7 Benefits of Jogging That You Didn’t Know

The benefits of jogging just keep on piling up. Jogging is one of the oldest and most popular forms of aerobic exercise. Fads come and go, but jogging has withstood some of the trendiest exercise crazes that have come thru the years. There are many health benefits of jogging which is why it has remained so popular. As always, consult a physician first before embarking on any exercise program. When you do take it up, start slowly. Take brisk walks at first and slowly introduce jogging spurts as you build your endurance. They say the ideal form is to land on the ball of the heel and you should push with your toes. A sign of good form is if you feel like you are gliding, with hardly any pressure or weight on your feet. Purchase the proper running clothes, but be especially particular with running shoes. They should be a half size bigger than your actual size, to give your toes wiggle room. Also, make up your mind if jogging on a treadmill or outdoors suits you better. Treadmill jogging is great because rain or shine, you get to do the activity.

Jogging outdoors on the other hand keeps you in touch with outside action. You can also determine if you are a morning or afternoon jogger so you can plan and make time for the exercise. The benefits of jogging in the morning are that you are fresh, well-rested, and if you run on an empty stomach, could burn more fat. Afternoon jogs on the other hand can help you blow-off steam and accumulated stress from the day. Here are seven major reasons that you should take up jogging.

Jogging has many disease prevention advantages. Here are just a few jogging benefits:

1. Jogging Helps Prevent Hypertension and Heart Disease

Aerobic fitness is linked to a better quality of life. The benefit of jogging is that it can reduce your risk of developing a host of diseases. Among these is heart disease since your cardiovascular system since gets a great workout with this exercise. Jogging helps to keep high blood pressure at bay. One mechanism it activates is the lowering of LDL or the “bad cholesterol” in your blood as you do vigorous exercise such as jogging. Known as the “silent killer”, hypertension can have long term effects on your body that could lead to life threatening conditions such as hemorrhaging, atherosclerosis and aneurysms if it is unchecked.

2. Jogging Helps Prevent Some Cancers

Researchers strongly agree that jogging is helpful in the prevention of some cancers. This is achieved by the better oxygenation of the entire body while we are jogging. Cells that do not get adequate supplies of oxygen have been known to mutate more vigorously, often turning malignant. Jogging increases the supply of oxygen to all parts of the body, helping prevent some cancers.

3. Jogging Helps Keep Infectious Diseases at Bay

Jogging also strengthens the immune system remarkably well. There is strong evidence that aerobic exercise helps promote the stimulation of macrophages or bacteria fighting cells and lymphocytes that fight infections thru the immune system. Having these cells circulate systemically helps boost our over-all immunity to stave off several infectious diseases, such as the common cold and flu which are viral diseases, and some bacterial infections.

4. Jogging Wages War with Diabetes

Jogging also helps control and prevents diabetes. A sedentary lifestyle and being overweight has been shown to directly increase your risk of developing diabetes. Adopting jogging and a healthy lifestyle can prevent you from acquiring this debilitating condition.

Jogging also has other beneficial effects besides physical well being. It also promotes our mental and psychological conditions.

5. Improved Mental Fitness

Jogging also benefits our mental health. Being in shape gives us a better sense of confidence and self esteem. You are also able to improve your over-all demeanor since jogging helps release the feel-good hormones called endorphins. These are chemicals released into the body that causes you to have an upbeat mood. This is what is commonly referred to as the runners high. Exercise like jogging will keep you feeling better and happy the whole day.

6. Combat Stress with Jogging

Jogging is very helpful when it comes to fighting stress. It helps put you in a more peaceful state of mind and helps promote an upbeat attitude. Jogging or running on a treadmill can give immediate tension release by helping the release of brain chemicals that have a calming effect on our emotions. These chemical are norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine. Exercise has been shown to affect at the cellular level by reversing some of the adverse effects of stress that are aging related. Jogging and the repeated pounding of your feet on the treadmill or pavement helps give us that peaceful state that allows us to shut out the world and just be alone with our thoughts. This can be a very soothing feeling, shutting out stressors while we are immersed in the joy of running. It also affords us the solitude to sort out some of our daily concerns with less distraction.

