12 MEDICINAL GINGER HEALTH BENEFITS

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is shockingly the most generally utilized dietary fixing on the planet today. It's very of the plant family that incorporates turmeric and cardamom, which may clarify why the medical advantages of ginger are so phenomenal.

The Chinese and Indians have utilized ginger tonics to treat diseases for more than 4,700 years, and it was an extremely valuable ware amid the Roman Domain exchange around the happening to Christ in view of its restorative properties.

Things being what they are, what makes ginger so bravo?

In single word: Gingerol.

Of the 115 distinctive concoction segments found in ginger root, the helpful advantages originate from gingerols, the slick sap from the root that goes about as a profoundly powerful cancer prevention agent and mitigating specialist. These bioactive fixings, particularly [6]-gingerol, have been altogether assessed clinically, and the exploration moves down why you ought to utilize ginger all the time.

Best 10 Ginger Medical advantages

Here are the top ginger medical advantages demonstrated by medicinal reviews:

1. Stroke and Coronary illness

Two of the greatest executioners on the planet might be kept under control with consistent ginger utilize, particularly when eaten with other key superfoods. Garlic, ginger and onions all have a hostile to blood-coagulating capacity, yet when they're eaten together they're a capable pillar against heart assaults and stroke!

2. Heartburn and Queasiness

Regardless of whether we're looking at curing a basic tummy hurt or extreme morning infection, ginger has been utilized for a large number of years as a compelling stomach related guide and common solution for queasiness. As of late, Taiwanese scientists found that three cases (1.2 grams aggregate) of ginger can really help the stomach discharge its substance into the small entrails in individuals with dyspepsia — a condition in which 40 percent of patients experience the ill effects of strangely postponed gastric purging.

This is one motivation behind why ginger people groups who are bloated, blocked up and have other gastrointestinal issue. It unwinds the smooth muscle in your gut covering and helps nourishment move along all through the framework.

Key takeaway: Eating entire ginger, drinking new ginger squeeze and breathing in diffused ginger fundamental oil are all very powerful approaches to check stomach issue.

3. Malabsorption

Legitimate nourishment transport (and supplement ingestion) from the mouth out through your colon is the pillar to wellbeing. On the off chance that sustenance stalls out some place in the middle of, it can age, decay or (far and away more terrible) cause check, which is an existence debilitating crisis.

Despicable absorption can likewise bring about disgraceful osmosis of the supplements in your sustenance. In any case, both cause malabsorption, and your body experiences supplement insufficiencies. This is the reason ginger is so imperative. Like we've seen above, it advances normal processing and digestion system of your nourishment and is generally in charge of advancing a solid resistant framework.

4. Bargained Invulnerability and Respiratory Capacity

Ayurvedic prescription has lauded ginger's capacity to support the insusceptible framework before written history. It trusts that since ginger is so successful at warming the body, it can help separate the gathering of poisons in your organs. It's likewise known to wash down the lymphatic framework, our body's sewage framework.

Dr. Oz says, "By opening up these lymphatic channels and keeping things perfect, ginger keeps the amassing of the poisons that make you defenseless to contaminations, particularly in the respiratory framework." Consolidating ginger oil and eucalyptus oil is a compelling solution for lift insusceptibility and enhance relaxing.

5. Bacterial Contaminations

The Diary of Microbiology and Antimicrobials distributed a review in 2011 that tried exactly how compelling ginger is in improving insusceptible capacity. Contrasting the capacity of ginger with kill Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes with routine anti-infection agents, Nigerian analysts found that the characteristic arrangement won unfailingly!

The medications — chloramphenicol, ampicillin and antibiotic medication — just couldn't face the antibacterial ability of the ginger concentrate. This is vital on the grounds that these two microscopic organisms are greatly basic in clinics and in many cases make difficulties an effectively safe traded off patient.

Key takeaway: On the off chance that you ever need to go to the doctor's facility for surgery or to visit a companion, ensure you carry some ginger basic oil with you and add two or three drops to your water. You're less inclined to get a risky staph contamination, and it can help speed the mending procedure! Other recuperating cures that are compelling against contaminations incorporate oregano oil, clove oil and melaleuca oil.

6. Parasitic Diseases

One of the trickier issues to control since they're progressively impervious to traditional solution, parasitic diseases don't stand a shot against ginger. Of the 29 plant species assessed in a Carleton College think about, ginger won the prize for having the concentrate best at slaughtering parasite.

Key takeaway: For an intense antifungal punch, blend a few drops of immaculate ginger fundamental oil with tea tree oil with one teaspoon of coconut oil, and apply up to three times each day.

7. Ulcers and GERD

Since the 1980s, specialists have realized that ginger can cure stomach ulcers. All the more as of late, Indian researchers have possessed the capacity to all the more nearly measure this therapeutic impact. In a review distributed in the diary Sub-atomic Sustenance and Nourishment Exploration, they found the ginger was six to eight circumstances more strong than Prevacid, the medication of decision to treat GERD!

