can of canned chicken noodle soup contains more than 1,100 mg of sodium, while many other varieties, from clam chowder to simple tomato, have between 450 and 800 mg per serving. Compare that to the American Heart and Stroke Association's recommendation of less than1,500 mg of sodium daily and you'll see the problem. In fact, a nutritionist-led campaign, the National Salt Reduction Initiative, calls on food companies to reduce the salt content in canned soup and other products by 20 percent in the next two years. Why it's bad Salt, or sodium as it's called on food labels, directly affects stroke risk. In one recent study, people who consumed more than 4,000 mg of sodium daily had more than double the risk of stroke compared to those who ate 2,000 mg or less. Yet the Centers for Disease Control estimate that most Americans eat close to 3,500 mg of sodium per day. Studies show that sodium raises blood pressure, the primary causative factor for stroke. And be warned: Sodium wears many tricky disguises, which allow it to hide in all sorts of foods that we don't necessarily think of as salty. Some common, safe-sounding ingredients that really mean salt: Baking soda Baking powder MSG (monosodium glutamate) Disodium phosphate Sodium alginate What to do Make your own homemade soups and entrees, then freeze individual serving-sized portions. Buy low-sodium varieties, but read labels carefully, since not all products marked "low sodium" live up to that promise. 10 Ways to Prevent a Stroke

Monday, September 19, 2011

[ PcWorld ] HOME REMEDIES FOR MOUTH ULCERS

Painful ulcers or canker sores are sometimes found within the mouth. Usually there is only one ulcer, but occassionally several ulcers may develop at once. These may arise from several different causes, such as poor oral hygiene, nutritional deficiencies, worry, insufficient rest and heavy smoking. Any slight pressure on the gums may cause bleeding.
Ulcerations may form on the gums and about the mouth, particularly between the teeth. Swallowing and talking are painful, there may be excessive salivation and bad breath, and the inflammation may extend to the tonsils and throat. A mild fever may be present in this condition. The first sign of the sore may be a tingling, burning sensation inside the mouth. They can occur either singly or in groups. They are usually white or yellow in color, surrounded by red halos. Usually they heal within 7 to 10 days. The recurrent, bothersome form of mouth ulcers is known as recurrent apthous stomatitis or simply apthous ulcer. They take several more days to heal.

There may be a family history to develop canker sores, as they often run in families. Mouth ulcers may develop in response to a mouth injury such as dental procedures or aggressive tooth cleaning. Canker sores may also occur at the site of a bite when the tongue or cheek is bitten. They can be triggered by emotional stress, dietary deficiencies (especially iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12), menstrual periods, hormonal changes, food allergies, and similar situations. They occur most commonly with viral infections.

The membrane of the mouth may be very dry or exceedingly moist. There is pain on nursing, eating or drinking; the pain varies according to the condition or stage of the disease. The pains may be sharp or sticking if the mouth is dry or smarting and raw if the mouth is full of saliva. These ulcers may be broad and superficial or deep and narrow. Small ulcers may combine together and may form large ulcers on the side of the tongue or in the buccal cavities.



