Today’s  Health Article

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 Article

`Yes, those health benefits acclaimed from some  beverages, if  you do drink too much,  their health benefits vanish!

Now, summer is coming, and some of you feel that these  beverages  are just part of your life. You  have  this  need to  satisfying  your ongoing thirst.

Can these drinks be actually healthy?

Oooops… I forgot to mentioned, the drinks we are discussing, because if you have had more than 1 or 2. by the time you finish reading this article. you will either not  be able to finish or the health benefits will no longer be of any benefit.Yes they will have vanished, and now become a health risk.

 OK, here it is… some will argue that these  beverages, drinks such as beer, wine, or your favorite margarita are  healthy if drank in moderation. This means, just because you may benefit from 1 or 2 drinks, DON’T  Get CONFUSED,  that more is better, because that is far from the truth, actually creating health risks if you do.

 With some research, a bottle of beer, glass of wine, or even a margarita all have about the same amount of alcohol. The kicker here is…despite wine’s popular image, experts say  they’re all probably equally good for your health when consumed in moderation.

“If you drink alcohol, beer, or wine in moderation, it probably does have a reasonably healthy effect,”

says Gerald Fuller, PhD, a biochemist at the University of Alabama, Birmingham.

Fuller says it’s the ethanol, a pure form of alcohol found in all types of alcoholic beverages, that makes the various libations good for you, but only in moderation. That means an average of no more than one drink a day for women or two drinks a day for men. More than that, and the benefits evaporate quicker than the frothy head of a freshly poured beer. ( Vanished)

Studies have shown that ethanol can have a variety of positive effects on heart health such as raising HDL (the “good” cholesterol) levels, preventing dangerous blood clots, and allowing the blood to flow more smoothly throughout the body, which reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Alcohol may also boost your health in several other ways as well. Studies have suggested that moderate alcohol consumption can increase insulin sensitivity, which can reduce the risk of diabetes, ward off some types of cancer, and prevent bone loss.

“We do know that ethanol itself has an effect, but there are lots of products in beer and wine such as hops and grape skins that may also have benefits,” Fuller tells WebMD. But he says researchers still haven’t exactly defined what those effects — both positive and negative — may be.

Alcohol Tips

* There is No Need To Start for its health benefits and some people such as pregnant women.people with liver disease, people on medications, and those recovering from alcohol addiction,the risks of drinking way outweigh the health benefits gained. There are other alternatives to receiving the same benefits without the use of alcohol/

*Drinking in moderation is the KEY Word if you do drink .(no more than one drink per day for women, and no more than two drinks per day for men).

*Asking for Help, if you think you have a problem. Talk to your Doctor or a health professional.

*People who drink may benefit from getting  multivitamin with folic acid, since alcohol  has a depletion effect on our body’s nutrients, and those nutrients need to be replaced by either a healthy diet or vitamins.

Todays Health Site is taking an open minded position with this article…

 The Key to drinking Alcohol, is Moderation, or simply all of the health benefits from drinking,  vanish. If you have drank more than the 1 or2 drinks, just like the magician who vanished from the crowd, the ill effects takes on another side which can lead to several illnesses. These drinks can wear many faces, good or bad, depending on the person drinking them and the amount drank. Drinking is a personal responsibility to our health as well to others well being. If others are not, reach out, you may save someones life. To a healthier Life. Do Not Drink and Drive!

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Spice up those favorite dishes, salads and your favorite meats.

Here is Why!

We all know that one of the biggest benefits of cooking with spices,  they bring  and offer delicious flavors to our favorite dishes or foods. Those who do the cooking at your household, may have several of these spices in your in the spice cabinet. Those same people may use them  in their favorite dishes and have a general knowledge of what they are best used in.  We are also willing to say, most people would have no clue as to their health benefits might be.

Those who are seeking to eat healthy, may very well know that almost all spices are low in fat,  cholesterol, sugar and sodium.You will find little calories that would matter,  yet they can be concentrated with essential ingredients that can lead you to a healthier life.

Todays Health Site chooses the following spices… they  may be familiar to many of you.  We wanted to provide the health knowledge for each one.

Did you know that Chili Pepper is a good resource of Vitamin A, Vitamin D,  Potassium, Iron, and Fiber. It also provides anti inflammatory benefits… so cook up that bowel of chili.

