immune system

” Why an Apple a Day keeps the Doctor Away …” ?

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Why Are Apples So Healthy?

We all know that old saying: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.“
But have you ever wondered why that is? How one apple a day can bring about significant health benefits? If you have, then you’ll be glad to read this article. From strengthening the immune system, through preventing cancerous growths and to losing weight, say hello to your one apple a day!
apple
How do apples help us?
An important research published in 2008 by the German cancer research center, showed that apples offer a significant health advantage. When comparing between a group that had less than one apple per day and a group that had one or more apples a day, the latter was found to have less risk of mouth cancer, larynx cancer, breast cancer, intestinal cancer, kidney cancer and ovarian cancer.
These findings support a new research performed at Cornell university, showing that the peel of the apple has strong anti-oxidant properties, a powerful block against the influences of breast cancer cells. Researchers found that the higher the concentraion of apples, the lower the concentration of cancerous cells.
Cancerous growths are uncontrollable growths of cells independently spreading through the body. The growths are based on three principal levels: The first stage causes mutations in cell DNA. The second, when the growth becomes malignant and grows faster, and finally when it metastases and spreads throughout the body.
In the case of a cancerous growth, apples aren’t only used as anti-oxidants, but also improve the function of the immune system, which helps clean out the growths at the early stages.
In addition to boosting the immune system and fighting cancerous growths, apples also help control the levels of cholesterol and sugars in the blood, prevent heart disease and improve mouth hygiene. The fact that they contain more than 80% water and a long line of essential vitamins, makes them one of the healthiest foods available.
The secret? The nutritional fibers 
 
Apples are considered a vital source of nutritional fibers. Eating one apple a day (with peel) can award us about 4.4 grams of nutritional fibers, which is 1/5 of our entire day’s recommended amount.
Nutritional fibers are materials found in foods that come from plants, and have a very important role in stimulating the digestive system and encouraging its function. Since they are not digested and taken apart in the body, they sate our hunger for a longer period of time. Extensive research has shown that those that do not get their daily recommended amount (at least 25 grams a day), deny themselves a host of health benefits. In addition, the researchers found that consuming these fibers is quite the effective method of losing weight.
The secret is in the chewing. Drinking apple juice will not bring about the same health benefits. We’d be happy to receive the essential sugars and vitamins, but we would not get the fibers.
A research conducted in China found that chewing can help the body regulate the amount of calories it absorbs from food.
What does this have to do with apples?
apples
We all know that old saying: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.“
But have you ever wondered why that is? How one apple a day can bring about significant health benefits? If you have, then you’ll be glad to read this article. From strengthening the immune system, through preventing cancerous growths and to losing weight, say hello to your one apple a day!
 
How do apples help us?
An important research published in 2008 by the German cancer research center, showed that apples offer a significant health advantage. When comparing between a group that had less than one apple per day and a group that had one or more apples a day, the latter was found to have less risk of mouth cancer, larynx cancer, breast cancer, intestinal cancer, kidney cancer and ovarian cancer.
These findings support a new research performed at Cornell university, showing that the peel of the apple has strong anti-oxidant properties, a powerful block against the influences of breast cancer cells. Researchers found that the higher the concentraion of apples, the lower the concentration of cancerous cells.
Cancerous growths are uncontrollable growths of cells independently spreading through the body. The growths are based on three principal levels: The first stage causes mutations in cell DNA. The second, when the growth becomes malignant and grows faster, and finally when it metastases and spreads throughout the body.
In the case of a cancerous growth, apples aren’t only used as anti-oxidants, but also improve the function of the immune system, which helps clean out the growths at the early stages.
In addition to boosting the immune system and fighting cancerous growths, apples also help control the levels of cholesterol and sugars in the blood, prevent heart disease and improve mouth hygiene. The fact that they contain more than 80% water and a long line of essential vitamins, makes them one of the healthiest foods available.
The secret? The nutritional fibers 
 
