Coffee - common drink with uncommon benefits

Coffee is my favorite drink, which I drink on the daily basis. I remember reading elsewhere that too much coffee is harmful and today I read the article below which makes me comfortable , so no worry. So I like to share here

By Dr. Mercola

If you're like many people, you may start your day with a cup of coffee. According to Health Magazine,1 about half of American adults stick to this daily ritual, despite conventional warnings that coffee might not be all that good for you.

My own understanding of coffee's virtues and risks was greatly enhanced by my 2011 interview with Ori Hofmekler, author of The Warrior Diet and Unlocking the Muscle Gene, who has researched coffee extensively.

Ori explained how coffee, when consumed in the right way, can in fact be used as a health and fitness enhancing tool. There are caveats, however, and there are also points of contention, where the details still have not quite been teased out.

Despite that, it is possible to draw up some general guidelines that will allow you to enjoy your coffee with minimal risk. You may even be able to reap valuable benefits from your habit, provided you're willing to make some slight alterations to how you drink it.

Ori specifically pointed out the benefits coffee might have when consumed prior to working out, and this is also the focus of the featured article.

6 Reasons to Drink Coffee Before Your Workout

Contrary to much of the conventional advice, which tends to revolve around coffee's ability to raise your blood pressure, coffee does appear to have certain functional benefits—if consumed pre-exercise—that are supported by science. As reported by Health Magazine:2

"[A] Spanish study, published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism,3 found that trained athletes who took in caffeine pre-exercise burned about 15 percent more calories for three hours post-exercise, compared to those who ingested a placebo.

The dose that triggered the effect was 4.5 mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight. For 150-pound woman (68 kg), that's roughly 300 mg of caffeine, the amount in about 12 ounces of brewed coffee, a quantity you may already be sipping each morning."

According to Ori's research, coffee can increase your metabolism by up to 20 percent, which seems to be in line with the Spaniards' finding. Besides providing you with a temporary metabolic boost, other functional benefits of a pre-workout cup of coffee include:

1. Improved micro-circulation. According to Health Magazine, Japanese researchers recently discovered that people who were not regular coffee drinkers experienced a 30 percent boost in capillary blood flow after drinking five ounces of regular coffee, compared to those drinking decaf.
Improved blood circulation typically equates to improved oxygenation of your tissues, which may boost your exercise performance.
2. Pain reduction. The featured article notes research from the University of Illinois, which found that a caffeine dose equivalent to two or three cups of coffee taken one hour prior to a half-hour-long workout reduced the participants' level of perceived muscle pain.
This pain reduction could allow you to push yourself just a bit harder, which is important during high intensity exercises.
Research from the University of Georgia, published in the March 2007 issue of The Journal of Pain,4 reported very similar findings. Here, consuming the equivalent of two cups of coffee an hour before training reduced post-workout muscle soreness by up to 48 percent.
To put this into perspective, studies using naproxen (Aleve) only achieved a 30 percent decrease in post-workout muscle soreness, and aspirin produced a 25 percent decrease.
3. Improved endurance. A 2005 meta-analysis5 concluded that caffeine can reduce your perceived level of exertion by more than five percent—effectively making your exercise feel "easier."
Moreover, caffeine improved exercise performance by more than 11 percent, which appears to be related to the reduction in perceived level of exertion.
4. Muscle preservation. According to Ori, coffee triggers a mechanism in your brain that releases a growth factor called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). Besides the brain, BDNF also expresses itself in your muscles, where it supports the neuromotor—the most critical element in your muscle. Without the neuromotor, your muscle is like an engine without ignition. Neuro-motor degradation is part of the process that explains age-related muscle atrophy. So in this respect coffee may help maintain more youthful muscle tissue.
The featured article also notes recent research from Coventry University that supports this notion. In that study, they found that caffeine helped offset age-related loss of muscle strength, again suggesting that caffeine may help preserve your muscles as you age, and reduce your risk of injuries.
5. Improved memory. BDNF also activates brain stem cells to convert into new neurons in your brain, which can have definitive benefits for your brain function. Indeed, research conducted at Johns Hopkins University6 found that 200 milligram (mg) of caffeine enhanced participants' memory for up to 24 hours.

When and How to Drink Coffee for Maximum Benefit

As I mentioned earlier, there are some caveats to consider. You can easily eliminate any health benefits that coffee might provide by adding milk, creamer, sugar or artificial sweeteners to your cup, for example. Also, while some of the studies noted above used caffeine opposed to coffee, I agree with experts like Ori who warn that caffeine in isolation could be quite toxic.

