Food

12 Benefits of coca leaf and side effects

Published

9 months ago

March 9, 2024

admin

Table of Contents

Nutrition facts of coca leaf
12 health benefits of coca leaf
Coca leaf facts
Side effects of coca leaf
Conclusion
- Related
The coca leaf has many health benefits. Coca (Erythroxylum coca and E. novogranatese) is an agricultural plant native to the western side of Latin America.It is a shrub that can grow up to 2-3 meters tall. The branches are thin with dark-colored leaves. The flowers are small, growing in clusters with short stems.
These flowers would later turn into red berry fruits. The coca tree can easily grow in any tropical area.Native Americans recognized the health benefits of coca leaves long before Columbus arrived in America.
The indigenous peoples of the Andes around the Andes Mountains (Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru) have long recognized the health benefits of coca leaves.

Both men and women use coca leaves. The leaves can be made into tea or chewed. We can find stores that sell coca tea bags in all societies around the Andes mountains.
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Nutrition facts of coca leaf

The coca leaf is a valuable dietary supplement. Several studies analyzed the nutritional characteristics of the coca leaf.

Two notable ones include a 2009 study published in the Food and Nutrition Bulletin (Can coca leaves contribute to improving the nutritional status of the Andean population ? Penny, Zavaleta, et al.) And a Harvard study in 1975 (Nutritional value of the coca leaf, Duke, Aulick, Plowman). They found that for every 100g the leaves contained:

• Carbohydrates (44.3 g)

• Protein (19.9 g)

• Fat (3.3 g)

• Fiber (14.2 g)

• Vitamin A (10,000 – 14,000 IU)

• Vitamin B1 (0.58 – 0.68 mg)

• Vitamin B2 (1.73 mg)

• Vitamin B6 (0.58 mg)

• Vitamin C (1.4 – 53 mg)

• Vitamin D (trace amounts)

• Vitamin E (16.72 mg)

• Calcium (990.18 – 1749 mg)

• Copper (1.1 mg)

• Iron (26.8 – 45.8 mg)

• Magnesium (197 – 225 mg)

• Phosphorus (637 mg)

• Zinc (2.63 – 3.8 mg)

12 health benefits of coca leaf

The documented ancient uses of the coca leaf and those discovered by modern science cover a large area of health conditions.

They include the use of the coca leaf as an anesthetic and analgesic to relieve headaches, rheumatism, wounds, and sores, etc.

According to WebMD, people chew coca leaves to relieve hunger and fatigue and to improve physical performance.

Coca extracts are used to stimulate stomach function, cause sedation, and treat asthma, colds, and other ailments.

Coca tea is commonly used for altitude sickness in the Peruvian Andes and other parts of the world.

There have also been reports of the leaves being used as a stimulant for concentration and enhancing cognitive function.

Coca leaves are a rich source of various alkaloids, which can help or harm our health depending on how they are used.

They include the use of the coca leaf as an anesthetic and analgesic to relieve headaches, rheumatism, wounds, and sores, etc.

According to WebMD, people chew coca leaves to relieve hunger and fatigue and to improve physical performance.

Coca extracts are used to stimulate stomach function, cause sedation, and treat asthma, colds, and other ailments.

Coca tea is commonly used for altitude sickness in the Peruvian Andes and other parts of the world.

There have also been reports of the leaves being used as a stimulant for concentration and enhancing cognitive function.

Coca leaves are a rich source of various alkaloids, which can help or harm our health depending on how they are used.

They include the use of the coca leaf as an anesthetic and analgesic to relieve headaches, rheumatism, wounds, and sores, etc.

According to WebMD, people chew coca leaves to relieve hunger and fatigue and to improve physical performance.

Coca extracts are used to stimulate stomach function, cause sedation, and treat asthma, colds, and other ailments.

Coca tea is commonly used for altitude sickness in the Peruvian Andes and other parts of the world.

There have also been reports of the leaves being used as a stimulant for concentration and enhancing cognitive function.

Coca leaves are a rich source of various alkaloids, which can help or harm our health depending on how they are used.