HOME REMEDIES FOR MOUTH ULCERS


Eat plenty of salad with raw onions. Onions contain sulfur and have healing properties.
Diet should include yogurt and other soured products, such as cottage cheese, and buttermilk.
Prepare a solution by adding 2 oz hydrogen peroxide, 2 oz water, and 1 tsp each of salt and baking soda. Rinse the mouth with this solution. Do not swallow. This is very useful home remedy for mouth ulcers.
Rinse your mouth with milk of magnesia to coat sores.
Orange juice is helpful in preventing the canker sores of the mouth. Drink it up in 2 or 3 days it will go away. Lack of vitamin C causes them. You can also take Vitamin C pills if you don't want to drink all that orange juice.
Cover the ulcer with a wet tea bag; the tannin will help dry up the sore.
Mix Sodium bicarbonate powder with water. It is a very effective first aid remedy. This mixture can be used as a mouth rinse as well as swallowed to help make the body more alkaline.
Use a toothpaste containing sodium bicarbonate instead of the standard toothpastes high in fluoride and other chemicals.
Antacids can soothe canker sores by reducing the acidity in your mouth that can irritate them.
Combine equal parts of the liquid form of Kaopectate or Milk of Magnesia (both antacids) with Benylin or Benadryl (both mild anesthetics) . Apply the mixture to the canker sore with a cotton swab. You'll cut down on painful acidity in your mouth and numb the sore too.
Try stress-relieving acupressure exercises. Avoid constant stress. Take time to exercise, sleep and relax.
Avoid eating fish or meat of any kind for two weeks. The consumption of animal protein increases the body's acidity, which slows healing.
Avoid chewing gum, lozenges, mouthwashes, tobacco, coffee, citrus fruits, and any other foods that you know trigger these sores.
Avoid hard toothbrush bristles or sharp-edged foods such as potato chips or dry bread crusts. Too much acid from fruits and vegetables, and spicy foods can also trigger mouth sores.
Keep the bowels regular to prevent toxic buildup. Walk regularly walking in fresh air to oxygenate the body and stimulate bowel movement.
To avoid getting canker sores, it is important to maintain a proper balance of minerals, acidity, and alkalinity in the body.
For mouth ulcer treatment do not use the same toothbrush for longer than one month.
Application of peppermint oil helps, as it is an anesthetic agent.
For mouth ulcer treatment mix coconut milk with honey and massage the gums 3 times a day.
Take 1 tsp finely powdered Indian Gooseberry root bark, mix with honey. Apply to affected areas frequently
Grate some fresh coconut. Extract the milk and gargle with this 3-4 times a day.
Keep 1 glass of chilled water and 1 glass of hot water ready at hand. Gargle alternately with hot and cold water.
Boil 2 cups of water. Add 1-cup fenugreek leaves and remove. Cover and keep for sometime. Strain the water and gargle 2-3 times a day. This is also very useful home remedy for mouth ulcers.
Boil 1 tsp of coriander seeds in 1 cup of water. Remove when slightly warm gargle. Repeat 3-4 times a day.
Chew on 5-6 tulsi (holy basil leaves) and sip some water. Repeat 5-6 times a day.
Raw tomatoes help rid mouth ulcers. Gargle with tomato juice 3-4 times a day also helps.
Mix 7 parts of sugar candy (mishri) with 1 part of camphor. Apply on the blister.
Mix a pinch of turmeric powder to 1 teaspoon of glycerin and apply.
Avoid hot or spicy foods to minimize discomfort. Mild mouth washes such as salt water or over-the-counter mouthwashes may help.
For mouth ulcer treatment apply hydrogen peroxide (1 part hydrogen peroxide and one part water with a cotton swab) on the canker sore
Pouring salt directly on the ulcer can prove effective, however this can be extremely painful and can scar.
Rinse mouth and especially the affected area with sage tea 3 times a day. The improvement can be seen within 24 hours.
Gargle a mouthful of warm vinegar with half tablespoon of salt for about 30 secs, 3 times a day. Extremely painful but healing can be seen in about 2 days.
Make a paste of baking soda and water—apply directly to the sores

Scintillating Cinnamon

Honey & Cinnamon~

Introduction

¬It is found that mixture of Honey and Cinnamon cures most of the diseases.
¬Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world.
¬Ayurvedic as well as Yunani medicine have been using honey as a vital medicine for centuries.
¬Scientists of today also accept honey as a Ram Ban (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases.
¬Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases.
¬Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients also.
¬A famous magazine named Weekly World News published in Canada dated 17 January, 95 has given a list of diseases that can be cured by Honey and Cinnamon as researched by western scientists.


Arthritis

¬Take one part honey to two parts of luke warm water and add a small teaspoon of cinnamon powder, make a paste and massage it on the itching part of the body slowly.
¬It is noticed that the pain recedes within a minute or two.
¬Or arthritis patients may daily, morning and night take one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder.
¬If drunk regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured.
¬In a recent research done at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week out of the 200 people so treated practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.

Hair Loss

¬Those suffering from hair loss or baldness, may apply a paste of hot olive oil, one tablespoon of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder before bath and keep it for approx. 15 min. and then wash the hair.
¬It was found very effective if kept for 5 mins. also.

Bladder Infections

¬Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of luke warm water and drink it.
¬It destroys the germs of the bladder.

Toothache

¬Make a paste of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey and apply on the aching tooth.
¬This may be done 3 times a day daily till such time that the tooth has stopped aching.

Cholesterol

¬Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, if given to a cholesterol patient, it reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10% within 2 hours.
¬As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken 3 times a day any chronic cholesterol is cured.
¬As per the information received in the said journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complains of cholesterol.

Colds

¬Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon luke warm honey with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days.
¬This process will cure most chronic cough, cold and clear the sinuses.

Infertility

¬Yunani and Ayurvedic have been using honey for years in medicine to strengthen the semen of men.
¬If impotent men regularly take two tablespoon of honey before sleeping, their problem will be solved.
¬In China, Japan and Far-East countries, women who do not conceive and to strengthen the uterus have been taking cinnamon powder for centuries.
¬Women who cannot conceive may take a pinch of cinnamon powder in half teaspoon of honey and apply it on the gums frequently throughout the day, so that it slowly mixes with the saliva and enters the body.
¬A couple in Merryland, America had no children for 14 years and had left hope of having a child of their own.
¬When told about this process husband and wife started taking honey and cinnamon as stated above, the wife conceived after a few months and had twins at full term.

