11 Home and Beauty Uses for Mayonnaise | Reader's Digest Asia

11 Home and Beauty Uses for Mayonnaise | Reader's Digest Asia

Condition your hair 

Hold the mayo… and massage it into your hair and scalp just as you would any fine conditioner! Cover your head with a shower cap, wait several minutes, and shampoo. The mayonnaise will moisturize your hair and give it a lustrous sheen.

Give yourself a facial 

Why waste money on expensive creams when you can treat yourself to a soothing facial with whole-egg mayonnaise from your own refrigerator? Gently spread the mayonnaise over your face and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Then wipe it off and rinse with cool water. Your face will feel clean and smooth.

Strengthen your fingernails 

To add some oomph to your fingernails, just plunge them into a bowl of mayonnaise every so often. Keep them bathed in the mayo for about 5 minutes and then wash with warm water.

Relieve sunburn pain 

Did someone forget to put on sunscreen? To treat dry, sunburned skin, slather mayonnaise liberally over the affected area. The mayonnaise will relieve the pain and moisturize the skin.

Remove dead skin 

Soften and remove dead skin from elbows and feet. Rub mayonnaise over the dry, rough tissue, leave it on for 10 minutes, and wipe it away with a damp cloth.

Safe way to kill head lice 

Many dermatologists now recommend using mayonnaise to kill and remove head lice from kids instead of toxic prescription drugs and over-the-counter preparations. What’s more, lice are becoming more resistant to such chemical treatments. To treat head lice with mayonnaise, massage a liberal amount of mayonnaise into the hair and scalp before bedtime. Cover with a shower cap to maximize the effect. Shampoo in the morning and then use a fine-tooth comb to remove any remaining lice and nits. To completely eradicate the infestation, repeat the treatment in 7-10 days.

Make plant leaves shiny 

Professional florists use this trick to keep houseplant leaves shiny and clean. You can do the same thing at home. Just rub a little mayonnaise on the leaves with a paper towel, and they will stay bright and shiny for weeks and even months at a time.

Remove crayon marks 

Did the kids leave crayon marks on your wood furniture? Here’s a simple way to remove them that requires hardly any elbow grease: Simply rub some mayonnaise on the crayon marks and let it soak in for several minutes. Then wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth.

Clean piano keys 

If the keys to your piano are starting to yellow, just tickle the ivories with a little mayonnaise applied with a soft cloth. Wait a few minutes, wipe with a damp cloth, and buff. The piano keys will look like new.

Remove bumper stickers 

Time to get rid of that Nixon for President bumper sticker on your car? Instead of attacking it with a razor and risk scratching the bumper, rub some mayonnaise over the entire sticker. Let it sit for several minutes and wipe it off. The mayonnaise will dissolve the glue.

Get tar off your car 

To get road tar or pine sap off your car with ease, slather some mayonnaise over the affected area, let it sit for several minutes, and wipe it away with a clean, soft rag.

From Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things

Benefits of Cucumbers

I didn't know this...
WOW! WHAT A LITTLE GEM THE CUCUMBER IS.
I WILL LOOK AT IT DIFFERENTLY NOW.

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you
need. Every day, just one cucumber contains
Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3,
Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B

Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that Quick pick-me-up that can last for Hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the Area.

5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove
cellulite before going out or to the pool?
Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers
along your problem area for a few minutes,
the phytochemicals in the cucumber
cause the collagen in your skin to tighten,
firming up the outer layer and reducing
the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles, too!

6.  Want to avoid a hangover or a terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8.  Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a Cucumber slice and rub it along
the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone! 

10. Stressed out and don't have time for
massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire Cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water. The chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber will react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing,
relaxing aroma that has been shown to reduce
stress in new mothers and college students
during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you
don't have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath. The Phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12.  Looking for a 'green' way to clean your
faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean. Not only will it remove years of tarnish
and bring back the shine,  it won't leave streaks and won't harm your fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing. Also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

Share this with everybody you
know!! 

Anti-Cancer Smoothie Formula

I received this article from a friend via e-mail and I feel that I should share it with everyone. Anyway, there is no harm trying.

