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Benefits of oranges and side effects

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Discover the amazing health benefits of oranges and side effects.

After long months exposed to the sun’s rays, the orange is offered in the middle of winter as a juicy gift of vitamins and minerals that strengthens the defenses.

In winter, time for oranges. Taking them as fruit or in juice is one of the best options to fill yourself with energy and protect yourself against infections.

But they also offer a huge variety of possibilities to experiment in the kitchen. The uniqueness of this citrus so present in our daily life is such that it even defines one of the colors of the rainbow, orange.

The sweet orange has its origin in the Far East, from China to the Malay Peninsula, although there are those who place it specifically in Vietnam. Oranges are related to the golden fruits of the Garden of the Hesperides in Greek mythology.

In China it is considered a symbol of good fortune and is usually consumed on the second day of the New Year’s party, and in Vietnam it is given to newlyweds, as a symbol of fertility.

Its cultivation spread throughout the East and the Arabs introduced it to Europe through Spain in the 10th century. Columbus himself, on his second trip, took the seeds to America, to the island of Hispaniola (Haiti).

The word orange comes from the Arabic word narandj or naranch , and this from the Persian narang, which in turn derives from the Sanskrit word nagarunga (“the favorite of elephants”, alluding to a legend of a hungry elephant).

Nutrition facts of orange

This juicy winter treat provides all the vitamin C you need each day. This nutrient is essential for resistance to infections (orange juice is not in vain the most used natural resource to prevent colds and flu); increases the absorption of iron, calcium and phosphorus and has antioxidant properties.

But vitamin C is not the only interesting component. The fiber gives the orange digestive properties and the flavonoids collaborate with the vitamins in strengthening the immune system.

Oranges are also rich in thiamine and folic acid, two B vitamins essential for the health of the nervous system. The Sanguine naranajas , red, are also characterized by its richness in beta – carotene.

Health benefits of oranges

Below are the health benefits of oranges:

The peculiar nutritional composition of the orange is related to a series of indications.

1. STRENGTHENS IMMUNITY

Oranges should be in everyone’s diet, but they are especially suitable for those who are low in defenses and are more prone to colds, flu, respiratory allergies or herpes infections. They are antiviral and antibacterial, and neutralize the action of free radicals.

2. IN CASE OF ANEMIA

Orange is also advisable for anemic people and young women who suffer from heavy menstruations, since its vitamin C favors the absorption of iron.

3. REGULATES CHOLESTEROL

The pectin in oranges helps lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Recent scientific studies, carried out from compounds isolated from the peel of the orange – polymethoxylated flavones – have offered better results in reducing LDL cholesterol than some of the drugs prescribed for it, with the advantage that they do not present side effects.

In addition, due to its richness in magnesium , which thins the blood and prevents the formation of clots, it protects against the risk of cardiovascular disorders and stroke.

Taking oranges regularly is also recommended to prevent varicose veins and hemorrhoids, as they protect blood vessels and promote good circulation.

4. DIGESTIVE WELLNESS

Another of the health benefits of oranges is that they act as a stomach and intestinal regulator to relieve gastric spasms and slow and heavy digestions or dyspepsia.

Also, they are carminative in those who are prone to gas, bloating and flatulence. As it is slightly laxative, it is also suitable for constipation problems.

Their high potassium content makes them suitable for hypertensive.

5. STRONG BONES

As a source of vitamin C and calcium, they are very suitable to protect bones and teeth. They are highly recommended to strengthen the joints and reduce the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

6. REMOVES IMPURITIES

Oranges favor the elimination of uric acid through the urine and are purifying. They prevent the formation of stones in the kidney and infections in the urinary tract, such as cystitis. They are very useful for people with arthritis and gout problems.

By stimulating the purifying functions of the liver and kidneys, and due to their low caloric value, they are valid for weight loss.

7. QUALITY ENERGY

Orange is rich in fast absorbing sugars. That is why it is excellent for outdoor sports activities: hiking, cycling, cross-country races … It is not only well tolerated by diabetics, but even recommended.

8. ANTICANCER

Due to its antioxidant effect, some scientific studies link the regular consumption of oranges with the possibility of reducing the risk of certain types of cancer, such as stomach and colon cancer.

One of the reasons is that this fruit prevents nitrites provided by food from being transformed into carcinogenic nitrosamines.

