Health Benefits of Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are tiny, oil-rich seeds that grow in pods on the Sesamum indicum plant. The sesame plant is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world and as well as being a popular seed it is also a desirable oilseed used in professional and domestic kitchens across the world.

Sesame seeds are loaded with minerals that are incredibly important for our bodies. Sesame seeds in particular are great sources of magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, molybdenum, and selenium! Copper has been shown to help relieve inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. Other minerals found in sesame seeds such as magnesium, calcium, and zinc have been shown to help with colon cancer, prevent migraines, reduce PMS symptoms, reduce bone loss, support general bone health, support respiratory health, support heart health and reduce cholesterol levels!

Some of the great benefits are listed as:

1. Full of Great Protein

Sesame seeds are full of high quality protein making up 20 percent of the seed with 4.7 grams of protein per ounce.

2. Helps Prevent Diabetes

Sesame seeds contain magnesium and other nutrients. Sesame oil has been shown to prevent diabetes, and it can also improve plasma glucose in hypersensitive diabetics.

Sesame seeds are low in carbs while high in protein and healthy fats — all of which may support blood sugar control.

Additionally, these seeds contain pinoresinol, a compound that may help regulate blood sugar by inhibiting the action of the digestive enzyme maltase. Maltase breaks down the sugar maltose, which is used as a sweetener for some food products. It’s also produced in your gut from the digestion of starchy foods like bread and pasta. If pinoresinol inhibits your digestion of maltose, this may result in lower blood sugar levels

3. Reduces Blood Pressure

Sesame seeds are high in magnesium, which may help lower blood pressure. Additionally, lignans, vitamin E, and other antioxidants in sesame seeds may help prevent plaque buildup in your arteries, potentially maintaining healthy blood pressure. The same study above reveals how sesame oil lowers blood pressure in diabetics. Sesame seeds are full of magnesium – a key nutrient known to help lower blood pressure.

4. Lowers Cholesterol

Sesame helps lower cholesterol levels, because it contains phytosterols that block cholesterol production. Black sesame seeds are especially high in phytosterols.

5. Good for Digestion

The high fiber content of sesame seeds helps the intestines with elimination.

6. For Healthy Skin

The high zinc content helps produce collagen, giving skin more elasticity and helping repair damaged body tissues. Regular use of sesame oil can reduce skin cancer.

7. Boosts Heart Health

Sesame seed oil can help heart health by preventing atherosclerotic lesions with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound known as sesamol.

The lignans in sesame seeds function as antioxidants, which help fight oxidative stress — a chemical reaction that may damage your cells and increase your risk of many chronic diseases. Additionally, sesame seeds contain a form of vitamin E called gamma-tocopherol, an antioxidant that may be especially protective against heart disease

8. Prevents Cancer

Sesame seeds contain anti-cancer compounds including phytic acid, magnesium and phytosterols. Sesame seeds have the highest phytosterol content of all seeds and nuts.

9. Helps Lessen Anxiety

Sesame seeds contain the stress-relieving minerals magnesium and calcium. Sesame also contains the calming vitamins thiamin and tryptophan that help produce serotonin, which reduces pain, assists moods and helps you sleep deeply.

10. Alleviates Anemia

Black sesame seeds are particularly rich in iron, so they’re highly recommended for those with anemia and weakness.

11. Prevents Wrinkles

Sesame seed oil prevents harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun from damaging your skin, thus preventing the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation.

12. Encourages Bone Health and Prevents Osteoporosis

Sesame seeds are a great source of both calcium and zinc, and both these minerals play a key role in helping to maintain strong, healthy bones.  A handful of sesame seeds contains more calcium than a glass of milk. Also, the high zinc content of sesame boosts bone mineral density.

Tropical fruit - Pitanga fruit - Surinam Cherry

Pitanga fruits originated in Brazil but can now be found across the tropics. The cherry-sized fruits are highly nutritious containing large quantities of vitamin C. Known as Pitanga throughout Brazil or Ñangapirí in surrounding countries, it is a large shrub or small tree with a conical form, growing slowly to 8 meters in height. The Surinam Cherry is often used in gardens as a hedge or screen. The fruit is high in Vitamin C, and its predominant food use is as a flavoring and base for jams and jellies. The tree was introduced to Bermuda for ornamental purposes but is out of control, and is now listed as invasive in Bermuda.