8. Torment

Ginger is known for its against agony property. Fundamentally the same as how capsaicin attempts to ease torment, gingerol follows up on vanilloid receptors, which are situated on tactile nerve endings. Like the underlying exceptional copying feel you get when you devour hot pepper, ginger's copy just keeps going however a moment, and analysts found that it "influences the torment pathways straightforwardly additionally calms the aggravation, which in itself causes torment."

9. Tumor

Working with mice without safe frameworks, College of Minnesota researchers found that three week after week feedings of [6]-gingerol deferred the development of colorectal malignancy cells. College of Michigan scientists affirmed these outcomes with ovarian malignancy. Indeed, they found that "Ginger treatment of refined ovarian malignancy cells instigated significant development hindrance in all cell lines tried."

Key takeaway: The official executive of the Home grown Drug Exploration and Instruction Center, Basil Roufogalis, prompted that, "The in all probability approach to regulate ginger as a painkiller would be as a tea taken a few times each day, however more work should be done on the measure of ginger powder required per dosage to produce results, and the time required between measurements." For the vast majority, taking 1,000 milligrams of powdered ginger root is successful — or two drops two circumstances every day of ginger fundamental oil.

10. Diabetes

Gingerols are broadly known to actually enhance diabetes and improve insulin affectability. Working off this information, a recent report out of the Diary of Agrarian and Sustenance Science found that they could likewise smother sorbitol amassing in human platelets and sugar-bolstered rats. Basically, ginger not just counteracts and switch diabetes itself — it ensures against and enhances diabetic inconveniences like diabetic retinopathy!

Most ideal Approaches to Utilize Ginger

There are many structures and ways you can utilize ginger to profit for your wellbeing. The most widely recognized types of ginger include:

Crude Ginger — You can put crude cut ginger (the measure of your thumb) in a smoothie each morning or utilize it in making natively constructed vegetable juice.

Ginger Fundamental Oil — The most strong type of ginger will be ginger basic oil since it contains the largest amounts of gingerol. This is the No. 1 way ginger can be utilized as solution. It can be taken inside to treat wellbeing conditions or rubbed topically with a bearer oil on a territory of torment. Normally, a few drops of fundamental oil is the suggested remedial dosage.

Ginger Tea — This fluid type of ginger is ordinarily used to diminish sickness, settle the stomach and unwind the body. Have one glass a few circumstances every day to diminish aggravation. Likewise, including a touch of crude nectar and lemon to the tea makes it taste incredible!

Ginger Powder — Utilizing ground ginger powder for cooking is a phenomenal approach to exploit this super flavor. I utilize it in making Chicken Curry, natively constructed pumpkin pie and a ginger berry smoothie for breakfast. Likewise, it can be taken in supplement shape as a case with the prescribed dosage of 1,000 milligrams day by day

Brown Rice Vs White Rice—Which One Is Better?

A meal without rice is no meal.

This Japanese saying sits perfectly for the food item that feeds more than half of the world. No, the love for a bowl of perfect white rice isn’t limited to Asians, as widely assumed; it stretches to over three billion people from different sects, religions, and nations across the globe.

Most rice lovers don’t get satiated even after eating a piece of bread or roti unless they have eaten at least a morsel of rice. But with the world getting health conscious, the white rice is seen as a bitter enemy. Enter brown rice—the ‘healthy and pure’ form of rice—which took the world by storm. The authenticity and nutrition factor of white rice was (and is still) being questioned widely. Apparently, having the former will keep you fit and fine while the latter makes you unhealthy.

Want to know the truth? Let’s find out.

Difference Between White Rice And Brown Rice

Image: Shutterstock

Does brown rice deserve all the love?

Should we abandon white rice for the healthier choice?

What makes brown rice ‘healthier’?

Does it really matter?

Honestly, the whole hullabaloo about the perfect rice variety goes right above my head. Brown rice is brown rice, and white is white. Is brown rice better than white rice? Most today endorse brown rice. But if I don’t like the taste of it?

How different is brown rice from its white counterpart? To ease your mind and the process, I’ve noted down the difference in points. Scroll down!

