Elakiri Biggest Health Thread ๏๏๏๏

sirajstc

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    Watermelon is an amazing fruit to juice. It is very low in fat and calories and has an abundance of nutritional benefits. make sure to buy organic watermelons. You can e either juice it or just blend it until it liquefies.

    Regular consumption of watermelon juice can increase blood concentrations of lycopene and beta-carotene. Studies suggest that these potent antioxidants may have protective effects against heart disease and certain cancers, such as prostate, bladder, and cervical cancer.

    Lycopene and beta-carotene are compounds called carotenoids, which are highly colored pigments that help protect plants against damage from sunlight. Carotenoids are important because they have antioxidant activity and prevent free radicals from causing harm to the body, similar to other types of antioxidants such as selenium and vitamins C and E. Some carotenoids are also converted to vitamin A, which is necessary for normal immune function and development of cells.

    And yes, there is a watermelon juice diet. The watermelon juice diet increased blood concentrations of lycopene and beta-carotene almost five-fold and two-fold, respectively, compared with the diet without watermelon juice. However, there was no significant increase in lycopene or beta-carotene levels when the amount of watermelon juice was doubled. Consumption of tomato juice produced a similar increase in blood lycopene concentrations, but failed to increase beta-carotene levels.

    Studies show watermelon juice increases lycopene and beta-carotene blood levels. Lycopene from tomatoes reduces the risk of heart attacks too and may help prevent prostate cancer. The lycopene concentration in watermelon is 40% higher than the amount found in tomatoes. Other food sources of lycopene include guava, pink grapefruit, apricots, persimmons, and papaya.

    Where i live, watermelons organic watermelons are in full harvest. I just bought a case from a local farmer and it is being delivered tomorrow so i will add watermelon juice to my weight loss diet. I also like to blend several organic tomatoes along with a lime or a tomatoes and a little bit of cayenne.....

    These juices are extremely powerful super foods, low in calories, no fat, no cholesterol and cuts the risk of cancer and heart disease significantly. I make my juice at the time i consume them. I never make them in advance and store then in a refrigerator. My theory is they lose much of their nutritional impact....
     

    sirajstc

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    Our digestive system and colon are part of our internal rivers. Our blood system and lymph system are also streams and rivers. What we put into these rivers (even negative thoughts and emotions) contribute to how clean and efficient these rivers run...therefore contributing to good health or ill health.
     

    sirajstc

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    Eating Spinach Makes Muscles Stronger, Study


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    Eating Spinach Makes Muscles Stronger, Study
    Posted by SoundHealth, in News
    Topics: Spinach Muscles
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    Spinach is already known for being an excellent source of folic acid and protective chemicals that are beneficial for eyesight and other eye-related conditions, as well as having anti-carcinogenic properties. In fact, previous research has identified at least 13 different flavonoid compounds in spinach that function as antioxidants and as anti-cancer agents. Researchers have now discovered that eating a bowl of spinach a day makes muscles "profoundly" more efficient.
    They found that eating 300g of the vegetable reduced the amount of oxygen needed to power muscles by as much as five per cent when exercising. The effect was so powerful that it worked after just three days.
    Study Details
    The researchers fed people pure nitrate supplements - the equivalent to the amount in a plate of spinach - every day for three days.
    At the beginning and end of the experiment they were made to pedal strenuously on an exercise bike while their oxygen intake was measured via a tube to the mouth It was found that the difference in energy intake was between three and five per cent - a significant figure.
    Spinach as A Superfood
    The scientists said that the results may offer one explanation for the well-known health benefits of fruits and vegetables, and leafy green vegetables in particular.
    "We're talking about an amount of nitrate equivalent to what is found in two or three red beets or a plate of spinach,"
    "We know that diets rich in fruits and vegetables can help prevent cardiovascular disease and diabetes but the active nutrients haven't been clear. This shows inorganic nitrate as a candidate to explain those benefits."
    Scientists discovered that it is not iron but nitrates which are abundant in spinach and that are responsible for its health benefits. These chemicals make the mitochondria - the "engine rooms" of every cell - more efficient, they found.
    "It is like a fuel additive for your muscles - it makes them run much more smoothly and efficiently," said the lead author of the study.
    Nitric oxide is an important molecule which opens up blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and improves circulation.
    Mitochondria, like all engines, lose a lot of energy through heat loss. The nitrate seems to stop this waste and make the cell - and so the muscle - run more efficiently.
    Spinach is an extremely versatile vegetable. The baby leaves can be eaten raw in salads, or it can be wilted or steamed, and served as a side dish with butter and spices.
    Research Paper Details:
    Larsen FJ, Schiffer TA, Borniquel S, et al. Dietary Inorganic Nitrate Improves Mitochondrial Efficiency in Humans. Cell metabolism, 2011; 13 (2): 149-159.
     

