Health: Signs of a STROKE( Received by e-mail)

Please have a look....This 5 min may save a life and lots of tears..... You could save a life. 

STROKE: Remember The 1st Three Letters... S.T..R ... 
My friend sent this to me and encouraged me to post it and spread the word. I agree. If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks. 

STROKE IDENTIFICATION: 
During a party, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine and just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. (they offered to call ambulance) 
They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food - while she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00pm , Ingrid passed away.)
She had suffered a stroke at the party .

Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. 
Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead. It only takes a minute to read this... 

STROKE IDENTIFICATION: 
A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough. 

RECOGNIZING A STROKE 

Remember the '3' steps, STR 

 Read and Learn!
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. 
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions : 

S * Ask the individual to SMILE .. 
T * = TALK. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (eg 'It is sunny out today').
R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS . 

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call the ambulance and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. 

NOTE : Another 'sign' of a stroke is
1. Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue. 2. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke. 

Home Remedies for Dandruff

Home Remedies for Dandruff

For good hair without dandruff, drink at least 2 liter water daily, eat lots of salads, green vegetables, and fresh fruits.

Combs must be washed as frequently and hair should be brushed regularly.

Dandruff is a scalp condition that can be controlled.

Too little oil or too much oil can result in dandruff. Try the following...

Dandruff treatment using Fenugreek SeedsThe use of fenugreek seeds is one of the most important remedies in the treatment of dandruff. Two tablespoons of these seeds should be soaked overnight in water and ground into a fine paste in the morning. This paste should be applied all over the scalp and left for half an hour. The hair should then be washed thoroughly with soap-nut (ritha) solution or acacia concinna.

Dandruff treatment using LimeThe use of a teaspoon of fresh lime juice for the last rinse, while washing the hair, is another useful remedy. This not only leaves the hair glowing but also removes stickiness and prevents dandruff.

Dandruff treatment using Green Gram PowderA valuable prescription for removal of dandruff is the use of green gram powder. The hair should be washed twice a week with two tablespoons of this powder mixed with half a cup of curd.

Dandruff treatment using BeetBeets have been found useful in dandruff. Both tops and roots should be boiled in water and this water should be massaged into the scalp with the finger tips every night. White beet is better for this purpose.

Dandruff treatment using Snake GourdThe juice of snake gourd has been found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of dandruff. The juice should be rubbed over the scalp for this purpose.

Try Coconut Oil For A Dandruff Home RemedyThe best place of buy coconut oil is at any natural or health food store like GNC.  Apply the coconut oil to the scalp and scrub away the dead skin with a brush or fingernails.  Next, either hold your head under a faucet of hot water or in the shower under hot water for fifteen minutes.  You will have immediate results that will last up to six months or a year.

A Dandruff Home Remedy From The KitchenCheck your kitchen cupboard for olive oil and almond oil.  If you don't have either one, you can usually buy them at health food or vitamin stores.  Mix the two together and apply to scalp and leave on for five minutes.  Once it starts to tingle rinse and shampoo.

A Dandruff Home Remedy From The Barber ShopHere\'s an old dandruff home remedy from a retired barber.  Add two crushed aspirins to your shampoo when you wash your hair.  Leave the mixture on for two minutes then rinse and wash again.  This remedy usually works after one treatment.

Dandruff treatment using Other Remedies1) Dandruff can be removed by massaging the hair for half an hour with curd which has been kept in the open for three days, or with a few drops of lime juice mixed with indian gooseberry juice every night, before going to bed.

2) Another measure which helps to counteract dandruff is to dilute cider vinegar with an equal quantity of water and dab this on to the hair with cotton wool inbetween shampooing.

3)Cider vinegar added to the final rinsing water after shampooing also helps to disperse dandruff.

4) Mix 1 teaspoons lemon juice with 2 teaspoons vinegar and massage on the scalp.

Wash your hair with an egg shampoo.

5)Take a palm full of baking soda and rub it on your wet hair. Wash it off with water. The baking soda should relieve the itching and help in reducing the problem of dandruff.

(Compiled)

Need to loose a few pounds? (compiled)

Source: http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/need-to-lose-a-few-pounds-fast-heres-how

Sip tea for weight loss

Drinking hot herbal tea throughout the day keeps you full without adding lots of calories. In the winter months, you’re always craving comfort food to keep you warm, and tea takes care of that craving.

An apple a day keeps the weight away

Apples are Cohen’s No. 1 go-to food for losing weight. They have a lot of fiber and take a long time to chew. An 80-calorie apple will make you feel full for quite awhile.

Watch your diet at restaurants

When you eat out, tell the waiter not to bring the bread basket or the dessert menu or the cheese tray. You can even ask ahead of time for half your entrée to be wrapped to go.

Do the plank exercise

Lying flat on your stomach, push yourself up onto your elbows and your toes, with your back straight, abs tight, and nose pointing at the floor. Hold this posture for one minute. Do three one-minute planks every day, and you’ll see much better and faster results than with crunches.

Do lunge exercises, too

In your office or living room, do “walking lunges.” Take a five-minute break and lunge across the floor to the wall, then back again. Or do the same thing while watching TV or talking on the phone.

Walk for 1 hour every day

You don’t need to lift weights or do aerobics, just walk for one hour each day.  You can lose 250 to 350 calories each hour just by walking at a moderate speed. 

Eat cereal for breakfast five days a week.

Studies find that people who eat cereal for breakfast every day are significantly less likely to be obese and have diabetes than those who don't. They also consume more fiber and calcium -- and less fat -- than those who eat other breakfast foods. Of course, that doesn't mean reaching for the Cap'n Crunch. Instead, pour out a high-fiber, low-sugar cereal like Total or Grape Nuts.  

4 Fast Weight Loss Steps

1. Moderate Exercise:

“Three times a week.

2. Adequate Water Intake:

“Almost no one drinks enough and when you are losing weight, you need more. Take your weight, divide it in half and that equals the number of ounces of water you should drink each day.

3. Good Nutrition:

“Fresh fruits and veggies, grains, low-fat meat choices. And for most, a huge reduction in "fast foods," fried foods, sugary foods, white flour products, and red meat.

4. Good Sleep:

“This is a vital issue. Sleep is when the body rejuvenates and repairs. If you are not sleeping well, we can just about guarantee you won't lose the weight you are trying to lose.

Some weight loss Tips:

Eat slowly and calmly.
Put your fork or spoon down between every bite. Sip water frequently. Intersperse your eating with stories for your dining partner of the amusing things that happened during your day. Your brain lags your stomach by about 20 minutes when it comes to satiety (fullness) signals. If you eat slowly enough, your brain will catch up to tell you that you are no longer in need of food.

Eat only when you hear your stomach growling.
It's stunning how often we eat out of boredom, nervousness, habit, or frustration -- so often, in fact, that many of us have actually forgotten what physical hunger feels like. Next time, wait until your stomach is growling before you reach for food. If you're hankering for a specific food, it's probably a craving, not hunger. If you'd eat anything you could get your hands on, chances are you're truly hungry.

Spend 10 minutes a day walking up and down stairs.
The Centers for Disease Control says that's all it takes to help you shed as much as 10 pounds a year (assuming you don't start eating more).
Order the smallest portion of everything.
If you're ordering a sub, get the 6-inch sandwich. Buy a small popcorn, a small salad, a small hamburger. Studies find we tend to eat what's in front of us, even though we'd feel just as full on less.
Brush your teeth after every meal, especially after dinner.
That clean, minty freshness will serve as a cue to your body and brain that mealtime is over.
After breakfast, make water your primary drink.
At breakfast, go ahead and drink orange juice. But throughout the rest of the day, focus on water instead of juice or soda. 

Breathing exercises (Compiled)

source:  http://cas.umkc.edu/casww/brethexr.htm

Breathing exercise -

Learn how to breathe completely 
We breathe or die. We do it constantly by the end of our lives. Breathing exercise will help you to enjoy every breath and feel life. When I was a child, other children laughed at my belly, which moved while breathing and I kept wondering why only their chests moved when they breathed in. When we breathe in, the air should reach the diaphragm (an organ in the mid section of the body, where ribs end) so that it remains inside the body long enough to allow oxygen to be absorbed. The stretching of the diaphragm makes a natural massage to the abdomen.

To find out whether you breathe completely, lie down on the floor and make this breathing exercise:
Place your hand on the abdomen. If your hand goes up when you breathe in, it means you breathe completely. If it stands still, you should make a conscious effort to make the air you inhale lift the hand on your abdomen. Lie down for a few minutes, breathe calmly and try to make the hand on your abdomen rise every time you breathe in. You can do it while watching television or reading. Start by consciously concentrating on the way you breathe and if you are able to do it while watching television, it means you have reached the state of subconscious complete breathing.

 

Another breathing exercise:
As a next stage, try to consciously breathe abdominally while sitting or standing. Once again, place your hand on the abdomen and try to make it move up and down while breathing calmly. Concentrate on it; when you notice you are breathing abdominally while standing or watching television, it means it has become a part of your nature and you are fully enjoying every breath.

 

Breathing exercise rule
For physical activity your body needs more oxygen, i.e. you have to take in more air in deeper, controlled, conscious breaths. When I started exercising I used to make 10 repetitions at a single breathing in. I was in a hurry to finish the set before I was out of breath. I was not aware of doing it, until a friend joined me at the gym and noticed I was not breathing while making an exercise. It sounded odd and I began watching my breathing and tried to control it.

BREATHING EXERCISES

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  A 20% reduction in oxygen blood levels may be caused by the aging process and normal breathing habits. Poor breathing robs energy and negatively affects mental alertness. Unless breathing is exercised, aging affects the respiratory system as follows:
  Stiffness: The rib cage and surrounding muscles get stiff causing inhalation to become more difficult. Less elasticity and weak muscles leave stale air in the tissues of the lungs and prevents fresh oxygen from reaching the blood stream.

  Rapid, Shallow Breathing: This type of breathing, often caused by poor posture and weak or stiff muscles, leads to poor oxygen supply, respiratory disease, sluggishness, or heart disease.

---------------------------------

BELLY BREATH EXERCISES
     The following exercises are simple ways to deepen breathing and to cleanse the lungs. These exercises will also increase energy and decrease tension.
  Lie flat on your back to get a proper sense of deep breathing. (Have some small pillows available to reduce strain by tucking them under the neck and knees. The natural course of breathing in that position will create a slight rise in the stomach upon inhaling and a slight fall upon exhaling.)
  Place your hands palm down on your stomach at the base of the rib cage. (The lungs go that far down. What fills them deeper is the pushing down of the diaphragm. The diaphragm creates a suction which draws air into the lungs. the air is then expelled when the diaphragm pushes up. In this process, the life-giving oxygen fills the lungs and gets into the blood stream for distribution to the cells. Carbon dioxide is expelled from the blood into the about-to-be exhaled breath, thus cleansing the body and blood of waste products.)   Lay the palms of your hands on your stomach just below the rib cage, middle fingers barely touching each other, and take a slow deep breath.  (As the diaphragm pushes down, the stomach will slightly expand causing the fingertips to separate somewhat.

  This movement indicates full use of the lungs, resulting in a truly deep breath rather than the "puffed chest" breath experienced by many as the greatest lung capacity. Chest breathing fills the middle and upper parts of the lungs. Belly breathing is the most efficient method. Infants and small children use only this method until the chest matures.

FOR BEST RESULTS, PRACTICE THIS EXERCISE FOR 5 MINUTES.

---------------------------------

COMPLETE BREATH EXERCISES
1. Sit up straight. Exhale.
2. Inhale and, at the same time, relax the belly muscles. Feel as though the belly is filling with air.

3. After filling the belly, keep inhaling. Fill up the middle of your chest. Feel your chest and rib cage expand.

4. Hold the breath in for a moment, then begin to exhale as slowly as possible.

5.  As the air is slowly let out, relax your chest and rib cage. Begin to pull your belly in to force out the remaining breath.

6. Close your eyes, and concentrate on your breathing.

7.  Relax your face and mind.

8.  Let everything go.

9.  Practice about 5 minutes.

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HUMMING BREATH EXERCISES
     Follow the instructions for inhaling the COMPLETE BREATH (Steps 1-3 above). Now, as you begin to slowly exhale, make a HUM sound. Keep making that humming sound as long as possible. Pull your stomach muscles in, squeezing out a few more seconds of humming. Then relax. Practice for 2 to 3 minutes.

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Correct time to drink water ( Received by e-mail)

Drinking water especially at the following times, will maximize its effectiveness to the Human body.

Two (02) glass of water - After waking up - Helps activate internal organs

One (01) glasses of water - 30 minutes before meal - Help digestion

One (01) glass of water - Before taking a bath - Helps lower blood pressure

One (01) glass of water - Before sleep - To avoid stroke or heart attack
(Received this by e-mail..:))

For relaxing your feet

Take a basin/tub filled with luke warm water.
Add a few table spoons of salt to it. Place your feet in this water for 30-45 minutes till the water gets cold.
This is will give a good relaxation to feet, especially for a tired feet that hurts.

Read more here: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/soaking-feet-in-vinegar.html

Benefits of Triphala (Compiled)‏

Top Benefits of Wonder TriphalaTriphala is certainly the most celebrated herbal formula. This herbal formulation contains the following three ingredients in a powdered form, in the ratio 2:1:1. ★ Indian Gooseberry or amala or amalaki ( Emblica officinalis ) ★ Beleric Myrobalan or behera or bibhitaki ( Terminalia belerica ) ★  Chebulic Myrobalan or harada or haritaki ( Terminalia chebula ) 
This mixture has a long list of uses. Here, we enumerate the top ten. 
1.  Constipation - The ingredients of triphala act as natural laxatives. A regular use of triphala will help in the digestion of the food, separating the wastes effectively, and then voiding them out from the bowels. 
2. Colon cleansing - Sometimes, fecal matter accumulates in the large intestine (colon) due to improper functioning. This causes the fecal matter to get compacted and it obstructs the bowel movements. This may become an invitation to parasitic worms, which can cause several problems. Triphala helps to loosen out these compacted matters and eliminate them from the body. Colon cleansing therapists use triphala in a large way. 
3. Weight loss - Triphala helps in weight loss indirectly as well as directly. Since it cleanses out the colon completely, it aids the body in metabolizing the foods that are introduced into it. Due to this, there is no accumulation of fats in the body, and this helps in keeping the body weight in check. Directly, amalaki can dissolve the accumulated fats within the body. 
4. Flatulence - Flatulence is caused due to the accumulation of tox
ic gases in the stomach. Triphala acts in dissolving all these gases and hence it becomes an ideal cure for flatulence. 
5. Nervous Disorders - Triphala is a nervine. It has properties for toning the nervous system. That is the reason it is prescribed as a medicine for people who are suffering from nervous ailments, including Alzheimer's Disease. 
6. Gout - Triphala is an anti-inflammatory agent. Gout is caused due to the inflammation of the joints and the bones. Triphala helps in removing these deposits, which are voided through urination. 
7. Liver and Pancreatic Problems - Triphala is excellent in treating problems of the liver and the pancreas. Triphala provides support to liver metabolism and improves the functioning of the bile duct. In Ayurveda, triphala is a commonly prescribed medicine for the treatment of hepatitis. 
8. Urinary Stones - Triphala corrects the excretory system. It helps in dissolving all kinds of residues in the urine that do not come out in the normal way, and coagulate in the form of stones. When these are dissolved, they are normally expelled out of the body. 
9. Eye Problems - Due to its cooling and astringent properties, triphala is commonly prescribed for treating eye problems such as conjunctivitis. It can also help to correct visual maladies, including cataract and glaucoma. Using triphala as eyewash in suspension with water keeps the eyes healthy and moist. 
10.    Stress - Vitamin C is known for releasing hormones that can help the body combat stress. The amalaki is one of the richest sources in the world of vitamin C. That is the reason people are prescribed triphala powder to keep away from stress. This also helps people to come out of depression and remain in a healthy state of mind.
Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/top-benefits-of-wonder-triphala-986125.html#ixzz0xGdpVS8w
Under Creative Commons License: AttributionTriphala Churna:Triphala Churna uniquely cleanses and detoxifies at the deepest organic levels without depleting the body's reserves. This makes it one of the most valuable herbal preparations in the world. It is considered the most effective and safest laxative. Triphala is mild, non-habit forming, and a rejuvenative. Triphala helps maintain overall health by harmonizing digestive functions and cleanses the stomach. 
Indications:* Colon cleaner
* Intestine cleaner
* Better circulation
* Opens the bile duct
* Improves peristaltic movements
* Urinary tract toner
* Liver protector
* Kidney protector. * Digestive disorders
* Constipation
* Hyperacidity
* Headaches
* Infections
* Blood impurity
* Anti-inflammatory
* Nervine weakness
* General body weakness
* Eyes related problems
* Cataract
* Parasites
* Worms
* Colitis
* Flatulence
* High Cholesterol
* Irritable bowel syndrome
* Diverculosis
* Aging Ingredients:1. Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
2. Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula)
3. Bhibitaki (Beleric myrobalan)Dosage: ½ to 1 tea spoonful (3-6gm) twice a day with luke warm water or as directed by the physician.
Triphala dosage: 
How to take Triphala - There are two ways to take triphala, as a powder or tablet. Traditionally triphala is taken as a triphala churna/ triphala churnam/ triphala powder. 
One would stir in two or three grams of the triphala choorna/ triphala choornam/ triphala powder with warm water and consume the entire amount each evening or divided into three doses throughout the day, between meals if possible.
or one should take two to six triphala tablets one to three times daily. Children may only require one or two tablets in the evening. The larger dose is more laxative while the smaller dose tends to be more gradually blood purifying. A smaller dose might be one or two tablets three times daily. One should increase or decrease the dose according to one's bowel movements.
 Churnam or powder can be used in different forms.For weight reduction: One teaspoon along with honey in empty stomach.
For constipation: One teaspoon with lukewarm water at bed time. Capsules or tablets one in twice a day.

Himalaya Triphala Natural Herbal Compound of Indian Gooseberry (Amalaki), Chebulic Myrobalan (Haritaki) and Bellirica Myrobalan (Vibhitaki) 
Benefits of Himalaya Triphala: Corrects Constipation, Cleanses Digestive Tract, Cleanses Colon, Detoxifies Body, Treats Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Ulcerative Colitis
Indications

Constipation
Indigestion and other digestive complaints
Premature aging

Dosage*
1 capsule twice a day before mealshttp://www.ayurvedicherbalcure.com/Herbs/triphala.html

Health Benefits of Mangoes (Compiled)

Mango originated in Southeast Asia where it has been grown for over 4,000 years.

Over the years mango groves have spread to many parts of the tropical and sub-tropical world, where the climate allows the mango to grow best. Mango trees are evergreens that will grow to 60 feet tall. The mango tree will fruit 4 to 6 years after planting. Mango trees require hot, dry periods to set and produce a good crop. Most of the mangos sold in the United States are imported from Mexico, Haiti, the Caribbean and South America. Today there are over 1,000 different varieties of mangos throughout the world.

Mangoes should be soft, but solid. Mangoes can continue to ripen after they have been picked. Hard mangoes can be left out in room temperature to ripen until they have softened. You can place them in a paper bag to speed the ripening process.

The Health Benefits of mangoes

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mangoes are not only delicious they are also rich in vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants.

Mangoes are high in fibre but low in calories and sodium.

Mangoes are rich in vitamin A and have good amounts of vitamins B and C as well as Potassium, Calcium and Iron.

We are advised to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Half a mango counts as one portion.

Health Benefits of Mango :~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mangoes contain phenols, this phenolic compound have powerful antioxidant and anticancer abilities.

Mango is high in iron, pregnant women and people with anemia are advised to eat this fruit regularly.

Mango is effective in relieving clogged pores of the skin.

It is also valuable to combat acidity and poor digestion.

Mango is high in antioxidant and low in carbohydrates.

Mango is a rich source of vitamin A(beta-carotene), E and Selenium which help to protect against heart disease and other ailments. 100 gms of edible portion of the mango contain about 1990ug of beta-carotene (vitamin A), which is much higher than in other fruits. The total carotenoids in mango increase with the stage of ripening. Eating mangoes in the season may provide a store of vitamin A in the liver, sufficient to last for the rest of the year and highly beneficial for the prevention of vitamin A deficient disorders like night blindness.

Mangoes, both ripe and unripe are very good sources of vitamin C. 16mg of vitamin C is present in 100 gms of mango. Both vitamins A and C are anti oxidants and help to prevent free radical injury and thus reduce the risk of certain cancers. Ripe mango provides a good source of calories.

The ripe mango is antiscorbutic, diuretic, laxative, invigorating, fattening and astringent. It tones up the heart muscle, improves complexion and stimulates appetite. It increases the seven body nutrients, called 'dhatus' in Ayurveda. They are food juice, blood, flesh, fat, bone marrow and semen. The fruit is beneficial in liver disorders, loss of weight and other physical disturbances.

Just one mango contains 1-3 times your recommended daily intake of Vitamin C and beta-carotene a cancer fighting antioxidant. Mangoes also contain all 4 recognised anti-oxidants (namely Vitamin A, Vitamins C & E and Selenium) that prevent Heart Disease, Cancer and Diabetes - the three biggest killers in the western world.

Why God made Bananas? (From an e-mail received)

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose - combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proved that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous ninety minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.
But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: 
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: 
Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 
200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: 
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Heartburn: 
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: 
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin.. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: 
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: 
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): 
Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer, tryptophan.

Stress: 
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be re-balanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: 
According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine", eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%"

Warts: 
Those keen on natural alternatives say that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, you see, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around.
So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away".

Tips to reduce bad Cholesterol(Compiled)

Cholesterol comes in two forms:
high-density lipoproteins (HDLs)
and low-density lioproteins (LDLs).
Of these, HDLs are generally called "good" cholesterol whilst LDLs are "bad".

1) PRAYER~~There is healing for all ailments in the NAME OF JESUS!!!
BY HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED!!

2)When 2 table spoon honey + 3 table spoon cinnamon powder was mixed in 16 ounces of tea water & given to Cholesterol patients, it was found that the level of Cholesterol in Blood reduced by 10 % in 2 hours.

Taken 3 times a day. it is said to cure any chronic Cholesterol.

2) Water lowers blood cholesterol.
 Here below are some information I collected on-line.http://www.watercure.com/wow/wonders_of_water.html

High cholesterol levels are an indicator of early drought management by the body. Cholesterol is a clay-like material that is poured in the gaps of some cell membranes to safeguard them against losing their vital water content to the osmotically more powerful blood circulating in their vicinity. Cholesterol, apart from being used to manufacture nerve cell membranes and hormones, is also used as a "shield" against water taxation of other vital cells that would normally exchange water through their cell membranes.
Water is a natural healer & is believed to cure many illness.
My doctor who believes water is God's free gift to man to stay fit, says drinking 3-4 liters of water/day can keep us free of so many illness.
3) Garlic has been reputed to assist the heart for centuries and has been used in herbal medicines for all manner of conditions. Garlic & cholesterol reduction are frequently mentioned together
Making raw onion & Garlic part of our daily diet, helps to prevent clot formation.
Garlic  has the ability to make your blood thinner and less sticky which means it helps to prevent the platelets from building plaque up in your arteries. This helps to maintain the flexibility of the arteries in the heart. That means that the heart won't have to work so hard to do a normal job.

4) Pomegranate juice consumption decreased "bad" LDL activity and helped in reducing bad cholesterol.

5)  Carrot juice is an excellent source of vitamins B and C as well as calcium pectate, an extraordinary pectin fibre that has been found to have cholesterol-lowering properties.

The 7 Super Foods of the Bible (Copied from an e-mail)

Trying to eat healthy? Start by opening your Bible to Deuteronomy 8:8, where the Israelites are promised "a good land…, a land of wheat and barley, of vines, figs, and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey."

The ancients might not have known the word "antioxidant," but they were onto something with this list of biblical "super-foods." Explore this gallery to find out exactly how on-target they were. 

Wheat

This grain, which is found in everything from bread to pasta to cakes, is healthier when it is refined as little as possible. Whole-wheat products (those that are certified 100% whole wheat) contain 30 percent of your recommended daily fiber intake, as well as high levels of manganese and magnesium. 

Barley

Another whole grain, barley can be found in breads and cereals, as well as in hearty winter soups. High in fiber, barley is good for intestinal health and can lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of colon cancer and type-2 diabetes if eaten regularly. Barley also contains trace amounts of copper, which have been shown to help reduce the symptoms of arthritis.

Grapes

Everyone knows that grape juice and red wine are tasty—but healthy? Grapes contain nutritional compounds called flavonoids, which are believed to reduce your risk of blood clots and protect your body from damage by the "free radicals" found in LDL, or "bad," cholesterol. 

Figs

These sweet fruits, eaten either dried or fresh, are high in potassium, a mineral that helps control blood pressure. They are also high in dietary fiber, which may help you lose weight, and they are a fruit source of calcium, which can help preserve bone density. 

Pomegranate

These strange-looking seed fruits are back in vogue as health-giving super-foods, particularly in juice form. The fruits are rich in antioxidants, which prevent LDL cholesterol from doing its damage, and it helps prevent blood clots by keeping blood platelets from clumping together. 

Olive Oil

Olives, and the extra-virgin oil that is made from a single pressing of the fruit, contain many of the antioxidants that are thought to protect against the oxidation of LDL cholesterol compounds. They also are high in monounsaturated fatty acids, which are called "the healing fats" because they lower the effects of "bad" cholesterol while raising "good" cholesterol

Honey

Raw honey, in addition to being a natural sweetener, is replete with antioxidants and is considered to be an anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal substance. It is thought to have tumor-fighting properties, and may help prevent colon cancer. The daily consumption of a spoonful of honey is said to increase antioxidant levels in the blood

GARLIC AND ITS HEALING PROPERTIES (Posted by Lea)

Garlic has been around for centuries and in that time, the health benefits of garlic have grown beyond fending off vampires and warding against the evil eye. Garlic has always been a food of the peasant classes. Used as a remedy to cure many common ailments, the garlic clove helped fight smallpox and pulmonary tuberculosis, according to Wikipedia.org. The people of the Mediterranean were among the first to reap the benefits of garlicbefore it spread to Europe.

Modern medicine has only recently begun to take a serious look at the health benefits of garlic, trying to find where the myth ends and where practical medicinal application begins. Hospitals and medical journals the world over have done countless studies on garlic and have found much information to support the health benefits of garlic, but at the same time, nothing is absolutely proven to be true. Still, here are a few of the findings regarding the benefits of garlic.

A Cure for the Common Cold?

