Below is taken from Woman's World July 19,2010 issue pages 20 and 21
Hibiscus lowers blood pressure!
The blooms, rich in anthocyanins, compounds that dilate blood vessels and block an enzyme the triggers hypertension--in the same way that the common prescriptions, ACE inhibitors, work, but without their side effects. In one study, hypertension patients saw their blood pressure lowered 11% after drinking hibiscus tea for just 12 days. Find the tea in supermarkets (also sold as Red Zinger Tea), or snack on sweet dried hibiscus flowers, sold in health-food stores.
Allspice revs immunity!
The main compound in allspice, a berry native to Jamaica, is eugenol, is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial proven to kill germs on contact. The spice also has chemicals that stimulate the immune system, speed healing and even help stop the growth of cancer, say researchers. Add it to your marinades for meat, fish, and chicken.
Ginger protects your heart!
While you know ginger is good for stomachaches, new research reveals it can improve your heart health, too. Like aspirin, it prevents clots that can leat to strokes and heart attacks by relaxing blood vessels, and it also has thromboxane, which lowers cholesterol! Add ginger to marinades and stir-fries, or look for ginger beer in supermarkets. (from me: I like making cinnamon ginger tea by simmering water, a cinnamon stick, and slices of ginger for 20 to 30 minutes on the stove and then pour it into a pitcher and add more water to make 2 quarts. I sweeten it with honey.)
Coconuts help you lose weight!
Coconuts are loaded with fatty acids, but don't let those words fool you: These fats actually reduce body fat by revving metabolism, assisting in digestion and regulating the thyroid, says Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., author of The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth. And coconuts are packed with lauric acid, proven to reduce cholesterol and balance blood-sugar levels. A spoonful a day of coconut oil is enough to get the benefit, Bowden says; take it straight or use it in place of your regular cooking oil.
Papayas soothe indigestion!
Got a stomachache? Reach for a papaya and you'll feel better fast! Papayas contain an enzyme called papain that breaks down protein in the digestive tract, eases indigestion and stops gas and bloating. In fact, it's such a powerful anti-inflammatory, it's proven to help reduce the swelling caused by everything from arthritis to gingivitis! Find them in your supermarket.
Plantains calm you down!
Think bananas are tops when it comes to potassium and magnesium? think again! Their cousin, the plantain, contains even more of the powerhouse minerals proven to calm the nervous system and help lull you to sleep. They've also been shown to lower blood pressure and stabilize blood-sugar levels. You can find them at most grocery stores; slice and saute them with a little brown sugar for a sweet treat, or arrange thin slices on a baking sheet, spray each side with cooking spray and poop in the oven at 400 degrees F. until crisp for crunchy plantain chips!
Yams ease PMS!
If Jamaican women seem to breeze through every day of the month, the credit goes to one of their starchy staples: yams. They're packed with vitamins B1 and B6, nutrients the body needs for energy, mood regulation and reducing irritability. Plus, the vitamin duo also lowers levels of estrogen, the hormone that triggers PMS symptoms. Yams are so female friendly, they even help ease women through menopause! They contain diosgenin, a phytoestrogen also found in pharmaceuticals used to relieve menopausal symptoms! (me: OK... I'm gonna go out and buy some yams... mayhaps they will help reduce hot flashes!!!!! Yeah!)
Below taken from: Woman's World 3/29/2010 pages 12 and 13, Gabrielle Lichterman
Ginger
Tea
Above taken from: Woman's World 3/29/2010 pages 12 and 13, Gabrielle Lichterman
Potato Chips
Did you know that potato chips are full of acrylamide, a carcinogen that can cause cancer? I didn't! Hubby LOVES his potato chips, he practically lives on them. Acrylamide forms when starchy foods are heated at high temperatures. A 1-oz serving of chips can contain up to 39 times more acrylamide than the Wold Health Organization deems as safe! YIKES!! Orange juice to the rescue!!! YAYAYAYAYAYA When you are finished with your spud chip eating, drink a glass of orange juice!. it boosts the liver's ability to break down carcinogens by as much as 35%, say the researchers. And we use to think orange juice was only for breakfast.
