Benefits of Allspice Your Way to Success

The Ultimate Deal on Benefits of Allspice

The most important health benefits of allspice include its ability to act as a pain reliever, increase circulation, protect the gastrointestinal system, improve mood, boost the immune system, eliminate fungal infections, lower blood pressure, and reduce inflammation.

What Is Allspice?

This powerful benefits of allspice is actually derived from the dried fruit of the pimento tree, which is why it is commonly called Jamaica pepper, pimenta, or pimento, among other geography-specific nicknames. Native to Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and Mexico, the allspice bearing tree has the scientific name of Pimenta dioica and has gradually spread throughout the world due to its unique flavor and its healthy quality. The name allspice is because of the dried brown berries (which look like large peppercorns), smell and taste like a mixture of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. The berries are picked when they’re ripe and allowed to dry in the sun, ending up as the slightly shriveled, hard berries known as allspice. These can then be ground up into spice for culinary use, or the essential oil can be extracted.

Allspice is a key ingredient in Caribbean cuisine, particularly in Jamaica, but it has also been adopted by many other cultures around the world, including the Middle East and parts of North America. This spice can be used in sweet or savory dishes and is commonly found in desserts, chilies, soups, meat dishes, sauces, curries, and even certain types of liqueurs. The flavor is certainly unique, but what makes this spice even more intriguing is the high concentration of beneficial nutrients and organic compounds, such as eugenol, quercetin, and tannins that result in some impressive health benefits of allspice.

Health Benefits of Allspice

Health benefits of allspice include:

Anti-inflammatory Qualities

One of the most celebrated aspects of allspice is its ability to lower inflammation and alleviate pain in parts of the body. The active ingredients in the spice have chemical compounds that eliminate inflammation, making it an ideal spice to give you some relief from arthritis, gout, muscle aches, or even hemorrhoids. It also has certain analgesic components that allow for pain reduction in the case of injury or surgical recovery.

Aids in Digestion

The calming, rubefacient effects of allspice’s organic components make it perfect for soothing the stomach and also facilitating healthy digestion. The eugenol found in allspice can eliminate digestive issues such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and constipation, while also stimulating regularity, which reduces bloating and excess flatulence. The anti-inflammatory aspect of allspice further eases cramps, which can ease the entire process of digestion.

Watch a Video about Benefits of Allspice Click Here

Boosts Immunity

Research has shown certain antibacterial and antifungal effects of allspice, particularly in terms of stomach bacteria (E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes). In addition to helping the gastrointestinal system function smoothly, it also protects it from outside attack through a natural immune response. Furthermore, when allspice is added to certain foods, it can neutralize the bacteria at that level, before it ever enters your body to begin doing damage.

Antioxidant Capacity

The presence of eugenol, quercetin, tannins, and other chemical compounds makes allspice a very potent antioxidant, as many of those substances are perfect for neutralizing free radicals and eliminating them from the body. Free radicals are the harmful byproducts of cellular metabolism that can cause healthy cells to mutate, often leading to serious diseases – even cancer. The high level of vitamin C and vitamin A present in allspice also contribute to this antioxidant activity.

Dental Care

The antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiseptic aspects of allspice can help to boost your dental health; although gargling with this spice wouldn’t be particularly pleasant, it has been connected to healthier dental and gum health by protecting against bacterial pathogens.

Improves Circulation

With significant levels of copper and iron, allspice is ideal for boosting circulation, as these are essential components of red blood cells. Furthermore, the rubefacient aspect of the spice is a stimulant and warms the body. Combined with increased blood flow, this can result in additional energy and the proper oxygenation of extremities in the body. Iron also functions in the creation of certain enzymes that are crucial for overall metabolism.

Protects Heart Health

The potassium found in allspice has a positive effect on heart health, as it is a vasodilator and releases much of the tension on the cardiovascular system. This causes an increase in blood flow through the relaxed blood vessels and reduces the strain on the arteries and heart, thereby lowering the chances of developing atherosclerosis, and subsequently, strokes and heart attacks.

