Pineapple

Fresh Pineapple Has Many Benefits

Saturday, February 28, 2009 by: Sheryl Walters

(NaturalNews) The pineapple is a member of the bromeliad family. It is extremely rare that bromeliads produce edible fruit. The pineapple is the only available edible bromeliad today. It is a multiple fruit. One pineapple is actually made up of dozens of individual flowerets that grow together to form the entire fruit. Each scale on a pineapple is evidence of a separate flower. Pineapples stop ripening the minute they are picked. No special way of storing them will help ripen them further. Color is relatively unimportant in determining ripeness. Choose your pineapple by smell. If it smells fresh, tropical and sweet, it will be a good fruit. The more scales on the pineapple, the sweeter and juicier the taste. After you cut off the top, you can plant it. It should grow much like a sweet potato will. This delicious fruit is not only sweet and tropical, it also offers many benefits to our health.

Pineapple is a remarkable fruit. We find it enjoyable because of its lush, sweet and exotic flavor, but it may be one of the most healthful foods available today. If we take a more detailed look at it, we will find that pineapple is valuable for easing indigestion, arthritis or sinusitis. The juice has an anthelmintic effect; it helps get rid of intestinal worms. Let’s look at how pineapple affects other conditions.

Pineapple is high in manganese, a mineral that is critical to development of strong bones and connective tissue. A cup of fresh pineapple will give you nearly 75% of the recommended daily amount. It is particularly helpful to older adults, whose bones tend to become brittle with age.

Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme, is the key to pineapple’s value. Proteolytic means “breaks down protein”, which is why pineapple is known to be a digestive aid. It helps the body digest proteins more efficiently.

Bromelain is also considered an effective anti-inflammatory. Regular ingestion of at least one half cup of fresh pineapple daily is purported to relieve painful joints common to osteoarthritis. It produces mild pain relief. In Germany, bromelain is approved as a post-injury medication because it is thought to reduce inflammation and swelling.

Orange juice is a popular liquid for those suffering from a cold because it is high in Vitamin C. Fresh pineapple is not only high in this vitamin, but because of the bromelain, it has the ability to reduce mucus in the throat. If you have a cold with a productive cough, add pineapple to your diet. It is commonly used in Europe as a post-operative measure to cut mucus after certain sinus and throat operations. Those individuals who eat fresh pineapple daily report fewer sinus problems related to allergies. In and of itself, pineapple has a very low risk for allergies.

Pineapple is also known to discourage blood clot development. This makes it a valuable dietary addition for frequent fliers and others who may be at risk for blood clots.

An old folk remedy for morning sickness is fresh pineapple juice. It really works! Fresh juice and some nuts first thing in the morning often makes a difference. It’s also good for a healthier mouth. The fresh juice discourages plaque growth.

Sources:

Brien, S., Lewith, G., Walker, A.F., et al. 2006. Bromelain as an adjunctive treatment for moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis of the knee; a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. QJM. Dec99(12):841-850.

Helms, S., Miller, A. 2006. Natural treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. Altern Med Rev. Sept 11(3):196-207.

Maurer HR. 2001. Bromelain: biochemistry, pharmacology and medical use. Cell Mol Life Sci. Aug;58(9):1234-45 2001.

http://www.naturalnews.com/025746.html

Papaya

Papaya leaf juice can cure dengue – doctors

Jul 18, 2010 11:45 PM · Local doctors are reporting success in their experimentations in the treatment of dengue patients with papaya leaf juice, according to media reports.

These reports say that taking papaya leaf juice, preferably of the red lady variety, have considerably increased blood platelet levels of the patients.

They prescribe 10 ml of papaya juice for adults and half that amount for children twice a day.

Several doctors who have done the experimentations separately, say that most importantly papaya juice improves liver functions and helps repair the damage caused by dengue to a certain extent.

They say this could be a successful remedy only if taken before dengue reaches its peak.

