10 Foods That Cause Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is an uncomfortable health condition to have and there are certain types of foods that cause the symptoms of acid reflux to become worse. It is important to note that not every food that causes heartburn in one person will cause it in another person. If you have acid reflux, you should take note of the following seven foods that can cause acid reflux, but also do a little bit of trial and error to see what causes your symptoms.

Onions
Many people experience acid reflux symptoms when they eat onions. Avoid onions as much as possible, especially raw onions.

Garlic
Another good-for-you food that isn't so good for acid reflux is garlic. Some people experience heartburn after eating a lot of the stinking rose.

Tomatoes
Like onions and garlic, tomatoes are full of health benefits but are usually too acidic for people with acid reflux.

Spicy Foods Eating spicy foods like peppers and chili may cause the stomach to become upset, which can result in the stomach acids irritating the esophagus. Try avoiding spicy foods and see if it helps your heartburn.

Fried Foods Most people know that fried foods can cause acid reflux, but they don't understand why. Foods that are high in trans fat slow down the digestive system, which may cause digestive juices to move back up the esophagus. Avoid eating foods such as French fries, doughnuts, egg rolls, and any food that has been deep fried in oil.

Baked Goods Bakery produces baked foods such as brownies, cake, doughnuts, muffins and other sweet treats usually contain trans fats too. These foods also have high levels of preservatives and other unnatural ingredients, which may cause acid reflux to become worse.

Soda and Caffeine Drinking soda and other carbonated beverages such as tonic water may increase your acid reflux symptoms, because the carbonation increases the pressure in the stomach. On top of that, caffeine, which is present in many sodas, can be a heartburn trigger. Coffee, iced tea, and any other caffeinated beverages are also potential culprits. Chocolate is another caffeine-containing food that you may want to avoid to alleviate symptoms.

Alcohol
Alcohol, especially when combined with other heartburn-causing foods like garlic and onions or tomatoes, can lead to acid reflux symptoms.

Animal Protein Many people experience an increase in acid reflux when they are eating animal protein such as meat and dairy. These foods are very hard to digest and they slow down the digestive process, which may cause the acids to irritate the esophagus. Additionally, dairy foods such as milk and cheese cause the body to excrete extra stomach acids to aid digestion.

Citrus Fruit and Juice Citrus fruits and juices are highly acidic and can cause heartburn in patients with acid reflux. Oranges, orange juice, and grapefruit can be triggers. If you have acid reflux and still want to enjoy citrus fruit, try eating it for dessert on a full stomach rather than on an empty stomach.

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Apples for Acid Reflux Relief

Acid reflux is a condition when the stomach acid begins to move up the esophagus. This condition is becoming more common, and there are a few things that can be done in order to minimize the symptoms and reduce the occurrence of acid reflux.

One of the best home remedies for acid reflux is adjusting your diet. Avoiding spicy foods and fried foods is a good way to avoid acid reflux, and you should also eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. When you are careful about the foods that you are eating, you will find that you may be able to control your symptoms without medication.

Do Apples Provide Acid Reflux Relief? One internet tip looks at apples and acid reflux: do apples actually help to decrease acid reflux symptoms? The conclusions on this topic are varied, but it is worth trying to see if apples help your individual situation.

When treating acid reflux, be sure to purchase organic apples. You want to avoid the tart apples (such as granny smiths) an instead focus on sweeter varieties such as Braeburn or golden delicious. The reason that apples may help is because they contain tartaric and malic acid, which helps to neutralize stomach acids.

However, eating an apple may cause the heartburn problems to become worse if you have already overeaten. For example, if you finished a big meal and ate too much, you will likely experience acid reflux. Eating an apple will only add more bulk to your stomach, which may result in even more pressure in your stomach so the stomach acid may be forced to move up the esophagus.

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Aloe Vera Juice for Acid Reflux

Many people have heard about using aloe to soothe sunburns or other minor burns on their skin, but they may not have thought about treating internal burns with aloe as well. Acid reflux is a type of internal "burn" that can be treated with aloe vera juice.

In fact, natural aloe vera can be a very effective way to soothe your stomach and esophagus, as well as treat other symptoms that are associated with acid reflux.

Acid Reflux When a person is experiencing acid reflux symptoms, their stomach acids are actually moving up their esophagus. These stomach acids are potent because they are designed to digest the food that moves through our digestive system. When the esophagus walls come in contact with the acid on a regular basis, they can become burned and scar tissue may begin to form.

There are many different methods that can be used to treat acid reflux, including home remedies and over the counter treatments. Many people choose to implement home remedies in order to avoid the side effects that may be caused by the medications.

Aloe Vera Juice Aloe is an easy and effective way to soothe and heal burns. The best way to treat acid reflux with aloe is by drinking a little bit of aloe on a daily basis. If you don’t like the taste of the aloe, try mixing it with just a little bit of grape or apple juice, or any other type of juice that is non-acidic.

