An organization to increase awareness for living a healthy life by taking natural foods, doing exercises, yoga, sound sleep and stress free lifestyle. The organization is based in Calgary, AB, Canada. The organization is non-profit, non-political and non-religious.
Tuesday, 23 February 2016
Sunday, 7 February 2016
Toxic Ingredients to avoid in Makeup and skincare products
Toxic Ingredients to avoid
in Makeup and Skincare Products
Our skin is a porous organ and it absorbs a lot of what we
put on it. Simply, when you take a shower an average of 1.5 liters of water is
soaked by our body. Have you ever counted how many cosmetics or personal care
products you use in a day ? To name a few chances are they include toothpaste,
deodorant, hair conditioner, shampoo, soap, lip balm, body lotion, sunscreen,
shaving products for men, cosmetics for women, and baby oils for children.
These cosmetics contain a wide range of synthetic chemicals
that do not sit on the surface of our skin because they are designed to
penetrate and they do. Recent studies indicate that many cosmetic ingredients
do appear in tissues, urine and human fat. Feminization of male babies is
linked to a common fragrant component diethylphthalate.
Baby
oil : Take a deep breath as you are going to learn that baby oil is
actually a mineral oil. Mineral oil is a liquid by product of the distillation
of petroleum to produce gasoline from crude oil. Human skin is responsible for
the production of vitamin D when exposed to sun's ultra violet rays. It cools
the body and ejects toxin through sweat. Mineral oil prohibits skin from
performing these vital tasks. Mineral oil is considered "
comedogenic" which means it can clog your pores and increase your risk of
acne and blackheads.
Mineral oil is commonly found
in baby oil, vaseline, petroleum jelly, moisturizers, foundation to lip balm.
It is known by different names like liquid petroleum, paraffin oil, and white
mineral oil. According to 2011 study mineral oil hydrocarbons are the greatest
contaminant of human body, amounting to one gram per person. It actually seals
your skin and prevents it from breathing.
Baby oil should never be used on babies skin. It can cause
permanent brain damage and death when inhaled.
As you know that babies love to put their hands in their mouth and
whatever is on their hands is also going in their mouths. It leads to
nutritional deficiencies specifically fat soluble vitamins A,D,E & K .
"Don't
put anything on your skin you would not eat."
Shine in your lip gloss also contains petroleum jelly and
when you spread it on your lips , it ends up in your body. Over years of
accumulated petroleum jelly it can easily cross 7 pounds. Over use of it can cause various hormonal
disruptions like endometriosis, miscarriages, ovarian abnormalities and decreased
immune function. Mineral oil damages
skin cells and cause serious damage to kidney and liver. It can cause elevated
estrogen levels and hormonal imbalance, low sperm count, low sex drive,
testicular and prostate cancers. Daily and continuous use of products
containing mineral oil is linked to breast cancer, thyroid disease, early
puberty in girls, weight gain, irregular menses and depression.
Chemicals
of concern in cosmetics :
Coal
tar derived colours or dyes : Coal tar is derived from petroleum and is
a known carcinogen ( cancer causing). It is generally contaminated with
aluminum substrate and cause brain
damage . Women who used hair dyes for a longer period had an increased risk of
developing non- Hodgkin's lymphoma ( Cancer of the lymph system).
Sodium
laureth sulfate (SLES) or sodium lauryl
sulfate(SLS) : These are found in
cosmetics like shampoos, shower gels, facial cleansers, dish soap and act as detergent, make bubbles and foam.
It can cause skin, eye and respiratory tract irritation.
Triclosan
: Triclosan is used in diverse range
of products including hand sanitizers, tooth paste, cleansers, antiperspirants,
and antibacterial cosmetics. It is a suspected endocrine disrupter and cause
antibiotic resistant bacteria. It is also used as a preservative to resist
bacteria, mold, fungus etc. and is added to garbage bags, toys, linens,
mattresses, toilet fixtures and fabrics.
Parabens
: Methyl paraben, propyl paraben, isobutyl paraben, ethyl paraben ,and
benzyl paraben are used as a preservative in deodorants and anti-perspirants.
These can disrupt hormones and interfere with reproductive functions and easily
penetrates the skin.
BHA
and BHT : Butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene are used
in lipsticks and moisturizers as preservatives. these chemicals can easily
cause allergic reactions in the skin, kidney, thyroid, liver problems and lung
diseases.
DBP
: Dibutyl phthalates are included in nail products as a solvent. These
are linked to cause development defects, genetic mutations, changes in testes
and prostate problems.
PEG
Compounds : Propylene glycol,
polyethylene glycol are contaminated with 1,4- dioxane and cause cancer, damage
the nervous system and interferes with human development.
Cyclomethicone,
cyclotetrasiloxane : These are used to soften, smoothen and moisten as
facial treatments. But they are responsible for causing uterine cancers, harm
the reproductive and immune system.
Read labels ! If you can't pronounce it, don't use it. It
doesn't sound natural.
Only use products made from living organic ingredients
directly from the mother earth.
Coconut
oil stands above all the natural oils :
Cleansing
with coconut oil : Massage with
coconut oil liberates the oil from your skin along with impurities. When you
apply steam with hot wash cloth to your face, dirty oil is lifted which you can easily remove or wipe away.
Coconut oil is a great cleanser, moisturizer, antibacterial and full of
antioxidants. It is suitable for all skin types. It helps improve stretch
marks, scars , fine lines and wrinkles.
How
to clean your face with coconut oil ?
1. Put about a teaspoon of coconut oil on the palm of your
hand.
2. Warm the oil by rubbing with both hands back and forth.
3. Massage the oil onto your face with small circular
strokes for about a minute.