Source:
http://www.colombotoday.com/english/articles/Lite/Papaya-leaf-juice-can-cure-dengue—doctors/13324.htm

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Monday, July 19, 2010
DENGUE
I would like to share this interesting discovery from a classmate’s son who has just recovered from dengue fever. Apparently, his son was in the critical stage at the ICU when his blood platelet count drops to 15 after 15 liters of blood transfusion.

His father was so worried that he seeks another friend’s recommendation and his son was saved. He confessed to me that he gave his son raw juice of the papaya leaves. From a platelet count of 45 after 20 liters of blood transfusion, and after drinking the raw papaya leaf juice, his platelet count jumps instantly to 135. Even the doctors and nurses were surprised. After the second day he was discharged. So he asked me to pass this good news around.

Accordingly it is raw papaya leaves, 2pcs just cleaned and pound and squeeze with filter cloth. You will only get one tablespoon per leaf. So two tablespoon per serving once a day. Do not boil or cook or rinse with hot water, it will loose its strength. Only the leafy part and no stem or sap. It is very bitter and you have to swallow it like “Won Low Kat”. But it works.

*Papaya Juice – Cure for Dengue*

You may have heard this elsewhere but if not I am glad to inform you that papaya juice is a natural cure for dengue fever. As dengue fever is rampant now, I think it’s good to share this with all.

A friend of mine had dengue last year. It was a very serious situation for her as her platelet count had dropped to 28,000 after 3 days in hospital and water has started to fill up her lung. She had difficulty in breathing. She was only 32-year old. Doctor says there’s no cure for dengue. We just have to wait for her body immune system to build up resistance against dengue and fight its own battle. She already had 2 blood transfusion and all of us were praying very hard as her platelet continued to drop since the first day she was admitted.

Fortunately her mother-in-law heard that papaya juice would help to reduce the fever and got some papaya leaves, pounded them and squeeze the juice out for her. The next day, her platelet count started to increase, her fever subside. We continued to feed her with papaya juice and she recovered after 3 days!!!

Amazing but it’s true. It’s believed one’s body would be overheated when one is down with dengue and that also caused the patient to have fever papaya juice has cooling effect. Thus, it helps to reduce the level of heat in one’s body, thus the fever will go away. I found that it’s also good when one is having sore throat or suffering from heat.

Please spread the news about this as lately there are many dengue cases. It’s great if such natural cure could help to ease the sufferings of dengue patients.

Furthermore it’s so easily available.
Blend them and squeeze the juice! It’s simple and miraculously effective!!

Source:
http://amaranathphi.blogspot.com/2010/07/dengue.html

Papaya

PAPAYA LEAF JUICE – CURE FOR DENGUE?

Edouard Emmanuel Pistola Cayetano July 19 at 7:03am

Papaya leaves normalizes blood platelet in dengue patients

Papaya leaf juice is supposed to be a remedy for the Dengue epidemic now spreading fast in the island.

A research conducted on more than 70 dengue patients including 10-15 children proves that the use of 10 ml of papaya leaf juice helped them fully recover. The patients have been monitored for a few months and there are no side effects.

Normally medical researches conducted show only results up to 50% whereas this research which is the first in the world conducted on dengue using traditional methods has shown 100% results said Dr. Sanath Hettige who conducted the research.

Speaking to Lankapuvath Dr. Hettige said that he had taken leaves from the “Red lady” papaya (papaw) variety which is more effective. Fresh mature leaves from a fruit bearing tree was taken, washed with clean water and then crushed in a wooden pestle without water or salt. The crushed leaves are then to be squeezed to extract the juice which is consumed fresh once again without water, salt or sugar.

Dr. Hettige who is a family physician said that 10ml are prescribed for adults twice a day and 05ml for children aged between 5 and12. He recommends that patients who have been identified as dengue infected should take the juice along with the prescribed medication.

Describing the effect of Papaya leaf juice in curing dengue, Dr. Hettige said that it does three main services; increasing white blood cells and blood platelet and normalizing the clotting profile which are the main aspects affected when infected with dengue. The most important factor is that is improves the liver functions. The juice helps repair the damage caused to a liver by dengue to a certain extent.