When you drink the aloe, it heals your esophagus in addition to soothing the stomach. So, it is a good idea to continue drinking the aloe even after your heartburn symptoms have decreased. Most people have damage in their esophagus that needs to heal and following a regular treatment of aloe vera juice can help the entire digestive system to heal.

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Apple Cider Vinegar for Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is an uncomfortable condition to have, and if it is left untreated for a long period of time it may cause damage to the esophagus. Many people are surprised to hear about using apple cider vinegar for acid reflux, but the truth is that cider vinegar can be a very effective way to reduce your symptoms.

Why Apple Cider Vinegar? The reason apple cider vinegar seems like a strange treatment is because vinegar has a high acid content, so doesn’t that make the problem worse? Cider vinegar actually helps the symptoms because it mimics the stomach acid, which assists digestion and reduces the amount of stomach acid that is produced.

There are also essential nutrients in raw apple cider vinegar, such as iron, calcium, copper, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

What Type of Vinegar? It is important to note that the best type of vinegar for acid reflux is organic, raw apple cider vinegar. Most of the vinegar at the grocery store is highly processed and the essential nutrients have been removed. Raw apple cider vinegar can be purchased at the health food store or online, and you will be able to tell that it is raw because there will be a little bit of sediment on the bottom of the vinegar bottle. Make sure to shake or mix it well before using.

You can mix in a tablespoon or two of raw cider vinegar in with one or two cups of water and drink it. Try drinking this mixture before eating and you will see that your acid reflux symptoms will decrease after the meal.

You may not notice an immediate relief from your acid reflux on the first day, but if you follow this treatment plan for a few days you will likely experience great results. Many people find that it takes a little while before the full effectiveness sets in.

Watch for negative side effects, because some people may experience additional problems from the apple cider vinegar, such as stomach aches or worse acid reflux. If these symptoms are occurring, you should discontinue drinking the vinegar mixture.

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Probiotics for Acid Reflux Relief

Probiotics for acid reflux can be a great treatment to help you find relief from the symptoms associated with acid reflux. When acid reflux happens, the stomach acids begin to move back up the esophagus, and those acids can cause damage to the tissue that the acid comes in contact with. Because of this damage, it is best to treat your acid reflux as soon as possible.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux Generally, the symptoms of acid reflux involve a burning sensation in the esophagus and stomach, although some people may experience the burning sensation more severe than other people. For example, it is possible for a person to have damage occurring to their esophagus without realizing there is a problem because they are not feeling much pain when the reflux is occurring.

Even if the pain is not severe, the stomach acids may still be causing damage. So, if you think that you may be experiencing stomach acid problems, it is a good idea to talk with your doctor and begin a treatment plan if needed.

What Are Probiotics? Probiotics are the "healthy" kind of bacteria that are naturally found in your gut. These bacterium work with your body to kill the "bad" bacteria and they work hand in hand with the immune system to promote health. When the levels of healthy bacteria are low, the body may become imbalanced and you may experience negative health effects as a result.

Taking probiotics along with digestive enzymes can be a great way to improve your overall digestion by balancing out the gastrointestinal tract. And when the GI tract is in balance, you will be less likely to experience acid reflux because there will not be a buildup of pressure in the stomach.

If you choose to use probiotics for acid reflux, it is a good idea to start with a higher dose in the beginning to bring your body back into balance. Once the normal stomach functions have returned, the doses can be lowered.

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Honey for Acid Reflux

Reducing the symptoms of acid reflux can be easily done at home if you follow a good diet and implement a few home remedies to prevent the symptoms. The honey and acid reflux treatment is one home remedy that is becoming more popular and many people are experiencing good results with honey.

Why Honey Works The reason that honey can be so effective in treating acid reflux is because it is sweet and thick and it can actually coat the esophagus to prevent damage from stomach acid. When a person suffers from acid reflux on a regular basis, the esophagus will become damaged from the constant burning sensation that is occurring. Honey can help to coat and prevent the irritation.

When using honey as a home remedy, you don’t need to worry about eating a lot of honey. Even just a small teaspoon of honey will provide temporary relief to your discomfort. When you pair the honey treatment with long term treatments such as a change in diet, you will be able to drastically reduce the occurrence of acid reflux symptoms

Honey vs. Medications One of the biggest advantages to using honey for your acid reflux treatment is that it doesn’t have the negative side effects that are often associated with prescription medications. It is common for heartburn medications to have negative side effects, either in the short term or long term. Those side effects vary depending on the type of medication as well as the person that is taking the medication.

On the other hand, honey is a natural substance and it will not cause the uncomfortable side effects that may be caused by prescription medications. If you choose to stick with natural remedies, honey is a great natural option to treat acid reflux.