Health Benefits of Surinam Cherry

Surinam Cherry is rich in antioxidants which help to prevent the free radicals that are the major cause for inflammation and diseases. Fruits are rich in phosphorus, Vitamin C, riboflavin, iron and niacin. It possesses antiseptic, antitumor, astringent and antibacterial properties; provide relief from diarrhea and gastro-intestinal problems.

Heart Ailments

The sufficient level of Vitamin C in Surinam Cherry helps to prevent the damage of blood vessels caused by free radicals. Atherosclerosis is a heart disease which is caused due to the free radicals. Vitamin C helps to prevent this heart ailment and other cardiac issues.

Treats Cancer

In their composition, are present also anthocyanins and phenols, substances that can prevent degenerative diseases and active in protecting DNA molecules against mutations that can lead to cancer. Lycopene, a substance responsible for the red color of the fruit is present in another cherry antioxidant that is effective in combating various diseases.

Eye Ailments

Cataracts are the visual related problems. The people with cataracts have shown the decrease level of Vitamin C. The high intake of Vitamin C raises the supply of blood to the ocular areas.

Treats Common Cold

Vitamin C promotes the immune power which prevents coughs and colds. It stimulates the iron absorption and enhances the resistance power of the body against infection. It helps to counteract against viruses.

Skin Health

Vitamin A helps to eradicate the body from toxins and free radicals which damages the skin. It provides soft and supple skin by retaining the moisture, prevent dryness, keratinization and skin ailments such as psoriasis.

Prevent Acne

Vitamin A lowers the production of excess sebum and reduces the acne. It strengthen the skin tissues, enhances the health and skin vitality. It helps to maintain the mucus membranes and skin tissues. It eradicates the toxins from the body and cleans the system with its antioxidant properties.

Immune Power

Vitamin A enhances the immune power to fight against infections by raising lymphocytic responses against antigens. It provides the moisture to the mucus membranes to provide immune power and promotes the actions of white blood cells. It prevents the entering of body, counteracts the infections. It ensures the double core protection.

Prevent Muscular Dystrophy

It helps to maintain the bones shape and its health. Vitamin A ensures the proper growth of muscles. It prevents the development of muscular dystrophy.

Produces RBC

Vitamin B2 helps to produce antibodies and red blood cells in the humans. It helps to increase oxygenation and circulation to the organs of the body.

Regulates growth and reproduction

Vitamin B2 ensures the proper development and growth of reproductive organs and body tissues growth such as connective tissues, skin, eyes, nervous system, mucous membranes and immune system. Additionally, it promotes the healthy nails, skin and hair.

Health Benefits of Mint

Mint, the popular herb, has several benefits which include proper digestion and weight loss, relief from nausea, depression, fatigue, and headache. It is used in the treatment of asthma, memory loss, and skin care problems. This well-known mouth and breath freshener is scientifically known as Mentha and has more than two dozen species and hundreds of varieties.

Health Benefits

Most of us are familiar with the refreshing application of mint, but it has far more to offer than that. The health benefits of mint include the following:

Aids in Digestion

Mint is a great appetizer or palate cleanser. It also promotes digestion and soothes the stomach in case of indigestion or inflammation.

The aroma of the herb activates the salivary glands in your mouth as well as the glands which secrete the digestive enzymes, thereby facilitating digestion. These attributes are why mint is extensively used in the culinary arts.

Treats Nausea & Headache

Mint leaves, especially freshly crushed ones, help you deal with nausea and headache. The strong and refreshing aroma of mint is a quick and effective remedy for nausea. Use mint oil or any other product having a mint flavor and your stomach issues will be alleviated. This herb is a naturally soothing substance, so it can alleviate the inflammation and temperature RISE that is often associated with headaches and migraines.