Sl. No.	Brown Rice	White Rice
1.	PHYSICAL PROPERTIES Brown rice is a whole grain. This means that it has all its part intact—the bran, germ, and the endosperm—only taking off the outer hull of the rice kernel. This also means it is high in nutrients, vitamins, and fiber. The is the outer layer of the rice grain, and is full of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin B. The middle layer, , is a rich source of essential proteins, some of the B vitamins, minerals, as well as healthy fats. The core, , contains carbohydrates, some proteins, and some of the vitamins and minerals. Brown rice is not stripped off any of these layers, which is both a blessing and a curse. How? For starters, with all these layers comes difficulties to digest them. Brown rice is hard to digest, owing to its high fiber content. It also has a very nutty flavor, that is not everyone’s cup of tea or ‘bowl of rice,’ honestly. Then comes the threat of phytic acid that is widely found in the bran layer.	White rice, on the other hand, is made from stripping off the germ and bran, leaving only the endosperm intact. This variety is milled and heavily polished to give the white color to the core. So, as expected, most of the nutrients, proteins and the antioxidants are lost in the process, making white rice an ‘unhealthy option.’ So, in the general opinion, when you’re downing that tasty bowl of white rice with perfect side dishes, you’re missing out on most of the essential vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, folate, and fiber. But, this process also removes the bran layer, and thus eliminates the threat of phytic acid. Most importantly, white rice is easy to digest as the milling helps cut down the content of grain based fiber whose overdose can harm the gut, thus hampering the digestion process.
2.	NUTRITION DENSITY One cup of brown rice is believed to contain twice the amount of phosphorus and manganese (88 percent) like white rice. It also has two and half times the iron and three, four, and ten times the vitamin B3, vitamin B1, and vitamin B6, respectively. Just a portion of this variety fulfills almost 80 percent of the recommended daily requirement of manganese. This mineral is essential in the formation of good cholesterol, energy and sex hormone production. Brown rice also contains 27.3 percent (19.11 mcg) of selenium, 20.9 percent (83.85 mg) of magnesium, 83.85 mg of potassium and 18.7 tryptophan. That’s an impressive quantity, if we were, to be honest. Even though the difference is quite small, brown rice contains more calories when compared to white rice. A bowl of cooked long grain brown rice contains about 216 calories to 206 of the white variety. But never forget that this type also comes with the curse that phytic acid is. This anti-nutrient is known for its effect on mineral absorption, impairing the absorption of essential minerals like iron, manganese, potassium, and magnesium (1, 2).	White rice is pretty unlucky in this department. The milling and processing of grain to form white rice rips off around 6o percent of iron, 80 percent of vitamin B1, 90 percent of vitamin B6, 67 percent of vitamin B3, as well as almost half the manganese, phosphorus and dietary fiber that is naturally present in the grain. A cup of long grained white rice contains about 0.5 mg of manganese, 9.7 mcg of selenium, 8.7 mg of magnesium, 17.4 mg of potassium, and 206 calories. The good thing here is that white rice is free of phytic acid, which saves all its mineral content.
3.	DIABETES Brown rice is low on the glycemic index (GI) making it a better choice for people with diabetes. A study conducted on overweight Asians concluded that those who had more brown rice than white witnessed a successful reduction in their blood glucose levels. It also leads to reduced resistance to insulin (3). But, this property is also dependent on the brown or white rice you are comparing to. On the GI scale of 0-100 with 100 being most susceptible to a glucose spike, and 0 being the least harmful, brown rice sits comfortably at 50 (4). This number looks like a king when you are weighing your options between this variety and white jasmine rice (79) or short grain white rice (89). But compare brown rice with white basmati rice and guess what! They are on the same level.	With the high content of carbohydrates (remember the endosperm story?) white rice is known to have a higher glycemic index. This way it is quite harmful to the diabetics. If you are a white rice lover and can’t go without it even for a day, I suppose you can do better by cutting down on the portion or going for a low GI variety like white basmati rice.