Word of Caution: Although it is clearly a healthy, beneficial spice, it can cause serious allergic reactions in hypersensitive individuals. Also, if you have existing gastric ulcers or ulcerative colitis, it is best to avoid using this spice, as it can exacerbate the conditions. As always, before making any major change to your diet or trying out new things, consult a medical professional to make sure the effects won’t be negative.

Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3891794/

http://aob.oxfordjournals.org/content/28/3/451.short

How to Turn Bok Choy Benefits into Success

9 Ways Bok Choy Benefits Can Make You Invincible

Bok Choy benefits may have a funny name, but it also has a wide range of health benefits, including its role in boosting the immune system, protecting the health of eyes, preventing chronic disease, increasing heart health, building strong bones, boosting circulation and speeding healing.

What Is Bok Choy?

While you may have only seen this vegetable on menus, it is one of the most nutrient-dense plants in the world, which is why it is such an important part of culinary traditions in various countries. Bok Choy benefits is also widely known as Chinese cabbage, but it can be found in many parts of the world, particularly in Europe, where it is commonly grown. Unlike many other types of cabbage, Bok Choy benefits does not form heads, but rather spreads a dense cluster of leaves, similar to mustard greens. These smooth dark green leaves are often used as salad greens and included in many different dishes and can be found in most import stores and larger grocery stores. Bok Choy benefits is more than just common in Asian dishes; it is also an incredibly rich source of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in diets of Asian and European countries.

As mentioned, Bok Choy is among the top three nutritious plants in terms of nutrient density, and in a single 100-gram serving, Bok Choy benefits contains only 13 calories, yet it supplies huge amounts of vitamin C, A, K, and B6, as well as various other minerals and essential nutrients that can seriously affect human health. This dense vegetable has earned its place in the diet of many health-conscious people and is often used as a replacement for spinach, collard greens, and other cruciferous vegetables. The many health benefits of this imported vegetable have made it hugely popular in health circles, so let’s take a look at some of the healthy advantages that Bok Choy can provide.

Health Benefits of Bok Choy

Health benefits of Bok Choy include the following:

Improves Bone Strength

One of the most obvious benefits of Bok Choy is the impact that it can have on the bone structure and mineral density. The combination of critical minerals, such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium found in Bok Choy can help to prevent osteoporosis and keep your bones stable and strong well into your advanced years. Furthermore, a high level of vitamin K is found in Bok Choy, and adequate levels of this oft-overlooked vitamin are associated with lower risks of bone fractures as you get older.

Boosts Circulation

While iron has received some criticism in recent years when found in excess in the body, particularly in men, it is still a crucial part of the production of red blood cells. For those who may not get enough iron in their diet, adding Bok Choy benefits can solve that problem very quickly. Adequate iron means proper circulation and oxygenation of key organ systems and extremities of the body.

Helps to Heal Faster

Vitamin K is a very important part of any diet, and is closely related to many areas of health, including bone strength and heart health, but in particular, it is known as a blood-clotting agent. For someone recovering from an injury or surgery, or experiencing excess bleeding, such as from hemorrhoids or unusually heavy menstruation, Bok Choy is an ideal remedy that can work very quickly.

Prevents Chronic Disease

Bok Choy is like many other cabbages and cruciferous vegetables in that it possesses sulfur-based compounds that are directly linked to lower chances of developing cancer. These compounds act as antioxidants and eliminate free radicals before they have a chance to cause healthy cells to mutate or induce oxidative stress in tissues and organ systems.

Eye Care

One of the major vitamin components of Bok Choy is vitamin A, which is composed of various carotenoids, including beta-carotene and alpha-carotene. Furthermore, vitamin A is closely associated with eye health, and the prevention of macular degeneration and oxidative stress in the retina. This means that adding a strange-sounding vegetable to your salads may just keep your vision in line for a few extra years!

Improves Cardiovascular Health

Some of the components found in Bok Choy, particularly folic acid and vitamin B-6, are directly linked to improving the strength of the heart. More specifically, these substances can reduce the level of homocysteine in the blood, which is a strong indicator of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, some of the minerals found in Bok Choy are able to regulate the functioning of the heart, ensuring that blood pressure is appropriate, thus mitigating the risk of heart attack, stroke and atherosclerosis.