They include the use of the coca leaf as an anesthetic and analgesic to relieve headaches, rheumatism, wounds, and sores, etc.

According to WebMD, people chew coca leaves to relieve hunger and fatigue and to improve physical performance.

Coca extracts are used to stimulate stomach function, cause sedation, and treat asthma, colds, and other ailments.

Coca tea is commonly used for altitude sickness in the Peruvian Andes and other parts of the world.

There have also been reports of the leaves being used as a stimulant for concentration and enhancing cognitive function.

Coca leaves are a rich source of various alkaloids, which can help or harm our health depending on how they are used.

Therefore, it is important to remember that many plants, including the coca leaf, are very powerful medications and therefore must be used with the help of an expert.

It is important not to mix alcohol with the use of the coca plant, or to use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

The most outstanding benefits are:

1.- As a stimulant

• Coca leaves act as a mild stimulant that can elevate mood and eliminate fatigue.

• The absorption of the coca alkaloid from its leaves is much longer than the absorption of powdered cocaine from the nose.

• After being swallowed, the coca alkaloid reaches its maximum concentration 2 to 12 hours after consumption. This makes the coca leaves non-addictive.

• The indigenous people drink coca leaf tea (mate de coca) every day because they believe that coca leaves provide them with many health benefits.

2.- Treatment of narcotic addiction

• Although coca leaves also contain cocaine, cocaine is mild and not as strong as that used by people addicted to cocaine.

• It also reduces the incidence of cocaine withdrawal syndromes, as alkaloids replace cocaine in the brain.

• Due to the alkaloid contents and non-addictive properties, it is suggested to use coca leaves in narcotic rehabilitation therapy.

3.- Benefits of coca leaf for anemia

• Mountain sickness is often caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood, which often results in shortness of breath, headache, and even death.

• Healthy red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body.

• One of the health benefits of the coca leaf is rich in iron, which is essential for the production of healthy red blood cells.

4.- Natural anesthetics and analgesics

• The indigenous people use coca leaves as anesthetics and analgesics, to eliminate headaches, rheumatism, wounds, etc.

• It is also used to eliminate pain during labor and bone therapy fractures.

• Before modern anesthetic drugs were found, coca leaves were used as an anesthetic in the trepanation operation (making a hole in the skull, a tradition of the indigenous people in the Andes).

5.- Benefits of coca leaf for bone

• The daily intake of foods high in calcium is necessary for healthy bones and teeth and prevents us from having osteoporosis.

• The indigenous people recognize that coca leaves have health benefits by healing broken bones, probably due to the high calcium content and the anesthetic effect.

• Some factories in the Andes region use extracts as ingredients in toothpaste, due to their high calcium content.

6.- Stops the bleeding

• Coca leaves have astringent and vasoconstrictive properties.

• Indigenous people often use mashed coca leaves to stop bleeding from wounds.

• The crushed coca leaves and seeds can be used to stop nosebleeds.

• Women who have just given birth drink coca leaf tea, to reduce pain, prevent uterine bleeding, and as a general tonic.

7.- Treatment of abscesses

• Coca leaves have health benefits by curing boils and abscesses.

• The indigenous people place the crushed leaves on the affected area and cover it with bandages to prevent it from falling off.

• To speed up the healing process and eliminate pain, they drink coca tea or chew the leaves as well.

8.- Benefits of coca leaf for malaria

• One of the health benefits of the coca leaf that has been known to indigenous peoples is to cure malaria.

• The astringent and analgesic properties reduce fever, as well as other mineral and vitamin compounds that help kill Plasmodium in the body and accelerate the healing process.

9.- As an aphrodisiac

• Until now, people around the Andes Mountains believe that consuming coca tea every day can cure low libido, due to the high content of minerals and vitamins necessary for the reproductive system to function normally.

• In ancient times, couples who could not conceive any child were given a decoction of coca leaves, to improve sexual performance and to be able to conceive early.

• The stimulating effect also helps a lot, it reduces stress, the main problem that causes low libido these days.

10.- Benefits of coca leaf for sleep

• Coca leaves have health benefits by promoting good sleep.