This is based on Dr Tom Wu’s anti-cancer smoothie formula. Tom Wu said he cured himself of lung cancer 40 years ago. Whatever his claims (you can listen to him on youtube) his anti-cancer formula made sense, and would be worth trying.
You can use STRAWBERRIES (where recipe asked for berries) – the smoothie – tastes part strawberry and another mix of tangy, can’t describe its flavor – just treat it like a delicious shake!
USE ORGANIC WHERE POSSIBLE for this recipe where possible.
2 tomatoes
2 carrots
1 medium beet
6 asparagus (I use Whole Foods 365 house brand frozen.)
Cilantro – 7 to 8 stems or as much as you want – eliminates heavy metals. Excellent for autism
Parsley – 5 to 7 stems
Ginger (thumb sized)
Turmeric, also known as Indian Saffron (fresh or powder) – can be used instead of ginger, it’s the same but not hot, high in curcumin and is great for diabetes
1 cup berries (hard ones are better; they improve flavor – use raspberries for breast or ovarian cancer)
2 kiwi (hard and green): remove skin
2 -2 ½ cups distilled water, it’s made form steam so it’s purer
Blend in a strong blender for 60 seconds than add:
2 tsp lecithin
2 tsp bee pollen
Sea salt
Blend again until it has the consistency of a smoothie.
Makes 7 cups, do not refrigerate.
The longer it sits out, the better, because it’s been fermenting.
Do not eat with a spoon, use a straw and chew before swallowing.
Eat raw salad for lunch and dinner.
Cancer survives in sugar and heavy metals so cut out sugar and replace with cinnamon, ¼ tsp 2x a day.
Alfalfa is excellent for inflammation, sprouted beans (not bean sprouts) contain a lot more protein.
For breast cancer:
1) Run hot water over the breast and massage area vigorously.
2) Turn water to cold and do the same.
3) Repeat a few times while massaging to loosen tissue. To avoid breast problems in the milk duds, avoid dairy products. Breast tissue is fat so provide the breast with the right kind of fat and avoid bad fats. Hard boiled eggs contribute to the good cholesterol which promotes estrogen.
When a cyst or a tumor is discovered, it is has been the in the body and growing for 5-7 years.
Carcinoma is cellular and may disappear with proper diet.
Lipoma is a tumor of fatty tissue, with proper diet it would shrink but not disappear, therefore having to be removed.
Cleansing the blood: Bio-active minerals come from plants, fruits and vegetables.
Tomatoes provide lycopene, it has 400 vital chemicals and is effective for breast, ovarian and prostate cancer.
Carrots are most healing and have 500 vital chemicals. It is best to peel the skin or buy organic.
Beets are best for cleansing the blood and is antioxidant.
Raw, it contains acidic acid and glutathione.
Asparagus contain Apotine and helps cancer kill itself.

Turmeric Tea

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Tumeric has been used for over 2500 years in India, where it was most likely first used as a dye.

The medicinal properties of this spice have been slowly revealing themselves over the centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer's disease.

Here are 20 reasons to add turmeric to your diet:

1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.

2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.

3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.

4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.

5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.

6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.

7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.

8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.

9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.

10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.

11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.

12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.

14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.

16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.

17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.

18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.

19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.

20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form. It is available in pill form in most health food stores, usually in 250-500mg capsules.

Once you start using turmeric on a regular basis, it's fun to find new ways to use it in recipes. My favorite way to use it is to add a pinch of it to egg salad. It adds a nice flavor and gives the egg salad a rich yellow hue.

Contraindications: Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction. Though turmeric is often used by pregnant women, it is important to consult with a doctor before doing so as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant.

Adapted from :  http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/20-health-benefits-of-turmeric.html 

For an easy and healthy drink, I used to have turmeric tea once in a while, depending on my mood.  

Thanks to http://eatwellenjoylife.com/turmeric-tea/ for giving me an idea how to have a healthy turmeric tea. 

Here is the recipe.  You are free to adjust the flavorings that suits your taste.

1) Boil 4 cups of water.
2) Add one teaspoon of ground turmeric.
3) Simmer for 10 minutes.
4) Strain the tea into a cup.
5) Add honey, molasses and/or lemon to taste.
Sometimes, I like to add a slice of ginger into the turmeric tea.

Well, you can also try freshly grated turmeric for a better flavor.

Enjoy a healthy turmeric tea with your loved ones!!!

10 Fruit Juices Beneficial for Health

1) Tomato juice

Tomato juice for health benefits are:
· High antioxidant useful to defend the body from free radicals.
· Content of lyopene in tomatoes could prevent prostate cancer.
· To maintain ideal body weight for those who are dieting to lose weight and may increase appetite for those who are raising the weight as well as in the recovery phase after illness.
· Preventing constipation.
· Glycogen levels can stabilize liver function, etc. 

2) Soursop juice

A study published by The Journal of Natural Products mentioned that the soursop fruit as the “miracle fruit” that is very nutritious for health, including:
· Can effectively pick and choose the target bad cells from 12 different types of cancer, namely breast cancer, prostate, lung, colon, pancreas.
· Working 10 thousand times more powerful to postpone cell growth cancer than drug (andriamicin) or chemo therapy.
· Soursop juice selectively hunt down and kill the bad cells and not harm / kill healthy cells, in contrast with a deadly chemo therapy evil and gels healthy cells (ie causing hair loss).
· Increase energy, immune system, preventing it from infection, etc.

3) Apple juice

One apple a day could save your life, this phrase seems to be true, the content of apples is very useful for health, including:
· Content of quercetin in apples may as anticancer and anti-inflammatory.
· Content of pectin can help remove dirt buildup in the gut for so long.
· Can lower cholesterol levels, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
· Can reduce appetite.
· Can treat headaches, etc.

4) Strawberry juice

Strawberry juice for health benefits are:
· Contain ellagic acid, which act as antioxidants to counteract free radicals that enter the body.
· Can inhibit tumor cell growth in lung, breast, cervix.
· Can cleanse the body’s digestive system.
· Controlling cholesterol levels.
· Can reduce pain in joints, etc. 

5) Guava juice

Benefits contained in guava juice include:
· Can reduce cholesterol in the blood and lowers blood pressure.
· Can prevent thrush.
· Able to lose weight.
· Content of vitamin C in guava juice can relieve colds and coughs.
· Content astrigent can cure diarrhea.
· Can prevent bone loss in, etc. 

6) Kiwi fruit juice

Kiwi juice for health benefits include:
· Rich in vitamin C is useful for protecting the body from cancer cells.
· Rich in fiber can reduce constipation.
· Content of potassium helps regulate blood pressure.
· To prevent infection, premature aging.
· Very good for those who suffer from heart disease.
· Relieve cold and flu, etc. 

