Amazing! Who Knew Raisins Were This Good For You?

Raisins have been revered as a healthy snack for centuries as they contain just the right amount of sugar, vitamins, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants to curb a sweet tooth while offering plenty of health benefits. 

Raisins are made from seedless grapes, which have been harvested and sun-dried to turn their skins into the gorgeous shades of caramel and brown that they’re known for. Being a great source of energy and nutrients, raisins are some of the best and most affordable health foods in the world and they’re perfectly suitable for all ages. 

Below you’ll find 10 incredible health benefits of raisins. 

1. Relieve Constipation
Raisins contain fiber which swells when eaten and absorbs the natural fluids present in the body. This adds bulk to any food moving through the intestinal tract, ultimately helping to provide relief from constipation. This type of fiber is known as insoluble fiber as it takes in water and gains volume in that way.

2. Promote Weight Gain 

Raisins help people gain weight in a healthy way as they’re full of glucose and fructose. They form an ideal part of a diet for bodybuilders or athletes who need a powerful boost of energy, or for those who want to put on weight without accumulating unhealthy amounts of cholesterol. 

3. Prevent Cancer
Raisins contain high levels of catechins that help to prevent cancer. These are polyphenolic antioxidants that destroy any free radicals in the body, which are one of the primary underlying causes of cancer growth. Furthermore, the fiber content of raisins help to promote excretion of bile from the body, thus flushing out any dangerous toxins that can cause cancer. 

4. Reduces Hypertension 

Studies have shown a positive correlation between reduced hypertension and consumption of raisins. Many of the nutrients found in raisins are beneficial, but experts believe that it’s the high level of potassium that helps reduce hypertension. Potassium is a well-researched mineral that helps to reduce the tension of blood vessels and decrease high blood pressure, and the dietary fiber is also thought to reduce the stiffness of blood vessels which, in turn, reduces hypertension. 

5. Dental Care
Oleanolic acid, one of the phytochemicals present in raisins, plays an important role in protecting your teeth from decay, cavities, and brittleness. This acid helps to prevent the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, two of the bacterial species that are responsible for cavities. As strange as this might sound, when eating these dried fruits, let them stick to your teeth for a bit as this ensures an extended contact of oleanolic acid with your teeth. Furthermore, raisins are rich in calcium, which strengthens and demineralizes tooth enamel. 

6. Heart Health 

The high levels of fiber, potassium, phenolic acid, polyphenols, tannins, and antioxidants present in raisins help to burn cholesterol and lower blood pressure, promoting good cardiac health. 

7. Controls Diabetes
In a number of studies, raisins have been shown to lower the postprandial insulin response, which means that they can stabilize the spikes or plunges of insulin after a meal that can be potentially dangerous to those with diabetes. They also help to regulate the release of ghrelin and leptin, which are the hormones that are responsible for telling the body when it’s full or hungry. By keeping a check on these hormones, people who eat raisins can improve their chances of maintaining a healthy diet and prevent overeating. 

8. Treat Anemia 

 Raisins contain a lot of iron, which helps in the treatment of anemia. It also contains a lot of vitamin B which is essential for the formation of new blood. The high copper content also helps in the production of red blood cells. 

9. Eye Health
Raisins contain antioxidant-rich polyphenolic phytonutrients, which are excellent for ocular health. They help to protect the eyes from the damage caused by free radicals, in the form of macular degeneration, cataracts, and age-related weakening of vision. 

10. Reduces Arthritis Pain 

Raisins constitute a natural source of antioxidants and polyphenols, which have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Gin-soaked golden raisins are a popular home remedy which helps to relieve chronic and arthritic pain. Anecdotal evidence suggests that people show an improvement in arthritic symptoms between 1-8 weeks of consuming ten of these drunken raisins each day.

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

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Never Miss Lentils , Go For IT, Benefits in weight loss, brain, diabetes----

Lentils, coming from the legume family are edible seeds or pulses that can be cooked in a variety of ways. The most popular kinds are black, brown, red, yellow, yellow split peas, black-eyed peas, mung beans, soya beans and French green lentils. They are a rich source of protein, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, essential amino acids and contain a variety of minerals including iron, copper, potassium, manganese, phosphorous, molybdenum, vitamin B1 and folate. Legumes are also ideal for supporting heart health, managing diabetes, preventing cancer, improving digestion, aiding in weight loss as well as boosting the nervous system. Below are some of other health benefits of lentils.

 

1. They regulate blood sugar and manage diabetes 

Lentils help to regulate sugar levels in the bloodstream preventing diabetes. In fact, it is suggested that individuals who suffer from type 2 diabetes should follow a diet rich in lentils. As lentils are high in soluble fiber they can help lower insulin and plasma glucose thereby stabilizing blood sugar. Studies have also shown that fiber contents help slow down the rate at which the blood absorbs food, thereby keeping sugar level constant. 

2. They help lower cholesterol  

Studies show that people who consume 3/4 cups of lentils or any other legume had 5% less generation of LDL (bad) cholesterol. 

 

3. They prevent cancer 

Lentils have also been found to counteract cancer. Research shows that foods rich in protein - such as lentils can have a positive effect on cancer cells. Protein has also been shown to create cytotoxin and apoptosis, meaning that they can manage the growth of cancer as well.

 

4. They improve digestion 

As with other types of legumes, lentils can also boost the digestive process. Lentils are rich in dietary fiber, a non-digestible component that is beneficial in maintaining digestion. Additionally, fiber can promote bowel movement, preventing constipation and other problems associated with digestion. They also remove toxins from the body and ferment healthy bacteria, essential for the digestive tract. 

 

5. They promote weight loss 

It is estimated that a cup of lentils contains just 230 calories and occupies up to 63% of your requirement of daily fiber and protein - two components that keep you full for longer.

