Health Benfits of Watermelon Rind

Most people eat only the juicy flesh of a watermelon; however, the rind is completely edible as well. Furthermore, the rind is beneficial to your body in a number of ways. In fact, around 95% of a watermelon's nutritional value comes from the rind.

So What's in Watermelon Rind?

Watermelon rind, much like watermelon flesh, is mostly made of water. Therefore, because of its high water concentration, it can help the kidneys process waste much more efficiently. Furthermore, being adequately hydrated helps to lower your blood pressure as well. Watermelon rind is also full of vitamin C, B6, and A, plus you can also get a decent amount of potassium and zinc from eating the rind. 

 

The Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture states that the citrulline present in watermelon rind can help fight free radical damage and boost the immune system. All of the aforementioned vitamins and minerals can be found in just one serving of rind total.

Benefits of Consuming Watermelon Rind  

 

1. Breaks Down Kidney Stones 

The potassium in watermelon rind is an essential ingredient for healthy kidneys as it helps regulate and maintain the acid level in urine. Furthermore, the water content of watermelon rind helps to flush out any stones that may be lurking in the kidneys. Therefore watermelon rind is great for the treatment and prevention of kidney stones.  

 

2. Weight Loss

Citrulline can aid weight loss, and the fiber found in the rind can help you feel fuller for a longer period of time. Studies have proven that those who consume natural citrulline lose 30% more fat than those who do not. 

 

3. Anti-Inflammatory  

The lycopene found in watermelon rind may be able to help reduce the inflammation responsible for arthritis pain, while the folate may reduce the risk of a heart attack and colon cancer. Also, since watermelon rind is a good source of beta-carotene, it's also good for your eyes. 

 

4. Aphrodisiac  

Watermelon rind helps boost your blood circulation and, as a result, drinking watermelon juice may help men who suffer from moderate erectile dysfunction. It can also help improve the health of a man's prostate. 

 

5. Treat Urinary Tract Infections  

The hydrating and diuretic properties of watermelon rind mean that it's highly effective at treating urinary tract infections. Therefore, at the first sign of a UTI, start drinking watermelon rind juice. 

 

6. Reduces Pregnancy Symptoms

Pregnant women can consume watermelon rind to reduce heartburn and any swelling associated with pregnancy. The natural sugars present in the rind can even help reduce morning sickness. 

 

7. Regulates Blood Pressure 

Due to its water content, consuming watermelon rind can help lower high blood pressure. Furthermore, if you happen to suffer from low blood pressure, consuming watermelon rind will regulate your blood circulation and normalize your blood pressure.

8. Economical Benefit  

Using every single part of the watermelon doesn't just benefit your health, it also benefits your wallet as well. You can make a pickle from the watermelon rind as it has the same consistency as a cucumber.

For recipes of watermelon rind, feel free to see my recipe blog, link given below-

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
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New Study Finds Saffron Helpful in Fighting Insomnia

Poor sleep can really feel like a curse. If you feel you’ve tried everything and would rather opt for a more natural solution, you might be excited to learn about the findings of recent research conducted in Australia’s Murdoch University (for more information on sleeping issues click here). It all started with earlier research, which tested the qualities of saffron as a natural additive to antidepressants for people suffering from mild-to-moderate depression.

Not only did it prove effective, but many participants also reported improvements in their sleep since starting to take saffron. Wishing to examine this further, the lead researcher Dr. Adrian Lopresti’s new research focused entirely on the effect saffron has on sleep.

The participants in this research were all healthy adults who are generally medication-free and do not suffer from depression but reported experiencing poor sleep for a period of over four weeks. For 28 days, the volunteers received either a 14 mg standardized saffron extract or a placebo, twice daily. Neither the test subjects nor the people managing the substances knew who was getting what.

When the participants were asked to rate their sleep at the end of the experiment, it was found that those who were given the actual extract experienced significantly greater improvements in their sleep quality than the placebo group. The improvements were reported to appear within 7 days of beginning the treatment.

What’s the Story of Saffron?

Saffron has been attributed with quite a few health benefits, including being a powerful antioxidant, reducing menstrual pains and acting as an aphrodisiac. It is also the most expensive spice in the world – 1 pound (450 grams) can cost between 500 and 5,000 US dollars. Its medicinal qualities have actually been known for centuries – ancient Greeks brewed Saffron tea which was used as medicine after excessive wine consumption. In ancient Persia, it was valued as a remedy against depression. It appears in pre-historic records to be used by Cleopatra and Alexander the Great.

