Mammee Apples this is Reasons why to Eat...

Mammee apples come from mammee trees, which are native to tropical regions of the planet. Also sometimes referred to as tropical apricots, St. Domingo apricots and South America apricots, mammee apples are actually berries — so you know that they are capable of providing some very serious health benefits!

It takes about a year for mammee apples to be ready for harvesting. However, the long wait is worth it because these tropical fruits taste so wonderful when they are fully ripe. Those who have already tried eating mammee apples say that they are kind of similar to red raspberries and apricots, both taste- and smell-wise.

Usually, mammee apples are consumed as they are, although they can also be enjoyed in the form jams and jellies. In regions where they are native to, mammee apples are commonly added to pies and tarts. Mammee apples are also sometimes turned into beverages, like in El Salvador where they are made into carbonated soda.

Here are some of the reasons why you should try eating mammee apples:

They Ward Off Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Vitamin C is one of the nutrients present in mammee apples. It’s exactly for this reason why regularly eating these tropical fruits can help strengthen your immune system, which results in the lowered risk of upper respiratory tract infections like the common cold, cough and flu.

They Slow Down the Aging of Skin

Other than making your immune system strong, vitamin C also helps keep your skin looking young. The reason is this: your body requires vitamin C in order to produce collagen. A type of protein, collagen is the one that keeps your skin firm, making it more resistant to developing wrinkles that make you appear older.

They Help Keep Your Vision Stay Sharp

Another vitamin present in mammee apples is vitamin A, and it’s no secret that it helps in promoting healthy eyes. A type of antioxidant, vitamin A is very good at protecting your eyes from being damaged by free radicals. Eating mammee apples and other vitamin A-rich foods regularly helps in keeping your vision sharp.

They Make You Feel Energized

Mammee apples also supply your body with thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine and pantothenic acid — all of which are B vitamins that help convert food into energy. This only means that mammee apples are perfect for individuals who are leading very busy lives, as well as those who are bouncing back from illnesses.

They Help Lower Osteoporosis Risk

Calcium is also present in mammee apples, which means that regularly eating these fruits that taste like red raspberries or apricots can help in strengthening your bones, thus lowering your risk of having osteoporosis. Mammee apples also contain phosphorous, magnesium and potassium, all of which contribute to stronger bones.

They May Prevent Heart Disease

Speaking of potassium, the presence of this mineral is what makes mammee apples capable of lowering a person’s risk of having heart disease. It’s for the medical fact that potassium helps in keeping the blood pressure within the normal and healthy range, and this helps keep the cardiovascular system in a great shape.

They Keep Iron-Deficiency Anemia at Bay

Consuming mammee apples are ideal for those who are prone to developing anemia, such as vegetarians and women who bleed heavily during their period. It’s because these tropical fruits are rich in iron, a mineral needed for the production of red blood cells help deliver oxygen by means of the bloodstream.

They Encourage Regular Movement of the Bowels
Just like so many other fruits, mammee apples are very rich in fiber. This makes them very good for people who often find themselves having a bout of constipation. Adding mammee apples in the diet on a regular basis also helps promote weight loss, lowering of bad cholesterol and body detoxification, all courtesy of fiber.

This Foods That Increase Your Temperature This Winter

Now that the air is freezing, the common cold and flu are a commonplace! There are certain foods that you may include in your diet more often this winter to help save you from going down with an infection. Continue reading to find out why they are beneficial to consume as well as which ones they are.

According to scientists, some of your body’s immune cells tend to respond slower when your core body temperature is low. It’s exactly for this reason why your body temperature rises when you are having a bout of infection — it helps your immune system do its job so much better!

Certainly, it’s important to load up on foods that help keep the body feel warm to ensure an immune system that’s alive and kicking. If you don’t want to miss out on a lot of fun and memorable activities common this part of the year, then have the following core body temperature-increasing foods added to your diet:

Oatmeal

We all know how beneficial it is to start your day with a bowl of oatmeal because it supplies your body with protein and carbs necessary to keep you going throughout the day. Well, a hot serving of oatmeal is something that should be a staple in your diet this wintertime because it is very good at keeping your body warm, plus it yields vitamins and minerals that help in making your immune system strong.

Brown Rice

Just like oatmeal, a steaming hot serving of brown rice is something that can help keep your body temperature elevated this season. Unlike other sources of carbohydrates, brown rice releases carbs into your bloodstream in a slow and steady manner, which means a stable supply of heat and energy throughout the cold, cold day. Make sure that you serve brown rice with vegetables for a foolproof immune system.

