Provided By: ayushveda.com

Useful Herbs for Eye Care

- Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) Aniseed is especially beneficial in the treatment of cataract. The powder of its seeds is taken in a tablespoon quantity every morning and evening.

- Babul (Acacia arabica) Babul can treat conjunctivitis. A paste of the babul leaves must be applied on the eyes before going to sleep at night. It will lessen the itchiness, wateriness and the redness of the sore eyes.

- Carrot (Daucus carota) Carrot is so beneficial in eye care that its virtues are taught to school students also. Carrots contain beta-carotene, which is the precursor of vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is responsible for strengthening the eyes and protecting them from night blindness.

- Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) A decoction prepared from coriander can be used as an eyewash for people with conjunctivitis. There will be immediate reduction in the burning, redness and swelling of the eyes.

- Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) The Indian gooseberry, known as amalaki, is exceptional in treating ocular problems. It can bring relief in both conjunctivitis and glaucoma. Its juice is taken with honey for better effects.

- Indian Sorrel (Oxalis corniculata) The Indian Sorrel has exceptional properties in the treatment of several eye problems. A few drops of the juice of its leaves must be put in the eyes everyday to keep them free from strain. They can also be a good prevention for cataract.

- Marigold (Calendula officinalis) Marigold is taken as a cold infusion for washing eyes that are stressed. This brings a cooling effect to the eyes. It is also effective in cases of conjunctivitis.

- Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) The raw juice of parsley is effective for eye care. It can relieve the eyes of problems such as corneal ulcers, cataracts, weak eyes, conjunctivitis, opthalmia and sluggishness of the pupils.

Dietary Tips for Eye Care

Vitamin A is directly responsible for the strength and power of the eyes. Hence, foods that are rich in vitamin A must be taken. Vitamin A is contained in all orange and yellow colored vegetables such as carrots, oranges and pumpkins and in fruits like mangoes, papayas and oranges. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, coriander and colocasia also contain vitamin A. Among non-vegetarian foods, fish, liver and eggs contain vitamin A. Dairy products also have a fair amount of vitamin A in them.

The risk of cataracts is reduced by including vitamin C in the diet. Foods containing vitamin C such as Indian gooseberry, guava, orange, lemon and tomato, capsicum, cabbage, etc. must be included in the diet.

Ayurvedic Treatments for Eye Problems

The triphala lotion is generally prescribed in case of eye problems. Triphala is a mixture of the two myroblans – belleric and chebula – and the Indian gooseberry. The choorna is soaked in water for half an hour to get the lotion. This lotion is used as an eye-wash three or four times in a day. Triphala lotion has potency to treat eye problems such as cataract and conjunctivitis. Washing the eyes regularly with triphala also keeps them moist and healthy.

Chandrodaya vati is another important Ayurvedic preparation used in eye care. It is made into a paste in water and then applied externally over the eyes. Chandrodaya vati is beneficial in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis and cataract.

Home Remedies for Common Eye Problems

- Prepare a mixture of equal proportions of aniseed powder and coriander seed powder. Mix it with an equal weight of unrefined sugar. Take it in doses of 12 grams every morning and evening. It is beneficial for people with cataract.

- For people with weak eyesight, taking a mixture of the juices of raw parsley and carrots in a glassful amount everyday will provide great benefits.

- Mix one part of sugar with three parts of coriander. Grind them into a fine powder and put this mixture in boiling water. Keep it covered for one hour. Then filter it with a clean cloth. Use the filtrate as eye drops. This is an effective treatment for conjunctivitis.

- Immerse almonds in milk and keep them overnight. In the morning, mix this milk with sandalwood. Apply this on the eyelids. This reduces redness of the eyes due to exertion.

- Inhaling the odors of sesame mixed in honey reduces the excessive wateriness of the eyes.

- Take two small pieces of cardamom. Grind them and dissolve the powder in milk. Boil the milk and drink it at night. This makes the eyes healthier.

Also at Sabaidi Health - Home Remedy for Puffy Eyes

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Provided By: HairCareInformation.com

A wholesome diet, rich in silica, calcium and iron, is a must to prevent hair loss. Green, leafy vegetables, especially sea vegetables are great mineral sources.

Deficiency in protein, zinc, and other minerals and vitamins affect hair growth and stimulate hair loss. Though pattern type hair loss is a hereditary condition, lack of proper nutrition may speed up the hair loss in pattern baldness. A high-fat, meat-based diet raises testosterone levels, and adversely affects hair follicles. Eating low-fat foods may not stop hair loss; but it might help slow down the hair loss.