7. Jogging Helps you Lose Weight and Reduces Body Fat Levels

The benefits of jogging for women and men is that it almost has no equal with regards to weight regulation. It is estimated that you will burn roughly around 150 calories for every mile that you go jogging. Doing this religiously would increase the number of calories you lose in the long run. This is one of the benefits of jogging everyday. There is also the afterburn effect as you will still be burning additional calories for the next 48 hours after your last run. This is also one of the most efficient ways to lose weight and get into shape. You will be able to achieve your fitness goals faster than if you did other cardiovascular exercises such as walking. Jogging is your answer to losing those extra pounds that just stubbornly won’t come off. Since it is weight bearing, it allows you to burn a larger number of calories per session. Bear in mind a little math; one pound of fat is equal to 3,500 calories, which simply means you have to torch 3,500 calories to lose one pound of fat. Jogging will help you reach that goal faster.

So whether you plan to hit the treadmill or the pavement, give jogging a try. It is a time tested exercise that has reaped health benefits for millions of people for several generations now.

Bottom line…

Jogging is awesome! Therefore, make sure to grab the FREE Handbook Of Effective Jogging on this page and start to experience described benefits right away!

10 Benefits of Carrots: The Crunchy Powerfood

Forget about vitamin A pills. Carrots provide vitamin A and a host of other impressive health benefits including beautiful skin, cancer prevention and anti-aging. Learn how to reap the benefits from this crunchy powerfood.

Health Benefits of Carrots

1. Improves vision
There’s some truth in the old wisdom that carrots are good for your eyes. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the liver. Vitamin A is transformed in the retina, to rhodopsin, a purple pigment necessary for night vision.

Beta-carotene has also been shown to protect against macular degeneration and senile cataracts. A study found that people who eat large amounts of beta-carotene had a 40 percent lower risk of macular degeneration than those who consumed little.

2. Helps prevent cancer
Studies have shown carrots reduce the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer.

Falcarinol is a natural pesticide produced by the carrot that protects its roots from fungal diseases. Carrots are one of the only common sources of this compound. A study showed 1/3 lower cancer risk by carrot-eating rats.

3. Slows down aging
The high level of beta-carotene in carrots acts as an antioxidant to cell damage done to the body through regular metabolism. It help slows down the aging of cells.

4. Promotes healthier skin
Vitamin A and antioxidants protect the skin from sun damage. Deficiencies of vitamin A cause dryness to the skin, hair and nails. Vitamin A prevents premature wrinkling, acne, dry skin, pigmentation, blemishes and uneven skin tone.

5. Helps prevent infection
Carrots are known by herbalists to prevent infection. They can be used on cuts—shredded raw or boiled and mashed.

6. Promotes healthier skin (from the outside)
Carrots are used as an inexpensive and very convenient facial mask. Just mix grated carrot with a bit of honey. See the full recipe here: carrot face mask.

7. Prevents heart disease
Studies show that diets high in carotenoids are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Carrots have not only beta-carotene but also alpha-carotene and lutein.

The regular consumption of carrots also reduces cholesterol levels because the soluble fibers in carrots bind with bile acids.

8. Cleanses the body
Vitamin A assists the liver in flushing out the toxins from the body. It reduces the bile and fat in the liver. The fiber present in carrots helps clean out the colon and hasten waste movement.

9. Protects teeth and gums
It’s all in the crunch! Carrots clean your teeth and mouth. They scrape off plaque and food particles just like toothbrushes or toothpaste. Carrots stimulate gums and trigger a lot of saliva, which, being alkaline, balances out the acid-forming, cavity-forming bacteria. The minerals in carrots prevent tooth damage.

10. Prevents stroke
From all the above benefits it’s no surprise that in a Harvard University study, people who ate five or more carrots a week were less likely to suffer a stroke than those who ate only one carrot a month or less.