4.	WEIGHT LOSS Brown rice is believed to be a healthier option for those looking to shed some pounds. As explained earlier, this whole grain variety is packed with most of the essential vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, as well as proteins, which makes it incredibly heart friendly. It also has an impressive fiber content which helps facilitate proper bowel movement, thus aiding weight loss. Being a whole grain variety, brown rice is well suited for people having uncontrolled hunger pangs. It makes you feel full for a long time, thus controlling your calorie intake. Apart from all this, brown rice is also known to improve healthy gut bacteria in your microbiome. The main downfall of this variety comes with its thick nature and somewhat unappealing taste. With so many layers hindering, brown rice is tough to digest. Also, phytic acid here interferes with the proper mineral absorption. So, there is no guarantee that you’ll get all the nutrients promised.	Refined grains like white rice have forever been frowned upon due to their high carb and low fiber content. They might be limited in their nutrient content, but at least all of it is intact, unlike brown rice. They are almost phytic-acid free, can be easily digested, and most importantly, tasty. Additionally, the calories in white rice are fewer when compared to its counterpart, even though the difference is quite small. All of this shows that white rice is not a bad option for weight watchers if the portion size is controlled.
5.	DIGESTIBILITY FACTOR It is a given that brown rice, being nutrient and fiber-heavy, is not that easily digested. The main reason behind it is the presence of problematic middle layer bran which is home to all the fiber and phytic acid.	White rice, on the other hand, is a feasible digestive option. It has limited fiber content, and contains most of the nutrients, even though in a limited quantity. All of these factors make white rice variety superior for those with a weak digestive system.
6.	ARSENIC CONTENT With all the grain layers intact, brown rice contains a significant amount of arsenic, several folds more than its white variety. That’s why brown rice should not be eaten often or in an unlimited quantity. In fact, many of the brown rice brands have been reported to contain at least 50% more than the safe amount of arsenic, per cup, with several others exceeding the limit by two folds. (5) So it’s a given that, even with its whole grain promises, intake of more than one serving of top quality brown rice will expose you to the toxic arsenic. Portion-controlling is the key here. It also shows that brown rice is not fit to be made a dietary staple. Long-term consumption of arsenic is known to increase the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, Type II diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases (6, 7, 8).	The ‘unhealthy’ white rice, especially the jasmine and basmati variety, is believed to contain the lowest levels of the toxic arsenic. Rinsing the rice is even better. Doing this will not only get rid of impurities but also helps in further reduction of the arsenic levels.
7.	CARBOHYDRATE CONTENT Brown rice, while being all nutrient-dense, somewhat lacks in the healthy carb content. This proportion is highly overshadowed by the layers of fiber on the whole grain. Though frowned upon, optimum carb content is essential for our body to function properly. It helps provide us with endless energy and is critical for keeping hormone production under control in women.	White rice is ripped off all the additional layers and thus, has a better carb content. Just make sure you have superior white rice varieties, such as jasmine and basmati, in a limited manner to fulfill your carbohydrate requirements for the day. One cup of cooked long-grained white rice in a day is a reasonable quantity.
8.	STRONGER TEETH AND BONES If we go by the nutrient data available, brown rice is said to have about four times the magnesium as white rice. This shows that having brown rice occasionally can help maintain stronger teeth and bones.	Comparably, white rice falls short of minerals; Thus it is not a viable option for those wanting to strengthen their teeth and bones.
9.	FAT CONTENT Both the rice varieties have low on fat. But, brown rice contains a little higher amount of fat when compared to its sister variety. A cup of brown rice contains about three grams of fat when compared to the one gram of fat in white rice.	Is white rice fattening? White rice, though named ‘unhealthy and fattening’ contains lesser fat compared to its ‘heathier’ substitute.
10.	FOLATE CONTENT In the race to become healthier variety, this is another aspect where brown rice falls somewhat short. While this variety is rich in essential B vitamins, it contains a comparably lesser amount of folate. This vitamin is absolutely necessary for women, particularly those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.	White rice is an excellent source of folate. A cup of white rice contains about 95 micrograms of folate. This unhealthy counterpart of rice is not unhealthy after all.
11.	ALLERGIES With its heavy and rough texture, as well as the nutty taste, brown rice is more likely to cause allergies. It is known to aggravate leaky gut by tearing the stomach lining, which allows undigested food particles, bacteria, toxins, and other substances to enter the bloodstream. So it is advised to look for allergic reactions before switching to a full-fledged meal of brown rice.	White rice is particularly refined with a smooth texture and pleasant taste. It is easily digestible, contains most of the essential nutrients and is easily available. So go for a bowl of white rice if you are allergic to its brown brother.

