Health
7 shocking health benefits of yuzu
Table of Contents
Discover the 7 shocking health benefits of yuzu.
What is yuzu? A yoga pose? A new fashionable lifestyle? Nothing of that! This is a fruit which, although bearing such an exotic and unknown name, has a very familiar allure: it looks like a lemon.
Introduction
Originally from China, yuzu is now mainly produced in Japan and Korea. This tangy-tasting fruit, located somewhere between tangerine, grapefruit, and lime, has only recently appeared in Western cuisine. However, if you are thinking of a chewable fruit, you are wrong. Containing little flesh and many seeds, yuzu is not eaten like other fruits. It is rather used as a condiment when it is not included in cosmetic products or used as a medicinal plant.
Do you want to know more about this atypical fruit? Here is its history, its benefits, and the ways you can consume it.
After being discovered in China, it is surely in Japan, where it was imported more than a millennium ago, that yuzu is of the greatest importance. In the Land of the Rising Sun, yuzu is not only part of a large number of traditional recipes, but it is also used as a medicinal plant and is even found in some rituals!
Thus, according to Japanese tradition, taking a yuzu bath on the day of the winter solstice would have many benefits. Indeed, it would protect the joints, improve blood circulation and strengthen the body against diseases. As for the date of the tradition, it was not chosen at random: the winter solstice marks the end of the yuzu harvest, but also the renewal due to the days which, after having considerably shortened, finally begin to lengthen
Yuzu grows on a tree of the same name, which you might have come across if you’ve been to Japan. This usually takes the form of a thorny shrub but can grow up to 4 meters high.
Yuzu cultivation is far from productive. Indeed, it takes 20 years for the yuzu to give its first fruits and a tree will only produce 15 to 20 kilos of fruit per harvest. However, since yuzu contains very little juice, a tree can only produce about 3 liters of juice per harvest. This has a direct influence on its price, which is much higher than other fruits.
But the yuzu doesn’t really look like a first-class fruit. Its thick skin is bumpy and irregular, far from the smooth, perfect shape that fruits typically display. What makes it famous in the eyes of cooks is the scent it contains. Very intense and very appreciated, it only takes a small amount to add flavor to an entire dish.
What are the health benefits of yuzu?
Rich in flavonoids, fibers, and vitamins A and C, yuzu notably has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Here are the 7 main health benefits Of yuzu.
1) It repairs the skin and fights against its aging
Yuzu is found in the composition of a large number of cosmetics, and for good reason: it is very good for the skin.
First of all, thanks to its vitamin C content, yuzu participates in the production of collagen, a protein that plays an essential role in the composition of our skin. This not only repairs the skin, but also strengthens it, moisturizes it and makes it soft and beautiful, while preventing the appearance of wrinkles. Yes, just that!
To fight against skin aging, vitamin C can also take advantage of the help of flavonoids and limonoids, two antioxidants that are also present in yuzu. At three, they fight and eliminate free radicals. This is important because, when these are present in too large a quantity in our body, they attack the cells and cause them to age, which causes wrinkles to appear on our face and our body.
Finally, the yuzu also participates in the healing of the skin and helps to accelerate it.
2) It strengthens the hair
Is your hair thin and brittle? Thanks to the flavonoids it contains, yuzu can help you remedy your hair problems. This is because flavonoids help reduce the permeability of capillaries, which helps strengthen the hair.
For better efficiency, you can apply the yuzu directly to your hair. However, you will then need to mix it with your shampoo because using it alone could irritate your scalp
3) It gives energy
Thanks to its richness in vitamin C, yuzu helps to replenish energy and fight against fatigue. Vitamin C also works on the muscles, helping you not to feel physically weak.
In addition, yuzu significantly promotes the absorption of iron and calcium by the body. However, these two proteins play an essential role against fatigue. If they are not in sufficient quantity in the body, your energy will take a hit.
4) It strengthens the immune system
Besides increasing our energy level, vitamin C also takes care of our immune system. Indeed, vitamin C participates in the defense of immune cells and acts on their mobility. This makes them stronger and more able to fight against external aggressions.
Yuzu also contains other antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which help protect our bodies against disease.
5) It prevents cardiovascular disease
Polyphenols help prevent the development of cardiovascular disease. Indeed, yuzu is particularly effective against platelet aggregation, which can promote the creation of a clot. However, the clot can end up blocking a blood vessel leading to the brain, which would then cause a TIA (transient ischemic attack).
However, to be effective, yuzu must be consumed regularly and as a supplement to a healthy diet.
