Mallow: A Wonder-Plant with Amazing Health Benefits

   

While many aren’t familiar with the mallow plant family which includes the marshmallow, musk mallow, common mallow and high mallow, they should be, as they offer many therapeutic properties. In this article we'll delve deeper into the high mallow, also known as Malva sylvestris. High Mallow is among the more nutritious and healthy plants and if you are considering incorporating it into your diet, you should know that it is tasty, healthy and full of medicinal properties and anti-inflammatory ingredients. To enjoy its qualities, read our guide to mallow's health benefits and some wonderful bonus recipes that make use of this delicious plant.

A little about mallow 

The mallow plant blooms between January and April and is at its peak after the rainy season, which causes the leaves to go soft and get a deeper taste. Since the flavor of mallow resembles the taste of spinach, you can swap almost any recipe with spinach or chard with an equal amount of mallow. You can use and eat the various parts of the plant: stalk, leaves, and fruit and add them to countless dishes. 

 

As already mentioned, mallow has many health and nutritional benefits and is considered in alternative and Chinese medicine to be very effective in treating a variety of problems and diseases. The plant is rich in protein, iron, minerals, and vitamins B, A and C, and also contains the antioxidants polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids that fight free radicals in the body. In order to benefit from the healing benefits of mallow, it is recommended that you consume the plant extract as an infusion. 

 

Health Benefits of Mallow:

Treats a cough, phlegm, difficulty breathing, asthma and bronchitis 

 

Mallow contains polysaccharides with antiviral and antiseptic properties that help treat respiratory disorders and a chronic dry cough. The active ingredients of the plant help to remove mucus from the throat and have a calming effect in addition to their ability to treat asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other respiratory diseases. The German Food and Drug Administration has officially confirmed the healing properties of the plant and has approved the use of the drugs containing mallow for the treatment of a sore throat and a dry cough.

Treats infections, skin sores, and burns 

 

The anti-inflammatory components of mallow are effective in treating a variety of skin problems. The plant is used to soothe rashes, wounds, burns, insect bites and eczema, since the polysaccharides, which nourish and soothe the skin, are also slightly anesthetic. If you suffer from dry, irritated skin affected by weather, rubbing mallow extract infusion on your skin will soften and moisturize it naturally. To soothe redness, swelling, and tingling, apply the mallow extract tea directly to the irritated area, or to use a cloth soaked in the plant’s sap. 

Protects the gums from infections  

 

The mallow leaves contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory components that protect the gums and oral cavity from diseases and infection. The polyphenols present in the plant prevent the development of bacterial plaque by their ability to fight free radicals. Those of us who suffer from inflamed gums know that this is a disturbing and recurring phenomenon that affects our quality of life and many people find it difficult to find a permanent solution. Using mallow tea as a mouthwash may be a natural and effective way to treat the health of your oral cavity regularly. 

 

Relieves constipation and irritable stomach 

 

The mallow’s polysaccharide mucilages cause relaxation and lubrication of the intestinal walls and better absorption of food. This substance also helps to reduce gastric acidity which causes stomach discomfort. Eating mallow or consuming the plant as a tea infusion helps people who suffer from constipation, irritable stomach, and intestinal cramps and need a soothing supplement. In addition, the mallow is considered a laxative plant and is used in a variety of dietary supplements to relax and calm the stomach. 

 

Treatment of kidney stones and urinary tract infections 

 

Many people use cranberry juice as a means of reducing burning sensations, frequency, and urgency in urination and pain in the lower abdomen, but it is far from being the only natural remedy for this problem. The mallow plant is an excellent alternative to treating such problems because it has an anti-inflammatory component that helps in the healing of such infections. Mallow has another important feature in this context - it is a diuretic that helps clean up waste from the kidneys and prevents the development of stones in them.

