Health

10 health benefits of amaranth and side effects

Published

1 year ago

February 14, 2024

admin

Table of Contents

- Amaranth characteristics
Health benefits of amaranth
Traditional uses of amaranth
Side effects of amaranth
The benefits of amaranth are very little known but here we will show you its miraculous benefits that you may not know so that you can put into practice now.
Amaranth leaves are nutritious leafy vegetables and are available in a variety of colors (shades of green and red); This leafy vegetable can be consumed in the form of soups, French fries, simmered dishes, and sauces.

Known as a scholar in Hindi, amaranth leaves are an excellent source of essential nutrients and trace elements.

The botanical name for this plant is Amaranthus cruentus. These plants were cultivated for 8000 years. These grains are somewhat identical to rice or corn.

Amaranth is an extremely nutritious plant that confers a wide range of benefits, showing that diet affects many areas of body function and health.

Both the leaves and seeds of the plant are edible and for the most part, the nutrients present in the seeds are also available in the leaves.

Many of these species are considered weeds; however, people around the world consume amaranth as grains and cereals for its many health benefits.

Amaranth has a long history and has been in use for many centuries by many different cultures.

The various species are now sold through many countries including India, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, and the Caribbean.

While still new in Europe and America, amaranth seeds, such as buckwheat and quinoa, are becoming more popular in restaurant dishes and food stores.

In Mexico, the sautéed seeds are turned into a sugary sweet called joy. In Nepal, amaranth is made into a porridge called tattoo. Peruvians ferment these amaranth seeds to produce a type of beer.

A common food source in Africa, grain amaranth is valued for its ability to improve nutrition while supporting rural development and sustainable agriculture.

In Africa, this vegetable is even recommended by doctors for people who have low red blood cell counts.

Amaranth characteristics

Amaranth is a large, bushy annual plant generally about 90-130 cm tall. It has pointed, oblong-lanceolate green leaves, normally arranged alternately 2-4 inches long. The stems are erect, branched.

The plant produces flowers in summer or fall (August and October) that are pink or white.

The seeds are yellow, white, red, brown, pink, or black in spherical or flattened lenticular shape.

It prefers warm weather and thrives in well-drained soils. As the plant is annual, it has a shelf life of one year.

Health benefits of amaranth

Amaranth is rich in antioxidants, proteins, vitamins, and minerals that make it a healthy food by preventing chronic diseases, enhancing the immune system, stimulating repair and growth, reducing inflammation and blood pressure, decreasing varicose veins, and promote bone strength, and others.

It can be consumed as a leafy vegetable, whole grain flour, or cereal grain. Other benefits of amaranth include:

1.- High in protein

Amaranth has a huge amount of protein that the body needs to break down plant protein into amino acids and can be reformed into usable proteins.

Protein is vital for the development and growth of new tissues and cells, energy, and metabolic functions. Even the leaves also have beneficial proteins in them.

2.- Antioxidant properties

Research shows that the peptide found in amaranth helps reduce inflammation and prevents free radical damage from mutation of healthy cells to cancer cells.

Anti-inflammatory activities eliminate health conditions like gout, arthritis, and inflammation.

3.- Benefits of amaranth for bones

As if that were not enough, another of the benefits of amaranth is that they have several minerals such as calcium.

It improves the strength of the bones and also prevents osteoporosis. Calcium is essential to prevent bone demineralization.

4.- Benefits of amaranth for digestion

Amaranth is high in fiber content that aids in digestion and promotes mineral absorption.

It is gluten-free, which provides an alternative source of grain for gluten intolerance or Celiac disease patients.

5.- Benefits of amaranth for Heart health

The dietary fiber in amaranth helps balance cholesterol by reducing bad cholesterol from the cardiovascular system.

It also has a high amount of vitamin K that improves heart health. Potassium lowers blood pressure by reducing stress on the cardiovascular system, dilation of blood vessels, and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.

The high concentration of phytosterols helps reduce bad cholesterol.

6.- Reduce varicose veins

Another benefit of amaranth is that it has flavonoids such as rutin that eradicates varicose veins by enhancing the capillary walls.

It is also rich in vitamin C, which is essential for the production of collagen, strengthening and repairing the walls of the blood vessels.

7.- Benefits of amaranth for eyes

An adequate amount of vitamin A and carotenoids in amaranth leaves help improve eye health.

These antioxidants eliminate the chances of macular degeneration and cataracts. Decreases oxidative stress on the ocular system leading to strong and healthy vision.

8.- Prevent birth defects

Folate is vital for pregnant mothers because folate deficiency leads to neural tube defects in newborns. Add amaranth grains or leaves to the diet because it provides adequate folate.