Brown Rice Vs White Rice – The Verdict

As we just saw, the difference between white rice and brown rice is not much. But it is definitely clear that brown rice isn’t the purest of the variety, it has its own flaws. What matters most is the taste, your choice, and your budget.

Honestly, a cup of white rice won’t make you fat, like how a cup of brown rice won’t make you look better.

Always remember, nutrition is not a ‘one size fits all’ science—the degree of absorption and the effect varies from person to person. We all know that there are individuals who can eat everything and remain petite and, then there are those like me, prone to quick weight gain despite being on a strict diet. It’s all about your metabolism, really.

I always follow a mantra—‘Never have anything that doesn’t appease my taste buds no matter how healthy it is.’ Personally, I dislike the strong flavor of brown rice, so I prefer making white rice at home. While it was easy to get carried away by the very enticing debate over the ‘healthier rice option,’ I kept my ground.

My suggestion to you will be to remember these points next time you go grocery shopping:

1. Eating rice is okay—whatever variety be it. Just keep the quantity in check. Not a fan of rice? It’s okay. But make sure you have a healthy source of carb in your diet that can substitute rice.
2. White rice or brown rice—it’s totally up to you. The nutrients and the effects are almost the same. Let your taste buds be the judge. Just control the quantity and the frequency with brown rice.
3. Weight watchers, keep in mind that your choice of rice variant is not going to make you gain weight unnecessarily. It’s the portion size that matters.
4. Be smart, play with the varieties. Nature offers us plentiful choices, so it’s better that you play with it. Use basmati one day, and change to brown rice the next day. Do the same with long-grained and the short-grained variants. Make your meals enjoyable.
5. Always remember that all the differences in calories, nutrients, and GI don’t matter because no person will have just a cup of rice, without an accompanying dish. It’s the overall meal that matters—rice alone is not going to make you fat or slim.
6. As for those with diabetes, there is no way that you are going to have rice on an empty stomach, apart from the first meal of the day. It means that you are going to have it when your system already has some food in it. This further means that its effect on the blood glucose will be next to nothing. So brave up, and have your portion. Avoid having it first thing in the morning.

After carefully analyzing the pros and cons of both the rice varieties, it’s safe to conclude that while white and brown rice have their advantages, it doesn’t matter what you are having unless the portion-size is compromised. Be clear that, brown rice is not the king and white rice doesn’t deserve all the hate it gets. Both are almost similar—like apples and apples. In fact, several points favor white rice over the brown rice, like the phytic acid content, digestibility, and arsenic content.

10 Amazing Health And Beauty Benefits Of Yarrow Essential Oil

Essential oils are taking over beauty cosmetics, one at a time. These are easily available and are much cheaper than most cosmetic products. The best aspects of such oils are that they are herbal and are incredibly effective. One such oil is Yarrow essential oil.

What IS Yarrow?

The existing beauty products have varied effects and take an immense toll on our health and our budgets. The world is trying to cut down on the cosmetics and the plastics and is attempting to bring about a change by ‘going green’. If you are looking at changing your lifestyle and yielding healthy results by using essential oils, then you must know about Yarrow. Yarrow is mostly native to the temperate regions like the Northern Hemisphere regions like Asia, North America and Europe.

1. Helps With Wounds:

The Latin name of the yarrow plant, Achillea Millefolium, reflects its rich background. If the myths are to be believed, the centaur Chiron had given this very plant to Achilles to cure the wounds he suffered at the battlefield (1). Thus, there is no doubt that it has healing powers. The Yarrow plant is processed and made into an essential oil. When this oil is applied to the wounds, it will form a protective sheath to prevent the wounds from being septic. Thus, it acts as an antiseptic and helps treat minor wounds (2).

2. Helps Against Spasms:

Spasms are uncomfortable, and those who suffer from spasms will vouch for this. Studies suggest that the Yarrow plant can cure or help with such extreme contractions of your body (3), and give enough respite to those who suffer from recurrent spasmodic attacks.

3. Acts As A Digestive Agent:

The people suffering from digestive disorders will find immense relief by the use of this plant (4). The oil extracted from the Yarrow plant, when consumed in the prescribed dosages, can help treat myriad digestive issues and also boost the health of your intestines.

4. Acts As A Diaphoretic:

We all suffer from water retention at some time or the other. This water retention sabotages our weight loss goals. Get rid of the toxins, salts and excessive water from your body with the help of this essential oil. This will soon lead to the loss in weight as with the water weight gone, you will strikingly tone down.

5. It Is An Expectorant As Well:

Yarrow essential oil is a natural expectorant (5) and helps with cold and cures phlegm. If you are suffering from a bad congestion, a few drops of this essential oil will help clear your respiratory tract in no time at all.

6. Acts As An Emollient:

Even the big cosmetic brands will be put to shame in front of this essential oil. Yarrow essential oil can make your skin look younger, gorgeous, and healthy, and it can also help with clearing acne marks and other skin infections.

7. Cures Insomnia:

And again, the Yarrow plant will come to your aid with its tranquilizing effects. This essential oil is said to have soothing effects on the brain, nerves and muscles of the human body. Even those who suffer from depression and mood swings can benefit from this oil.

8. Tones The Whole Body:

Yarrow essential oil helps in optimizing the metabolic functions of the body, such as the absorption of essential nutrients and the decomposition of the food. When the metabolism of your body is boosted, you will be able to tone down easily.

9. Cures Hypertension:

A mild and regulated dosage of Yarrow essential oil is said to help even in cases of hypertension. This oil has properties that help bring down the spikes in your blood pressure effectively, without any side effects.

10. Cicatrisant:

Yarrow essential oil can give the best of anti-scar and anti-mark creams a run for their money. Apply this essential oil to post-pregnancy scars or the scars left behind by acne, and within barely a few weeks, your skin will be scar-free!

6 Fascinating Health Benefits Of Quercetin

Out of all the other flavonoids, quercetin is the most frequently used and comes with a myriad number of benefits. It is found in fruits, vegetables, onions, citrus, and apples. Other sources of quercetin could be grapes, dark berries, and olive oil. Drinks such as green tea and red wine also contain a substantial amount of quercetin. According to a recent research, quercetin also improves the overall health because of its antioxidants.