4. Take a wash cloth and rinse it in hot water and wring out
extra water and place the cloth on your face for at least 30 seconds.
5. Now wipe the oil gently and completely .
Natural
Homemade baby Oils :
The following types of essential oils can be used on their
own or in combination formulas that are
significantly more eco-friendly than mineral oil.
Primrose oil : Primrose oil is generally added to homemade
baby oils as a protectant against skin diseases, and rashes.
Chamomile oils :
Such as Roman Chamomile, German Chamomile are very calming, soothing and
helpful in easing skin irritations.
Rose oil : It
soothes and softens a baby's skin with its natural delicate and pleasant scent.
Sweet almond oil :
This oil is very effective for babies
with very sensitive skin and moisturize the skin for a longer period.
Emu oil : Emu is an Australian Bird and its oil
contains both oleic and linoleic acids and makes a superb moisturizer as it
gets absorbed very thoroughly in the skin.
Camellia oil : or Tea seed oil is very rich in vitamins A
and B vitamins and enriches your skin. It has no scent and very light weight.
Olive oil : Olive oil has abundance of antioxidants like
vitamin A and E . They help repair skin from inside out and acts as a
moisturizer too. Keep in mind it needs damp skin before applying olive oil in
order to reduce greasiness.
Coconut oil :
Coconut oil is one of the best oil for all types of skins including sensitive
skins. It can be used with other essential oils too. it is a great moisturizer
as well as antibacterial.
"GOOD HEALTH "
Sukhwinder Brar
President
Healthy lifestyle Knowledge Foundation
Why
You Should Use Aluminum- Free Deodorant ?
The next
time you lift your hand for your favourite deodorant or antiperspirant to get
rid of that embarrassing odour, think twice - for some of these may cause
serious health problems, including cancer. An adult human body has about two
million sweat glands that keep our body cool by producing sweat. There are two
types of sweat glands, eccrine and apocrine. The eccrine glands are temperature
sensitive and adjust the amount of sweat and keep the skin moist. The apocrine
sweat glands on the other hand
controlled by body's hormone system and are activated by emotional
stress.
Deodorants,
antiperspirants and Perfumes:
Body odour is caused by bacteria breaking down apocrine sweat on the
skin which causes odour and due to its ammonia turns clothing yellow.
Similarly, non water component of eccrine sweat, sodium chloride, causes the
body odour. Antiperspirants are expected to reduce perspiration and body wetness,
deodorants are supposed to remove body odour. Perfumes, on the other hand, are
a totally different product which merely mask the body odour, not remove it.
While
deodorants are based on chemicals meant to kill odour-producing bacteria,
anti-perspirants are based on astringent salts which retard the flow of eccrine
sweat. However , a regular use may cause several health problems including
cancer. To be classified as an anti-perspirant, the product must contain
aluminum. For all the aluminum salts used in anti-perspirants are very acidic
when mixed with perspiration. Cancer cells can only grow in acidic medium.
Nothing can grow in alkaline medium
including bacteria, fungus , yeast and virus .
Although
cosmetic products were used even as long as 3500 BC in ancient Egypt, the mass
marketing of recent decades has resulted in unprecedented quantities being now
used on the human body. most common deodorants on the shelves like Axe, Secret,
Old Spice, Dove, Right Guard typically contain chemical toxins. Razor nicks may
increase the risk of skin infection and absorbability of aluminum from
deodorants. The degree of antiperspirant/ deodorant usage and axillary (armpit)
shaving is associated with an earlier age of breast cancer diagnosis.
Research
studies :
In 2004 study , which found parabens in 18 of
20 samples of tissue from human breast tumors( source Whelan). A 2007 study
measured the aluminum content of breast tissue from 17 breast cancer patients
and found that the aluminum levels were higher in the outer regions of the
breast, in close proximity to where antiperspirant would be applied (Medical
News)
Aluminum and
zirconium from deodorants, which are applied frequently in exactly the same
place and left on the skin near the breast, may be absorbed by the skin and
cause estrogen like effects. Because estrogen has the ability to promote the
growth of breast cancer cells. Dr Philippa Darbre, a cancer researcher at the
University of Reading published an article in the September 2005 issue of the
Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry titled " Aluminum, antiperspirants and
breast cancer. Britain has one of the world's highest rates of breast cancers.
Britons are also big users of deodorants and antiperspirants. By blocking sweat
glands in the armpits ( particularly in women who shave their underarms),
antiperspirants allow toxic compounds to accumulate in the underarm lymph nodes
near the breasts, prompting cancer to develop. The rise of breast cancer in men
parallels the increase in women, and has also doubled in the past three decades.
How
deodorants cause cancer ?
The majority
of breast cancers occur in the part of the breast that is the closest to the
armpit, where we apply antiperspirants and deodorants. The location is referred
to as the upper outer quadrant. If the use of antiperspirants is to blame, this
would be accounted for by the fact most people are right-handed and likely to
apply more deodorant to their left armpit. Dr Darbre advises all women to
"cut down or cut out" antiperspirants especially those with a history
of breast cancer. Please be advised that everything including chemicals in
deodorants is toxic at high levels. There is evidence that skin is permeable to
aluminum when applied as antiperspirant.
Antiperspirants
work by preventing perspiration from occurring. Deodorants allow perspiration
but block odour. Even aluminum free deodorants contain propylene glycol and
triclosan fierce endocrine disrupters. However, you can really avoid these
poisons and still take care of your beauty needs. Beauty requires sacrifices,
but none of them should be your health. There are plenty of deodorants out
there that don't contain harmful ingredients and get the job done naturally.
