Garlic: Its Benefits to your health

Garlic has long been touted as a health booster, but it’s never been clear why the herb might be good for you. The word garlic comes from Old English garleac, meaning "spear leek." Dating back over 6,000 years, it is native to Central Asia, and has long been a staple in the Mediterranean region, as well as a frequent seasoning in Asia, Africa, and Europe.

The therapeutic qualities of garlic are nothing new. Sanskrit records reveal that garlic remedies were pressed into service in India 5,000 years ago, while Chinese medicine has recognised garlic's powers for over 3,000 years. Although Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin in 1928 largely took over from garlic, World War One overwhelmed the capacity and garlic was again, the antibiotic of choice.

In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers show that eating garlic appears to boost our natural supply of hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide is actually poisonous at high concentrations — it’s the same noxious byproduct of oil refining that smells like rotten eggs. But the body makes its own supply of the stuff, which acts as an antioxidant and transmits cellular signals that relax blood vessels and increase blood flow. In the latest study, performed at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, researchers extracted juice from supermarket garlic and added small amounts to human red blood cells. The cells immediately began emitting hydrogen sulfide, the scientists found.

The Journal of the Royal College of Physicians reviewed data on cholesterol in 1993, found that after just four weeks there was a 12 per cent reduction in cholesterol levels in the research groups that had taken garlic. Scientists have also looked at the role garlic plays in helping prevent the formation of blood clots. A review of recent clinical trials, published in the Journal of Hypertension, showed that taking garlic tablets cut volunteers' blood pressure by between one and five per cent. These results led the report's authors to conclude that taking supplements could cut the incidence of stroke by anything from 30-40 per cent, while heart disease could be reduced by 20-25 percent.

Human population studies show that eating garlic regularly reduces the risk of esophageal, stomach, and colon cancer. This is partly due to garlic's ability to reduce the formation of carcinogenic compounds. Animal and test tube studies also show that garlic, and its sulfur compounds, inhibit the growth of different types of cancer-especially breast and skin tumors.

The benefits of garlic to your health can be considered in many respects:

1. Cancer

Research into the benefits of garlic are continuing all the time and some scientists have been reviewing evidence that suggests it may even help to protect against cancer. Studies have been done on the population and in animals, as well as in test tubes. What is determined is that garlic has the ability to reduce the formation of cancerous cells. Garlic is shown to actually block cancer causing compounds from forming, and slow the growth of tumor cells. Garlic is especially helpful in blocking oesophagal, breast, stomach, prostate and bladder cancer. Research has proven that compounds in garlic not only slow the rate of growth in a tumor, but can reduce the tumor size by half. When studying the effects on breast cancer, these compounds can actually prevent carcinogens from attaching to breast cells. What are these wondrous compounds? They are diallye disulphide and s-allycystein. These compounds form when garlic is crushed. Among the sulfur components of garlic there are some called ajoenes, which are also noted for their "antitumor" abilities.

2. Circulatory Effects

More than 250 publications have shown that garlic supports the cardiovascular system. It may lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, inhibit platelet stickiness (aggregation), and increase fibrinolysis-which results in a slowing of blood coagulation. It is mildly antihypertensive and has antioxidant activity.

3. Infection

Since 1858 garlic has also been known for its anti-bacterial properties. At this time Louis Pasteur discovered that bacterial cells died when they were saturated with garlic. Other cases of it being used as an antibiotic in history include WW II, when British doctors used it to treat those wounded in battle, and Albert Schweitzer used garlic to treat typhus and cholera. Garlic appears to have roughly 1 % the strength of penicillin against certain types of bacteria. This means it is not a substitute for antibiotics, but it can be considered as a support against some bacterial infections. Candida albicans growth is inhibited by garlic, and garlic has shown long-term benefit for recurrent yeast infections. With this in mind, it should be condsidered only as an aid to antibiotics in fighting infections, as it is not enough to replace them. Garlic can help by stimulating T-cells that help fight infection.