Source: Woman's World, Mar 8, 2010 issue, from an article by Brenda Kearns
Top Cancer Fighting Foods
Detox with Lemon Juice
Just putting a lemon slice in your tea or water can help you effortlessly shed pounds, feel energized and get rid of toxins, say researchers. Because of its unique mix of phytonutrients, lemon juice boosts metabolism and enhances the liver's ability to break down trapped fats and pollutants by an amazing 30%, say researchers at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut.
Woman's World, March 1, 2010 issue, pg.21
Headache?
Grab a handful of almonds! They have the same agent as aspirin to relieve pain... but no unpleasant stomach upsets like aspirin can cause.
Who knew! I'm going to stock up on almonds. They are also good to help lower bad cholesterol and regulate blood pressure. Also a good source of magnesium, much tastier than taking a magnesium tablet and not get it down the first time and have it melt in your mouth. eeeewwww
Hey! Those almonds really do work! A couple of weeks ago I had gotten a headache towards the end of the day and I did eat a handful of almonds and just went on doing whatever. A little while later I realized the headache was gone. I like that! :)
Cherries work, too!
Article about almonds
Spices Used as Folk Remedies Rodale's Encyclopedia of Natural Home Remedies
Hibiscus lowers blood pressure!
The blooms, rich in anthocyanins, compounds that dilate blood vessels and block an enzyme the triggers hypertension--in the same way that the common prescriptions, ACE inhibitors, work, but without their side effects. In one study, hypertension patients saw their blood pressure lowered 11% after drinking hibiscus tea for just 12 days. Find the tea in supermarkets (also sold as Red Zinger Tea), or snack on sweet dried hibiscus flowers, sold in health-food stores.
Allspice revs immunity!
The main compound in allspice, a berry native to Jamaica, is eugenol, is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial proven to kill germs on contact. The spice also has chemicals that stimulate the immune system, speed healing and even help stop the growth of cancer, say researchers. Add it to your marinades for meat, fish, and chicken.
Ginger protects your heart!
While you know ginger is good for stomachaches, new research reveals it can improve your heart health, too. Like aspirin, it prevents clots that can leat to strokes and heart attacks by relaxing blood vessels, and it also has thromboxane, which lowers cholesterol! Add ginger to marinades and stir-fries, or look for ginger beer in supermarkets. (from me: I like making cinnamon ginger tea by simmering water, a cinnamon stick, and slices of ginger for 20 to 30 minutes on the stove and then pour it into a pitcher and add more water to make 2 quarts. I sweeten it with honey.)
Coconuts help you lose weight!
Coconuts are loaded with fatty acids, but don't let those words fool you: These fats actually reduce body fat by revving metabolism, assisting in digestion and regulating the thyroid, says Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., author of The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth. And coconuts are packed with lauric acid, proven to reduce cholesterol and balance blood-sugar levels. A spoonful a day of coconut oil is enough to get the benefit, Bowden says; take it straight or use it in place of your regular cooking oil.
Papayas soothe indigestion!
Got a stomachache? Reach for a papaya and you'll feel better fast! Papayas contain an enzyme called papain that breaks down protein in the digestive tract, eases indigestion and stops gas and bloating. In fact, it's such a powerful anti-inflammatory, it's proven to help reduce the swelling caused by everything from arthritis to gingivitis! Find them in your supermarket.
Plantains calm you down!
Think bananas are tops when it comes to potassium and magnesium? think again! Their cousin, the plantain, contains even more of the powerhouse minerals proven to calm the nervous system and help lull you to sleep. They've also been shown to lower blood pressure and stabilize blood-sugar levels. You can find them at most grocery stores; slice and saute them with a little brown sugar for a sweet treat, or arrange thin slices on a baking sheet, spray each side with cooking spray and poop in the oven at 400 degrees F. until crisp for crunchy plantain chips!
Yams ease PMS!
If Jamaican women seem to breeze through every day of the month, the credit goes to one of their starchy staples: yams. They're packed with vitamins B1 and B6, nutrients the body needs for energy, mood regulation and reducing irritability. Plus, the vitamin duo also lowers levels of estrogen, the hormone that triggers PMS symptoms. Yams are so female friendly, they even help ease women through menopause! They contain diosgenin, a phytoestrogen also found in pharmaceuticals used to relieve menopausal symptoms! (me: OK... I'm gonna go out and buy some yams... mayhaps they will help reduce hot flashes!!!!! Yeah!)
Below taken from: Woman's World 3/29/2010 pages 12 and 13, Gabrielle Lichterman
Ginger
- Quashes ovarian cancer!
