Friday, October 20, 2017

Health Benefits of Figs

Figs have a unique, sweet taste, soft and chewy texture, and slightly crunchy, edible seeds. Fresh figs are very delicate, so they’re often dried to preserve. This produces a tasty fruit that can be enjoyed all year round and has a whole range of different health benefits.
 
1. Prevents Constipation
In every three-fig serving there are 5 grams of fiber. This high concentration of fiber helps to promote healthy, regular bowel function and prevents constipation. Fiber works to add bulk and mass to bowel movements, so it not only prevents constipation, but it also eliminates diarrhea and unhealthy or irregular bowel movements.

2. Lower Cholesterol Levels
Figs contain pectin, which is a soluble fiber. When fiber moves through the digestive tract, it mops up clumps of cholesterol and carries them to the excretory system to be eliminated from the body. As a soluble fiber, pectin also stimulates healthy bowel movements.  They can have a laxative effect as they are one of the most fiber-dense foods available. To add to this, high amounts of fiber in your diet can benefit your overall health by preventing certain types of colon cancer.

3. Prevent Coronary Heart Disease
Dried figs contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. To add to this, fig leaves have an inhibitory effect on triglycerides, making their overall number decrease. Triglycerides are a major contributor to various heart diseases.

4. Prevents Breast Cancer
The fiber content in figs has been known to help protect against breast cancer. After menopause, the hormonal balance in women can often fluctuate. The body’s systems are so interconnected that these hormones affect the immune system, which in turn affect the ability of antioxidants to fight free radicals. Free radicals are a leading cause of cancer, so figs add an extra line of defense by providing fiber to the body.

5. Controls diabetes
The nutritionists recommend figs as a high-fiber treat that helps to promote functional control of diabetes. Fig leaves reduce the amount of insulin needed by diabetic patients who have to regularly take injections. Figs are rich in potassium, which helps to regulate the amount of sugar absorbed by the body after meals. Large amounts of potassium can ensure that blood sugar spikes and falls are not as frequent. In other words, figs can help diabetics to live a normal life.

6. Treat Bronchitis And Asthma
The natural chemicals in fig leaves make them a great component for a tea base. Fig leaf tea is often prescribed for various respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and asthma.
An efficient method to deal with bronchial asthma is to consume a mixture of powdered fenugreek seeds, honey, and figs. You can also consume fig juice to obtain relief from asthma.
Figs moisturize the mucous membrane and drain the phlegm, thereby relieving asthma symptoms. They also contain phytochemical compounds that fight the free radicals, which otherwise trigger asthma.


7. Strengthen Bones
Figs are rich in calcium, which is one of the most important components for strong bones. They are also rich in phosphorous, which encourages bone formation and spurs regrowth if there is any damage or degradation to bones.

8. Relieves Throat Pain
The high mucilage content in figs helps to heal and protect sore throats. The soothing nature of figs can help to relieve pain and stress on the vocal chords.

Figs are a natural cure for tonsillitis. They help in reducing the swelling and irritation caused due to the condition. Make a paste of the figs with warm water and apply it on your throat. It will reduce pain and soothe your throat.

9) Prevents Colon cancer 
 The fiber in figs helps to eliminate the waste in the body quickly, which works well for the prevention of colon cancer.
The numerous seeds in figs contain high levels of mucin that collects wastes and mucus in the colon and flushes them out.

10) Treats Anemia- 
Lack of iron in the body can cause iron-deficiency anemia. Dried figs contain iron, which is a key component of hemoglobin. Consuming dried figs was found to improve the hemoglobin levels in the blood.
Growing children, adolescents, and menstruating and pregnant women specifically should monitor their iron levels to avoid complications. After surgery or other major illness, include figs in your diet to overcome iron deficiency and recover quickly.

11)Rich In Antioxidants
Figs are a powerhouse of antioxidants, and they neutralize the free radicals in your body and fight diseases. The riper a fig is, the more antioxidants it contains.
Figs are a rich source of phenolic antioxidants. The antioxidants in figs enrich the lipoproteins in plasma and shield them from further oxidation


12) Regulates Blood Pressure
The fiber in figs lowers the risk of high blood pressure whereas the potassium content of figs helps maintain it. Apart from potassium, the omega-3s and omega-6s in figs also help in maintaining blood pressure.

13) Fights Sexual Dysfunction

Figs  are rich in calcium, iron, potassium, and zinc. They are also rich in magnesium, the mineral that is required to produce the sex hormones androgen and estrogen . These minerals are considered to be a great fertility and sexual supplement.
Figs  also produce an amino acid that is responsible for increasing the production of nitric oxide, which expands the blood vessels and increases blood flow to all parts of the body, including the sexual organs.
Soak figs in milk overnight and eat them the next day to enhance your sexual abilities.