7) Mango juice

Mango juice for health benefits include:
· Can be as a disinfectant to cleanse the body and blood in the body.
· Rich in caretenoid that can mencegahh colon cancer and cervical cancer bone.
· Can rejuvenate the body’s cells.
· Can prevent body odor caused by bacteria, etc.

8) Noni juice

Although it tastes pretty bad, but noni juice or noni fruit dutch is very beneficial to health, including:
· Can boost the immune system.
· Can normalize / reduce blood pressure.
· Be able to fight tumors and cancer cells.
· Contains scopoletin which functions as an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic.
· Very useful for the disease: hypertension, stroke, diabetes, migraine, vertigo, vaginal discharge, painful joints, etc.

9) Pomegranate juice

Pomegranate juice for health benefits:
· Substances tannins can anesthetize roundworms, pinworms and tapeworms in the intestines and release it with feces.
· Rich in vitamins A, C, E and folic acid good for pregnancy.
· Rich in antioxidants that help prevent blockages in the arteries caused by cholesterol.
· Prevent the occurrence of prostate cancer, etc. 

10) Avocado juice

Avocado juice for health benefits include:
· elps formation of red blood cells
· Preventing anemia
· For pregnant women, folic acid content of avocados can stimulate brain development and the formation of the spinal cord.
· Controlling the bad fats (LDL cholesterol) and raise the good fats (HDL cholesterol)
· Prevent stroke.
· Anti-wrinkle and ageless. etc.

Natural Sinus Infection Remedy

Thanks to : https://www.facebook.com/earthfoods

SINUS INFECTIONS  

Natural Sinus Infection Remedy without a nasal rinse or neti pot? Yes!... and this is it:

2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar ('Bragg' brand "w/ the mother")
1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
1 Glass of Pure Spring Water

STIR WELL and drink at a pace that is comfortable with you. This is one of the best ways to rid your body of a sinus infection without using a sinus rinse or neti pot! This works effectively and quickly!!

Cinnamon and Honey the only food you need.

Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot. What it will do is what some call 'turning to sugar'. In reality, honey is always honey. However, when left in a cool dark place for a long time it will "crystallize". When this happens loosen the lid, boil some water and sit the honey container in the hot water, but turn off the heat and let it liquefy naturally. It is then as good as it ever was. Never boil honey or put it in a microwave. This will kill the enzymes in the honey.

Cinnamon and Honey
Bet the drug companies won't like this one getting around. Facts on Honey and Cinnamon: It is found that a mixture of honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a 'Ram Ban' (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects for any kind of diseases.
Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients. Researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply it on bread instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also, those who have already had an attack, when they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.

ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients may take daily (morning and night) one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain -- and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it.. It destroys the germs in the bladder.

CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses.

UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from its root.
GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts.. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals

INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural 'Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

RASPY OR SORE THROAT: When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone.. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water.. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS:Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.

WEIGHT LOSS:Daily in the morning one half hour before
breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.

FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M.., the vitality of the body increases within a week.

BAD BREATH: People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing. Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it!

10 Best Foods you cannot miss to eat.

Eat your way back to good health.
Are you eating some or all of these?

Cinnamon  

This old-world spice usually reaches most men's stomachs only when it's mixed with sugar and stuck to a roll.
Why it's healthy : Cinnamon helps control your blood sugar, which influences your risk of heart disease. In fact, USDA researchers found that people with type-2 diabetes who consumed 1 g of cinnamon a day for 6 weeks (about 1/4 teaspoon each day) significantly reduced not only their blood sugar but also their triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol... Credit the spice's active ingredients, methylhydroxychalco ne polymers, which increase your cells' ability to metabolize sugar by your coffee up to 20 times.
How to eat it : You don't need the fancy oils and extracts sold at vitamin stores; just sprinkle the stuff that's in your spice rack (or in the shaker at Starbucks) into or on your oatmeal.

Pumpkin Seeds 

 

These jack-o'-lantern waste products are the most nutritious part of the pumpkin.
Why they're healthy : Downing pumpkin seeds is the easiest way to consume more magnesium. That's important because French researchers recently determined that men with the highest levels of magnesium in their blood have a 40 percent lower risk of early death than those with the lowest levels. And on average, men consume 353 mg of the mineral daily, well under the 420 mg minimum recommended by the USDA.
How to eat them : Whole, shells and all. (The shells provide extra fiber.) Roasted pumpkin seeds contain 150 mg of magnesium per ounce; add them to your regular diet and you'll easily hit your daily target of 420 mg. Look for them in the snack or health-food section of your grocery store, next to the peanuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds. 

Swiss Chard

Hidden in the leafy-greens cooler of your market, you'll find this slightly bitter, salty vegetable, which is actually native to the Mediterranean.
Why it's healthy : A half cup of cooked Swiss chard provides a huge amount of both lutein and zeaxanthin, supplying 10 mg each. These plant chemicals, known as carotenoids, protect your retinas from the damage of aging, according to Harvard researchers. That's because both nutrients, which are actually pigments, appear to accumulate in your retinas, where they absorb the type of shortwave light rays that can damage your eyes. So the more lutein and zeaxanthin you eat, the better your internal eye protection will be.
How to eat it : Chard goes great with grilled steaks and chicken, and it also works well as a bed for pan-seared fish. Wash and dry a bunch of Swiss chard, and then chop the leaves and stems into 1-inch pieces. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan or wok, and add two garlic cloves that you've peeled and lightly crushed. When the oil smokes lightly, add the chard. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, until the leaves wilt and the stems are tender. Remove the garlic cloves and season the chard with salt and pepper.