However, Dr. Hettige said that the juice should be consumed before dengue reaches its peak. Explaining as to why, Dr. Hettige said that in the final stage of dengue, the organs of a human are badly affected and once in that stage it is difficult to cure. The papaya juice isn’t effective at that stage as it can only serve the above mentioned services and it is best advised that patients use it in the first or second stages of dengue.

Further, he said that a person’s normal blood platelet should be 150,000 to 350,000 and medication is prescribed when a person has a lower blood platelet than 150,000 and according to Dr. Hettigem taking papaya leaf juice at this time definitely helps improve the health condition. – (Lankapuvath)

Posted on Sunday, July 18, 2010 @ 16:09:25 LKT by SaNDuN

http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=9005

Papaya Health Benefits

Know about numerous papaya health benefits which you can make use of and add healthy years to your life. This fruit is not only delicious, but it is also attributed as a power house of nutrients…

Everyone is well aware of the fruit papaya and I guess, I need not give you the description of how does it look like, taste and where it is found. However, you may not know that papaya was attributed by the name “The Fruit of the Angels”, by Christopher Columbus [an Italian navigator who discovered the New World in the service of Spain while looking for a route to China (1451-1506)]. Before we head on for the papaya health benefits, here is a brief insight on the nutritive value of the fruit, per 100g. Papaya contains 56 mg of vitamin C and 20 mg of calcium. Carbohydrates in the fruit is of the quantity 10 g and vitamin A, 1750 I.U. 16 mg of phosphorus is present in papaya and 470 mg of potassium. Apart from containing vitamin E and K, papaya has a calorific value of 39. Now, let’s study about the many papaya health benefits that you can avail.

Health Benefits of Papaya

Papaya enzyme health benefits come from papain and chymonpapain, the two very important enzymes of the fruit. These enzymes aid in the digestion of protein in the body. Out of the two, papain is the most abundant and most active. One important fact to take a note of is that, these two enzymes gradually vanish as the fruit ripens. So, in order to avail the benefits, pick your fruit when it is still green. Apart from aiding to the digestion process, other papayaenzyme benefits include treating edemas, inflammation and wounds. The antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene also aid to reducing any inflammatory symptoms. Thus, people with asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis would find great relief with an increase in the consumption of this fruit. The enzymes, papain and chymonpapain, also prevent cornea scar deformation and help in treating insect stings.

Talking about papaya seeds health benefits, they include protection against E. coli, Salmonella and Staph infections and certain kidney diseases. Papaya seeds extract are also known to get rid of intestinal parasites and they also help in detoxifying the liver.

Treating constipation is one of the well known papaya fruit health benefits. Infections of the colon can be addressed by drinking papaya juice and ripened form of the fruit may help prevent cancer in organs and glands with epithelial tissue. Other papaya health benefits include managing nausea including morning sickness and motion sickness and producing a tonic effect in the stomach and intestines. Papaya’s content of folate, vitamin C, beta-carotene and vitamin E are also associated with reduced risks of colon cancer.

Lowering cholesterol level and preventing the development of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease are also among the well known papaya health benefits. Apart from these, papaya’s richness in vitamin A, has earned it the reputation to be an ideal home remedy for lung protection. People who are in a risk of lung cancer should consider adding this fruit to their daily diet.

Boosting the immune system is yet another one among the other papaya benefits. Richness of vitamin C and vitamin A in the fruit, strengthens the immune system and keeps one from illnesses and recurrent infections like cold and flu and like that of the ear.

Macular Degeneration (eye disease caused by degeneration of the cells of the macula lutea and results in blurred vision; can cause blindness) is an age-related illness and is the primary cause of vision loss in older adults. According to researches, adding papaya to the diet can provide a great deal of benefit in reducing the risk of developing this eye disease.

To conclude this piece of information on papaya health benefits, according to different surveys, people who took papaya along with green tea, were found less prone to develop prostate cancer than others. Thus, with so many benefits in store, a healthy diet must comprise of this ‘wonder fruit’ as one of its key ingredients!

