Water Spinach for Heart Health, Diabetes and Cancer Prevention

Water Spinach or Kangkong in the Philippines, is scientifically known as Ipomoea aquatica, a popular ingredient used in various cuisines such as salads, desserts and added in some dishes. It can be boiled or steam , just like regular spinach.

Water spinach is a very nutritious vegetable with various health benefits. This plant is rich in calcium, iron, carotene, phosphorus, protein, sitosterol, vitamins A, B1 and C and contains lots of health beneficial amino acids. Other pharmacological effects includes laxative, antitoxin, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, homeostatic and sedatives or sleeping effects.

Health Benefits of Water Spinach

1. Protects Against Heart Diseases

Water spinach contains essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C and high concentration of beta-carotene. These nutrients act as antioxidants, which helps in reducing free radicals in the body, thus preventing cholesterol from becoming oxidized.

Oxidized cholesterol sticks to the blood vessel walls, therefore causing heart attack, stroke and blocked arteries. Besides, folate present in water spinach helps to convert a potentially dangerous chemical known as homocysteine, which in high levels can lead to stroke or heart attack. Also, magnesium is a mineral that helps lower blood pressure and provides protection against heart disease.

2. For Diabetes

Kangkong is good for diabetics because the substances in water spinach can help in absorbing excess blood sugar.

A study which was conducted by the Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, India and published in the Journal of Diabetes. March 2013, reported that by administering powdered kangkong supplements to pregnant rats. The results suggest that kangkong supplementation during pregnancy may provide beneficial effects against diabetes induced oxidative stress both for the mother and the fetus.

Other studies have reported that water spinach is effective for diabetes such as:

1. Helps lower fasting blood sugar levels for type 2 diabetes
2. Reduces blood sugar levels comparable to the diabetes medication known as tolbutamide.
3. Provides supplementation during pregnancy by reducing diabetic pregnancy complications

3. Cancer Prevention

Water spinach is loaded with 13 different types of antioxidant compounds and is therefire a perfect diet for prevention of cancer. These antioxidants are known to help in eliminating free radicals from the body, thus altering the conditions in which cancer cells strengthen and multiply the natural cell environment. This vegetable is said to be most beneficial in preventing colo-rectal, stomach, breast and skin cancers.

4. Boost Immunity

Water spinach is rich in vitamins C, which means that it is very beneficial for building immunity. It can be a deterrent against influenza. Also, the content of vitamin C in spinach are more than the vitamins present in fruits.

5. Treatment of Anemia

Water spinach is rich in iron, which makes it very beneficial for individuals with anemia as well as pregnant women who require iron in their diets. Iron is an important mineral that is needed by the body, most particularly by the red blood cells for the formation of hemoglobin.

6. Eye Health

Water spinach is loaded with carotenoids, lutein and vitamin A. These nutrients are essential for eye health. Also, kangkong boosts glutathione levels, which plays a key role in preventing cataracts.

7. Liver Problems

According to studies, water spinach says could prevent liver damage. This is attributed to the effect of chemical compounds present spinach that contribute to the modulation of antioxidants and detoxification enzymes, as well as the effects of free radicals.

Nutrition Profile of Water Spinach:

Water spinach is a nutrient dense source of Vitamin A, B, C, iron and calcium.

Calories Per Serving: 11 cals
Serving Size: 1 cup or 56g

How to Consume Water Spinach:

– Add in a juice or green smoothie.
– Add in stews, soups, casseroles, or salads.

5 powerful Herbs for Treating Acne

usually occurs when there is an overproduction of oil or sebum that mingles with dead cells that in turn blocks the pores on the skin. When this happens, bacteria set in causing inflammation and bumps on the skin. There are many causes of acne such as sensitivity to certain types of makeup, hormonal changes, stress, as well as the type of food often consumed. Most would treat their acne by using medication but you might be surprised to find that there are natural ways to treat your flare ups.