 

Fun Facts About Carrots

• Rabbits love to eat carrots, but they shouldn’t eat too many.
  A rabbit eating a single carrot is like us eating over 20. Carrots are good for rabbit teeth and don’t have artificial sugar, but even too many natural sugars can cause digestive problems and diabetes. They probably would do better with carrot tops!
• Carrots are the second most popular type of vegetable after potatoes.
• The biggest carrot recorded is more than 19 pounds and the longest is over 19 feet!
  You can see them here, but they aren’t particularly pretty!
• There are more than 100 species of carrots.
  Some are big, some are small, and they come in a variety of colors including: orange, purple, white, yellow and red.
• English women in the 1600s often wore carrot leaves in their hats in place of flowers or feathers.
• The name “carrot” comes from the Greek word “karoton.”
  The beta-carotene that is found in carrots was actually named for the carrot itself.
• The average American eats about 12 pounds of carrots a year.
  That’s only one cup per week. We could easily triple that while also eating a variety of other vegetables.

How To Eat Carrots

The nutrients in carrots are tightly encased in protein sacs that have to be broken by heat (cooking) or mechanical action (grinding, juicing, proper chewing).

Cooking the carrots in fat or oils, pureeing or juicing them increases the availability of carotenoids by 600 percent.

Fats also help the absorption of carotenoids into the blood by 1,000 percent, as carotenoids are fat soluble, so pour a little olive oil on top!

13 Health Benefits of Oranges

“Orange strengthens your emotional body, encouraging a general feeling of joy, well-being, and cheerfulness.” – Tae Yun Kim

Who doesn’t love a delicious and juicy orange as a snack? I enjoy eating one or two oranges a day most of the year, since they’re easy to eat and provide quick energy. They also provide the following health benefits:

13 Health Benefits of Oranges:

1. Oranges contain phytochemicals that protect against cancer.
Oranges are rich in citrus limonoids, proven to help fight a number of varieties of cancer including that of the skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon.

2. Orange juice can help prevent kidney diseases.
Drinking orange juice regularly prevents kidney diseases and reduces the risk of kidney stones.

Note: drink juice in moderate amounts. The high sugar content of fruit juices can cause tooth decay and the high acid content can wear away enamel if consumed in excess.

3. Mandarin oranges fight liver cancer, according to studies.
According to two studies in Japan eating mandarin oranges reduces liver cancer. This may be due in part to vitamin A compounds known as carotenoids.

4. Oranges lower cholesterol.
Since they’re full of soluble fiber, oranges are helpful in lowering cholesterol.

5. They are rich in potassium and boost heart health.
Oranges are full of potassium an electrolyte mineral responsible for helping the heart function well. When potassium levels get too low, you may develop an abnormal heart rhythm, known as an arrhythmia.

6. They lower the risk of diseases.

Oranges are full of vitamin C, which protects cells by neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals cause chronic diseases, like cancer and heart disease.

7. Oranges fight against viral infections.
Studies show that the abundance of polyphenols in oranges protects against viral infections.

8. They relieve constipation.
Oranges are full of dietary fiber which stimulates digestive juices and relieves constipation.

9. They aid in good eye health and protect vision.
Oranges are rich in carotenoid compounds which are converted to vitamin A and help prevent macular degeneration.

10. They regulate high blood pressure.
The flavonoid hesperidin found in oranges helps regulate high blood pressure and the magnesium in oranges helps maintain blood pressure.

11. They protect skin.
Oranges are full of beta-carotene, which is a powerful antioxidant that protects the cells from damage. Beta-carotene protects the skin from free radicals and helps prevent the signs of aging.

12. Oranges alkalize the body.
Although oranges are acidic before you digest them, they contain many alkaline minerals that help to balance out the body after they are digested. In this respect, they are similar to lemons, which are one of the most alkaline foods available.

13. Oranges provide smart carbs and do not cause a blood sugar spike.
Oranges like all fruits have simple sugars in them, but the orange has a glycemic index of 40. Anything under 55 is considered low. This means as long as you don’t eat too many oranges at one time, they won’t spike your blood sugar and cause problems with insulin or weight gain.

Oranges have a wealth of nutrients including vitamin C, vitamin A precursors, calcium,potassium and pectin. For a complete list of its nutrients go to calories in an orange.

Interesting Orange Facts:

• Oranges are the largest citrus crop in the world.
• Brazil produces more oranges than any other country.
• Navel Oranges are named after the belly button shape near the bottom.
• About 25 billion oranges are grown each year in America.
• In the 18th century British sailors took sauerkraut and citrus fruits on the ships to prevent scurvy.
• Florida produces about 70 percent of the total U.S. crop, and 90 percent of its production goes to make juice.
• In Queen Victoria’s day, oranges were given as Christmas gifts in England.
• Two most common varieties of oranges are Navel and Valencia oranges.
• Orange is the world’s third favorite flavor after chocolate and vanilla.

