This article may be combining Mother Nature and Science. Perhaps,  giving little notice to the fact, that this flower has been targeted with  todays health benefits. A few studies have been given towards its medical benefits, yet most of us just know it for its beauty and landscaping qualities.

I had known this flower to be called the purple coneflower in my flower garden. It’s a beautiful perennial that almost all people enjoy, yet  I was unaware that it held other benefits.  The Echinacea, the name  almost every one would have trouble pronouncing,  has been proclaimed by some articles, that the American Indians used the Echinacea during the winter to enhance their overall health  and general well being.

THE FLOWER

 The Echinacea flower is a Perennial flower that can be planted in the spring or fall and may reach heights 3 to 4 ft. tall. It does best in well drained soil with full sunlight or light shade. It starts to bloom around mid summer and  continues to fall. Once they are growing they thrive well on the available rainfall, except in the extreme dry areas.

THE BENEFITS

The Europeans became true believers, Americans  have preferred antibiotics, but the Germans occupied the leading position in the research studies. These studies resulted in the isolation of the main herb’s constituents, which are:

  Flavonoids, oils, polysaccharides, phenols (cichoric, caffeic, and caftaric acids and echinacoside), and alkylamides. It also contains copper, iron, iodine, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and E.

 Their proclamation, a combination of these ingredients, works as a natural antibiotic, which can suppress viruses  activity and promote immune stimulating effect through the activation of T-cells (immune system natural bacteria killers).

 The scientists have determined, after their conducted trials, that  Echinacea itself, does not cure diseases,  it helps the body resist and fight the illnesses, making it stronger.

Respiratory problems, bronchitis, sore throat, enlarged prostate glands, urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast (candida) infections, ear infections (otitits), sinusitis, hay fever (allergic rhinitis) are  the diseases,  which Echinacea gives  a strong helping hand.

May also be applied topically, it can help heal eczema, psoriasis, and slow-healing wounds. Echinacea is added to anti-hemorrhoids medications.

Echinacea is also a mighty skin protector from the sun damage.

THE TEA

Echinacea Tea is prepared by simply infusing the leaves, stems, flowers and roots of the Echinacea plant in hot water. The natural healthy properties of the herb, principally the polysaccharides and echinaceoside, are transferred to the Echinacea tea during the infusion process.

 ECHINACEA SIDE AFFECTS

Although  some people are claiming that Echinacea has no side effects, studies  have shown that some people may experience allergic reactions, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, muscle aches, nausea, sore throat, temporary numbness of the tongue and upset stomach.

The trials have no official results on the use of Echinacea by pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under 12.

IMPORTANT WARNING

People who are Immunocompromized  are advised to avoid the use of this plant, since it is likely that it may accelerate the development of the conditions. like cancer, tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, and HIV AIDS.

 In the United States its use is said to be safe if followed to the doctor’s or manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to talk with your health care provider before taking any natural supplement.

Todays Health

After several articles, we have put together three articles covering some of our  healthy beverages, healthy fruits and nuts, and healthy foods that perhaps have stood out for their health benefits.

If you search through this site and my blogroll sites, you will find some of these foods and drinks covered in more detail.

This first segment is going to list… “Drinks Good For You”

WATER

MILK

CHOCOLATE MILK

GREEN TEA

MINT TEA

 TOMATO JUICE

 ORANGE JUICE

Most people think of  “WATER” as the most needed for a healthy body. Water is crucial for survival — it’s the foundation for your body fluids such as your  blood and digestive juices.

Water helps nutrients get absorbed and be transported, and it helps eliminate waste. If you should lose as little as 1 percent to 2 percent of your body weight, it can seriously impact your body’s ability to function. It’s commonly said that you should drink eight eight-ounce glasses of water a day to stay healthy. This is just a common rule, as so many factors can affect how much water your body needs.

CAUTION: not all water is EQUAL, or even good for you.  Some Tap water can be potentially contaminated with chemicals, pesticides or even pharmaceutical drugs.

 And bottled water, which is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has weaker regulations than the Environmental Protection Agency requires for tap water.Purifing your water through various processes, sometimes the need to boiling your water, or filtration of water may provide a healthier water.

This comes down to reading the fine print.

Milk curbs food cravings, helps protect against osteoporosis, stabilizes blood sugar,  is the ideal source of calcium,  it contains vitamin D, which is needed for maximum calcium absorption. ‘The calcium causes your body’s cells to burn the fat,allowing  those who are seeking to loose weight, to  choose this drink.   See also our Past article on Chocalate Milk.

Mint Tea eases cramps and helps ward off indigestion. “Mint is an antispasmodic, so it can relax muscles, which combats stiffness and aches.