9.- Benefits of amaranth for weight loss

Amaranth leaves and grains aid weight loss by releasing the satiated appetite hormone. Dietary fiber makes you feel full for a long time, eliminating snacking between meals.

10.- Benefits of amaranth for hair

Scientists indicate that another benefit of amaranth is that it has lysine, which is a rare amino acid that cannot be produced by the body.

Increases the efficiency of calcium uptake and strengthens the follicles that help prevent baldness. The application of juice from the leaves after shampooing prevents hair loss by strengthening the hair.

Traditional uses of amaranth

This herb is used by practitioners to obstruct bleeding. Amaranth is used as an astringent and as a treatment for diarrhea, mouth ulcers, and excessive menstrual flow.

This herb helps in treating mouth ulcers. It is also used externally to heal vaginal discharges, nosebleeds, and other abrasions. The green leaves of amaranth are used to improve eyesight.

Side effects of amaranth

Amaranth has some toxic or undesirable components, it must be consumed in the kitchen. Children are intolerant to lysinuric protein which can cause stomach pain and diarrhea.

Lysine increases the absorption of calcium in the body. So the huge intake of calcium and lysine should be avoided at the same time.

Pregnant or nursing women should avoid amaranth to be on the safe side.

Nutritional value of amaranth

Among the benefits of amaranth are minerals and vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, calcium, folate, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, and potassium. It also has a large amount of lysine, which is not often found in other grains.

How to eat amaranth

The younger leafy greens and small varieties are eaten as a salad and the older leafy greens are used as a substitute for spinach.

Amaranth is added as an ingredient in pasta, bread, instant drinks, baby food, etc. It could be added to soups or stews and also taken as a breakfast cereal.

Amaranth flour can be mixed with wheat flour to make bread or other foods. The seed could be cooked or roasted as germ greens.

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Health

7 Benefits of cashew nuts and side effects

Published

11 months ago

April 29, 2024

admin

Table of Contents

1 / Excellent Source Of Minerals, Vitamins And Antioxidants
2 / Benefits of cashew nuts for weight loss
3 / Benefits of cashew nuts for heart
4 / An Oilseed To Be In Good Shape
5 / Benefits of cashew nuts for Cancer
6 / Reduce The Risk Of Diabetes
7 / The Best Food For Good Bone And Dental Health
Discover the 7 Health Benefits Of Cashew Nuts and side effects.
“Cashews,” or more commonly known as cashews, are oilseeds that are beneficial to general health. Coming from Brazil, these bean-shaped fruits indeed hold many virtues, in addition to being succulent!
They are consumed in different ways: in yoghurt, in drinks, in biscuits, in butter… Belonging to the same family as peanuts, pistachios or almonds, cashew nuts have very good nutritional values. Below, discover 7 indisputable health benefits of cashew nuts .

1 / Excellent Source Of Minerals, Vitamins And Antioxidants

The cashew nut has many nutritional properties. It provides an important supply of vitamins, and in particular vitamin B6, B1 and B2, which play a crucial role in the body.

These vitamins help in the production of red blood cells as well as tissue regeneration. They help in the production of energy necessary for cells.

This nut also contains vitamin K, which promotes blood clotting. Without forgetting vitamin E, which ensures the protection of the cells.

In addition, cashews are a great source of minerals, including copper and magnesium. Magnesium stimulates the functioning of the immune system and helps in the formation of bones. Copper helps fight free radicals and participates in the production of hemoglobin.

The cashew nut also has a significant level of zinc, manganese, iron and phosphorus. And that’s not all, rich in fiber, it guarantees the proper mechanism of the digestive system.

Finally, it contains a large amount of antioxidants, able to stop various diseases. In short, the cashew nut is an inexhaustible source of benefits.

2 / Benefits of cashew nuts for weight loss

Yes, it is a good appetite suppressant. Thanks to vegetable proteins and the fibers they contain, cashews accelerate the feeling of satiety.

So, in order to appease your little cravings, consider consuming a few nuts between your meals. Moreover, the cashew nut is especially recommended in the event that you want to lose your extra pounds.

Although it has a very low calorie intake, it has a fairly low blood sugar and fat level, compared to other nuts. Due to its good content of good cholesterol, it helps stabilize the level of bad cholesterol in the blood.

Anyway, to comply with a balanced and healthy diet, you are not advised to overeat. In fact, if you take it in excess, it can have the opposite effect – to gain weight.

3 / Benefits of cashew nuts for heart

Several studies have shown that eating oil and nuts, such as cashews, helps maintain health. The cashew nut would indeed reduce the risks of cardiovascular disorders, but also of other diseases such as colon cancer in women or gallstones.