Anemia is another cause of hair loss. Eating plenty of iron-rich food, like liver (not recommended to pregnant women) and other organ meat, whole grain cereals, dark green leafy vegetables, eggs, dates and raisins cures anemia and restores Healthy Hair.

The hair is comprised mostly of α-keratin, a protein. Diets rich in protein provide the essential hair loss nutrition. A recommended protein diet to prevent hair loss includes: calves liver, brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, and two tablespoons of granulated lecithin. Though protein is the main constituent of these foods, these are also rich in vitamin B complex and essential minerals.

Recent studies reveal that soy protein strengthens hair and stimulates its growth. Other good sources of protein are: eggs, fish, low-fat cheese, beans, brewer’s yeast and yogurt.

Besides proteins, you should take food with moderate silica content. Silica fights baldness and helps in hair regrowth. It assures beautiful shine, luster and strength. Silica is found in the outer coverings of potatoes, peppers and cucumbers. Bean sprouts are also rich in protein content.

Vitamin C improves the assimilation of iron. A good serving of fruits and vegetables in your diet fulfills the requirement of vitamin C.

Avocados, seeds, nuts and olive oil are rich in vitamin E. Thyroid dysfunction, sometimes, causes hair loss. Eat foods rich in vitamin A and iodine, and vegetable such as carrots or spinach in unrefined, cold-pressed seed oils.

Foods that Enhance Hair Growth

Brown rice, Oats, Sweet rice Carrots, rutabagas, parsnips, ginger, turnips and onions Winter squash, Black beans, Pumpkin seeds, Black peppe, Brown rice syrup, Seaweed - wakame, arame, hiziki Microalgae Vegetables Beans, Whole grains, Nuts and seeds, Leafy green vegetables

Foods to Avoid

Sugary foods and drinks
Fatty foods
High levels of animal protein
Excessive raw foods
Millet
High amounts of salt
High levels of dairy products

Like your body, your hair needs nutrition from inside. Hair-friendly foods as mentioned play a most important role in hair growth and restoration. External hair loss nutrition from shampoo, hair treatments and conditioners is secondary. If your diet is deficient in hair-friendly foods, all the expensive shampoos and hair treatments won’t be effective in maintaining hair color and longevity.

Nutrition to Prevent Hair Loss and keep Hair Healthy - The Regime

A balanced and nutritious diet is the first step towards healthy hair and longevity. The second step is eating correctly.

Don’t let your digestive system overwork. Instead of taking foods every now and then, take it at regular intervals. Make sure to have proper meal breaks. Because our system works by a body clock, a routine diet helps our body to maintain itself. Set a fixed time for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Add variety to the table. Don’t multitask while at table. Pay real attention to what you are doing - enjoy eating!

Paying attention to what, when and how you eat is the best natural way to maintain the health of your hair. Balanced nutrition and good eating habits both contribute towards the healthy and fast hair growth.

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New to the scene of Herbal Tea, is a fruit grown in South East Asia, Bael Fruit. Known by a variety of names throughout the countries where is can be found, such as “Matoom” in Thailand, Bael Fruit has a variety of uses.

In Indonesia, the ripe pulp is dressed with sugar and eaten for breakfast. In India, a beverage called “Sherbet” is made by adding the seedless pulp to milk and sugar.

Though mainly used in South East Asia and the Sub Continent, and little known by the rest of the world, some companies such as Sabaidi Tea Co., Ltd, are offering a dried version of this fruit as a loose tea and in tea bags.

Bael Fruit Tea has a unique aroma and an exotic taste, that can be strong, yet not overpowering. There is no caffeine in this herbal beverage, though the taste is light and refreshing. Both hot as well as iced, this unique drink will quickly become your favorite.

Health Benefits of Bael Fruit tea include fighting against dizziness, help to make one mentally alert, and it can act as an Anti-Diarrheal.

If you would like to buy Bael Fruit Tea, click here

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Written by Michael Russell

We all know we should be eating healthier. But it’s not just changing our eating habits in restaurants that needs to be done. We can also change how we cook our food at home. Healthy cooking at home doesn’t need to be bland or boring! In fact, you may find some of these tips will add more flavor to your dishes!

