Kalonji seeds One of nature's best kept secrets. Here's why

 Kalonji seeds, also known as black cumin seeds, black seeds or Nigella sativa comes from a flowering plant from southern parts of Europe, North Africa and South West Asia. But why am I mentioning this on a natural health site. This small but very potent seed is used in natural medicine and may just be one of natures best kept secrets. Have doubts? Allow me to explain why and how it is good for natural health.

 
Benefits

Improves memory
Improves skin
Prevents diabetes as it helps to regulate blood sugar levels
Strengthens teeth
Natural pain killer
Cures constipation
Good for a healthy heart
Support weight loss
Stop hair fall
Thicker hair growth
Improves eyesight
Fights acne
Helps improve the health of your liver
Helps to protect the kidneys
Help with joint pain
Helps to address breathing problems such as asthma
Strengthen immunity
Natural cold and cough remedy
Controls blood pressure
Anti-Carcinerogeric  property (cancer prevention)
Anti-bacterial
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-ulcer
Anti- fungal
Antioxidant
Anti-viral

These are just some of the many benefits of kalonji seeds. But as with everything there is a few things to know. Never take more than five kaloni seeds a day as it increases body temperature. Taking too many may cause constipation. So please be mindful of that. Remember the golden rule too much of something may turn into a disaster. So please do not overdo it. If you are suffering from diabetes take note it can affect your blood glucose levels so it is considered wise to start with only one seed if needed. The same apply to people that suffer from high blood pressure as it is known that Kalonji seeds may affect blood pressure levels. So please don't start with five seeds. Start with one and after a week you can up the dosage to 2 and continue with that or as time progress you can later increase if needed. And please keep track of your condition.

How to use
Now there is a few ways to use kalonji seeds. But allow me to start by saying that kalonji seeds become much more effective when combined with honey and lemon juice. But then some consider garlic combined with Kalonji seeds just as effective when combined.
For me personally it is part of my daily routine. Every morning I pour boiling hot water in a cup. Add the seeds, teaspoon honey and tablespoon lemon juice. But that is what I personally prefer.
Alternatively you can take seeds, pour very small amount (just enough to cover the seeds) lemon juice over it. Place in a warm space with direct sunlight. Leave till all the liquid is absorbed (next day) and drink it. 
Then as many will be able to confirm it can be used in cooking.
Or take kalonji seeds. Follow that up with a small amount of honey. But it is advised to do this on an empty stomach in the morning at least half an hour before coffee tea or breakfast.
Now this post I credit to someone very close to my heart as the person pointed me in the direction of this very potent and natural product for a healthy lifestyle. So the next time you think of natural products for your health. Don't forget to add Kalonji seeds to your list. You will see and feel an improvement in your life.
If you have any questions comments or suggestions feel free to comment below or contact us.
Please share so people can benefit from this and many other health related posts.

Read More

Kombucha. The healthy drink that has been around for 2000 years. And here is why.

Yesterday I was told about Kombucha. Kombucha is a sugary sweet tea and yeast that is fermented. A specific type of yeast! And is said to be good for a variety of illnesses. And ailments. You can make your own or you can buy it. The choice is yours. 

Some of the people that use it claim that it helps to boost your immune system, helps your body to get rid of toxins, also others say it can prevent cancer, heart disease and high blood pressure. It is also ideal to use if you want to lose weight. It can even increase your energy levels. But we will continue this part later on in this article.

Scientific viewpoint

From a scientific point of view. There is no proof that it actually does any of the healthy things mentioned earlier. However no one can deny it is ideal for gut health. So if you do have any of the conditions I named earlier. You will still have to consider a healthy lifestyle change. And not just rely on Kombucha to fix any situation. 

Making your own Kombucha at home

Health benefits that is real

As as it is filled with probiotics, has loads of vitamin b contains caffeine and limited amount of sugar. It can be accepted that it does have wonderful benefits to consider. 