4. Digestive System Disorders

Garlic is one of the most beneficial foods for the digestive system. It exercises a beneficial effect on the lymph, aids in elimination of noxious waste matter in the body. It stimulates peristaltic action and the secretion of the digestive juices. Crushed cloves of garlic may be infused in water or milk and taken for all types of disorders of the digestion. It has an antiseptic effect and is an excellent remedy for infectious diseases and inflammations of the stomach and intestine. The oil of garlic is absorbed into the alimentary tract and is eliminated partly through the urine.

5. Heart Disease

Just as there are many factors that cause heart disease, there are many benefits of garlic that aid in preventing and treating it. So how can garlic help keep our heart in check? First, it helps lower our cholesterol levels. It raies our HDL (good) cholesterol levels, prevents LDL (bad) cholesterol from building up on arterial walls. This reduces the chances of plaque forming in our arteries. It has also been shown to lower cholesterol levels by 9% in people who ate 2 cloves of garlic per day.

Recent studies have also shown it to protect the aorta. The aorta is the heart blood vessel that maintians blood pressure and flow while the heart is pumping. Age, poor diet and environmental factors such as smoking can damage the aorta, causing it to stiffen. Studies have also shown that regular consumption of garlic slows the aging of the aorta and helps keep it flexible.

6. Skin Disorders

Garlic has also been used successfully for a variety of skin disorders Pimples disappear without scar when rubbed with raw garlic several times a day. Even very persistent form of acne, suffered by some adults, has also been healed with garlic. The external use of garlic helps to clear the skin of spots and pimple, and boils. The process is further helped by taking the garlic orally also, to purify the blood-steam so as to secure a long term clearance of the skin. A regular course of three garlic capsules per day should help to clear minor skin infections quickly.

7. Hypertension

Another heart benefit of garlic is its ability to help control our blood pressure by thinning our blood. Garlic is regarded as one of the most effective remedies to lower blood pressure. Once again the chemical found in garlic, called ajoene, thins the blood and keeps clots from forming. Studies done with general populations have shown that where there is more garlic consumed in a population, there is also a reduced incidence of hypertension and heart disease. As these days garlic capsules are available with the chemist shops, the average dosage of two to three capsules a day to be given to make a dent in the blood pressure. Although garlic's heart healthy benefits may be new to some, for centuries Chinese herbalists have been using garlic to treat people with angina attacks and circulatory disorders.

8. Fighting off the common cold

A recently published study found that a daily garlic supplement reduced the risk of the volunteers catching a cold by half. The researchers also discovered that even when those taking the supplement did develop a cold they were more likely to make a speedier recovery than the non-garlic taking volunteers.

If that's not enough, just one clove a day will top up your body's supplies of vitamins A, B and C, as well as a vast array of minerals including selenium, iodine, potassium, iron, calcium, zinc and magnesium.

How can a clove of garlic possibly help? Studies have shown that garlic extract improves immune function, giving our natural defense system a boost, and helping it conserve our levels of antioxidants in our system. It is this strengthening of the immune system that aids in its support for other health related conditions.

9. Whooping Cough

Garlic is an excellent remedy for whooping cough. Syrup of garlic is given in doses of five drops to a teaspoonful two or three times a day in this condition. It should be given more often if the coughing spells are frequent and violent.

10. Impotence

Garlic has also been found to be helpful to those dealing with impotence. Folklore dating back centuries has hailed garlic as an aphrodisiac, and now studies have proven this legend to be true. We know that garlic aids in blood circulation and keeps veins and arteries youthful, but that is only one way it helps with impotence. According to researchers, to obtain an erection an enzyme is required called nitric oxide synthase, and compounds in garlic stimulate the production of this enzyme in people who suffer from low levels of it.

11. Pregnancy

One can also benefit from garlic during pregnancy. According to a study done by doctors in a London hospital, garlic supplementation may help weight-gain for babies that may be at risk for low birth weight. The study also found that the chance of other at-birth risk factors could be reduced, such as pre-eclampsia, which is associated with hypertension.