6. They boost the metabolism 

The metabolism relies on rich sources of vitamins, including vitamin B3, which is essential for improving digestion and boosting the nervous system. The vitamin also stimulates the metabolic process, whereby it removes more toxins and harmful substances out of the body, bringing more nutrients to all parts of the body. Vitamin B3, also found in lentils, has been shown to control cholesterol levels and decrease the risks of diseases like diabetes, osteoarthritis, Alzheimer's disease and cataracts. 

 

7. They support brain health  

Few foods contain as much folate as lentils do. Just one cup of lentils occupies up to 90% of your daily requirement of folate which plays an important role in the production of neurotransmitters, boosting the nervous system. Folate can also help prevent the risks of birth defects in pregnant women as well as blood disorders, making it a key nutrient for human health. 

 

8. They improve electrolytic activity 

Electrolytic activity plays an important role in the proper function of your body. Lentils contain a mineral known as potassium which is considered to be an excellent substitute for electrolytic activity. Besides acting as an electrolyte, potassium is also beneficial for the functioning of some organs, including the brain, the heart and the kidneys. 

 

9. They boost energy 

If you're feeling a little low on energy, lentils are an excellent source. They are rich in minerals including iron and copper, both of which are essential in boosting energy production. While iron makes copper facilitate red blood cells and protect against anemia, copper plays a role in transferring energy from carbohydrates into the cells. 

 

10. They improve heart health 

Lentils have been found to lower the risks of coronary heart disease. The benefits of lentils are predominantly found in their source of fiber. Studies show that people who eat about 20g per day, experienced 11% fewer risks of cardiovascular disease and 12% fewer risks in comparison to those who eat less fiber. Lentils also contain magnesium, which contributes to cardiovascular health. Magnesium also helps prevent the occurrence of a heart attack and supports the heart after a heart attack has taken place.

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

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Health Benefits of Hibiscus extract

1) Packed with antioxidants

One study in people with Marfan syndrome, a disorder that affects connective tissue, found that an infusion of hibiscus extract reduced oxidative stress and increased antioxidant levels in the blood. 

Hibiscus flower extract helped protect against cell damage in rats.  

2) Lowers high BP

High blood pressure can place extra strain on the heart and cause it to weaken. High blood pressure is also associated with an increased risk of heart disease.  46 people with high blood pressure consumed either hibiscus tea or a placebo. After 1 month, those who drank hibiscus tea had a greater decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure than those who took the placebo. 

While hibiscus tea may be a safe and natural way to help lower blood pressure, it is not recommended for those who are taking medications to treat high blood pressure, as it may interact

3. May help improve blood fat levels

In addition to lowering blood pressure, some studies have found that hibiscus tea may help improve blood fat levels, which can be another risk factor for heart disease.

 In a small 2009 study, 60 people with diabetes consumed either hibiscus tea or black tea. After 1 month, those who drank hibiscus tea had increased levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and decreased levels of total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides.

 

4. May boost liver health

Your liver has several functions — such as producing proteins, secreting bile, and breaking down fat — that are essential to your overall health. 

A small 2014 study in 19 people with overweight found that taking hibiscus extract for 12 weeks improved liver steatosis. This condition is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, which can lead to liver failure  .

 A study in hamsters also demonstrated the potential liver-protecting properties of hibiscus extract, showing that treatment with hibiscus extract decreased markers of liver damage.

5. Could promote weight loss

Several studies suggest that hibiscus tea may be associated with weight loss and could help protect against obesity.

In one small 2014 study, 36 participants with overweight consumed either hibiscus extract or a placebo. After 12 weeks, those who had taken hibiscus extract had reductions in body weight, body fat, body mass index, and waist-to-hip ratio.

Current research is limited to studies using concentrated doses of hibiscus extract. More studies are needed to determine how hibiscus tea may influence weight loss in humans.

6. Contains compounds that may help prevent cancer

Hibiscus is high in polyphenols, which are compounds that have been shown to possess powerful anticancer properties.

Test-tube studies have found impressive results regarding the potential effects of hibiscus extract on cancer cells.

In one test-tube study, hibiscus extract impaired cell growth and reduced the invasiveness of mouth and plasma cell cancers

Another test-tube study reported that hibiscus leaf extract prevented human prostate cancer cells from spreading .

Hibiscus extract and its components have also been shown to inhibit the growth of other types of cancer cells in test-tube studies, including breast, stomach, and skin cancer.

Keep in mind that these were test-tube studies using large amounts of hibiscus extract. Research in humans is needed to evaluate the potential effect of hibiscus tea on cancer.

 

7. Could help decrease the growth of bacteria

Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can cause a variety of infections, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections.

Some test-tube studies have found that, in addition to having antioxidant and anticancer properties, hibiscus could help protect against bacterial infections.

In fact, one test-tube study found that hibiscus extract inhibited the activity of E. coli, a strain of bacteria that can cause symptoms such as cramping, gas, and diarrhea .

Another test-tube study showed that the extract fought eight strains of bacteria and was as effective as some medications used to treat bacterial infections .

 

8. Flavorful and easy to make

Aside from potentially offering a multitude of health benefits, hibiscus tea is delicious and easy to prepare at home.

Simply add dried hibiscus flowers to a teapot and pour boiling water over them. Let it steep for 5 minutes, and then strain, sweeten if desired, and enjoy.

Hibiscus tea can be consumed hot or cold and has a tart taste similar to that of cranberries. For this reason, it is often sweetened with honey or flavored with a squeeze of lime juice to balance the tartness.

 

NOTE- how to make hibiscus tea- summer cooler in my recipe blog. 

 

 

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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