5 Useful Herbs to Alleviate Acne Flare Ups

1. Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera is an amazing herbal plant because of its many uses. From treating cuts and burns to providing you with essential nutrients when made into juice, another benefit that can be added to this plant is being able to treat acne. The pulp of the plant is actually a good skin cleanser and can help alleviate inflammation. Simply split the skin of the aloe and apply directly onto the skin to get relief.
2. Lemon. What’s great about lemon is that it is readily available so you can use this treatment anytime you need it. Start off by washing your face to get rid of any dirt or impurities on your skin. Add some lemon juice into a cotton ball then apply on your face. Another possible treatment is the “steam cleaning” where you hold your face on top of a steaming bowl of lemon juice with a towel over your head to prevent the steam from escaping. This helps loosen up any oil and dead skin cell build up so you can wipe them away afterwards.
3. Cucumber. Another possible treatment for acne is cucumber. This vegetable isn’t just good for your overall health but it can also help relieve your acne. All that you have to do is to blend its pulp until liquid and apply onto your acne. You can also drink four to five cups of cucumber juice every day for a week to help cleanse your lymphatic system as well as blood to help clear up your acne woes.
4. Garlic. This particular herb is believed to be quite effective in treating acne thanks to its antibacterial properties. You can either apply it on your acne to help clear up your skin or ingest it whichever you prefer. Of course, you need to dilute the garlic first before you apply it onto your skin.
5. Mint. The menthol found in mint works as a painkiller and anti-inflammatory making it an ideal acne remedy. Although it won’t cure your acne, it can help reduce the swelling and lessen the pain that comes with it. You should first mash up the leaves to get the juice from the plant then wash your face before applying the paste. Leave it for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing with cold water.

Acne flare ups can be treated without having to rely on medications all the time. With the following herbs mentioned above, it will be easier and cheaper to treat your acne problem at home.

Wonderful Health Benefits of Grape Leaves

Grape leaves, which is a popular staple of heart-healthy Mediterranean cuisine, are loaded in minerals and vitamins. Grape leaves are often found in bottles or cans, while raw or fresh grape leaves are best consumed after they are blanched or steamed.

Whether canned or freshly picked from grapevines, grape leaves can provide your body with a wide range of beneficial nutrients, from antioxidants, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and calcium.

To get the health and nutritional benefits of grape leaves, you can turn these tasty leaves into delicious rolls filled with meat, rice, vegetables, or used them in salads.

Health Benefits of Grape Leaves:

1. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Grape leaves are known to be mildly anti-inflammatory and this is based on a rating system that estimates the inflammatory potential of foods and its food combinations.

Chronic inflammation may cause certain disease and illnesses, such as heart disease, some types of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Other diseases that are a result of inflammation include arthritis and gastrointestinal diseases, including Crohn’s disease.

2. Anti-microbial Antioxidant Properties

Whole grapes are a good source of antioxidants, but as it turns out, grape leaves are rich in anti-microbial and antioxidant compounds as well.

A research which was published in the International Journal of Food Properties in early 2013 compared the antioxidant properties of grape leaves collected in the months of May, August, and September. The study reported that the grape leaves plucked in September had the highest levels of total flavonoids, phenols, stilbenes and flavonols, all of which are known for strong antioxidant properties.

In addition, this study found grape leaf extract to contains antimicrobial activity against Salmonella Infantis, Escherichia coli, Stapylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Campylobacter jejuni.

3. Contains Low Glycemic Load

A single serving of grape leaves is full of nutrients, but has low glycemic load of 1. Monitoring one’s glycemic load is very important, most especially for diabetics, because it measures the effect of food on blood-sugar levels.

A daily total glycemic load target for the average, healthy individual is 100 or less, which makes grape leaves a healthy choice. People with metabolic syndrome or diabetes should aim for a lower number.

4. Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Did you know that there are some plant-based foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids in significant amounts? Chia seeds, flax seeds, walnuts and canola oil top the list of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids. But there are also some green leafy vegetables, including grape leaves, that make it to the list as well.

Fresh grape leaves have about 2% fat, a surprisingly large amount for a green vegetable, and that substantial share of fat is omega-3.