Guava

Guava is an obscure tropical fruit that's subtly acidic, with sweetness that intensifies as you eat your way to the center.
Why it's healthy : Guava has a higher concentration of lycopene—an antioxidant that fights prostate cancer—than any other plant food, including tomatoes and watermelon. In addition, 1 cup of the stuff provides 688 milligrams (mg) of potassium, which is 63 percent more than you'll find in a medium banana. And guava may be the ultimate high-fiber food: There's almost 9 grams (g) of fiber in every cup.
How to eat it : Down the entire fruit, from the rind to the seeds. It's all edible—and nutritious. The rind alone has more vitamin C than you'd find in the flesh of an orange. 

Cabbage

 Absent from most American kitchens, this cruciferous vegetable is a major player in European and Asian diets. 
Why it's healthy : One cup of chopped cabbage has just 22 calories, and it's loaded with valuable nutrients.. At the top of the list is sulforaphane, a chemical that increases your body's production of enzymes that disarm cell-damaging free radicals and reduce your risk of cancer. In fact, Stanford University scientists determined that sulforaphane boosts your levels of these cancer-fighting enzymes higher than any other plant chemical.
How to eat it : Put cabbage on your burgers to add a satisfying crunch. Or, for an even better sandwich topping or side salad, try an Asian-style slaw.Beets 
                         

These grungy-looking roots are naturally sweeter than any other vegetable, which means they pack tons of flavor underneath their rugged exterior.

Why they're healthy : Think of beets as red spinach. Just like Popeye's powerfood, this crimson vegetable is one of the best sources of both folate and betaine. These two nutrients work together to lower your blood levels of homocysteine, an inflammatory compound that can damage your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease. Plus, the natural pigments - called betacyanins—that give beets their color have been proved to be potent cancer fighters in laboratory mice.
How to eat them : Fresh and raw, not from a jar. Heating beets actually decreases their antioxidant power. For a simple single-serving salad, wash and peel one beet, and then grate it on the widest blade of a box grater. Toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the juice of half a lemon.
You can eat the leaves and stems, which are also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Simply cut off the stems just below the point where the leaves start, and wash thoroughly. They're now ready to be used in a salad. Or, for a side dish, sauté the leaves, along with a minced clove of garlic and a tablespoon of olive oil, in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Cook until the leaves are wilted and the stems are tender. Season with salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice, and sprinkle with fresh Parmesan cheese.

Purslane

Although the FDA classifies purslane as a broad-leaved weed, it's a popular vegetable and herb in many other countries, including China, Mexico, and Greece.
Why it's healthy : Purslane has the highest amount of heart-healthy omega-3 fats of any edible plant, according to researchers at the University of Texas at San Antonio . The scientists also report that this herb has 10 to 20 times more melatonin - an antioxidant that may inhibit cancer growth - than any other fruit or vegetable tested.
How to eat it : In a salad. Think of purslane as a great alternative or addition to lettuce: The leaves and stems are crisp, chewy, and succulent, and they have a mild lemony taste. Look for it at your local farmer's market. It's also available at some Whole Foods stores, as an individual leafy green or in premade salad mixes.

Pomegranate Juice

A popular drink for decades in the Middle East, pomegranate juice has become widely available only recently in the United States .
Why it's healthy : Israeli scientists discovered that men who downed just 2 ounces of pomegranate juice daily for a year decreased their systolic (top number) blood pressure by 21 percent and significantly improved bloodflow to their hearts.... What's more, 4 ounces provides 50 percent of your daily vitamin C needs.
How to drink it : Try 100 percent pomegranate juice. It contains no added sugars, and because it's so powerful, a small glassful is all you need.

Goji Berries

These raisin-size fruits are chewy and taste like a cross between a cranberry and a cherry. More important, these potent berries have been used as a medicinal food in Tibet for over 1,700 years.
Why they're healthy : Goji berries have one of the highest ORAC ratings—a method of gauging antioxidant power—of any fruit, according to Tufts University researchers. And although modern scientists began to study this ancient berry only recently, they've found that the sugars that make goji berries sweet reduce insulin resistance—a risk factor of diabetes - in rats.
How to eat them : Mix dried or fresh goji berries with a cup of plain yogurt, sprinkle them on your oatmeal or cold cereal, or enjoy a handful by themselves.

Dried Plums

You may know these better by the moniker "prunes," which are indelibly linked with nursing homes and bathroom habits.. And that explains why, in an effort to revive this delicious fruit's image, producers now market them under another name.
Why they're healthy : Prunes contain high amounts of neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acids, antioxidants that are particularly effective at combating the "superoxide anion radical.." This nasty free radical causes structural damage to your cells, and such damage is thought to be one of the primary causes of cancer.
How to eat them : As an appetizer. Wrap a paper-thin slice of prosciutto around each dried plum and secure with a toothpick.. Bake in a 400°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until the plums are soft and the prosciutto is crispy. Most of the fat will cook off, and you'll be left with a decadent-tasting treat that's sweet, savory, and healthy.

Benefits of Eating Honey and Cinnamon (1)

[1] WHOEVER DISCOVERED:

Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot. What it will do is what some call 'turning to sugar'. In reality, honey is always honey. However, when left in a cool dark place for a long time it will "crystallize". When this happens, loosen the lid, boil some water and sit the honey container in the hot water, but turn off the heat and let it liquefy naturally. It is then as good as it ever was. Never boil honey or put it in a microwave. This will kill the enzymes in the honey.

