10 Great Reasons Why You Should Eat More Radishes

You’ve probably eaten a radish before, but they are often overlooked when it comes to side dishes, salads, and main courses. Well, it’s about time that all this changed as radishes offer us a plethora of health benefits. Below, you can find 10 such benefits.

1. Helps Prevent Cancer 

Since radishes are rich in anthocyanins, folic acid, and vitamin C, they can help prevent many types of cancers, including kidney, colon, stomach, and oral cancer. Radishes are part of the Brassica family, and just like with other members of this taxonomic classification, these cruciferous vegetables are full of antioxidants. Furthermore, the isothiocyanates found in radishes have a have a major impact on the pathway of cancerous cells – they alter the pathways so much that they can cause apoptosis (cell death), thereby preventing cancerous cells from reproducing.

2. Treats Jaundice  

Radishes are great for the stomach and liver as they act as a powerful detoxifier. This means that they help to purify the blood by eliminating toxins and waste. They are extremely useful at treating jaundice because they help to remove bilirubin and keep its production at a stable level. Furthermore, radishes help to decrease the destruction of red blood cells, which is a common symptom in those suffering from jaundice.

3. Treats Urinary Disorders 

Radishes are diuretic, which means that they increase the production of urine. Radish juice can also cure inflammation and the burning feeling during urination that occurs when you have a UTI. They inhibit infections in the kidneys and urinary system, thus helping to treat various urinary conditions that are exacerbated by excess toxins in the body. 

4. Helps with Weight Loss

Radishes are filling, which means that they satisfy your hunger without increasing your calorie count. To add to this, they are low in digestible carbohydrates, high in roughage, and contain a lot of water, thus they are a great dietary option for those who want to lose weight. If this wasn’t enough, they are also high in fiber, meaning they increase regular bowel movements, which helps with weight loss, and increases the body’s metabolism. 

5. Lowers Blood Pressure 

Radishes are a great source of potassium. This nutrient has been linked to reducing blood pressure because when it interacts with the arterial supply of vascular beds, it relaxes the blood vessels, and increases blood flow. In other words, it reduces blood pressure by widening the arteries, allowing blood to flow through without restrictions. 

6. Treats Respiratory Disorders 

Radishes are anti-congestive, meaning that they’re able to decrease congestion of the respiratory system that arises due to allergies, colds, and infections.

7. Treats Skin Disorders 

Radishes contain phosphorous, vitamin C, and zinc, which are good for the skin. Furthermore, the water in radishes helps to maintain healthy moisture levels in the skin. Smashed raw radishes are a great cleanser and serve as an efficient face pack. To add to this, due to their disinfectant properties, radishes can also clear up skin disorders such as rashes, cracks, and dry skin. 

8. Controls Diabetes

It’s well-known that radishes have a low glycemic index, which means that eating them does not impact blood sugar levels. It also helps to regulate the absorption of sugars into the bloodstream, meaning that diabetics don’t have to worry as much about sudden drops or spikes when eating. 

9. Boosts Your Immune System 

Half a cup of radishes per day is 15% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C. Consistently getting your regular dose of vitamin C can rejuvenate your immune system by replacing many of the antioxidants and white blood cells that are vital for fighting off every illness from the common cold to cancer. 

10. Treats Insect Bites 

Radishes have anti-pruritic properties and can be used as an effective treatment for insect bites and stings. Radish juice helps to reduce the pain and swelling in the affected area.

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

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Important Warnings About Essential Oil Use

Anyone who is looking for a natural solution to medical problems, or simply to clean the house, uses essential oils. These are extracted from different species of beneficial plants that possess many different attributes. These oils have many benefits, and therefore, they can certainly be of help to us, but they can also pose a real danger if they are not used properly. Although essential oils are natural, they are not always safe for consumption and may even harm us - even in small amounts. 

 

To help you use essential oils properly, we have built a guide for you that shows their negative sides that are very helpful for you to understand. You are invited to find out which factors affect the safety of the oils, 6 side effects you should watch out for, how to take care of yourself when they happen, and other highlights that are a must-know for you when using them.