A University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center study found that the ginger powder used to make ginger ale, gingerbread cookies and marinades stops ovarian cancer cells in their tracks! Its secret? Ginger decreases inflamation, a key trigger for the growth of cancer cells, says study author J. Rebecca Liu, M.D.
- Stops painful menstrual cramps!
Nibbling a few pieces of crystallized ginger candy or sipping ginger tea is as effective as popping ibuprofen to relieve painful periods, reports the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. "Ginger decreases uncomfortable spasms in the uterus,: explains Laurie Steelsmith, N.D., author of Natural Choices for Women's Health.
- Eases arthritis!
In a University of Miami Medical School study, three out of four arthritis sufferers who received a 255-mg. dose of a ginger supplement twice daily saw as much relief as those taking a regular pain pill. Ginger blocks compounds that trigger joint swelling and helps prevent wear and tear on joints.
Grapes
- Prevent heart disease!
Each tiny grape is packed with a mix of compounds that stop heart disease: They prevent the build-up of "bad" cholesterol, widen blood vessels so blood can easily pass through and reduce the risk of blood clots that can lead to a heart attack. Just one cup of purple grapes or 8 oz. of purple grape juice a day will get you the benefits.
- Help prevent breast cancer!
A study shows one cup of purple grapes a day is enough to load your body with compounds that keep breast tissue free of too much estrogen, a key cause of breast tumors.
- Ward off colds!
Folks who sip grape juice have a stronger immune system than those who skip it, according to a recent study in The Journal of Nutrition. Grapes increase your body's level of gamma-delta T cells, which help your immune system fight off bacteria and viruses.
- Whiten teeth!
"Grapes contain malic acid, which clogs the pores in the surface of your teeth to prevent stains from embedding in your tooth while removing surface discoloration as you chew," says Elisa Mello, D.D.S., assistant clinical professor at New York University.
- Erase wrinkles with a grape mask!
Grapes are loaded with skin-firming alpha hydroxy acids, just like many wrinkle creams!
To use: Mash up 3 green grapes and dab the juice on your skin, concentrating on areas around your eyes, mouth and forehead. Leave it on for 5 minutes, then rinse.
Sugar
- Zaps acne!
Sugar's disinfectant properties banish pimple-causing bacteria and heal blemishes, reveals Lillian M. Beard, M.D., author of Salt in Your Sock and Other Tried-and-True Home Remedies. Mix sugar with water until it's paste-like; massage onto your face, then rinse.
- Reverses dehydration!
Ever get a headache out of nowhere? You might be dehydrated! To replenish your body, mix 1 Tbs sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, and the juice of 1/2 a lime into a pint of water and sip. This restores the body's balance of electrolytes to relieve the headache.
- Sharpens memory!
In a recent study, volunteers who drank 12 oz. of non-diet soda right before learning a long list of new words recalled 11% more later than those who didn't drink soda. Sugar activates the area of the brain that regulates memory--helping you retain more newly learned information.
Sugar Myths Busted!
Despite what you have heard, SUGAR DOES NOT
- Cause cavities!
Bacteria that feed on any carbohydrate are the main cause of tooth erosion.
- Trigger diabetes!
A diet high in calories from all food types, being overweight, and not exercising are the primary risk factors for developing diabetes.
- Make kids hyperactive!
The British Medical Journal reports that kids who eat sugar are no more wound up than those who stick to a sugar-free diet.
Tea
- Wards off cancer!
Research shows that women who drink the most black, green, white, or oolong tea daily are about half as likely to develop digestive cancers (including colon, rectal, and urinary tract cancers), skin cancer, and breast cancer. Tea contains antioxidants that nix fere radicals--destructive particles that can damage cells, triggering cancer and other serious diseases.
- Beats stress!
Women who sip tea four times a day are less bothered by stressful situations and calm down more quickly after a tension-filled even than those who don't drink tea, according to researchers from the U.K.'s University College London. Black, green, oolong teas all contain theanine, an amino acid that helps the brain and body relax.
- Gives you all-day energy!
Green tea has about 75% less caffeine than coffee, but when you sip it throughout the day in place of your usual morning mug of joe, you'll feel perkier all day long, say researchers at Harvard Medical School. The reason? Frequent low doses of caffeine combat the build-up of adenosine, a sleep-inducing chemical.