Garlic

Throw some garlic when cooking vegetables for pairing with brown rice. That’s because garlic is known to help increase the temperature of your body — it’s not only an excellent fighter of vampires, but also a superb booster of blood circulation! Garlic also packs impressive immune-enhancing properties, and that’s why it can help keep that cold or flu from striking this merry time of the year.

Cayenne Pepper

Want to sport blushing cheeks while everybody else around you looks pasty? Then sprinkle a little cayennepepper into your life! 

The characteristic hotness of this well-loved spice can definitely increase your core body temperature, which translates to a stronger immune system. You may also throw in some of your favorite hot peppers into your diet if you really want to keep an infection at bay throughout wintertime.

Avocados

Fat is an excellent source of energy which can increase the body’s temperature, but many know it very well as a figure-wrecker. Well, that depends on which kind of fat you consume — if you opt for the healthy kind, then there should be no problem whatsoever. Some of the best sources of healthy fat to enjoy this season are avocados. You may also snack on some nuts and seeds to stay warm and infection-free.

Green Tea

Having a cup of green tea this winter is also something that can help keep you warm as well as make your immune system very strong. It’s for the fact that green tea is loaded with compounds possessing superb antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. And if you are also prone to having the winter blues, then enjoying a piping hot cup of tea on a regular basis can help in keeping that beaming smile on your face.

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Bottle Gourd Health Benefits and Sample Recipe

Bottle gourd is one of the known vegetables today. Also known as calabash, white-flowered gourd, long melon, opo squash, Tasmania bean, and New Guinea bean, it is a vine grown for its fruit, which is used as a vegetable. 

One of the first cultivated plants in the world, the following are the health benefits of bottle gourd, along with a sample recipe.

Health Benefits

Fiber

As a vegetable, a health benefit of bottle gourd is fiber. It is a substance that acts as a sweep to help eliminate debris, toxins, and free radicals from the body, preventing them to cause diseases like heart diseases and cancer. 

Fiber also promotes digestion and metabolism, preventing bloating and obesity. It also adds bulk and roughage to stools, facilitating easier bowel movement, which prevents digestive problems like constipation, diverticulitis, and hemorrhoids.


 In addition, fiber also reduces blood cholesterol levels, preventing cardiovascular problems like hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and stroke.

Weight Loss

One health benefit of bottle gourd is weight management, specifically weight loss. Aside from fiber, the vegetable contains potassium and iron, which allow fluid shifts and cellular oxygenation, which promote metabolic processes.

 According to Style Craze, the person just peels the skin of a fresh gourd, cuts the vegetable into small pieces, and puts them in a juicer. As per the publication, the juice is believed to reduce a person’s appetite after drinking it in the morning on an empty stomach. Thus, bottle gourd can be consumed by those who want to lose fat and weight.

Anti-Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Bottle gourd also counters urinary tract infection, also known as UTI. 


Aside from its water content, which hydrates the body and prevents urine concentration, the vegetable also has a cooling effect on the body; it acts as a diuretic, which promotes urination and prevents urinary retention in the bladder, preventing infection due to microorganisms. 


According to The Health Site, bottle gourd is alkaline in nature, neutralizing the acidic nature of urine; this prevents the burning sensation while passing urine.

Sample Recipe

A recipe that uses bottle gourd as its ingredients is Bottle Gourd Curry. According to Indian Healthy Recipes, the ingredients include two cups of bottle gourd (chopped), one to two green chilies slit (optional), one sprig of curry leaves, a pinch of mstard, a pinch of cumin, a pinch of tureric, oil, a teaspoon of chana dal (senaga pappu) and a teaspoon of urad dal (minapa Pappu), two to three teaspoons vepudu karam, a tablespoon or two of grated fresh coconut (optional), and salt.

To prepare, as per the publication, the gourd is washed under running water. After that, its skin is peeled and it is chopped to bite sized pieces. Next, oil is added to a wide heavy bottomed pan. Then, cumin, dal, and mustard are added and fried, until the dal turn gold in color. 




Once done, the curry leaves and chili are added and fried until the leaves become crisp. Once done, the bottle gourd is added, along with salt and turmeric. Next, the ingredients are fried on a medium to high flame for three to five minutes and stirred to avoid burning. 

As per the publication, the pan is covered if the gourd is not tender; this will fully cook the vegetable; oherwise, it is just fried until fully done. Next, the vepudu karam and the coconut are added and stirred well to mix. Finally, it is served with rice and sambar or rasam.


