Search This Blog

Monday, 12 August 2013

The most important foods that prevent breast cancer

The World Health Organization (WHO) has predicted that by 2020 the number of breast cancer cases will jump to an alarming figure and one in every eight women would run the risk of developing the disease in her lifetime. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) too concluded that over the last two decades there has been a steep rise in the statistics pertaining to women being diagnosed with breast cancer. Hence, early detection and regular medical-check-ups are compulsory but at the same time it is important that our diet and the food we eat prepare us to fight malignant cancer cells at the onset.

Foods that prevent breast cancer:

Flaxseed



You can get flax either as whole seed, ground and flaxseed oil. The omega-3s, lignans and fiber found in flaxseed are found to form a protective shield against cancer cells responsible for causing breast cancer. You can add flaxseed oil to salad dressings too or integrate them into baked goods such as cookies or muffins. 


Brazil Nuts


Uniquely rich in selenium, phytochemicals and fiber, Brazil nuts can help fight inflammation, improve the minimum system and prevent tumour growth. Enjoy them as any other nut either with fruits or asparagus.




Pomegranate




This is highly recommended for preventing breast cancer. It contains polyphenol which is an ellagic acid with anti-oxidants properties that prevent cancer growth. Hence, include this delicious fruit in your diet and discover effective health benefits. 





Dark-green leafy vegetables



From kale, collards to spinach and Swiss chard, dark-green leafy vegetables are probably considered a one stop shop for all the best nutrients your body needs to fend off cancerous cells. It’s time to add some greens to.


  
Salmon

A great source of omega-3s and vitamins B12 and D salmon can provide your body with the nutrients it needs to regulate cell growth and prevent cancer. Indeed, certain types of vitamin B12 are proven effective in cancer treatment. Steam it, bake it, grill it or sauce it. This is fish is a great option and pairs well with many foods like garlic, turmeric and broccoli.

Green Tea



Consumption on a regular basis has been linked to lower incidence of breast cancer. The phyto-chemicals in green tea can well take the credit for its health benefits. One to two cups of green tea daily can help you keep cancer at bay. 


Tuesday, 6 August 2013

The amazing health benefits of Horse Gram (Kulthi)


Kulthi or horse gram is the best natural remedy and it is sharp, bitter and hot. Horse gram is beneficial in cough breathing problem due to phlegms, flatulation, hiccups, stones and fever.  It also eliminates germs, worms and causes impurities of bile and blood. Kulthi also causes inflammation and checks sweating.


Horse gram grows as an annual plant with an attractive appearance and it has trifoliate leaves with each leaflet growing between 2.5 cm and 5 cm in breadth. These plants are indigenous to the south-eastern regions of India. They are also found in other parts of the world including Africa, Malaysia, Australia and the West Indies.   

Health Benefits:

  1. Drinking semi liquid solution of horse gram powder cures flatulation.
  2. If the water in which horse gram had been soaked for the whole night is taken daily, then it cures stones.
  3. The use of horse gram in the diet relieves the pain of dry piles.
  4. Drinking the semi liquid mixture of powdered horse gram and powdered black pepper cures sore throat.
  5. Its use in the diet is good for women as their menstruation is purified.
  6. If it is used in food it cures diseases of the stomach.
  7. They also help to lower cholesterol levels.
  8. The lipid extracts of Horse gram are beneficial for treating peptic ulcer.
  9. Horse gram is believed to be beneficial for treating kidney stones.

     Horse Gram recipe method:


1. Clean, wash and soak the Kulthi in enough water and soak overnight or for 8 hours.
2. Drain the Kulthi and cook in a pressure cooker with 4 cups of water with a half a  teaspoon of salt, crushed, ginger, garlic and onions up to 3 whistles.
3. After the pressure is down, open the lid and check if Kulthi is cooked.
4. Add chopped yellow cucumber, cover cooker and cook up to one whistle.
5. Switch off flame.
6. Open lid when cool and adjust the salt and add the tamarind pulp and stir to mix; boil well on medium flame.
7. Add 1/4 cup of water if dal is thick.
8. For the tempering, heat the oil in a small pan and add the mustard seeds.
9. When mustard seeds crackle, add the red chillies, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, red chilli powder and turmeric powder, asafoetida and curry leaves and sauté for 30 seconds.
10. Pour this tempering over the prepared dal and mix well.
11. Garnish with chopped green coriander.
12. Serve piping hot with steamed rice, papad and pickle.

      Note: It is harmful for pregnant women or a person suffering from plethora or tuberculosis. It also causes the formation of excessive bile.
          
    Nutritional Facts
    Here is the nutritional fact for 100 gm of this legume:

Nutrients
Amounts
Energy
321  Ecals
Moisture
12 gm
Protein
22 gm
Fat
0 gm
Mineral
3 gm
Fiber
5 gm
Carbohydrates
57 gm
Calcium
287 mg
Phosphorous
311 mg
Iron
7 mg




Monday, 5 August 2013

The amazing health benefits of Garlic for our daily life


Indian curries are incomplete without garlic and it is a simple ingredient with packed health benefits. Indeed, it is very strong and bitter but adds an unbelievable flavour to the cuisine. This miracle herb Garlic has been used since time immemorial as a medicine to prevent or treat various diseases and conditions.