[2] FACTS OF HONEY AND CINNAMON COMBINATION:

It is found that a mixture of honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a 'Ram Ban' (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects for any kind of diseases. Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients. Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada , in its issue dated 17 January, 1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon, as researched by western scientists.

[3] HEART DISEASES:

Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply it on bread instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also, those who have already had an attack, when they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada , various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.

[4] ARTHRITIS:

Arthritis patients may take daily (morning and night) one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain -- and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.

[5] BLADDER INFECTIONS:

Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.

[6] CHOLESTEROL:

Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

[7] COLDS:

Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses.

[8] UPSET STOMACH:

Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from its root.

[9] GAS:

According to the studies done in India and Japan , it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

[10] IMMUNE SYSTEM:

Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

[11] INDIGESTION:

Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

[12] INFLUENZA:

A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural 'Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.


[13] LONGEVITY:

Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of water and boil to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

[14] RASPY OR SORE THROAT:

When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.

[15] PIMPLES:

Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.

[16] SKIN INFECTIONS:

Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

[17] WEIGHT LOSS:

Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

[18] CANCER:

Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.

[19] FATIGUE:

Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.

[20] BAD BREATH:

People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

[21] HEARING LOSS:

Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing. Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it!

10 Foods that Detox the Body

Thanks to http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/foods-that-detox-the-body/

When it comes to detoxing your body, there are many techniques you can follow and supplements you can take. But, the best way, is to eat lots of foods that detox the body.

Below is a list of detox foods that I thought would be an great addition to everybody’s diet.

1. Fruits
Fruits are extremely high in liquid-content, helping the body wash out toxins. They are also very easy to digest and are high in antioxidants, nutrients, fiber and many important vitamins like vitamin C.

 2. Green Foods
When you are ready to detox your body, fill your refrigerator with blue green algae, barley, wheatgrass, kale, spinach, spirulina, alfalfa, chard, arugula or other organic leafy greens. These plants will help give a chlorophyll-boost to your digestive tract.

Chlorophyll rids the body of harmful environmental toxins from smog, heavy metals, herbicides, cleaning products and pesticides. They also aid the liver in detoxification.

3. Lemons, Oranges & Limes
These citrus-wonders aid the body in flushing out toxins, as well as jump-start the digestive tract with enzymatic processes. They also aid the liver in its cleansing processes. To increase detoxification, start each morning with a warm glass of lemon water.

Remember, vitamin C is one of the best detox vitamins around, as it transforms toxins into digestible material. Eat vitamin c foodsoften to help get more of these benefits.

 4. Garlic
This pungent little bulb is one of the best detox foods out there. It helps stimulate the liver into producing important detoxification enzymes that will help filter out toxic residues in the digestive system. We recommend adding sliced or cooked garlic to any dish, as this will help aid any detox diet.

 5. Broccoli Sprouts
Extremely high in antioxidants, broccoli sprouts can help stimulate the detoxification enzymes in the digestive tract like none-other. The sprouts are actually more effective than the fully-grown vegetable, despite the picture on the right.

 6. Green Tea
Packed full of antioxidants, green tea not only washes toxins out of the system through its liquid content, but also contains a special type of antioxidant calledcatechins, known to increase liver function.

 7. Mung Beans
The mighty mung bean has been used by Ayurvedic doctors for thousands of years. It is incredibly easy to digest, and absorbs toxic residue on the sides of the intestinal walls.

8. Raw Vegetables
Best for juicing detox regimens or eaten raw: Onions, carrots, artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, kale, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, garlic, beet, turmeric, and oregano. The combination of these foods will help your liver purge toxins during the cleansing process. These are high in naturally occurring sulphur and glutathione. Sulphur helps the liver detoxify harmful chemicals.

 9. Seeds & Nuts
Incorporate more of the easily digestible seeds and nuts into your diet. This include flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, almonds, walnuts, hemp seeds, sesame seeds, chia seeds, Siberian cedar nuts and sunflower seeds. While detoxing, avoid nut butters.

 10. Omega-3 Oils
Use hemp, avocado, olive oils orflax seed oil while detoxing. This will help lubricate the intestinal walls, allowing the toxins to be absorbed by the oil, and eliminated by the body.

 Other Detox Methods: http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/foods-that-detox-the-body/
Below is a list of recommended detox methods, besides the foods listed above.
Colon Cleanse
Liver Cleanse
Heavy Metal Cleanse
Harmful Organism Cleanse

Home Remedies:

CURE FOR ACIDITY : Acidity, it is said, is worse than Cancer. It is one of the most common problems people encounter in their daily life. The home remedy for Acidity is Raw Grains of Rice. The Process: 1. Take 8 - 10 grains of raw uncooked rice 2. Swallow it with water before having your breakfast or eating anything in the morning 3. Do this for 21 days to see effective results and continuously for 3 months to eliminate acidity from the body The Cure: Reduces acid levels in the body and makes you feel better by the day. CURE FOR CHOLESTEROL: Cholesterol problem accompanies with Hypertension and Heart Problems. This is also one of the common problems in people who have High Blood Pressure and Diabetes. The home remedy for Cholesterol problem is RAW SUPARI or Betel Nuts. The Process: 1. Take Raw Supari (Betel Nut that is not flavoured) and slice them or make pieces of the same 2. Chew it for about 20 - 40 minutes after every meal 3. Spit it out The Cure: When you chew the supari, the saliva takes in the juice that is generated and this acts like a Blood Thinner. Once your blood becomes free flowing, it brings down the pressure in the blood flow, thereby reducing Blood Pressure too. CURE FOR BLOOD PRESSURE: One of the simple home remedy cure for Blood Pressure is Methi Seeds or Fenugreek Seeds. The Process: 1. Take a pinch of Raw Fenugreek Seeds, about 8 - 10 seeds 2. Swallow it with water before taking your breakfast, every morning The Cure: The seeds of Fenugreek are considered good to reduce the blood pressure. CURE FOR DIABETES: There are 2 home remedies for Diabetes. One is Black Tea and the other is Lady Fingers or Okra. BLACK TEA: Due to high medication, the organ that is worst affected is the Kidney. It has been observed that Black Tea (tea without milk, sugar or lemon) is good for the Kidney. Hence, a cup of black tea every morning is highly advisable. The Process: 1. Boil water along with the tea leaves (any tea leaves will do). 2. Drink the concoction without adding milk, sugar or lemon. The Cure: Black Tea will help in enhancing the function of the kidney, thereby not affecting it more. LADY FINGER or OKRA: Lady Finger/Okra is considered to be a good home medicine for diabetes. The Process: 1. Slit the ladies finger into 2 halves vertically and soak it in water overnight. 2. The next morning, remove the ladies fingers and drink the water, before eating your breakfast. The Cure: After the ladies fingers are soaked overnight in the water, you can observe that the water becomes sticky in the morning. This sticky water is considered to be good for people who suffer from Diabetes. - WITH LOVE- YOGIRAJ DR.SARVESH SONI ' PRAKRITI NILYAM' C-36,CHANDRA PRABHU CHS,LAM ROAD DEVLALI CAMP-422 401,NASIK (M.S.) INDIA

Those of you with beer belly, this is a must-try.

Did You Know... 
... that you can rub your stomach away effortlessly using nothing but your hand -- for only 2 minutes a day?

This may sound hard to believe, but Dr. Stephen Chang, an M.D. and Ph.D. who's trained in both Western and Chinese medicine, states that this simple 2-minute internal exercise, which does not come from Western medicine, but rather from the wisdom of ancient Chinese sages -- has been used successfully as a self-healing mechanism for over 6,000 years.

Whatever you do, don't confuse this internal exercise with the external exercises of the Western world, such as sit-ups, crunches and other movements that only firm up the underlying stomach muscles ... but do nothing to melt the fat surrounding those muscles.

According to Dr. Chang, losing weight is a simple matter of increasing the efficiency of the digestive system. If you've ever wondered why you fail to shed pounds even when you reduce your food and/or caloric intake -- the reason is because your digestive and eliminatory systems are not functioning efficiently.

The following 2-minute exercise works like a gentle colonic irrigation that helps speed up a sluggish digestive system (which usually carries at least 5 pounds of fecal matter within it), and this elimination of useless sludge has the effect of burning off excess fat. The exercise effectively metabolizes the fatty tissues around the stomach and intestines, and flushes them out of your body through blood, sweat, urine, and feces.

Here's how to do the stomach-rubbing exercise:

1) Lie flat on your back on your bed or on the floor. Take your top off or pull it up so that your abdominal area is bare. 2) Rub your hands together vigorously for about 15 seconds, or until they feel hot. 3) Place one of your hands directly on your belly button and begin to rub in small circles around your belly button, and gradually make the circles larger (as shown in the diagram). Use fairly firm but comfortable pressure and rub at a slow, even pace, approximately 1 circle per second. 4) Concentrate on the heat building up in, around and throughout your stomach. 5) Do about 40 to 50 circles, or for an approximate duration of 2 minutes or more. Note: It is important to keep the abdominal area warm while doing the exercise, especially during winter months when even heated indoor air tends to be cool.For best results, do this routine twice a day for 2 minutes -- first thing in the morning (before breakfast) and just before you go to bed. Most people see noticeable results within 1 week of consistent practice.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the stomach is the center of energy. Massaging the stomach in the manner described above therefore accomplishes more than just melting away adipose tissue (fat). It also ...

* stimulates the abdominal organs
* helps speed up slow digestion and remedies constipation
* increases blood circulation in the abdominal area
* helps heal indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and the adverse
effects of overeating

Caution: The stomach massage should not be practiced immediately after a heavy meal. Neither is it advisable for women who are pregnant, or have inflammation of the uterus, bladder, ovaries and fallopian tubes; and individuals who have the following conditions: hypertension; stones in the gall bladder, kidneys or bladder; general, femoral, inguinal and umbilical hernia; bleeding of the stomach, lungs or brain; or ulcers of the intestines and stomach.

HWAN CHOO HEOK (Hokkien) FUN SHEE YIP (Cantonese) or Sweet Potato Leaves Can cure Adult Macular Degeneration (AMD) (where the retina becomes loose and degenerate at the center, occuring especially in the elderly and can lead to blindness)

If you are those who don't have a liking for sweet potatoes you have other choices, but if you don't like sweet potato leaves you are missing something not many choices can be at par with.