• Like any other narcotic, the coca leaf has a calming effect.

• Minerals and vitamin B help relax muscles.

• However, overuse of coca leaves can make people sleepy and lazy.

11.- As a General Tonic

• People in the Andes mountains often consume coca tea.

• They believe that drinking coca tea can restore the functions of the body and increase your spirit and energy.

• It makes sense since coca leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals, which contribute to their health benefits.

• Coca leaves are sold in tea bags in almost every convenience store in the Andes mountains.

• In tourist areas, coca tea is served alongside other traditional dishes for tourists.

• Tourists receive information on the health benefits of coca leaves (which they consume as tea) from their tour guides.

Other uses of coca leaf

12.- Offerings in traditional rituals

• Although most people in the Andes now adopt Catholicism, they still practice traditional rituals.

• The coca leaf has been an important part of the traditional religions of indigenous peoples in the Andes (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, northern Argentina, and Chile) since pre-Inca times.

• Coca leaves are used as offerings to Apus (mountain), Inti (sun), and Pachamama (land).

• Coca leaves and tea are often used in religious rituals, just like tea in Chinese or Japanese cultures.

• In addition to religious rituals, indigenous people also believe in superstitions about coca leaves.

• Miners in the city of Cerro de Pasco in Peru believe that coca leaves can soften the layers of the mine if the coca leaves are chewed and dumped on the ground.

• Likewise, coca leaves are used in shamanic practices in each region where the indigenous people plant them. For example, the Tayronas tribe in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia, is used to chew coca leaves before taking parts in medicines and religious rituals.

Coca leaf facts

Coca has been widely planted for 3,000 years. There is archaeological evidence that the indigenous people had already chewed coca leaves with lemon for 8,000 years. The widespread chewing of coca leaves had its peak in the 6th century of the Moche civilization.

This tradition was still practiced in the Inca civilization, some centuries after Moche, which was represented in a mummy found with coca leaves, pottery with coca chewers, and a metal spatula that represented a bag full of coca leaves that were used to extract alkaloids.

At first, coca leaves were only used on the eastern side of the Andes, the center of the Inca civilization.

The Incas believed that coca plants were God’s plants, therefore, the crops were monopolized by the Emperors, and only the nobles and the bourgeois could use coca.

This happened in the time of the Topa Inca (1471-1493). After the Inca Empire began to decline, coca leaves could be used by common people.

In 2006, the governments of some Latin American countries such as Venezuela, Peru, and Bolivia won the petition to preserve the traditional use of coca and the modern uses of its extracts in household products, such as tea and toothpaste.

However, coca leaves are restricted to adults only in other countries. In Colombia, children are prohibited from consuming coca tea or leaves, as it can cause them to sleep during school hours.

During the Dutch colonization in Indonesia, the Dutch cultivated coca plants, especially on the island of Java, as secondary plants in coffee/tea plantations.

Plants could adapt well in Indonesia, as Indonesia is a tropical country. Coca leaves grown in Java are said to contain higher alkaloids than those grown in Latin America.

However, after Indonesian independence, coca leaves are illegal, therefore it is no longer commercially cultivated in Indonesia.

However, the plants can sometimes be found growing naturally in forests.

Although coca leaves have so many health benefits, we must take precautions of the law in each country on the use.

If we travel to Latin America, especially if we are over 18 years old, we can try to consume coca tea, to experience the health benefits of coca leaves.

Side effects of coca leaf

Cocaine present in coca leaf is unsafe.

Cocaine is illegal and can result in hyperactivity, restlessness, excitement, migraine headaches, seizures, strokes, heart attacks, aneurysms, high blood pressure, and liver and kidney failure. As little as 1/4 of a teaspoon of cocaine can be deadly. Cocaine is highly addictive.

Conclusion

We can incorporate these wonderful benefits of the coca leaf most often in the form of tea, however chewing the leaves is also a common practice.

When chewed, they produce a warm sensation in the mouth and a pleasant, spicy taste.