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Health Benefits of Korean Melons

So many health-conscious individuals give Korea lots of thanks for introducing us to kimchi, which is unquestionably a superfood. But have you already heard of Korean melons? If you want to know more about them, read on!

First things first: it’s very unlikely that you will come across Korean melons at your favorite supermarket. But if there is a Korean grocer in your area, then there is a huge possibility that you will be able to take home some of them. And you should do so because, just like melons that you’re more accustomed to, Korean melons are so healthy.

When shopping for Korean melons, bear in mind that the nose knows which ones you should go for. Bring a Korean melon very close to your nose — if it’s fragrant, then you should place it in your shopping basket. It’s also a good idea for you to opt for the heaviest Korean melons that you can find at the Korean grocery store situated in your area.



Just like other melons out there, you can consume Korean melons diced or balled. It’s a wonderful idea to place small slices of them on top of your oatmeal, grits or yogurt. You may also turn Korean melons into refreshing juice or have them added to your favorite healthy smoothie blend. You are not going to have a hard time adding them to your diet!

Now that you know some of the most important matters about them like how to buy and consume them, it’s now time for use to tackle some of the most amazing health benefits offered by these delectable Korean melons!

They Make Your Immune System Strong
One of the most abundant nutrients present in Korean melons is vitamin C, and that is why adding them to your diet on a regular basis can help lower your risk of upper respiratory tract infections — vitamin C is an immune booster.

They Help Keep Your Skin Healthy and Beautiful
Vitamin C in Korean melons is also important for healing wounds. And did you know that it also helps keep wrinkles and sagginess at bay? That’s because vitamin C is actually an antioxidant that fights off free radicals, plus it’s also needed for collagen production. So if you want to look young, always consume Korean melons and other vitamin C-rich fruits.

They Encourage Bowel Movement
A couple of reasons exist why Korean melons are good for promoting regular evacuation of the bowels. First, they are very rich in dietary fiber that helps sweep toxins and by-products of digestion out of the colon. Second, Korean melons are loaded with water, which is something that helps in warding off constipation.

They May Keep Colon Cancer at Bay, Too
Korean melons and other fiber-rich foods are also said to help lower the incidence of colon cancer. In addition, their regular intake can also help keep hemorrhoids or piles from striking.

They Boost RBC Count
Nutrition experts say that Koran melons supply the body with iron, which is important for red blood cell (RBC) production. This is why the regular intake of Korean melons and other fruits and vegetables with iron can help prevent anemia.

They Lower Heart Disease Risk
Korean melons are also perfect for individuals who are told by their doctors to have high blood pressure or hypertension, something that increases one’s risk of heart disease. Thanks to the impressive amounts of potassium in Korean melons, consuming these fruits can help bring the blood pressure back to the normal range.


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Herbs that Kill Parasites Naturally

Having parasites in the body can trigger infections and other diseases that can impede our day-to-day life. Although there are medications available that can answer these health issues, going natural can help a lot too. 


Of course, in order for these herbs to deliver the best results, you will need to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle. It is also recommended that you talk to your doctor first before using any of these herbs to ensure that they will not, in any way, impede your medication if you are taking any.

Fresh garlic
Garlic may be considered as an ordinary herb in the kitchen but there is no mistaking its ability to fight off bacteria and parasites that are growing inside your body. This herb can actually get rid of more than 60 types of bacteria and fungus in the body while detoxifying your body from any unwanted toxins. 


What’s great about garlic is that you can easily incorporate it into your daily meals by crushing or cutting the cloves and mixing with your cooking.

Cloves
This herb contains eugenol, tannins, and caryophyllene which are considered as anti-microbial meaning that they will be able to kill off any microbes that may be living or travelling in your bloodstream. When you ingest cloves, these components will be able to remove any parasites or protozoa and their eggs too from your body. You can use cloves to fight off tuberculosis, malaria, scabies, cholera, as well as other parasitic infections and viruses.

Cucumber seeds
Tapeworms can be eliminated from your body with the help of some cucumber seeds. You will need to transform the cucumber seeds into powder before using them as a treatment for those pesky tapeworms that are clinging to your digestive tract. Use heirloom cucumber seeds to grind into powder then add a teaspoon of it to your smoothie every day.