It is quite rare to find an edible phyto food-on-the-table which is of high food value, edible from its tubers, stems, buds and leaves needs comparatively little care while growing, matures quickly, high food productivity per square feet space, easy to store, and have a quite palatable taste. This description fits the sweet potato. Do not underestimate the 'cheapy' sweet potato leaves (after all many farmers discard them after harvesting the tubers). Modernization and the convenience of city life have nearly pushed the sweet potato leaves (SPL) into the attic to collect dust while many medical practitioners collect monies from disease sufferers who could be better off just putting SPL into their regular diet. SPL can generate a nice smoothie or greens juice for your alkalization needs. without you having to sacrifice spending on other things because it is very affordable and yet does not compromise your health. Hey, where else can you get such a deal. It is a humble but rich food which should deserve the respect from those who understand and require the need for raw phyto greens to complement their daily health.

HOW TO INGEST SPL?
For therapeutic purposes, it is recommended that you take the raw green juice of SPL. The best way to ingest the goodness of SPL is to take the juice/smoothie of the raw phyto green so that you get the action of the chlorophyll and all the other goodness of the phyto green on your body. Just use any blender which can turn the leaves into pulp. 1) If you use only the SPL leaves, blending will turn them into a smoothie. You will find that blended SPL leaves have a gummy texture, somewhat like blended bananas. This smoothie is not too hard to drink. For a savory taste, just add lemon or lime before blending; you can also top it up with blackstrap molasses. 2) If you use the leaves and stalks of SPL, the smoothie is not as smooth as in (1) and not as palatable too; because your tongue can feel the fiber and your throat does not feel okay. However, if you need only the fiiltered juice, just put everything in, leaves + leaf stalks. Filter the blended pulp and drink immediately. Raw phyto-greens are especially potent in its therapeutic effect if you used them within 1-2 days after purchase from the market. Later than 1-2 days (even with cool storage in the fridge), the potency can drastically be reduced. If you have a garden, organically grown SPL is the best. However, don’t bother with ‘organic’ SPL if you are on a therapy diet, because the popular notion that inorganically grown SPL is a cause for diseases is not as as urgent as your immediate need: To alkalize your body against pathogenic and toxigenic fungi.


Relevant links for further reading: Highly Ignored Power Veg
The sweet potato leaves are rich in Vitamin A (ideal for skin care!), fiber, and micro nutrients. They’re healthy for the blood. If your blood lacks redness, or if you have low-blood pressure, make sweet potato leaves a regular salad side dish. If you often lack sleep, eat them often. They’re also so good for remedying constipation.
You wanna loose weight? The leaves of sweet potato are ideal. And it’s cheap. Overall, people in Asia with weak bodies and ill health are encouragedto often eat this herbal veggie. It improves health in many ways.

Health Benefits of Papaya 2

Health Benefits of Papaya :
Read about the health benefits of papaya. Papaya is excellent for the human body. Find out how eating papaya can help you and keep you healthy and strong.

Papayas are a power fruit .Papaya is not only a delicious fruit to eat, it also contains abundant health benefits and medicinal value. Papaya can be eaten as a fruit, a smoothie or even a milkshake.

Papaya contains natural fiber, carotene, vitamin C and essential minerals. Papayas also contain enzymes like arginine and carpain.

Arginine is essential for male fertility and carpain is considered to be good for the heart.

Papaya for the Skin :
A papaya face pack can also be made using the fruit. Papaya is a product from nature which is used in many skin lightening creams. Many of the lotions or creams which are used to make the face lighter or fairer contain papaya as an ingredient. Papaya also helps in getting rid of acne because when papaya is applied as a face pack it helps to open the pores. Papaya makes the skin glow. Papaya contains the enzyme papain which helps to dissolve dead skin , thus imparting a fresh and clean glow to the face.

Anti-oxidants in Papaya :
Papaya is a fruit high in fiber which lowers cholesterol levels. Papaya contains antioxidants which prevents the cholesterol from oxidizing. When cholesterol in the body gets oxidized, it can lead to heart-attacks. The anti-oxidants in papaya also help in controlling premature ageing, which helps to give a young look.

Some more health benefits of Papaya :
Papaya contains a high amount of potassium and the flesh of papaya is very high in Vitamin A.

Papaya seeds and leaves are useful in treating intestinal worms found in the body.

Papaya helps prevent constipation and also aid in digestion. Papaya contains the protein called papain which is a digestive enzyme that helps in natural digestion process.

Papaya juice helps in alleviating infections of the colon by clearing away the infection, pus and mucus. Regular consumption will help in improving the problem.

The skin of papaya is excellent for treating skin wounds and places that do not heal quickly.

Papaya is low in calories and high in nutritive value hence it is an excellent food for those on a diet.

Regularly consuming papaya helps to relieve morning sickness and nausea.

Papaya has anti-inflammatory properties and anti-cancerous properties. The anti-inflammatory properties in papaya will help reduce pain for those suffering from arthritis, edema and osteoporosis.

Papaya is very good for those who frequently suffer from cold, cough or flu because intake of papaya boosts the immune system. The high concentration of Vitamin C and Vitamin A contained in papaya is very beneficial to strengthen the immune system.

Papaya is also very good for the hair and helps in controlling dandruff. Papaya shampoos are good for the hair and are available in many health stores.

Raw papaya also helps in reducing menstrual irregularities for women. Papaya helps to ease the condition by promoting natural flow of menstruation.

Papaya cleans the stomach and studies have shown that papaya alone eaten for 3 to 4 days has a highly beneficial tonic effect upon the stomach and intestines.
All the parts of the papaya fruit are useful and beneficial. Right from the seeds to the papaya leaves and the flesh of the fruit, all of it has some value. Both the inside and the outside of the fruit can be utilized .Thus no part of the fruit is useless or goes as a waste

Thus, if love to eat to papaya, it is great because along with savouring the taste you are also ingesting all the benefits associated with eating the fruit, which will result in good health for you !