It's important to remember that the natural blend of polyphenol antioxidants (including chlorogenic acids), bioflavonoids, vitamins and minerals in coffee beans all work together to help neutralize the harsher effects of the caffeine.7

Recent research from the University of Oslo, Norway, reveals that whole coffee possesses potent anti-inflammatory chemo-protective and anti-aging properties. Coffee has shown to inhibit the pro-inflammatory pathway NFkβ, which has been directly linked to inflammation, certain cancers and accelerated muscle aging.

Note that NFkβ is inhibited by certain phenols in coffee rather than caffeine. This indicates again the superior health and muscle preserving qualities of whole coffee over caffeine alone.

There are literally thousands of different natural chemical compounds in your brew, and science now suggests the synergy between them can pack a nice nutritional punch. You're not likely to get this synergetic effect from caffeinated supplements and beverages like Red Bull! That said, some of the primary considerations and caveats will be discussed in the following sections.

Limit Your Consumption to One or Two Cups Per Day

Ori recommends having just one cup of coffee or one shot of espresso in the morning or before training, perhaps another cup during work and that's it for the day. Coffee is a potent substance, and can have an adverse effect on your adrenal glands if consumed in excess. If you're stressed, coffee can actually help you resist fatigue, hunger and hardship but you can overdo it; drinking a whole pot of coffee is going to put you at risk for adrenal exhaustion. Also make sure you're properly hydrated, as coffee has a diuretic effect.

Caffeine can also cause a process in your brain called glutamate re-uptake inhibition, meaning it inhibits the cellular re-uptake of glutamate—an excitoneurotransmitter essential for keeping you alert. Like other neurotransmitters, glutamate must be tightly regulated.If your caffeine intake is too high and chronic, such as due to ingestion of caffeinated energy drinks, it can cause glutamate excitotoxicity.

Drink Coffee in the Morning, Before Exercise, Not After

When used before exercise, coffee will give you a good boost, and will work to accelerate the benefits of exercise; stimulating energy production and fat burning. However, after exercise your body needs a recovery meal, not caffeine, which will inhibit the mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin); the mechanism that increases protein synthesis in your muscle. You do not build musclewhile exercising. Muscle building occurs afterward, so if your goal is to gain muscle mass, you do not want mTOR to be inhibited by caffeine...

That being said, if your main goal is to lean down and maximize fat burning, having coffee after exercise might be exactly what you need, as it will keep you burning fat while breaking down fat stores for energy. The post exercise coffee will continue mimicking the effects of exercise on your body for as long as you continue fasting; that's until your next meal. If you exercise in the evening, you may want to skip the pre-workout cup of coffee however, as it can seriously disrupt your sleep cycle by keeping you alert well into the night.

Opt for Freshly Ground, Organic 'Regular' Coffee—Black, Without Creamer, or Artificial Sweeteners

Freshly ground organic coffee beans can be viewed as a nutritionally valuable whole food with neuroprotective properties. Decaffeinated coffee will not provide you with all these whole food benefits, as the antioxidant bioflavonoids are largely lost in the processing. So opt for "regular" if you're going to drink coffee.

Also, opt for whole coffee beans and grind them just prior to brewing your coffee. Most coffee available today is already rancid, or close to it, by the time you get it home. This is because the rate of rancidity increases dramatically once you grind the beans. A coffee that doesn't have a good aroma or taste is most likely stale and nutritionally useless.

Last but not least, choose organic coffee, as conventionally grown coffee beans are among the most heavily sprayed crops on the market, and pesticides will certainly not do your health any favors. To ensure compliance with organic industry standards, look for the USDA 100% Organic seal. If you have trouble finding organic coffee in your local grocery store, check online, as there are many organic coffees available. Whenever possible, purchase sustainable "shade-grown" coffee to help prevent the continued destruction of our tropical rain forests and the birds that inhabit them. There are many who say shade-grown coffee tastes better as well.

Which Is Better: Dark or Light Roast?

Other issues that can come to bear on the end health effects of the coffee include the way it's dried and roasted, as this will not only affect the beneficial antioxidant content of the coffee, but also the formation of toxic acrylamides. Here, making any definitive recommendations becomes quite tricky...