Anti-aging properties and its use in natural cosmetics  

 

The use of home masks and facial creams that contain mallow plant extract are effective for the treatment of premature aging of the skin. Cosmetic companies use plant extracts in various cosmetic products such as soaps, makeup, and skincare products. The reason for this is that mallow is rich in components that fight free radicals which damage our skin cells and cause wrinkles. In addition, vitamin A gives the skin a radiant and younger look. It is also effective for hair care and is recommended for use in people with fragile hair. Applying moisturizing essences or infusions to the skin can contribute greatly to its health and restore its elasticity and strength. 

 

Prevents prostate cancer and strengthens the immune system 

 

Like other leafy greens, mallow is rich in chlorophyll, a green, anti-carcinogenic pigment that cleans our internal organs. Beyond its ability to prevent various types of cancer, it is particularly effective in preventing and healing prostate cancer. Researchers who studied the mallow plant discovered a substance called beta-sitosterol, which is known for its ability to prevent tumors in the prostate gland. The plant can be used as a preventative measure for people at risk of developing this cancer. 

 

Beta-sitosterol is a substance that also helps the white blood cells function in our immune system, which are necessary for fighting various diseases. This means that consuming the mallow plant contributes greatly to cancer patients undergoing immunosuppressant therapies. In a study that examined the use of mallow for prostate cancer patients who had radiotherapy and had pain during urination, researchers found that the plant significantly reduced patient pain. Even people who do not have a chronic disease can benefit from strengthening the immune system using the herb, but it is important to do so only after consulting a healthcare professional.

Treats Insomnia 

 

Mallow plant extract can be found in a variety of numbing, insomnia, anxiety and stress medications, and even in the anesthetics that dentists use. The various components of the plant help calm the nervous system and promote a sense of peace and relaxation. A 2013 study also demonstrated the efficacy of mallow extract in the treatment of sleep disorders compared to the use of a drug similar to valium. If you suffer from sleep disorders and find it difficult to fall asleep at night, it is time to go out outdoors and pick yourself some mallow to solve the problem. You can drink mallow tea before bedtime, or use the oil extracted from the plant.

For recipes using mallow leaves and flowers, kindly 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
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs 

 

Too Much Iron Can be Harmful. Here's How to Lower it.

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the world. Menstruating women are especially prone to it since they lose blood every month. But too much iron can also be a health risk, and it is more common than you think – about 1 in 200 people suffer from a hereditary condition that causes them to absorb too much iron. 

 

If your blood tests came back with high iron, here is what you can change in your diet to balance things out. 

 

A bit about iron

First - why do we even need iron, and what can too much of it do to your body? Iron is mostly used to build blood and transfer oxygen to every part of the body. Iron molecules rarely flow freely in the bloodstream, where they can cause harm and oxidative stress; they are linked to a protein called transferrin.

Too much iron can increase the risk of arthritis, cancer, liver problems, diabetes, heart failure, and infections. If you’re not menstruating, your body does not have a built-in mechanism to dispose of iron. On average, we only lose about 1 mg of it a day. 

 

That is why the absorption of iron is highly regulated in the body, and increasing iron levels may even be challenging to some. But to others, gradual iron buildup poses a risk of iron overload. Since the body cannot dispose of iron on its own, it accumulates in several different tissues, where it causes oxidative stress. Usually, iron is stored in the liver, heart, and pancreas. If the pancreas becomes damaged, it can lead to diabetes.

What are the symptoms of high iron?

 

Many people won’t notice any symptoms unless the situation is severe. However, do keep an open eye for the following symptoms: 

 

- Fatigue 

- Joint pain 

- Abdominal pain or an upset stomach 

- Reduced libido, a shrinking of the testicles, or a pause or irregularities in menstruation.

If your blood test came back with high iron, or you suffer from hemochromatosis (a hereditary condition that causes you to absorb up to four times more iron than average), here are some dietary recommendations to follow: 

 

* Foods rich in calcium interfere with iron absorption. Eggs and soy are great examples. 

 

* Consume antioxidants from fruits and vegetables, with special emphasis on tomatoes, beets, and blueberries. This protects your body from oxidative stress. 

 

* Prefer animal protein from cooked fish and chicken over red meat. 