Garlic has a variety of potent sulphur-containing compounds which are the reason for its characteristic pungent odour. The vital compound among them is Allicin which is known to have great anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-oxidant properties. Allicin along with other compounds like ajoene, aliin etc. found in Garlic also have an effect on the circulatory, immunological and digestive systems of our body and help in lowering blood pressure, healing and detoxification.

The below are the essential health benefits of Garlic:

Cancer Prevention: Daily intake of garlic has been found to lower risk of most types of cancer. Indeed, the anti-cancer property is due to allyl sulphides found in garlic. But PhIP which is a type of heterocyclic amine (HCA) has been associated with increased incidence of breast cancer among women.

Boosts your immune system: Garlic strengthens the immune system as well as helps to fight chest infections, congestion and coughs. Eat a clove of garlic that has been dipped in honey at the first sign of a cold. It wards off cold and flu.

Grow beautiful hair with garlic: Garlic could end your hair loss problems because of its high levels of allicin which is a sulphur compound similar to that found in onions which were found to effectively treat hair loss. Hence, rub sliced cloves of garlic on your scalp and you can also infuse oil with garlic and massage it into your scalp.

Control your weight with garlic: Garlic could help you control your weight. According to the studies that showed mice eating a garlic-rich diet reduced their weight and fat stores. Thus, cook with garlic daily for tasty and waist-friendly meals.

Combat allergies: Garlic is known to have anti-inflammatory property and helps the body fight against allergies. Garlic has been shown to improve allergic airway inflammation and its juice is used to stop the itching due to rashes and bug bites.

Source of vitamin B6: Garlic is a great source of vitamin B6 which is needed for a healthy immune system and the efficient growth of new cells. In fact, vitamin B6 can also assist with mood swings and improve your cheery disposition.

Wednesday, 31 July 2013

The Major Health Benefits of Peaches for Preventing Cancer


Peach is a widely adored delicious juicy fruit and it is origins from China and now popular in all over the world. In fact, peaches are a rich source of vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and other chemical contents. This fruit looks like an apple in shape and naturally juicy with a lovely aroma. There are a few major nutrition and health benefits of peaches such as:

1.      Works against cancer and heart disease: Studies have found that lycopene and lutein in peach helps to prevent muscular degeneration and cancer. It also significantly decreases risk of heart diseases.

2.      Peach nutrition: A large peach has fewer than 70 calories, contains 3 grams of fiber and also a good source of vitamins A and C.

3.     Kills breast cancer: In testing involves some patients with breast cancer and given a peach and plum extracts. Hence, cancer cells can be reduced and the respondent returned to normal. Thus, peaches can also strengthen the immune system.

4.    Toxin cleanser: We take many toxins daily with our daily meals that harm for kidneys. Thus, peaches contain high amount of fiber and potassium that reduces kidney related diseases and lessens the risk of ulcer.

5.  Contribute in eye health: Beta carotene is for eye health and lots of people around the world are in sight problem for lacking of beta carotene. Hence, peach fruit can be their hope and peaches are a rich source of beta carotene that improves vision health by increasing circulation of blood in all the body parts.

6.  Rich source of antioxidant and fiber: A study has shown that peaches are a good source of antioxidant and fiber. Indeed, antioxidant acts works as anti-inflammatory in the body and on the other side fiber is good for digestion which prevents constipation.

7.   Full of vitamins: Peaches are the rich source of multivitamins and minerals. In fact, they have vitamins including A, C, E and K with seven particular minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, manganese and phosphorus.

Preparation and serving tips: To get full one peach enjoy it along with skin. You can also slice a peach and remove the seeds and serve with a few drops of lemon juice. Peel the skin then make a small in the base using knife and dip in boiling water for a minute and immediately sticks in cold water. Then peel the skin and serve as fruit salad and fruit cocktail.

      Selection and storagePeaches are available year round and the season for fresh fruits is from May until October. You should look for fresh ones featuring rich colour and still have a slight whitish bloom indicating that they have not been over handled. But avoid ones with excessively soft or with cut and bruises.


See the table below for in depth analysis of nutrients:

Peaches (Prunus persica), Fresh, Nutritive value per 100 g.
(Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)
Principle
Nutrient Value
Percentage of RDA
Energy
39 Kcal
2%
Carbohydrates
9.54 g
7%
Protein
0.91 g
1.5%
Total Fat
0.25 g
1%
Cholesterol
0 mg
0%
Dietary Fiber
1.5 g
4%
Vitamins
Folates
4 µg 
1%
Niacin
0.806 mg
5%
Pantothenic acid
0.153 mg
3%
Pyridoxine
0.025 mg
2%
Riboflavin
0.031 mg
2.5%
Thiamin
0.024 mg
2%
Vitamin A
326 IU
11%
Vitamin C
6.6 mg
11%
Vitamin E
0.73 mg
5%
Vitamin K
2.6 µg
2%
Electrolytes
Sodium
0 mg
0%
Potassium
190 mg
4%
Minerals
Calcium
6 mg
0.6%
Copper
0.068 mg
7.5%
Iron
0.25 mg
3%
Magnesium
9 mg
2%
Manganese
0.61 mg
3%
Phosphorus
11 mg
2%
Zinc
0.17 mg
1.5%
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-ß
162 µg
--
Crypto-xanthin-ß
67 µg
--
Lutein-zeaxanthin
91 µg
--