    sirajstc

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    Five Superfoods You Should Be Eating Everyday

    Superfoods are foods that are packed with a range of nutrients and antioxidants and which do not contain anything that do harm to you. Here is a selection of superfoods that you should try to consume regularly. Seeds That Give Life




    Since most things grow from seeds, seeds are packed full of nutrients and energy. They also contain the essential minerals we need such as magnesium, calcium, selenium, zinc and others. These seeds also contain essential fats that aid the digestive process and support the elimination of toxins.
    The the best combination of seeds are to be made as follows. In a jar fill half of it with flax seeds. And the remaining half fill with equal portion of sesame, sunflower and pumpkin seeds. You should mix them together and put them in an airtight container, store cool and keep away from light. By avoiding exposure to heat, light and oxygen they will stay fresher for longer. Try to have a tablespoon of this every day.





    This gives the optimum mix of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. It may be better to make use of flax seeds by grinding them and having them immediately afterwards - as grinding them allows you to get all the benefit out of them. After grinding the seeds the fatty acids are exposed to oxygen and can under oxidation and become rancid. That's why they be taken immediately after grinding. You can grind and add to foods like porridge.
    The Dark Greens




    Dark green vegetables are full of Vitamin C, chlorophyll and folic acid. All of these are extremely good for your health. Vitamin C is also linked to better health, a better immune system, better skin and a lower risk of cancer.
    Examples of the greens include watercress, spinach, basil and parsley. You can make a salad mix and add other items such as avocados, pine nuts and baby tomatoes.
    These greens are great sources of beta carotene and also Vitamin C and also contain large amounts of bioflavonoids. These are a special form of antioxidant that help detoxification in your body.
    cruciferous vegetables
    Cruciferous vegetables are those whose leaves grow in a cross-formation. They include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and kale. You should try to consume a serving of these vegetables every day.
    These vegetables are important because they contain important nutrients that support a very important liver function called glucoronidation.
    Sulphur Foods
    Some of the amino acids that make up protein contain sulphur and there is a process called sulphation that takes place in the body which requires adequate amounts of sulphur to be present in our diet.



    Good sources of sulphur include onions, garlic and spring onions. Red onions are another good source since they contain anti-inflammatory compounds.
    Try to eat one clove of garlic, a small onion, or a few spring onions to put this sulphur into your body.
    Fresh juice With berries


    The best type of juice you can have is that made fresh out of super-fruits. These include strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. These fruits are extremely high in antioxidants and also contain something called anthocyanidins - a type of flavonoid. berries, out of all the other fruits provide the highest level of antioxidant activity, with strawberries topping the chart over all other berries.





    You can make a fruit smoothie using these fruits with the addition of other items to create variation in flavour. You can also add carrots to your juices.
     

    sirajstc

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    Almonds – Magic for Beauty, Healthy Heart and Brain Health
    Other benefits include help in improving anaemia, impotency, and diabetes. It is also a great aid in ensuring healthy hair. Both almond oil and milk massaged into the skin can encourage healthy looking skin and tone.
    Almonds many nutrients are essential for Healthy Brains and is said to help induce high intellectual level. Growing children may have a head start in brain development if given this essential food item.