Precautions

Garlic is a component of the main Indian diet, and there are no problems associated with its intake. For some, garlic can be the cause of heartburn as well as flatulence. And then, of course, there is the smell that eating garlic leaves behind! For those who prefer their garlic odourless, a range of products, from chemists and health food shops, provide the recommended dose - between 600-900 mg a day.

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BENEFITS OF AVOCADO IN CULINARY, COSMETIC FOR A HEALTHY BODY

I like eating avocado, and I also like being slim. When others see me eating avocado, they tell me that this fruit is not good for health because it has bad fat content and high cholesterol. Is this true?

Let’s find out about:

COMPOSITION OF AVOCADO

In general, an avocado contains antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E, as well as lutein; Vitamin B6, calcium, zinc and phosphorus; Folic acid; Highest quality fat of the mono-unsaturated kind; Fine quality protein, superior to that found in cereals, and similar to milk; Fiber or cellulose; Minerals, especially iron, copper, potassium and sodium; A high amount of fruit oil, which is a rare element, and provides the smooth, mellow taste and nutty flavor. Unlike many other fruit, the avocado has few carbohydrates, no starch and little sugar.

USES OF AVOCADO IN CULINARY AND COSMETIC

In culinary, avocado can be added to salads and salsa. In some parts of Mexico, the green leaves are dried and used for seasoning stews. Since the pulp is free from fiber, it can be mixed with water to form a smooth and tasty emulsion. Avocado oil is predominantly monounsaturated. The avocado as a refined cooking oil is unusually light, so it mixes well with other foods. It has a mild, delicate flavor, which enhances and brings out the flavor of other foods. Avocado oil withstands a high cooking temperature before breaking down, its “smoke point” is about 255^oC (490^oF).

Avocado helps inhibit the growth of prostate cancer. Certain compounds in avocados can destroy some oral cancer cells. Avocado is high in oleic acid, which helps prevent breast cancer. It also has carotenoid lutein which protects against macular degeneration and cataracts. Avocados aid in digestion because it helps in the absorption of food nutrients. Avocados are an excellent source of glutathione, a popular natural antioxidant (and skin whitener). It is one of the best fruit source of Vitamin E.

For cosmetics, you can use avocado as a skin moisturizer, cleansing cream, makeup base, sunscreen, lipstick, bath oil, and hair conditioner. Toxicological tests of avocado oil products have provided an official health/safety assessment. Avocado oil is used to treat psoriasis. Moreover, it is used to make shampoos and conditioners to revitalize dull hair.

TIPS & NOTES

- Select heavy, unblemished fruit. Most market will sell unripe and hard avocados. So after you bought one, allow it to ripe between 3 to 6 days.

- If avocado yield slightly to gentle pressure, it’s ready to be eaten.

- If you need to speed up the ripening process, place avocados in a paper bag with apple or banana. Never put avocado in a fridge since it will make the ripening process significantly slower.

- The avocado turns sour with cooking, and cannot withstand freezing. Therefore, it should be eaten raw and as fresh as possible. If it has to be stored, it should be kept at room temperature.

- Do not eat avocados or take any products containing avocados if you are using the antidepressant monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI). Avoid eating large amounts of avocado if you’d like to lose weight, because they are high in calories.
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Reasons not to Drink Coffee

As you know, coffee has been a major part of most of our lives. There are some side effects, but then the vital word here is that, these side effects become really prominent when you consume it too much.

More than 50 percent of Americans drink coffee every day, up to three to four cups each, which adds up to more than 330 million cups per day. While some researchers have claimed that coffee is not good for some people (and it isn’t — especially for pregnant women), other studies show there may be some merit in that coffee pot’s ingredients.

The following list points to negative effects of coffee to your health that make you should not drink too much coffee. Let’s check them out.

1. It is addictive

An average cup of coffee contains 135mg of caffeine, so that’s 7 to 9 cups (about 900 – 1200mg) a day for an extended period of time can lead to a partial or full tolerance in as quick as one to three weeks.

When you stop ingesting caffeine, you get withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are headaches, irritability and generally being unable to concentrate. They fade away fairly quickly too though. So, you should within a couple of days.