Aubrey Organics, Crystal Body, Jason, Pure and
Natural, Weleda, Avalon Natural Products,
Dessert Essence, Kiss My Face, Terra Naturals, Burt's Bees, Earth
Essentials, Miessence, Tom's of Maine are some of the brands that contain
natural ingredients .Always read ingredients list , even reputed brands may
contain propylene glycol.
Most natural
deodorants are "crystal" deodorant stones and made from alum
(potassium alum). The full chemical name of potassium alum is actually potassium
aluminum sulphate. Use your common sense while shopping for any kind of
deodorant.
You can even
make your own natural deodorant at home and it is aluminum free and works
better than most deodorants. you will be surprised to k now that more women are
using chemical free make-up options. in today's world overall consumers are
becoming more aware of the dangerous chemicals in food and personal care
products. I urge you to take an initiative and go organic and toxin free as
early as possible and stand above the crowd.
Baking
Soda coconut oil Deodorant Recipe :
Ingredients
you need :
1. 1/4 Cup
baking Soda (aluminum free)
2. 4
tablespoons coconut oil
3. 1/4 cup
corn starch
4. 10 drops
lavender essential oil ( Optional but not necessary)
Method of preparation :
Mix corn
starch and baking soda in a saucepan on low heat on stovetop. Melt one
tablespoon coconut oil and stir gently to the mixture , adding more coconut oil
till it reaches a consistency of dough. Remove from heat and add your favourite
essential oil drops and stir well and store this mixture in a glass container.
Keep in mind
that mixture will solidify and you have to reheat a little bit in hot water and
apply to underarms lightly, it will work wonders. Baking soda being alkaline
won't allow bad bacteria to multiply and produce odours. Coconut oil is a known
antibacterial and doesn't clog the pores.
Sunday, 31 January 2016
WHAT CAUSES HEART ATTACKS?
WHAT CAUSES HEART ATTACKS ?
As
most of us have heard that cholesterol is the villain in plaque build up in the
coronary (heart) arteries. And consequently this plaque narrows down the
passage of blood flow to the heart and leads to diminished supply of oxygen and
nutrients to the heart and heart attack occurs. This is absolutely wrong.
It
is believed that reduced blood supply to the heart muscle causes pain (Angina
Pectoris), if it becomes more severe then death of the heart tissue
occurs--Case closed. Now the question arises,
who is responsible for fatty deposits in the arteries at the first place?
Coronary artery disease is a focal scurvy of the heart . Scurvy is a disease
caused by deficiency of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in which the blood vessels
and tissues get damaged and internal bleeding results in the death of the
individuals. On long intercontinental sea voyages Sailors lost all the crew due
to non-availability of foods containing vitamin C. British Navy doctor Lind proved that vitamin C prevents scurvy and
needed to build up collagen (Protein found abundantly in every tissue) and this
is the same collagen from which our arteries are made up of.
Arteries,
veins, capillaries and all small blood vessels are made up of Vitamin C, L
proline and L lysine( amino acids). If any one of these nutrients are
deficient, the blood vessels disintegrate and bleed to death. Our body has a
backup mechanism to prevent this bleeding by a patch up network and in return
produces Lipoprotein(a) or Lp (a). This is the sticky molecule that sticks to
proline and lysine strands at the broken or weakened site and prevents further
damage. This is a survival mechanism giving us more time to survive . If the things are changed
in the meantime, like we again get the chance to include fruits and vegetables containing
vitamin C and further damage to the
arteries is prevented.
Take
home message is if we provide our body the required nutrients like Vitamin C. L
proline, L lysine and rebuild arteries
and certainly all the plaque and fatty substances can easily be cleared from
our arteries.
The
most amazing and interesting thing is that even 90% blockage of the arteries
can't cause heart attacks. Let us
look what the research findings are
there in favour of and against coronary artery disease.
1972
Dr George E Burch " The heart patient doesn't die from coronary disease
but from myocardial disease. Artery blockage has nothing to do in this case but
it is the role of heart muscle itself.
1980
Research study appeared in the most prestigious journal " Circulation
" Coronary blockage has no primary
role in the pathogenesis of a myocardial infarction (Heart attack)
The
puzzle Solved : 1988 Dr Epstein ( National Institute of Health) found that in
an advanced state of narrowing of the arteries, the blood supply to the heart
is fully assured via "Collaterals" that enlarge naturally in response
to the blockages.
Researchers
have found that more the arteries
blocked the less danger there is of a heart attack.
In 1988 a
major research study "Rocked the World of
Cardiology " Titled "Twenty years of coronary bypass surgery
" and concluded that they haven't detected a significant difference in
long-term survival between the medical and surgical treatment groups. Surgeries
performed to bypass blocked arteries didn't improve the chances of patient's survival.
Mayo
Clinic ( USA) 2013 :
1.Bypass surgery
can effectively relieve symptoms .
2. Bypass surgery doesn't prevent further heart attacks.
3.Only high risk patients benefit from bypass surgery.
4. Patients who suffer only mild symptoms do not live a
day longer as a result of the operation.
5. The relief of symptoms experienced directly following
bypass surgery doesn't necessarily last.
Conclusion
: Bypass surgery neither prolonged the life of patients nor did it prevent
further heart attacks.
PAIN : Yes
it is true that pain is relieved but not by the cure of the disease. I can give
you two reasons for that.
1. Pain is
transmitted through the nerves and while doing bypass operation the same nerves
are dissected along with and you never
experience pain from the disease and this inability sometimes becomes more
dangerous.
2. Patients
have great expectations from the operation and high-tech operation in Hospitals
goes a long way to fulfilling those expectations. Faith can move mountains.
There are
several instances where heart attacks occurred with completely normal arteries
and at the same time clogged arteries with no heart attacks.