In, its natural form, coca does not produce toxicity or dependence. As mentioned above, the coca leaf is native to certain parts of South America, such as Peru, so the best way to take advantage of its unique benefits is to consume it with caution and responsibility.

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Food

6 Benefits of sweet orange essential oil

Published

1 month ago

October 20, 2024

admin

Table of Contents

6 Benefits of sweet orange essential oil
How to make orange essential oil
- How we can prepare our essential orange oil.
Recommendations.
Discover the 6 Benefits of Orange Essential Oil + Recipe.Health Benefits of orange essential oil: The orange is a fruit known for its nutritional contributions, especially for being one of the most popular sources of vitamin C that exist, however, you really know the benefits of orange essential oil, it is used a lot in the world of aromatherapy because it is considered an antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and diuretic.One of the properties of orange essential oil is to be a powerful antidepressant and relaxant, which is used a lot in the world of aromatherapy, we will not only talk to you about its wonderful properties, but we will also teach you how to make your oil at home without so much trouble, so what remains is to invite you to continue reading this interesting article.
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6 Benefits of sweet orange essential oil

As we mentioned earlier, the orange essential oil is excellent for treating emotional states, which is why it is widely used in the world of holistic medicine, especially aromatherapy, and its benefits can improve not only your emotional state. but also the physical.

1.- Antidepressant.

Health Benefits of orange essential oil: One of the benefits of orange essential oil is that it is considered an antidepressant and relaxant par excellence, it is used to help calm stress, promote relaxation of the body and mind.

The essential oil of orange leaves a very pleasant sensation in those patients who suffer from anxiety or depressive pictures, which helps them to heal and feel better about themselves and their environment.

2.- Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.

Health Benefits of orange essential oil: We can highlight its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, with this we can fight and prevent infections, thanks to the fact that it prevents the proliferation of fungi and bacteria, which ends up favoring the disinfection of wounds.

On the other hand, this oil is ideal to help eliminate pain or discomfort typical of external or internal inflammations, not to mention its powerful properties to prevent viral symptoms such as flu or cold, in the same way, it is highly recommended to relieve stomach ailments and strengthen our system immune.

3.- Antispasmodic.

Health Benefits of orange essential oil: Another benefit of using orange essential oil for massage application is that it is antispasmodic par excellence, with just a few drops on the skin, it can help us overcome muscle spasms and relax the area, not to mention that it helps prevent future cramps.

4.- Stimulates the lymphatic system.

This rich and aromatic oil can be used in immersion baths, since it has diuretic properties, which favors the stimulation of the lymphatic system, helping us to eliminate accumulated toxins, and combat fluid retention, deflating the legs and getting rid of that sensation. of heaviness and rigidity that we can feel at the end of the day.

5.- Benefits of sweet orange essential oil sexually

Health Benefits of orange essential oil: One of the lesser-known properties of orange essential oil is that of being an exceptional aphrodisiac, although it is not very high if it gives short-term results, it has been used in cases of impotence, erection problems, frigidity or decrease libido and sex drive, so if you want to spice up your sex life, feel free to use this powerful oil.

6.- Benefits of sweet orange essential oil skin

For our skin, one of the benefits of orange essential oil is that it prevents premature aging since it helps to stimulate the production of collagen in our skin, you can benefit by adding a few drops of this oil to your cream, and you will notice shortly time as your skin looks younger, fresh and fresh.

How to make orange essential oil

Health Benefits of orange essential oil: We have already talked about the benefits of orange essential oil, but now is the time that you learn how to make yours at home and that you can enjoy its therapeutic properties whenever you want, not to mention its uses in cosmetics and physical health.

• Oranges

• Vodka.

• Jar with lid.

How we can prepare our essential orange oil.

Its preparation is very simple, and you do not require prior knowledge or artifacts in your kitchen, you must have all the ingredients at hand and follow the instructions to the letter, in this way you can obtain essential oil of orange from good quality and very inexpensive, so let’s get started.

Health Benefits of orange essential oil: As a primary step to make the essential oil of oranges, you must peel the fruit, there must be no whitish traces of the orange peel, you can help yourself by scraping them to remove them completely, in the same way, consider that the greater amount of orange peels, the higher the concentration of the essential oil.