If you want to make Kombucha at home. Take note

But if you consider making your own Kombucha you must know hygiene is extremely important. Your bottle or bottles must be clean. Your hands should be clean. The advice from the FDA is. Make sure everything is sanitary. That means any equipment used to make Kombucha and your hands too. Also mentioned by the FDA. Only then will it be safe to make your own Kombucha. Use glass, stainless steel or plastic containers for your home made Kombucha. Personally I think glass would be best. But that is my personal opinion. 

The important part you also have to know. 

There was at least one fatality from the use of Kombucha. Misusing it can cause liver issues, nausea, lactic acidosis (caused by too much lactic acid) and even allergic reactions. So if you consider making this. Then keeping everything sanitary clean is extremely important as you can see. Drinking this mixture 3 times a day is considered a safe amount. That means no more than 240 ml 3 times a day. No more!! 

So lets sum up some of the benefits of Kombucha

• Great source of (good bacteria) Probiotics. 
• Great for gut health

• May even be considered as healthy as green tea. 
• And we all know how good green tea is for health.

• Filled with anti oxidants.
• We all know the importance of antioxidants for a healthy lifestyle.

• Kombucha can kill bad bacteria
• Because Kombucha contains acetic acid it has the ability to kill bad bacteria and micro organisms

• As mentioned in the beginning it has the potential to decrease the risk of heart disease
• It can make a significant healthy change with the (bad) LDL and (good) HDL cholesterol levels in as little as a month 

• It can help you manage diabetes
• Kombucha helps to slow down digestion of carbohydrates you consume. That by itself help to lower your blood sugar levels. Kombucha can also help improve the functions of your kidneys and liver.

• It can help prevent cancer.
• Because it has anti cancer properties. Because it contains high amounts of ani-oxidants and tea polyphenols.

Making your own Scoby for Kombucha at home

So to sum it up. Kombucha if made correctly is highly beneficial for your health. Because it is filled with probiotics among other things. This sweet and sugary tea has been around this long for a great reason. That is very clear.

Next article we will discuss how to make Kombucha at home.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions. Feel free to comment below or contact us.

We love to hear from our readers.

Please share so others can benefit from this article too.  

Read More

Body language. Health issues revealed. And what nutrients to focus on.

Do you think your body can tell if you something is wrong? More important do you understand the unspoken words when it comes to your health. We all know how important it is to make sure you take the right amount of nutrients. But when there isn't enough or too much of a certain mineral or vitamin. Do you know what the signs are? There is signs that reveals when you need to make sure you take more of a certain vitamin or mineral. Or even when you need to reduce nutrients. And this is what we will discuss today.

It is very interesting to know. You may suffer from one or more symptoms. So lets see what is the symptoms. And also what is the cure. Or more accurately. What vitamin or mineral you need more or less off. Maybe you will recognize or one more signs. Let's see.

Nails.

• White stains on nails
• Low zinc. Low calcium levels

• Soft brittle nails
• Shortage of magnesium

Hands.

• Suffering from cold hands
• Shortage of magnesium, iron and vitamin B12

Skin

• Dry skin
• Shortage of vitamin C

• Yellow palms
• Too much Beta-carotene

Legs

• Restless legs syndrome
• Need more iron 

Eyes

• Cataracts
• Shortage of chrome

• Dry eyes
• Need more vitamin A

Mouth

• Tongue that is pale or cracked.
• Make sure you add more iron to your diet

• Gums that is bleeding
• Need more vitamin C

• Sore tongue
• Need to add more Vitamin B3 to diet

Heart

• Irregular heart beat 
• Shortage of magnesium Also add coenzyme Q10. A certain type of antioxidant

• High blood pressure
• Shortage of magnesium Also add coenzyme Q10. A certain type of antioxidant

Brain

• Depression and also anxiety
• Add Vitamin B6 B12 and Folate to your diet

• If you suffer from tiredness, irritability and tension. 
• You may need to add more magnesium and Vitamin B.