I
repeat nature is well capable of helping itself. This all happens due to the
capacity of the human body to build an extensive diversion around the severely
blocked arteries, thereby creating a natural bypass system in the heart muscle.
You can view the short film by Dr Knut Sroka
on his website "heartattacknew.com" called Heart catheter Film. It is
clearly demonstrated that in complete 100% blocked arteries there is still a
blood supply beyond the stenosis (blockage)
owing to nature's bypass and thanks to the collaterals blood vessels we
have, right from our childhood. It is not the surgery that restores blood flow,
because the body has already done its own bypass.
As soon as a
blockage or plaque starts building up, the collaterals net work resume his
duties of strengthening its operations. By the time blockage goes beyond 50% or
more you have completely network of blood vessels to compensate for the reduced
blood supply.
Now I come
to the point if cholesterol, blocked arteries doesn't cause heart attack then
who is the culprit. It is the heart muscle itself when it gets lactic acidosis and can't work optimally.
Risk
Factors : Stress, sedentary lifestyle,
smoking, high blood sugar, low cholesterol.
Let me
explain a little bit of Autonomic Nervous system. it has two branches
sympathetic and parasympathetic (SNS & PNS). Sympathetic nervous system
speeds up the heart rate and parasympathetic nervous system slows down the
heart rate through vagus nerve.
Patients
with reduced parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity have higher risk of
heart attack and heart attack patients have reduced PNS activity.
According to
Dr Sroka all the heart attack victims show a peculiar sudden drop in PNS
activity just prior to their heart attack. Heart disease patients have an
average a reduction parasympathetic activity of over one- third. Sympathetic
system is like a gas paddle(Accelerator) and parasympathetic serves as brake
paddle. Patients with increase in
sympathetic activity and with normal parasympathetic activity never suffer from
heart attack.
Without
a preceding decrease in PNS activity, activation of the SNS doesn't lead to
heart attacks.
We should
focus entirely on the Parasympathetic nervous system ie. brake system. PNS
operates through vagus nerve and any activity or habit that weakens it must be
avoided. High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, physical and emotional stress
causes a decrease in vagal activity. Sympathetic nervous system operates
through adrenal glands by producing adrenaline and other hormones that increase
blood glucose, heart rate and pulse rate etc needed in "Fight or flight
response". On the other hand PNS uses the neurotransmitters acetylcholine
(ACh) nitric oxide (NO), cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP) as its chemical
mediators and represents "rest and digest" arm of the autonomic nervous system. It is the
imbalance between these two branches that causes heart attacks.
Heart
is an organ of very high metabolic activity and never rests.
Under acute
stress SNS releases adrenaline (catecholamines) and increase the heart's
glycolysis ( converting glucose into energy) . In the process glucose instead
of burning into energy converts to lactic acid fermentation causing lactic
acidosis and leads to heart cell death.
Parasympathetic
nervous system is most strong in childhood and its activity becomes weak with
age. Sitting around a lot and living a sedentary lifestyle weakens the PNS.
Constant suppression of feelings
,insecurity, and social isolation also weakens the PNS branch. Every stressful
event and chronic stress leads to long-term down regulation of the parasympathetic system. However if going
through a long physical stress a positive satisfying result is achieved, the PNS activity is again
enhanced.
Anger,
annoyance, frustration, dissatisfaction, chronic psychological stress decrease
PNS activity. However negative stress, lack of proper sleep, smoking, older age
and reduction in physical activity all must take place simultaneously to
significantly weaken PNS and cause a heart attack.
CARDIOTONICS
: Dr Knut Sroka states that heart
attacks can be prevented by "Ouabain"
an endogenous cardiac steroid which restores PNS activity by enhancing release
of its neurotransmitters, acetylcholine, nitric oxide etc.
Dr Thomas
Cowan used Ouabain from Strophanthus plant and found great success in patients
with heart diseases. Digitalis from Foxglove plant contains digoxin and
digitoxin cardiotonics that strengthens the PNS activity.
Ouabain
stimulates the PNS and inhibits the SNS activity. It drastically increases the
effect of PNS within a few minutes (1000 times greater). It works at very small
dose only. Amazingly ouabain is produced in the adrenal glands and brain and
has exactly the same chemical composition.
Cardiotonics
enhance the effect of collateral blood vessels and patients with well developed
collaterals have better survival rate than less developed collaterals. They
regulate the heart rhythm and improves circulation and contraction of the
heart. Lactic acid build up in the heart muscle is greatly decreased by turning
it into pyruvic acid. A toxic lactic acid is converted into a healthy nutrient.
Cardiotonics
are produced from cholesterol only. Statins, cholesterol lowering drugs are
doing more harm by depriving our body of most important nutrient-cholesterol.
Contact
with nature, love, security, exercise, meditation, stress relieving techniques,
yoga strengthens PNS and prevent heart attacks.
Lifestyle
and balanced nutrition along with proper sleep, laughter, early to bed can
significantly improve heart disease symptoms.
Ouabain and
Digitalis cardiotonics, Coenzyme Q10 (COQ10 200 mg/d), Niacin ( vitamin B3 100 mg/d),
L.Taurin (1000 mg/d), vitamin C (3000 mg/d), magnesium citrate (300 mg/d) and
cayenne pepper (Red Chilli pepper) taken 1 tsp in a cup of warm water thrice
daily keep you immune to heart attack.
" Good
Health"
Sukhwinder
Brar
President
Healthy
lifestyle Knowledge Foundation
BLOG
: hlkfca.blogspot.com
References :
´ What Causes Heart Attacks by Dr.