The orange on the table

The best way to enjoy the aroma and delicacy of the orange is by taking it natural, as a tabletop fruit, or as juice.

VARIETIES OF ORANGES

Within the sweet orange tree, numerous varieties are known, included in three basic groups: blood or red oranges, white (such as Valencia Late or Salustiana) and navel-type sweets, with a navel-shaped protrusion at one end.

Navel oranges. They are tasty and do not contain seeds, but they are not very suitable for juice, because they do not contain much juice and they tend to bitter quickly. Instead, its thick crust is excellent for candying.

Valencia Late. It is perhaps the most consumed in the world. It gives a lot of juice, with a subtly acid flavor. It is a somewhat elongated orange, with a thin rind, with or without seeds in the pulp, which ripens in late spring.

Salustiana orange. From the white group, it is a large orange with a sweet taste, with more carotenes, which hardly contains seeds. It is harvested from November to March and is usually used to obtain juice, although it is also very appropriate for salads in the form of loose segments.

Blood orange. With fine and smooth skin, it is very juicy. It is clearly distinguished by being tinted with a precious garnet red, very suitable for highlighting desserts. It is ideal for juices and very antioxidant. Today it is not easily found, as it is only grown in the Mediterranean and requires special conditions, such as low night temperatures.

Sevillana. It is the most important variety among bitter oranges. Medium in size, slightly flattened at the ends and with thick and rough skin. Its bitter taste makes it unsuitable to be eaten raw but it is ideal for preparing jams and certain bittersweet sauces or for flavoring liqueurs.

IN THE KITCHEN

The zest of the orange peel can substitute the lemon zest in many recipes such as custard, milk pudding, etc. The segments can be added to salads with watercress, endives, beets, red onion, lamb’s lettuce, endive, and other fruits.

When cooking, whether it is sweet desserts or savory dishes, they can be spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, tarragon etc.

They combine very well with dark chocolate and carob, and are essential in fruit salad, to which they give juiciness and texture, in addition to helping other fruits such as banana do not blacken.

We hope the article on the amazing health benefits of oranges has been of help to you

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9 Benefits of strawberries and side effects

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7 Benefits of Epazote and side effects

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Discover the 7 shocking health benefits of Epazote and side effects.

Epazote, also known as paico or acahualillo, is a widely used medicinal plant, as its essential oils contain vermifuge, antibiotic, digestive properties, and strengthen the immune system.

This plant, whose scientific name is Chenopodium Ambrosioides, grows spontaneously in lands that surround the houses, it has elongated leaves of different sizes and dark green, its flowers are small and whitish.

 

Epazote can be bought in certain markets or health food stores, in its natural form, in dehydrated leaves, or essential oil.

Because it is considered a plant with a degree of toxicity, it should preferably be used under the guidance of a health professional, in addition to the use of tea from its leaves instead of essential oil, since it contains a higher concentration of potentially toxic substances.

Health Benefits of Epazote

Although epazote is a plant that is widely used in traditional medicine, it has few studies that confirm its properties in the body.

Despite this, several investigations have been carried out with this plant in animals, concluding that it has effects such as:

1. Eliminate intestinal parasites

This is one of the most popular uses of epazote and, according to some human studies, the use of this plant has a strong action against different intestinal parasites, such as worms and tapeworms.

This action seems to be related to the main active substance in epazote, ascaridol, which is similar in efficacy to some antiparasitic drugs, such as Albendazole.

2. Benefits of epazote for immune system

According to research carried out in animals, the use of epazote extract seems to be able to regulate the production of some cells important for the body’s defense, such as macrophages and lymphocytes, strengthening the immune system.

The mixture of epazote leaves with milk is popularly used to help in the treatment of respiratory diseases, such as bronchitis and tuberculosis, due to the union of the strengthening effects of the immune system and expectorants that these substances possess.

3. Benefits of epazote for inflammation

Another common use of epazote is in the relief of inflammation, mainly joint problems, such as osteoarthritis. Additionally, the plant also helps relieve pain from inflammation.

This analgesic action was observed in the use of the alcoholic extract of the plant, which seems to act on the NMDA receptors.

4. Benefits of epazote for digestion

Although there are no studies that prove the action of this plant on poor digestion, this is one of the popular uses in which it is used the most.

According to its use, epazote tea can be taken after large meals, to improve digestion, as it could be able to increase gastric juice production.

5. Benefits of epazote for  blood pressure

In Morocco, epazote is frequently used to help treat high blood pressure and, according to studies in mice, this property is due to the stimulation of type 2 muscarinic receptors in the heart that slightly decrease the heart rate. , in addition to relaxing the heart muscle.

6. Combat bacterial, viral, and fungal infections

Both the use of epazote extract and essential oil has shown a powerful antimicrobial action that is capable of eliminating various types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

7. Avoid osteoporosis

In some investigations carried out in laboratory mice, the use of the hydroalcoholic extract of epazote was able to prevent the loss of bone density and can be applied to prevent the onset of osteoporosis, especially in women who are close to entering menopause.

Is epazote used to treat coronavirus?

study carried out in 2020 by the Oswaldo Cruz Institute, confirmed the hypothesis that the flavonoids present in epazote may be able to prevent the replication of the new coronavirus, accelerating the recovery and cure of COVID-19.

However, the study was conducted on a computer model and has not been tested in a laboratory, nor living organisms.

For this reason, the dose necessary for treatment is not known, nor are the possible side effects.

For this reason, no health organ recommends the use of epazote as a treatment for COVID-19 until new studies are carried out.

How to use epazote

The most common way to take advantage of the properties of this plant is by infusing its leaves, preparing a tea:

Epazote tea: place a cup of the fresh plant with the seeds in boiling water and let it rest for 10 minutes. Afterward, strain and drink a cup up to 3 times a day.

In addition to infusion, another popular way to use epazote is an essential oil, however, its use must be guided by a naturopath, psychotherapist, or a health professional with experience in the use of medicinal plants.

How to Make epazote tea

Ingredients
8 large stems and leaves of fresh epazote
2 quarts boiling water

Procedure

  • Add epazote to boiling water and let simmer for 2 minutes.
  • ove from heat and let steep for another 3 minutes.
  • Strain and serve.
Side effects of epazote

Side effects of epazote include irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, headache, vomiting, nausea, palpitations, damage to the liver or kidneys, visual disturbances, and seizures, in case of doses higher than recommended or for a time. longer than 3 days in a row.

Is epazote abortifacient?

In high doses, the properties of epazote can act by altering the contractility of the body’s muscles; For this reason, it can have an abortive effect in certain people, not advising its use in pregnant women.

Contraindications

Epazote is contraindicated in pregnant women and children under 2 years of age.

This medicinal herb can be toxic, requiring a medical indication to establish the recommended dose

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Contraindications and side effects of Trazodone

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Discover the Contraindications and side effects of Trazodone.

Trazodone is used in a wide variety of disorders, although it is an antidepressant.

Being depression one of the most prevalent mental disorders worldwide and one of the major causes of disability, its treatment is a matter that the scientific community has taken into account for many years.

The suffering it generates requires sometimes immediate attention since it is one of the disorders with the highest risk of suicide and that generates the most pain both for the person and for those around him.

The treatment of depression is carried out from different areas, one of them being psychopharmacology.

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One of the drugs used in the treatment of depression is trazodone, which we are going to talk about in this article.

Trazodone: what type of substance is it?

Trazodone is a psychotropic drug classified within antidepressants, substances that generate a neurochemical change at the brain level, causing alterations in the levels of certain neurotransmitters, specifically serotonin.

Among antidepressants, it is part and is the main representative of the group of serotonin-2A antagonists and reuptake inhibitors or SARIs, a type of atypical antidepressant.

This drug was designed in Italy in 1966 under the assumption that depression could be based on the existence of low thresholds regarding the perception of pain and suffering, being the product of the lack of integration of aversive experiences.

Trazodone has proven to be an efficient and effective drug in the treatment of depression, reducing passivity and inactivity, as well as the discomfort and suffering associated with said ailment, and facilitating an increase in mood.

However, in addition to this, it also has an anxiolytic and tranquilizing action.

This substance is considered a second-generation antidepressant, along with specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), with which it shares part of its mechanism of action, and different dual antidepressants.

Trazodone is sometimes considered to be dual as it has two different effects, although they focus on the same neurotransmission system, compared to the rest, and in addition to an antidepressant effect, it also has calming effects.