Please note 

Coenzyme Q10 is not recognized to treat any condition. Rather it is approved as part  of supplementing to your diet. It is available under multivitamin supplements.

These are just a few signs from our bodies to tell if there is a deficiency or even too much of certain nutrients in some areas. It is important to recognize the signs. It is up to us to learn these signs. And in the process we will live healthier lives.

I hope you found this article helpful. And know what changes may be needed to supplement your diet, thereby improving your lifestyle. If you have any suggestions, comments or questions. Feel free to contact us or comment below.

Please share so others can benefit from this article also.

 

Read More

Processed foods. What you should know about these dangerous foods

I want to discuss the topic processed foods. As it is important to consider. 

It is said that not all processed foods are bad for you. Processed foods is food that is in some way altered. 

Types of processed foods.

It can be foods such as

Cereals

Cheese

Canned vegetables

Bread

Salty snacks, such as chips crisps, pies pasties or sausage rolls

Meat such as ham, sausage, salami, polony, viennas, bacon.

Easy convenient foods such as microwave ready meals or meals that is ready to eat

Biscuits and cake 

Drinks. Soft drinks or milk

Again not all processed foods are considered bad. But it is a sure known fact that not all processed foods are considered good for you. Here is a few things to consider. Before you go out and add it to your grocery list again. Better yet. Read the label next time you want to add it to your trolley. 

Sugar

Processed foods tend to be high in sugar.

Sugar as good and needed as it may be. Can be very harmful when it is used in excess. Sugar slows down your metabolism. Health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and the dreaded C, cancer is associated with overuse of sugar. Sugar has no calories but is loaded with energy. As all know if you give your precious young child high sugary foods or sweets. They have loads of energy. And you think to yourself next time to buy fruit or limit those sugary stuff. Most get sugar not from drinking tea coffee or adding to cereals. But the real culprit is processed foods. Think about that.

Artificial ingredients.

You go shopping. You want to make sure that your family eats food that is healthy and nutritious, right? But at times you have no idea what the labels are telling you. So what does it all mean then, allow me to help by explaining it.

Preservatives is easily explained, ingredients that doesn't allow food to rot or go bad. ( Yet we ingest that. You really want that inside your body?)

Colorants helps food to maintain or have a specific colour. 

Flavor or flavorant. Helps food to have a specific taste.

Texturants helps food to have a specific texture.

With that said remember that many other chemicals does not even get mentioned on your label.

Refined Carbohydrates

Despite the fact that there has been a debate about how good or bad carbohydrates can be. There is one thing that they all agree about. Refined carbohydrates is an absolute no-no when you consider your health. It is not strange to have carb cravings when you had or have refined carbs. Because it causes a sugar spike. But the magic starts when that sugar go down again. Then the craving for carbs start all over again. Magic? No others will call it the blood sugar roller coaster.

Whole grains or is it? 

It means there was some form of healthy breakfast cereals added, right? Wrong it is nicely disguised So what is it then if not cereal? It is a form of fine flour. Considered just as unhealthy as refined carbohydrates. Also known to be bad as it can cause serious health risks.

Nutrients

When you think of the nutrients it is very low in the nutrients that your body needs. Especially when you compare it to food that was not processed. In many cases vitamins and minerals are added to compensate for the nutrients lost. But again it is not a replacement for the nutrients that comes from whole foods. So when you consume processed foods. You also eat less vitamins minerals and the much needed antioxidants your body needs.

Fiber

Fiber is good for you because it helps your intestine as it feeds the friendly bacteria known as prebiotic. At the same time fiber can help with constipation problems. Which is a very common issue for many today. But when that fiber is added to processed foods. Sadly it loses its goodness. So fiber is lost or intentionally removed.