Apples are considered a vital source of nutritional fibers. Eating one apple a day (with peel) can award us about 4.4 grams of nutritional fibers, which is 1/5 of our entire day’s recommended amount.
Nutritional fibers are materials found in foods that come from plants, and have a very important role in stimulating the digestive system and encouraging its function. Since they are not digested and taken apart in the body, they sate our hunger for a longer period of time. Extensive research has shown that those that do not get their daily recommended amount (at least 25 grams a day), deny themselves a host of health benefits. In addition, the researchers found that consuming these fibers is quite the effective method of losing weight.
The secret is in the chewing. Drinking apple juice will not bring about the same health benefits. We’d be happy to receive the essential sugars and vitamins, but we would not get the fibers.
A research conducted in China found that chewing can help the body regulate the amount of calories it absorbs from food.
What does this have to do with apples?
Everything. Apples are a terrific source of nutritional fibers, especially a group of fibers called Pectin. This is a group of complex carbohydrates that regulate our bowels, improve good cholesterol rates and is a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial.
Researchers from UCLA have shown that consuming pectin instead of regular fibers, doubles the time it takes the stomach to empty from one hour to two. Meaning that we don’t feel hungry for a longer time. In fact, a recent research paper entitled: “Weight Loss Associated with a Daily Intake of Three Apples or Three Pears among Overweight Women”, shows that women who were overweight and were instructed to eat an apple or pear before each meal, lost significant weight, just for doing so. The women in the experiment were asked to eat regularly and just add the apple before the meal. What happened was that the apples and fibers crowded the stomach, increased the feeling of being full, and made the body absorb less calories.
Other sources of nutritional fibers are: Pears, Peaches, peas, carrots, seeds, nuts, peel of fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, oats and whole wheat. But apples offer many more advantages.
So if you want to:
Lose weight, eat one apple a day.
Strengthen your immune system, eat one apple a day.
Control the level of cholesterol, eat one apple a day.
Prevent the spread of cancerous cells, eat one apple a day.
source….www.ba-bamail.com
Natarajan

Amazing Medicinal Value of Pumpkin Seeds !!!

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The Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

After buying a pumpkin, most people would clean out the seeds, dispose of them, and keep the flesh, and that’s a terrible waste. Pumpkin seeds are not only edible; they’re incredibly healthy and make for a delicious snack.

Pumpkin seeds are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, many nutrients, proteins, minerals and vitamins. They can help lower your blood pressure, bolster your immune system and help in preventing cancer.

The seeds are also rich in antioxidants, making them a powerful antiaging addition to your diet. The high levels of iron and magnesium are incredible energy-boosters, making perfect for pre or post-workout snacking. They help prevent the formation of kidney stones and are an excellent source for zinc, potassium and phosphorus.

If that’s not enough, pumpkin seeds are useful at destroying tapeworms and roundworms, as well as boosting fertility levels.
Other benefits of pumpkin seeds

  • Prevents constipation and promotes a healthy digestive system.
  • Prevents premature aging and promotes longevity.
  • Prevents kidney stones and osteoporosis.
  • Reduces the risk of cancer, prostate, and diabetes.
  • Reduces symptoms of asthma, arthritis, anxiety, and depression.
  • Reduces bad cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease and stroke.
  • Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol level.
  • Improves your brain function and memory.
  • Boosts immune system and bone density.
  • Boosts your energy and mood.
Preparing pumpkin seeds:

  1. Clean the seeds – You have to clean the seeds meticulously until there are no signs of pumpkin guts. The best way to do this is to put the seeds & guts into a big bowl of water and break it apart with your hands. The seeds will float to the top.
  2. Let it simmer for 10 minutes in salt water– Put the clean seeds in boiled water with 1tsp of salt and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This makes the seeds easier to digest.
  3. Drain the seeds and dry them out – they don’t have to be completely dry, but it’s recommended.
  4. Spread seeds on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil – Make sure they’re finely coated in oil and add a light sprinkle of salt. Then spread them and try avoiding the seeds from overlapping each other.
  5. Roast seeds at 325F for 10 minutes – Remove from oven and stir. Roast for another 8-10 minutes. During the last 5 minutes of roasting, open a few seeds to make sure that they’re not burning. Make sure they don’t brown.

Tips to remember:

  • When preparing a pumpkin, save the seeds.
  • Add chopped pumpkin seeds to cereal.
  • Make sure the seeds are dry when roasting them.
  • Add pumpkin seeds to smoothies.
  • Refrigerate in an air tight container when not consumed.

SOURCE::::ba-ba mail site

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