2. It can cause stomachache

Many of the chemicals in coffee and decaf irritate the stomach lining causing an increase of stomach acid leading to digestive disorders. Moreover, caffeine may cause problems with blood sugar control after meals for type 2 diabetics. It excites more rapid peristaltic movements of the intestines resulting in shorted transit times and less absorption of nutrients.

3. It has deleterious effects foetus

Coffee has been associated with low birth weight, birth defects, miscarriages, premature birth, inability to conceive, and sluggish sperm.

4. It can disturb your sleeping time

While this can be a benefit, when taken to extremes coffee (or caffeine actually) can result in serious sleeping disorders - your sleeping patterns go disarray sometimes and again. Two of them are linked directly to the caffeine, but there are more that have a correlation. They are classified as psychiatric disorders.

5. It increases blood pressure

Cortisol levels are raised which in turn results in constriction of the blood vessels, harder pumping of the heart and higher blood pressure. Coffee, including decaf, has high amounts of vitamin K, which affects coagulability of the blood – bad for people at risk of heart attack, stroke and blood clots.

6. Calcium vs Coffee

Caffeine may aggravate osteoporosis by leaching calcium from the bones. It hampers the absorption of essential minerals and vitamins such as magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, and B’s. Too much coffee intake can result in a faster loss of Calcium from your body.

7. It increases cholesterol

Coffee may interfere with proper levels of homocysteine and cholesterol by inhibiting vitamins folate, B12 or B6. When the coffee is made using the French Press method, it contains oils that increase LDL cholesterol levels. This method of coffee making is popular among coffee lovers, as it has an authentic feel about it. But it is also commonly used among people that don’t drink coffee, as it’s a cheap way of being able to make coffee for guests.

Too much coffee intake can result in a faster loss of Calcium from your body.

8. It makes your teeth become yellow in color

Coffee contributes to caries in the teeth.

9. It can cause headaches

Caffeine can both treat headaches or cause them. If you consume caffeine about 500mg a day, you are prone to withdrawal effects when reducing the amount. One of those effects is a headache. Coffee usually is the main source for caffeine ingestion, but there are many other sources, like tea, chocolate, soft drinks and a lot of pain relieving medicine!

So if you suffer from headaches a lot, check your daily caffeine ingestion, you might take a tad too much.
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How to Protect Yourself From H1N1 Swine Flu

The World Health Organization has declared a swine flu pandemic; the first global flu epidemic in 41 years.

In the United States alone, there are more than 13,000 cases and at least 27 deaths from swine flu. Officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the move would not change how the U.S. is tackling swine flu.

However, don't panic! You can protect yourself from the H1N1 swine flu by keeping your hands clean and remembering a few preventive measures. With this new H1N1 virus, even if you have received the influenza virus shot this year you will not be protected. This H1N1 flu virus is spread by respiratory droplets transmitted through the air by person to person or person to an object. The respiratory droplets are spread from the infected person to another person or object. Someone touches the object contaminated with the H1N1 virus and or infected person and then touches hand to mouth, nose, eye- contracting the H1N1 swine flu virus; and does NOT wash hands! The incubation period is 24-48 hours from time of exposure. You cannot catch swine flu from eating pork or exposure to pigs.

The following instructions maybe can help you protect yourself from H1N1 swine flu.

1. Keeping your hands clean. Always bringing with you a bottle of alcohol as disinfectant.
Keeping hands clean is the most important step to avoid getting sick and spreading the H1N1 virus. Wash hands with clean running warm water and hand soap. Rub hands together to form lather.

2. Avoiding very crowded places and having minimal contact with anyone.
Avoid close contact with people who are suspected to be sick with the new swine flu H1N1 virus. If you are sick and or have a fever stay home from school, work, etc. Consult your primary care physician.
No "beso-beso*" whenever you see my friends.

3. Drinking lots of water and taking the Vitamins daily. Eating healthy food.

4. Whenever you sneeze or cough, you should cover your mouth.
If you sneeze or cough, cover your nose and mouth with tissue- if no tissue is available use upper sleeve or elbow. Do NOT use your hand. (Throw tissue away in waste basket.)
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