In general, it has been shown that when it comes to the health benefits of organic whole-bean black coffee, the darker the roast, the better.8 It's often the case that foods with the darkest pigments offer the most robust benefits to health, and dark roast coffee, such as French or Italian Roast, or roasts used to make espresso or Turkish coffee, appear to be no exception.

Roasted coffees are higher in neuroprotective agents than green (unroasted) coffees. For example, a study in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research9 found that dark roast coffee restored blood levels of the antioxidants vitamin E and glutathione more effectively than light roast coffee. The dark roast also led to a significant body weight reduction in pre-obese volunteers, whereas the lighter roast did not. Other studies have shown that dark roast coffee produces more of a chemical called N-methylpyridinium, which helps prevent your stomach from producing excess acid, so darker roast coffee may be easier on your stomach than lighter roast coffee.10

That said, the process of roasting will also produce acrylamide—a toxic byproduct created when you expose a food to high heat. Acrylamide has been associated with an increased cancer risk. From the perspective of limiting your exposure to this toxin, a light roast might be preferable. I don't claim to have the answer here, but the evidence supporting dark roast for higher antioxidant content is quite compelling. It could be that a higher antioxidant content of a dark roasted organic coffee might outweigh the acrylamide formed during the roasting process... Unfortunately, I have no evidence to support such a proposition. In the end, the best recommendation I can come up with is to simply use coffee in moderation. Most studies find no added health benefits above two or three cups a day at the most.

Be Selective with Your Choice of Cups, Containers, and Filters

If you use a "drip" coffee maker, be sure to use non-bleached filters. The bright white ones, which most people use, are chlorine bleached and some of this chlorine will be extracted from the filter during the brewing process and they are also full of dangerous disinfection by products like dioxin. Also be careful about the coffee container and coffee cups you use. Avoid plastic cups and containers as the BPA from the plastic can leach into your coffee.

Also avoid styrofoam cups, as they can leach polystyrene molecules into your blood. Your best options include glass, ceramic, or even stainless steel travel mugs and storage containers. Many have now started using Keurig coffee makers, which brew a single cup at a time, using small plastic coffee inserts. While the inserts claim to be BPA and phthalate-free,11, 12 they still contribute to the ever-growing problem of non-biodegradable waste.

Fortunately, the machine comes with reusable pieces that allow loose coffee grounds to be used instead of the pre-made disposable plastic cups, which would be a better option. One of the most effective tools for making coffee is good old French press. All you need is to put the freshly ground coffee inside, add hot water and press down. The coffee that you get is highly aromatic and pure with no plastics or chemicals involved.

Avoid Coffee While Pregnant

For all the potential health benefits of coffee, it is not advisable to drink coffee during pregnancy, even if it's organic. Caffeine easily passes through both the blood brain barrier and the placenta, and it's also transferred through breast milk. Here, research has shown that ingesting caffeine during pregnancy can result in a wide range of problems for your baby, including:

• Increased risk of miscarriage
• Low birth weight
• Birth defects such as cleft palate
• Increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
• Decreased cardiac function (Please note that the equivalent of just two cups of coffee during the entire pregnancy – not two cups of coffee per day—has been shown to affect your child's heart function!)

If Consumed Correctly, Coffee Can Be Part of a Healthy Lifestyle

Like anything, coffee should not be used in excess. However, study after study has failed to prove that moderate coffee consumption increases your risk for cardiovascular disease or any other serious illness. Moreover, mounting research suggests it may have a number of previously unrecognized health-promoting properties.

Part of the confusion is likely rooted in the fact that while caffeine in and of itself is a potent and addictive drug, coffee made from whole roasted coffee beans is also a whole food, containing a wide range of micronutrients in addition to caffeine. The key to a healthy cup of coffee centers around treating it like a whole food; knowing how to select high-quality coffee, and not ruining it by adding health-harming sugar or milk to your brew.

Understanding high blood pressure

Top 10 causes of high blood pressure

I just read this about high blood pressure which is a concern when we grow older or if adopt unhealthy life .

style .

Read below for this article from FMT

Heart ailments like heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases claim approximately 80% lives in low and middle income countries, according to a global brief on hypertension published by WHO on World Health Day, April 7th, 2013.

So what contributes to such a large mortality rate owing to heart disease? Doctors and research point to the incidence of abnormally high pressure in the arteries of the patients involved. Dr. Sharukh Golwala, Cardiologist at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai helps us understand the causes that lead to high blood pressure. While specific causes are unknown, here are some of the risk factors that can contribute to developing high blood pressure. Read on to protect yourself and your family.