At some point, everyone has experienced a cold. A cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract and while it is harmless, the runny nose, cough, congestion and sore throat can linger for days or weeks. Rhinovirus is the most common cause of colds, although there are over 200 different viruses that can cause the affliction. Some people say that eating a raw clove of garlic as soon as the sniffles start will stop the cold from gaining a foothold in the body. Studies done at the MayoClinic show garlic contains properties that help to boost the body’s levels of antioxidants, which work as a defense system against viruses. This has lead to more research into the health benefits of garlic, especially how it can support the immune system against other diseases.

I HAVE USED GARLIC TO LOWER HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AS WELL, YOU CAN BUY IT IN CAPSULE FORM................LEA

Health benefits of Barley and Barley water(Compiled)

Barley has been used for human consumption for the longest time. This is not only because it adds a unique delightful flavor to dishes, but because it adds nutritional value to the food we eat.

Health Benefits of Barley
Intake of barley is very likely to help you maintain your overall health in the long term. These whole grains are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and amino acids essential for our health. More importantly, barley is one of the richest sources of both soluble and insoluble fiber.

Insoluble fiber aids in proper excretion of waste products in the body, while soluble fiber (known as beta glucan) mixes with liquid, binds to fatty substances and allows them to leave the body. Barley is also seen to be rich in tocotrienols, which is an antioxidant which helps lessen risk for contracting heart disease and cholesterol problems.

 

Barley water, made by boiling the grain, is taken for kidney, intestinal & bowel disorders. It is more of a supportive tonic than a remedy.Source(s):
Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Dr. Thomas Bartram

 

Barley Water.

The main claimed benefit of barley water is in supporting the kidneys especially in times of stress. It is also used as a therapeutic water for those who have kidney and bladder ailments.
Pearl Barley. Pearl barley is what you can find in groceries. These are hulled barley which have been processed to remove the bran.

 

A recipe for Barley water:
This recipe for Barley Water is based on the one given by Alton Brown on Good Eats.

Doing a search on barley water will show you lots of variations. It's suggested that you drink 1 - 2 cups daily to receive health benefits.

2 quarts water
1 cup hulled barley
2 lemons
1/4 cup honey
1 cinnamon stick
Several slices of fresh ginger

Place the water and barley into a medium saucepan; cover, set over high heat and bring to a boil. Once the barley comes to a boil, decrease the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. While the liquid is cooking, peel the lemons, being careful not to cut into the white pith. Juice the lemons and place the juice along with the peel into a 3-quart pitcher and set aside. Add the cinnamon stick and ginger slices.

After 30 minutes, strain the barley water through a fine mesh strainer into the pitcher. Discard the barley. Add the honey and stir to combine. Refrigerate until chilled. Will keep up to 5 days.

~Compiled~

 

Weight loss tips (Received by e-mail) (Source: Unknown)

Here are 9 tips for losing weight ....

1. Eat more fiber: eating at least 25g of fiber per day will help you consume fewer calories because they make you feel full and less hungry. Examples of high-fiber foods are: broccoli, beans and cereal.
2. Avoid high Glycemic Index foods, like honey, dried fruits, fruit juices and processed sugar.
3. Consume more lean protein: foods such as cottage cheese, eggs, fish, turkey, chicken, low fat yogurt and soy products can help you maintain muscle mass and speed up the fat-burning process.
4. Always eat breakfast: people that don't eat breakfast usually consume more calories throughout the day. Breakfast will help you avoid hunger pangs and will increase your metabolism.
5. Drink more than 8 glasses of water daily to detoxify your body.
6. Stop skipping meals: having small meals every few hours will boost your metabolism.
7. Start small: completely eliminating your favorite food from your diet will only make you feel deprived and sabotage your weight loss efforts. For example, if you really like chocolate, you can continue to enjoy it, but just try to gradually decrease the quantity.
8. Avoid processed foods, because they increase your sugar levels and make your body store fat.
9. Stay motivated: find a thinner photo of yourself and post it in place where you can see it every day. This way you will have the incentive to stick to the plan and think about all the rewards you will enjoy after you complete your weight loss program.