Thomas Cowan
´ Myogenic theory of Mycodial
Infarction 1979 by Dr Mesquita
´ Hearth Catheter film by Dr Knut Sroka
at heartattacknew.com
DISCLAIMER
´ THIS INFORMATION IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS MEANT
TO HELP AUDIENCE BETTER UNDERSTAND HEALTH CONCERNS. INFORMATION IS BASED ON
REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH DATA.
´ THIS INFORMATION SHOULD NOT BE INTERPRETED AS SPECIFIC MEDICAL ADVICE.
CONSULT WITH A QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER FOR SPECIFIC QUESTIONS REGARDING
THERAPIES, DIAGNOSIS AND/OR HEALTH CONDITIONS PRIOR TO MAKING THERAPEUTIC
DECISIONS.
Sukhwinder Brar
President
Healthy lifestyle Knowledge Foundation
BLOG : hlkfca.blogspot.com
Monday, 18 January 2016
Medicinal and Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper
Medicinal
and Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a red chili pepper often used in
the preparation of spicy foods and is associated with a wide range of health
benefits which most of us have unheard of. The chili originated in central and
south America. It is named after the Capital city of the French Guiana, "
cayenne". Cayenne is a nutritional and medicinal herb. It contains
vitamins A, complete B, C, E, calcium, selenium, magnesium, zinc, potassium and bioflavonoids. Scientifically
it is known as Capsicum annum. Cayenne pepper played a very important role in
Native American Medicine and cuisine for thousands of years.
Capsaicin is the active ingredient in cayenne
peppers which gives it spiciness and hot properties. About 12% of cayenne
pepper is composed of capsaicin and 80% of that is in its ribs and seeds. Among
the hottest chili peppers include habanero, scotch bonnet, Indian Naga Jolokia
and others like cayenne, chipotle, jalapeno are used in most countries around
the world.
Ground
chillies are 20 times more stronger than regular fresh pepper because it
contains much more capsaicin. The heat of the peppers is inversely proportional
to the size of the pepper so the tiniest peppers are usually the hottest. Chemist
Wilbur Scoville developed a test to
measure the hotness of peppers and is called scoville heat units (SHU). In
general hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin it contains. Bell peppers
contains little to no capsaicin.
Cayenne
pepper is a powerful anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, cleansing herb that
stimulates metabolism, circulation, neutralize acidity, heartburn, tremors,
gout, paralysis, fever, dyspepsia, flatulence, sore throat, hemorrhoids,
menorrhagia, nausea, tonsilitis and diphtheria. Following are the health
benefits associated with this wonderful spice you would love to stock in your
kitchen cabinet.
1. Digestive aid : Cayenne stimulates the
digestive system and increases the production of saliva, enzymes and gastric juices , aids the body's
ability to increase metabolism. It is a wonderful herb for relieving intestinal
gas, stimulating peristaltic action and aiding in the assimilation and
elimination.
2. Anti-inflammatory properties : Cayenne
is a great herb for arthritis and inflammation of joints due to its strong
anti-inflammatory properties,
3. Migraine headache prevention : It stimulates the nerve endings to produce a
substance P responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain and directs
it to different part of the body and diminishes it and it reduces the blood to
the brain and relaxes blood vessels there by reducing pain. Capsaicin triggers
the release of endorphins in the brain which has a pain relieving effect
similar to that of morphine. Cayenne tea in the morning can prevent headaches, including
migraine. But if you need to stop one that has just getting started, snorting
cayenne provides immediate relief.
4. Anti cold and flu agent : It thins the
mucus and breaks it up for easy removal. Cayenne has antibacterial and immune
enhancing properties too. Cayenne pepper has anti-inflammatory properties and
is rich in quercitin a bioflavonoid that prevents the release of histamines
that cause inflammation ad flu symptoms. It kills infection and viruses that
cause influenza.
5. Anti fungal properties : Cayenne can
heal fungal nail infections and hair
dandruff due to its strong fungal
killing actions.
6. Anti-irritant properties : Cayenne has
the ability to ease stomach upset, ulcers, sore throats, diarrhea etc. It
relieves chronic cough and flatulence.
7. Anti- allergen : Cayenne pepper is a
strong anti allergen due to its anti bacterial power and to strengthen
intestinal permeability.
8. Prevents blood clots : Cayenne pepper
prevents the formation of blood clots and help reduce chances of heart attacks
and strokes.
9. Detox Support : It stimulates your lymphatic and digestive
functions, raises your body temperature and helps in detoxification. Your body
sweat more and eliminates toxins through skin pores. Circulatory system is put
in higher gear to bring toxins back to the liver for detoxification.
10. Saliva Production : As soon as you eat
Cayenne rich meal saliva production is enhanced and result in improved
digestion.
11. Pain reliever : Capsaicin a compound
in cayenne pepper that helps in the
production of substance P responsible for
transmitting pain signals to the brain and when applied to the skin
makes the substance unavailable to the joints and transfers the focus of pain
towards skin and dilutes the intensity of pain . Medically Cayenne is one of
the most potent pain reliever available and is regularly used to treat/ relieve
the pain of arthritis, shingles, toothache and surgery scars.
12. Anti-microbial properties : Cayenne
pepper is added to the food to prevent food-borne pathogens and reduces food
spoilage too.
13. Anti-cancer agent : Numerous studies
demonstrate cayenne pepper's ability to prevent various cancers particularly
lung and liver tumors.
14. Great weight loss aid : Cayenne
pepper suppresses appetite, reduce cravings and boosts metabolism and in return
helps in maintaining healthy weight.
15. Topical Remedy : when used as poultice
cayenne pepper works wonders to treat skin conditions like snake bites, skin
rashes, eczema, rheumatism, wounds etc.
