Sunday, April 6, 2014
COULD WATERMELON CURE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?
Watermelon reduces high blood pressure in overweight people and could slash the risk of a heart attack, new research shows.
Scientists found that the fruit significantly reduces blood pressure in overweight people, even when they are exposed to cold weather.
More people die of heart attacks in cold conditions because the stress put on the body by trying to keep warm causes blood pressure to increase.
This forces the heart to work harder, meaning people face a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The study, published in the American Journal of Hypertension, revealed that eating watermelon is good for heart health and can reduce the risk of heart problems in cold conditions.
Professor Arturo Figueroa, from Florida State University, said: ‘The pressure on the aorta and on the heart decreased after consuming watermelon extract.’
Scientists looked at 13 middle-aged obese men and women who suffered from high blood pressure over a 12 week period.
Test participants’ hands were dipped into cold water to simulate cold weather conditions, while scientists took their blood pressure.
Then, every day half of the participants took watermelon extracts - four grams of amino acid L-citrulline and two grams of L-arginine per day.
The other half were given a placebo, and after six weeks the participants switched roles.
It was revealed that watermelon lowered blood pressure and reduced cardiac stress, even in cold conditions.
‘That means less overload to the heart, so the heart is going to work easily during a stressful situation such as cold exposure,’ said Professor Figueroa.
L-citrulline and L-arginine supplements are available from some health food shops but would have to be taken in high doses to reduce blood pressure.
The news comes just after it was revealed that working out in warm water can reduce blood pressure.
Researchers at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, found aquarobics in warm water can lower blood pressure even in people for whom medication has not worked.
It's not clear why warm water has this effect. One theory is that heat dilates blood vessels, improving the flow of blood through the body.
Scientists found that the fruit significantly reduces blood pressure in overweight people, even when they are exposed to cold weather.
More people die of heart attacks in cold conditions because the stress put on the body by trying to keep warm causes blood pressure to increase.
This forces the heart to work harder, meaning people face a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The study, published in the American Journal of Hypertension, revealed that eating watermelon is good for heart health and can reduce the risk of heart problems in cold conditions.
Professor Arturo Figueroa, from Florida State University, said: ‘The pressure on the aorta and on the heart decreased after consuming watermelon extract.’
Scientists looked at 13 middle-aged obese men and women who suffered from high blood pressure over a 12 week period.
Test participants’ hands were dipped into cold water to simulate cold weather conditions, while scientists took their blood pressure.
Then, every day half of the participants took watermelon extracts - four grams of amino acid L-citrulline and two grams of L-arginine per day.
The other half were given a placebo, and after six weeks the participants switched roles.
It was revealed that watermelon lowered blood pressure and reduced cardiac stress, even in cold conditions.
‘That means less overload to the heart, so the heart is going to work easily during a stressful situation such as cold exposure,’ said Professor Figueroa.
Watermelon reduces blood pressure even in people
who are cold - blood pressure usually increases when people get cold
because the heart has to work harder to warm them up
L-citrulline and L-arginine supplements are available from some health food shops but would have to be taken in high doses to reduce blood pressure.
The news comes just after it was revealed that working out in warm water can reduce blood pressure.
Researchers at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, found aquarobics in warm water can lower blood pressure even in people for whom medication has not worked.
It's not clear why warm water has this effect. One theory is that heat dilates blood vessels, improving the flow of blood through the body.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Monday, March 11, 2013
SWEET POTATOES
Not only are sweet potatoes readily available,
inexpensive, and delicious, there are many other reasons to love these yummy
vegetables. Here are 9 benefits :
1. They are high in vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 helps reduce
the chemical homocysteine in our bodies. Homocysteine has been linked with
degenerative diseases, including the prevention of heart attacks.
2. They are a good source of vitamin C. While most people know that vitamin C is important to
help ward off cold and flu viruses, few people are aware that this crucial
vitamin plays an important role in bone and tooth formation, digestion, and
blood cell formation. It helps accelerate wound healing, produces collagen
which helps maintain skin’s youthful elasticity, and is essential to helping
us cope with stress. It even appears to help protect our body against toxins
that may be linked to cancer.