The first thing to do is choose leaner cuts of meat. The obvious choices for low fat cooking are chicken and fish, but other meats can be lower in fat as well. When shopping for red meat, the words ’sirloin’ and ’round’ are cuts which are naturally lower in fat. Check the meat and choose the one with the least amount of marbling and trim off any excess fat before cooking. Look for ground beef that is 95% lean. Pork is also another great lean meat.

The problem most people have with lean meats is that they will dry out easily when cooking. To avoid this, try a marinade. Marinades aren’t just for flavor (although that is a great benefit!). Using acidic liquids will actually help break down the tougher connective tissue in the meat. Try one of the many low fat marinades available in your grocery store, or make up your own with ingredients such as balsamic or red wine vinegar, herbs and spices. Depending on the size of the meat portion, you can marinade from 20 minutes to several hours. A great marinade for chicken is yogurt. Mix fat free yogurt with some lemon juice, salt, pepper and any other spices you like and coat your chicken breasts. Yogurt marinades are best after 8 hours or overnight.

Tired of bland vegetables? Try sautéing your vegetables in a little chicken broth (or vegetable broth) instead of oil. Then sprinkle on herbs. Even just a sprinkling of chopped chives can add a zesty new taste to your vegetables. Another great option is roasting vegetables. This works wonderfully with root vegetables or other very firm ones such as cauliflower and squashes. Simply cut the vegetables into large chunks, spray with cooking spray and toss on seasoning. Curry powders, cajun blends or Italian seasonings are great. Roast in a 450 degree oven until the vegetables are tender. You can also place the vegetable pieces on a skewer and roast on your grill!

You don’t have to give up dessert when eating healthy, either! Fruit makes a wonderful dessert, or even a side dish with your regular meal. Try a bowl of mixed berries topped with a low fat or fat free vanilla yogurt. Or sauté bananas in a non-stick skillet sprayed with cooking spray. Sprinkle on cinnamon and a touch of vanilla extract. Serve with frozen yogurt. Even kids will think they are getting an indulgent treat!

Have a favorite recipe that isn’t so healthy? You can try modifying it. Remove any skin from meats, use half the amount of oil asked for in cooking. For baked goods, substitute applesauce for oil - your cakes will still be moist and flavorful! In recipes asking for cream, try using evaporated skim milk. With these substitutions, many times you won’t even notice the difference.

Healthy living is important and it is easy. Just a few quick changes and your home cooking will be better and healthier for your family!

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Provided by: Chris under

Omega-3 fatty acids, benefiting the heart of healthy people, and those at high risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke. I remember when I was young, my mum fed me with cod liver oil every night before bed. At that time, I didn’t really know what were the potential benefits but I liked the taste. The type that my mum bought was in liquid form.

I learned more about the benefits of Omega-3 during high school’s science class. My favourite meat was mutton, until I came to learn that fish was a healthier alternative. Fish is a good source of protein and doesn’t have the high saturated fat that fatty meat products do. Types of fish that can be found in your local market like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon are very high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Meat from grass fed animals like lamb, chicken, and cows have higher percentage of Omega-3. Even eggs from grass fed chicken produce higher Omega-3 than grain-fed or soy-fed ones. Half a pint of milk from grain-fed cows provide 10% of the recommended daily intake, while a piece of organic cheese the size of a matchbox may provide up to 88%.

So take more fish. Drink soya bean instead of milk. If the heart needs more power, supplement with cod liver oil capsules. Live longer. Live to see your great grandson in your arms. =P

read more | digg story

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Provided by: R. Adam Shore

More than 50% of all Americans are overweight or obese. These are conditions that contribute to the risks of chronic health conditions. These conditions include high blood pressure, diabetes and coronary heart disease. America’s increasing lack of physical activity has helped make this problem a weighty issue.

There is good news. You can start to do something to put physical activity back into your day as you begin to live a healthy lifestyle. You can start with something as simple as a walk around the block.

If you are looking for the gold standard of exercises walking is it. It uses nearly 200 muscles, it is safe, inexpensive and it is a fun activity that just about anyone can do.

The benefits of walking include:

* Helps you lose weight and keep the weight off
* Increases your energy level
* It is a great time to be with a companion or to be alone - your choice
* Reduce your level of stress
* Increases your cardio fitness
* Enables you to maintain your current weight
* Reduces your risk of developing serious health problems
* Allows you the opportunity to achieve a more restful sleep
* Tones your muscles
* Makes you feel great!