Boosts Immune System

There are quite a few vitamins found in Bok Choy, but vitamin C is among the best in terms of concentration. This immediately means that this vegetable can help to improve the functioning of the immune system. Vitamin C is not only able to stimulate the production of white blood cells, but it also acts as and antioxidant, preventing oxidative stress and chronic disease throughout the body. Vitamin C is also an important part of collagen, which is needed for healing and recovery, as well as in every cell of the body!

Skin Care

What many people don’t realize about vitamin C is the crucial role it plays in the production of collagen, and therefore the health and appearance of the skin. Every skin cell requires collagen to be formed, further accentuating how important ascorbic acid is in our diet. When it comes to Bok Choy, there is plenty of vitamin C to go around (33% of the daily recommended amount in a single serving), which means that it can definitely aid in the rejuvenation of your skin.

Lowers Blood Pressure

In a single cup of Bok Choy, there is roughly 20% of your daily recommended amount of potassium. This is very important for heart health, as potassium works as a vasodilator to relieve tension on blood vessels and thus lower strain on the cardiovascular system. Potassium is also a critical aspect of bone health, and water balance throughout the body.

Final Word of Warning

Due to the high levels of vitamin K found in Bok Choy, patients already taking blood-clotting medicine should speak to their doctor before adding this cruciferous vegetable to their diet. Also, when eaten in extreme amounts, raw Bok Choy could potentially have a negative effect on the thyroid function. However, cooking Bok Choy usually eliminates this danger.

Source: Yahoo answer

5 Ways to get through to your cucumber benefits

What can you do about cucumber benefits right now?

Cucumbers are extremely beneficial for overall health, especially during the summer since they are mostly made of water and important nutrients that are essential for the human body. The flesh of cucumber benefits is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and folic acid while the hard skin is rich in fiber and a range of minerals include magnesium, molybdenum, and potassium. Additionally, cucumber benefits contains silica, a trace mineral that contributes greatly to strengthening our connective tissues. They are known to heal many skin problems, under eye swelling, and sunburn. Cucumber benefits also contain ascorbic and caffeic acids which prevent water loss, therefore they are frequently applied topically to burns and dermatitis.

What is Cucumber?

 

Cucumber is a fruit from the Cucurbitaceae family. Scientifically known as Cucumis sativus, it belongs to the same family as zucchini, watermelon, pumpkin, and other types of summer squash. The plant where cucumber grows is a creeping vine that develops these cylindrical, edible fruits throughout the year.

You will find different varieties of cucumber grown in different regions, and they are usually eaten fresh or pickled. Cucumbers, typically eaten fresh are called slicing cucumbers. Gherkin cucumbers are specially produced to make pickles. These are much smaller in size than the slicing ones. Slicing cucumbers are available throughout the year, but they are at their best between May and July.

Cucumbers originated in India almost 10,000 years ago, but are now cultivated in many different countries and continents. Recently, different varieties of cucumbers are being traded in the international market and you will find them in abundance all year long.

In the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome, cucumber was very popular, and its uses were not limited to just being food. It was also praised for its beneficial effects on the skin. Louis XIV cherished cucumbers greatly and the process of cultivating them in greenhouses was invented during his time to make sure he was able to have a steady supply of the enjoyable fruit during any season. The American colonists also took this variety of crunchy and healthy squash to the United States.

It is still unknown when cucumbers began to be used for pickling, but researchers have speculated that the gherkin variety of cucumber was developed from a native African plant. Spain was one of the countries during ancient times that started pickling cucumbers since Roman emperors imported them from this Mediterranean country.

Features and Varieties of Cucumbers

You are probably familiar with the phrase “cool as a cucumber”, which speaks directly to the soothing and cooling nature that cucumbers have when eaten. These fruits are grown mainly to be eaten fresh, and in India, you will often find sliced cucumbers being sold on sunny afternoons. They are usually cylindrical in shape and vary in length from about six to nine inches. However, the size of cucumbers varies according to a variety of cultivating factors as well.

The skin of the cucumbers can vary in color from green to white, and sometimes it may be smooth or ridged depending on the variety. Inside the cucumber skin, you will find pale green flesh that is thick yet aqueous and crispy at the same time. The interior core of cucumber has numerous, edible fleshy seeds.