While there still isn’t a clear scientific explanation of how saffron helps to fight insomnia, there definitely seems to be something special about it. Currently, a larger study is being planned, involving a more demographically varied group of volunteers to provide more insight into these recent findings. 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
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Surprising Health Benefits of Cloves

Native to Asian countries like Indonesia, India, Pakistan, and even areas of East Africa, cloves are a spice that offers many health benefits. These benefits include aiding in digestion, boosting the immune system, and controlling diabetes. Cloves also contain anti-mutagenic & anti-microbial properties, along with fighting against oral diseases & headaches and are also thought to display aphrodisiac properties.
 
What are Cloves?
Cloves are a popular flavoring agent used in a variety of ways across the world, particularly in Asia; cloves form a culinary base in a number of different Asian cuisines.

Clove is the dried bud of the flower from the tree Syzygium aromaticum. It belongs to the plant family named Myrtaceae. It is an evergreen plant growing in tropical and subtropical conditions. Clove is an herb of which people use various parts of the plant, including the dried buds, stems, and leaves to make medicine. Clove oil is famous for its ancient medicinal properties.

Clove, just like many other spices originating in Asia, has a great history behind it. During the 13th and 14th centuries, cloves were transported all the way from Indonesia to China, India, Persia, Africa, and Europe. During this time, cloves had a very high price, and thus wars for monopoly over clove production and distribution began. Many wars were waged in order to control the islands of Maluku during both the medieval and modern periods. The Dutch emerged victoriously and held the Maluku islands for a very long time. Today, clove is a very important commercial crop all around the world.

Clove Uses

Clove has been used for thousands of years in India and China not only as a spice and condiment but also as a medicine for many ailments.

    Ayurvedic medicine used cloves for tooth decay and halitosis (bad breath).
    In Chinese medicine, clove was considered to possess aphrodisiac properties.
    Ground cloves are traditionally applied to minor cuts for healing purposes.
    Clove tea is a popular warm beverage to relieve congestion.
    Clove oil is thought to help relieve headaches, flatulence, as well as reduce stretch marks.
    It is also popularly used as a bug and insect repellant. Just add a few drops to water and see them vanish!
 
Bioactive Substances in Cloves
According to research conducted by Professor Tom Mabry from the University of Texas at Austin, certain bioactive compounds isolated from clove extracts include flavonoids, hexane, methylene chloride, ethanol, thymol, eugenol, and benzene. These biochemicals have been reported to possess various properties, including antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Health benefits of cloves include:
 
Better Digestion
Cloves may improve digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes. Cloves are also good for reducing flatulence, gastric irritability, dyspepsia, and nausea. They can be roasted, powdered, or taken with honey for relief in digestive disorders. In his book “Herbs that Heal: Natural Remedies for Good Health“, award-winning expert on naturopathy Dr. H.K. Bakhru writes: “This herb is also an effective remedy for chronic diarrhea and dysentery.”
 
Antibacterial Properties
Cloves are touted by many for their antibacterial properties against a number of human pathogens. The extracts of cloves were potent enough to kill those pathogens. Clove extracts are also effective against the specific bacteria that spread cholera.

Chemo-preventive Properties
Cloves are of interest to the medical community due to their chemo-preventive or anti-carcinogenic properties. A study published in the Oxford Journal: Carcinogenesis has shown that they may be helpful in controlling lung cancer at its early stages. Research suggests that oleanolic acid present in cloves provides antitumor activity, while another study showed that eugenol found in cloves has anticancer potential against cervical cancer. While more research on this topic needs to be conducted, these preliminary findings indicate that cloves could be a positive solution in this field.
 
Liver Protection
Cloves contain high amounts of antioxidants, which are ideal for protecting the organs from the effects of free radicals, especially the liver. Metabolism, in the long run, increases free radical production and lipid profile, while decreasing the antioxidants in the liver. Clove extracts are a helpful component in counteracting these effects with its hepatoprotective properties.

Diabetes Management
Cloves have been used in ancient medicinal practices for a number of diseases. One such disease is diabetes. In patients suffering from diabetes, the amount of insulin produced by the body is either insufficient, or it is not produced at all. Extracts from cloves imitate insulin in certain ways and help in controlling blood sugar levels. One study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that cloves may have a beneficial effect on diabetes as part of a plant-based diet.
 
Bone Preservation
The hydro-alcoholic extracts of cloves include phenolic compounds, such as eugenol and its derivatives, such as flavones, isoflavones, and flavonoids. Studies have suggested that these extracts may be helpful in preserving bone density and the mineral content of bone, as well as increasing tensile strength of bones in case of osteoporosis. More research is needed to confirm the efficacy of these findings.
 
Anti-mutagenic Properties
Mutagens are chemicals that change the genetic makeup of the DNA by causing mutations. Biochemical compounds found in cloves, like phenylpropanoids, possess anti-mutagenic properties, according to a study cited in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. These were administered to cells treated with mutagens and they were able to control the mutagenic effects to a significant rate.