Trans fat

Processed food is high in fats that is very unhealthy. Cheap versions such as hydrogenated fats soybean vegetable oil or refined seed oils. But when used in processed foods it turns into trans fats and becomes bad for your health.  Because these fats has too much Omega 6 fats it can cause inflammation in the body. It can also cause oxidation. But by consuming processed foods you may increase your risk for heart diseases. Hydrogenated fat is one of the worst types of fat that you can consume. 

Junk food

Processed food is considered as junk food. Doctors will tell people to either limit or stop using it. We live in a society where junk food is easily accessible. Again it is ready to eat foods. In most situations. But given recent times. How safe is it really? I think of the things I have seen and heard. Big brands that you would think would realize that people should matter. But then the facts show it is about mass production and selling their product. At the expense of harmful products.

Remember this

There is no amount of junk food that is considered good if you have to deal with serious health issues. Can that product ever justify trouble with poor health? The best part of it. You paid for your hospital stay. How? You bought the food thinking it is safe or convenient. Or even easily accessible. Or maybe you just felt like it. And why not. They would not sell something that is just very bad for you. Would they?

Really, would they? I am sure you know the answer to this.

So with all this in mind. Why not consider real good healthy food? The best way to avoid health issues that was mentioned in this article is to change and stay with good wholesome food. Don't get me wrong. I am as guilty as everyone else for buying a chocolate. So this is not me telling others while I sit and think I am not part of the problem. I am just as guilty. But I will consider making better choices in the future. When does the future start? Right now. And each time I have to go grocery shopping. 

I have a doctor's friend. Very passionate about helping everyone. Yes even I get questioned if I do everything correctly. It can make me a bit upset but then I realize he cares,  he really cares about people being healthy. He makes it very clear that there is no reason to consider foods that is not healthy. Your nutrients should come from food that is actually good for you. I even once made the mistake of telling him to make sure my health is good I even buy multivitamins. And he made it clear eat correctly. Leave the multivitamins. That is what works. So do not substitute the correct foods with cheap unhealthy versions. 

The point is what we do now. We will be rewarded for. By making poor health choices. We suffer with health issues. Some times serious health issues. Next time you go into a store and hold a jar or can processed food. Remember, the longer the shelf life, The shorter your life will be. It's not just with processed foods. It is a lifechoice. Whether it is not being active Or doing things we know is bad for us. Or just poor choices when eating foods. Remember. Later we will pay the piper. What will be the consequence for your choices? Ask yourself. Is it truly worth it to maybe later in life have serious health issues. I say no.

If you have any comments questions or suggestions.

Feel free to comment below or contact us.

Please share so others can read this also.

Read More

Benefits of oregano

Some times we need to look at nature to improve our health. And nature provides. If we only know what herbs can do to improve health. 

 So with that in mind I am going to show a few benefits of oregano. Oregano is also known as origanum. Most may consider oregano as something they use to flavor their food. But this herb has numerous health benefits. 

Health benefits of oregano

• Protect the body's immunity
• Helps to detox the body
• Strengthen bones
• Improve the health of your heart
• Increase energy levels
• Protection from diabetes 
• Powerful anti oxidant
• Anti bacterial
• Helps digestive health

Nutritional benefits of oregano

• Potassium
• Calcium
• Manganese
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin K

So as you can see. Not only does this herb have numerous health benefits. But it also supplements your nutrient intake. By adding this herb to your food. Not only do you improve the taste of your food. But you improve your health also. So why not consider adding oregano to your dish next time you want to prepare food. You will see the benefits of adding it and your body will be thankful that you considered it. If you have not started using it yet. 

I hope that this article helps you. Especially if you don't add herbs to your food. Why not consider it and you will reap the rewards. If you have any questions or comments or even suggestions. Feel free to comment below or contact us. Please share so others can benefit from this advice too.  

Read More

What you should know about water if you have a heart condition

In previous articles I posted why we need to drink more water. Water is good for health and beauty and has numerous benefits. You can read about it here. 

But with that said.

As good and healthy as water can be. Water isnt healthy for everyone. For those with heart complications it can be completely different. It is always best to get your doctor's insight before considering to drink more water. 

If you drink too much water it makes your heart work harder. It may cause serious health conditions. So how do you drink the amount prescribed without drinking too much water then?

It is always best to have a bottle or container to make sure you don not go over the amount prescribed. Also remember that anything that melts such as ice cream or lollies is considered as part of your daily liquid allowed. Gelatine is also added to liquids. Yes even soup is included in that daily amount of fluids. Coffee tea juice also considered part of your daily liquid allowance. 

So what do you do when you deal with thirst? It is good to consider chewing gum or candy. For diabetics sugarless is advised. It is good to have a container and drink through out the day. That will also help with the battle against thirst. 

If you know you have a heart condition it is always best to consult your doctor before making health changes. Even if it is drinking water. What is safe for one person is not considered safe for another person. 

Please share so others can know about the risk of water if they have a heart condition. 

If you have any comments suggestions or thoughts you want to share. Please contact us or comment below. 

Read More

This is why you should eat parsley

Do you use parsley in your diet? Many will say no, but it is good to add it to your diet for the benefits. It is without any doubts under appreciated yet so good and important to health.

I have to admit that I didn't consider herbs important. Shamefully I admit. Till I realized how good it is for our health and bodies. Add to that the nutrients that it has. It should be used in diet. So let's discuss a few reasons it should be considered important for your health.

Nutritional value

Filled with Vitamins such as A, B1, B3, C and K. Also filled with potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper and much more minerals.

The minerals and vitamins mentioned is just a few of the many that is in parsley.

Heart health

As parsley is filled with the goodness of folic acid. It is beneficial for your heart. Folic acid is considered one of the important B vitamins as it helps to protect cardiovascular health.

Rheumatic arthritis

Parsley helps protects you from getting this age related disease. As it is full of vitamin C. But more specific it helps protect against inflammatory polyarthritis.

Then there is other benefits like palate that is improved as well as not having issues with bad breath. Also many that isn't mentioned here.

So with that in mind why don't we consider adding parsley to our food next time we prepare or serve food.  Your body will be healthy for it and you will reap the benefits for using it.

If you have any questions or comments

Please comment or contact us. 

Please share so others can know about the wonderful benefits of parsley too

Read More

Heart health changes that should be implemented daily

Today I am going to write about something that is very serious. And it affects everyone if it is ignored. Your heart. I am not thinking of your feelings or your love for someone. But about heart health. It does affect everyone especially if we don't choose a healthy lifestyle.

So what would be considered a heart healthy lifestyle then? You know the basics probably. Eat right, be active by exercising and consider a more stress free lifestyle. But when we talk of eating right. What exactly does that imply? The do's and the don'ts. Everyone has an opinion of what is right. Eat this don't eat that. 

First thing you have to acknowledge if you are not eating for the benefit of your heart, that there is a huge change needed. By taking these steps you should find the benefit of a heart healthy lifestyle. If you don't do that today it will affect your health later on.

Portion size.

The amount of food you eat is just as serious as what you out in your mouth. By overeating you end up with more calories than you should probably be consuming.  So for best advice it is wise to use a small plate when you want to control your portions. Eat more low calorie foods that is full of nutrients and less foods that is full of high calories and foods that is high in sodium. Fast foods are very guilty of this. Just by following this you should see a change in your waist as well as your heart health.

Fruits and vegetables.

These foods are full of good nutrients and is a great source of vitamins and minerals. Also god to consider because it doesn't have too much calories and is a source of dietary fibre. Some fruits and vegetables can actually help to prevent cardiovascular disease. Also if you consider more fruits and vegetables you will find that you eat less foods such as meat unhealthy snacks and cheese.

Whole grains.