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12 Health Benefits of Manuka Honey

 

Not all honey is created equal. Active Manuka honey is a raw honey made by bees that feed off the Manuka bush in the East Cape region of New Zealand. It is celebrated for its anti-bacterial properties and is even used in hospitals to treat infections.

Manuka honey contains an active ingredient not present in other honeys called UMF. All Manuka honeys are rated on this UMF scale. The higher the UMF rating, the more healing the honey is. Look for a Manuka honey with a UMF rating of 10 or higher.

Here are 12 health benefits of Manuka honey.

Anti-Bacterial
Active Manuka honey contains anti-bacterial elements. Hospitals around the world have been using bandages soaked in Manuka honey on patients in order to reduce inflammation and prevent MRSA staph infection in wounds and sores. One study found that when Manuka was used to treat infected caesarean and hysterectomy wounds, it had a success rate of 85 percent.

Wound Healing
Not only is Manuka anti-bacterial, but it has also been found to help wounds heal faster.

Anti-Fungal
Studies have found Manuka honey to have powerful anti-fungal properties. When used in its raw, natural form, Manuka honey is a great way to treat various types of fungal infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm, and jock itch.

Gum Disease Fighter
Studies have found that Manuka fights off three different types of mouth bacteria that can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. It might seem counterintuitive to rub a sugary substance on the gums, but research has found that rubbing Manuka on the gums after brushing can reduce plaque and bacteria in the mouth.

Sore Throat Treatment
Manuka fights several bacteria that cause sore throats. When sore throat rears its ugly head, take a teaspoon of Manuka several times per day, swishing it in your mouth before swallowing.

Acne Treatment
Studies have been done on Manuka as an acne treatment with positive results. When applied to the skin, Manuka can fight bacteria associated with acne and when taken internally, it can help fight bacteria in the intestines that may lead to skin blemishes as well as balance intestinal flora that are thrown off by antibiotics prescribed to combat acne.

Sunburn Treatment
When applied to sunburned skin, Manuka can soothe the soreness and speed healing.

Anti-Inflammatory
Manuka is a natural anti-inflammatory, which explains why it helps in wound healing, soothes sunburn and sore throat, and boosts the overall health of the body.

Acid Reflux
Manuka honey can help with acid reflux because it coats the esophagus and intestinal tract which prevents damage from stomach acid and relieves symptoms. Manuka may also help to heal the damage already caused by acid reflux.

Digestive Support
Using Manuka honey on a regular basis can prevent and treat bowel problems such as ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. Manuka also encourages the growth of "good" bacteria in the intestines and gets rid of unwanted bacteria.

Stomach Ulcer Treatment and Prevention
Research has found that Manuka honey prevents the growth of h. pylori (helicobacter pylori), the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers while maintaining good bacteria in the stomach.

Energy Booster
Studies have found Manuka to be a great source of energy thanks to its healthy carbs and has also been found to improve the performance of endurance athletes. It assists the body in post-workout muscle repair and helps the body to maintain blood sugar levels during and after exercise.

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Ginger for Acid Reflux

Ginger Tea Modern clinical studies have found that ginger tea can be an effective way to reduce acid reflux and heartburn. Traditional herbal medical practices have used this tea since 3000 B.C.

Gingerol's Volatile Oils One study found that ginger contains a compound called gingerol, which is made up of many volatile oils that provide therapeutic properties. These oils include borneol, bisabolene, linalool, geranial, camphene, and zingiberone. Gingerol absorbs stomach acid, improves digestion, and relieves nausea.

igh Doses of Ginger If you are using ginger for acid reflux, be cautious about the dosages that you are taking. In the Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, it is cautioned that doses of ginger over 6 grams can result in gastric problems and ulcers.

Relaxing the Esophagus Muscles It has been found that using fresh ginger root can be an effective way to relax the muscles of the esophagus, which in turn can help to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.

Overall, ginger is a great remedy for a number of digestive conditions. If you have acid reflux, try using ginger on a daily basis to see if it helps you find relief from your symptoms.

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Pedigree Beef Breeds :Highland

History

Like their name suggests, Highland cattle originated in the Highlands and west coastal islands of Scotland, areas severe in climate and lashed by the North Atlantic gales. Throughout the long recorded history of Highlands, breeders have taken great care to retain the original characteristics of these cattle. Originally, the breed was divided into two classes, the West Highlands or Kyloe, and the Highlander. 

The Kyloes, raised on the western islands of Scotland, tended to be of a smaller size and had a higher percentage of black and brindled cattle than the mainland Highlanders. The size difference was probably due more to the severe climate and limited rations that the island cattle were subjected to than to any genetic variation between the classes. Today all members of the breed are called Highland. 

A little known fact about Highland breeders is that they don't call their herd a herd. It is called a fold of Highland cattle because, in the olden days in winter the cattle were brought together at night in open shelters made of stone called folds to protect them from the weather and wolves.

Characteristics

The Highland has the grandest head with a long fringe (that appears to cover the eyes) and the horns that are long and darken towards the tip, it is these features that make them most memorable. 