14)Prevent Macular Degeneration
Figs can help prevent macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of vision loss in older people.
Figs enhance your vision and prevent macular degeneration as they contain a high amount of vitamin A . Vitamin A is an antioxidant that improves eye health. It protects the eyes from free radicals and prevents retinal damage.

15) Improves Liver Health
Figs clear obstructions in the liver, thereby enhancing its health. A study showed that an extract prepared from fig leaves exhibited hepatoprotective activity in mice, paving the way for its use in preventing hepatic damage in humans.

16) SOUND SLEEP
A balanced diet is essential for good sleep. Including figs in your diet enhances the quality of your sleep. They contain the amino acid tryptophan that helps your body create melatonin, which induces sleep .
Figs also contain omega-3 fatty acids that help you to sleep better. The tryptophan present in figs helps in synthesizing vitamin B3 in your body, which keeps insomnia at bay. Lack of vitamin B3 in your body makes you unstable and restless, which can spoil your sleep.
Figs are a rich source of magnesium. Lack of magnesium in the body causes stress and irritability, which lead to insomnia.

17) BOOSTS IMMUNITY
Figs kill bacteria, viruses, and roundworms in your body, which can otherwise cause health issues. They contain nutrients like potassium and manganese which along with the antioxidants, boost your immune system.
  
18) CURES BOILS AND WARTS
 You can apply a fig directly on the skin to bring down various forms of skin inflammation like boils and abscess. A study found that the latex of the fig tree exhibited anti-wart activity. This could be due to the proteolytic activity of the latex enzymes.

19) GOOD FOR SKIN
A study found that fig extract had an anti-oxidative and anti collagenase effect on wrinkled skin and reduced the percentage of wrinkle depth .
In another study, it was found that a formulation containing fig fruit extract decreased skin melanin, trans-epidermal water loss, and skin sebum significantly. It also increased skin hydration. Hence, figs could be used as a remedy for hyper pigmentation, acne, freckles, and wrinkles
 




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-                      

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Monday, June 05, 2017

HEALTH BENEFITS OF FIGS OR ANJEER

Figs can be eaten fresh or dried. I really miss the fresh figs, which my father used to buy in small baskets while we're in Mumbai. In Delhi, we used to get only the dried ones.

Here are 9 health benefits of this super fruit:
  1. Controls blood pressure and ageing: Figs are rich in potassium, which negates the effect of sodium and helps in controlling blood pressure. They can also help in controlling ageing effects by providing you enough iron, estrogen, etc. This keeps your hormones in check and boosts your energy as well. Figs are also great for skin and hair and nails. Mashed figs applied on the face can prevent acne.
  2. Helps in weight management: Moderate amount of figs can help in controlling weight. They are rich in fiber, and therefore eating figs is a good way to keep junk and fried foods at bay. When in the mood for a light snack, pick figs and they will make you feel full, at the same time, but in a healthy way.
  3. Heart healthy food: Figs reduce the amount of triglycerides in the blood. Triglycerides are the culprit for inducing heart disease as they are fat particles which accumulate along the blood vessel and cause heart attacks.
  4. Reduces chances of cancer: Figs are rich in antioxidants and therefore help in controlling release of free radicals and chronic inflammation. The free radicals are the ones responsible for chronic inflammation including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Figs are therefore believed to have a preventive effect on these chronic health conditions.
  5. Controls blood sugar: The chlorogenic acid present in figs helps in reducing blood sugar levels in diabetics. Potassium which is found in abundance in figs also plays a good role in control of blood sugar levels.
  6. Improves bone health: Calcium is the main ingredient required for healthy bones, and figs are a good natural source for this. While dairy products are a good source, they are not alone sufficient, and figs can be a good second-line supplement.
  7. Aids in constipation: Being rich in fiber, figs are good for intestinal motility and can prevent constipation. The fiber provides roughage, aiding in good bowel movements
  8. Keeps the reproductive system in check: Figs are rich in minerals like magnesium, zinc, and manganese which contribute to vitality and fertility. Figs can be soaked in milk and consumed or eaten in other forms as mentioned above. So, if you're pregnant or planning a baby, do include this super food in your diet.
  9. Prevent kidney stones: Boil some figs in water and once cool, this water can be consumed for a few days to prevent kidney stones. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult your physician. 
  10. this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   
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Wednesday, May 04, 2016

Foods that Can Replace Pills

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



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Whenever we start feeling ill, the first thing we do is reach for the medicine cabinet. The problem with taking pills is that even though they’ll probably help with your predicament, they’re also bound to have unwanted side effects. The best solution is to use these 14 natural remedies, which are just as efficient as drugs: 

1. Bananas – Stress and anxiety
Next time you feel stressed, grab a banana! With an average of 105 calories and 14 grams of sugar, a banana will boost your blood-sugar levels and help combat hunger. Additionally, a banana contains 30% of your daily requirement of Vitamin B6, which helps your brain in the production of serotonin - a chemical that helps reduce stress.