Many cucumber varieties are also grown in greenhouses; they are seedless with thinner skin and a longer length, usually between 12 and 20 inches. Often known as “burpless”, this variety of cucumber is bought by a majority, since it is easier to digest than the other kinds of cucumbers.

Health Benefits of Cucumbers

The health benefits of cucumber are not widely known in many cultures. The taste of fresh cucumber is somewhat bland in comparison to other squashes, but the thirst quenching and the cooling qualities of this squash are truly refreshing. Cucumber benefits range from preventing acidity to keeping skin well-toned.

Skin Care

 

Cucumber benefits is rich in silica, which is an essential component that aids in developing strong and healthy connective tissues in the muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bone. Doctors often recommend cucumber juice because of the silica content for a healthier and brighter skin. Cucumber’s high water content makes it naturally hydrating, and it is well known that moisture is the best friend to healthy skin, so why not acquire the hydration naturally. The extract of cucumber benefits is often used topically for treating various types of skin ailments like sunburn and swelling under the eyes. Ascorbic and caffeic acid are the two vital compounds in cucumber benefits that prevent water loss from the body. These are some of the reasons why cucumbers are applied topically for various skin problems. You will be quite surprised to know that this squash also promotes healthy hair growth and can treat skin ailments like psoriasis, eczema, and acne.

Prevent Constipation & Kidney Stones

 

Cucumber benefits are a perfect blend of both fiber and water. Therefore, they help to protect your body from constipation and kidney stones. Reports say that a majority of Americans prefer to have a cucumber rich salad regularly as it is a great way to increase the fiber intake.

Cucumber benefits is also a good source of vitamin C, silica, potassium, and magnesium; which have their own health benefits. These fruits have an extraordinary amount of water (about 96%) that is naturally purified, thus making the water content much higher in quality than ordinary water. Cucumber skin contains high levels of vitamin A, so you will gain more nutrition if you eat the entire thing.

Control Blood Pressure

 

 

The studies done at DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) consisted of people consuming foods high in magnesium, potassium, and fiber. The results were clear; their blood pressure lowered to normal levels. The group eating a diet rich in these complexes along with the other foods on the diet like seafood, low-fat dairy items, lean meat, and poultry saw that their blood pressure falling by 5.5 points (systolic) over 3.0 points (diastolic). Cucumber, therefore, regulates blood pressure and contributes to the proper structure of connective tissues in our body, including those in the muscles, bones, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons.

Manage Diabetes

 

Cucumber benefits have been used for diabetic patients for many years. They possess a hormone required by the beta cells during insulin production. The glycemic index (GI) of cucumbers is actually zero. The presence of carbohydrates and their result on the body is measured by the quantity of glycemic index (GI). Every food item contains essential nutrients in different percentages. The carbohydrates contribute in raising the glucose level, however, the ones present in the cucumber benefits can be easily digested by diabetic patients. Thus, consumption of this cool fruit keeps the glucose level in check. Nowadays, most commercial stores have cucumber benefits supplements as spiny sea cucumber extract powder, which is very effective in combating the effects of diabetes.

Maintain Overall Health

 

Cucumber benefits have excellent cleaning properties, and they actively remove accumulated waste and toxins from your body. These fruits are very good for optimizing urinary bladder, kidney, liver and pancreatic functions. Cucumber juice along with carrot juice is extremely effective for rheumatic conditions caused by excessive uric acid in the body. Drinking cucumber juice on a regular basis also helps to cure gout and eczema. If you are having lung or stomach problems, be sure to add it to your diet. It also promotes muscle flexibility, while the magnesium content of cucumbers ensures proper blood circulation and relaxed nerves. Since cucumbers are rich in minerals, they even prevent splitting of the finger and toenails. Cucumbers often act as antioxidants when you consume them with barbecued and fried foods.

Other Benefits

Cucumber has high alkaline levels, thus regulating the body’s blood pH and neutralizing acidity. People with gastric issues should consume cucumbers frequently.

Cucumbers help to normalize body temperature during summer. Cucumber juice is diuretic, so it is able to prevent kidney stones. It can also counter the effects of uric acid, which prevents inflammation from conditions like arthritis, asthma, and gout.

Source: Yahoo answer