Now take a glass container that has an airtight lid, it must be clean and dry, there the orange peels are added and the vodka is added until the peels are completely covered, it closes very well and shakes very hard for a couple of seconds.

Health Benefits of orange essential oil: Once this step is done, this mixture is placed in a dark and cool place for at least a week, you must shake the bottle during this period, to obtain the highest possible content of orange essential oil.

As the week passes, the mixture is strained with the help of a coffee filter, this is done so that the impurities that come off do not pass, it is poured into a jar and the orange peels are removed, this container is placed in a place with good ventilation, for the alcohol to evaporate.

As the days go by, you will notice that the remaining liquid no longer smells of alcohol, you can already say that you have your orange essential oil, ready to be packaged and used, it is recommended that it be preserved in a dark jar with a lid in a place fresh, that way it will retain its benefits.

Recommendations.

Health Benefits of orange essential oil: As you will see, making an essential oil of orange is very simple to do, although it takes some time, once you manage to obtain it, you will have so many benefits that you will not regret doing it.

Although it has many benefits, it can also have certain side effects, so that people who suffer from diabetes mellitus, those who are under medical treatments that contain cyclosporine, people who suffer from chronic hypertension, and prostatic hypertrophy, should not consume this oil. nor use it externally.

Health Benefits of orange essential oil: Among the most common side effects, we can find alterations in the heart rate or blood pressure, so its use is not recommended when taking stimulants such as coffee, in the cases of pregnant women and children, the dose cannot be exceeded recommended, it is best to consult with the treating physician before taking or using it.

Knowing the benefits of nature and technology can help us improve our health and the way we see life. If you want to know more about our topics, we invite you to continue reading our interesting posts and to follow us on our social networks.

Food

8 Benefits of chili peppers and side effects

Published

7 months ago

April 29, 2024

admin

Table of Contents

Health benefits of chili peppers
Side effects of chili peppers
Conclusion
- Related
- Discover the 8 Health benefits of chili peppers and side effects.
  Everyone is familiar with the use of peppers in cooking.
  
  Indeed, nothing like it brings more flavors to a recipe.
  
  But did you know that chili is also a precious health ally?
  
  Indeed, studies prove that eating chili once a month prolongs life expectancy.
  
  In addition, hot pepper contains 3 times more vitamin C than oranges!
  Health benefits of chili peppers
  
  Here are the 8 health benefits of chili peppers that everyone should know about. Look :
  
  1. Benefits of chili peppers for migraine
  
  Spray yourself with a chili-based spray in your nostrils?
  
  It tingles!
  
  And yet, this type of spray relieves migraines.
  
  These sprays are based on capsaicin, the organic compound in chili peppers responsible for their pungent flavor.
  However, capsaicin has an anesthetic effect on the trigeminal nerve of the brain.
  
  It is in this part of the brain that certain types of migraines and severe headaches begin.
  
  In one study, 7 out of 10 people felt complete relief from their migraines and headaches after using a capsaicin-based nasal spray ( source 1 ).
  
  All the people questioned are formal …
  
  Despite the tingling, the treatment is well worth it!
  
  2. Increases life expectancy
  
  Eating chili peppers regularly may well help you live longer.
  
  How many chili peppers should you eat to increase your life expectancy?
  
  According to a large study, it is enough to eat 1 red pepper per month, fresh or dried.
  
  Researchers found that those who ate chili peppers monthly over 20 years reduced the risk of death by 13% ( source 2 ).
  
  Some believe this is due to the high nutrient content of chili peppers, and their anti-inflammatory properties.
  
  In another study, researchers also found that eating chili peppers helps fight obesity ( source 3 ).
  
  3. Stop the runny nose
  
  You keep sneezing, and you have a runny or stuffy nose?
  
  This is what doctors call nonallergic rhinitis.
  
  This condition is characterized by a constant runny nose, but it is not due to a cold, allergies, or cigarette smoke.
  
  Again, just a splash of capsaicin spray in your nostrils, and you’re good to go.
  