History of the Orange:

• Oranges were first grown in southeast Asia, northeastern India and southern China and were first cultivated in China around 2500 BC.
• In the first century AD, Romans brought young orange trees all the way from India to Rome. North Africa began growing oranges in the 1st century AD.
• Christopher Columbus brought orange seeds in 1493 across the Atlantic Ocean to Spain’s Canary Islands to Haiti, where he planted orange orchards. By 1518 oranges were introduced to Panama and Mexico, and a little later Brazil started growing orange trees.
• America’s first orange trees were planted in Florida in 1513 by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon.

Growing Oranges:

Oranges are tropical to semitropical, small evergreen flowering trees growing to about 5 to 8 meters tall. Evergreen means they produce flowers and fruit all at the same time.

Oranges are either sweet or bitter, but most of us eat only the sweet oranges. The most popular sweet varieties are Valencia, Navel, Persian variety and blood orange.

Warm weather can cause the orange skin to re-green, but it will still taste good.

Orange peels contain many volatile oil glands in pits. Interior flesh is composed of segments, called carpels, made up of numerous fluid-filled vesicles that are actually specialized hair cells.

Selection and Storage:

• In the northern hemisphere orange fruit season begins in October and lasts until February.
• The bigger the navel in an orange, the sweeter it will be.
• Buy fresh fruits that are firm, yet yield to gentle pressure.
• Fresh oranges have bright color, no wrinkles on the skin and feel heavy for their size.
• Avoid overly soft oranges with spots and mold.
• Oranges can be kept at room temperature for a week or so and but keep well for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Keep them loose in the fruit container and place in the cool area away from excessive moisture, as they tend to get mold easily.
• Store freshly squeezed orange juice inside the freezer compartment for later use.
• Store dried orange zest in a cool, dry place in an airtight glass container away from moisture.
• Moro oranges are also called blood oranges, because the pulp is bright red.

Orange Cautions:

Insecticide is sprayed over most orange crops. It is important to, at the very least, wash the oranges in cold running water before use, or even better, wash them in a fruit and vegetable rinse.Organic oranges do not have these chemicals and are best suited for zest preparation.

For those susceptible to foodborne illness, you may need to avoid drinking unpasteurized or fresh-squeezed juice that could contain harmful bacteria. Try sticking to pasteurized juices.

Preparation and Serving Tips:

It is simple to eat a fresh orange anytime or anywhere. Be sure to wash them under running water to remove surface dirt and any pesticide residues.

Making fresh orange juice at home is easy and much better than commercial drinks that may contain preservatives and artificial coloring. Oranges will produce more juice when warmer, so always juice them when they are at room temperature. You can roll the orange under the palm of your hand on a flat surface to help extract more juice. Also, it is best to drink the juice at room temperature.

The outermost part of the rind can be grated to produce orange zest. It is important that you use an organic orange as this is where all the pesticides will be.

4 Types of Foods to Help Boost Your Memory

If you're feeling forgetful, it could be due to a lack of sleep or a number of other reasons, including genetics, level of physical activity and lifestyle and environmental factors. However, there's no doubt that diet plays a major role in brain health.

The best menu for boosting memory and brain function encourages good blood flow to the brain — much like what you'd eat to nourish and protect your heart. Research found the Mediterranean Diet helps in keeping aging brains sharp, and a growing body of evidence links foods like those in the Mediterranean diet with better cognitive function, memory and alertness.

Strengthen Recall by Adding These Foods to the Rotation

Eat your veggies. You're not likely to forget this message. Getting adequate vegetables, especially cruciferous ones including broccoli, cabbage and dark leafy greens, may help improve memory. Try a kale salad or substitute collard greens for a tortilla in your next sandwich wrap. Broccoli stir-fry is also an excellent option for lunch or dinner.

Be sweet on berries and cherries. Berries — especially dark ones such as blackberries, blueberries and cherries — are a rich source of anthocyanins and other flavonoids that may boost memory function. Enjoy a handful of berries for a snack, mixed into cereal or baked into an antioxidant-rich dessert. You can reap these benefits from fresh, frozen or dried berries and cherries.