3. They contain Vitamin D which is critical for
immune system and overall health at this time of year. Both a vitamin and a
hormone, vitamin D is primarily made in our bodies as a result of getting
adequate sunlight. You may have heard about seasonal affective disorder (or
SAD, as it is also called), which is linked to inadequate sunlight and
therefore a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D plays an important role in our
energy levels, moods, and helps to build healthy bones, heart, nerves, skin,
and teeth, and it supports the thyroid gland.
4. Sweet potatoes contain iron. Most people are
aware that we need the mineral iron to have adequate energy, but iron plays
other important roles in our body, including red and white blood cell
production, resistance to stress, proper immune functioning, and the
metabolizing of protein, among other things.
5.Sweet potatoes are a good source of magnesium,
which is the relaxation and anti-stress mineral. Magnesium is necessary for
healthy artery, blood, bone, heart, muscle, and nerve function, yet experts
estimate that approximately 80 percent of the population in North America may
be deficient in this important mineral.
6. They are a source of potassium, one of the
important electrolytes that help regulate heartbeat and nerve signals. Like the
other electrolytes, potassium performs many essential functions, some of which
include relaxing muscle contractions, reducing swelling, and protecting and
controlling the activity of the kidneys.
7. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet-tasting but
their natural sugars are slowly released into the bloodstream, helping to
ensure a balanced and regular source of energy, without the blood sugar spikes
linked to fatigue and weight gain.
8. Their rich orange colour indicates that they are
high in carotenoids like beta carotene and other carotenoids, which is the
precursor to vitamin A in your body. Carotenoids help strengthen our eyesight
and boost our immunity to disease, they are powerful antioxidants that help
ward off cancer and protect against the effects of aging.
9. These are versatile. Try them roasted, puréed,
steamed, baked, or grilled. You can add them to soups and stews, or grill and place
on top of leafy greens for a delicious salad.
source : www.care2.com
Sunday, March 10, 2013
BANANA
Health Benefits of Banana
Enjoyed in various forms, bananas are eaten raw, accompanied with desserts, added to smoothies and much more. They offer some great health benefits, so add a banana to your daily diet today!
Bananas are one of the most
famous common fruits amongst people of every age. Enjoyed in its various forms,
bananas are eaten raw, accompanied with desserts, added in smoothies and
consumed in many more ways too. Let us look at the benefits of eating this
fruit.
1. Blood Pressure Regulation
Banana is a fruit that contains high amount of potassium and low levels of salt. This combination helps to regulate the blood pressure. It reduces the risk of heart related diseases.2. Bone Strength
The potassium content in bananas is good for the health of your bones. Eating bananas on a regular basis can prevent your bones from deteriorating. Consuming bananas can also neutralize the amount of sodium in your body, which ultimately saves calcium to get washed out from your body.3. Source of energy
Bananas are loaded with a lot of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C and Vitamin B-6. Considering this fact, it is evident that eating the fruit can provide you with great energy. Pack yourself a couple of bananas to eat in the afternoon after your lunch has been digested and your stomach asks for some food.4. Bowel Health
If you are suffering from constipation, banana is the fruit you need to pick. The fruit contains dietary fiber that aids the maintenance of the bowel system of your body.5. Stress Reduction
When you are in stress, the metabolic rate of your body shoots up and potassium levels consequently decrease. Eating a banana can thereby flush your body with potassium, which will automatically ease you and regularize your heartbeat.Source: http://in.lifestyle.yahoo.com/health-benefits-banana-092724299.html
Monday, March 4, 2013
FACE MASKS
5 Easy Homemade Face Masks for
Glowing Skin
Juggling
things at work or home and at times both, leaves us with very little time to
take care of our skin. Getting a professional treatment every week at the salon
is not only expensive, but also exposes our skin to harmful chemicals. Low cost
home-made facial remedies are best bets to keep your skin glowing and younger
looking.