Prevents Respiratory Disorders

The strong aroma of this herb is very effective in clearing up congestion of the nose, throat, bronchi, and lungs, which gives relief from respiratory disorders that often result from asthma and common colds. As mint cools and soothes the throat, nose and other respiratory channels, it also relieves the irritation which causes chronic coughing. This is the main reason why so many balms are based on mint. Unlike the inhalers that are based on aerosols, those with mint as the fundamental component tend to be more effective and eco-friendly as well.

Treats Asthma

Regular use of mint is very beneficial for asthma patients, as it is a good relaxant and relieves congestion. That being said, using too much mint in this way can also irritate the nose and throat.

Aids in Breast Feeding

For many women, breastfeeding is a beautiful part of raising a child, but it can affect your breasts and nipples. Studies have shown that mint oil can reduce the nipple cracks and pain that often accompany breastfeeding.

Reduces Depression & Fatigue

Mint is a natural stimulant and the smell alone can be enough to charge your energy and get your brain functioning at a higher level again. If you are feeling sluggish, anxious, depressed or simply exhausted, mint and its essential oil can help. It can be ingested, applied topically in a salve form or inhaled as a vapor, and all of these techniques can give you a much-needed boost.

Skin Care

While mint oil is a good antiseptic and antipruritic material, the juice obtained from mint is an excellent skin cleanser. It soothes the skin and helps cure infections and itchiness. In addition to being a good way to reduce pimples, it can even relieve some of the symptoms of acne. Its anti-pruritic properties can be used for treating insect bites like those of mosquitoes, honeybees, hornets, wasps, and gnats. The cooling sensation will relieve you from irritation and the constant urge to scratch, and the anti-inflammatory nature of mint will bring down swelling. In that same vein, mint oil is often a basic component of bug repellent products like citronella candles, because the strong aroma is unappealing to most insects.

Prevents Memory Loss

A recent study explored the effects that mint has on alertness, retention, and cognitive function. It found that people who frequently use chewing gum, in which the major active ingredient is mint, had higher levels of memory retention and mental alertness than those who did not. The stimulant qualities of mint, once again, have shown yet another reason to pop that stick of gum in your mouth or chew some leaves when you’re feeling less than brilliant.

Weight Loss

Apart from all the other health benefits of mint, it also can help in your efforts to lose weight in a healthy way. Mint is a stimulant, as we’ve already mentioned, but it also stimulates the digestive enzymes that absorb nutrients from food and consume fat and turn it into usable energy. Therefore, by adding mint to your diet, you are increasing the amount of fat that is being consumed and put to use, rather than being stored and contributing to weight gain.

  

Cures Allergies & Hay Fever

Seasonal allergies and hay fever (also known as rhinitis) affect millions of people around the world. Extracts from mint leaves have been shown to inhibit the release of certain chemicals, which aggravate severe nasal symptoms associated with hay fever and seasonal allergies.

Prevents Cancer

Current research shows that certain enzymes that can be found in mint may help prevent and treat cancer.

Improve Body Immune System

Immune function to prevent the disease into the body. Immunity will increase when a person is exercising regularly and eating foods rich in nutrients. Mint leaves contain vitamin C that can positively impact your immune system. Therefore, do not hesitate to add a mint leaf on a menu of food that you consume.

Itching in the throat

The content of the mint leaves are also very active to cure and relieve itchy throat that causes coughing. This is because there are some very good mint composition for open cavity on the nose.

Hazelnuts Health benefits

Hazelnuts are sweet, and incredibly nutritious edible kernels from the "birch" or Betulaceae family of trees. Hazel tree begins producing fruits about three years after plantation. Hazels appear in clusters. Each nut is held inside the short leafy involucre or "capsule" enclosing about three-quarters of the kernel. Hazelnut oil, extracted from the kernels, has been used in as base or carrier oil in medicine, and in aromatherapy.

Healthy Fats
Hazelnuts contain heart-healthy fats that can protect heart health. Specifically, they are high in healthy polyunsaturated and mononunsaturated fats and low in unhealthier unsaturated fats. Hazelnuts are a good source of oleic acid. Oleic acid can help to lower levels of bad cholesterol, LDL, and can raise levels of good cholesterol, HDL, in the body.

