The Health Benefits of Curcumin

Some of us are only finding out now what the Asian Indians, the American Indians and the Chinese knew a long time ago - that one of the most amazing medicinal herbs is no rare plant or an artificially created compound. One of the most effective natural ingredients is actually a common herb - the turmeric. 

Or, more exactly, its active ingredient - Curcumin. The percentage of Curcumin is very low in the Turmeric plant, and so it needs to be either digested for a very long time, or one can take curcumin pills, that hold a high percentage of Curcumin, to treat a variety of problems.

The turmeric is a shrub with large and wide leaves, that envelope it and hide the flowers in its center. It mainly grows in south-east Asia, where it has been used as a cooking and medicinal herb for thousands of years. It is the herb that gives the traditional Indian dish, the Curry, its typical yellow color and strong taste.

The Curcumin hides behind its familiar exterior many upon many medicinal properties - it strengthens the immune system, delays (and may even prevent) alzheimer's disease, prevents neuron death, strengthens the cells, is an antioxidant, is an anti-inflammatory, helps keep sugar levels, helps the digestive system, reduces the risk of stroke and heart disease and most importantly - Is a great ally in the war against cancer, delays its spread and stabilizes patient condition.

Only recently, after a sequence of successful experiments, has modern science discovered the potential of the Curcumin.

It started in 2005 with a research into Alzheimer's disease, where it was found that taking Curcumin prevented the outbreak of Multiple sclerosis and

cystic fibrosis in mice. This interested the scientific community, and other research was made, with astonishing results: For many patients, the curcumin delayed the onset of cancer cells and even stabilized the condition of patients with aggressive cancer cells.

In the last 7 years, over 20 different experiments were made about the influence of Curcumin, and the scientific world was flabbergasted:

Delays and stabilizes the spread of cancer

Curcumin slows the spread of cancer cells in that it goes against their replication process and strengthens the protection of cell membranes.

Is a substance with strong antioxidant effects 

Curcumin, because of the shape of its molecule, is very effective in preventing the oxidation processes and activity of free radicals in the body (Anti-Oxidant), and thus slows the damage to our body cells and contributes to slowing the aging of skin cells.

Increases the effectiveness of chemotherapy 

Curcumin is especially effective in combination with chemotherapy, and although an antioxidant, encourages the process and increases its efficiency.

Delays and reduces the chance of deterioration of the brain in adults

Curcumin helps the brain activity of older people, and may slow the cognitive decline by 49%. Even the occasional consumption of curry, the popular Indian dish that contains curcumin, reduces the risk of mental decline by up to 38% (American Journal of Epidemiology).

Is anti-inflammatory and fights arthritis

Curcumin, when given as an essence by injection, fights inflammatory diseases and in fact is an anti-inflammatory in general, and is particularly effective in aiding the body to fight arthritis. Studies have shown that cartilage destruction in mice that were given the extract was reduced by 66%, and bone destruction in patients who received the extract by 57%.

Helps maintain a healthy heart and helps a sick heart return to action

Researchers in Canada found out that curcumin also reduces the risk of heart failure, as it helps the heart to return to normal and reduces the spread of scar tissue.

Anti-diabetic activity and reduces the risk of disease

In 2008 it was discovered that Curcumin also encourages the activity of liver enzymes that convert glucose carbohydrates, and creates anti-inflammatory activity that is required by people with a high fat content. The researchers suggest that consumption of small doses of curcumin daily is a great natural booster to traditional treatment, and significantly lowers the risk of diabetes in people who are overweight.

Fights cell death and the death of brain cells killed by Alzheimer's disease

Curcumin may protect against Alzheimer's disease, and inhibits and prevents cell death caused by the disease. In India, where curry with curcumin eat regularly, Alzheimer's disease is much rarer than in other countries.

Increases and strengthens the immune system

In 2009 researchers at the University of Michigan found that curcumin strengthens our cell membranes and thus increases the resistance against foreign infections entering the body. Perhaps this is one reason why curcumin fights cancer so well.