5. Natural Remedy for Varicose Veins

A study published in the March 2004 issue of the journal Drugs in R & D examined the effects of red vine leaf extract on transcutanous oxygen pressure, cutaneous micro-circulation and leg edema in both men and women with chronic venous insufficiency.

Venous insufficiency is a medical condition, in which the veins have trouble pumping blood back to the heart and is characterized by the presence of spider veins, varicose veins, or chronic leg swelling.

The results of the study were promising, in which after the 6-week trial period, patients who received red vine leaf extract reported improved oxygen levels, improved microvascular blood flow and a decrease in leg circumference.

6. Rich in Calcium and Magnesium

Grape leaves are also loaded with magnesium and calcium, along with a number of other health enhancing minerals. Just one ounce provides at least 7% of the daily value for magnesium and 10% of the daily value for calcium.

Both magnesium and calcium are important for bone health. But, this mineral combination also plays an important role in healthy muscle and nerve function.

Nutritional Information of Grape Leaves:

Grape leaves are very low in calories, and has about 14 calories for every five leaves. For your general wellness and health, grape leaves are a good source of nutrients. These includes vitamins C, E, A, K and B6, niacin, iron, riboflavin, fiber, calcium, folate, copper, magnesium and manganese.

A single heart-healthy serving or just 1 cup of grape leaves, has no cholesterol or fat and is very low in sugar and sodium.

Top 6 Organic/Natural Air Purifiers For Homes

Why spend money on Air purifiers?

1. Bamboo Palm: According to NASA, it removes formaldahyde and is also said to act as a natural humidifier.

2. Snake Plant: Found by NASA to absorb nitrogen oxides and formaldahyde.

3. Areca Palm: One of the best air purifying plants for general air cleanliness.

4. Spider Plant: Great indoor plant for removing carbon monoxide and other toxins or impurities. Spider plants are one of three plants NASA deems best at removing formaldahyde from the air.

5. Peace Lily: Peace lilies could be called the “clean-all.” They’re often placed in bathrooms or laundry rooms because they’re known for removing mold spores. Also known to remove formaldahyde and trichloroethylene.

6. Gerbera Daisy: Not only do these gorgeous flowers remove benzene from the air, they’re known to improve sleep by absorbing carbon dioxide and giving off more oxygen over night.

10 Health Problems Pepper, Salt and Lemon Combination will Solve Better than Conventional Medicine

Lemon, pepper, and salt are ingredients that are not limited to salad recipes as they can also be useful as alternative to pharmaceutical medications.

Many people from around the globe actually use these ingredients as cure and treatment for everyday common ailments. Another reason why millions use these ingredients is because modern medical care is generally expensive. These ingredients became the go-to natural remedies that are both inexpensive and effective.

Here are ailments or medical conditions that can be treated by black pepper, lemon, and sea salt:

1. Sore

Throat Get rid of sore throat easily by mixing a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, half a teaspoon of black pepper, and one teaspoon of sea salt in one tall glass of warm water. All you have to do is gargle this concoction a few times daily to relive of pesky sore throat and incessant coughing.

2. Stuffy Nose

You can relieve that stuffy sensation of clogged nose by sneezing. If that doesn’t work, combine equal amounts of black pepper, sea salt with cinnamon, cumin, and cardamon seeds in amortar and pestle. Grind these ingredients until you get a fine powder. All you need to do is sniff the mixture slowly and then sneeze it off right after.

3. Remove Gallstones

The hardened deposits of digestive fluids that accumulate in your gallbladder are referred to as gallstones. These stones may potentially block the digestive and can be quite painful too. Usually, gallstones may only be removed via surgery.

There are also natural remedies that can remove gallstones effectively. Simply take three parts of olive oil and combine with lemon and black pepper to immediately remove gallstones.

4. Canker Sores

In order to heal the mucus membrane in your oral region, you need to combine a tablespoon of Himalayan salt with a cup of warm water. Gargle this in your mouth after every meal. This mixture will help in eliminating bad bacteria and support fast healing of canker sores.

