9 Surprising Ways Mint Can Benefit Your Health & Hygiene

There's more to the benefits of mint than fresh breath and clean teeth. And while it can also be used to flavor salads, savory dishes, desserts and bowls of fruit, the properties of mint far exceed what we normally use this herb for. In fact, this aromatic herb can be used to soothe many bodily ailments from nausea to nasal congestion. 

 

1. Soothes Nausea

Whenever you are feeling nauseous, chew on some mint. Its powerful smell can alleviate stomachaches and sooth headaches. To reap the benefits, crush up and chew on some mint leaves, smell a mint-flavored product, chew on some mint flavored gum or apply essential oil where needed.

2. Clears up congestion

Whenever you are feeling nauseous, chew on some mint. Its powerful smell can alleviate stomachaches and sooth headaches. To reap the benefits, crush up and chew on some mint leaves, smell a mint-flavored product, chew on some mint flavored gum or apply essential oil where needed.

3. Prevents acne

Mint also contains vitamin A, which helps control excessive oil production. The antioxidants found in mint will help keep your skin healthy, clear and free from bacteria. You can apply mint to the skin topically, either as a paste or combined with other skin-boosting ingredients like cucumber or lemon juice. 

4. Improves oral hygiene

One of mint's well-known benefits lies in its ability to fight germs and mask smells. Opt for a toothpaste that contains mint and you can also swill a little bit of peppermint or spearmint oil (combined with water) in your mouth, killing any bacteria and leaving your breath incredibly fresh. 

 

5. Provides Powerful Antioxidants

In comparison to other food, mint ranks pretty high in terms of antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help destroy free radicals that can develop a host of illnesses if left untreated. Ingesting mint can, therefore, be rather beneficial for your health. Mint can be safely ingested in many ways. Add it to your water, teas or use it to flavor your food. 

 

6. Aids Digestion

For a healthy digestive process, eating or smelling mint is enough to activate the salivary glands in your mouth. Eat mint before or during a big meal to cleanse the palette and prepare the body for digestion later on.

 

7.Reduces the effects of breastfeeding

Very often, women can suffer from mild skin damage during breastfeeding - this can include chapping, cracking or pain around the nipples. Alleviate the symptoms by rubbing some mint oil (combined with a carrier oil, such as olive oil) around the area to soothe the pain. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also heal the damage. 

 

8. Promotes Weight Loss

The digestive enzymes found in mint can promote a more consistent, properly functioning metabolism, which in turn can lead to weight loss and an overall healthier physique. 

 

9. Boosts Mood and Fatigue

Mint is a stimulant that can help recharge brain function. The menthol found in mint is also known to have a calming, soothing effect on the body and mind. To reap the benefits, take sips of mint tea or inhale its scent to help you feel calm and less agitated. 

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

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10 Reasons to Have a Daily Spoonful of Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar is a popular condiment that is often used in salad dressings, marinades and many other foods. Its flavor is distinct and is often described as tart and complex. Some studies suggest that balsamic vinegar has several health benefits that range from improving a person's complexion to lowering cholesterol and aiding weight loss. Let's take a look at the potential health benefits of balsamic vinegar:

1. Improves skin health  

Balsamic vinegar contains antimicrobial compounds, acetic acids and antioxidants - components that may help improve a person's complexion over time. If using this method opt for clear vinegar to help clear up acne as balsamic can cause stains and should not be applied directly to the skin. 

 

2. Reduces blood sugar 

Studies suggest that this popular salad dressing ingredient offers a number of health benefits, including in helping to regulate blood sugar. In one review which examined the scientific effects of vinegar found that balsamic vinegar has an anti-glycemic impact when consumed. This means that a person's blood sugar will spike less drastically after a meal. According to the paper, it indicated that vinegar could help create a blood sugar plateau for a period of up to 5 hours following a meal. 

3. Promoting healthy digestion 

One of the active compounds found in balsamic vinegar is acetic acid. This acid contains strains of probiotics that aid digestion. The probiotics found in acetic acid help promote good gut health and digestion while supporting overall immune function. 

 

4. It lowers cholesterol 

It has been found that balsamic vinegar may help lower cholesterol. The antioxidants in balsamic vinegar help block toxic cells in the body that raise cholesterol levels. In one study which involved rabbits with high cholesterol, it is possible that consuming balsamic vinegar can help lower or maintain already low cholesterol levels. 

 

5. It helps you lose weight 

The probiotics contained in balsamic vinegar can help you feel full for longer. Studies show that people may consume fewer calories throughout the day when they add vinegar to their morning meal. 

 

6. It treats wounds  

For many years, balsamic vinegar has been used to treat wounds. It has been suggested that balsamic vinegar has anti-fungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. However, it is important to note that these claims have not been well studied. 

 

7. It reduces hypertension 

In one study which involved rats, it was determined that balsamic vinegar may help lower blood pressure. This research suggested that regularly adding balsamic vinegar to foods may help reduce high blood pressure over time. It may be true if a person replaces fatty foods, such as butter and oil, with vinegar, which lowers the total amount of fats they consume.