Without further delay, let us tell you straightaway about the benefits attached to this flavonoid and how you can use this to boost your health.

1. Heart Health:

Several studies have declared that quercetin boosts longevity and improves your cardiovascular health. Those who consume more fruits and veggies that contain quercetin are less prone to death, in the long run. Not just that, quercetin lowers the bad cholesterol and increases the good cholesterol. It also reduces plaque in the arteries and eliminates the LDL cholesterol as well. In short, with quercetin you will be less prone to strokes and heart attacks.

2. For Diabetic Patients:

Quercetin is good for all diabetic patients as well. One of the biggest problems noted in this category of patients is the high levels of glucose, which gets converted into fructose and sorbitol. This could, unfortunately, lead to dangerous conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and other neural diseases. Quercetin is a good solution as it prevents the transformation and protects you from diabetes.

3. Hypertension:

Hypertension is quite common these days. It has affected millions of people and continues to do so. People who suffer from this condition often have low blood pressure. This can, however, be solved if the complications associated with the diseases are removed. And, no flavonoid can do a better job than quercetin. It exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that will take care of your heart’s health and improve it from different angles.

4. Prevents Cancer:

Quercetin may also be used for preventing life-threatening diseases like cancer. Just like all the other flavonoids, it will remove all the free radicals in your body, neutralize them and make sure you are less prone to cancer. According to some studies, quercetin is also known to reduce prostate and skin cancers. From what is evident, quercetin is an important and serious cancer-fighting food of all times.

5. Improves Sleep:

If you have not been getting enough sleep, eat more fruits and veggies that contain quercetin. It will improve your sleeping patterns, prevent diseases like insomnia and manage the body weight as well. People who don’t sleep much are more prone to weight gain, and can prevent that through quercetin.

6. Menstruation:

The common problems associated with menstruation are stomach cramps and spasms. You can definitely get rid of them by consuming more quercetin-rich foods. It will make you feel less stressed during your period days and allow you to stay more active.

What Should You Know About Quercetin?

If you consume a whole lot of fruits and vegetables on a regular basis, you will get enough quercetin. Try not to use the supplements since there hasn’t been enough research conducted on them. It is not clear how beneficial quercetin supplements can be so it is best to avoid those. Apart from that, be careful of fruits like grapefruit because the regular consumption of this can have adverse effects on your health and alter the blood levels too. As long as you are aware of this, you can consume foods containing quercetin in moderation, and lead a healthy life.

12 Amazing Benefits Of Garlic (Lahsun)

Garlic might not be your first choice when it comes to consuming, thanks to the garlic breath that it leaves behind but just before you dismiss it completely let me tell you that garlic is one element that has been valued, for over 5,000 years for its ability to provide benefits ranging from acne free bright and healthy skin to thick, lustrous hair.

Garlic, botanically known as ‘allium sativumis’ or most commonly (lasun/lahsun) in Hindi, ‘Vellulli‘ in Telugu, ‘Poondu‘ in Tamil, ‘Veluthulli‘ in Malayalam, ‘Bellulli‘ in Kannada, ‘Rasoon‘ in Bengali, ‘Lasan‘ in Gujarati, ‘Lasun‘ in Marathi and ‘Lassan‘ in Punjabi. Garlic is rich in compounds like Allicin, Sulphur, Zinc and Calcium that have health benefits, beauty benefits as well as antibiotic and antifungal properties. It is also a rich source of a mineral known as selenium. Selenium is known to fight cancer and it works with vitamin E in the body to boost antioxidant power. Garlic also acts as a blood thinner due to its salicylate content. This enables proper blood flow and enhances circulatory health.

Nowadays, garlic’s reputation as a medicinal herb is significantly growing. This is because it has been confirmed by many researchers to be highly effective in preventing and treating a wide range of health conditions. In fact, for decades, garlic has been recommended by natural medicine practitioners all over the world to be included in the daily diet because of its many powerful effects on health. As you may already know, it can fight different types of cancer and lower cholesterol levels naturally 

Beauty Benefits Of Garlic

Garlic offers a number of skin benefits.

Garlic has large amount of allicin present in it and allicin has antifungal, anti-aging and skin smoothing benefits. It is also known to increase antioxidant levels of the skin and body.

• Sulphur present in garlic prevents infections and helps in reducing inflammation. It also enhances blood flow thus giving the skin a natural glow.