Tips To Get Started

Going from doing nothing to starting a walking regime can feel overwhelming. It does not need to be so if you start with some simple techniques. While they may appear basic remember that most folks simply do not participate in any of the following suggestions.

When safe and available use the stairs versus the elevator or escalator. Walking and stair climbing, a fantastic combination.

Take a walk during your lunch hour.

Make your dog happy - take Fido for a walk. No dog? Walk the neighbors dog. You’ll both benefit.

Don’t grab the best space in the parking lot, grab the one farthest from the door then walk. A side benefit of this strategy is less door dings as you will likely have plenty of room to park!

Incorporate a walk into a business discussion. Fresh air may inspire fresh ideas.

March around the room while on the phone, or a least pace.

Walk in place while you are watching TV.

Eat a healthy dinner and then skip the couch. Head out the door for a walk.

Are you a bus or subway commuter? Get off one stop early and walk the rest of the way.

Great family activity: plan a hike or physical outdoor games with your family.

Walk to consult with colleagues in the office versus calling or email.

So plan a walking schedule that includes 30-60 minutes of movement per day to achieve health benefits. Set goals, write those goals down and get moving. Start walking slowly with a 3-5 minute warm-up and then build speed and distance as you feel more comfortable. End each walking session with a 2-3 minute cool-down of slow walking. This cool down allows for your heart rate and blood pressure to gradually return to normal. After your walk is a great time to do some light stretching.

Always check with your doctor before any new physical activity program.

Get moving America - there’s no better day to start than today!

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provided by: AbleCures.com

Most of the food we eat today contains generically altered ingredients, usually without our knowledge. Research has shown that genetically altered foods have dangerous effects on us and the environment. Most of these new foods are being stocked on our grocery store shelves and we are being used as guinea pigs.

What is Genetic Engineering?

An example of this is, tomatoes, they are resistant to frost, this shortens their growth season. Fish, on the other hand can survive in very cold water. Scientists have identified a gene in fish which enable them to resist cold temperature, and inserted it into tomato in order to extend their growth season.

Health and Environmental Risks

* Genetically altered food can cause unexpected mutations in an organism, which can create new and higher levels of toxins in foods.
* Genetic engineers use antibiotic resistance genes to mark genetically engineered cells. This means that genetically engineered crops contain genes which resist antibiotics. These genes may be picked up by bacteria which may infect us.
* 37 people died, 1500 were partially paralyzed, and 5000 more were temporarily disabled by a syndrome that was finally linked to tryptophan made by genetically engineered bacteria.
* Once genetically engineered organisms, bacteria and viruses are released into the environment it is impossible to contain them. Unlike chemical or nuclear contamination, negative effects are irreversible.

Why Would They do This?

The reason is very simple, the companies that produce these foods only see the billions of dollars in short term profits.

Solution

The foods that are labeled to be genetically engineered should not be eaten, rather try to eat organic foods as much as possible.

Until someone steps in and eliminates genetically engineered food, try to stick to organics, other than that I don’t see what more we can do.

read more | digg story

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Provided by: Mayoclinic.com

Introduction

Here are your best bets for eating well. These 10 natural health foods are some of the healthiest because they meet at least three of the following criteria:

* Are a good or excellent source of fiber, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients
* Are high in phytonutrients and antioxidant compounds, such as vitamins A and E and beta carotene
* May help reduce the risk of heart disease and other health conditions
* Are low in calorie density, meaning you get a larger portion size with a fewer number of calories
* Are readily available

Apples

Apples are an excellent and natural source of pectin, a soluble fiber that can lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Fresh apples are also good sources of the vitamin C — an antioxidant that protects your body’s cells from damage. Vitamin C also helps form the connective tissue collagen, keeps your capillaries and blood vessels healthy, and aids in the absorption of iron and folate.

Almonds

These tear-shaped nuts are packed with nutrients — fiber, riboflavin, magnesium, iron and calcium. In fact, almonds have more calcium than any other nut — 70 milligrams (mg) in 23 almonds. And one serving of almonds provides half of your body’s Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin E.

Like all nuts, almonds provide one of the best plant sources of protein. And they’re good for your heart. Most of the fat in almonds is monounsaturated fat — a healthier type of fat that may help lower blood cholesterol levels.

Blueberries

Blueberries are a rich source of plant compounds (phytonutrients). As with cranberries, phytonutrients in blueberries may help prevent urinary tract infections. Blueberries may also improve short-term memory and promote healthy aging.