By Rajib Singha
Published: 1/27/2010

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/papaya-health-benefits.html

Papaya

How to Know the Health Benefits of Papaya

The papaya fruit, which is melon-like in appearance and known for its delicious sweet taste, is highly recommended for its abundant health benefits to the body. Papaya, dubbed by Christopher Columbus as “the fruit of the angels” contains powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that promote good health. The following are some of the health benefits that this fruit brings to those who consume it regularly:

 How to Know the Health Benefits of Papaya

The papaya fruit, which is melon-like in appearance and known for its delicious sweet taste, is highly recommended for its abundant health benefits to the body. Papaya, dubbed by Christopher Columbus as “the fruit of the angels” contains powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that promote good health. The following are some of the health benefits that this fruit brings to those who consume it regularly:

Instructions

Things You’ll Need

Things You’ll Need

Uses of papaya:

1. Papaya improves digestive health. Eating at least 4-5 servings a day has beneficial tonic effect in the stomach and intestines. This fruit contains the digestive enzyme, papain, which aids in digestion. The fiber in the fruit also prevents constipation.

2. Papaya skin, leaves, or fruit, can be used for the treatment of skin burns and wounds. Researchers at the Russian State Medical University confirmed that the papaya-based medication accelerates the healing of burns and wounds, as the fruit possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action.

3. Papaya seeds aid in expelling intestinal worms. Take about two teaspoons of papaya seeds, chew thoroughly then swallow with a little bit of honey. The seeds are somewhat bitter but they are completely edible. Do these three times a day after every meal.

4. Papaya helps in the prevention of nausea which includes morning sickness and motion sickness. Eating the recommended servings of fruit in a day greatly reduce the discomfort brought by the condition.

5. Papaya’s rich vitamin C content protects against inflammatory polyarthritis, a form of rheumatoid arthritis which includes two or more joints.

6. Papaya is rich in antioxidants and contains rich supply of vitamins A, C, and E. These nutrients are both needed for the proper function of the immune system.

7. Papaya aids in weight loss. This fruit is low in calories, high in vitamins and minerals, and a good source of fiber. The papain present in papaya increases metabolism, digests fats, and assimilates carbohydrates in your body.

Papaya is great for improving skin health. Its rich vitamin E content delays aging by minimizing the formation of wrinkles and giving the skin a healthy glow. Lightening soaps made from papaya fruit has been patronized especially in Asian countries for its beauty results. Papaya’s powerful enzyme, called papain, has the ability to remove dead skin off thus encouraging skin renewal resulting in younger looking skin.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4771450_health-benefits-of-papaya.html

Pancit pancitan

Pansit-pansitan & Luyang dilaw

Ulasimang bato (Pepperomi pellucida) - also known as pansit-pansitan or pepperomia in english .   Luyang dilaw is turmeric in English

Health Benefits

• Cures Rheumatoid arthritis and gout
• Relieves gas pain.
• Treats gallstones or other gallbladder problems.
• Helps in treating hepatitis or other liver problems.
• Treats kidney problems

http://www.sulit.com.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/2872667/Malunggay%2C+Malunggay+with+Garlic%2C+Guyabano%2C+Wild+Ampalaya%2C+and+Banaba+Capsules+For+Sale!!!

Luyang Dilaw

The World is Now Focusing on Turmeric

Luyang Dilaw (Turmeric) [Scientific name: Curcuma longa Linn.]