How important would you think whole grain is for heart health? Answer very important as it plays a major role in regulating your blood pressure which in turn helps to improve heart health. Just by changing the whole grains by leaving the refined products. Consider whole wheat, whole grain and high fibre products. 

Fats

It is very important to limit unhealthy fats. So what is considered unhealthy fats? Saturated fats and trans fatty acids. To help control cholesterol and to lower your chance of developing coronary heart disease it is important to remember this. If your cholesterol levels are high it starts to build up in your arteries and you can have a stroke or a heart attack as a result.  So how do you limit these bad fats? By limiting your intake of butter margarine or shortening. Even when cooking it is important to limit these fats.  By trimming fat or even better choose lean meats. Also good to check the fat content on snacks as many of these snacks like chips cookies and crackers contents fatty acids. Even when it says reduced fats. The word to look for is hydrogenated fat or even partially hydrogenated.

The safer options is called monounsaturated fats. Like Canola oil or Olive oil.

Then there is polyunsaturated fats which can actually help to lower your cholesterol levels. Certain types of fish, nuts seeds and avocados is considered heart health choices. But even here it is important to remember to limit these fats too as all fats are full of calories. A wise choice would be to add flaxseed as it is high in fibre and rich in omega three fatty acids. This does help to lower cholesterol levels  

Low fat protein

Low fat dairy, eggs, lean meat, poultry and fish are considered the best protein sources. But again it is suggested that you must consider exactly what you eat. Skim milk vs. full cream milk. Skinless chicken vs. fried chicken. Always go for the option that contains less fat.

Fish that is good to consider as it is high in omega 3 fatty acids is salmon, mackerel, and herring.

As mentioned before flaxseeds is great but also a good source of protein. Then there is walnuts, soybeans and canola oil. Beans peas and lentils is a wonderful choice as it has no cholesterol and less fat.  

Sodium

Sodium also known as salt increases your chance of developing high blood pressure which in turn can become a high risk for cardiovascular disease. You can consider salt substitutes. If you eat processed foods you have to realize that the processed foods are high in salt. If you prefer easier and convenience foods check for sodium reduced.  

These changes can make a huge difference. We live in a world of convenience. And we don't take note of how good it is for our heart. I really hope this article will help to change peoples lives for the better. 

If you have any comments or thoughts you want to share. Please do that.

Please share so others can benefit from this too.

Sharing is caring

I hope this helps to bring beneficial changes in your life.

As it will in mine and those I care about.

Update

During the time this article was written one of my relatives went for heart 

bypass surgery. No doubt that it is a major heart operation. The risk involved is huge. That was the reason behind this post and yes, if it means one person can be saved the trauma and tension that an unhealthy lifestyle causes. Then this article was still worth it. 

My uncle thankfully is recovering well.

Read More

Heart healthy snacks

Most of us love to snack, when watching our favourite movie. Or just in the mood for snacks.

But do we focus on the right snack? 

That may be good for the health of our heart?

Which leads me to the next question. 

What snack is considered to be of benefit for heart health?

  

Oats

Yes its not just a breakfast cereal anymore. it can be a great afternoon snack too. Oatmeal contains a compound named beta-gluten. That lowers cholesterol. A good suggestion is to soak muesli oats overnight with fresh fruit, Dried fruit, almond milk, chopped almonds and some low fat/nonfat yogurt.

Fish

Another great snack we can consider is tuna. 

A great way that we boost heart health. 

Fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids. 

That in turn helps to prevent heart attacks. 

Nuts

How many of us know how healthy and good nuts can be as a snack? 

More specific walnuts. 

Why walnuts?

It contains omega three fatty acids that can slow down plague build up in the arteries.

So why not consider that a great option next time we think of a snack? 

That keeps the tummy and craving for snacks happy. 

But also is great for the heart. 

If you have any suggestions or comments feel free to contact us or comment.
Please share so others can benefit from the advice too.

Read More