- Cure for bad breath!
Black, green, and oolong teas contain polyphenols that block odor-causing bacteria from sticking to your teeth, according to researchers.
Cinnamon
- Lowers bad cholesterol and blood pressure!
Thanks to powerful antioxidant compounds in this sweet spice, just 1 tsp a day can lower "bad" LDL cholesterol, increase "good" HDL cholesterol, and bring down blood pressure in just four weeks, studies show.
- Curbs your appetite!
Cinnamon regulates swings in blood sugar, cutting hunger spikes, according to research from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Credit goes to a chemical it contains that works like insulin to keep blood sugar steady.
- Soothes sore throats!
Soak cinnamon sticks in ice water for several hours, then sip the water, Cold water releases cinnamon's mucilage, a substance that eases soreness and scratchiness, says Dr. Beard.
- Clears away brain fog!
In one study, people who chewed cinnamon gum got higher scores on attention and memory tests than those who chewed other gum. Why? Cinna mon boosts blood flow to the brain, says study author Bryan Raudenbush, Ph.D.
- A whiff helps you make better decisions!
People in a study who sniffed a cinnamon-vanilla scent were better at problem-solving than those who didn't breathe it in. Researchers say the aroma boosts mood, which makes us more likely to come up with creative ideas.
Above taken from: Woman's World 3/29/2010 pages 12 and 13, Gabrielle Lichterman
Potato Chips
Did you know that potato chips are full of acrylamide, a carcinogen that can cause cancer? I didn't! Hubby LOVES his potato chips, he practically lives on them. Acrylamide forms when starchy foods are heated at high temperatures. A 1-oz serving of chips can contain up to 39 times more acrylamide than the Wold Health Organization deems as safe! YIKES!! Orange juice to the rescue!!! YAYAYAYAYAYA When you are finished with your spud chip eating, drink a glass of orange juice!. it boosts the liver's ability to break down carcinogens by as much as 35%, say the researchers. And we use to think orange juice was only for breakfast.
Source: Woman's World, Mar 8, 2010 issue, from an article by Brenda Kearns
Top Cancer Fighting Foods
- Apples (Granny Smith, Red Delicious, Gala)
- Artichokes
- Beans (black, pinto, kidney)
- Berries
- Black plums
- Pecans
- Prunes
- Russet potatoes
- Sweet cherries
Source: USDA
Detox with Lemon Juice
Just putting a lemon slice in your tea or water can help you effortlessly shed pounds, feel energized and get rid of toxins, say researchers. Because of its unique mix of phytonutrients, lemon juice boosts metabolism and enhances the liver's ability to break down trapped fats and pollutants by an amazing 30%, say researchers at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut.
Woman's World, March 1, 2010 issue, pg.21
Headache?
Grab a handful of almonds! They have the same agent as aspirin to relieve pain... but no unpleasant stomach upsets like aspirin can cause.
Who knew! I'm going to stock up on almonds. They are also good to help lower bad cholesterol and regulate blood pressure. Also a good source of magnesium, much tastier than taking a magnesium tablet and not get it down the first time and have it melt in your mouth. eeeewwww
Hey! Those almonds really do work! A couple of weeks ago I had gotten a headache towards the end of the day and I did eat a handful of almonds and just went on doing whatever. A little while later I realized the headache was gone. I like that! :)
Cherries work, too!
Article about almonds
Spices Used as Folk Remedies Rodale's Encyclopedia of Natural Home Remedies
AllSpice (Pimenta officinalis)
resembles a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: hence it's name. In folk medicine it has been used for sugar diabetes. This hypoglycemic activity has been partially verified by clinical science. Allspice is useful in promoting good oral hygiene, mostly as a mouthwash for bad breath. It reduces the harsh action certain laxative herbs like cascara sagrada, buckthorn bark, and rhubarb root have on the bowels. It is said to revive those parts of the body which suffer from frostbite and intense cold, when consumed as a tea. However, it is not recommended for those with low blood sugar problems.
Allspice gives variety to soups, juices, fruits, sauces, and green, red, and yellow vegetables. It adds zest to corn beef and cabbage and tames the wild game roasts the great whiter hunter brings home to his spouse. Besides making curry powder more interesting, allspice adds thought to mulled wine and warms the spirits of any cordial.