Cancer Prevention
Studies have found that the alpha-tocopherol type of vitamin E hazelnuts are so rich in may cut the risk of bladder cancer in half. Additionally, the manganese so abundant in hazelnuts goes a long way in protecting the body from cancer. Manganese is a constituent of an antioxidant enzyme produced in the mitochondria of the cells to protect the body from cancer.

Muscles
Magnesium plays an important role in regulating the amount of calcium that goes into and out of the cells of the body. The proper amount of calcium at the proper time encourages muscle contraction, and allows the muscles to relax when they’re not needed. This avoids muscle tension, soreness, spasm, cramps and fatigue. According to one Italian study, higher magnesium levels also increased the strength of the muscles.

Skin Health
One cup of hazelnuts contains 86% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin E. Vitamin E has been proven to protect skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, such as skin cancer and premature aging.

Bone and Joint Health
About two thirds of the magnesium the body uses goes towards building the structure and strength of the skeletal system. Magnesium is a key mineral in the makeup of the bones, and is so important that the body stores extra magnesium on the surface of bones to be used in case of an emergency deficiency. Hazelnuts are also rich in manganese, a mineral essential for the growth and strength of bones. Post-menopausal women are often deficient in manganese and can benefit from its ability to increase the density of bone, and fight osteoporosis.

Nervous System
The nervous system needs amino acids in order to function, and amino acids require vitamin B6. Hazelnuts are rich in vitamin B6. Moreover, vitamin B6 is necessary for the creation of myelin, the insulating sheath of the nerve that increases the speed and efficiency of electrical impulses, allowing the nervous system to operate optimally. What’s more, vitamin B6 is instrumental in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters serotonin, melatonin, and epinephrine.

Digestive Tract Health
Hazelnuts are rich in manganese, which is an enzyme activator and a catalyst in the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol. It also promotes protein and carbohydrate metabolism. The high content of fiber in hazelnuts assures regular movement of food and waste through the digestive tract, distributing the burden of work evenly along the way and promoting the proper balance of chemicals and microorganisms necessary for a healthy digestive system.

Palatable Antioxidants
Antioxidants play a very important role in overall health. Free-radicals prevent the cells from being properly oxygenated and as a result illness occurs. A build up of free-radicals cause a domino effect in the body, infecting other cells, and leading to serious diseases.

Health Benefits of Spinach

Spinach is a green, leafy vegetable that is cheap and affordable for everyone. It is a rich source of minerals, vitamins, pigments and phytonutrients. All of these together make spinach very beneficial for a number of vital processes.

Diabetes

Spinach contains an antioxidant known as alpha-lipoic acid, which has been shown to lower glucose levels, increase insulin sensitivity and prevent oxidative stress-induced changes in patients with diabetes. Studies on alpha-lipoic acid have also shown decreases in peripheral neuropathy and/or autonomic neuropathy in diabetics.

Cancer prevention

Spinach and other green vegetables contain chlorophyll which has shown to be effective at blocking the carcinogenic effects of heterocyclic amines which are generated when grilling foods at a high temperature.

Asthma prevention

The risks for developing asthma are lower in people who consume a high amount of certain nutrients. One of these nutrients is beta-carotene, of which spinach is an excellent source.

Lowering blood pressure

Because of its high potassium content, spinach is recommended to those with high blood pressure to negate the effects of sodium in the body. A low potassium intake may be just as big of a risk factor in developing high blood pressure as a high sodium intake.

Bone health

Low intakes of vitamin K have been associated with a higher risk for bone fracture. Adequate vitamin K consumption is important for good health, as it acts as a modifier of bone matrix proteins, improves calcium absorption and may reduce urinary excretion of calcium.

Promotes regularity

Spinach is high in fiber and water content, both of which help to prevent constipation and promote a healthy digestive tract.

Healthy skin and hair

Spinach is high in vitamin A, which is necessary for sebum production to keep hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair. Spinach and other leafy greens high in vitamin C are imperative for the building and maintenance of collagen, which provides structure to skin and hair.

Iron-deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, which can be prevented by an adequate intake of iron-rich foods, like spinach.