Reduces the risk of stroke, strengthens the body's blood vessels and lowers blood pressure

Researchers realized that curcumin slows the body's blood clotting activity, which causes a decreased risk of blood clots and strokes. Also, since curcumin enhances the blood cells, contributes to the strength of a body's blood vessels, lowers blood cholesterol concentration and fight infections, it actually lowers blood pressure.

Helps in digestion and absorption of nutrients

Curcumin fights harmful bacteria and thus facilitates digestion and reduces the risk of bacterial infection. Curcumin also reduces the accumulation of gas in the intestines, thereby preventing abdominal pain and swelling.

How to take it?

 

The best way is through the consumption of curcumin capsules containing a high concentration of the active ingredient in turmeric, the curcumin. You can find those in most nature shops. When eaten, most of the curcumin gets destroyed by the stomach acid. Taking concentrated pills negates that effect and allows the body to absorb a significant amount of Curcumin, by allowing the compound to go through the digestive tract and reach the bloodstream and from there to all parts of the body, where the curcumin does its work to improve our health. 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.

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9 Home Remedies That Treat Hypertension

If you're above the age of 35, chances are good you may have already been warned about the dangers of hypertension, or high blood pressure. Hypertension is a condition that occures when the force of the blood on the arteries' walls is strong, which eventually creates health problems, especially those connected to heart disease.

 

 

Our blood pressure is mainly dependant on our blood vessels. When they narrow, the blood pressure will be high (just like a garden hose being squeezed sends water more strongly). The normal blood pressure should be 120/80. 

Symptoms of hypertension

Unfortunately, many people won't show signs of hypertension, and it will only become evident when they either go through a test or have a health related problem. 

Common symptoms include: Mild headaches, Dizziness, nosebleeds, shortness of breath and vision problems.

Common causes of high blood pressure

- Kidney problems

- Age

- Obesity

- Stress

- Lack of exercise

- Use of certain drugs (cocaine for example, alcohol for another)

- certain medication (cold remedies, birth control pills, pain relievers etc.)

- sleep apnea

However, there are a great many cases of hypertension with unknown underlying reasons, perhaps genetic, and they can be controlled effecitvely with certain home remedies and lifestyle changes.

 

 

Home Remedies that will lower your blood pressure:

 

1. Lemon Water

 

Lemon softens your blood vessels, and this will lower your blood pressure. In addition, the vitamin B will help keep your heart healthy.

Add 2 tablespoon of lemon juice to a glass of hot water, drink it on an empty stomach. Try to drink 5-6 glasses of fresh lemon water every day. It would be best to drink lemon juice without any sugar or salt, you can always add a little honey if the taste is a bit too bitter.

 

2. Ginger Juice with Cumin

Mix a teaspoon of cumin powder with a honey and ginger juice mixture to create blood pressure remedy. Add 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger juice to a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of cumin powder. Mix well. Consume this twice a day to lower your blood pressure.

 

 

3. Garlic

Garlic is a very common home remedy that reduces the cholesterol levels in our body, which is one of the main causes of high blood pressure. Garlic contains hydrogen sulfide, a compound that is essential to good blood flow.

To effectively lower your blood pressure, eat 5-6 pods of fresh garlic every day, on an empty stomach. You can also extract the juice of the garlic by crushing about 10 pods of it. Add 5-6 drops of garlic juice to four teaspoons of water and drink twice a day.

4. Watermelon seeds

Watermelon seeds contain a substance called cucurbocitrin. This material help widen the blood capillaries in your body and take down the hypertension levels. It also helps to fight off arthritis and kidney diseases.

Start by taking two tablespoons of dried seeds and crushing them gently. These add to a cup of boiling water. Leave it in the cup for about an hour and slightly stir it so it mixes with the water all the way. Strain it and drink 4 tablespoons of this water every hour of the day for quick results. 