  According to the researchers, this is sufficient to relieve the symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis ( source 4 ).
  
  Admittedly, in the beginning, it tingles!
  
  In some people, it can even appear to make the situation worse.
  
  But rest assured, in a very short time, capsaicin begins to do its magic.
  
  In a very short time, your nose will stop running. And often the effect lasts for several months.
  
  4. Boosts metabolism
  
  Do you know that hot feeling in your body when you eat a hot pepper?
  
  Well, know that it is more than just a feeling.
  
  This is because the capsaicin in chili peppers increases how quickly the body heats up.
  
  It also stimulates a sensitive neuron, the TRPV1.
  The latter is used to prevent fat storage and also regulates your appetite ( source 5 ).
  
  Therefore, this combined action increases the metabolism of the body, which could also help you lose weight ( source 6 ).
  
  Researchers hope that one day they will be able to use the benefits of chili peppers on the metabolism to regulate weight gain.
  
  5. Benefits of chili peppers for pain
  
  Capsaicin triggers a feeling of heat.
  
  Including at the level of sensory neurons, which allow your body to detect pain.
  
  Except that with capsaicin, these neurons are wrong!
  
  And instead of transmitting the message of pain, they transmit another message to the brain: ” It’s heating up! “. ( source 7 ).
  
  It’s a little subterfuge that has been used for centuries to relieve pain naturally.
  
  6. Benefits of chili peppers for arthritis
  
  Capsaicin is the active ingredient in many warming creams, balms, and patches used for rapid pain relief.
  
  In one study, capsaicin halved the pain associated with arthritis and fibromyalgia ( source 8 ).
  
  And this is just a few weeks.
  
  But, in other studies, the results are unfortunately less convincing.
  
  For example, researchers believe that capsaicin only works best when combined with a pain-relieving drug.
  
  In addition, capsaicin-based treatments must be renewed regularly.
  
  7. Preserves food longer
  
  Hot peppers have natural antibacterial properties.
  
  Researchers have found that they can kill germs and bacteria.
  
  Including microorganisms that spoil packaged and canned foods ( source 9 ).
  
  So, manufacturers are now investigating the use of chili extracts as an alternative to artificial preservatives.
  
  This would make it possible to have fewer preservatives in the products that we eat daily.
  
  8. Contains lots of vitamins
  
  Hot peppers have many nutritional benefits.
  
  For example, they contain 3 times more vitamin C than oranges.
  
  They are also rich in vitamins A, B, and E.
  
  According to studies, capsaicin has antioxidant properties, to better protect cells.
  
  In addition, they also help reduce inflammation ( source 10).
  
  Side effects of chili peppers
  
  Capsaicin binds to sensory receptors on the tongue.
  
  The brain cools the body by sweating, salivating, and producing mucus.
  
  Sensory receptors in the esophagus trigger a burning sensation in the chest.
  
  Irritated, phrenic nerves can affect the lungs and cause hiccups.
  
  Pain and cramps occur in the stomach.
  
  The speed of bowel movement increases, causing diarrhea.
  
  There is a risk of anal pruritus (or itchy anus).
  What to do when you eat too hot pepper
  
  Eating too hot a pepper can be dangerous!
  
  Especially if you’re not used to it.
  
  When you breathe it in, chili peppers can even cause asthma attacks in some people.
  
  First of all, avoid drinking water!
  
  Instead, drink small sips of milk.
  
  Or, eat ice cream or cottage cheese.
  Why? Because water does not dissolve capsaicin, unlike fat in milk.
  
  If you don’t have milk on hand, all is not lost!
  
  Try to eat bread crumbs or some other starchy food.
  
  If you get hot pepper on your skin or in your eyes, rinse the affected area thoroughly with warm water.
  
  The different varieties of chili
  
  Chili or pepper: know that these plants are the same.
  
  Moreover, our Spanish neighbors call both “pimiento”.
  
  The only thing that sets them apart?
  
  You will surely have guessed it: it is capsaicin!
  
  Peppers contain very little, if any, of them.
  