5. Weight Loss

Drink a concoction made up of ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper, two tablespoons of lemon juice, and one tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm water. This mixture will help in speeding up metabolism. The polyphenol content found in lemons will prevent weight gain and further boost insulin sensitivity which in turn aids in burning unwanted fat.

6. Nausea

Upset stomach can be relieved with the use of black pepper, whilst fresh lemon juices successfully stops nausea. All you need to do is mix a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice with one teaspoon of black pepper in a tall glass of warm water. Drink slowly until you feel relief.

7. Asthma Attack

This natural remedy should always be kept on hand if you or someone in your family suffers from asthma. To prepare this remedy, simply combine 10 grains of pepper, 2 clove buds, and15 basil leaves in one cup of water. Wait until it gets to a simmer for about 15 minutes. Strain the mixture in a glass jar and place the lid on top. Add two tablespoons of raw honey then let the mixture cool down. You may keep this in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Ideally, you should drink it with milk to make t more palatable.

8. Toothache

Mix half a teaspoon of ground with clove oil to relive yourself of painful toothache. Apply this natural remedy on the affected tooth. In order to prevent toothache, you need to floss and brush your teeth at least twice a day. It is important that alongside drinking this remedy, you need to avoid consumption of sugary and highly-acidic foods.

9. Cold and Flu

To get rid of unwanted cold and flu, squeeze half a lemon in a large cup of boiled water. Leave the pulp and the peel steep in the water for about 10 minutes. Take out the lemon and add a spoonful of organic raw honey into the mixture. Drink this concoction as needed or until you feel relief.

10. Nosebleed

Simply apply a few drops of fresh lemon juice on a cotton ball and place it inside the nostril. Tilt your head slightly forward in order to stop the blood from dripping into the throat and to prevent nausea. This remedy will definitely stop your nosebleed immediately.

10 Most-Used Herbs with Outstanding Healing Effects

There are times when herbal remedies are the smarter choice over pharmaceutical medication, including how herbs are a much safer alternative because of their lack of side effects.

For minor health problems, prescription medications can be set aside and milder healing herbs are better options. Here are 10 of the best herbs that can help improve your health and are effective against some health conditions:

1. Catnip

Making tea out of this herb is a great remedy for those with an upset stomach, as well as those who want relief from tension and anxiety. There are no known side effects for drinking catnip tea.

2. Cranberry

For those with high bladder infection risk and those with chronic prostatitis, drinking ½ to ¾ cup of cranberry juice daily can help treat the mentioned conditions.

3. Garlic

This has potent antimicrobial properties, which can help cure colds and sinus congestion. It can also treat traveler’s diarrhea and may help those with hypertension by eating one to two fresh cloves of garlic every day.

4. Ginger

Another herb you can grow in your garden or just have in your kitchen is ginger, which is the best remedy for nausea and vomiting. It can also relieve flu and upset stomach symptoms when you drink ginger tea.

5. Sage

Just a teaspoon of leaves added to a cup of boiling water can help you with sore throat, colds, and cough. In Germany, sage is used to treat excessive sweating and there are also studies that show this herb can reduce night sweats and hot flashes in menopausal women.

6. Thyme

This herb has been highly regarded for its ability to provide relief for coughs, congestion, and colds. Thyme has volatile oils with antispasmodic and antimicrobial properties that just one tablespoon of fresh or dried leaves added to a cup of boiling water can provide these benefits.

7. Turmeric

One of the herbs with so many health benefits, turmeric has curcumin that can fight inflammation and treat diseases, including arthritis.

8. Cinnamon

For those with diabetes and high cholesterol, cinnamon is a wonderful addition to your kitchen ingredients.

9. Aloe Vera

Known for being skin-friendly, aloe vera is a medicinal plant that is easy to use for minor burns and cuts. Those with eczema and other skin conditions can benefit from aloe vera as well.

10. Chamomile

Tea from the flower heads, whether dry or fresh, can prove to be a soothing brew for those who are feeling anxious. This also helps you sleep better, so drink it just before bedtime.