 

5. Curry Leaves

Curry leaves contain many medicinal properties and were found to be effective in treating high blood pressure.

Boil 25-30 leaves in a cup of water. Let it simmer down to room temperature and strain away the leaves. Drink this concotion early in the morning on an empty stomach.

 

6. Celery Leaves

A substance called 3-N-butylphthalide (try saying that 3 times fast) is found in high amounts in celery leaves and is a compound that can really help drasitaclly lower your blood pressure, as well as reducing the stress hormones that are causing the blood vessels to constrict in the first place.

Add one or more stalks of celery (or celery leaves) and make a daily vegetable salad that will help you really reduce that blood pressure. When consuming the celery, also add a glass of water for better results.

7. Onion Juice

A recent study has found that giving people suffering from hypertension reduced their condition considerably, compared to a placebo group. Researchers think a compound named quercetin may be responsible for this.

Try to eat at least one raw onion a day. Extract the juice of the onion and add a teaspoon of it to a teaspoon of honey. Drink this twice a day, every day to lower your blood pressure.

 

8. Fenugreek Seeds

Make a paste out of fenugreek seeds that is said to be very useful in the battle against high blood pressure.

Take 1-2 teaspoons of seeds and boil them in water for about 3-4 minutes. Straing the seeds and crush them (or use a blender) to make a smooth paste. Consume this amount every day twice: morning and evening, and always on an empty stomach. Your hypertension should begin to lower in 2-3 months time.

9. Bananas

Bananas have zero cholesterol and are low on sodium. Try to eat at least 2 of them a day or add them to your meals. Other foods that are good for high blood pressure: Orange juice, spinach, baked sweet potatoes and raisins.

 

 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.

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Insulin Inhaler Wins FDA Approval

After a decade-long quest to develop an inhalable form of insuling for diabetics, billionaire-inventor Alfred Mann finally won approval from the FDA. On Friday, his company, MannKind Corp, was given the all clear to proceed with their drug named 'Afrezza'.

 

Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body either does not use insulin efficiently or fails to make enough insulin to break down the sugar in foods. Such a problem can cause blindness, heart disease, strokes and ultimately death. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease. It is where the body is unable to use insulin properly. Type 1 diabetes is most often diagnosed in children and young adults. This is where the body does not produce insulin.

The FDA cleared this drug for use by type I and type II diabetics. The inhaler will be used to help control blood-sugar levels during meals. Instead of the painful and unpleasant injection most diabetes patients have to go through today, a quick puff before the meal will do the trick.

The FDA also warns that patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should avoid this drug, as it may cause airway complications for them.

This drug, says the FDA, is not a replacement for long acting insulin. Diabetics would still need to get an injection from time to time. But on a day to day basis, before meals, these patients will be able to take a quick inhalation instead of an injection. And as most of them will surely tell you - that is a world of difference.

The inhalant is to be taken at the beginning of each meal or at least 20 minutes after the diabetic has begun eating. Top insulin levels, according to MannKind Copr, will occur within 12-15 minutes after inhaling Afrezza. This in comparison with the 45-90 minutes it takes with the injected insulin.

There are about 30 million diabetics in the US alone. Worldwide, diabetes has become a pandemic, with demand for more effective treatments rising every year. This solution represents one of many diabetes treatments currently fighting for approval. It is my hope that it is the first of many truly effective treatments we will see hitting the market this coming decade.