Soy Milk lowers risk of heart disease, contains soluble fiber and soy protein, which lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and triglycerides, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, but Soy contains phytoestrogens, which may be linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. 

 Tomato Juice may protect against several cancers. Tomato products are the richest source of the antioxidant lycopene, reducing the risk of lung and stomach cancer, as well as pancreatic, colorectal, esophageal, oral, breast and cervical cancers. Lycopene also appears to protect the lungs and heart against oxidative damage.

Cranberry Juice helps prevent gum disease. Research suggests that the same anti-bacterial properties present in cranberry juice that fight off urinary tract infections may also protect against periodontal disease. Experts theorize that a component of the juice called nondialysable material (NDM) inhibits bacteria from sticking to the gums.

Orange Juice is an excellent source of vitamin C, may also ward off cataracts, cancers and birth defects. It can boost your immunity.  Orange juice is also a potent antioxidant that may protect you against a variety of diseases. Vitamin C  improves immune-cell functioning, enabling your body to fight off infections more efficiently. It’s a good source of folate, which protects against neural-tube defects in fetuses. 

There are many nutritionists who continue to debate whether  fruit juices, because of their sugar content, are really healthy. Most would agree that eating whole fruit is always better for you than drinking their juice.You may want to limit your intake to no more than one glass (six to eight ounces) daily. “Make sure the label says 100 percent juice, not ‘juice drink’ or ‘cocktail.”‘

However drinking fruit juice, certain types of juice do have their benefits.

A Study by the University of California, Los Angeles, ranked 10 beverages according to their levels of disease-fighting antioxidants. The conclusion was that the 10 best antioxidant-rich beverages  were mostly fruit juices.

1. Pomegranate juice

2. Red wine

3. Concord grape juice

4. Blueberry juice

5. Black cherry juice

6. Açaí juice

7. Cranberry juice

8. Orange juice

9. Tea

10. Apple juice

Todays Health Suggests… if you choose to drink juice, to do so so in moderation. Further, ”Read the Fine Print”, as there are major differences in juice quality out there.

Always remember, if you get dehydrated, it will make you feel sluggish and can lead to a host of health problems. So be sure to drink up and drink healthy! ]]> http://todayshealthsite.com/todays-health-shares-healthy-choices.html/feed 27 http://todayshealthsite.com/drinkshealthy-or-not.html http://todayshealthsite.com/drinkshealthy-or-not.html#comments Thu, 18 Jun 2009 04:26:25 +0000 d68452s http://todayshealthsite.com/?p=277 Todays Health… featured an article recently,

“Health drinks and Reading the Fine Print”, got me  going.

After I had recently purchased a fruit juice for my breakfast drink, to find out it had pear juice and apple juice as fillers of which I thought I had purchased as it stated, 100% cranberry fruit concentrates… take notice, the fruit concentrates.

Now I know I am not the only person being misled when we walk down the beverage aisle or buy at the fast food place, local watering hole, or where ever you might find the drinks I am about to talk about.

You may just find out that some of these favorite drinks are  only healthy to your waistline….guaranteed to do so. What did I just say…what you may be drinking, if your one who states ” I don’t eat that much and I am still not losing weight”,  it may be due to what you drink.

Americans, I think have a drinking problem, anything that taste good, they drink . Ok, here is some truth to swallow literally,  82 grams of added sugar, according to the FDA, every day. How much is that, 20 teaspoons.

Now if you just looking  to drop a few pounds, you have traded in your soda for diet, whole milk drinks for lowfat, and  rarely touch the hard stuff, you still may be taking in roughly 20% just from beverages
But do not miss this… You may be consuming one of these liquid disasters and be drinking up a couple days’ worth of calories in a few moments. 

I hope you are paying ATTENTION!

Not to sound like I am picking on any particular brand…I will not disclose , but look at this Vitamin water (any flavor; 20 oz bottle) 130 calories 33 grams sugar. Check yours out!

Now you already heard about my juice…but check this one out,  a real imposter (23.5 oz can) 360 calories ,84 g of sugar  (5 percent juice, 95 percent sugar water) and is sold at gas stations and convenience stores al across America .

Now that its approaching summer and your tempted by a Smoothie…
This ? Smoothie (30 oz) 1,170 calories, 169 g sugars, 30 g fat 

For Todays Health ask for the ingredients list or read the fine print before you drink up.
 
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Why they are becoming popular, and why we should consider choosing them part of our daily diet.

What are the health benefits and the facts.

How much should we drink?

Can there be too much of a good thing and what are the side affects if any.

These questions and facts  will be answered shortly by 

 CLICKING HERE