Photo courtesy of Craigowmill Fold,www.highlandcattle.co.uk

Highlands have a double coat of hair - a downy undercoat and a long outercoat which may reach 13 inches, and which is well-oiled to shed rain and snow. With the double coat of hair and thick hide, the Highland has been adapted by nature to withstand great exposure. It is not uncommon for Highlands to shed this heavy hair coat when exposed to a hot dry climate and then grow a new one as the damp cold weather returns. 

The hair colour can be black, brindled, red, yellow, and dun - there is considerable difference of opinion among breeders as to which is preferable. 

The breed is exceptionally hardy with a natural and unique ability to convert poor grazing efficiently. They are remarkable for their longevity, many Highland cows continue to breed to ages in excess of eighteen years having borne fifteen calves. The mothering instinct is highly developed in the Highland cow. Abandoned calves, for even first-calf heifers, are rare. This strong protective inclination of the cow minimizes predator losses that can even extend to sheep that are pastured in the same field. The Highland calf is exceptionally hardy and grows rapidly up to weaning. 

Mature bulls can weigh around 1,800 pounds (800 kilograms) in breeding condition and cows 1,100 pounds (500 kilograms) 

The Highland has a modern beef carcass with lean, well-marbled, flesh that ensures tenderness and succulence with a very distinctive flavour. Highland beef is healthy and nutritious with lower levels of fat and cholesterol and a higher protein and iron content than other beef. 

The unique attributes of the pure Highland cow make her the first choice for the production of commercial hill cows. These can be sired by many different breeds of bull; a commonly used sire being a Beef Shorthorn bull, but recently excellent results have been obtained using continental sires.

The cross Highland cow the inherent hardiness of the pure Highlander, plus that vital ingredient "hybrid vigour". The cross Highlander has the milk to rear the continental calf with the high beefing potential demanded by today's market Both the pure Highlander and the first cross Highlander retain the prime ability to convert poor hill grazings into quality beef carcasses.

Statistics

Photo courtesy of Duel M Highland Cattle, www.highlandcattle.com

Highlands are able to thrive the rigours of extreme climatic conditions Highland cattle will prosper and perform well on grazing where less hardy breeds will fail. 

The Highland's proven ability to produce top quality meat without the addition of expensive high quality feeds makes this breed the perfect choice for those people who wish to produce beef with natural inputs. 

Their horn's provide predator protection. Their long bangs (dossan) protect the eyes and face, shorter legs mean fewer foot and leg problems. 

The natural free-ranging ability of Highlanders coupled with unassisted calvings in all conditions as well as a rich milk high in butter fat make the Highland cow an ideal mother. 

Highland cattle are truly easy unassisted calvers, birth weights average 50-75 pounds. The calves moderate bone structure and slim conformation along with the cow's wide pelvic reduce calving problems such as caesarean and prolapse. 

The Highland cow has a long productive life and many herds average 12 calves from each cow. This greatly reduces their replacement cost, a most important factor these days. 

Cow's display high fertility and regularity of calving. Highland bull's are aggressive as herd sires. 

Highland milk is high in butterfat, producing vigorous calves with acceptable natural weight gains. Cow's have superior udder quality an small teats. 

Highland beef is slow-maturing making it a premium beef which is lean, well marbled with low fat and cholesterol levels whilst remaining rich in protein and flavour, criteria increasingly demanded by today's market. 

Highland beef is able to command a premium over other breeds due to its all-round healthy eating appeal. 

As the majority of the above traits are hereditory, Highland cattle are an ideal choice for inclusion in any cross breeding programme.

Comparative

Meat 

A heavy coat insulates against a harsh climate and reduces the need to develop excess back fat. Recent studies in both North America and the UK have shown that Highland Beef is consistently much lower in fat content and cholesterol than other breeds. It is so lean that it compares with chicken and fish fat content. 

The marbling of the beef gives the same tenderness and tastiness as the other larger breeds. Studies in the US have verified that Highland Beef is 38% lower in fat content and 4% lower in cholesterol than steaks from local supermarkets. 

Studies in the UK list the quantities of fat per 100 grams as: 
FAT CONTENT 
Highland Beef Overall 4.5 g/ 100g 
Other Breeds Beef Overall 15.6 g/ 100g 
CHOLESTEROL CONTENT
Highland Beef Overall 40.9 mg/100g 
Other Breeds Beef Overall 64.3 mg/100g 
PROTEIN 
Highland Beef Overall 20.7 g/100g 
Other Breeds Beef Overall 18.6 g/100g 
IRON 
Highland Beef Overall 2.1 mg/100g 
Other Breeds Beef Overall 2.0 mg/100g 

Scottish Agricultural College, Dept. of Food Science and Technology published by McCance & Widdowson, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Distribution

The versatility of the Highlander led to a great upsurge in exports to the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, Poland, the Faroe Islands, Austria, Holland and South America. Highland Cattle can be found foraging 10,000 feet up in the Andes.