  Opt for regional varieties. There is of course the famous Espelette pepper.
  
  But there is also the Landes pepper, red and elongated, which surprises with its great sweetness.
  
  If you are sensitive, avoid hot peppers, such as the famous “bird tongue” peppers.
  
  How do you measure the hotness of peppers?
  
  Did you know that there is a scale to measure the hotness of peppers?
  
  It is called the Scoville scale.
  
  This scale measures the level of capsaicin according to the amount of sugar water needed to neutralize the heat.
  
  This scale ranges from 0 to 1,641,183 Scoville units.
  
  For example, a bell pepper has a value from 0 to 100 Scoville units, paprika from 100 to 150.
  
  The best score? This is the famous “Pepper X”.
  
  With 3,180,000 units on the Scoville scale, it is the hottest pepper in the world!
  
  Having trouble with hot peppers?
  
  So a little advice: know that dried peppers are stronger than fresh peppers.
  
  The thinner the stem, the hotter the pepper.
  
  How to add spice to your recipes?
  
  A touch of hot pepper enhances and complements any dish.
  
  Keep some on hand in the freezer, finely chopped or sliced.
  
  So you can easily add color and enhance the flavors of your favorite recipes.
  
  For example, cut fresh chili peppers into pieces to enhance pizzas and pasta dishes.
  
  For a smoother and more fragrant chili, consider removing the seeds.
  
  To vary the taste, you can also grill or roast the peppers.
  
  Always wear rubber gloves when handling hot peppers.
  
  What are the dangers of chili peppers
  
  Eating too much chili can also lead to health problems.
  
  Which ones? Here is the list :
  
  stomach pain,
  
  nausea,
  
  vomiting,
  
  diarrhea,
  
  burning sensations in the intestines.
  
  Some children even ended up in the emergency room after eating too many spicy snacks.
  
  Instead of buying snacks made with chilies, it is better to prepare your recipes.
  
  So, you are in control of the dosage!
  
  For example, you can sprinkle a little Espelette pepper on popcorn or sweet potato fries. Yum!
  
  Conclusion
  
  Capsaicin is the compound in peppers responsible for their pungent flavor.
  
  Studies have shown that this prevents sinus infections.
  
  Capsaicin also has anti-inflammatory properties.
  
  It helps relieve stomach aches and metabolizes fat.
  
  Here is a summary of the powerful benefits of capsaicin :
  
  Pain-relieving effect
  
  Prevents sinusitis
  
  Burns fat and facilitates weight loss
  
  Relieves intestinal diseases
  
  Protects the heart
  
  Reduces the risk of ulcers
  
  Preserves healthy bones
  
  Help to sleep
  
  Reduces inflammation
  
  Can warm the feet

Food

Top 10 Benefits of watermelon and side effects

Published

7 months ago

April 29, 2024

admin

Table of Contents

Overview
Top 10 Health benefits of watermelon
- 1. Hydrates
- 2. Improves the immune system and prevents cell damage
- 3. Heals wounds wound healing
- 4. Benefits of watermelon for bones
- 5. Benefits of watermelon for cardiovascular health
- 6. Benefits of watermelon for weight loss
- 7. Benefits of watermelon for eyes
- 8. Diuretic effect
- 9. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
- 10. Benefits of watermelon for cancer
- Side effects of watermelon
- Discover the top 10 Health benefits of watermelon and side effects.
  Table of Contents
  Toggle
  Overview
  
  One of the best fruits to eat in summer is watermelon , which in addition to being very refreshing, contains many health properties. Along with the melon, it belongs to the botanical family Cucurbitaceae and both are very beneficial for the body.
- Although some individuals think that this delicious fruit contains only water and sugar, watermelon is rich in nutrients and provides many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants . This fruit is a very healthy food and has a low amount of calories.
  Watermelons and the summer period go hand in hand. Its refreshing quality and sweet taste help beat the heat, and for those who want to lose weight, this fruit is a very tasty dessert that does not make you feel guilty when you eat it.
  