 

 

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The Best and Worst Foods for Attention Disorders

Today, more than ever before, there is a high awareness for attention deficit disorders, such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), which are quite common in children and teens. To help our children and grandchildren deal with these conditions doctors often give drugs, such as Ritalin. As helpful as they might be, it is still recommended to try a natural and healthy way to treat the symptoms instead. Many studies have found that a balanced diet, high on protein, omega 3 and complex carbs, can work wonders and help people with attention disorders. Omega 3 is needed to help the brain send information efficiently from synapse to synapse, while the protein and complex carbohydrates keep metabolism and sugar levels steady. These are the best and worst things to eat if you want to reduce the symptoms of ADHD: Apples

A great way to eat more complex carbs, apples are a simple addition to anyone's diet, young or adult, if they want to improve the way they deal with ADHD. An apple each night before sleep will help anyone with an attention deficit disorder. Goat Milk

Cow milk and other dairy products can actually enhance the symptoms of the disorder, but not goat milk. Try replacing any cow milk products with goat milk and you will probably see a big improvement in the ability to work or study for longer periods of time. Pears

Much like apples, pears are a great source for complex carbs and also contain anti-oxidants, which help your body deal with free radicals. Tuna

The tuna fish is an extremely rich source for omega 3, which is a known "cure" for ADHD. It's recommended to eat tuna packed in water or olive oil for the best results. Eggs

One of the best natural sources for protein. Eggs can not only reduce the symptoms of ADHD, but have also been found to have the power to extend the effect time of drugs that fight this condition. Nuts

Like the tuna fish, nuts are full of omega 3 fatty acids that help people with attention disorders. The most recommended kinds are Brazilian nuts and walnuts. Spinach

Besides its many vitamins and minerals, the primary reason why spinach is good for people with ADHD is that it helps your liver clean the body more efficiently. With your liver working better, it will get rid of more and more toxins in your body that enhance the effects of attention disorders and hinder your brain. Oranges

The complex carbs and vitamin C in oranges help many people with ADHD. They help people relax when they are feeling anxious and have a hard time clearing their mind and falling asleep at night. Kiwi

The biggest bonus of the kiwi fruit, besides its complex carbs and sweet taste, is that kids absolutely love it. If you are trying to help your child deal with ADHD but you also want to offer a diverse menu then this is a great option. Salmon

Much like the tuna fish, salmon is full of omega 3 and is widely considered to be the healthiest fish you can eat. For best results try to serve it at least once a week, on a regular base. Whole Wheat Cereals

The ideal breakfast for anyone with an attention deficit disorder is a bowl of sugar free, whole wheat cereals, in goat milk. Avoid the regular kinds of morning cereals as those tend to be full of sugar and give a rush of energy that will be very destabilizing for a person with ADHD. Beans

While green beans are the best, just about any other kind of beans is full of proteins. Combine them with any other dish that’s rich on fiber for a healthy meal and a longer lasting feeling of fullness. Chicken

Kids love eating fried chicken breast or home-made baked chicken nuggets and without knowing, they are also eating a healthy, low fat, protein rich meat. Another great thing about this is that you can combine chicken with many other dishes, and serve it either hot or cold.

Now that you know which foods are the best, it's time to get to the worst… The following have been found to make any attention disorder much more severe and harder to manage: Cow Dairy

As mentioned before, it is very common for people with ADHD to respond badly to any cow milk products. This includes Cheese, yogurt, ice cream and milk based fruit shakes. Caffeine

It's not a big surprise that the stimulating nature of caffeine makes it bad for anyone who has a hard time concentrating. Keep in mind that some soda and energy drinks contain caffeine, and so does chocolate. Processed Foods

Research shows that synthetic foods are the worst things anyone with an attention disorder can eat. Avoid or reduce eating any foods which have artificial sweeteners, food colors and food preservatives. Salt and Sugar

While you can't completely avoid these, and you shouldn't either, it has been found that a reduced intake of these two will help people who are having trouble focusing. Simply think twice if you really need that extra teaspoon of sugar in your drink, or if your child really needs to add salt to his fries. THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES. PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG- HTTP:GSEASYRECIPES.BLOGSPOT.COM/ FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG- HTTP://KNEE REPLACEMENT-STICK CLUB.BLOGSPOT.COM/ FOR CROCHET DESIGNS HTTP://MY CROCHET CREATIONS.BLOGSPOT.COM