Top Five Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric and turmeric powder on white background

If you are on the lookout for natural, effective remedies to end your pain or whatever it is that ails you, one chemical compound, curcumin, stands out from the rest. Curcumin is found in turmeric, a yellow to orange colored, herbaceous plant that is a member of the ginger family. Turmeric has been used in Asia for thousands of years due to its medicinal properties. It has also been used as a fabric dye. Today, it is used as spice.

Curcumin, a curcuminoid, is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may even reduce swelling and ease the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

It is Anti-inflammatory

Inflammation is created when the body fights off foreign invaders. Low-level inflammation is okay, but once inflammation becomes chronic, it’s another story. Chronic inflammation has been a contributor to many diseases including heart disease, metabolic syndrome, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and other degenerative diseases. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties are strong enough to mimic the effects of anti-inflammatory drugs without the side effects. Curcumin fights off inflammation at a molecular level by blocking NF-kB, which plays a major role in most chronic diseases.

Increases Antioxidants in the Body

Oxidative damage, caused by the overproduction of free radicals, contributes to premature aging and other diseases. Antioxidants are important in fighting oxidative damage and providing protection to the body. Curcumin is a very effective antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals and stimulate the body’s own antioxidant enzymes at the same time.

Improves Brain Function and Lowers the Risk for Diseases of the Brain

Curcumin is known to increase the levels of a hormone known as BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) that is essential in brain functioning such as growing new neurons and fighting off degenerative brain diseases. Once BDNF levels rise, they will effectively reverse or delay brain disease and decrease age-related brain conditions. Curcumin might also help improve memory. Because of this effect, it can possibly make you smarter.

Curcumin may also help clear up plaques that are responsible for the development of Alzheimer’s disease. It is capable of getting across the blood-brain barrier and may improve the pathological process that leads to Alzheimer’s disease.

Lowers Risk of Heart Disease

Curcumin can help lower the risk of heart disease as it reverses the heart disease process. It also improves the endothelium that lines the blood vessels. The endothelium is responsible for different cardiac functions such as regulating blood pressure, blood clotting, and more. Curcumin is said to improve these functions and is just as effective as exercise. Its effects are also believed to be like the drug Atorvastatin. Curcumin’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help prevent heart disease, too.

Helps Prevent and Even Treat Cancer

Curcumin can reduce the growth of new blood vessels in tumors and can prevent the growth of new cancer cells. With an absorption enhancer like pepper, curcumin may be the best cancer treatment there is. It is a much safer alternative to pharmaceuticals and does not have any side effects that may cause harm. However, the use of curcumin in cancer treatment and prevention may need further studies.

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Healthy Immune System Improved from Cinnamon Oil

 

Cinnamon is an aromatic spice that is made from the peeled and dried bark of cinnamon trees. It has been used not only as a spice, but also as a medicine and as a trade commodity for hundreds of years.

Benefits of Cinnamon Oil

Anti-inflammatory

Cinnamon oil is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve stiff muscles and joints. It is also recommended for people suffering from arthritis and can even alleviate headaches caused by colds.

Treatment for Type II Diabetes

Cinnamon has been found to decrease blood glucose concentration and enhance insulin sensitivity.

Chemopreventive drug

Cinnamon has become one of the most common herbal medicines used for inhibiting tumor growth, particularly in cervical cancer. The reports have shown that cinnamon can cause apoptosis, or cell death, of cervical cancer cells.

Improves Blood Circulation

Cinnamon contains blood thinning properties, which makes the blood circulate in the body effectively. Good blood circulation helps transport the oxygen through all parts of the body. This will result in the proper functioning of all the body systems. It will also prevent heart attacks and stroke.

Antibacterial Properties

Cinnamon oil also has antibacterial properties, as well as anti-fungal, antiviral and antiseptic properties. It is effective in treating infections outside the body and can penetrate deeper into the body as well. Cinnamon oil has also been found to destroy staph infections and germs in the gall bladder.

Different Healthy Ways to Include Cinnamon with Food

  • Add cinnamon to cereal and rice pudding.
  • Ground cinnamon is a great spice for fruit pies such as pear, peach, apple, prune, and apricot.
  • Ground cinnamon can be added to beef or lamb marinades.
  • Cinnamon tea with honey has added health benefits.
  • Boiled milk with a cinnamon stick improves sleep.
  • Make a healthier cinnamon toast without sugar – substitute honey.

Different Types of Cinnamon

Saigon Cinnamon

Saigon cinnamon or Vietnamese cinnamon has superior flavor and odor. It is used mainly in ground form. It is often found in baked goods and processed foods.

Ceylon Cinnamon

It has a subtle and mild scent and is slightly sweeter. It is often seen rolled as a cigar and is soft and crumbly to the touch. It also appears lighter in color. Ceylon cinnamon has low coumarin levels, which are linked to liver failure. So, for those who want to take cinnamon as a daily supplement, Ceylon is the perfect choice.

Cassia Cinnamon

Cassia cinnamon, also known as Chinese cinnamon, is hard, hollow and has only one layer.