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10 Foods for Eye Health

Here are ten foods that will help maintain eye health and that may protect against cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye problems.

Avocados
Avocados are one the most nutrient-dense foods that exist, so it's no wonder they're great for your eyes. They contain more lutein than any other fruit. Lutein is important in the prevention of macular degeneration and cataracts. They are also a great source of other important eye nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin E.

Carrots
Carrots have long been recognized as an eye food due to their high levels of vitamin A.

Broccoli
Broccoli is a good source of vitamin C, calcium, lutein, zeaxanthin, and sulforaphane.

Eggs
Eggs are an excellent source of eye nutrients like vitamin A, zinc, lutein, lecithin, B12, vitamin D, and cysteine.

Spinach
Another great source of vitamin A, spinach also contains other important eye nutrients including lutein and zeaxathin.

Kale Like spinach, kale is a good source of vitamin A, lutein, and zeaxathin.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes are high in vitamin C and lycopene, two important eye nutrients.

Sunflower Seeds Sunflower seeds contain selenium, a nutrient that may prevent cataracts and promote overall eye health.

Garlic
Garlic contains selenium and other eye nutrients such as vitamin C and quercetin.

Salmon
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for maintaining overall eye health. It also contains folic acid, vitamin D, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and vitamin A.

Original Article Here 

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Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 is necessary for the functioning of the human body, which produces it naturally. Certain diseases and aging have been associated with lower CoQ10 levels. Supplementation with CoQ10 has shown promise and is being studied for its benefits for many different diseases and conditions.

Here are 8 health benefits of coenzyme Q10.

Heart Health There is evidence of CoQ10 deficiency in people with congestive heart failure. In fact, low levels of CoQ10 in plasma concentrations is a predictor of poor prognosis in those with congestive heart failure. CoQ10 given to people who've had heart attacks within three days of the attack may be beneficial according to preliminary research. Also, some studies have found that CoQ10 supplementation after heart surgery may improve heart function.

Anti-Aging In animal studies, CoQ10 has been found to prevent the breakdown of mitochondrial DNA that leads to aging.

Cancer Prevention Research has found that CoQ10 may help the body resist cancer and may prevent cancer cells from growing.

Chemotherapy Protection A study in Italy found that cancer patients who took CoQ10 alongside chemotherapy treatment had less damage to their hearts than those who took chemotherapy alone.

Parkinson's Disease A study of 80 people with Parkinson's disease found that 1200 mg of CoQ10 per day reduced the progression of the disease by 44%. Because the results were so promising, trials are still ongoing on the benefits of CoQ10 and Parkinson's.

Radiation Protection One study in rats found that supplementation with CoQ10 reduced radiation damage to the blood.

Gum Disease Gum tissue with periodontal disease has been found to be deficient in CoQ10. Studies in humans have shown a positive link between oral administration or topical application to the gums of CoQ10 and improved gum health and even reversal of gum disease.

Migraines
Swiss researchers found that 100mg of CoQ10 taken three times per day reduced the average migraines in patients from 4.4 per month to 3.2 per month and reduced the number of days patients suffered with migraines and accompanying nausea.

Another study found that CoQ10 reduced the frequency of migraines by 50% in patients with both migraines with aura and migraines without aura. 

 Original Article Here

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7 Health Benefits of Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is bred from the same plant, brassica oleracea, as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. In German, kohlrabi means cabbage turnip, which fits its appearance; it resembles a cabbage turnip hybrid. A popular dish in India and Kashmir, it is a cruciferous vegetable that has a lot going for it.

Here are 7 health benefits of kohlrabi:

Cancer Prevention Kohlrabi contains many of the phytochemicals considered essential in cancer prevention, including glucosinolates, which help the liver detoxify carcinogens. The high antioxidant capacity of kohlrabi helps limit free radical damage to the cells, which is widely linked to many types of cancer.

High In Vitamin C Kohlrabi contains 140% the DV of vitamin C per one cup serving. Fresh kohlrabi stem is a particularly good source of the powerful antioxidant.

Immune System The high concentration of vitamin C in kohlrabi may provide great immune system support, which is essential for fighting off illness and preventing disease.

Energy Boost Vitamin C helps the body absorb essential minerals like iron, which helps boost energy production.

Heart Health Kohlrabi is low in cholesterol and bad fats but contains a high amount of potassium. Potassium helps counter the effects of sodium, maintains heart rate, and lowers blood pressure.

Digestive Health One cup of kohlrabi provides 19% the DV of fiber. Fiber helps aid in digestion, promotes regular bowel movements and helps maintain a healthy metabolism and strong intestines.

Weight Loss Kohlrabi has a great nutrient to calorie ratio, only 36 calories per cup of raw vegetable. It is also high in dietary fiber, which helps promote a healthy metabolism and regulates body weight. This makes it a healthy component of any effective weight loss program.