    Several studies have reported Almonds to have potent heart healthy properties. Only ¼ cup of almonds contains nearly 25 precent of your needed daily intake of magnesium. This is important when it comes to heart disease as it has been found that heart attack patients have consistently low levels of this vital mineral. Almonds are one of the best nuts for lowering cholesterol and clearing arteries. They have a high fibre content which may help with constipation and also be responsible for assisting in the prevention of colon cancer.

    Almonds are also rich potassium, manganese, copper, the antioxidants vitamin E and selenium, and calcium. In fact, a quarter cup of almonds has almost as much calcium as a quarter cup of milk.

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    sirajstc

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    Smiling is free, you can access it any time and has many benefits such as:
    • Makes you more attractive
    • You become more approachable
    • People like being around a smiley person
    • Boosts your immune system
    • Relieves stress
    • Relaxes your mind
    • Gives the appearance of confidence and success
    • Lightens your mood and those around you
    • Lowers Blood Pressure
    • Releases endorphins and serotonin
    • Instant facelift – look years younger
    • Natural pain killer
    • Neutralizes negative thoughts and feelings
    Next time you feel down, smile, even if there is no one around. Make it a rule to smile at someone each day as you just never know, it may make someone’s day. Don’t wait for a reason to smile, just do it anyway regardless of what mood you are feeling.
    Smiling is healthy and good for your mind and soul and extends positive energy to those who you interact with. The positive effects of smiling is instant – smile and the world smiles with you!

    By Authentic Discovery
     

    sirajstc

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    Sweet Potato Is A Healthy Anti-Cancer Food

    The sweet potato is gaining popularity as a healthy, sweetly delicious alternative to the potato. It is a nutritious tuber with a unique and distinctively sweet flavor. There's probably no vegetable with a higher Beta-carotene than the sweet potato. Beta-carotene protects us against cancer, colds, infections and other diseases. The carotene content of sweet potatoes actually increases as the vegetable is stored throughout the winter. But our bodies can only convert carotene to Vitamin A in the presence of bile salt - a chemical produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. This important substance aids in the digestion of fats and helps in the elimination of toxins from the body. That's why it's important to eat sweet potatoes with fats such as butter or cream. These fats stimulate the secretion of bile and help the body to convert carotenes the all-important Vitamin A.
    As well as Beta-carotene, sweet potatoes are an excellent source of starch and, therefore, energy. They also provide some protein, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. It is these and the other phytochemicals in the sweet potato that make them such a powerful anti-cancer food. It has been found that a mere 100g a day can dramatically reduce your risk of lung cancer.
    Health Benefits


    • Cancer: Studies have also associated eating sweet potatoes with reducing the risk of breast, colorectal, gallbladder and kidney cancer.
    • Longevity: The sweet potato is a major source of nutrition for the Okinawan people, a group of islanders living near Japan, known for their long lives. A white-skinned, purple-fleshed version of the sweet potato is thought to be a contributing factor to their long life expectancies.
    • Diabetes: Sweet potatoes appear to have blood sugar regulating abilities. Recent research has shown that extracts from sweet potatoes can significantly increase blood levels of adiponectin in people with type-2 diabetes. Adiponectin is a protein hormone produced by our fat cells, and is needed for insulin metabolism. People with poorly-regulated insulin metabolism and insulin insensitivity tend to have lower levels of adiponectin, and persons with healthier insulin metabolism tend to have higher levels.
    Sweet potatoes are an extremely versatile vegetable and are wonderfully healthy for children and adults alike. They can be boiled or steamed, then mashed, or roasted in the oven. In fact, recent findings suggest that when sweet potatoes are steamed, much more of their beneficial nutrients are preserved, and boiling compared to roasting the vegetable has shown better blood sugar effects.
     

    sirajstc

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    Avocado – Heart Disease & Cancer Prevention Food

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    The Aztecs believed and understood that the avocado was the womb and cervix and a swollen seed like a woman who is pregnant. It takes 9 months, 40 weeks to go from blossom to ripened fruit.
    And of course now we have ‘proof’ of this as studies show avocadoes protect women from cervical and breast cancers and complication of delivery in pregnancy.

    The colour is green which is the same colour as the heart chakra. It is high in Potassium which assists in muscle contraction and in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in body cells. Avocados have almost twice the potassium as bananas which helps to regulate blood pressure. Adequate intake of potassium can help to guard against heart disease and stroke. This is claim has even been endorsed by the U.S. Food and Drug Association.

    Avocados contain oleic acid which helps to raise good (HDL) blood cholesterol, while stabilizing blood sugar and providing glutathione to cleanse the liver.

    By Authentic Discovery

     

    sirajstc

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    Millet and Carrot Salad

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    Millet and Carrot Salad
    Posted by SoundHealth, in Recipes

    Topics: Millet Carrot

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    Millet is a delicious cereal
    grain that has many valuable health benefits. It is a high-quality, protein-rich grain that is easily digested and is gluten-free so it makes an excellent alternative to wheat. In fact, it is considered to be one of the least allergenic and most digestible grains available. Millet contains nearly 15 percent protein, and is particularly rich in the mineral silica. Silica is a prime ingredient of collagen, the body's glue that binds everything together, and is needed for healthy hair, skin, teeth, eyes and nails. This recipe is for a delicious crunchy, fresh salad that makes an excellent accompaniment to any dish.
    Ingredients


    • 100g millet
    • 200ml water
    • 2 carrots, grated
    • ¼ cucumber, sliced thinly into long strips
    • 50g garden peas
    • small handful of spring onions, chopped
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 tbsp lemon juice
    • salt and black pepper
    • mint or coriander
    Preparation


    • Place the millet into boiled salted water. Stir once and cover with the lid. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for about 8-10 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the millet is soft. Add the peas to the millet and leave to cool.
    • Fluff up the millet with a fork and mix with all the remaining ingredients.
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    sirajstc

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    Research: Trans-Fats Increase Risk of Depression, While Olive Oil Helps Avoid Risk