16. Toothache and gingivitis : Toothaches are always caused by infection.
Take a pinch of cayenne, a few drops of clove oil, a crushed garlic flake, and
few drops of oil of oregano mix together and apply directly to and around
affected tooth and keep it for 2-3 minutes. Do this 3 times a day and toothache
will be a thing of the past.
17. Regulates blood glucose : Cayenne
pepper can help regulate blood sugar levels after a meal. It makes you feel
fuller faster, leading to reduction in calorie intake. According to a study
appeared in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition eating a chili rich meal
lowered post-meal blood sugars and insulin concentrations.
18. Heals
peptic ulcers : It is a
long-standing myth that spicy food exacerbates ulcers and other stomach problems
but research shows hot chili peppers actually protects the lining of the
stomach and may prevent the damage caused by the anti-inflammatory pain
killers. This is one of the best medicine that can be used liberally without
any side effects. Cayenne can heal stomach ulcers by creating more mucus and
coating the wall of the stomach. Thailand, Brazil and Mexico where cayenne is
consumed liberally stomach ulcers, heart attacks and stroke are uncommon.
19. Cardio-vascular benefits : The School
of Human Life Sciences has confirmed that regular use of cayenne pepper helps
prevent the development of fatty deposits inside the artery walls.
20. Lowers Blood Pressure : Cayenne pepper
relaxes blood vessels by secreting nitric oxide inside the lining of blood
vessel cells and helps lower blood pressure. It blocks the action of a
gene responsible for producing renin and
resulting in less production of Angiotensin2 that constricts arteries. It helps
those who suffer from cold hands and feet.
21. Blood circulation Booster : It
stimulates and improves the entire circulatory system including arteries, veins
and capillaries.
22. Blood Clot Buster : Thailand Study
confirms that cayenne pepper strengthens the body's blood clotting system and
continually clears the blood of clots. It helps combat heart attacks, stroke by
thinning the blood, increasing blood flow and extending blood coagulation time.
23. Hemorrhaging, open wounds and cuts : Used
externally cayenne pepper is a vasoconstrictor, which means it tightens the
blood vessels. On a open wound put copious amount of cayenne powder and hold it
down with pressure for one minute. Within seconds small capillaries and large
veins will slow or stop bleeding as well.
24. Fainting : When a person is feeling
faint, light headed, and about to pass out, taking cayenne orally in liquid or
powdered form will snap the person to attention, and can revive who has
completely fainted and is unconscious.
25. Heart attack and stroke : A heaping
teaspoon of cayenne powder in a glass of warm water, or 10 dropperfuls of
cayenne tincture is needed to stop the heart attacks and strokes in its tracks
or you can put tincture drops under the tongue.
26. Hair Regrowth : Hair loss or Alopecia
is caused by poor blood circulation in the scalp. Cayenne pepper applied
topically increases blood circulation. For best results mix two tablespoons of
cayenne pepper with equal amounts of a quarter cup of each of ginger juice,
coconut oil and onion juice and apply directly to the scalp every day.
27. Hemorrhoids : Hemorrhoids are the
inflammation of the veins in the anus and rectum . Cayenne is extremely
inflammatory and apply directly to the affected areas for best results. It will
burn a little and itch but it works faster than ingesting.
28. Sore Throat : Gargle with apple cider vinegar, a pinch of
sea salt and cayenne pepper. It instantly kills the bacteria, virus causing
sore throat and attracts blood toward the tonsils to help healing and clear the
sinuses too.
29. Heart Burn : Mix half teaspoon of cayenne pepper along with
two tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water and drink sip by
sip for immediate relief from heartburn.
30. Mood Enhancer : Taken internally Cayenne triggers the release
of endorphins, the body's feel good hormones in the brain.
Gastroenterologist Dr Khursheed
Jeejeebhoy who is
an Emeritus Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto warns those
patients who avoid hot chilies unnecessarily to heal the ulcers. There is no
evidence that they have to do that. In fact there is a lot of evidence that
cayenne is very good for you.
Dr Susan Biali a Vancouver based
Dietitian "
Chilies add wonderful flavour and kick to foods and have very few calories,
boosts metabolism, help burn fat and keep us feeling full longer.
Susie Langley, a registered dietitian based in
Toronto loves to spice up meals with small amounts of hot chilies.
Dr Richard Schulze " If you master only one herb in your
life, master cayenne pepper". It is more powerful than any other.
Dr John R Christopher commonly known as "Dr Cayenne" In 35 years of my
practice, I have never on house calls lost one heart attack patient and the
reason is, whenever I go in if they are still breathing I pour down them a cup
of Cayenne tea( a teaspoon of cayenne powder in a cup of hot water) and within minutes they are up and
around. It acts as a catalyst and increase the effectiveness of other herbs
when used with them." Cayenne certainly appears to be God's Natural "Nitroglycerine
" used for heart attack patients.
Cayenne
pepper has been known to stop heart attacks within 30 seconds. A 90 year old
man in Oregon had a severe heart attack and was pronounced dead by Medics, his
daughter was able to get Cayenne extract into his mouth and within a few
minutes, he regained consciousness. Capsicum is said to be unequal for its
ability to boost circulation and increase heart action.
DISCLAIMER
THIS INFORMATION IS
INTENDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS MEANT TO HELP AUDIENCE BETTER
UNDERSTAND HEALTH CONCERNS. INFORMATION IS BASED ON REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC
RESEARCH DATA.