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7 Health Benefits of Carrots

Here are 7 health benefits of carrots:

Cancer Prevention The high levels of antioxidants in carrots help to lower the risk of cancer. Studies have found that carrots may help to prevent three of the most common types of cancer: breast, lung, and colon cancer. They are one of the only food sources of falcarinol, a natural pesticide and fatty alcohol that research has found may prevent cancer.

Better Digestion Carrots are a great source of fiber, which is important for keeping the digestive system running properly. It also helps to keep you feeling full so you end up eating less.

Healthy Eyes Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body and is essential for eye health. It improves night vision and prevents age-related eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration.

Anti-Aging The vitamin A in carrots helps the skin by helping to get rid of damaged cells and regenerating new ones. Vitamin A also keeps the skin protected from harmful UV rays, retards aging, prevents acne, helps dry skin, and improves the complexion.

Heart Health One study found that heart disease risk was lowered by 32% in people who ate just .88 ounces of carrots per day. Another study that tracked seniors found that those who ate a cup of carrots or squash each day lowered their heart disease risk by a whopping 60 percent. Some studies also show a link between beta-carotene consumption and reduced risk of heart problems.

Cholesterol Levels The fiber in carrots helps to lower cholesterol levels. The magnesium in carrots also helps to regulate cholesterol.

Weight Loss Carrots are high in nutrition and low in calories, which means that you can fill your stomach without eating too many calories. Additionally, carrots help improve the function of the metabolism because they contains nicotine acid to break down the lipids and fats that are present within the body.

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Pomegranate Juice and Blood Pressure

Pomegranate juice has shown promise in early studies for its blood pressure lowering effects.

According to the Mayo Clinic, more research needs to be done to determine how well pomegranate juice works in lowering blood pressure but the evidence so far looks promising.

It is believed that the high level of antioxidants in pomegranate juice is responsible for its heart-protective and cholesterol-lowering effects.

The Mayo Clinic says, "Pomegranate juice is generally safe to drink. Most studies have used a daily intake of 1.5 ounces of pomegranate juice with no significant side effects."

Adding pomegranate juice to your daily routine may be a safe and delicious way to reduce your blood pressure.

 Original Article Here

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Anti-Aging Properties of Vitamin C

Aging is an inevitable process that everyone experiences, although there are a few things that can be done to slow the aging process. Recent studies have found a link between vitamin C and anti-aging, and some natural remedies use this vitamin to prevent the signs of aging.

Elements of Aging There are two aspects of aging: lifespan and appearance. Even though most people are only focused on the appearance, certain anti-aging treatments can also extend lifespan. Vitamin C can help to reduce the physical signs of aging and keep internal functions in good condition.

Cellular Damage People age as a result of damage on a cellular level. A normal process called oxidation occurs and cells need to replenish and re-grow in order to recover from the oxidation. When free radicals are present in higher levels, then the cellular damage will occur more quickly, causing aging to accelerate. However, getting enough antioxidants, such as vitamin C, can slow this process by reducing the amount of free radicals in the body.

Age Related Diseases Another benefit of vitamin C in the aging process is the fact that it helps to strengthen the immune system, which can be beneficial in preventing age-related diseases.

Werner's Syndrome and Aging When a person has Werner's syndrome, aging and age-related diseases are accelerated. The FASEB Journal found that an increase in daily vitamin C can stop the aging related to Werner's syndrome and vitamin C may even reverse the damage that has already occurred.

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10 Foods With Sulforaphane

Sulforaphane is a compound that has been found to have several health benefits, including powerful anti-cancer properties. All of the foods that contain sulforaphane are cruciferous vegetables, members of the Brassicaceae family, which means that they are goitrogenic. This means that they may worsen hypothyroidism symptoms in people prone to that disorder. If your thyroid is healthy you should not be concerned about consuming cruciferous vegetables as long as you are not eating massive amounts.

Here are 10 foods that contain sulforaphane.

Broccoli Sprouts Broccoli sprouts, the immature seedlings of the broccoli plant, contain more sulforaphane than any other vegetables, inluding full grown broccoli. Research has found that they contain anywhere from 10 to 100 times more of the compound than broccoli. Cooking vegetables containing sulforaphane reduces the amount of sulforaphane they contain, which is another reason why broccoli sprouts are a great way to get it - they are usually eaten raw, while many of the other foods on this list are eaten cooked and often boiled, which is the worst way to cook vegetables if you want to preserve nutrients.

Broccoli
Broccoli isn't as high in sulforaphane as its sprouts, but it's still one of the top on the list. Eat it raw or lightly steamed for maximum benefit. Boiling it negates most of the nutrition.