Good Eyesight

Spinach is a rich source of beta carotene, lutein and xanthene, all of which are beneficial for eyesight. Beta carotene is supplied to the eyes by cooked spinach. It can prevent people from suffering from vitamin A deficiency, itching eyes, eye ulcers and dry eyes. This is also due to some of the anti-inflammatory properties of spinach, which can reduce the puffiness or irritation in the eyes.

Anti-Ulcerative

It has been found that spinach and some other vegetables have the ability to protect the mucous membrane of the stomach, thereby decreasing the occurrence of gastric ulcers. Furthermore, the glycocyclerolipids found in spinach can boost the strength of the digestive tract lining, thereby preventing any unwanted inflammation in that part of the body that can cause harm.

Fetal Development

Folate found in spinach is needed by a growing fetus for proper development of its new nervous system. Defects like cleft palate or spina bifida may occur due to a deficiency of folate. The vitamin A contained in spinach is advised to be consumed in higher quantities by the mother. Vitamin A is required in the lung development of the fetus as well, and can be transferred during breast-feeding, so spinach consumption should be continued after birth as well.

Skin Protection

Different phytonutrients and pigments have been shown to protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun, including UV rays. These not only protect, but also repair the damaged genes to some extent, thereby preventing skin cancer in the long run.

Reduced Risk of Cataracts

The lutein and zeaxanthin present in spinach both act as strong antioxidants, thus preventing the eyes from the harsh effects of UV rays that can lead to cataracts.

Health Benefits of Mushrooms

Mushrooms, though classified as vegetables in the food world, are not technically plants. They belong to the fungi kingdom and although they are not vegetables, mushrooms provide several important nutrients. The health benefits of mushrooms include relief from high cholesterol levels, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and diabetes. It also helps in weight loss, and increases the strength of your immune system.

1) Cancer

Mushrooms contain just as high an antioxidant capacity as carrots, tomatoes, green and red peppers, pumpkins, green beans, and zucchini.

Selenium is a mineral that is not present in most fruits and vegetables but can be found in mushrooms. It plays a role in liver enzyme function, and helps detoxify some cancer-causing compounds in the body. Additionally, selenium prevents inflammation and also decreases tumor growth rates.

The vitamin D in mushrooms has also been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells by contributing to the regulation of the cell growth cycle. The folate in mushrooms plays an important role in DNA synthesis and repair, thus preventing the formation of cancer cells from mutations in the DNA.

2) Diabetes

Studies have shown that type 1 diabetics who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels. One cup of grilled portabella mushrooms and one cup of stir-fried shiitake mushrooms both provide about 3 grams of fiber.

3) Heart health

The fiber, potassium and vitamin C content in mushrooms all contribute to cardiovascular health. Potassium and sodium work together in the body to help regulate blood pressure. Consuming mushrooms, which are high in potassium and low in sodium helps to lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.

Mushrooms themselves provide you with lean proteins since they have no cholesterol or fat and are very low carbohydrates. The fiber and certain enzymes in mushrooms also help lower cholesterol levels. Moreover, the high lean protein content in mushrooms helps burn cholesterol when they are digested. Balancing levels of cholesterol between LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) and HDL (“good” cholesterol) is essential in the prevention of various cardiovascular diseases like artherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.

4) Immunity

Selenium has also been found to improve immune response to infection by stimulating production of killer T-cells. The beta-glucan fibers found in the cell walls of mushrooms stimulate the immune system to fight cancer cells and prevent tumors from forming.

Mushrooms contain natural antibiotics (similar to penicillin, which itself is extracted from mushrooms), which inhibit microbial growth and other fungal infections. Those same polysaccharides, beta-glucans, can stimulate and regulate the body’s immune system. They can also help heal ulcers and ulcerous wounds and protect them from developing infections. The good combination of vitamins A, B-Complex and C that is found in mushrooms also strengthens the immune system.

5) Weight management and satiety

Dietary fiber plays an important role in weight management by functioning as a "bulking agent" in the digestive system. Mushrooms contain two types of dietary fibers in their cell walls: beta-glucans and chitin which increase satiety and reduce appetite, making you feel fuller longer and thereby lowering your overall calorie intake.

6) Bone Health

Mushrooms are a rich source of calcium, which is an essential nutrient in the formation and strength of bones. A steady supply of calcium in the diet can reduce your chances of developing conditions like osteoporosis, and can also reduce joint pain and general lack of mobility that is associated with bone degradation.

