Kale – The World’s Most Powerful Superfood

What does “superfood” mean?

First it was blueberries, and spinach, and white tea, cranberry and broccoli. Lately, scientists and doctors, with the help of modern technology, found that many everyday and relatively cheap supplies can replace expensive pills and act preventively against many serious diseases. These food products are also called  “superfood”.

Kale is part of the group of superfood. This leafy green vegetable can be consumed throughout the whole year. It can be mixed with fruit in a blender and drank as a juice, consumed as a salad, as a pottage or grilled as addition to other dishes or as a healthy main dish.

Kale Nutrition Facts

Kale is extremely nutritious and low-calorie food product. This green leafy vegetable provides many benefits for our health and beauty. It is rich in micronutitients, including vitamins A , C and B6, some minerals – calcium, potassium, iron, manganese, copper, carotenoids and chlorophyll. Kale contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect the health of the eyes.

These phytochemicals protect the eyes from all the harmful effects from the UV rays of the sun and other sources and prevent the occurrence of cataracts. Also, due to the large amount of vitamin C, kale is great for the skin, improves its tone, elasticity and youthful appearance.

Kale Health Benefits

Kale fights infections and helps reducing the cholesterol level in the blood.
The nutrients found in the kale are effective in the fight against some types of cancer, such as stomach, colon, and ovarian cancer. Kale contains fiber that regulate digestion, prevent constipation and help preventing cases of overeating. It is rich in antioxidants, boosts immunity, maintains
healthy bones and teeth, protects the reproductive organs and is one of the food products that take part in the detoxification of the body.

Kale is an excellent source of vitamin B which is soluble in water and rich in iron, which is the main reason why experts recommended it to anemic people. Two American centres, the Drug Control Centre and the Centre for prevention and control of diseases, recommend a daily intake of 400 micrograms of vitamin B soluble in water for women. Pregnant women should be especially careful of this intake, because the deficiency of vitamin B can cause serious neurological sequelae in the child. Kale is rich in calcium, which can be absorbed up to 30% more than the calcium in cow’s milk.

Because of its healing properties, experts recommend consuming mostly fresh kale, as a salad with some garlic as addition. It is recommended especially for people with rheumatism, high blood pressure or people who have digestive disorders. Fresh kale juice is one of the favorite healthy beverages in Japan, and the banana-kale shake, with some cocoa and whey protein is the perfect breakfast.


Source : http://www.healthyfoodhouse.com/kale-the-most-powerful-superfood/

Healthy Drinks

Healthy drinks are easy to prepare and their benefits are amazing. They should be consumed immediately after preparation or at least one hour after preparation, because after an hour ingredients start to oxidate, which greatly reduces their nutritive values. Natural juices can effectively help us recover from various diseases. Certain juices support the whole organism and some treat specific diseases.

“Because digestion of solid food lasts for hours and the body digests and absorbs juices very quickly, in just few minutes. Juices are constructive material because they are the fastest way to enable the organism with all necessary amino acids, mineral salts, enzymes, vitamins, feed the blood and tissues and clean wasted toxic substances and discharge wasted products.

We have listed some healthy juices and their healthy benefits:

Pineapple – Pineapple juice is excellent for improving the functioning of kidneys and liver. Pineapple juice is also recommended for treating angina.

Peach – Peach juice strengthens heart muscles and cures heart arrhythmia. Helps with anemia, it is good for the nervous system and strengthens the immune system.

Orange – Orange juice is a powerful natural antioxidant.

Red currant – Red currant juice is recommended for cardiovascular diseases, ulcers, skin diseases, rheumatism and colds.

Grapes – Grape juice helps with fatigue and stressful situation. Cleans kidneys and liver and reduces cholesterol.

Grapefruit – This fruit juice is natural cure for insomnia. Lowers cholesterol and returns the blood pressure to normal.

Apple – Apple juice helps with obesity and diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, liver and kidney disease, arteriosclerosis, kidney stones and dysentery. It is pretty good for people who have high mental activity.

Apricot – Apricot juice strengthens the heart muscle. Regular consumption helps with arrhythmia.

Pear – Pear juice helps with kidney stones.

Cabbage – Cabbage juice is used for gastritis with low acid, stomach ulcers and diseases of the spleen and liver. Strengthens blood vessels, restores fat level in normal and helps in healing wounds.

Carrot – Carrot juice improves vision, strengthens the body and helps in returning the body to normal after illness or mental and physical exhaustion. Heals the gastric ulcer and helps with anemia, cancer and tuberculosis. Carrot juice increases the appetite and strengthens teeth and immune system.


Source : http://www.healthyfoodhouse.com/healthy-drinks/

An Apple A Day Could Prevent A Heart Attack

Apples can stop you from getting a heart attack and it is thought that this fruit is a lot more beneficial than statins (drugs that reduce cholesterol level). Scientists from the Oxford University say that people older than 50 who consume an apple a day are a lot healthier than those who take medicines. These group of scientists calculated that adding an apple in your everyday diet will reduce or stop those 8 500 heart attacks every year in Great Britain.