Korintje Cinnamon

An intense and spicy cinnamon it is smoother than the others, which is why it is a common choice for bakeries. It is also cheaper, but has a great flavor.

Conclusion

The flavor of cinnamon oil has always been unique. Its aroma is one of the most fragrant and addictive. A daily dose of this spice has many health benefits that will help improve your immune system. So why don’t you try some now?

Inulin – Natural Dietary Fiber

Inulin is a type of fiber consisting of naturally occurring polysaccharides and storage carbohydrates that can be found in 36,000 types of plants and vegetables. If you read the labels on processed foods, you will find that most of them list inulin. Yes, you have eaten inulin many times in your life.

What exactly is inulin? How does it benefit your body?

What You Need To Know About Inulin

Inulin is a non-digestible, natural, soluble dietary fiber that can be found in many varieties of vegetables, fruits, and other food products. It is composed of several simple sugars linked together and is a naturally occurring oligosaccharide that belongs to a group of fructans (carbohydrates).

Inulin is used as a prebiotic agent to stimulate the development of healthy intestinal bacteria. Inulin can be found in common food products such as fruits, vegetables, dietary supplements, and other health supplements.

What Are the Benefits of Inulin?

Inulin has many health benefits especially for those who are having digestion problems. Other benefits include:

  • It controls blood sugar levels. This is especially helpful for diabetes patients. Inulin has natural antioxidant properties that help with balancing the glucose level of the blood.  People who take inulin report better  responses to sugar with blood sugar levels.
  • It lowers risks of hypertension and heart diseases. Research confirms that inulin lowers levels of fats in the body, specifically triglycerides. Patients with heart conditions are given supplements containing inulin. It can prevent high blood pressure and heart problems.
  • It helps with digestion. Studies show that inulin is used to help with bowel movement and digestion. It is used for constipation and irregular bowel movement. It is widely used with elders who have problems with digestion.
  • It can help with weight loss. Although it is rich in fibre and all signs pinpoint to inulin being a weight loss agent, it should be paired with exercise and a healthy diet.

For users with high triglycerides, the recommended dose is 10 to 15 grams every day. For digestion treatments, the recommended dose is 20 to 40 grams every day until the digestion becomes regular again.

Foods Rich in Inulin

Inulin can be found in many food products but some specific foods that are rich in this dietary fibre include:

  • oats
  • wheat
  • bananas
  • berries
  • pineapple
  • asparagus
  • onions
  • radish

Inulin can aid in cleansing and detoxification. Regular use can eliminate digestive problems and remove fats from the body. Thus, this dietary fibre is an absolutely healthy part of your diet.

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Does 5 HTP Really Enhance Sleeping Quality and More?

We don’t fully understand why we need sleep, but we sure know the effects on the body if we don’t get enough of it each day. Extended periods of sleep deprivation can cause some serious health issues that most insomniacs would be well aware of.

Sleep disorders are also closely linked to depression, anxiety, stress, and migraines. So it seems that cognitive issues are at least in part to blame for a chronic lack of sleep. Could you then adjust the levels of serotonin (the neurotransmitter responsible for happiness) to improve the quality of your sleep?

Turns out you can, but you don’t need serotonin for it. You need 5 HTP, a common precursor to the neurotransmitter. The chemical is a byproduct of some proteins found naturally in African plants such as Griffonia simplicifolia. It’s been used to treat everything from Parkinson’s disease to premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

5 HTP works on the central nervous system and helps it boost the chemical serotonin in the body. This can affect a number of biological factors including the appetite for sex, hunger, and body temperature.

It has been documented as having incredible effects on a person’s sleep. Researchers found that those who took the drug were likely to sleep more deeply and fall asleep quicker than subjects who were given a placebo in a study. They suggest taking  200 to 400 mg every night to improve the quality of sleep, but it could take between 5 and 10 weeks to be fully effective.

A number of herbal supplements and multivitamins claim to have 5 HTP in them and adults are recommended doses not exceeding 300mgs a day. Children, of course, are not allowed any dose.

The doses are divided and usually taken at different times in the day. Lower, more frequent doses will also have a significant effect. Pairing the dose with other substances is usually okay, unless the substance is a neurological drug used for depression or other cognitive purposes. Do speak to your doctor before you mix 5 HTP with something else.

Taking 5 HTP along with food was also considered a great way to boost appetite. Studies have shown notable differences in appetite. If taken with food, it increases hunger, but may it may reduce your appetite if taken without food. Food intake can be gradually suppressed with the use of this drug.

Other trials have shown similar effects on weight reduction, cortisol control, and sleep terrors.

Insomnia and minor sleep disorders are well noted to be age related. Sleeping aids have been used for centuries, but only recently have we been able to tap into the body’s natural biochemistry to induce deep and restful sleep in most people.

There could be no better way to rebalance serotonin in the body and fix a person’s circadian rhythm. Experts recommend it for people who suffer from chronic sleep deprivation. 5HTP is essentially a natural way to get a good night’s sleep.

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