THIS
INFORMATION SHOULD NOT BE INTERPRETED AS SPECIFIC MEDICAL ADVICE. CONSULT WITH
A QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER FOR SPECIFIC QUESTIONS REGARDING THERAPIES,
DIAGNOSIS AND/OR HEALTH CONDITIONS PRIOR TO MAKING THERAPEUTIC DECISIONS
SUKHWINDER BRAR
PRESIDENT
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE KNOWLEDGE FOUNDATION
Wednesday, 6 January 2016
CULTURED FOODS ARE SUPER FOODS
Naturally fermented foods loaded with friendly bacteria have
been around since the beginning of
humankind. We include little to no fermented foods in our diets and are paying
the price with poor digestive health. Yogurt has been around centuries to cure
bowel troubles and diarrhea. Fermentation is a metabolic process in which
microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast or fungi convert carbohydrates into
alcohol or acids.
BENEFITS OF FERMENTED VEGETABLES :
Preserve food : Fermentation has been in use in
the days before refrigeration to preserve food and to increase the shelf-life
of foods. Fermented foods keep for months due to Bio -preservatives that
are created through the fermentation
process ( lactic acid, acetic acid and propionic acid)
Eliminates anti-nutrients :
Phytic acid in grains, legumes and seeds binds minerals like calcium,
magnesium, zinc, iron and reduces their absorption. Fermentation destroys
phytic acid and other anti-nutrients in foods and helps in digestion. Miso and
Tempeh are examples of fermented legumes.
Improves digestion: Fermentation pre-digests the food
before we consume it and directly supply our digestive system with living
bacteria. The Lactobacillus bacteria breaks down lactose into easily digested
simple sugars glucose and galactose in yogurt and cheese and further into
lactic acid. Lactic acid helps improve
the release of digestive juices and enzymes from the stomach, the pancreas and
the gall bladder. In sourdough bread and wheat-based products fermentation
degrades gluten making it less inflammatory.
Balances gut flora: Cultured foods are full of live
good bacteria like yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha tea and kefir.
Constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, yeast infections, allergies, and
ailments like asthma are linked to lack of good bacteria in the gut.
Increases nutrients content: Levels of different vitamins and minerals is significantly
increased in fermented foods especially vitamins B,( riboflavin, thiamine,
niacin, folic acid) and C. Vitamin C in fresh cabbage is woven into the fibrous
plant walls and fermentation break open the cell walls. It also increases the
absorption of minerals especially copper, calcium, magnesium and iron.
Acidifies the Gut : Among these acidifiers are acetic,
butyric and lactic acids that make the gastrointestinal tract less hospitable
to pathogenic bacteria. Pathogenic bacteria thrive best at slightly alkaline pH
of 7.2 to 7.3 while beneficial bacteria like PH of 6.7 to 6.9
Removes Constipation : Lactic acid plays a key role in the production
of neurotransmitter acetylcholine and it facilitates the transmission of nerve
impulses that cause muscle contractions and by increasing the motility of the
bowel , alleviate constipation problems.
Eliminates gas, bloating : Many gas producing bacteria are
pathogenic and beneficial bacteria keep them under check by producing lactic
acid and lowering pH where they can't survive.
Gas can be reabsorbed in the blood and travel to the lungs and cause
chronic bad breath (halitosis)
Digest dairy products : We adults don't make lactase enzyme
needed to breakdown lactose in milk. Lactobacillus bacteria produce lactase
enzyme necessary to digest milk sugar and help people with lactose intolerance.
Improves taste : Fermentation improves the taste of
different foods and makes them eatable and pleasantly sour. Even Vanilla and
chocolate can be consumed after fermentation and removing the bitterness of
tannins they contain.
Decreases cooking time : Tough and hard foods that are
difficult to digest can be improved by fermentation reducing their need of
cooking.
Loose extra weight : Most of the time extra fat on our
body is stress and toxins and good bacteria improves digestion and assimilation
and reduce toxin load.
Increases energy : Consuming live pre- digested foods
adds zip to the body instead of depleting it.
Produces digestive enzymes : Bacteria are full of enzymes and as
new microorganisms are created , new enzymes are also produced. Fermented
vegetables have more enzymes than regular cabbage. So it is important to get
fresh enzymes in the diet because our pancreas and other enzyme making organs need
a chance to rest .
Boosts immunity : Beneficial bacteria heals leaky gut
syndrome and decreases inflammation and helps in auto-immune diseases like
arthritis and type 2 diabetes. When you reset your bacteria balance and
immunity is enhanced automatically by producing cytokines. Proper immune
response helps stop chronic inflammation, the root cause of arthritis and
chronic heart disease in the tracks.
Improves psychic disorders : Good bacteria helps in psychic disorders like depression,
anxiety, autism, ADHD, dyslexia ( Reading disorder) & schizophrenia by
producing more serotonin and dopamine hormones.
Relieves headache :
Eating fermented foods on empty stomach relieves headaches.
Clears skin problems : Good bacteria reduces toxin load
substantially and improves skin conditions like rashes, acne, eczema and
psoriasis.
Detoxify : Beneficial bacteria removes toxins
and heavy metals like mercury, aluminum, lead and arsenate from the body.
Sharpen thinking and memory : Our guts are our second brain and
healthy bacteria heals the gut where more serotonin is produced than brain and
say good bye to mental fog, depression and anxiety. Milk based kefir is loaded
with tryptophan an amino acid affectionately known as " nature's prozac
" soothes the nervous system.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Contribution
of live microorganisms supplements the microbiome in the gut and its benefits
are plenty.
Beneficial
microorganisms provides great support in improving health conditions like
intestinal and bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel
syndrome, immune disorders such as allergies, type 1 diabetes and metabolic
diseases including type 2 diabetes and obesity and mental health disorders.