Get adequate omega-3 fatty acids. Essential for good brain health, omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in particular, may help improve memory in healthy young adults. "DHA is the most abundant fatty acid in the brain. It makes sense that if you have higher levels of DHA in the blood, then the brain will operate more efficiently," says Andrea Giancoli, RD, registered dietitian and past Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson (2005-2014).

Seafood, algae and fatty fish — including salmon, bluefin tuna, sardines and herring — are some of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Substitute fish for meat a couple of times each week to get a healthy dose. Grill, bake or broil fish for ultimate flavor and health. Try salmon tacos with red cabbage slaw, snack on sardines or enjoy seared tuna on salad greens for dinner. If you don't eat fish, discuss other food options and supplementation with your doctor or registered dietitian nutritionist. You can get omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, seaweed or microalgae supplements.

Work in walnuts. Well known for a positive impact on heart health, walnuts also may improve working memory. Snack on a handful of walnuts to satisfy midday hunger, add them to oatmeal or salad for crunch or mix them into a vegetable stir-fry for extra protein.

These foods are not just good for the brain, they sustain a healthy heart and all parts of the body. While there's no guarantee that these foods will help you remember where you put your keys tomorrow, over time they can support lifelong good health.

8 Foods to Eat During Pregnancy for Fair and Intelligent Babies

Every pregnant woman wants that after delivery her baby got a fair skin complexion, the food which we tell you are really very awesome for the fair complexion of your fetus and you definitely got a fair baby.

It’s very natural when you are pregnant; the cravings for food go in excess of amount. Even though, a lot of our Asian people are educated, the desire for having a fair baby is very imperative. Conferring to professionals, it’s not important that what you eat during pregnancy for desire of fair baby.

In fact the facial appearance of the fetus which is budding inside your womb will be a combination of both mother and father. Though, since mostly follow blind faith on myths, but it’s also observed that there are a few of food which you can eat all through your pregnancy to get a fair baby.

Foods To Eat During Pregnancy To Get A Fair Baby

Saffron Milk:

Several of pregnant women who take saffron milk at their time of pregnancy. It is supposed the saffron aids to make the baby complexion fair. It recovers the fairness of the child developing in the womb.

Coconut Pregnancy Benefits :
If it’s your desire to have a fair baby, make it a routine to take a good amount of kernel during pregnant. Conferring to peoples beliefs, the white kernel of the coconut will play an important character in the fairness of your child.

Milk in Pregnancy First Trimester:
Milk is essential for a pregnant woman to take at the time of pregnancy. Milk is also one another good thing for the growth of the fetus.

Egg Benefits During Pregnancy:
It is expected that the egg white must be taken by pregnant women in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy if you need to have a fair child.

Almonds Benefits During Pregnancy:
A pregnant woman must eat dry or soaked almonds during her pregnancy, if she needs to deliver a fair baby.

Ghee:
A lot of research says that at what time a pregnant woman enhances ghee to her meal, by using this she will have a not as much of painful delivery, beside this ghee moreover supports to improve the color of the skin for the fetus.

Oranges in Pregnancy:
During pregnancy orange is the best fruit for pregnant women. It is full of Vitamin C which is desirable for the development of your baby and also to recover the skin tone.

Pineapples:
Pineapples is also which is ironic in Vitamin C, have said to recover the color tone. If you need to have a fair baby, it is good to consume a glass of fresh pineapple juice one time in a week.

Health Benefits Of Garlic – Anti-Cancer, Anti-Infection, Detoxify, And More

A common ingredient for sautéing, garlic is an amazingly healthful and popular spice relative of onion, leek, chive and shallots. While a cooking favorite thanks to great taste, the health benefits of garlic have also been recognized and taken advantage of since the ancient times, showing countless individuals the compelling reasons to increase garlic consumption.

The Many Health Benefits of Garlic – Experience them Today

If you aren’t already a fan of garlic, you will likely load up your kitchen with the food after reading all it has to offer. Here are some of the health benefits of garlic:

Boosting the Immune System, Anti-Infection

If history tells us anything about garlic, it is that the food has many well-known health benefits – the most popular being its anti-infection uses and overall power to boost the immune system. Garlic possess antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal properties allowing it to stand against all infections. Skin conditions caused by bacteria, virus, fungi or yeast can be treated by rubbing raw chopped garlic on the affected area.

Garlic has been studied not only for it’s ability to fight bacterial and viral infections, but also infection from other microbes including yeasts/fungi and worms. One particular substance found in garlic called ajoene has been used to help prevent infections with the yeast Candida albicans.

Other research has shown that crushed garlic can help prevent infection by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients with burns.

And of course, garlic is great for boosting the immune system, containing high levels of vitamin C and being identified as a serious anti-cancer food. Because of its high potassium content, it can aid in absorption of essential nutrients, and help avoid digestive problems and fatigue as well. Garlic can also help in lung and throat problems due to its pungent smell. Since consuming garlic can irritate the digestive tract because of its pungent smell, a signal travels to the brain to release watery fluid in the lungs to counter the pungent property, thereby helping clear the lungs out of cough and colds.

Garlic is a Powerful Cancer Fighter

Adding more to the health benefits of garlic list, garlic’s role in the prevention of cancer is perhaps one of the most notorious. Scientists believe that the exceptional anti-cancer properties may have to do with the way that garlic boosts the production of something known as hydrogen sulfide. It is the hydrogen sulfide production that researchers believe to be why garlic is so effective at preventing a wide variety of cancer including, prostate, breast, and colon cancer.

One study out of the National Cancer Institute found that eating 10 grams (about two teaspoons) or more of garlic, onions or scallions each day could significantly reduce prostate cancer risk. But this isn’t the only type of cancer garlic can prevent.

Other research conducted at Case Western Reserve University indicated that garlic may help reduce the occurrence rate of pre-cancerous tumors (polyps) in the large intestine.

Further showcasing garlic as one of many cancer-fighting foods, several other population studies conducted in China also found that frequent consumption of garlic was associated with reduced risk of esophageal and stomach cancers. The risk seemed to drop as the amount of garlic consumed went up.

Garlic Fights Inflammation, Protecting Against Numerous Conditions

Research shows that anti-inflammatory compounds in garlic can also benefit our musculoskeletal system and respiratory system. Two sulfur containing constituents in garlic, diallyl sulfide (DAS) and thiacremonone, have anti-arthritic properties. Garlic has also been shown to improve inflammatory conditions when referring to allergic airway inflammation.

Surprisingly, the sulfur-containing compounds in garlic may even help the inflammatory aspects of obesity. Fat cells cannot grow 100% unless they are able to move from a preliminary stage called “preadipocytes” to a stage called “adipocytes.” As you may have guessed, thanks to one of the sulfur compounds in garlic, garlic halts this progress. The sulfur compound is 1,2,-vinyldithiin, or 1,2-DT, and the impact of 1,2-DT appears to be inflammation-related. This is exciting because inflammation is being recognized more and more as being a part of obesity.

Garlic for Detoxification

Another one of the many health benefits of garlic, this food may also be used to detoxify – an extremely important method everyone should be doing to cleanse the body of toxins. While the benefits of garlic for liver health and beyond are many, one reason for its superior effects has to do with the fact that garlic contains numerous sulfur-containing compounds that are known to activate the liver enzymes responsible for expelling toxins from the body. Another lies in the presence of both allicin and selenium, two important nutrients that play an integral role in the protection of the liver from damage

It is also important to note that many cancers are thought to be caused by damage to DNA, which could be the result of exposure to environmental toxins. One study conducted at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center found that eating a teaspoon of fresh garlic and a half cup of onions per day could remove toxins in the blood cells due to an increased production of a key toxin-removing enzyme.

These are only some of the health benefits of garlic.

Other Health Benefits of Garlic

• Toothache – Among many home remedies for toothache, the use of garlic has been passed down for years to treat this issue; the antibiotic compound called allicin is what give garlic this ability. When garlic is crushed, this compound is released, helping to slow bacterial activity upon application and ingestion. Try applying a crushed garlic clove or garlic powder to the area. It may burn, but the pain from the toothache could vanish within minutes, although it could take hours. Repeat this over a few days, and you all should be well.

• Repel mosquitoes – Although not conclusive, there is a long history of using garlic to get rid of many insects. Garlic has a reputation for protecting people from mosquito bites, specifically.

• Warts – Each night before bed, crush up a clove of garlic, rub it on the wart, and apply a bandage. Additionally, cover the wart with juice from garlic twice a day.

• Earache – Mix some sesame oil with a garlic clove and warm the mixture up in a pan. Afterwards, use it as ear drops. It is recommended that you allow the mixture to sit in the ear for 10 minutes or longer.

• Cough – Boiling cloves of garlic and drinking it like tea will not only make it easier to breathe, but it will also help to alleviate itchiness which could cause you to cough continuously. Check out other home remedies for cough here.

• Stuffy nose or nasal congestion – Adding to garlic benefits, this spice is one ingredient in one of the most popular home remedies for nasal congestion: tomato tea. Tomato tea is by far the most effective method as reported by peers on Earthclinic. It’s hot and spicy, providing steam and pepper to clear your sinuses, as well as a wallop of vitamin C and a boost to the immune system. Combine the following ingredients in a food processor and heat over a stove until steaming.
  • 1 cup tomato juice
  • 1 tsp fresh garlic
  • ½ tsp of hot sauce
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Pinch of sea or celery salt

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A Little Information on Cooking

It’s important that you’re preparing garlic the right way, as improper preparation and consumption could negate the positive effects. Oftentimes, home chefs will cook garlic immediately after crushing or chopping it, which is not allowing optimal time for enzyme reactions that boost the healthy compounds in garlic. Instead, crush the garlic at room temperature and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes. In addition, never cook garlic at high heat — try consuming it raw or cooked lightly.

Raw garlic can be used to kill bacteria, but cooked garlic has more potency in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

If you are worried about garlic causing bad breathe, you can counter this by consuming garlic prepared as pills or capsules. If you want to experience the health benefits of garlic and stave off the odor a different way, consume garlic with parsley, as the herb counters garlic’s bad smell.

Lastly, much of the research on garlic as an antibiotic has involved fresh garlic extracts or powdered garlic products and not garlic in it’s whole food form. You will, however, experience garlic benefits simply from ingesting the powerful health food.

Garlic Benefits Summary – Garlic is Great for:

• Cancer
• Detoxification
• Boosting the immune system
• Infections
• Inflammation
• Heart Health
• Toothache
• Repel mosquitoes
• Warts
• Earache
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Stuffy nose or nasal congestion

Health Benefits Of Mangosteen

Health benefits of mangosteen include reduced risk of cancer, inflammation, allergies and diabetes. It has antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial properties which help in protecting the body against various health ailments and also boosts immune system. Mangosteen is beneficial in maintaining healthy skin, weight management and providing relief from diarrhea and dysentery.

The fruit is reddish or dark purple in color. Due to its good taste mangosteen is also known as queen of fruits.

The place of origin is not known but it mangosteen is said to have been first domesticated in Southeast Asian countries. Thailand, Burma, India and Vietnam are some of the countries where it was cultivated since many years. Apart from these countries it is now grown in other Asian countries and some African countries.

Mangosteen does not have many varieties except for the one which is found in Sulu Islands. It is an ultra-tropical plant which needs humidity, rainfall and cannot survive in long periods of drought. And it cannot be grown at very high altitude regions. Harvesting seasons vary on the basis of location and altitude. In India there are two seasons for harvest, monsoon period and between April and June. In Ceylon, the fruit season is from May to Jul for low altitude regions and for higher altitude regions the fruit ripens from July to August or August to September.

It seems that the people of Southeast Asia realized the medicinal value that this fruit had long time ago. Relying on it as a form of treatment to different medical conditions is the reason why scientists have continuously carried out studies and researches to confirm these healing allegations. So far the benefits of this fruit have been proved scientifically over the past 3 decades to be true.

Nutritional Value of Mangosteen

Mangosteen is a healthy fruit which is rich in water, energy, protein, carbohydrate and fiber. Essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper and manganese are found in this fruit. It contains vitamin C, vitamin B6,vitamin B12 and vitamin A which are required for maintaining good health. Other vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, folate, folic acid, carotene and cryptoxanthin are also found in mangosteen.