Calculated on global level, this number will be enormously big! Patients who already started the regular therapy for high cholesterol level have the same benefits. Doctors made certain calculations which showed a huge difference. Fruit can save the lives of older people. More than half of the potential patients with higher cholesterol level would gain a lot of benefits if they consume apples instead of taking pills.

In addition to this, people older than 50 are more prone to diseases, so according to this, apples would provide them stronger immune system and a healthier diet. Consuming a piece of fruit and a vegetable every day lowers the risk of heart attack by 12 per cent. This per cent applies to people who already have problems with their heart. Every apple you consume reduces the risk for another 12 per cent. According to this information, buy some apples and try to include this healthy fruit in your diet !


Source : http://www.healthyfoodhouse.com/an-apple-a-day-could-prevent-heart-attack/

Eating This Will Make You Age Much Faster !

Because food manufacturers have found many different methods and sources by which to add this substance to foods ranging from ketchup to cereal to soft drinks, it can be difficult to identify it in the ingredients lists on food labels. However, by knowing many of the names that indicate a sugared or sugar-derived ingredient, you can be an informed consumer and opt for the products without added sugar.

The most common names for added sugar include any ingredient ending in “-ose”–such as maltose, dextrose, sucrose, fructose, lactose—as well as high fructose corn syrup, molasses, honey, cane sugar, corn sweetener, evaporated cane juice, raw sugar, syrup, and fruit juice concentrates. It has been reported that the average American consumes 22 teaspoons of sugar a day. Given that the American Heart Association recommends that the intake of added sugar not exceed 6 teaspoons daily for women and 9 teaspoons daily for men, it is easy to see how added sugar leads the charge when it comes to major causes of the obesity and diabetes epidemics.

According to the American Heart Association, major sources of added sugars in our diets are soft drinks, candy, cakes, cookies, pies, fruit drinks, dairy desserts and milk products (such as ice cream and sweetened yogurt), and cereals. Most sweetened beverages and fruit drinks contain so much added sugar, in fact, that they have been referred to as “liquid sugar” by some experts.

Another major source of added sugar that has recently come under fire is soft drinks. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the average 12-ounce can of cola contains over 8 teaspoons of sugar! So, by drinking just one small soft drink, a woman would have already far exceeded her recommended daily sugar maximum (of 6 teaspoons), and a man would have nearly reached his (of 9 teaspoons).

A recent study showed that drinking sugar-sweetened beverages such as sodas was associated with shorter telomeres (which are a marker of aging–longer telomeres, simply speaking, are a marker of youth, while telomere shortening is an indication of aging). This in turn was associated with higher risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The study investigators concluded that “regular consumption of sugar-sweetened sodas might influence metabolic disease development through accelerated cell aging.” In other words, in one more twist to the added-sugar saga, drinking sodas could age your cells–and, therefore, you.


Source : http://organichealth.co/eating-this-will-make-you-age-much-faster/

Low Calorie Easy Breakfast Smoothies

Start your day off right with these quick and healthy smoothie recipes…

1. Peanut Butter Berry

-1/4 cup 1% low-fat milk
-1/2 medium ripe banana
-1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
-1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
-1/2 cup crushed ice

221 CALORIES

2. Ginger, Berries & Oats

-1/4 cup prepared oatmeal
-1/4 cup 1% low-fat milk
-1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
-1 cup fresh blackberries
-1/2 cup sliced strawberries
-1 teaspoon honey
-1/2 -p ice

169 CALORIES

3. Watermelon with a Hint of Mint

-2 cups seedless watermelon
-2 tablespoons fresh mint
-1/3 cup 2% plain Greek yogurt

98 CALORIES


Source : http://www.wesupportorganic.com/2014/11/low-calorie-easy-breakfast-smoothies.html

Garlic Uses And Health Benefits

Garlic is considered to be helpful in preventing heart diseases (including: atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure) and cancer. Supplementation with garlic extract inhibited vascular calcification in human patients with high blood cholesterol. Aged garlic can have a powerful antioxidant effect. Antioxidants can help to protect the body against damaging free radicals. Because of its antibacterial effect, garlic is treated for flu and colds, and is easily applicable cure in other discomforts.

1. Acne

One of the benefits of garlic is: “working” for our beauty, i.e. its juice cures the acne and the appearance of blemishes. Smash two cloves of garlic and put them on the inflammation. The results will be visible after a few minutes, after the swelling around the blemishes would “calms”.

2. Herpes

Herpes is a viral infection of the mouth which is very unpleasant appearance. Don’t panic, it’s easy curable. Just put a piece of garlic and hold directly on the sore spot about 10 minutes. For good results you should do this five times a day.

3. Ear inflammation

Garlic helps to treat inflammation of the ear, and the recipe is quick and easy. In a tablespoon with hot olive oil, add smashed garlic and let it for about an hour. Twice a day put a few drops of this tincture in your ear. The inflammation will be cured in a few days.

4. Tiny piece of wood under the skin

When a small piece of wood get under the skin, sometimes is difficult to remove, but with the help of garlic placed on the sore spot and covered with plaster, the tiny piece of wood will quickly “swim to the surface”.