Immunity Booster
Ayurveda describes certain plants to be effective in developing and protecting the immune system. One such plant is clove. The dried flower bud of clove contains compounds that help in improving the immune system by increasing the white blood cell count, thereby, improving delayed-type hypersensitivity.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Cloves possess anti-inflammatory and pain-killing properties. Studies on clove extracts administered to lab rats suggest that the presence of eugenol reduced the inflammation caused by edema. It was also confirmed that eugenol has the ability to reduce pain by stimulating pain receptors.
 
Oral Health

Cloves can be taken for a reduction in gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Clove bud extracts significantly control the growth of oral pathogens, which are responsible for various oral diseases, as per a study published in the Journal of Natural Products. They can also be used for toothaches due to their pain-killing properties.
 
Aphrodisiac Properties

Since ancient times, spices such as clove and nutmeg have been said to possess aphrodisiac properties, according to Unani medicine. Experiments on clove and nutmeg extracts were tested against standard drugs administered for that reason, and both clove and nutmeg showed positive results.

Headache Treatment

Headaches may be reduced by using cloves. Make a paste of a few spice buds and mix it with a dash of rock salt. Add this to a glass of milk. This mixture reduces headaches quickly and effectively.

Clove Oil: Clove oils must not be used directly; instead they must be diluted either in olive oil or in distilled water. Clove extract oil is generally considered to be safe, but one study revealed that they possess cytotoxic properties. There are two major components present in clove extract oil; eugenol and B-caryophyllene.
 

this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement 

HEALTH BENEFITS OF ASPARAGUS

This bright green veggie has been deemed a spring superfood with good reason. It is packed with goodness - vitamins A, C, E, K, B6 and folate, as well as essential minerals like iron, copper, calcium, protein and fiber. In addition, there are many ways this nutritious vegetable can be enjoyed.

1. They may help you lose weight
Asparagus is low in fat and calories (one cup is a mere 32 calories). It is also packed with lots of soluble and insoluble fiber, making it a good choice if you are trying to lose weight, primarily because your body digests fiber slowly, helping you feel satiated in between meals. In addition, asparagus can also relieve constipation and studies have shown that it may help lower cholesterol.


2. They may prevent urinary tract infections
Asparagus contains the amino acid, asparagine, making it a natural diuretic. A diet rich in asparagus could therefore prevent urinary infections from developing as it helps flush excess fluid and salt from the body.


3. They are packed with antioxidants
Purple asparagus is packed with anthocyanins (an antioxidant that gives this type of asparagus its purple hue) which could help your body fight damaging free radicals.

4. They are a great source of vitamin E
This important antioxidant helps strengthen your immune system. Vitamin E also protects the cells from the harmful effects of free radicals.


5. They are a great aphrodisiac
Asparagus is a great source of the vitamins B6 and folate, both of which have been found to help boost feelings of arousal. In addition, vitamin E has also been shown to stimulate sex hormones, including estrogen in women and testosterone in men.

 

6. They can ease a hangover
Research has shown that a side of asparagus may be a better remedy for curing a hangover than a greasy breakfast. A 2009 study published in the Journal of Food Science found that the minerals and amino acids in asparagus extract may help ease a hangover and protect liver cells from the toxins in alcohol.


7. They beat bloating
Asparagus is an anti-bloating superfood. It promotes overall digestive health (due to its soluble and insoluble fiber benefits) and is packed with prebiotics (non-digestible carbohydrates that act as food for probiotics - providing a healthy balance of good bacteria in your digestive tract.) Asparagus can reduce gas, and as a natural diuretic, it can help flush excess liquid reducing a belly bulge.

8. They are a great source of folic acid
Folic acid is essential for women who are trying for a baby, because it can help protect against neural tube defects. According to a study published in 2009, PLoS Medicine found that folic acid can help reduce the effects of premature birth by 50% when taken for at least a year before conception. Just four asparagus spears contain 22% of your recommended daily allowance.


9. They are packed with vitamin K
Asparagus is a good source of vitamin K - a crucial nutrient for coagulation (it helps the body stop bleeding after a cut) and it also contributes to bone health. While calcium is essential for healthy bones, vitamin K can actually help your body absorb calcium.


10. They boost your mood
Folate - a B vitamin found in asparagus - has been shown to lift your spirits and help keep irritability at bay. Studies have shown that low levels of folate and B12 occured among people who suffer from depression. In addition, asparagus contains high levels of tryptophan - an amino acid that has also been linked to better mood.
for recipes using asparagus, see my recipe blog

this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.

 https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations

https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes 

https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement