HERBAL TREATMENT
1. Herbal weight loss products-
There are a lot of herbal weight loss products available in the market now. You can check out the Internet and you will find a lot of herbal weight loss pills and products. Be careful, however, as there are some products which claim to be safe and natural because they are herbal, but some actually have side effects because of non-extensive research on the effects of these products. Here are some ingredients and chemicals which make up some herbal weight loss products that you should watch out for, as they might have harmful effects to your health: > Senna. This is an herbal laxative. Senna is a main ingredient in weight loss teas, and it works by stimulation the colon. The downside effect of this herb is dehydration. It can also lead to colon problems and can become addictive. Some people, when addicted, are unable to perform bowel movements without it, so watch out. > Chromium picolinate. This is a synthetic compound found in herbal weight loss products. Chromium is a nutrient which helps regulate blood-sugar level. However, this ingredient, when taken in high doses, may cause damage in the chromosomes. It can also lead to dehydration. > St. John's wort. This supplement increases the production of a chemical in the brain. If not used properly, it may cause eye and skin sensitivity, mild gastrointestinal distress, fatigue and itching. Although a lot of herbal products claim to be safe and natural, it is better to scrutinize the ingredients and research about the effects of the product itself before going for these herbal dietary pills.
2. Organic food--. Around the world organic food has found its way to more homes and restaurants. Organic food devotees believe that consuming organic goodies help their bodies as well as the environment. A person who buys organically raised eggs and vegetables claim to be healthier, and they are not spending money on doctors and prescriptions as these keep them healthier and away from the hospital. This could also be an option for weight watchers, as organic food is known to be kinder to your weight than chemically-processed food products.
3. Green Tea--. Studies show that intake of green tea, or green tea extracts burns extra calories. Also, green tea with caffeine can increase fat burning by up to 40% thereby reducing fat. This is one good option for those who want to lose weight. In a study done, people who took green tea were found to lose 2 to 3 times more weight than those who did not drink green tea. These results show that green tea is a natural product for the treatment of obesity. Thus, it also makes for a healthier dietary option, not to mention the good effects that it has on the body as compared to caffeine. A cup of tea gives an emmediate energy lift without the side effects of caffeine. 3. Caffeine. Coffee provides an energy boost to increase fat burning. Caffeine also prostemna Pentaphyllum, is known to have the following benefits: > increases healthy blood flow > reduces artery blocks > aids healthy blood pressure > increases the rate of fat burning
5. Apple Cider Vinegar-- There are pills and food supplements whose main ingredient is apple cider vinegar. Here are the benefits of taking this herbal option: > weight loss > improved cholesterol level > improved high blood pressure > helps prevent rheumatoid arthritis.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar-- There are pills and food supplements whose main ingredient is apple cider vinegar. Here are the benefits of taking this herbal option: > weight loss > improved cholesterol level > improved high blood pressure > helps prevent rheumatoid arthritis.
Linseed, or flaxseed, is one of the most potent sources of omega 3 fatty acids found in nature. It has a whole host of health benefits, and best of all, these benefits apply to everyone. Read on to learn more.
What is Linseed/Flaxseed?
Linseed, also known as flaxseed, is the richest source of omega 3 essential fatty acids. It contains 50 to 50 percent omega 3s, almost twice as much as is contained in fish oil. Because it comes from a plant source, it is perfect for vegetarian and vegan diets, although it benefits everybody. Linseed/flaxseed oil differs from most vegetables oils in that it provides linoleic acid and alpha linolenic acid, both of which are needed by the body and must be obtained through the diet.
Benefits of Linseed/Flaxseed
Linseed improves the quality of hair, nails, and skin, helps to regulate body weight, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, and prevents arthritis and cancers. It has the following benefits: • Heart disease – the omega 3 fatty acids lower high blood cholesterol and triglycerides. They also decrease the probability of clots in the arteries which may lead to stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or peripheral vascular disease occurring. They can also lower high blood pressure.
• Cancers – according to research, omega 3 fatty acids can kill human cancer cells on the same culture.
• Arthritis – omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to be helpful in the treatment and prevention of arthritis.
• Asthma – linseed oil can relieve asthma noticeably by decreasing inflammation and improving lung function. • PMS – omega 3 fatty acids can relieve or even eliminate PMS symptoms.
• Allergies – omega 3 fatty acids help to decrease allergic response.
• Water retention – linseed oil helps the kidneys to remove sodium and water.
• Skin conditions – linseed oil is renowned for its ability to improve the texture and quality of the skin, and will also alleviate skin conditions that are caused by the lack of omega 3 fatty acids in the diet.
• Vitality – the use of linseed oil can result in increased vitality and more energy. Stamina is improved.
• Feeling calm during stress – omega 3 fatty acids prevent excess toxic biochemicals that the body produces under stress. The flax plant yields the fibre from which linen is made as well as seeds and oil. Linseed is highly unsaturated and heart healthy. The lignans and other components of the seed may also have antioxidant properties, allowing them to reduce the activity of cell-damaging free radicals.
Using Linseed/Flaxseed
Linseed, or flaxseed, has a pleasant, nutty flavour and can be sprinkled on cereals, into yoghurts, and smoothies. You can also choose to take it in the form of the oil, or as a supplement in capsule form. To gain the most benefit from the seeds, be sure to grind them or chew them very well otherwise they will simply pass through the body whole. Keep the seeds or oil refrigerated. Alternatively, keep the oil in a dark place. Do not use the oil for frying or sautéing. The recommended daily dose for most people is at least 1000mg taken one to three times daily. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not consume large amounts of flax.
Indications of Omega 3
Deficiency Some indications that you may be deficient in omega 3 fatty acids include:
• dry skin
• “chicken skin” – tiny, rough bumps that are usually found on the backs of the arms
• dry or unruly hair
• dandruff
• soft, fraying, or brittle nails
• menstrual cramps
• premenstrual breast tenderness
Benefits Of Flax Seed
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Flaxseed seeds contain 27 identifiable cancer preventive compounds, and thus create many benefits. Medical sources abound that have published clinical results concluding that the benefits of flax seed can have a positive impact on your overall health. The Use of Flaxseed with many benefits can be found commonly used in cereals and breads in the Middle ages, but has not been a staple in the modern diet since the industrial age. Flax seed is rich in fiber and omega 3-fatty acids, which may effect levels of hormones that are involved in the progression of cancer. In a Flax Seed Benefits study carried out, prostate cancer patients who added about 3 heaped tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily to their diet, had more slowly-dividing tumour cells and a greater rate of tumour cell death than men who did not follow this diet, after about 5 weeks. There was a similar study carried out of woman awaiting surgery for breast cancer. They found out those who ate a flaxseed muffin daily (with about four tablespoons of ground flaxseeds per Flax Seed Muffin) had a slower tumour growth rate. It also improves the quality of hair, nails, and skin, as well as helping you to lose weight or bulk up, and it lowers cholesterol, blood pressure and prevents arthritis and cancers. Flax seed also really helps the digestive system creating an ease of bowel movement combatting constipation. One of the great benefits also is the help flaxseed can bring during the menopause.
Some of the potential health benefits of flax seeds that have been reported:
• Increased energy, vitality, and stamina
• Increased sense of calmness under stress
• Reduced threat of blood clots
• Protection against cancers, particularly hormone sensitive cancers such as breast and prostate
• Lowered blood cholesterol levels
• Lowered high blood pressure
• Better regulation of blood sugar levels
• Eases inflammatory tissue conditions, including arthritis
• Alleviation of dry skin, eczema and psoriasis
• Enhanced immune system
• Increased metabolic rate with a positive impact on weight management
• Helps with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
• Natural laxative
• And the list goes on
Flax Seed Health Benefits
Flax Seed is used throughout the world for food, medicine, and fiber to make clothes, and many other consumer goods products. Historically, flaxseed has been to treat a number of other conditions as well. It offers a myriad of health benefits through supplementation. Recent research indicates that flaxseed may have the ability to reduceblood pressure, lower level of harmful cholesterol, offer both estrogen-like and anti-estrogenic effects, and is being studied for its ability to protect against cancer. See also the benefits of flax seed for children. The Flax plant, an ancient crop, yields the fibre from which linen is woven, as well as seeds and oil. The Flax seed oil is an important ingredient in paints, varnishes, and linoleum. For example ?like olive, canola, and most other plant oils, flaxseed is highly unsaturated and heart-healthy. Flax seeds also contain another interesting component called lignans, which may have anti-cancer properties. We feel flaxseed can be an easy and extremely beneficial addition to everyone’s diet. Flaxseed, also know as linseed, is noted to have high nutritional value, making it a priority choice of food for health conscious people.
How does Flax Seed do all this?
How can a little seed the same size as a sesame seed be packed with these types of health benefits? It packs powerful nutritious punch in a small package. Flaxseed has the natural properties of fiber, lignans and omega-3 fatty acids that provide preventatives and restoratives to your diet. These impressive compounds in flax seed are igniting a flurry of research. Thus far, the research has proven that this small and humble seed can be an essential addition to the average diet. Understanding the role of fiber, lignans and omega 3-fatty acids can provide you with helpful information as you assess your own dietary needs.
Flax seed nutrition facts
Delicious, crunchy with pleasant taste flax seed or linseeds are packed with full of nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, minerals and essential vitamins. Off late, nutritional and health benefits of flax have widely drawn the attention of nutrition researchers as well as health conscious enthusiasts alike across the globe. Flax belongs to the family of liniaceae, of the genus of Linum, and botanically named as L. usitatissimum. It is one of the ancient cultivated crops since Mesopotamian times, grown for its oil seeds, and fiber
annual plant growing about 1 to 1.5 meters tall and bears light-blue colored attractive flowers. The fruit pod is a round, dry capsule 6–9 mm diameter, containing several brown or golden yellow seeds (depending on cultivar type). The seeds feature smooth, glossy surface and flat shape that is somewhat appear like sesame seeds, but quite larger, measuring about 5–7 mm in length. In general, there exist two common cultivars of flax; one is predominantly grown for its oil seeds and the other variety for fiber. Seed flax generally features brown, and yellow or golden-yellow color seeds, with most types having similar nutritional values and equal amounts of short-chain omega-3 fatty acids.
Health benefits of Flax seed
As in other oil seeds, flax is one of the very high calorie foods. 100 g of seeds contain 534 calories or 27% of daily-required levels. Further, the seeds are excellent source of numerous health-benefiting nutrients, dietary fiber, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins that are essential for optimum health.
Flax seed is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid. It is also one of the top vegetable sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids; linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) andarachidonic acids. Regular intake of small portions of flax seeds in the diet help to lower total as well as LDL or “bad cholesterol” and increase HDL or “good cholesterol” levels in the blood. Research studies suggest that Mediterranean diet that is rich in dietary fibers, monounsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids help to prevent coronary artery disease and strokes by favoring healthy blood lipid profile.
Flax are perhaps the most widely available botanical source of n−3 or ω (omega)-3 fatty acids. Flax seed oil consists of approximately 55% ALA (α-linolenic acid). One spoonful of flax seed oil provides about 8 g of omega-3 fatty acids. Research studies have suggested that n-3 fatty acids by their virtue of anti-inflammatory action helps to lower the risk of blood pressure, coronary artery disease, strokes and breast, colon and prostate cancers. Adequate quantities of n-3 oils are required for normal infant development and maturation of nervous system.
The seeds contain lignans, a class of phytoestrogens considered to have antioxidant and cancer preventing properties.
Flax are an excellent source of vitamin E, especially rich in gamma-tocopherol; containing about 20 g (133% of daily-recommended values) per 100 g. vitamin E is a powerful lipid soluble antioxidant, required for maintaining the integrity of cell membrane of mucus membranes and skin by protecting it from harmful oxygen free radicals.
The seeds are packed with many important B-complex groups of vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin,thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, and folates. Thiamin is an important co-factor for carbohydrates metabolism; helps prevent beri-beri disease. Folates help prevent neural tube defects in the fetus when consumed during pre-conception period and pregnancy.
Furthermore, flax seed is rich source of minerals like manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium.
Flax or Linseed oil has flavorful nutty aroma and has been used in cooking, and as “carrier or base oil” in traditional medicines and in pharmaceutical uses. See the table below for in depth analysis of nutrients:
Flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum), Nutritional value per 100 g. (Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)
Principle Nutrient Value Percentage of RDA Energy 534 Kcal 27% Carbohydrates 28.8 g 22% Protein 18.3 g 32.5% Total Fat 42.16 g 170% Cholesterol 0 mg 0% Dietary Fiber 27.3 g 68% Vitamins Folates 87 mcg 22% Niacin 3.08 mg 19% Pantothenic acid 0.985 mg 20% Pyridoxine 0.473 mg 36% Riboflavin 0.161 mg 12% Thiamin 1.64 mg 137% Vitamin A 0 IU 0% Vitamin C 0.6 mg 1% Vitamin E 19.95 mg 133% Vitamin K 4.3 mcg 3.5% Electrolytes Sodium 30 mg 2% P
otassium 813 mg 17% Minerals Calcium 255 mg 22.5% Copper 1.12 mg 124% Iron 5.73 mg 72% Magnesium 392 mg 98% Manganese 2.48 mg 108% Zinc 4.34 mg 39% Phyto-nutrients Carotene-ß 0 mcg -- Lutein-zeaxanthin 651 mcg --
Selection and storage
Flax seeds are available in the markets year around. In the store, different forms of flax are available like whole seeds or grounded. Try to buy whole golden yellow flax instead of ground form as this makes sure that the seeds are intact in nutrients, unadulterated and to ensure longer shelf life. There are two varieties of flax seeds; brown and yellow or golden, with most types having similar nutritional values and equal amounts of short-chain omega-3 fatty acids. The seeds should feature bright brown or golden yellow (depending on the variety) color, smooth, compact, and uniform in size and feel heavy in hand. They are generally available in the airtight packs as well as in bulk bins. Whole seeds may be placed in cool dry place for many months, while ground form should be placed inside airtight container and kept in the refrigerator to avoid them turn rancid. Culinary use Flax seeds are rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acids. Exposing the ground seeds for longer time in the powder form oxidizes their fatty acids and deprives them of their nutritional value. Therefore, generally, the flaxseeds are ground in a coffee or seed grinder just before their use in order to preserve their nutritional value. They can also be enjoyed by roasting, salted or sweetened. Flax seeds are nutty yet pleasantly sweet in taste. Ground seeds are a great addition as toppings in yogurt, desserts, shakes, cereal based dishes etc. Ground seeds often sprinkled over salads, desserts, particularly sundaes and other ice cream based preparations. Flax is widely used in confectionery, as an addition to biscuits, sweets, muffins and cakes.