2. Yogurt – Constipation and gas
One-and-a-half cups of yogurt are packed full of probiotics that assist with digestion and improve the stomach’s ability to digest dairy and legumes – a major cause of gastric gasses.

3. Raisins - High blood pressure
A large handful of raisins (approx. 60) contains over 200 mg of potassium, as well as a gram of fiber. These are strongly recommended as part of a diet to help reduce blood pressure. Recent studies show that the polyphenols in grapes, raisins and wine help maintain the circulatory system and reduce blood pressure.

4. Apricots – Kidney stones
Four dried apricots contain two grams of fiber, 235 mg of potassium and just 3 mg of sodium. This combination is highly effective at preventing minerals from getting trapped in your kidneys, which are the cause of the most common kidney stones.
5. Tuna – Foul mood
A can of tuna contains about 800 mg of Omega-3, a fatty acid that is considered vital in the treatment of depression. Omega-3 is even an approved treatment for depression by the American Psychiatric Association.


6. Ginger tea - Nausea
A time-old proven treatment for nausea, ginger has also been scientifically proven to be helpful in dealing with nausea caused by motion sickness as well as morning sickness. It is as effective as anti-nausea medicine, but without the side effects (such as ‘cottonmouth’ and lethargy).

7. Basil - Indigestion
Studies suggest that the eugenol in basil is highly effective as a gastric painkiller, and at reducing nausea, cramping and diarrhea by eliminating bacteria like salmonella and listeria. Basil is also effective at preventing halitosis.
 
8. Pears – High cholesterol
The average pear contains five grams of the dietary fiber pectin, which helps clear the body of ‘bad cholesterol’ (LDL).

9. Cabbage – Stomach ulcers
In a research published by the John Hopkins Medical School, it was found that the sulforaphane in cabbage helps battle the helicobacter pylori bacteria (a principle cause of ulcers). It is believed that sulforaphane may also help prevent gastric tumors.

  10. Figs - Hemorrhoids
Dried figs are rich in dietary fiber, which in turn produce softer feces and aids in reducing hemorrhoids. It also diminishes the likeliness of developing them.

11. Potatoes - Headaches
A medium-sized potato contains 37 carbohydrates, which help reduce headaches by increasing serotonin production in the brain.

12. Garlic – Yeast infection
Garlic contains many essential oils that help prevent the development of yeast infections.

 13. Chamomile tea – Heartburn
A great treatment for gastric inflammation, cramping, heartburn and gas consists of mixing two teaspoons of chamomile tea in a cup of boiling water and brewing it for about 20 minutes, then drinking it.

14. Orange juice – Lethargy
The fructose in orange juice is a natural and fast-working stimulant, and research has proven the ability of Vitamin C to reduce damage caused by free radicals and provide the body with energy. Vitamin C is also crucial for maintaining iron levels in our blood, which keeps it oxygenated.

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Sunday, November 08, 2015

Natural Treatments for Constipation

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

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 Coconut Oil and Flax seed - Coconut oil is a wonderful hydrating agent and eases stools. Flaxs eeds help in the elimination of toxins, excess fat and cholesterol from the body. So in one tablespoon of coconut oil, add half a teaspoon of flax seeds, chew well and eat this every morning.

 Yoghurt - Probiotics which contain beneficial bacteria are a great remedy for constipation. However, you can take the humble homemade yogurt full of beneficial bacteria in your meal every day and get relief from constipation.

 Figs and fibre

Fiber helps to bulk up your stool making the bowel movement faster. Figs are a great source of soluble fiber and you can soak 2-3 overnight and have both the fruit and the sweet water to get regular bowel movement. You can also include high fiber whole wheat bran cereal to your diet for added benefits.
Do not forget to back your fibers with 8-10 glasses of water as you increase your intake.

 Baking Powder - Baking powder has an alkalizing effect and eases movement through the bowels. Add a teaspoon to ¼ cup of warm water and drink it quickly for best results.

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