High blood pressure cause # 1: Age
The older you are the greater are the chances of being a victim of high blood pressure. Elderly people are especially at a higher risk of developing elevated systolic readings. The risk is due to hardening of the arteries.

High blood pressure cause # 2: Hereditary
If there is a family history of high cholesterol, then maybe it is a reason for you to start worrying. This inherited form of high blood pressure may lead to health problems at an early age.

High blood pressure cause # 3: Gender
Men, beware! Dr. Golwala says – men have greater chances of developing high blood pressure than women. That doesn’t mean women don’t have to worry, you too are at a high risk as well. So mind your lifestyle and eating habits.

High blood pressure cause # 4: Extra weight
Extra weight or obesity can be one of the leading causes of high blood pressure, but it varies from person to person. People who have fat storage around their belly, hip and thighs are also at a risk of developing high blood pressure. Maintain your weight!

High blood pressure cause # 5: Salt sensitivity
Some people are sensitive against salt or sodium intake, which makes their blood pressure to rise. If you are sensitive to salt, then the only option to stay safe is by reducing the intake. Be very cautious while using salt in your food, and read labels before having any processed food. Fast foods have a great level of salt in them, so use your discretion while having it.

High blood pressure cause # 6: Alcohol consumption
If you get intoxicated with just two drinks then it is an indicator that you should stop drinking. Heavy alcohol consumption is bad for you and your well being. Hence, avoid heavy consumption of alcohol to keep your blood pressure normal.

High blood pressure cause # 7: Stress life
Your extra tensed everyday during your office hours or due to other reasons, this can spike your blood pressure. Back off from your stressful situation, stay calm and relax yourself. Job stress is one of the worst things for your health.

High blood pressure cause # 8: Contraceptives
In a recent study, it was noted that regular consumption of birth control pills or oral contraceptives have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure.

High blood pressure cause # 9: Lazy life
Your lazy couch potato life will not only expand your waist line, but it will also put you at high risk of developing high blood pressure. Get off that couch and hit the gym or get into any other form of physical activity that interests you. It could be your favourite sport or just walking to work, if possible. Wondering how physical activity will lower your risk of high blood pressure, then here is the answer: being active helps to open up the blood vessel which helps keep the pressure in the veins and arteries in the normal range.

High blood pressure cause # 10: Constant popping of pills
Some medicines which are used to treat cold or allergy symptoms can spike your blood pressure. Always consult your doctor before having any medicine and inform him of your medical history to avoid complications.

Do share freely if you find this useful

Wash away your health problem

I like to share a very useful article on health issue that may help many out there. You do not need much money but just some discipline to benefit from it.

Here it goes.

It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven its value

Below is a description of use of water for our readers. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:
Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB ***(verify from a consultant)***, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases.


METHOD OF TREATMENT



1.As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water


2.Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minute

3.After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.

4.After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours

5.Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.

6.The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.



The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/reduce main diseases:



1.High Blood Pressure (30 days)

2.Gastric (10 days)

3.Diabetes (30 days)

4.Constipation (10 days)

5.Cancer (180 days)

6.TB (90 days) ***(verify from a consultant)***

7.Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards – daily.



This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times. It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life. Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.



This makes sense .. The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals not cold water. Maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain…



For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion.



Once this ‘sludge’ reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.





A serious note about heart attacks





•Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting.

•Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.

•You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack.

•Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.

•60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up.

•Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let’s be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive. A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this mail sends it to everyone they know, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life.



Please be a true friend and send this article to all your friends you care about.

Red Onions Contain Active Compounds Which Protect Against Cancer

Cancer is the modern disease that not only kill old folks but also more recently start to invade the health of young children.

I just want to share this article about the efficacy of simple onions to ward off the much dreaded cancer.

Here it gioes:

What would the art of cooking be without onions? These pungent members of the Allium family are integral in creating the base flavors of many soups, sauces and stews. Red onions in particular, with their sweet and tangy flavor, can liven up a salad like nothing else.

Along with their vast culinary significance, onions have been scientifically found to have potent qualities that help protect the body from cancer. While all onions work to serve this important purpose to varying degrees, red onions contain additional cancer-fighting compounds, which also give them their vibrant color.


Researchers have long known that onions have a noteworthy role to play in cancer prevention. Part of their anticarcinogenic nature stems from their organosulfur content. Sulfur is a very important mineral to the human body; it supports optimal cardiovascular function, as well as optimal nervous system and muscular health.