Cauliflower
Cauliflower is often thought of as broccoli's bland, white brother. However, it is high in nutrients, including sulforaphane, and it doesn't have to be boring if you are creative. It is also a versatile vegetable that is often used by raw foodists and low carbers as a food subsitute. It makes a good faux rice that is delicious raw or cooked. (See Riced Cauliflower as a Rice Substitute)

Brussels Sprouts Brussels sprouts are a great source of sulforaphane. However, most people eat them cooked and, as mentioned above, this reduces the level of sulforaphane they contain. Instead of boiling them as many people do, lightly steam them or saute them in order to retain the most benefits.

Savoy Cabbage Savoy cabbage contains high levels of sulforaphane. As with everything else on this list, the less you cook it, the better. Unlike other types of cabbage, Savoy doesn't have the sulfur smell that so many people find unpleasant about cooked cabbage.

Red Cabbage Red cabbage contains lower levels of sulphoraphane than Savoy cabbage, but has almost as much. Red cabbage is great raw in salads and coleslaw, but can also be lightly cooked in stir fries and other recipes.

Kohlrabi Kohlrabi, another type of cabbage, is also a great source. It tastes great raw and is a great addition to raw vegetable platters with dips.

Kale
Kale is one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat, and one reason is its sulforaphane content. Try adding raw kale to green smoothies, lightly saute it, or steam it.

Collard Greens Collards are also a good source of sulforaphane. Add raw collards to a green smoothie along with a banana and some kale or use a raw collard leaf as a sandwich or burrito wrap. It's delicious! (See Collard Greens as Sandwich Wraps)

Horseradish Many people don't realize that horseradish is a Brassicaceae like the vegetables listed above and contains sulforaphane just like they do. Add a bit of horseradish to your recipes and you'll get a health boost along with a health boost.

Original Article Here

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20 Fruits and Vegetables High in Magnesium

Getting magnesium from fruits and vegetables is easy but even for the health conscious among us, it's easy to forget to eat all of the foods necessary to maintain balanced nutrition.

An estimated two thirds of Americans are not consuming their daily recommended amount of magnesium. Here are 20 fruits and vegetables that are high in magnesium.

Spinach
Canned spinach contains 163 mg of magnesium per cup. Fresh unsalted cooked spinach contains 157 mg of magnesium per cup.

Beet Greens Beet greens contain 98 mg per cup.

Dates Dates contain 77 mg per cup.

Okra 
Okra(frozen) contains about 74 mg per cup.

Artichokes 
Artichokes contain 71 mg per cup.

Peas 
Peas contain 71 mg per cup.

Papayas  Papayas contain 64 mg per cup.

Potatoes 
Unpeeled potatoes contain 57 mg of magnesium per cup.

Pumpkin 
Canned pumpkin contains 56 mg per cup.

Sweet Potatoes  Sweet potatoes contain 56 mg per cup.

Collard Greens Cooked collard greens contain 51 mg per cup.

Corn
Yellow corn contains 48 mg per cup.

Squash
Squash contains about 43 mg per cup.

Cucumber
Cucumbers with skin intact contain 39 mg per cup and 34 mg per cup if peeled.

Rutabaga 
Rutabaga contains about 39 mg per cup.

Broccoli 
Cooked broccoli contains about 33 mg per cup.

Banana
One banana has about 32 mg of magnesium.

Brussels Sprouts Cooked Brussels sprouts contain about 31 mg per cup.

Grapefruit
Both pink and white grapefruits contain about 20.7 mg of magnesium per cup.

 Original Article Here

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8 Health Benefits of Bananas

Banana, the once-exotic fruit, has found its way into our daily lives. Whether sliced over cereal or blended in a smoothie, here are eight great reasons to include about four bananas a week in your diet.

Diet
One banana has 11% of the RDA of dietary fiber and only about 108 calories. The fiber in bananas not only keeps digestion regular, but also helps maintain low blood sugar and curbs overeating.

Lower Blood Pressure Studies show that the high amounts of potassium in bananas (over 13% of the RDA) can lower one's blood pressure, which in turn lessens the possibility of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.

Bone Health Along with lowering blood pressure, potassium prevents the weakening of the body's bones. A high sodium intake, which is typical of many American diets, can cause excessive amount of calcium to be lost through the urine, which threatens not only the strength and general health of the bones, but also negatively affects blood clotting, proper muscle contraction, and normal nervous system function. The potassium found in bananas neutralizes the high amounts of sodium in one's diet, thus allowing for healthy amounts of calcium to remain within the body.

High Nutrient Absorption The potassium in bananas is not the only means to ensure healthy levels of calcium in the body. Bananas also contain high levels of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) that--along with insulin--promotes calcium absorption. FOS further nourishes healthy bacteria in the colon that manufacture vitamins and digestive enzymes that boost the body's overall ability to absorb nutrients.