6) It reduces the risk of suffering from cancer
Among the long list of diseases that yuzu can help prevent is cancer. According to a study, yuzu could indeed prevent cancer by fighting free radicals that attack cells. This is due to the antioxidants they contain, among which we find vitamin C, flavonoids and fiber.
7) It facilitates intestinal transit
The fibers and vitamins found in yuzu help speed up intestinal transit and thus improve digestion. This helps fight digestive disorders such as constipation.
How to consume yuzu?
As we have said, yuzu and its juice are far from being the cheapest products on the market. Fortunately, it is not a fruit that it is customary to chew or drink.
As a general rule, its juice is used as a seasoning and its zest is collected to make a condiment. You will also have difficulty finding fresh yuzu in its natural form. Rather, it is sold as a juice, dehydrated zest and powder.
Thanks to its particular taste, yuzu goes well with both sweet and savory. Great pastry chefs like to use it in their creations, but you can also use it with your meat and fish, in jam or sauce, or in a large number of Japanese recipes and sweet and savory recipes. There are many possibilities!
Either way, don’t have a heavy hand: a small dose of yuzu is usually enough to flavor an entire dish.
How to use Yuzu?
Yuzu cannot be enjoyed on its own, as such. Rather, it is used as a condiment. It goes well with both savory and sweet dishes. It is traditionally found in marinades and sauces for fish and shellfish, or to accompany a small salad of tofu with herbs.
And you, the yuzu, do you like it? Do you already have some in your cupboards?
Health
Managing Chronic Pain: Integrative Techniques for Wellness
Key Takeaways
- Understanding chronic pain and its various treatment options is essential for effective management.
- Lifestyle factors, including diet, exercise, and sleep, can significantly influence chronic pain.
- Integrative techniques, including medical treatments and complementary therapies, are vital in tackling pain holistically.
Understanding Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a persistent type of pain that can last for months or years and may be caused by various factors. In contrast to acute pain, it can continue even after the original injury has healed. Healthcare professionals evaluate a patient’s self-reported pain level and the impact it has on their daily activities to address the complexity of chronic pain. When the underlying cause is unknown, multidisciplinary approaches are necessary to relieve pain.
The Role of Lifestyle in Chronic Pain Management
In the quest for relief, many find solace in discovering a reputable pain clinic near me that employs a range of treatment options. Diet and chronic pain have a significant, if not entirely understood, relationship. Pro-inflammatory foods, excessive caffeine, alcohol, and refined sugars tend to exacerbate inflammation, potentially intensifying pain. On the other hand, anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish, greens, nuts, and seeds may help reduce inflammation and, as a result, pain. Consistent hydration and balanced meals can support the body’s natural coping mechanisms. Creating a personalized diet plan with a nutritionist or dietician can be a proactive step in managing chronic pain through lifestyle. Being physically active is critical to managing chronic pain.
Medical Treatments for Chronic Pain Relief
Medications often serve as the first line of defense in chronic pain management. NSAIDs, for example, are commonly used to alleviate inflammation and pain. Antidepressants and anticonvulsants can also be prescribed for their pain-relieving properties. Caution must be taken, especially with more robust, potentially habit-forming medications such as opioids; these should only be used when necessary and with a strict plan for monitoring and tapering. Furthermore, patients are encouraged to ask their healthcare providers about potential side effects and interactions with other medications.
Beyond pharmacological measures, interventional treatments like nerve blocks, epidural steroid injections, and radiofrequency ablation offer non-surgical pain relief for various conditions. In some cases, these targeted procedures may provide lengthy periods of relief and help patients engage in physical therapy and rehabilitation more effectively.
With chronic pain being such a dynamic and individualized issue, research into new therapeutic methods is ongoing. Treatments such as platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) and stem cell injections are emerging as potential alternatives. They focus on repairing damaged tissues and reducing pain naturally. However, consulting with experienced pain management specialists before considering these advanced options is essential.
Psychological Approaches to Pain Management
Chronic pain has deep psychological and emotional roots in addition to physical causes. Therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) address the thought patterns that can worsen pain perception and decrease the quality of life. Patients can learn to change these thoughts, engage in positive behaviors, and develop strategies to manage setbacks in their pain journey. Biofeedback is a technique that measures and provides real-time data on bodily functions, such as heart rate, muscle tension, and skin temperature. It helps patients gain voluntary control over these functions, and mastering such autonomic processes can improve pain management and give a greater sense of personal power.
Emotional well-being is integral to pain management, as negative emotions can intensify pain perception. Healthcare providers may recommend therapy sessions to address the psychological impacts of chronic pain, helping individuals cope with associated feelings of frustration, depression, or isolation. These therapeutic approaches highlight the importance of treating chronic pain as a comprehensive, biopsychosocial condition.