Natural sulfur compounds, such as those found in onions, have also been found to have strong antioxidant properties that help prevent both cancer and liver damage

A 1988 study, published in the journal Carcinogenesis, tested eight organosulfur compounds derived from both onions and garlic.

The authors of the study concluded, “in evaluating relationships between diet and cancer, it would be useful to consider the possible role of garlic and onion organosulfur compounds as protective agents.”

Another study, performed in 2001 and published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer, declares, “there is evidence that onions and garlic protect against cancer in humans. It has been suggested that this effect is due to the organosulfur compounds in these vegetables and that these substances act through induction of phase II detoxification enzymes.”

Flavonoids, another group of antioxidants contained in onions, also contribute significantly to their anticarcinogenic effects. These types of antioxidants, also called flavonoid glycosides, have been found to help boost the immune system and strengthen capillaries, along with protecting against many cancers.

Dr. Rui Hai Liu, an associate professor of food science at Cornell University, states,
“onions are one of the richest sources of flavonoids in the human diet. And flavonoid
consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease and
diabetes. Flavonoids are not only anti-cancer but also are known to be anti-bacterial,
anti-viral, anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory.”

A 2005 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found seven different flavonoids in southern Italian red onions. One of the flavonoid types found in the highest concentration was quercetin.

Quercetin, along with being linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and alleviating symptoms of allergies, prostatitis and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, has also been found to inhibit the growth of breast, colon, endometrial, lung and prostate cancers.

Along with the rich anticarcinogenic benefits of other onions, red onions contain anthocyanins, a group of flavonoid antioxidants that gives them their purple-red pigment. Anthocyanins have been associated with heart health, improved cognitive function, longevity and protection from cancer. They are also linked to healthy eyesight, alleviation of allergy symptoms and guarding the stomach lining from damage.

It is important to note that much of the antioxidant content of red onions is found in the outer layers very near the peel. Because of this, it is crucial to peel the onion as little as possible to keep the maximum amount of these valuable compounds.

It is ideal to eat red onions raw. However, if you choose to cook them, let them sit for 10 or 15 minutes after slicing before you cook, in order to release more sulfur compounds and encourage heat resistance. When cooking, low and slow is best to maintain maximum quercetin content.

There are a virtually endless number of ways to incorporate red onions – both raw and cooked – into recipes. One delicious raw preparation is to simply slice them, add them to your favorite raw, leafy greens (such as arugula or spinach), and dress with extra virgin olive oil, sea salt and a splash of fresh lime juice.

However you choose to eat them, making red onions an everyday part of your healthy meals may do wonders for your health, and might even help you to avoid the scourge of cancer.

Cucumber Juice is VERY Alkaline

- 

 
Cucumber Juice is EXTREMELY good for your Hair, Skin and 
Nails. It Really is True.
 -Cucumber Juice is High In Potassium. Cucumber Juice can Lower Your Blood Pressure.
-Cucumber is a wonderful source for Silica. Silica is important for healthy connective tissue, ligaments, cartilage, muscles, tendons, and bone.
- Cucumber Juice has Molybdenem, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Manganese, Tryotophan, Magnesium, and Chlorophyll.
 Cucumbers are a GREAT way to Cool Down Your Body.
- Cucumber is Anti-Cancer in that it is VERY high in Alkaline Minerals and Cancer cannot Live in an Alkaline Body.

• Cucumber Juices is also used to heal and cure issues with Acne, Water Retention, Arthritis, Kidneys, Eczema, Psoriasis, Weight Loss and Hair Loss.

• Cucumber Juice is a useful Anti-Flam agent. Drinking Cucumber Juice can get Your Bodies Inflammation Down.

• Cucumber Juice is a Diuretic and therefore has wonderful Cleansing Powers.

In Conclusion, Juicing Cucumbers is a quick way to lead a pain free live to Prevent and Reverse Cancer – High Blood Pressure and other Disease.

Benefits of Cucumber Juice

Although most people are familiar with cucumbers since they typically appear on salads,
few are aware that cucumber juice proves to be highly beneficial for a wide variety of health related issues.
Eating cucumbers may decrease the appearance of blemishes such as pimples and blackheads, making it an effective and an often-referred remedy for acne. However, it is essential to understand the full potential of the cucumber by examining the benefits of drinking cucumber juice to combat everything from high blood pressure and constipation to cancer.