Rich in lipids in the form of monounsaturated fatty acids, cashew nuts provide good fats, able to lower bad cholesterol levels and maintain cardiovascular health.

In addition, the antioxidants and magnesium in the cashew nut help fight heart disease and lower blood pressure, while relaxing blood vessels. Nutritionally, it is clear that this nut is one of the best oilseeds.

4 / An Oilseed To Be In Good Shape

The cashew nut is a surefire weapon to resist fatigue. Thanks to the magnesium and the vitamins it contains, it helps to fill up with energy. Its iron content promotes the body’s absorption of all these elements it contains.

You will quickly understand that the cashew nut will also be beneficial to you to overcome anemia. In addition, it has a positive effect on sleep thanks to magnesium which is an excellent anti-stress.

Scientific studies have proven that the almond in cashew nuts is an excellent natural antidepressant without noticeable side effects.

The risks of mental disorders, anxiety, depression and insanity itself can be avoided by consuming this nut.

In addition, it improves the productivity of a person because this almond strongly stimulates the nervous system. and thus increases its efficiency.

5 / Benefits of cashew nuts for Cancer

Along with vitamin E, selenium, and copper from cashews, this fruit is effective against cancer. These antioxidants indeed support the body in the fight against free radicals, these elements which are favorable to the degeneration of cells.

And in some cases, the cells, which break down, can even turn cancerous. Even to slow down the development of these cancerous cells, cashew nut can avoid the risk of cancer of the intestine and colon.

6 / Reduce The Risk Of Diabetes

While cashew nut can prevent type 2 diabetes from occurring, it can also be consumed to fight diabetes in people who already have diabetes.

Composed of unsaturated fatty acids, this oleaginous plant helps lower the level of triglycerides contained in the blood. If this rate is too high, it can lead to cardiovascular problems.

On the other hand, it seems that the cashew nut extract has beneficial properties to effectively treat diabetes.

After some research, it has indeed been revealed that cashew nut extract facilitates the assimilation of blood sugar.

7 / The Best Food For Good Bone And Dental Health

Made up of copper and magnesium, as has already been mentioned before, cashew nuts contribute to healthy bones. If you have growing children, feed them cashews regularly, but in moderation.

It will do them the greatest good. In addition, this fruit preserves the health of the gums and teeth. It eliminates bacteria generated by gum disease, tuberculosis, tooth decay and acne.

Thanks to its high phosphorus content, cashew nut is useful for building bones and teeth.

This keeps them in very good health. And by the way, phosphorus helps participate in the regeneration and development of tissues. It stabilizes the pH of the blood.

We hope the article on the 7 incredible health benefits of cashew nuts has been of help.

Health

Cascara sagrada: origin, benefits and possible risks

Published

11 months ago

April 29, 2024

admin

Table of Contents

Benefits of Cascara sagrada
Possible risks and contraindications
Dosage and mode of consumption
What should you remember about cascara sagrada?
Cascara sagrada is a popular remedy to combat constipation. However, there are some concerns about its use. Find out everything about this plant.
Cascara sagrada, scientifically named Rhamnus purshiana, is a shrub native to temperate North America. It has elliptical leaves, little toothed, that measure between 4 and 8 centimeters.
In addition, the tree reaches between 6 and 12 meters in height. Although it blooms and produces black drupe-shaped fruits, its bark is often used, which concentrates on medicinal substances.
In particular, it is known as a natural laxative, since it promotes intestinal motility to facilitate the evacuation of stool.

Still, its use is not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has some warnings about its possible risks. Do you want to know more about it?
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Benefits of Cascara sagrada

Cascara sagrada is also known as “California sea buckthorn,” “sacred bark,” “bearberry,” or “yellow bark.” Since ancient times, the natives have used the bark of this tree for medicinal purposes, especially for the relief of digestive disorders such as constipation.

In fact, in the 1890s, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its initial use as an over-the-counter laxative.

However, this approval was withdrawn in 2002, given the lack of evidence on its safety and efficacy.

That said, it is important to note that there are not enough scientific studies on the properties and effects of cascara sagrada.

A review released through Phytotherapy Research details that emodin, an anthraquinone present in the plant, is behind its laxative effect.

This substance is responsible for inhibiting the absorption of water and electrolytes in the intestines.

Thus, the volume of stool increases, as does the pressure within the intestine.

The result of this process is the stimulation of peristalsis, which allows an optimal evacuation of feces.

However, the plant has been classified as a “stimulating laxative” and its effect is milder than other plants such as senna.