Navigating the Healthcare System
The complexity of healthcare systems can add a layer of stress for those managing chronic pain. Advocacy is critical. Patients must feel empowered to ask questions and make informed decisions regarding their care. Understanding how health insurance works, what treatments are covered, and how to access necessary medications is imperative. Healthcare professionals can also be invaluable allies in helping patients navigate these systems and ensure that they receive appropriate and timely care.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Pain Management
As we learn more about pain, there is hope for better pain management through new treatments and technologies. For example, virtual reality therapies can help distract patients from pain and reduce its intensity by immersing them in relaxing environments. Scientists are also exploring innovations in pharmaceuticals, non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy apps to treat chronic pain more effectively. Additionally, personalized medicine, which considers an individual’s genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environmental factors, is set to revolutionize pain management.
Health
15 health benefits of yakult and side effects
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Health
What are the side effects of ginger
Table of Contents
- Who should never use ginger
- Today, we are going to see the side effects of ginger and who should never use it.
Ginger has been used for over 5000 years for cooking and also as a remedy in many Asian countries due to its powerful properties. It is currently one of the most widely used plants around the world.
But can such a potent plant have any side effects? The answer is yes, in fact herbalists advise not to take more than 4 grams of it in a single day.
If taken in large amounts, can cause heartburn, gas, bloating, nausea, or upset stomach because it enhances the action of warfarin through heterogeneous mechanisms.
It may increase the risk of bleeding or possibly potentiate the effects of warfarin therapy, especially when taken as a powder.
Who should never use ginger
1. People with ulcers or inflammation
Unchewed fresh ginger can cause intestinal obstruction, and people who have had ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, or blocked intestines may react badly to large amounts of fresh ginger.
2. People with gallstones
Ginger can negatively affect individuals suffering from gallstones and it is therefore contraindicated in this case as it promotes bile production.
3. People with bleeding disorders
It stimulates circulation and increases blood flow while preventing blood clots. It could increase your risk of bleeding, especially if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking medicines that slow blood clotting.
4. Pregnant women
Pregnant women should also be careful because ginger can cause uterine contractions.
It has also been shown to interfere with the absorption of dietary iron and fat soluble vitamins.
It is recommended that you consult an herbalist or naturopath before using it as a supplement or in your diet.
Drinking ginger tea is especially not recommended in the last weeks of pregnancy due to the increased risk of bleeding.
5. Before an operation
According to an article published in “Der Anaesthesist” in 2019, consuming ginger before surgery is also a risk because of the risk of bleeding. If you are due to have surgery, you should avoid drinking it tea within the previous two weeks.
6. Reaction to certain medications
If you are taking medication, seek the advice of your therapist as this may interfere with some medications.
It should also not be consumed by people taking blood thinners, barbiturates, beta blockers, insulin, or those taking antiplatelet therapy.
According to MedlinePlus, a department of the National Institute on Health, it can interact with many other drugs like antacids that can be affected by ginger, by stimulating the production of stomach acid.
Ginger may also interact with other heart medications, antihistamines, cancer treatments, and weight loss medications.
6. Interactions with certain plants
Ginger can also interact with plants that stimulate blood circulation and slow blood clotting like cloves, garlic, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, turmeric, angelica. Combining ginger with these herbs could increase the risk of bleeding.
7. Moderate appetite
A pilot study published in “Metabolism: An Experimental Clinical Study” in 2019, found that ginger reduces appetite and improves feelings of fullness in overweight people.
Researchers in the study believe that ginger’s ability to regulate and modulate levels of the hormone serotonin plays a role in moderating appetite.
Because this is a pilot study, however, more research is needed to validate these results. If you are trying to gain weight, you should know that drinking ginger tea can potentially reduce your appetite.
8. Diabetes – high blood pressure
Avoid taking ginger tea and medicines to thin the blood, such as warfarin or aspirin at the same time.
Ginger can lower blood sugar and blood pressure, so if you are taking medicine for diabetes or high blood pressure, talk to your doctor, as you may not need as much medicine if you are also take ginger tea regularly.
Many of these side effects can be avoided by taking ginger supplements in capsules, such as enteric-coated capsules, which delay digestion of the plant by the body until it enters the digestive tract.
But ginger, if consumed in reasonable amounts, has few bad side effects and is on the FDA’s “Generally Accepted As Safe” food list.
There have been cases where herbal supplements have been sold that are contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs.
Also, herbal supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
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