Along with healthier skin, cucumbers contain a lot of water making it ideal for a variety of common issues. For those wishing to decrease their blood pressure, drinking this fruit in the form of juice, may provide a noticeable amount of relief as the blood pressure slowly declines. Furthermore, anyone dealing with the pains of constipation will also benefit from this fruit due to its high levels of alkaline and increased amounts of water. In terms of dieting and diabetes, cucumbers are ideal for an afternoon snack to rebuke hunger for those wishing to lose weight.

Another great factor with this fruit includes its high percentage of sulfur and silicone. For this reason, cucumber juice may aid those wishing to increase the growth of hair. The high amounts of sulfur and silicone also make cucumbers particularly good for growing healthier nails. Furthermore, cucumbers contain Silica, which is ideal for healthier ligaments, tendons, and muscles, making it perfect for people seeking relief of rheumatoid problems such as arthritis. Now for what may be the most important of all, cucumbers are extremely high in alkaline levels making it difficult for cancer to live in a high alkaline environment; therefore, cucumbers may prove beneficial in avoiding cancer of all types.

This fruit’s benefits range from beauty remedies such as removing bags, restoring hair, and promoting healthy development of skin and nails to serious concerns such as potentially decreasing the risk of cancer development. Regardless of if you need a natural laxative, acne remedy.

There are a variety of ways to prepare cucumber juice, including simply running a freshly washed cucumber through a juicer. However, you may also combine this great, refreshing fruit drink with other juices such as carrot juice. Try adding sugar and honey to your cucumber beverage to sweeten it to taste. Many people prefer to add ginger to the drink mix for a spark of flavor. Regardless of which cucumber juice mix you use, drinking and eating these healthy cucumbers will definitely help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, proving to be highly beneficial for all.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF LOTUS ROOTS

This simple root plant is so healing. Next time you see it in a Chinese or Japanese dish, you may want to try it. It tastes good too!

 Blood building
Stops internal bleeding
Relieves constipation
Stops diarrhea 

Boosts energy and immune system

Protects against heart diseases

Protects the respiratory system  

Eliminates mucus accumulation as in the case of sinus, nasal congestion, asthma, bronchitis, cold and cough.

You can buy fresh lotus roots from the Chinese grocery stores.

 Following is a testimony from a friend of mine,

My mom-in-law had tremendous bleeding in her bladder recently caused by radiotherapy she received years ago.

The bleeding was so bad that huge blood clogs formed in her bladder and she suffered in pain trying to urinate the clog even though it was soft.

Also the view of the toilet bowl after she urinate will shock you. It is like a murder scene.

Her haemoglobin count dropped to around 5 (normal 12). Doctor said there is nothing they can do except for giving her blood transfusion and wait for the bleeding to stop by it self.

She bleeds like this for about a week. What a stupid western treatment approach! Finally a friend recomment fresh lotus root blended juice.

Her bleeding reduced tremendously on first take. Second take on the next day totally stopped it.

Yes, juice it raw. Add in an apple to make it taste better for people who are not used to the taste.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) raw lotus root is good for stopping bleediing and cooked root is good for replenishing blood. The root joint however is good for stopping bleeding even if cooked.

One last advice, don't take raw lotus root or root joint during
menstruation time or it will disrupt the whole process.

(Please share if you care)

20 biggest health questions answered

The Definitive Answer To 20 Of Your Biggest Health Questions

Does olive oil prevent heart disease?


Short answer: Yes
The health benefits of olive oil come from the presence of polyphenols, antioxidants that reduce the risk of heart diseases and cancers.
But to get these healthy compounds, consumers should buy good-quality, fresh "extra-virgin" olive oil, which has the highest polyphenol content. Most commercially available olive oils have low levels of polyphenols associated with poor harvesting methods, improper storage, and heavy processing.
Do cough syrups work?



Short answer: No
In 2006, the nation's chest physicians agreed that the majority of over-the-counter cough medicines don't actually work. These colorful syrups typically contain doses of codeine and dextromethorphan that are too small to be effective.
Only cough suppressants that contain older antihistamines seem to relieve coughs. That includes brompheniramine, an active ingredient in Dimetapp.
Does sugar cause hyperactivity?



Short answer: No
Following a review of 23 studies, a 1996 report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that sugar "does not affect the behavior or cognitive performance of children."
The age-old myth that kids misbehave when they eat large amounts of candy, cookies, and other junk food, could be related to the type of events where these foods are typically served. For example, kids are more wound-up at birthday parties and during Halloween when sweet treats tend to flow freely.
Do sugary soft drinks lead to diabetes?