Healthy Digestive Tract Bananas can diminish the uncomfortable effects of diarrhea and constipation. The high amounts of potassium in bananas can restock electrolytes that are easily depleted when suffering from diarrhea -- potassium being an important electrolyte itself. Furthermore, bananas can relieve the body from constipation and help restore regular digestion with pectin, a soluble polysaccharide that helps normalize the digestive tract.

Rugged Gut Bananas protect the healthy constitution of the stomach in two ways. Firstly, they trigger the production of mucus in the stomach, which provides a protective barrier against stomach acids. Secondly, bananas possess protease inhibitors, a substance that breaks down bacteria in the stomach that cause ulcers. (Moreover, protease inhibitor also obstruct the replication of certain cells and viruses, including HIV.)

Cancer Prevention A large study by the Internal Journal of Cancer illustrates that the probability of developing kidney cancer is greatly lessened by frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables, though especially bananas. For instance, the probability of developing kidney cancer in female subjects decreased by 50% when eating bananas four to six times a week.

Vitamin B6 One banana has an impressive 34% of the RDA of vitamin B6, which serves many important roles in the body's health. For example, the B6 in bananas acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that helps ward off cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, as well as obesity. B6 also contributes to the maintenance of the lymphoid glands that ensure the production of healthy white blood cells that protect the body from infection. Finally, the vitamin B6 in bananas plays a pivotal part in cell formation and proper nervous system function, making one banana a day a healthy and delicious choice.

 Original Article Herehttp://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/8-health-bene%EF%AC%81ts-of-bananas.html

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12 Foods That Contain Anthocyanins

Anthocyanin is a plant compound and pigment responsible for the dark purple, red and blue colors of many fruits that also acts as a powerful antioxidant in the human body. Often taken as a supplement, they are commonly found in many dark berries and fruits, but a variety of other healthy foods are full of this useful antioxidant as well.

Here are 12 foods that contain anthocyanins.

Blackberries & Other Berries Most berries have good amounts of anthocyanins. Raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, bilberry, elderberry, cranberry, and virtually any blue, purple or red-skinned berry, are likely to have a high concentration of anthocyanins. In general, blackberries have the highest antioxidant capacity of any fruit. The specific degree of health benefits of each berry may vary.

Cherries
Tart cherries have a higher concentration of anthocyanins than sweet cherries, but any cherry is a good source; the darker the better.

Black Currant Many studies involving anthocyanins site black currant as the supplement of choice.

Grapes and Wine Concord and muscadine grapes are ripe with anothocyanins, but all grapes are a good source. Anthocyanins are found mostly in the skin of grapes. Since white wine is fermented without grape skins, red wine varietals are a much better source of anthocyanins than white varietals.

Plums
These dark, purple fruits are one of the staples of anthocyanin foods.

Pomegranates
Anothocyanins are only one of many powerful antioxidants found in pomegranates.

Bananas
Many researchers have been surprised to learn that bananas (not noted for their dark color) are a rich source of anthocyanins.

Eggplant
Sometimes referred to as a "brain food," due in part because the anthocyanins found mostly in the eggplant skin, help protect the lipids (fats) in brain cell membranes.

Asparagus
Recent studies have found purple asparagus to contain high amounts of anthocyanins.

Red Cabbage Scientists have found 36 different types of anthocyanins in red cabbage.

Red Fleshed Peaches According to researchers, fruits with red flesh carry many of the same health benefits as dark berries, due in part to the high levels of anthocyanins found in both.

Black Beans & Kidney Beans Many beans may have trace amounts of anthocyanins, but black beans and kidney beans have more significant levels.

Other Foods Many other foods contain anthocyanins. Notable amounts have been detected in pears, peas, black rice, fennel, potatoes, and red onions.

 Original Article Here

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Riced Cauliflower as a Rice Substitute

When I first heard about using cauliflower as a rice substitute I was skeptical. So a few months ago I decided to try it and was surprised at how good it was. Now I'm a cauliflower convert.

You might ask, "Why would anyone want to substitute something else for rice, anyway?" Some people, for medical reasons, cannot eat grains. Others are avoiding grains because they're on a diet. Rice has a lot of calories and is high in carbohydrates. Or maybe you're just looking for a way to get your family to eat more vegetables. Cauliflower rice is a great way to do that. Also, cauliflower is just plain fantastic for your health.

You can use cauliflower rice in any recipe that calls for rice. I've made Asian stir fries, Mexican rice, bean and rice burritos, chicken burritos, and risotto dishes. I'd like to try it in sushi rolls next.

So how is the basic rice done? Just take a head of raw cauliflower (preferably organic) and, using a food processor or a cheese grater, grate it into rice-sized bits.

Using a clean towel, press out as much of the moisture as you can from the grated cauliflower before using it in your recipe.

The rest is up to you. Season the rice however you want for the recipe you're preparing. I think you'll be as surprised as I was to find how good it can be and doubly surprised when vegetable-fearing members of your family start begging for more!

 Original Article Here

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