Blueberries are also a low-calorie source of fiber and vitamin C — 1 cup of fresh blueberries has 83 calories, 3.5 grams of fiber and 14 mg of vitamin C.

Broccoli

Besides being a good natural health food source of calcium, potassium, folate and fiber, broccoli contains phytonutrients — a group of compounds that may help prevent chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. Broccoli is also a good source of vitamins A and C — antioxidants that protect your body’s cells from damage.

Red beans

Red beans — including small red beans and dark red kidney beans — are good natural sources of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and thiamin. They’re also an excellent low-fat, low-calorie source of protein and dietary fiber. Red beans also contain phytonutrients that may help prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Salmon

Salmon is an excellent natural source of omega-3 fatty acids — a type of fat that makes your blood less likely to form clots that may cause heart attacks. Omega-3s may also protect against irregular heartbeats that may cause sudden cardiac death, decrease triglyceride levels, decrease the growth of artery-clogging plaques, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke.

In addition to being an excellent source of omega-3s, salmon is low in saturated fat and cholesterol and is a good source of protein.

Spinach

Spinach is high in vitamins A and C and folate. It’s also a good source of riboflavin, vitamin B-6, calcium, iron and magnesium. The plant compounds in spinach may boost your immune system and may help keep your hair and skin healthy.

Sweet potatoes

The deep orange-yellow color of sweet potatoes tells you that they’re high in the antioxidant beta carotene. This Foods a good source of beta carotene, which are converted to vitamin A in your body, may help slow the aging process and reduce the risk of some cancers. Sweet potatoes are also good sources of fiber, vitamins B-6, C and E, folate and potassium. And like all vegetables, they’re fat-free and relatively low in calories — one small sweet potato has just 54 calories.

Vegetable juice

Vegetable juice has most of the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients found in the original vegetables and is an easy way to include vegetables in your diet. Tomato juice and vegetable juices, which include tomatoes, are good sources of lycopene, an antioxidant which may reduce the risk of heart attack, prostate cancer and possibly other types of cancer. Some vegetable and tomato juices are very high in sodium, so be sure to select the low-sodium varieties.

Wheat germ

At the center of a grain of wheat is the wheat germ — the part of the seed that’s responsible for the development and growth of the new plant sprout. Though only a small part of the wheat seed, the germ is a highly concentrated source of nutrients, including niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin E, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and zinc. The germ also contains protein, fiber and some fat.

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written by Darkcirclepuffyeyes.com

The caffeine concentration of this brewed tea bag home remedy, works to effectively sooth and reduce the puffiness of the eyes, in conjunction with the dark circles or ˜bags” around the area by pulling out and diminishing the water in the thin and sensitive eye tissue. This tea bag home remedy helps to alleviate the fluid retention and draining into the sensitive under-eye area, effectively helping the swelling and puffiness of the eye. As an added benefit, tea also contains potent antioxidants to help fight the free radicals that are prone to develop in an aging and sensitive skin tissue zone, causing premature aging and intensifying our dark circles and puffy eye problems over the years.

How it’s done:

1. Boil some water as if you were making a normal tea beverage, and insert a tea bag as usual for best results use green, white, and black tea blends. Herbal Teas may also have added benefits depending on the herbs used. Rose tea also has shown benefits, as rose water has long been used as a topical treatment in skin care.

2. Gently squeeze out the brewed tea bag after about 5 to 8 minutes for best results, and allow it to cool This tea will generally be too strong to drink, but will allow the teas and herbs to fully brew.

3. Apply over the eyes and relax with the cool and slightly damp bags in place over the most attention needing zone. Allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes, while relaxing in peace. This time of relaxation with the tea bags on your eyes will also help to reduce stress as you enter your moment of Zen. Listening to soft music such as classical will also show benefits.

4. Take the tea bags off your eyes. While after one time of applying the tea bags to your eyes may not show significant benefits, like most other herbal remedies, you will notice the difference after continued practice.

Also at Sabaidi Health -

Total Herbal Eye Care
Cook Healthier Food

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What a Bore

An office worker has a colleague in her office outstaying his welcome. She can see that he is not inclined to leave any time soon. Concerned about his feelings, how does she manage to get rid of him without offending him ?

***Previous Week’s Lateral Thinking Puzzles Still unsolved

His Widows Sister - 3/18
Light Work - 3/25

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