    A new study has demonstrated that the ingestion of trans-fats increases the risk of suffering depression, and that olive
    Code:
    [SIZE=3][URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/oil.cfm"]oil[/URL][/SIZE][SIZE=3], on the other hand, protects against this mental illness.    [/SIZE][SIZE=3] Trans [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/fats.cfm"]fats[/URL] are found naturally occurring in very small amounts in [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/meat.cfm"]meat[/URL] and dairy products, but the bulk of trans [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/fats.cfm"]fats[/URL] in the modern [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/diet.cfm"]diet[/URL]  are found in many baked goods, snacks and other packaged and processed  foods. They are synthetically produced by the partial hydrogenation of  vegetable oils, by processing vegetable oils to increase their  shelf-life. Unlike other [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/fats.cfm"]fats[/URL], trans [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/fats.cfm"]fats[/URL]  have no nutritional value to the human body, but have come to be widely  used in restaurants and packaged foods, because they hold flavor longer  and have a greater shelf life than non-hydrogenated oils.      [/SIZE]
     [SIZE=3][B]Study Details[/B][/SIZE]    
    [SIZE=3] Scientists studied 12,059 volunteers over the course of six years; the volunteers had their [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/diet.cfm"]diet[/URL],  lifestyle and ailments analyzed at the beginning of the project, over  its course and at the end of the project. In this way the researchers  confirmed that despite the fact that at the beginning of the study none  of the volunteers suffered from [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/depression.cfm"]depression[/URL], at the end of the study 657 new cases had been detected.    [/SIZE]
    [SIZE=3] Of all these cases, the participants with an elevated consumption of trans-fats "presented up to a 48% increase in the risk of [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/depression.cfm"]depression[/URL] when they were compared to participants who did not consume these [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/fats.cfm"]fats[/URL]," one author of the article said.    [/SIZE]
    [SIZE=3] In addition, the study demonstrated a dose-response relationship, [I]"whereby the more trans-fats were consumed, the greater the harmful effect they produced in the volunteers," [/I]the expert stated.    [/SIZE]
    [SIZE=3] Furthermore, the team also analyzed the influence of [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/polyunsaturated-fats.cfm"]polyun[/URL][/SIZE][SIZE=3][URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/saturated-fats.cfm"]saturated [/URL][URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/fats.cfm"]fats[/URL][/SIZE][SIZE=3] (abundant in [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/fish.cfm"]fish[/URL] and vegetable oils) and of [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/olive-oil.cfm"]olive [/URL][/SIZE][SIZE=3][URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/oil.cfm"]oil[/URL][/SIZE][SIZE=3] (a type of monounsaturated fat) on the occurrence of [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/depression.cfm"]depression[/URL].[I] "In fact, we discovered that this type of healthier [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/fats.cfm"]fats[/URL], together with [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/olive-oil.cfm"]olive [/URL][URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/oil.cfm"]oil[/URL], are associated with a lower risk of suffering [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/depression.cfm"]depression[/URL]," [/I]emphasized the researcher.    [/SIZE]
    [SIZE=3] In addition, the research was performed on a population with a low  average intake of trans-fats, given that it made up only 0.4% of the  total [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/energy.cfm"]energy[/URL] ingested by the volunteers.     [/SIZE]
     [SIZE=3][I]"Despite this, we observed an increase in the risk of suffering [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/depression.cfm"]depression[/URL]  of nearly 50%. On this basis we derive the importance of taking this  effect into account in countries like the U.S., where the percentage of [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/energy.cfm"]energy[/URL] derived from these foots is around 2.5%." [/I]one of the researchers said.    [/SIZE]
    [SIZE=3] Finally, the analysis suggests that both [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/depression.cfm"]depression[/URL] as well as [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/cardiovascular-disease.cfm"]cardiovascular [/URL][/SIZE][SIZE=3][URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/disease.cfm"]disease[/URL][/SIZE][SIZE=3] are influenced in a similar manner by [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/diet.cfm"]diet[/URL],  and might share similar mechanisms in their origin. This hypothesis is  further suggested by numerous studies that indicate the harmful effect  of trans-fats on the risk of [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/cardiovascular-disease.cfm"]cardiovascular [/URL][/SIZE][SIZE=3][URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/disease.cfm"]disease[/URL][/SIZE][SIZE=3] and on [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/health.cfm"]health[/URL] in general.     [/SIZE]
    [SIZE=3] Research Paper Details:    [/SIZE]
    [SIZE=3] Sánchez-Villegas A, Verberne L, De Irala J, et al. [B]Dietary [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/fat.cfm"]fat[/URL] Intake and the Risk of Depression: The [URL="http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/sun.cfm"]sun[/URL] Project.[/B] [I]PLoS ONE, 2011; 6 (1): e16268.   [/I][/SIZE]
     

    sirajstc

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    Some Surprising Health Benefits of Potatoes

    Potatoes, when prepared the right way, are a surprisingly healthful food. They are low in calories, provide a supply of fiber, B vitamins, and minerals, and are esepecially high in Vitamin C. Potatoes are one of the cheapest and most readily available sources of Vitamin C - a nutrient that is vital for keeping the immune system healthy. New potatoes are richer in this antioxidant than old ones.





    Potatoes also contain vitamin B6, which helps to make the immunity-boosting amino acids that are crucial for good health. Vitamin B6 is needed by phagocytes - white blood cells - to mop up waste matter from cells.





    The starch in cooked potato is easily digestible, so it is good for anyone with digestive problems and as a weaning food for infants. Potatoes provide a form of complex carbohydrates, the best form of energy food. This form of carbohydrates is essential for keeping the body fit. They provide slow-burning fuel, and help the body to maintain the muscle it has built. The potato is actually one of the safer forms of carbohydrates, as it doesn't contain irritants like gluten which are found in grains.