Facial
rejuvenates your skin and makes you feel younger. Prepare your facial depending
on skin requirement and age. Amongst various home made facial recipes, here are
five of the best ones.
Honey Face Mask
Best suited
for all skin types, the naturally moisturising honey mask helps lighten skin
shade naturally and cleans the pores leaving you glowing.
Preparation
and Application: Rinse face with lukewarm water and apply honey all over for
twenty minutes. Remove it with a wet towel or sponge soaked in warm water. Then
wash with cold water as it helps close open pores of skin. A tablespoon of
lemon juice or one part of cinnamon powder to three parts of honey, or even egg
yolk of an egg with two tablespoons of milk can be used to obtain even better
results.
Oatmeal Face Mask
Oatmeal mask
has drying effect on skin and absorbs extra oil from the pores and also cures
itchiness on skin and several other skin problems.
Preparation
and Application: Blend oatmeal and add hot water to it, the paste thickens in
a few minutes. Add a teaspoon of honey, a tablespoon of lemon juice and two
teaspoons of yoghurt. Apply this paste evenly on your face, when the facial
mask completely dries and tightens around your skin, rinse it with lukewarm
water.
Avocado Face Mask
Rich in
potassium, avocado face mask nourishes the skin and helps maintain its glow and
health.
Preparation
and Application: Mix mashed ripe avocado with a teaspoon of yoghurt and few
drops of lemon juice. Apply the mixture all over face and wash with cold water
after twenty minutes. This face mask can be stored in air tight jar if made in
quantity.
Turmeric and Sandalwood Face Mask
An easy and
fast way to get long-lasting and instant glow, this face mask helps to cure
pimples and acne.
Preparation
and Application: Mix 1 tablespoon sandalwood powder with 1 tablespoon turmeric
powder and 3 tablespoons rose water, wash after twenty minutes of application.
Strawberry Face Pack
This
multi-beneficial facial reduces puffiness and dark circle under the eye. Large
content of salicylic acid in it removes dead cells from skin and makes the skin
smooth and soft as that of a new born baby.
Preparation
and Application: Mash ripe strawberries completely to get smooth paste. Add a
tablespoon of olive-oil and two tablespoons of honey. Apply it on clean face
and wash it once it dries.
Customise
your home made facial according to your skin. Pamper yourself without worrying
about the money in your purse and look gorgeous and glowing as never before.
Source: http://in.lifestyle.yahoo.com/5-easy-homemade-face-masks-glowing-skin-044230881.html;
Saturday, February 2, 2013
STOP HAIR LOSS
5 Natural tips to prevent hair loss
Purvaja Sawant
It's better
to use natural products to stop hairfall than to go in for expensive
parlour treatments, that may not help the problem.
Try the following easy tips at home and see how effective they are in reducing hair loss!
1. Hot oil treatments: Take
any natural oil - olive, coconut, canola - and heat it up so that it is
warm, but not too hot. Massage it gently into your scalp. Put on a
shower cap and leave it on for an hour, then shampoo your hair.
2. Natural juices: You
can rub your scalp with either garlic juice, onion juice or ginger
juice. Leave it on overnight and wash it thoroughly in the morning.
3. Get a head massage: Massaging
your scalp for a few minutes daily will help stimulate circulation.
Good circulation in the scalp keeps hair follicles active. Circulation
may be improved through massage by using a few drops of lavender or bay
essential oil in an almond or sesame oil base.
4. Antioxidants:
Apply warm green tea (two bags brewed in one cup of water) on your
scalp and leave this mixture on for an hour and then rinse. Green tea
contains antioxidants which prevent hair loss and boost hair growth.
5. Practice meditation: Believe
it or not, most of the times, the root cause for hair loss is stress
and tension. Meditation can help in reducing that and restore hormonal
balance.
Source: http://healthfitnessnme.blogspot.in/2013/01/5-natural-tips-to-prevent-hair-loss.html
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