Black walnut
This herb is the go-to solution for tapeworms, candida albicans, pinworms, and even malaria by those who are using holistic treatments. It is also effective in reducing sugar levels while flushing toxins in the body. The dried and ground green hull of this herb has tannins which are the ones responsible for eliminating parasites that are triggering skin infections.

Raw pumpkin seeds
Another herb that can kill off parasites in the body naturally are raw pumpkin seeds. This can help get rid of parasite eggs because of the natural fats that are toxic to the eggs. 



The curcurbitin in the seeds has anti-parasitic properties which can paralyze the worms that are living in your intestinal walls. Ground some raw pumpkin seeds and add some to your salads and smoothies. You will need at least half a cup of raw pumpkin seeds to get the full effects.

Ginger

This particular herb has almost the same properties as that of turmeric. It can improve one’s digestion while boosting circulation. You can use this herb to treat nausea and gas that are triggered by parasites. Eating ginger can make your digestive system function better which in turn can kill off any parasites or bacteria that may be lingering inside of you.

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Cocoyam of Health Benefits

Cocoyam is primarily cultivated for its corm, which is a swollen part of the stem that serves as a storage area. In this article we will learn more about cocoyam corm (which will be referred to simply as cocoyam) as well as the many benefits that you may enjoy simply for having it included in your diet on a regular basis.

Originating from Southeast Asia, cocoyam is a staple in the diet of many underdeveloped or developing nations across the planet. While the leaves can also be consumed as a vegetable, it is the corm which is commonly added to the diet. However, cocoyam is also cultivated for medicinal purposes.


Just like many other vegetables that are found beneath the soil, cocoyam is starchy. Needless to say, it is an excellent source of carbohydrates that provide the body with energy. Since the soil is also rich in minerals, it isn’t really surprising why cocoyam contains potassium, calcium, copper, manganese and zinc.

There are also a bunch of vitamins present in cocoyam, which include vitamins A, B, C and E which are necessitated by the body for its proper functioning and optimum health. Cocoyam is also a phenomenal source of dietary fiber which, as everyone knows, is important for keeping constipation, hemorrhoids and even colon cancer at bay.

Cocoyam can be added to one’s diet via a number of ways. For instance, it’s something that can be boiled just like turnips and potatoes. In areas where it is a diet staple, cocoyam are grated or pounded and used as thickening agent for soups and stews. It’s also very much possible to roast cocoyam, as well as turn it into crispy chips.

Now that you are more familiar with cocoyam, it’s time for us to get to know the health perks it offers:

It Energizes the Body
Cocoyam contains B vitamins that help convert the food you eat into energy, and that is why it’s something that can help make you feel energized. What’s more, cocoyam is a great source of carbohydrates as it is a starchy vegetable.



It Improves Digestion
There’s also fiber present in every serving of cocoyam, and this is the reason why it helps in improving the process of digestion. Aside from that, fiber in cocoyam also helps keep constipation at bay, thus allowing you to be regular. Doctors say that cocoyam and other fiber-rich vegetables may prevent colon cancer from striking.

It Boosts Your Immunity
Vitamin C that cocoyam has is very important for strengthening the immune system. And this is why adding cocoyam to your diet on a regular basis can help in considerably reducing your risk of having an infection.

It Enhances Vision
Another type of vitamin that you can get from cocoyam is vitamin A, which is so important for keeping the eyes healthy. By shielding the peepers from free radical damage, certain eye problems can be avoided. Many of the issues that may affect the eyes can actually lead to blurring of vision or even loss of it!

It Lowers the Blood Pressure
There is potassium present in cocoyam, and it’s exactly for this why consuming it regularly can help in the management of hypertension. You see, potassium relaxes the blood vessels, which in turn causes high blood pressure to drop.

It Strengthens Bones
Last but not least, the consumption of cocoyam can also help keep the bones strong, thus lowering your risk of having osteoporosis one day. That’s because cocoyam contains calcium, which is known as a bone strengthener. Cocoyam contains copper, too, and experts say that this mineral is also a role player in osteoporosis prevention.

Fruits Dogwood and Health Benefits...

Just recently, a lot of health-conscious people got their eyes on dogwood berries which are revered for their numerous benefits. If you are constantly on the hunt for things that can be regarded as superfoods, then read on. 

This article will get you acquainted with these fruits that are getting the attention of many.

Dogwood berries come from a small flowering small tree having the same name. The said tree is sometimes cultivated for ornamental purposes because it looks awesome especially when it is teeming with its tiny yellow flowers. And when it bears its bright red berries, it can be a complete stunner!