Here are a few ways in which you can use garlic to get clean and glowing skin

1. Acne, Pimples And Spot Treatment

As I already mentioned, allicin has antifungal properties which can be used to get rid of those stubborn acne that have been giving you sleepless nights.

a. Just cut a freshly piece of raw garlic and apply a little pressure on it to release some juice and then rub this garlic pod onto the affected area. Leave it for 5 minutes and was off with cold water. You’ll see a reduction in redness and swelling within the day. Also, this helps in prevention of acne leaving behind marks on your skin.

b. Another simple technique to get rid of acne using garlic is mixing juice from 2-3 pods of garlic with an equal quantity of white vinegar and applying it to the affected area. The white vinegar helps in maintaining the skin’s pH levels while garlic fights infection.

c. For those who can’t bear the sting that raw garlic causes when used alone, peel a few garlic pods and crush them. Add half tsp. honey and 2 tbsp. yogurt. Apply this mask all over the face and wash within 20 minutes. Instead of using raw garlic you can also use garlic oil or garlic powder. Both these variants are easily available in the market. Never use more than 2-3 drops of garlic oil and half tsp. of garlic powder.

d. To get rid of acne scaring and blemishes, make a paste by taking 4-5 pieces of peeled raw garlic and whacking each one with a mallet so that it breaks open. Do not mince this completely. Boil 250 ml of water and as soon as it comes to a boil, add the garlic. Boil the garlic for 30-35 minutes and make sure that the garlic is always submerged in water. When the garlic has finished boiling, let it cool till it is lukewarm. Now use your mallet or a rolling pin to make a garlic paste and apply this paste liberally on your entire face. The boiling ensures that the garlic is not too strong for the skin.

2. Blackhead And Whitehead Removal

One of the most common skin problems is blackheads. Their occurrence is particularly very high when you have oily skin.

a. Take 2-3 cloves garlic and crush them. Add 1 tbsp. of oatmeal, 1-2 drops of tea tree oil and half tsp. lemon juice. Mix these ingredients with honey to form a thick paste. Spread a thin layer of this paste onto clean skin. After letting it sit for 2-3 minutes, gently exfoliate your face followed by a rinse with warm water. Use this mask thrice in a week to see a visible reduction in blackheads.

You can also add a few drops of garlic juice in the homemade scrub made out of chickpea flour and turmeric.

[ Read: 12 Best Benefits Of Garlic Oil ]

3. Anti-ageing And Pore Minimization

Garlic beauty benefits also include the aid for anti aging. The strong anti-oxidants present in garlic help in reducing the free radical build up in the skin thus keeping it firm and youthful. It also contains sulphur, which helps the body to produce collagen which inturn helps in fighting wrinkles. Garlic also contains a large number of skin-protective polyphenols. Just crush some garlic pods and add the juice into your regular face masks for added goodness and preventing premature aging.

a. Enlarged pores are a common problem in ageing skin. To minimize pores make a paste by mashing together half a tomato and 3-4 pods of garlic. Spread a thin layer of the paste onto your face. After 20 minutes, wash your face with lukewarm water and seal your pores with a final splash of cold water. Tomato and garlic both have antiseptic qualities that help in unclogging the skin, minimizes pores and tightens the skin.

b. Consuming pill-size pieces of garlic every day also works great to protect the skin from damages caused by free radicals, oxidation, and environmental stressors that eventually results in wrinkles.

4. Stretch Mark Removal

There are not many things that you can do to prevent stretch marks from appearing but garlic can definitely help you in getting rid of them. Stretch marks are known to reduce and vanish if you use garlic.

a. Hot oil massage is one of the most commonly suggested home remedy for this problem. To make more effective, add juice from crushed garlic pods in the hot oil that you use. Use this oil regularly on your stretch marks and you will notice the difference in a few weeks. Instead of using garlic juice, you can also use garlic oil. Do take care not to add more than half tsp. of garlic oil.

b. Also increase consumption of garlic in your diet as the allicin and sulphur in garlic are known to increase the elasticity of the skin which prevents the stretch marks from occurring

5. Garlic Benefits For Hair

Garlic is excellent for hair growth. It helps in decreasing hair fall, boosts regeneration of new hair follicles, removes harmful toxins from the scalp, enhances hair texture, and reinforces the hair roots.

The allicin in garlic helps in increasing blood circulation in the scalp which in turn reduces hair fall and helps in stimulating hair growth. Garlic also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that help in treating dandruff and itchy scalp. The sulphur present in garlic reduces the severity of dandruff and prevents it from coming back.

a. The simplest way to use garlic for hair is to add a clove of garlic in either your shampoo or conditioner. But make sure that you don’t use the garlic shampoo or conditioner more than twice a month as excessive use of garlic can cause dryness of scalp and hair. To get rid of the overpowering smell and slight tingling sensation that garlic causes, add honey along with garlic when you add it to your conditioner. Honey will also work as a natural conditioner for your hair.

b. To reduce hair fall, soak a handful of garlic cloves in olive oil for a week. After a week, use this oil to massage your scalp and leave it overnight and wash your hair as usual. Use this oil once a week and you will notice a reduction in hair fall.

c. To avoid grey hair, heat some coconut oil and add a few dry black pepper seeds and 3 cloves of garlic. When it cools apply this oil to your hair. Use this hair oil continuously for a few days to note the difference.