Health Benefits of Mangosteen

Anti-cancer properties: Health benefits of mangosteen include anti-cancer properties. The pericarps of mangosteen contain xanthones which exhibit anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects. The xanthones inhibit the cell growth in human colon cancer and as per a research study conducted by Akao Y et al. they exhibit the potential to be developed as agents to prevent cancer or can be used in combination with anti-cancer drugs for beneficial effects.

Anti-inflammatory properties: Mangosteen has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent since many years in Southeast Asian countries. Scientific research study also showed that the extracts of mangosteen have anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory properties and they inhibit the release of histamine and prostaglandin which are associated with inflammation in the human body.

Healthy skin: Mangosteen helps in maintaining healthy skin. The anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-allergy and anti-oxidant properties help in reducing risk of various conditions such as skin inflammation, skin aging, eczema, allergies and bacterial infections. Research studies have been carried out to ascertain the various benefits of mangosteen for skin and one such study suggests that mangosteen has anti-skin cancer properties and has the potential of being an anti-skin cancer agent.

Healthy immune system: Mangosteen is rich in various nutrients, minerals, vitamins and xanthone which help in boosting the immune system. These nutrients protect the body from various health ailments that weaken the immune system.

Antioxidant properties: Mangosteen is among the fruits that are known to contain powerful antioxidants that are useful to the immune system and the entire body. These antioxidants contain cell boosters that are referred to as xanthones which contain various properties that have medicinal value. This is why mangosteen is termed as a healing fruit which can be used to reverse to the effects of diseases that are associated with common man.

Medicinal use: Mangosteen with its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties is beneficial as a medicinal drink and for quick healing of wounds. The leaves and bark of the tree can be mixed with other medicinal herbs and applied to the wounds for a faster recovery. The medicinal drink can be prepared by boiling the leaves and the bark of the tree.

Diarrhea and dysentery: Use of mangosteen is beneficial in stomach disorders as well. The mangosteen pericarp and peel are effective in providing relief from stomach disorders such as diarrhea and dysentery.

Menstrual problems: The roots of mangosteen also provide health benefits. Mangosteen root helps in regulating menstrual cycle in women.

Astringent properties: The bark and leaves of the mangosteen tree exhibit astringent properties and are beneficial in curing thrush or aphtha.

Cardioprotective effect: Mangosteen may also be helpful in reducing risk of stroke or myocardial infarction. Findings of a study indicate the cardio protective effect of mangosteen on antioxidant tissue defense system and lipid peroxidation during stroke.

Diabetes: Diabetes is a medical condition that is also common in the modern society. Though it is manageable using prescribed medication it can be a health risk especially if adequate precautions are not taken. Mangosteen one natural remedy which is effective in managing and maintaining blood sugar levels in the body

Weight loss: Incorporating mangosteen in diet may be effective in weight loss. The various nutrients found in mangosteen also ensure good health and well-being.

Other uses of mangosteen

Apart from the various health benefits mangosteen is useful for other commercial purposes. In china it is used for tanning leather and in Ghana the tree twigs are used as chewsticks. The wood is also used for making rice pounders, handles and is also used in constructing furniture.

How to prepare and consume mangosteen?

Fresh mangosteen fruit is eaten as a dessert. Juice made from mangosteen flesh is can be prepared at home and is also available as a health drink “xango juice”.

It is also made into jams and thus can be stored for longer duration and can be consumed any time of the year. Mangosteen products are available in tablet or capsule form. Apart from the fruit the seeds are also edible. They can be consumed after roasting or boiling.

How to select and store?

Due to ease of transportation in all parts of the world this fruit is stocked in different stores even in countries where it is not grown. This is an advantage because one does not have to be a farmer of mangosteen in order to enjoy all its health benefits.

While buying the mangosteen fruit select those which have less seed and more fleshy segments. Choose the fruits which have highest number of stigma lobes at the apex.

Mangosteens generally do not have a long shelf life. They can maintain their freshness up to a period of two weeks of which they tend to lose flavor and nutritional value. Placing this fruit in a cool place that has adequate supply of fresh air is the best way to ensure that this fruit maintains its freshness and nutrition content .Following these simple guidelines makes it simple for a person to select the best fruits without any assistance.