Short answer: Yes
The majority of health research is stacked against sugar-sweetened soda. A large 2004 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that women who drank one or more sugary drinks per day increased their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 83% compared to those who consumed less than one of these beverages per month.
Do I need sunscreen with more than 30 SPF?



Short answer: No
Sunscreens with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 block about 97% of ultraviolet rays, while sunscreens with an SPF of higher than 30 block 97%-98%.
It's more important that you choose "broad-spectrum" sunscreen, meaning it protects against both UVB and UVA rays. Sunbathers also need to apply a generous amount of sunscreen in order to get the full benefit of the SPF.
Is the MSG in Chinese likely to give you a headache?



Short answer: No
A review of 40 years of clinical trials, published in the journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners in 2006, found that all previous research "failed to identify a consistent relationship between the consumption of MSG and the constellation of symptoms that comprise the syndrome," including headaches and asthma attacks.
The misconception spawned from several poorly-done small studies in the 1960s that seemed to connect MSG with a variety of maladies that people experienced after eating at Chinese restaurants.
Learn more about the MSG myth here »
Do nuts make you fat?



Short answer: No
As much as 75% of a nut is fat. But eating fat doesn't necessarily make you fat. The bigger factor leading to weight gain is portion-size. Luckily, nuts are loaded with healthy fats that keep you full. They're also a good source of protein and fiber.
One study even found that whole almonds have 20% less calories than previously thought because a lot of the fat is excreted from the body.
Is walking as effective as running?



Short answer: Yes
Studies have shown that how long you exercise — and thus how many calories you burn — is more important than how hard you exercise. Running is a more efficient form of exercise, but not necessarily better for you.
A six-year study published in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology in April found that walking at a moderate pace and running produced similar health benefits, so long as the same amount of energy was expended.
Is drinking fruit juice as good for you as eating fruit?



Short answer: No
Calorie for calorie, whole fruit provides more nutritional benefits than drinking the pure juice of that fruit. That's because when you liquefy fruit, stripping away the peel and dumping the pulp, many ingredients like fiber, calcium, vitamin C, and other antioxidants are lost.
For comparison, a five-ounce glass of orange juice that contains 69 calories has .3 grams of dietary fiber and 16 milligrams of calcium, whereas an orange with the same number of calories packs 3.1 grams of fiber and 60 milligrams of calcium.
Are all wheat breads better for you than white bread?



Short answer: No
Not all wheat breads are created equal. Wheat breads that contain all parts of the grain kernel, including the nutrient-rich germ and fiber-dense bran, must be labeled "whole grain" or "whole wheat."
Some wheat breads are just white bread with a little bit of caramel coloring to make the bread appear healthier, according to Reader's Digest.
Can a hot tub make me sick?



Short answer: Yes
Hot tubs — especially ones in spas, hotels, and gyms — are perfect breeding grounds for germs.
The water is not hot enough to kill bacteria, but is just the right temperature to make microbes grow even faster. Even though hot tubs are treated with chlorine, the heat causes the disinfectant to break down faster than it would in regular pools.
The most common hot tub infection is pseudomonas folliculitis, which causes red, itchy bumps. A more dangerous side-effect of soaking in a dirty Jacuzzi is a form of pneumonia known as Legionnaire's disease. This is what reportedly sickened more than 100 people at the Playboy Mansion back in 2011.
Does coffee cause cancer?



Short answer: No
Coffee got a bad rap in the 1980s when a study linked drinking coffee to pancreatic cancer. The preliminary report was later debunked.
More recently, health studies have swung in favor of the caffeinated beverage. Coffee has been linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, liver cancer, and even suicide.
Do eggs raise cholesterol levels?



Short answer: No
Although egg yolks are a major source of cholesterol — a waxy substance that resembles fat — researchers have learned that saturated fat has more of an impact on cholesterol in your blood than eating foods that contain cholesterol.
"Healthy individuals with normal blood cholesterol levels should now feel free to enjoy foods like eggs in their diet every day," the lead researcher from a 25-year University of Arizona study on cholesterol concluded.
Can you drink too much water?



Short answer: Yes
It is very rare for someone to die from drinking too much water, but it can happen.
Overhydrating is most common among elite athletes. Drinking an excess of water, called water intoxication, dilutes the concentration of sodium in the blood leading to a condition known as hyponatremia. The symptoms of hyponatremia can range from nausea and confusion to seizures and even death in severe cases.
To avoid this, drink fluids with electrolytes during extreme exercise events.
Can yogurt ease digestive problems?