    Potatoes are associated with protecting against colon cancer, because of the cleansing action of the starch, which passes through the digestive tract and into the colon.
    Potatoes contain chlorogenic acid, a chemical that prevents cell mutations leading to cancer.





    The potato is highly versatile - you can bake it, boil it, mash it or fry it. Boiled or baked with the skin on will provide a multitude of nutrients including potassium, plus healthy dietary fiber. Most of the fiber, which aids digestion, is found in the skin of the potato; however, the other vitamins and minerals are in the potato flesh itself.





    Potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark place, but not in a refrigerator, as extreme cold will cause their starch to turn to sugar.





    Potatoes will sprout if kept in the light too long - avoid eating these sprouts, as they contain poisonous alkaloids. However, there's nothing harmful about eating a potato that has small sprouts after they have been trimmed off.

     

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    Blueberries, Blackberries, Strawberries BENEFITS> Did you know that berries have beneficial effects on the brain and may prevent age-related memory loss? The findings, which appeared in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, showed that berries not only keep the brain healthy because of their high levels of antioxidants, they also change the way neurons in the brain communicate, which can improve motor control and cognition. "THINK" about it
     

    sirajstc

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    Food for Healthy Hair

    Salmon is a wonderful food for healthy hair. Eating salmon, which is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, will work wonders in supporting a healthy scalp. A deficiency in omega-3’s can increase your chances for developing a dry scalp, which will make for dull and lifeless hair. Salmon is also high in protein, as well as vitamin B-12 and iron. If you would rather not eat salmon, you can sprinkle ground flaxseed on your food as a substitute.

    •Dark green vegetables

    Dark green vegetables are also great food for healthy hair. Spinach, broccoli, and swiss chard are all wonderful examples of dark green vegetables to eat for a luscious head of hair. These vegetables are high in vitamins A and C, which are needed by your body to make sebum, a substance made by your hair follicles that acts as a natural hair conditioner. Additionally, dark green vegetables are a great source of iron and calcium which especially make them a great food for healthy hair.

    •Beans

    Beans are another example of a good choice of food for healthy hair. Kidney beans and lentils contain protein to encourage hair growth. Beans are also a healthy hair booster because they contain iron, zinc, and biotin. Biotin deficiencies can make for brittle hair. It is advised to eat three or more cups of lentils and beans every week and you will be well on your way to having a healthier head of hair.

    •Poultry

    Another great food for healthy hair is poultry. Chicken and turkey are both full of high quality protein. Protein of this sort is essential for strong and healthy hair. If your dietary restrictions prevent you from eating poultry, this is another occasion where you can substitute with ground flaxseed. Simply toss some into a smoothie, yogurt, or anything else you choose.

    •Nuts

    Nuts also provide hair boosting nutrients to make them a great choice of food for healthy hair. Brazil nuts are full of selenium, which is a vital mineral in maintaining a healthy scalp. Walnuts contain alpha-linoleic acid which is an omega-3 fatty acid, which as mentioned earlier is essential in preventing dull and lifeless hair. Walnuts are also a great food for healthy hair because they contain zinc. Almonds, cashews, and pecans also contain zinc and your body must maintain a good supply of zinc to prevent excessive hair shedding.

    •Eggs

    Eggs are a great option to choose as a food for healthy hair. Eggs are one of the best sources of protein available, and they also contain biotin and B-12. These nutrients are very important for all matters of beauty including great hair, skin, and nails.

    •Grains

    Whole grains are an essential food for healthy hair. Eating whole wheat bread, cereal, or pasta will provide your hair with zinc, iron and B vitamins.

    •Carrots

    Carrots are an important food for healthy hair and should be included in everyone’s diet for a variety of reasons. We have always heard that they provide such amazing benefits for our eyes and vision, but we now know that carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which promotes a healthy scalp and shiny hair, making them a superb choice of food for healthy hair.