5. Hair loss

Garlic is known for its outstanding effect on hair recovery, because of its high percent of b6 vitamin. Several small-scale clinical studies have shown positive results with vitamin B6 as a hair growth agent. So if you have this problem, massage it with garlic oil few times a week and let it act for 10 minutes.

6. Syrup for cough

Garlic acts as an antibiotic and can prevent the cough. Two cloves finely chopped garlic, add in a 100ml/ 0.42 cups of boiling water. Wait a few minutes and then drink it as tea.

7. Skin Care

Allicin is a compound in garlic which softens the skin. Add little smashed white onion in your face mask, hold it a few minutes longer than usual and rinse with lukewarm water. Clear tan and fresh look will be the result of this procedure.

Side-Effects

- Despite bad breath, eating too much raw garlic could produce problems, for example irritation of or even damage to the digestive tract. Some people are allergic to garlic. Symptoms of garlic allergy include skin rash, temperature and headaches.


Source : http://www.wesupportorganic.com/2014/11/garlic-uses-and-health-benefits.html

Ginger Health Benefits & Uses

Ginger takes a special place in many kitchens because of its specific aroma and spicy hot taste that stands out from other spices, but also for its healing properties. Thousands of years ginger was used as a spice and medicine, and to this day people use the powerful effects of ginger.
Ginger (botanical name: Zingiber officinale) is a year root plant that originates from the southern part of the Asian continent and is grown more than 3,000 years ago. The largest producer of this exotic spice with bright white-yellow color is India.Ginger root contains only 80 calories per 100 grams, which is mostly composed of: 18 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams of protein and 1 gram of fat.
Also ginger contains many beneficial nutrients to the human body like vitamin C, potassium, iron, calcium and magnesium.

Storage Of Ginger

You can find two types of ginger: fresh ginger and ginger powder. If you are able to choose, give the advantage of fresh ginger.The only negative side of fresh ginger is that this type of ginger has a tendency to dry quickly. If you want to save a greater amount after you wash and peel, wrap
the ginger in plastic wrap and freeze it. Not only will it keep the nutrients, but also the cutting of frozen ginger is much easier than fresh ginger.Ginger powder must be kept in well-closed glass jars in a dry, dark and cool place. For this type of ginger, shelf life can be extended up to one year, if it is stored in the refrigerator.

Fresh Ginger

Fresh ginger helps to reduce high cholesterol level and fight against stomach bacteria, which are considered responsible for the creation of peptic ulcer disease (Stomach ulcer). At the same time, reduces stomach bloating and relieves the tension caused by a nasty stomach gases. Positively affect on the recovery of the intestinal flora and regulates irregular stools. Strong headache and migraine can be relieved by consuming a few thin slices fresh ginger. How to use: Fresh ginger is good for eating after be washed well and peeled. Simply cut a few thin strips of fresh ginger and chew tiny pieces. Or grate it and add a tablespoon of  honey to relieve the spicy flavor.

Ginger Powder

Ginger powder helps to relieve abdominal pains, thanks to the essential oils found in its composition. Ginger oils has calming effect on strong stomach pains. This oils neutralize stomach acids, and at the same time release enzymes that are useful for normal work of the digestive system. Acts great against inflammatory disease and relieves painful symptoms of arthritis, flu or colds. Many studies have shown that the use of ginger powder slows the growth of cancerous tumors and has been shown like excellent supplement to mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy such as nausea and vomiting. Ginger powder accelerates blood circulation and prevent blood clotting. Positively affect on relaxing the muscles after exhaustive exercise. In general don’t take more than 4 grams of ginger per day. How to use: Mix ½ teaspoon ginger powder with moderately warm water and drink the mixture in the morning, 30 minutes before breakfast.

Ginger Tea

Ginger tea treat sore throat, dry cough and relieves cold symptoms. Contains antioxidants that boost immunity and reduce the risk of heart attack. Fresh ginger tea reduces stress, stimulates alertness and increases energy. During the painful menstrual periods is recommended to put a towel on your stomach soaked in hot ginger tea. If you want to improve the taste of the ginger tea, you can add honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice or orange. It is not recommended drinking more than two ginger teas per day.

Preparation Of Fresh Ginger Tea:

1.Cut thin 3-4 fresh ginger thin strips and add it in a 400 ml boiled water. Cover the bowl and leave it for about 10 minutes until the water get colored.

2.A quarter cup of grated ginger add it into one liter of boiled water. Cook 4 minutes on low, then strain the liquid into a bowl.

Preparation Of Ginger Powder Tea:

In a cup of boiled water, add ½ teaspoon ginger powder. Cover the cup and allow the tea to cool 10-15 minutes before consumption. It is well known that ginger is good for your health, but also ginger is very good for your brain. It improves concentration and memory, feeds the body and
stimulates the releasing of energy. Because of these features, it is not recommended ginger consumption at night, because it can cause insomnia. It is believed that ginger has a strong aphrodisiac effect, which can positively affect on the sexual libido and fertility.


Source : http://www.wesupportorganic.com/2014/11/ginger-health-benefits-uses.html