Factors that influence the safety of essential oils 

It is important to consider several factors that affect the safety of essential oils and the severity of any symptoms they may cause. 

 

These factors include: 

Age 

Health conditions 

Medications and nutritional supplements 

The chemical composition of the oil 

The manner and duration of use.

Dangers of essential oils and how to eliminate them 

While essential oils have benefits, they can also be dangerous, and these dangers are influenced by the aforementioned factors. When consumed orally, the oil is quickly absorbed and may lead to symptoms within half an hour. Six inherent dangers of essential oil use include conflicts with medications, allergic reactions, and more. It is crucial to know how to deal with these dangers. 

 

1. Clashing with medicine or causing allergies 

In general, it is not recommended to consume essential oil by ingestion, unless you do so after consulting a doctor or specialist. The reason for this is that this way the substance is absorbed in a higher speed - 30 minutes as we wrote above - and thus increases the chance that it will cancel the effect of medicines or cause a dangerous allergy, especially if it is an anise type oil. 

 

How to treat: If you swallow an essential oil and start suffering from side effects, rinse your mouth, call an ambulance for help, and avoid vomiting. In addition, do not ingest liquids, including water, until you receive permission from a doctor or health provider, because drinking may increase the risk of vomiting or essential oil vapors and liquids reaching the lungs.

2. Respiratory disorders 

Essential oils, such as eucalyptus and peppermint oil, contain a chemical compound called phenol, the inhalation of which can irritate the respiratory system - especially in babies. As a result, you may suffer from various breathing problems, including asthma attacks. If you experience any respiratory issues following the use of essential oils, it is advisable to step outside and inhale fresh air. If the symptoms persist, it is important to seek medical attention from a doctor or health provider.

3. Abnormal development of children  

As mentioned, the use of essential oils is not recommended for children. Their skin is thinner, and the oil can be absorbed faster. Their liver and immune system are not sufficiently developed and therefore are not able to deal with the damage that may be caused as a result of oil consumption. In fact, even a small amount of 2 ml of eucalyptus essential oil, which is barely half a teaspoon, can cause various symptoms, some of which also occur in adults. One is abnormal breast development in young boys following excessive use of essential oils such as lavender and tea tree oil. These oils include components similar to estrogen and testosterone, according to a study from 2019. Therefore, it is better to keep children away from essential oils extracted from eucalyptus, fennel, mint, rosemary, and verbena. 

 

How to treat: Various experts recommend simply avoiding the use of essential oils by children and teenagers. Consult a doctor regarding the consumption of these substances. 

 

4. Skin and teeth issues  

When using essential oils for body applications, it is imperative to be aware of potential skin and eye problems that may arise. Some essential oils, like those extracted from citrus fruits, contain chemicals that can cause burns when exposed to sunlight. Similarly, oil extracted from nuts can lead to rashes on the eyelids, and using lipstick or mouthwash made from peppermint oil can result in similar symptoms on the lips. Tea tree oil applied undiluted to the toes can result in large blisters. Oils high in phenols, like cinnamon oil, may cause skin irritation, so it is recommended to mix them with a base oil before use. 

 

How to treat: If you feel burning or a rash in the eye area, you must immediately wash it with water for 15 seconds. If your skin is affected, remove the affected clothing and wash it with soap and water. Of course, if these solutions do not help, you must speak to a doctor or a health provider.

5. The risk for pregnant and breastfeeding women 

Pregnant women should also be careful when using different types of essential oils, such as those intended for application to the skin. These oils can penetrate the placenta and thus affect the fetus. Consuming essential oils by ingestion, such as those extracted from the pineapple plant, may even lead to a miscarriage. As for breastfeeding women, beyond the fact that it is recommended to keep essential oils away from babies, such substances, and especially those extracted from peppermint, can negatively affect milk production. 

 

How to treat: Pregnant and lactating women should contact a specialist to find essential oils suitable for them and their environment, or simply avoid using them. 