The berries are slightly elongated and usually measure no more than 2 centimeters in length. In some instances, they are yellow in color but the red ones are far more common. They are highly edible when fully ripe.



Ripened dogwood berries posses an acidic taste which, according to many of those who have already tried consuming them, is similar to the flavor of sour cherries or cranberries. Because of this, they are commonly turned into various kinds of syrups, jams and sauces. Dogwood berries are also sometimes dried.

Native to western Asia and southern Europe, dogwood has long been used by traditional healers for dealing with so many health problems. The bark, leaves, flowers and of course berries are the ones employed.

The following are some of the health benefits that dogwood and its various parts are known to offer:

It Increases Urine Production
Dogwood is known to have mild diuretic properties, which means that it can encourage the kidneys to produce more urine. 

There are a number of perks that come with increased urination, and they include better removal of toxins in the body, lowering of the blood pressure and accelerated healing of a urinary tract infection or UTI.


It Strengthens One’s Immunity
Vitamin C in dogwood, particularly the berries it produces, makes the herb a well-known strengthener of the immune system.

 It also possesses antibacterial and antiviral properties, which allows it to prevent all sorts of infections from striking — it also helps make a person bounce back from one much more effectively.



It Cures Dysentery and Diarrhea
Because of the ability of dogwood to kill off bacteria, it is a popular traditional remedy for dysentery, which is something that involves the inflammation of the colon. Dogwood is also a common treatment for diarrhea not only because of its antibacterial abilities, but also astringent properties.

It Protects the Liver From Damage
Traditional healers usually recommend the intake of herbal preparations containing certain parts of dogwood for people who are at high risk of developing problems with the liver. When scientists took a look at dogwood, they discovered that the herb indeed has hepatoprotective action that helps in strengthening the liver.

It Reduces the Impact of Oxidative Stress
Lots and lots of health issues are associated with oxidative stress. Some of them include diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and chronic inflammation which tends to cause so many additional problems.

 Thanks to the superb antioxidant properties of dogwood, it may be used for reducing oxidative stress.

CAUTION: Never make the mistake of confusing dogwood with Jamaican dogwood, which is commonly employed for its sedating properties. If you are planning on using dogwood for therapeutic or medicinal purposes, do so only under an herbalist’s direct supervision. 

Remember to inform your doctor about your plan on taking herbal preparations containing dogwood if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a known medical condition.

This is the reason When Not To Use Ginger

Ginger is a flowering plant native to Asia which is definitely one of the healthiest and most beneficial plants in the world. Ginger is a member of the Zingiberaceae family, and has a rich nutritional profile that makes it a great remedy against a variety of ailments.

People have been using ginger as a folk remedy against digestive problems for a long time, but the root can help you with more than just that.

Ginger contains a variety of minerals, vitamins and enzymes that can treat various diseases and conditions. The huge number of enzymes it contains can assist the body in digestion and detoxify the organs, which will result in better overall health. However, although beneficial, ginger shouldn’t be used by people suffering from certain conditions.

Here’s when not to use ginger:

Blood disorders

Ginger can boost your blood flow and defeat anemia, diabetes, Raynaud’s disease and obesity, but will have a negative effect on your health if you’re suffering from hemophilia.

Hemophilia is a genetic disorder in which the blood loses the ability to clot, so even a minor injury increases the risk of bleeding to death. Ginger can interfere with certain hemophilia medications and cause hemorrhages, which is why it’s best to stay away from it in this case.

Blood pressure and diabetes meds

People on blood pressure or diabetes drugs should avoid ginger. The root can interfere with the action of beta-blockers, anticoagulants and insulin shots and will increase the blood thinning and reduce your blood pressure, so it’s best to stay away from it in this case.

Underweight people

People who need to gain weight should definitely avoid ginger.

 The root reduces food cravings and accelerates metabolism and fat burn, effectively promoting weight loss, which is the last thing you need if you’re underweight.

Pregnancy

Although there aren’t many studies to confirm it, ginger can induce contractions and premature labor. You can safely consume a small amount in order to prevent morning sickness, but anything more than that should be avoided. Experts suggest that the root is especially dangerous in the last trimester of pregnancy, so make sure to stay away from it if you’re pregnant.

The best alternatives for ginger

If you’re in any of these groups of people, you can replace ginger with cayenne pepper, paprika or sweet peppers in your meals. All three ingredients have similar effects to ginger, and can be used to prepare meals or detox drinks.

Source:homeremediescorner.com