Short answer: Yes
Our digestive tract is filled with microorganisms — some good and some bad. Yogurt contains beneficial bacteria, generically called probiotics, that helps maintain a healthy balance. Probiotics can relieve several gastrointestinal problems, including constipation and diarrhea.
Certain brands of yogurts, like Activa by Dannon, are marketed exclusively to treat tummy issues.
Do whitening toothpastes whiten teeth more than regular toothpastes?



Short answer: No
Whitening toothpastes usually contain peroxides and other strong abrasives that might make your teeth appear whiter by removing stains. Unlike at-home whitening strips and gels that contain bleach, these toothpastes do not actually change the color of your teeth.
Is it safe to microwave food in plastic containers?


Short answer: Yes
But the plastic container should display the words "microwave safe." This means that the Food and Drug Administration has tested the container to make sure no chemicals used to make the plastic leech into foods during microwaving. If chemicals do seep out into food, the amounts are tiny and not dangerous to our health.
As a general guideline, plastic grocery bags as well as most plastic tubs that hold margarine, yogurt, cream cheese, and condiments are not microwave safe.
Can watching TV ruin your eyesight?



Short answer: No
Watching TV will not destroy your rods and cones as the outdated myth suggests. Before the 1950s, TVs emitted radiation that could increase an individual's risk of eye problems after excessive TV viewing. Modern TVs have special shielding that blocks these harmful emissions.
Is red wine better for you than white wine?



Short answer: Yes
Red wine contains much more resveratrol than white wine, an antioxidant found in the skin of grapes that has been shown to fight off diseases associated with aging.

Is bottled water better for you than tap water?


Short answer: No
Bottled water is no safer or purer than tap water, although it is substantially more expensive.
A recent study by Glasgow University in the U.K. found that bottled water is actually more likely to be contaminated than water from your faucet because it is less well-regulated.
Bottled water and tap water typically come from the same sources — natural springs, lakes, and aquifers. While public water supplies are tested for contaminants every day, makers of bottled water are only required to test for specific contaminants every week, month, or year.

Pumpkin can do wonder

A secret revealed ...

Some years ago, a former professor of mine showed me a blood test, what I saw impressed me.
The five key blood parameters, ie urea, cholesterol, blood glucose, lipids and triglycerides had values which far exceeded permitted levels. Commented that the person with those in dices should already be dead or, if alive, this would be just out of stubbornness. The teacher then showed the name of the patient who until then had been hidden by his hand. The patient was himself!

 I was dumbfounded! And I said: "But how? And what did you do?".
With a smile he introduced me to another sheet analysis, saying: "Now, look at this, compare the values of the parameters and see the dates."

That's what I did. The parameter values were clearly within the recommended range, the blood was perfect, flawless, but the surprise increased when I looked dates, the difference was only a month (between the two analysis of the same person)!

I asked: "How could it? This is literally a miracle!"
Calmly, he replied that the miracle was due to her doctor, who suggested treatment obtained from another doctor friend. This treatment has been used by myself, several times, with impressive results.
Approximately once a year, do analysis of my blood, and if either is present tendency to breakdown, return immediately to repeat this process. I suggest that you try.

Here's the SECRET: weekly for 4 weeks, buy at the fair or supermarket, pumpkin pieces. Should not be the pumpkin squash and pumpkin rather large, which is usually used to make candy. Daily, peel 100 grams of pumpkin, place the pieces in a blender (raw), along with water (WATER ONLY!), And mix well, making a vitamin pumpkin with water.
Take this vitamin fasting, 15-20 minutes before breakfast (breakfast / breakfast). Do this for a month, every time your blood needs to be corrected.
Can control the outcome, making analysis before and after treatment with other pumpkin. According to the doctor, there is no contraindication, because it is just a natural vegetable and water (do not use sugar!).

The teacher, excellent chemical engineer, studied the pumpkin to know which of the active ingredients it contains and concluded, at least partially, that it is present in a solvent of low molecular weight cholesterol: cholesterol more harmful and dangerous - LDL. During the first week, urine has a large amount of LDL (low molecular weight), which results in cleaning of arteries, including the brain, thereby increasing the person's memory ..

PUMPKIN ... Do not make it a secret ... SPREAD! -