So, go ahead and eat plenty of those papayas!!

Health Benefits of Papaya 1

Papaya was the only studied food found to halt breast cancer.

Scientists studied 14 plant foods commonly consumed in Mexico to determine their ability to halt breast cancer cell growth. These included avocado, black sapote, fuava, mango, prickly pear cactus (nopal), pineapple, grapes, tomato, and papaya. They also evaluated beta-carotene, total plant phenolics, and gallic acid contents and antioxidant capacity. They found that only papaya had a significant effect on stopping breast cancer cell growth.
(International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition, May)
Papaya is a store-house of cancer fighting lycopene

The intense orangey-pink color of papaya means
it is chock full of cancer fighting carotenoids.
Not only beta carotene, but lycopene is found in abundance.
The construction of lycopene makes it highly reactive toward oxygen and free radicals.


Scientists at the University of Illinois think this anti-oxidant activity contributes to its effectiveness as a cancer fighting agent.
Epidemiological studies have indicated an inverse relationship between lycopene intake and prostate cancer risk.
They showed that oral lycopene is highly bioavailable, accumulates in prostate tissue, and is localized in the nucleus of prostate epithelial cells.

In addition to antioxidant activity, other experiments
have indicated that lycopene induces cancer cell death,
anti-metastatic activity, and the up-regulation of protective enzymes.
Phase I and II studies have established the safety of lycopene supplementation. (Cancer Letter, October 8, 2008)

Prostate cancer was the subject of a study in Australia that
looked at 130 prostate cancer patients and 274 hospitalized controls.
The scientists found that men who consumed the most lycopene-rich fruits and vegetables such as papaya were 82% less likely to have prostate cancer.
In this study, green tea also exerted a powerful anti-cancer effect.
When lycopene-rich foods were consumed with green tea, the combination was even more effective, an outcome the researchers credited to their synergy.
( Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2007)

Isothiocyanates found in papaya restore the cell cycle to eliminate cancer.

Organo-sulfur compounds called isothiocyanates are found in papaya.
In animal experiments, isothiocyanates protected against cancers of the breast, lung, colon pancreas, and prostate, as well as leukemia, and they have the potential to prevent cancer in humans.
Isothiocyanates have shown themselves capable of inhibiting both the formation and development of cancer cells through multiple pathways and mechanisms.
(International Journal of Oncology), October, 2008)

Researchers in Japan clarified the mechanisms of action in a type of isothiocyanate found in papaya known as BITC, that underlies the relationship between cell cycle regulation and appropriate cell death.
When cancerous cells die on schedule, they are no longer a problem.
The researchers established that BITC exerted cancer cell killing effects that were greater in the proliferating cells than in the quiescent cells.
Cancer cells that are proliferating are much more dangerous than cancer cells that are in a state of dormancy. (Forum of Nutrition, 2009) Enzymes from papaya digest proteins including those that protect tumors.

The fruit and other parts of the papaya tree, also known
as the paw paw tree, contain papain and chymopapain,
powerful proteolytic enzymes that facilitate chemical reactions in the body.
They promote digestion by helping to break down proteins from food into amino acids that can be recombined to produce protein useable by humans.
Proteolytic enzymes protect the body from inflammation and help heal burns.
They do a good job of digesting unwanted scar tissue both on the skin and under its surface.

Research has shown that the physical and mental health of people is highly dependent on their ability to produce proteins they can use effectively. However, as people age,
they produce less of the enzymes needed to effectively digest proteins from food and free needed amino acids. They are left with excessive amounts of undigested protein
which can lead to overgrowth of unwanted bacteria in the intestinal tract, and a lack of available amino acids.

Eating papaya after a meal promotes digestion, and helps prevent bloating, gas production, and indigestion.
It is quite helpful after antibiotic use to replenish friendly intestinal bacteria that were the casualties in the war against the unwanted bacteria.
When the intestinal tract is well populated with friendly bacteria, the immune system is strengthened, and can better protect against flu and cancer.

Being a proteolytic enzyme, papain is able to destroy intestinal parasites, which are composed mostly of protein.
To rid the body of intestinal parasites, half a cup of papaya juice can be alternated each hour for twelve consecutive
hours with the same amount of cucumber or green bean juice.

Papaya contains fibrin, another useful compound not readily found in the plant kingdom.
Fibrin reduces the risk of blood clots and improves the quality of blood cells, optimizing the ability of blood to flow through the circulatory system.

Fibrin is also important in preventing strokes.
Proteolytic enzymes containing fibrin are a good idea for long plane rides to minimize the potential of blood clots in the legs.
People who sit at a desk all day might want to use proteolytic enzymes too.
Proteolytic enzymes are able to digest and destroy
the defense shields of viruses, tumors, allergens, yeasts, and various forms of fungus.
Once the shield is destroyed, tumors and invading organisms
are extremely vulnerable and easily taken care of by the immune system.

Undigested proteins can penetrate the gut and wind up in the bloodstream where they are treated by the immune system as invaders.
If too many undigested proteins are floating around,
the immune system becomes overburdened and
unable to attend to the other tasks it was meant to do.
Proteolytic enzymes can digest these rogue proteins,
freeing up the immune system .

Let's ensure a slice of papaya every day in our diet. Papaya juice will be great too!