 

6. Additional dangers that require examination by a doctor 

Extended exposure to some essential oils can cause fatigue and headaches. Ingestion of high doses of essential oils derived from tea tree, walnuts, wintergreen, sage, cinnamon, and camphor may result in symptoms like vomiting, an increased heart rate, or swelling of the throat. It is crucial to note that sensitivity to essential oils is a lifelong condition. Furthermore, the safety of these substances is not monitored by the American Food and Drug Administration, and some manufacturers do not disclose all the components used. Therefore, it is always wise to select products from well-known and reputable brands.

Additional cautionary measures: 

To ensure the safety of essential oil usage, it's important to dilute them and pay attention to these precautions: 

 

1. Dilution 

 To ensure the safe usage of essential oils, experts recommend using oils that are appropriately diluted. The ideal concentration level for oil consumption is less than 5%, with one percent equivalent to adding 6 drops of essential oil to 30 ml of base oil. However, the quantities may vary depending on various factors. 

 

2. Test the oils you are about to use 

Before applying essential oils to the body, it is essential to test them on a small patch of skin to determine their effects. This can be done by washing and drying a small area of the arm, and then applying a little diluted essential oil. 

 

3. Check which essential oils need dilution and which don't 

It is advisable to use oils that need dilution and avoid those that don't. 

 

4. Avoiding internal use 

It is important to note that essential oils should not be used internally unless advised by an expert.

A few words in summary... 

While essential oils provide numerous benefits, it is vital to be aware of their potential dangers and avoid excessive and unwise use. If any side effects occur, it is recommended to utilize coping methods and seek medical attention if necessary.

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

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Air pollution can play havoc with your eyes. Here’s how

                                                                   

As post Diwali air pollution continues to make news and raise concerns, it is important to safeguard ourselves from the side-effects of toxic pollutants that can cause respiratory disorders, lung cancer, brain or kidney damage and heart disease in long run. 

Higher levels of air pollution in general can lead to eye conditions like conjunctivitis, eye irritation or dry eye. Dry eye is a condition where your eyes don't produce enough tears to lubricate your eye.

"Effect of air pollution or eyes manifestation of air pollution can range from minimal symptoms to chronic discomfort and eye irritation. Common symptoms include itching, irritation, chronic discomfort, dry eye syndrome," says Dr Sheetal Ballal, consultant- Ophthalmology, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road.

Symptoms are higher among contact lens wearers. Poor air quality can accelerate pre-existing dry eye disease, she says.

Apart from the above-mentioned eye conditions, high levels of air pollution can also increase risk of age-related macular degeneration as the pollutants may enter bloodstream and damage the small blood vessels within the eye. Studies also suggest that pollution can increase our risk of developing an eye condition called glaucoma that can cause blindness.

Can pollution lead to permanent loss of vision?

There have been instances when people have lost their eyes due to eye allergies, one of the conditions that occur due to air pollution.

"Pollutants are very common causes for eye allergies and dry eyes. Disruption of protective atmospheric UV layer increases risk of retinal damage (ARMD) and visual loss. One of my young patients, an 18-year-old girl lost one eye permanently. She had developed eye allergies. She had shifted to Mumbai from her hometown. We had asked her to use steroid eye drops for 1 week and to follow up but she self-medicated and came after 6 months with glaucoma and permanent loss of vision in one eye," says Dr Sandeep Kataria, Consultant Opthalmologist, Wockhardt Hospital.

Moving away from the polluted environment can improve eye health and benefit people with eye allergies.

"I see patients’ eyes getting better when they go to their home town during summer vacations. That's a real powerful proof. I also saw a marked decrease in eye allergies during the covid lockdowns," he adds.

Protecting eyes from air pollution

Dr Kataria and Dr Ballal suggest ways to protect your precious eyes from the harmful effects of pollution

* Simple home remedies like frequent cold eye compresses reduce symptoms of eye allergies. 

* Switching to electric vehicles and solar energy are long term solutions to avoid pollution in general. 

* People wearing contact lenses should be more careful since they are more prone to develop additional eye problems. 

* Wear good quality protective glasses to prevent pollutants from entering the eye

* Avoiding outdoors when pollution is at high peak like early morning

* Avoiding contact lens use when air quality is poor washing hands frequently, avoiding rubbing eyes using lubricating eyedrops as prescribed by the eye doctor.

* Detailed eye check is recommended in case there is constant eye irritation.

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