    •Low-fat dairy

    Including low-fat dairy in your diet is a great way to maintain beautiful hair. Food for healthy hair in this category include: skim milk, low-fat cottage cheese, and yogurt. These dairy products contain calcium, a mineral that is vital in the role of hair growth. Dairy is also a great choice of food for healthy hair because it contains whey and casein, both excellent high quality protein sources necessary for a healthy scalp and hair.
     

    sirajstc

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    Benefits of Apple



    1. Get whiter, healthier teeth



    An apple won’t replace your toothbrush, but biting and chewing an apple stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth, reducing tooth decay by lowering the levels of bacteria.



    2. Avoid Alzheimer’s



    A new study performed on mice shows that drinking apple juice could keep Alzheimer’s away and fight the effects of aging on the brain. Mice in the study that were fed an apple-enhanced diet showed higher levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and did better in maze tests than those on a regular diet.


    3. Protect against Parkinson’s



    Research has shown that people who eat fruits and other high-fibre foods gain a certain amount of protection against Parkinson’s, a disease characterized by a breakdown of the brain’s dopamine-producing nerve cells. Scientists have linked this to the free radical-fighting power of the antioxidants contained therein.


    4. Curb all sorts of cancers



    Scientists from the American Association for Cancer Research, among others, agree that the consumption of flavonol-rich apples could help reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer by up to 23 per cent. Researchers at Cornell University have identified several compounds—triterpenoids—in apple peel that have potent anti-growth activities against cancer cells in the liver, colon and breast. Their earlier research found that extracts from whole apples can reduce the number and size of mammary tumours in rats. Meanwhile, the National Cancer Institute in the U.S. has recommended a high fibre intake to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.


    5. Decrease your risk of diabetes



    Women who eat at least one apple a day are 28 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who don’t eat apples. Apples are loaded with soluble fibre, the key to blunting blood sugar swings.




    6. Reduce cholesterol



    The soluble fibre found in apples binds with fats in the intestine, which translates into lower cholesterol levels and a healthier you.


    7. Get a healthier heart



    An extensive body of research has linked high soluble fibre intake with a slower buildup of cholesterol-rich plaque in your arteries. The phenolic compound found in apple skins also prevents the cholesterol that gets into your system from solidifying on your artery walls. When plaque builds inside your arteries, it reduces blood flow to your heart, leading to coronary artery disease.


    8. Prevent gallstones



    Gallstones form when there’s too much cholesterol in your bile for it to remain as a liquid, so it solidifies. They are particularly prevalent in the obese. To prevent gallstones, doctors recommend a diet high in fibre to help you control your weight and cholesterol levels.


    9. Beat diarrhea and constipation



    Whether you can’t go to the bathroom or you just can’t stop, fibre found in apples can help. Fibre can either pull water out of your colon to keep things moving along when you’re backed up, or absorb excess water from your stool to slow your bowels down.


    10. Neutralize irritable bowel syndrome



    Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain and bloating. To control these symptoms doctors recommend staying away from dairy and fatty foods while including a high intake of fibre in your diet.


    11. Avert hemorrhoids



    Hemorrhoids are a swollen vein in the anal canal and while not life threatening, these veins can be very painful. They are caused by too much pressure in the pelvic and rectal areas. Part and parcel with controlling constipation, fibre can prevent you from straining too much when going to the bathroom and thereby help alleviate hemorrhoids.


    12. Control your weight



    Many health problems are associated with being overweight, among them heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. To manage your weight and improve your overall health, doctors recommend a diet rich in fibre. Foods high in fibre will fill you up without costing you too many calories.


    13. Detoxify your liver



    We’re constantly consuming toxins, whether it is from drinks or food, and your liver is responsible for clearing these toxins out of your body. Many doctors are skeptical of fad detox diets, saying they have the potential to do more harm than good. Luckily, one of the best—and easiest—things you can eat to help detoxify your liver is fruits—like apples.


    14. Boost your immune system



    Red apples contain an antioxidant called quercetin. Recent studies have found that quercetin can help boost and fortify your immune system, especially when you're stressed out.