The useful plant compounds in these herbs definitely make them one of a kind when it comes to improving our health. While there is no need to eliminate pharmaceutical drugs completely, you can use these herbs to limit your dependence on those drugs to avoid unwanted side effects.

Health Benefits of Miracle Berry

The miracle fruit or the miracle berry is a fruit native to West Africa. There are a few reasons why this is known the “miracle fruit” but perhaps the reason that stands out is that it has the ability to alter the flavor of some foods. For instance, if you eat the berries and then eat a lemon after, you will find that the lemon tastes sweet and not sour.

This effect is said to be caused by miraculin, which is a protein that the berry has. Miraculin can change the protein shape on the part of the tongue that can detect sweet flavors. This results to the sweet receptors responding to both bitter and acidic foods, so that you taste sweetness instead.

Miracle Berry Health Benefits
Aside from changing how some foods taste, miracle berries are also nutritious. In fact, if you are on a diet, you can consume this fruit without feeling guilty. It is a great substitute for sugar instead of turning to artificial sweeteners. This fruit has been proven to be safe that it is even recommended for diabetics. It is also a good food for people who want to increase their appetite. This is why this berry is useful for people who are undergoing chemotherapy who don’t find food appealing.

Even though miracle berries can increase appetite, they can also aid in weight loss. This is because the miracle fruit does not contain calories. With its ability to alter your taste buds, you will find any food – especially those that you do not like to eat such as vegetables – to be sweeter and better tasting.

As mentioned, miracle berries are ideal for people who have diabetes. According to a study published in the Phytotherapy Research journal, the miracle fruit protected lab rats with high blood sugar levels against insulin resistance. Even though the fruit is sugary sweet, it will not contribute to problems with insulin and diabetes itself.

Safety

Miracle berries are considered safe even though you have a health problem where you must restrict your sugar intake. However, this does not mean that supplements consisting of the fruit are safe. Although there is no evidence these supplements are bad for your health, they are not recommended for long-term use. These berries, their seeds, and supplements can be purchased online. There are also nurseries where you can find miracle berry seeds. While this fruit is considered healthy, you should consult your physician first, especially if you have a health condition.

Olive Oil Ingredient Prevents Brain Cancer Growth In Lab Test

To the list of excellent reasons to use olive oil, we can add this one: it may be an effective preventative against brain cancer.

We already know olive oil is well worth adding to your diet for better heart health. It’s been shown to decrease arterial inflammation, lower blood pressure and contribute to weight loss when part of a Mediterranean-style diet. Previous studies have also shown potential for broader disease prevention, but the latest study went a step further in showing how oleic acid, olive oil’s main monounsaturated fatty acid, stops cancer-causing protein activity in brain cells.

Researchers found that the fatty acid inhibits the activity of a cell protein called Musashi homolog2, which in turn prevents the protein from stopping the production of a microRNA called miR-7 that suppresses brain tumor formation. In other words, oleic acid empowers miR-7 to do its job of preventing tumors by thwarting its nemesis protein, Musashi homolog2.





That’s the good news. The less good news is we still don’t know if dietary intake of olive oil provides this benefit. The claim may very well be proven out eventually, but testing it was beyond the bounds of this study. What this study does do, however, is provide the lab-tested basis for taking the necessary next steps to find out.


Quoting lead researcher Dr. Gracjan Michlewski, “While we cannot yet say that olive oil in the diet helps prevent brain cancer, our findings do suggest that oleic acid can support the production of tumor-suppressing molecules in cells grown in the lab. Further studies could help determine the role that olive oil might have in brain health."

80,000 cases of brain cancer are diagnosed every year in the U.S., and one third of those cases involve malignant tumors. Nearly 700,000 people in the U.S. are living with a primary brain and central nervous system tumor, according to the American Brain Tumor Foundation. Brain cancer is also the main cause of cancer-related deaths for children under age 14.

So if you’re already using olive oil, there’s ample reason to continue doing so for well-evidenced health benefits, and now possibly another big one. And if you aren’t, consider looking into the many reasons to begin working olive oil into your diet.

The study was published in the Journal of Molecular Biology.