Everyone loves the smell of homemade apple pie baking in the oven, due to the Cinnamon  in the pie. You also might find it flavorful on cereal or applesauce. Cinnamon contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Iron and Manganese. It’s medical benefits allows the control of blood sugars  and promotes anti clotting.

If you want a little zest to that favorite dish or it can be found regularly on your favorite steak, Black Pepper is the spice. This spice also provides Calcium, Copper, Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Iron, Potassium, Manganese, and Magnesium.

This spice may be best known for flavoring that vegetable dish, chicken dishes or gingerbread, Ginger would be the spice. This spice known for its medical benefits when you have that upset stomach or motion sickness. The vitamins found in Ginger are Vitamin D and minerals are Copper, Manganese,  and Potassium.

The actual Mustard Seeds  or ground up mustard may be used  in your potato salad, chicken dish, or your favorite dressing.   This spice  contains Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus and a source of protein and calcium. Mustard seed is also a great source of Selenium… considered to have cancer preventive qualities.  

Tumeric is a ingredient found in Curry powder, used to season vegetable dishes and it’s mighty tasty with Lentils. Tumeric is one of the healthiest because of it anti-inflamatory  qualities, it aids in the digestion of your foods, and enables the healing of wounds. It also provides Fiber, Iron, Magnesium, Vitamin B6, Manganese, Vitamin C and Potassium. 

Todays Health Site provides this information to enhance your health needs. So in conclusion a healthier life might be found by adding a little spice in our life.                          

Is SUGAR Becoming an Edidemic in the US?

Knowing this,  are we becoming  a population addicted  to Sugar?

How is this “SUGAR CRAZE” affecting our Health.

The average American consumes 2 to 3 pounds of sugar each week, that translates to over 150 pounds of sugar per person per year.

Sugar as an additive,  has attributed to this alarming number. With wide popularity of Sugar, it is in everything, and may be disguised in various forms. Sucrose, dextrose, and high fructose corn syrups  may be found as an active ingredient in  your processed food or condiments. These are highly refined sweeteners.

Most professionals stress a balanced approach to eating. If we limit the intake of acidic foods and increasing the intake of alkaline foods, one can achieve optimum health. One of the main factors in the fight against acidic pH levels is sugar.

Sugar’s Radical Effect:

On insulin levels, when they do drop; so does the release of  our growth hormone. Our growth hormones depress the immune system, leaving the body open to a variety of diseases and illnesses. Insulin also inhances the body’s ability to fight off weight gain and elevated triglyceride levels. Simply put, the higher in sugars a food is, the more likely it will promote fat storage in the body. These fat cells  host  in turn degrade the structure of red blood cells in our the bloodstream.

Within our body Vitamin C and Sugar will also fight for control of the cellular development.  Vitamin C and Simple Sugar, from a structural standpoint, are quite similar. As sugar levels go up in the body, they compete with one another when they enter cells. When a higher concentration of sugar is within the bloodstream,this allows more sugar into thirsty cells leaving little to no room for Vitamin C. Without the phagocytizing effects of Vitamn C on cellular structures they are unable to fend off the attacks of viruses and bacteria. Now having lower white blood cell counts, our immune system  isn`t strong enough to protect the body.

Sugar by absorption, steals vital micro-nutrients to help it metabolize in our system. With this deficit being created, our micro-nutrients are not being replaced, causing our fat cells and cholesterol to not be metabolized, thus leading to high blood pressure and obesity.

The ability of sugar to raise insulin levels artificially eventually leaves the pancreas dysfunctional and the body dependent on sugar. This is commonly referred to as diabetes.

Simple sugars have also been attributed to gallstones, mood disorders, heart disease and even asthma. With all of the negative effects that sugars have been clinically linked to, is it any wonder that sugar is also one of the most acidic things you can put into your body.

Cancer is the most dangerous result of heavy sugar dependence.  The  relationship between sugars and unhealthy acidic levels in the bloodstream is clearly drawn through the connection of glucose (sugar) and cancerous cells.

 Simple sugars are quite simply a poison to the body that will eventually deteriorate the quality of cellular development and suppress the immune system to the point of failure.

By balancing the diet,  you can decrease the risk of disease in the body.  Look carefully at  the  ingredient labels and be aware of the many names that simple sugars hide behind.