While
building Great Wall Of China, Chinese
ate lactic acid fermented vegetables. The Japanese have routinely served a small serving of
pickled vegetable with their meals. The Koreans developed Kimchi by acid
fermenting cabbage and other vegetables. In fact, lactic acid fermented cabbage
has been revered as one of the most important healing agent. Before Christ the
Greeks wrote about the health benefits
of fermented cabbage. The Romans used sauerkraut to prevent and treat
intestinal infections. Captain James Cook took 27 barrels of sauerkraut to
prevent scurvy on his three year journey around the world.
SYMPTOMS
OF GUT FLORA IMBALANCE :
Hormonal
problems, Premenstrual syndrome, menstrual complaints, prostate trouble, breast
enlargement in men, chronic anemia, Chronic respiratory problems. Candidiasis,
dairy allergy and intolerances, vitamin B deficiency, high cholesterol,
neurological problems, severe bruising problems, chronic vaginal infections,
chronic bladder infections, osteoporosis, sarcopenia ( loss of muscle mass),
constipation, gas and bloating, skin rashes.
You should
consider making a regular part of your diet to help boost the levels of
beneficial bacteria in your bowels . Add traditional fermented foods to your meals in small portions on a regular
basis once or twice daily.
Yogurt : Regular yogurt not the low fat contains the
hormone like substance prostaglandin E2 which can prevent ulcers. Avoid yogurts
containing sugars, fruits etc. and check
the label and it says "Active
Cultures" and not pasteurised. Even look for name of the most important
bacteria like Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus,
Bifidobacterium bifidus etc,
Cottage cheese : Traditional fermented food cottage cheese not
the other versions is an excellent source of beneficial bacteria, calcium and
proteins. Please be advised that any cheese made from A1 milk (Holstein
Friesian cows) is not good and healthy
to consume.
Whey : It is the liquid portion remained
after making cheese and removing cream from clabbered milk. You can use whey in
soups and vegetables.
Kefir : Kefir grains are colonies of good
bacteria and yeast and look like cooked rice. It contains more than 35 strains
of beneficial bacteria along with good yeast. Store bought kefir contains 10 or
so bacterial strains. So it is advised to make your own at home from the kefir
grains with goat milk.
Butter milk : Butter milk is another favourite of
Indians especially of Punjabi's Lassi , a choke full of probiotics, best drink
at afternoon on an empty stomach.
NON- DAIRY FERMENTED FOODS : Some persons can't handle soured milk products
especially those who have gut imbalance. They can try fermented vegetables
first before trying fermented milk products.
Sauerkraut : It is the most popular and
nutritious cultured vegetable every one should have in their refrigerator.
Sauerkraut or cabbage juice heals acid reflux due to its strong stimulation for
your body to produce stomach acid. For your information it is the low stomach
acid that reults in acid reflux due to weakening of the lower esophageal
sphincter. A phytonutrient glucosinolate in sauerkraut significantly enhances
your liver's detoxification ability and halves your risk of developing cancer.
Raw cultured
vegetables and the beneficial bacteria they contain keep the pathogenic
bacteria in check and helps peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis, colic,
constipation, stomach aches , digestive disorders and food allergies to heal.
One lady healed
her heart palpitations, tachycardia, premature ventricular contraction,
prolapsed mitral valve after consumption of sauerkraut for two weeks.
Pickled vegetables like cucumber, beets, turnip,
carrots, Kimchee, Natto, Miso, Tempeh, soy sauce and Tofu are best for adding
beneficial bacteria and improving nutrition.
Raw cultured
vegetables are among the most nutritious foods today. If the balance of good
bacteria is restored and it is emphasised time and again that you'll be better
able to shed excess weight, improve skin and boost energy levels , infertility,
chronic fatigue syndrome along with numerous ailments discussed earlier. There
are some 100 trillion bacteria living in our gut and are 10 times of our own
body cells. Without these enzymes and bacteria we are basically eating dead
food. A healthy colon is vital for detoxifying the body and absorbing nutrients
from your food. It's our first line of
defence. Probiotic rich foods also satisfy carbohydrate cravings.
Russian
Scientist and Nobel Laureate Eli Metchnikoff hypothesized in 1908 that eating
fermented milk products improved the health and lifespan of Bulgarian peasants
and consuming fermented veggies can do the same.
In 400 B.C.
Hippocrates the Father of Medicine famously said, " All disease begins in
the gut ". His words are still true today than they were then. The enzymes
in cultured vegetables also assist in digesting foods eaten along with them,
particularly grains, legumes and meat.
Conclusion : I would encourage everyone to include
fermented or cultured vegetables in every meal or have a few teaspoons of fermented cabbage juice before eating. You'll
experience wonders in improvement in digestion, energy levels, and elimination
of diseases that you haven't imagined.
If I am
asked to what single change or improvement I'll do to make my health better , of
course I'll go for fermented foods.
Health is not the opposite of disease but a complete homeostasis ( Balance of
all the important metabolic and other functions including nutrients ). This is
not possible without addressing the bacterial imbalance. Microbes make inedible
food edible and pre-digest your hard to digest food. All grains and pulses need
sprouting or fermentation before they become easy for our digestive system to
deal with. Best way to consume pulses and rice is by making dosa, idli or
dhokla etc.(Fermentation). Wheat is a problematic and inflammatory food since
its introduction in food due to gluten, phytic acid and other lectins (WGA). Through
natural lacto- fermentation of wheat flour it was made possible to eat wheat
bread called "sourdough". The way Punjabi's eat flat bread (Chapatis)
is the worst option to eat wheat or wheat products . Because fermentation with yeast degrades
gluten and other antinutrients like phytic acid and makes the wheat less
inflammatory or problematic.
"Good
Health "
Sukhwinder
Brar
Jan 06, 2016
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