Natural Beauty Remedies

There are some essential ingredients that should make up the foundation of your new beauty routine. You can probably find them in your kitchen because they are mostly edible. They are incredibly potent on their own and learning to use them as beauty products will teach you the basics of being your own little chemist.


FINE-GRAIN SEA SALT
Especially great for acne or quick treatments during flare-ups. Other uses are: as a muscle relaxer, pulls toxins from pores, balances moisture, eliminates fluid retention, removes dead skin cells, cleans deeply and can be applied on your face and body. The simplest way to use sea salt is to wet your skin, put some salt on your wet hand so it sticks, then pat it gently onto your skin. You can leave it for a few minutes or rinse immediately. Just make sure not to scrub too hard – it is too abrasive by itself.


APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
It is the best natural astringent because it helps to balance your skin's pH, making your skin less oily and less dry. Plus, it promotes blood circulation and kills bacteria, yeasts and viruses. It is pungent, so, always dilute it first. Apply to your face with a spritzer or a cotton ball. No need to wash it off.


SHEA BUTTER
A little bit of it goes a long way, leaving your skin hydrated. Shea butter absorbs ultraviolet radiation as it has a natural SPF. Apply it straight on your body or face.


COCONUT OIL
Coconut oil is a great body moisturiser. It soaks in and glides on easily, keeping you hydrated for a longer time. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties that will help heal acne, infections, scars and rashes. Coconut oil is full of antioxidants and healthy fats so it offers a lot of nutrition for your skin. Use this oil right after you shower, when your pores are soft and hydrated.


OLIVE OIL
It is a light moisturiser that is great for the face and is especially affordable. Olive oil protects skin against sun damage and cancer. Use olive oil more freely on your face and hair as it hardly has any allergic side effects.


GROUND ALMONDS OR OATS
These are gentle exfoliants that leave skin super-soft. Both of these ingredients are incredibly healing and soothing to the skin and they also reduce inflammation. The simplest way to use oats is to pour a heaping cup into a warm bath and soak.


BAKING SODA
It’s a great odour fighter, deep cleanser, toothpaste ingredient and an instant spot treatment. It also removes zits occasionally. Make a paste with water and put it on a blemish or spread onto a stinky area, leave on for however long you would like, then rinse.

HONEY
It kills bacteria while moisturising and soothing skin. It is also hydrating and anti-inflammatory to your pores. It is a great addition to any mask or exfoliant. Rub it onto your face and let it rest for some time and then rinse with warm water.


COARSE SUGAR
It melts quickly in water, leaving the skin cleansed and smooth. Have you heard of chemical peels of glycolic acid? It is a synthetic type of sugar. Scrub down with sugar when you want fresh, clear, shiny skin. You can use sugar scrub while bathing. You can also use it on your face, but don't be too vigorous – just pat!


ALOE VERA
It is high in antioxidants, fights itchiness and inflammation. It also creates fresh new cells, and has the ability to moisturise and heal your skin. Apply the gooey inside of the stem that spills out after breaking it. You can also get it in gel or juice form from any herb store.

DRY HERBS & SPICES

Herbs are used to enhance the natural flavour of food. They are used with a proclivity to add freshness, balance and exquisite taste to every dish. They may also be used for presentations; as they make a dish look livelier.

Many people use the term broadly to mean all seasonings. In fact, spices are really the seeds, fruit, roots, buds or bark of aromatic plants that usually grow in tropical countries.

In the past, spices were used to mask the taste of foods that had spoiled. Nowadays, we use spices to titillate our taste buds and try something new. Spices can transform an everyday dish into a signature dish that gets its flavour from the cook’s secret blend. In concocting such blends, cooks must of course take into account their guests’ tolerance for hot foods.

Spices are sold whole, ground, powdered, as flakes or in bags. For maximum fragrance and flavour, buy spices whole and crush them just before using them. The aroma of ground and powdered spices fade more quickly. Keep spices in airtight bottles or jars, away from heat and light. Never store spices close to the e stove. Smell spices periodically and discard any that have lost their aroma.