 

* Tea and coffee also interfere with iron absorption in the body. 

 

You may also consider consulting your physician about chelation therapy: a type of treatment containing chelating molecules, usually taken orally. Chelators bind to other molecules and pull them out as they leave the body. Do not take a chelator without consulting a physician, as this may deplete your body of essential minerals. 

 

Another great way of balancing your iron blood count is by donating blood. 

 

What should you avoid?

* Avoid taking multivitamins or any other supplements that may contain iron or Vitamin C. The latter increases iron absorption. 

 

* Avoid raw shellfish, such as oysters. They contain high amounts of easy-to-absorb iron. 

 

* Avoid fortified grains - those can be found mainly in the US and the UK, and they contain high levels of iron. 

 

* Reduce alcohol intake – your liver already experiences plenty of oxidative stress. 

 

* Reduce red meat intake. 

 

* Avoid iron cookware. Yes, we are talking about your cast-iron skillet.

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

https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com     is my latest addition to my blogs. I'm going to add posts there, do give me your valuable feed back on my blogs. Thanks a lot, take care, be healthy and be happy.

 

Alcohol-Related Liver Diseases Is A Silent Killer: 5 Tips To Help Your Liver Live Longer

The liver is the second largest organ in the human body and is responsible for breaking down the nutrients from food and using them for the rest of the body. Moreover, it performs the major functions of producing glucose, removing toxic waste materials from the body, and preventing infection. However, there has been a drastic rise in the cases of liver diseases in recent years among people of different age groups. In India, the mortality rate from liver diseases is steadily increasing, accounting for over one lakh deaths each year. One of the most common causes of liver disease is alcohol consumption, which acts as a silent killer and slowly affects liver function. TheHealthSite.com spoke to Dr Manish Kak, Consultant- Gastroenterology, Manipal Hospitals, Ghaziabad to understand more about liver diseases and fatty liver problems.

Alcohol And Liver Disease

Although the liver has a tremendous capacity to repair itself from toxic waste materials and break down most of the alcohol inside the body, a lot of harmful substances are generated inside the liver during this process that damage the liver cells. With time, the damaged cells weaken the liver's natural defence system, making it vulnerable to further damage. The harmful substances that pass through the intestines during this process enter the body through the blood and can even affect other major organs. The problem of fatty liver is a growing concern that is further triggered by alcohol consumption. It also causes hepatitis, which causes inflammation or swelling inside the liver and can become chronic in nature. Fatty liver disease and hepatitis B and C are the primary conditions caused by alcohol abuse in chronic cases that last for years. In some cases, this problem also escalates and causes liver cirrhosis, where the liver becomes hard and loses its functions.

With the change in lifestyle, many youngsters are inclined towards consuming alcohol, which has increased the risk of liver diseases. According to some studies, men are more inclined toward this deadly habit that silently affects the liver. In most cases, it is difficult to identify the symptoms in the initial stage and it is only diagnosed when the condition is advanced. The condition can be triggered by the sudden onset of jaundice and result in liver failure. The presence of symptoms such as:

1. Jaundice
2. Water retention in the stomach
3. Loss of appetite
4. Drowsiness
5. Blood vomiting
6. Weight loss, and
7. Infections

All the above-mentioned symptoms indicate advanced liver disease. Even after quitting alcohol, the liver of chronic disease patients frequently does not recover.

Ways To Manage Liver Health

Our way of life and eating habits have a significant impact on fat formation in the liver. In the majority of cases, obesity and alcohol consumption are the root causes. As a result, it is important to make some changes. Check the list below:

1. In order to maintain liver health, it is critical to incorporate healthier lifestyle choices.
2. One must keep track of their BMI and include at least 30 minutes of physical activity in their daily routine.
3. Obesity, in any form, can jeopardize not only the liver but also other vital organs.
4. As alcoholic beverages have a direct impact on liver health, it is critical to limit or completely avoid alcohol consumption.
5. One can also seek advice from a doctor on the appropriate amount based on their overall health.

 

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