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. 

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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.

 Original Article Here

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