  Top 10 Health benefits of watermelon
  
  There are different types of watermelon, some larger, others less rounded and others without the stripes that characterize them. Regardless of the type of watermelon consumed, they are all highly healthy.
  
  But … what are the properties of watermelon? In the following lines we present the health benefits of watermelon.
  
  1. Hydrates
  
  Watermelon is associated with summer and it is not surprising, since it is a food with a high water content, 92% of its composition , and contains important electrolytes.
  
  It can be eaten at any time and is an ideal “snack” to take at any time. If we also leave it in the fridge, it will not only be delicious, but it will also be very refreshing. When the summer season approaches, watermelon becomes a very appetizing food.
  
  2. Improves the immune system and prevents cell damage
  
  This fruit is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for our immune system and, therefore, protects our body and helps us fight, for example, colds. It also maintains the redox balance of cells and protects them from reactive oxygen species, which damage our cells and DNA.
  
  3. Heals wounds wound healing
  
  The role of vitamin C in wound healing has also been observed in numerous studies, as it is essential for the formation of new connective tissue .
  
  The enzymes involved in the formation of collagen, that is, the main component of wound healing, is inefficient without vitamin C. Ultimately, watermelon is involved in wound healing.
  
  4. Benefits of watermelon for bones
  
  Watermelon contains lycopene, which is especially important for our bone health .
  
  Dietary lycopene, which is present in some foods such as watermelon or tomatoes, reduces oxidative stress that normally reduces the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, two bone cells involved in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis .
  
  The consumption of lycopene is associated with healthier bones. Watermelon is also rich in potassium, which helps retain calcium in the body, resulting in healthier bones and joints.
  
  5. Benefits of watermelon for cardiovascular health
  
  Consuming watermelon in large quantities, according to a research, positively correlates with the improvement of cardiovascular function , as it increases blood flow through vasodilation.
  
  A study conducted by the American Journal of Hypertension found that watermelon extract supplementation reduces ankle blood pressure, brachial blood pressure, and carotid pressure in obese middle-aged adults with mild hypertension.
  
  6. Benefits of watermelon for weight loss
  
  Watermelon contains citrulline, which helps reduce the accumulation of fat in our fat cells . Citrulline is an amino acid that is converted to arginine with the help of the kidneys.
  
  When our bodies absorb citrulline, it has the ability to block the activity of TNAP (non-tissue specific alkaline phosphatase), which causes our fat cells to produce less fat tissue, and therefore helps prevent excessive accumulation of body fat .
  
  7. Benefits of watermelon for eyes
  
  This fruit is a great source of beta-carotene (that’s why the reddish color inside it) that is converted into vitamin A.
  
  It helps to produce pigments in the retina of the eye and protects against age-related macular degeneration.
  
  It also prevents night blindness, maintains healthy skin, teeth, skeletal and soft tissues and mucous membranes.
  
  8. Diuretic effect
  
  Watermelon is a natural diuretic that helps increase urine flow and protects the kidneys .
  
  It also intervenes in the ammonia removal process from the liver.
  
  Watermelon is a diuretic and natural slimming agent that will help you stay fit and healthy.
  
  9. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
  
  Watermelon is rich in phenolic compounds like flavonoids, carotenoids, and triterpenoids . The carotenoid lycopene in this fruit is beneficial in reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals.
  
  The triterpenoid cucurbitacin E is also present in watermelon, and provides anti-inflammatory support by blocking the activity of cyclooxygenase enzymes that normally produce an inflammatory surge.
  
  Ripe watermelons contain higher amounts of these beneficial phenolic compounds.
  
  10. Benefits of watermelon for cancer
  
  This fruit, as I have discussed previously, is an excellent source of vitamin C, as well as other antioxidants.
  
  That is why it can help fight the formation of free radicals associated with the development of cancer.
  
  Lycopene intake has been positively associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer, according to various investigations.
  
  Side effects of watermelon
  
  Watermelon is a wonderful source of dietary fiber and water. But, if you eat too much watermelon, it can induce bloating, gas, flatulence, diarrhea, and other such stomach problems.
  
  We hope the article on the top 10 Health benefits of watermelon and side effects has been of help.