 

8. It relieves congestion 

While this is not popularly known, some people use balsamic vinegar to help treat congestion. To do this, add a few drops of vinegar to steaming water and breathe in the vapor. 

 

9. It reduces acid reflux 

Balsamic vinegar can be used to help reduce acid reflux or heartburn. While this remedy may not work for everyone, you may want to give it a try. Do so in small amounts and wait several hours to see whether it improves your symptoms, or worsens them. 

 

10. It promotes blood circulation  

Balsamic vinegar is derived from grapes. Studies have shown that grapes help prevent cardiac disease by preventing platelets from building up in blood vessels. It also contains polyphenols which aid in blood circulation. However, the evidence is inconclusive so far. 

 

But what are the risks of taking balsamic vinegar? 

While the risks are few, it has been discovered that taking too much balsamic vinegar may cause an upset stomach. Generally speaking, however, it is safe for people to consume unless you suffer from an allergy. 

 

Other possible risks include: 

1. Inflammation of the throat 

2. Damage to the food pipe from drinking too much. 

 

Limit your intake to about two tablespoons or less, as drinking too much can cause an upset stomach and other issues. Furthermore, be careful of what brands you buy. Genuine balsamic may be expensive but it does not contain added sugars. 

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

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10 Easy Allergy Prevention Techniques

For people who suffer from seasonal allergies, the season change can be the worst time of the year, but with these 10 tips you’ll make it through this difficult time with ease. To overcome skin rashes, headaches, or a running nose, one doesn’t need to go to the pharmacy. By following these tips will help you ward off the allergens in the air and save you hassle and money for expensive medication.

1. Use Eucalyptus Oil 

Eucalyptus oil has a pleasant and powerful aroma, which can help the body deal with irritation to the skin, as well as the airways. The secret is the eucalyptus’ anti-inflammatory properties, combined with the powerful smell that can help clear congestion. To relieve skin irritations, use a couple of drops and massage it into the skin of the irritated area. Eucalyptus oil is very potent, so using too much may lead to skin irritation, and in such cases one should stop using the concentrated version and instead use 10-20 drops in a hot bathtub and soak for a bit.

 

2. Drink Pineapple Juice 

This delicious fruit contains an enzyme called bromelain, which reduces congestion and opens up the airways. Another benefit worth mentioning is the pineapple’s high concentration of Vitamin C – 3.5oz of fresh pineapple contains about 80% of the recommended daily intake for an adult. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that, among other things, strengthens the immune system. 

 

3. Eat Spicy Food 

Spicy foods are not just delicious and nutritious, but also great at clearing nasal congestion. “Spicy” doesn’t refer solely to hot peppers but also to onions, ginger, horseradish, etc. You can get your dose of spiciness by seasoning your food with it, or by adding it to an infusion.

4. Shower as soon as you come home 

 Before summer weather is upon us, many people don’t feel sweaty and thus don’t feel the need to wash – which can lead to irritations in the skin and airways. By spending time outside, we expose our clothing to contaminants such as pollen, dust, and even tiny insects. The sooner we wash it all away, the better.

5. Change Your Diet 

Aside from spicy foods, there are many other kinds of foods that can help you combat allergies and maintain your health. Reduce your consumption of fatty and sugary foods – these types of foods can exacerbate allergic reactions. Eat more citrus and greens, and check out our list of foods that help you deal with allergies. 

 

6. Don’t Forget Sunglasses  

Sunglasses protect our eyes from harmful UV rays, but they can also protect our eyes from harmful particulate in the air, such as dust, spores, and other allergens. A research from 2013 showed that sunglasses are one of the easiest and cheapest ways to protect your eyes from irritants and infections during seasonal transitions.

7. Drink Mint Tea 

Mint tea contains a potent antioxidant called Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG for short). EGCG was shown to be more effective than Vitamins C & E in halting allergic symptoms well before they become a nuisance, making mint tea one of the most effective prevention treatments out there.

8. Keep Your Windows Closed 

 At home, in the office or in your car, if you don’t need to sit by an open window – don’t. As pleasant and refreshing as a cool spring breeze may feel, it’s also the main way for allergens and contaminants to enter your environment. If you suffer from allergic reactions, close any open windows once you enter a room and avoid drafty areas.

9. Plan Your Time Wisely

NIAD (the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) found that the time of day with the highest amount of allergens in the air is the afternoon, so avoid being outside during that time of day. Furthermore, extended sun exposure can increase your skin’s sensitivity to rashes and irritations, so if you have to be outside, be sure to minimize your exposure by wearing long clothes, sunglasses (and some sunscreen couldn’t hurt).

10. Roll Up Those Rugs 

Rugs add color and warmth to the house, but they also accumulate contaminants, making them your worst enemy. It doesn’t matter how much you clean your carpets; they’ll always collect dust, dead skin cells, pet hair, etc. When spring arrives, roll up that rug and put it in the garage (maybe even send it to get cleaned) until allergy season’s over.

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