Upset Stomach

¬Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.0
¬GAS : According to the studies done in India & Japan, it is revealed that if honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

Heart Diseases

¬Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread or chappati instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast.
¬It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack.
¬Also those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, are kept miles away from the next attack.
¬Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat.
¬In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that due to the increasing age the arteries and veins which lose their flexibility and get clogged are revitalized.

Immune System

¬Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks.
¬Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts.
¬Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases.

Indigestion

¬Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food, relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

Influenza

¬A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ingredient which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

Longevity

¬Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly arrests the ravages of old age.
¬Take 4 spoons of honey, 1spoon of cinnamon powder and 3 cups of water and boil to make like tea.
¬Drink 1/4 cup, 3 to 4 times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age.
¬Life span also increases and even if a person is 100 years old, starts performing the chores of a 20 year old.

Pimples

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

Skin Infections

¬Eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections are cured by applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts.

Weight Loss

¬Daily in the morning, 1/2 hour before breakfast on an empty stomach and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup water.
¬If taken regularly it reduces the weight of even the most obese person.
¬Also drinking of this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

Cancer

¬Recent research in Japan and Australia has reveled that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully.
¬Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month 3 times a day.

Fatigue

¬Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful than detrimental to the body strength.
¬Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon power in equal parts are more alert and flexible.
¬Dr. Milton who has done research says that half tablespoon honey taken in one glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3.00 p.m. when the vitality of the body starts decreasing, increases the vitality of the body within a week.

Bad Breath

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

Hearing Loss

¬Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder taken in equal parts restores hearing.
If You Reap The Benefits Of This,
Forward This And Give To Others To
Benefit.

Natural Remedies & Cleanses : How to Make an All-Natural Liver Cleanse

The Health Minute - A clean colon is key to good health

VITAMINS FOR HAIR LOSS by Great Home Remedies

VITAMINS FOR HAIR LOSS 19-9-2011 Similar to every part of the body, there are several vitamins and minerals you can take to maintain a healthy hair growth. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that promotes the production of healthy sebum found in the scalp. A good supply of this vitamin can be found in fish liver oil, meat, milk, cheese, eggs, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, apricots, and peaches. Limit your intake to around 5,000 IU. Consuming more than 25,000 IU a day is toxic and can aggravate hair loss instead of curing it and it can lead to other health problems as well. Vitamin B3, or niacin also promotes circulation in the scalp. This vitamin is found in brewer?s yeast, wheat germ, fish, chicken, turkey, and meat. Recommended intake is 15 mg, and it should be noted that taking more than 25 mg a day may cause a burning sensation due to blood cell dilation called niacin flush. Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, prevents the graying of hair and hair loss. This vitamin is found in whole grain cereals, brewer?s yeast, organ meats, and egg yolks. The ecommended daily dose is 4 to 7 mg. Vitamin B6 is another nutrient that prevents hair loss and promotes the production of melanin within the body. Melanin is responsible for providing the hair with color. Sources of this vitamin are found in brewer's yeasts, liver, whole grain cereals, vegetables, organ meats, and egg yolks. Limit consumption to 1.6 mg a day, as high doses cause you to feel numbness in the hands and feet. Vitamin B12, found in chickens, fishes, eggs, and milk, prevents hair loss. The recommended daily dose is 2 mg. Vitamin C is another antioxidant that is helpful for the skin and hair. This vitamin is found in citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwis, cantaloupes, pineapples, tomatoes, green peppers, potatoes, and dark green vegetables. The recommended dosage is 60 mg per day. Consumption of vitamin E helps circulation in the scalp. It is found in cold-pressed vegetable oils, wheat germ oils, soybeans, raw seeds, nuts, dried beans, and leafy green vegetables. Recommended dosage is up to 400 IU. It is important to take note that vitamin E can raise blood pressure and lowers the clotting ability of the blood. If you have high blood pressure or are taking medication, consult with your doctor before taking vitamin E supplements. Biotin food supplements also help produce keratin, which is a substance in the body that prevents graying of the hair and hair loss. It is found in brewer?s yeasts, whole grains, egg yolks, liver, rice, and milk. Limit intake to 150 to 300 mcg. Inositol makes the hair follicle cells healthy. It is also found in whole grains, brewer?s yeast, liver, and citrus fruits. The recommended dosage is 600 mg. Hairloss provides detailed information on Hair Loss , Hair Loss Products , Hair Loss Treatments , Hair Loss Remedy and more. Hairloss is affiliated with Natural Hair Loss Treatments. GREAT HOME REMEDY FOR HAIR LOSS Here is a tested home remedy for hair loss: Grate 1 big potato and squeeze the juice, add 2 table spoons of aloe juice and 20 g (2/3 oz) of honey. Rub the mix in your scalp, cover with a towel and leave it for 2 hours. Wash your hair with a mix of 1 glass of water and 1 table spoon of vinegar. Do it twice a week for 1 month. You will love the results!