Even its mechanism is different from options such as psyllium since the latter creates a kind of gel that facilitates the elimination of waste retained in the intestine.

However, keep in mind that it is not currently an FDA-approved treatment to relieve constipation.

Still, it is available as a herbal dietary supplement or as an ingredient in prescription laxatives. It is estimated that it induces evacuation about 8 or 12 hours after consumption.

Natural options for constipation are not always authorized for use by competent bodies, as is the case with cascara sagrada.

Possible risks and contraindications

To calm constipation, this plant should be used only occasionally and in the short term. Its use is estimated to be safe and well-tolerated in most healthy adults. Still, some may experience abdominal pain or cramps when ingesting the remedy.

The most serious problems arise from the excessive consumption of cascara sagrada.

The studies determined that anthraquinone is harmful when ingested in quantities exaggerated.

It is also believed to cause melanosis coli, an abnormal blackish-brown color located in the colon.

If consumed for one or two weeks, it causes a significant loss of electrolytes that leads to a state of dehydration. Consequently, the following symptoms are also possible:

Severe nausea

Feeling of weakness or fatigue.

Headache.

Muscle spasms.

Heart rhythm disturbances.

Numbness or tingling in the extremities.

Decreased urine output

Confusion.

Rebound constipation.

Due to the lack of scientific studies, it is not known if it is safe in certain populations with special characteristics. Therefore, it is contraindicated in the following cases:

Pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Kids.

Patients with diverticular disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or severe hemorrhoids.

People with cardiovascular diseases.

Severe anemia

Recent colon surgery.

Gastrointestinal cancer patients.

People with liver or kidney disease.

Suspicion of appendicitis.

The simultaneous consumption of cascara sagrada with the following medications is not recommended :

Cardiac glycosides, such as digoxin, digitoxin, and digitonin.

Corticosteroid drugs.

Dehydration pictures present confusion, tiredness, and fatigue. These are some of the side effects of cascara sagrada.

Dosage and mode of consumption

To date, a recommended dose for ingesting cascara sagrada has not been specified. It can vary according to the age, weight, and health of the person.

Therefore, it is essential to follow the supplement manufacturer’s recommendations. The plant is available in the form of powder, capsules, tinctures, and teas. It should not be used for more than 3 days.

What should you remember about cascara sagrada?

You will likely come across cascara sagrada supplements when looking for complementary constipation remedies.

Still, you should know that it is not a first-line treatment for this disease. It must be used with great caution, due to the risks involved.

If you choose to consume it, you should not exceed the dose suggested by the manufacturer or prolong your intake for many days.

If possible, consult your doctor to find other alternatives

Health

Sore feet? Grandmother’s Remedy To Instantly Relieve Them

Published

11 months ago

April 29, 2024

admin

Table of Contents

What you need
How to do
Results
Why does it work?
Discover Grandmother’s Remedy To Instantly Relieve sore feet.
After a long day, the feet are sore and swollen …

Especially if it’s hot and you’re wearing heels …

And what about their condition after a long walk?

Fortunately, there is a super-effective grandma’s trick to soothe and instantly deflate feet.

The natural remedy is to take an apple cider vinegar and salt foot bath. Look, it’s very simple:
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What you need
- 2 glasses of cider vinegar
- salt
- Hot water
- basin
How to do
1. Heat the water.
2. Pour the water into the basin.
3. Add the apple cider vinegar.
4. Add a good handful of salt.
5. Immerse your feet in it for 15 min.
6. Take your feet out and let them air dry without wiping them.
Results

And There you go! Thanks to this grandmother’s remedy, your feet deflated in just a few minutes 🙂

Easy, fast, and economical, isn’t it?

No more sore feet after a hard day!

Thanks to this trick, you know how to deflate the feet.

And the pain will subside as it goes.

If you have swollen ankles, this foot bath will do you good too.

Take this bath regularly.

Because not only it refreshes and relaxes the feet, but in addition, they will deflate quickly.

You will finally relieve your foot pain quickly!

Considering the price of apple cider vinegar, be aware that you can also use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar.

Why does it work?

The action of hot water and apple cider vinegar soothes and rests the feet.

This allows them to deflate quite naturally.

Apple cider vinegar also purifies the skin, which limits odor and perspiration.

Burning feet syndrome

This grandmother’s remedy can also soothe the burning sensation under the soles of the feet.

If you have burning feet, try this apple cider vinegar foot bath.

But be careful, do not put hot water in your foot bath, but cold water.

It will partly calm the feeling of heating that you feel under the foot.

In this case, do not prolong your foot bath for more than 5 minutes