How does it work? Mechanism of action of the drug

As we have indicated previously, trazodone is classified as SARI, having a somewhat special mechanism of action among the rest of antidepressants.

Trazodone acts at the serotonergic system level (like most antidepressants) in two specific ways.

In the first place, this substance produces a blockage of brain serotonin reuptake, in such a way that said neurotransmitter remains in the synaptic space for a longer time.

This supposes that it has an agonist effect on the synthesis and maintenance of serotonin at the brain level, it increases its levels (which are decreased during the depression and this is something that correlates with the decrease in the mood).

The aforementioned mechanism of action is the one used by SSRIs, which is why these and trazodone are related and sometimes the latter is included among the first.

However, trazodone has a second effect that differentiates it from other drugs, and that seems contrary to the previous mechanism of action.

And it is also that it acts as an antagonist of serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, preventing or hindering these receptors from being activated.

This second aspect is what makes trazodone have a slightly different profile and effects than other antidepressants.

Regarding its interaction with other neurotransmitter systems, it does not present great anticholinergic effects, something that has made this drug a better option than tricyclics (although the doses must also be regulated) in patients with cerebrovascular and cardiac pathology and dementias.

However, it must be taken into account that it can generate arrhythmias.

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It also has a minor effect on the adrenergic (blocking some receptors) and histaminergic systems, something that can lead to the generation of side effects.

Main indications

The main indication for trazodone is obviously, as an antidepressant that it is, major depression. Its effectiveness is also high in those depressions that appear together with anxiety symptoms.

Its clinical utility has also been observed in other disorders in which there are components of anxiety or that are based on it, such as generalized anxiety disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or bulimia.

In addition to this, it has also been observed to be useful for the treatment of substance addictions, being a good alternative for patients with withdrawal syndrome to benzodiazepines, and in the treatment of alcoholism (including the presence of delirium tremens).

Another of its indications is insomnia, which is effectively reduced by increasing sleep time without greatly affecting the deep sleep phase.

Although in general, most antidepressants can have the presence of erectile dysfunction or ejaculation problems as a side effect, this effect does not usually occur in trazodone, which seems to generate an increase in libido and is even used as a treatment indicated in erectile dysfunction.

Finally, trazodone has been applied (largely for its relaxing properties) in some cases of schizophrenia, motor problems such as Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, the presence of manic episodes in bipolar disorder, and the behavioral disorders of Alzheimer’s. although a greater amount of study is required regarding the latter.

On a medical level, it has also been used as a sedative in HIV-infected patients and diabetic neuropathies, as well as in other disorders that cause pain such as fibromyalgia. It has a very slight effect at the level of muscle relaxant.

Side effects and contraindications

Trazodone is a very useful drug that has been used in multiple pathologies and disorders, both mental and medical.

However, it can have undesirable consequences in the form of side effects and is even contraindicated in some situations and pathologies.

Secondary symptoms, sedation, and fatigue, the presence of headaches, nausea, and vomiting, gastric disturbances (diarrhea or constipation), appetite disturbances, sweating, tremors (which may lead to seizures in some cases), are common. ringing, numbness, and vision problems.

In some cases, it can also cause chest and muscle pain, altered consciousness, breathing problems, and arrhythmias. Like other antidepressants, trazodone can also contribute to the genesis of suicidal ideation in the first moments of use.

Although, unlike other antidepressants, it does not seem to generate contributes to improving cases of erectile dysfunction or ejaculatory problems, the use of trazodone has been observed and associated with the appearance of priapism, erections that do not disappear on their own. alone and that cause pain to those who suffer from them (which may require urgent and even surgical treatment).

Although it is sometimes used in dementias and has a lower risk than tricyclics of generating heart problems, it requires a high degree of caution in its use and dosage carefully prescribed by the doctor, since it can generate arrhythmias.

It is contraindicated in patients who have just suffered a heart attack, as well as in those with liver or kidney disease.

Caution should be exercised in subjects with bipolarity because if the medication is not regulated, the consumption of trazodone can cause a shift from depressive to manic phase.

It is also contraindicated in people who have suffered from priapism or have Peyronie’s disease.

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Finally, it must be taken into account that trazodone can be excreted in breast milk and transmitted through the placenta so that pregnant and lactating women have contraindicated its use.

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