6. Garlic Benefits For Nails

The benefits of garlic are not only restricted to skin and hair. Garlic can also help you in getting rid of dull and brittle nails. As it has anti-bacterial properties, it also helps in preventing any kind of cuticle infection.

a. To get rid of yellowness of nails, do the following. Whack garlic clove using a mallet to release the juice and rub this clove all over your fingernails. Repeat this twice a week and you will have long and strong nails in no time.

b. You can also add a few drops of garlic oil or garlic juice in your regular cuticle cream or lotion to reap the benefits garlic has to offer whenever you apply these to your nails.

Health Benefits Of Garlic

Garlic can help with cold sores as well. Cut open a raw clove of garlic and apply it directly to the sore. It will sting for a moment, but it will help in healing the sore in no time and will also make sure that it does not get infected.

7. Treats Fungal Infections

The anti-fungal properties of garlic can also be used to treat fungal skin infection such as athlete’s foot and heat bumps on legs. Mince a few cloves of garlic and cover the affected area with it. Cover this with gauze and let it stay overnight. After washing your feet in the morning, apply garlic oil on the affected area and cover with your sock. Repeat this process for a few days and you will notice the redness and itching subsiding.

8. Supports Body Metabolism

Another huge benefit of garlic is that the sulphur in garlic works with B complex vitamins and support body metabolism, which in turn helps in keeping the healthy which shows on your skin and hair and also helps with weight loss. Take juice of half a lemon and mix it with lukewarm water and consume it with two cloves of garlic twice a day for 2-3 months to see results.

9. Cures Hypertension

Garlic contains an active substance called allicin, and it is this substance that is believed to have the ability to lower the risk of hypertension or high blood pressure. According to researchers, allicin can relax blood vessels and reduce the damage and pressure that affect the blood at the same time (3). It can also lower the levels of cholesterol and platelet aggregation by breaking down fibrinolytic activity that takes place in the blood. Allicin is present in raw garlic, but a large percentage is destroyed when it is cooked.

The second reason garlic can effectively prevent high blood pressure is due to its ability to stimulate the production of nitric oxide synthase and hydrogen sulphide (4). Experts say that these substances help to relax blood vessels. Garlic also has natural antispasmodic properties that give it the ability to ease spasms that may occur in small arteries and prevent blood clot development.

10. Controls Cholesterol Level

A recent Australian study has found that consuming dried garlic powder or taking garlic supplements regularly for 8 to 12 weeks can reduce as much as 8% cholesterol level in our blood. It can also regulate the presence of triglycerides and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or ‘bad cholesterol’ in our body.

Now, here are some important facts that you should know about garlic and its usage in the reduction of cholesterol levels in our body:

1. Aged garlic extract and garlic powder are more effective in lowering cholesterol level than raw garlic cloves.

2. Fresh garlic oil is capable of reducing triglycerides level in the body.

3. Garlic can reduce total serum cholesterol, LDLs and triglycerides as much as 20 mg/dL in human beings.

4. It has no effect on HDL (high-density lipoprotein) or good cholesterol.

5. It should be consumed along with a healthy (high in dietary fibers and low in fats) diet.

6. The effects are proportional to the dosage or the amount of garlic taken every day.

7. It has minimal to no side effects when compared to similar or other cholesterol-lowering drugs.

11. Cures Cold

Garlic contains a sulfuric enzyme known as allicin that blocks the pathogens and plays an important role in fighting viral and bacterial infections(5). A biologically active compound, allicin offers preventive powers to the clove. On the lighter side, the strong odor of garlic keeps people away from you, thereby preventing the transfer of germs.

You can introduce garlic in different forms in your food. Use garlic seasoning, or garlic salt or garlic powder to enhance the flavor of the recipe and also to introduce the goodness of the clove to our diet. However, the best results can be had only when you eat the raw garlic for colds as they have more infection-fighting properties. Use the cloves liberally in soup or herbal tea or drink to get the benefits.

12. Clears Ear Infection

The antiviral and antibacterial components like allicin present in garlic help kill the germs that cause ear infection and subsequent pain (6). It also brings down the inflammation caused by such infections. Ideally, you should make garlic oil at home to get the best results in this regard.

You can also use minced and chopped garlic directly around and on the ear to treat the infection. However, not everyone is comfortable about the pungent and strong aroma of garlic. The oil, when prepared with other natural oils, wouldn’t have that pungent smell anymore.

So the next time you try and run away from garlic, just remember how these smelly little pods have so many health as well as beauty benefits. One thing that you do need to keep in mind is that the most important compound of garlic- allicin is produced only when garlic is finely chopped or crushed. So the intensity of allicin depends on how finely you chop or how intensely the pods have been crushed.