Turmeric is a traditional spice. It is closely associated with Mediterranean and Indian cuisine. However we have paid little attention to this plant which is now stirring great interest in modern medical research. The rhizome of the plant is used as tea as well as pigment for dyes and as a food preservative. Folkloric medicine data indicate that the plant rhizome is used for dyspepsia, flatulence, abdominal pain, fever and as tincture for wounds. It is also believed that it can lower cholesterol and has antioxidants. The renewed interest in turmeric seemed to have started in the 1970s when it was believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a polyphenolic plant pigment, gives the distinct yellow color and is the primary substance of interest. The juice can be applied topically to ulcers and even eczematous lesions of the skin to reduce inflammation and as antiseptic. The anti-inflammatory property may be compared to that of hydrocortisone. The rhizome also contains volatile oils.
Because of the various tests in animals and the wide possibilities on the use of turmeric, the interest in the plant has grown to involve very specific trials in the US. Research is focused on the medicinal effect against Human Papilloma Virus which can cause cervical cancer as well as reseach on breast cancer. It was reported that India will be embarking on a huge trial on turmeric because this plant is part of the armamentarium of Ayurvedic medicine.
The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric is now being investigated on the colon and even multiple sclerosis. If you take pain killer drugs on a regular basis such that you are likely to be less productive without pain relievers for joint pains of arthritis or even of muscular origin or what we call rheumatism, try turmeric tea. The traditional “Salabat” can be a combination of the usual ginger and turmeric. “Luyang dilaw” or turmeric can be bought from your local market. Discover your freedom from pain as well as protection of your liver with natural products such as “Luyang Dilaw.”

http://gonatural.com.ph/herbalblog/2006/06/

Oregano Plant

Oregano plant is a kind of a perennial herb and is from the species Origanum of the mint family. All of us know it as a delicious topping for Italian dishes, especially pizza and pasta. Scroll down to know more about this popular plant.

Oregano – the word invokes a singular response – yummy! I mean just try and imagine your lip smacking chicken pizza without the quintessential oregano. Hard, isn’t it? Thus, considering the love most of us have for this delightful oregano, I am sure you would not mind reading a bit about oregano plant, right? So presenting ladies and gentlemen, a low down on oregano plant!

Oregano Plant Information

Oregano Plant Identification
This plant is a native of Europe, the Mediterranean region and Central Asia. This plant is basically a perennial herb. It grows upto 20 to 80 cm tall and has leaves which can range in length from 1 cm to 4 cm. These however, might not be distinguishing. Although its purple flowers, in erect spikes are what helps people identify it. There are oregano plant varieties, though, which have different flavors.

Oregano Plant Uses
Oregano has uses which can be mainly categorized into 2 – culinary and health.

Culinary Uses
It is a well known fact that oregano herb is a significant constituent of Turkish, Italian, Greek, Spanish and Dominican cuisine. Mostly it’s the leaves which are used for cooking. But the dried form of oregano is much more aromatic and flavorful than fresh leaves. Pizza is what most of us associate this herb with. When it comes to flavor, oregano works in tandem with hot and spicy food.

Health Uses
Oregano has a high level of antioxidant activity, as it has lots of phenolic acids and flavonoids. In addition to this, oregano seemingly has anti-microbial activity acting as a counter attack to food born micobes. Leaves and flowering stems of oregano are highly antispasmodic, antiseptic and can act as expectorants and as tonic. For this reason if oregano oil extracts are taken orally, they are effective in treating influenza, cold, mild fever, stomach upsets, fungal infections and even menstrual pain. It is also a great remedy against Methyl Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) emanated infections.

How to Grow Oregano

Pointer #1: The place or the positioning of oregano is important so decide where to plant oregano. The trick is to keep it in an area where there is good sunlight. It is one of those typical Mediterranean herbs. Make sure the soil is well drained and you are done.

Pointer #2:: The next thing you need to do is to decide whether you want to grow it through seeds, cuttings or divisions. There could be a chance that you may not get the exact type of oregano you want because different species of oregano cross pollinate. In case you opt for the seeds, make sure that you cover the seeds just a bit with soil. This will expose them to light and they will germinate.

Pointer #3: Once you decide what to use to grow oregano, plant it. Harvest the crop during mid spring. For proper oregano plant care, in winters, mulch the oregano plant using grass or straw to protect it from freezing temperatures. Come early spring and remove the mulch.

Pointer #4: While harvesting, cut off 6 inches at the top of the stem followed by removal of the leaves. Wash them thoroughly and roll the leaves into a small ball. Then chop the leaves using a small cleaver and voila – you are ready to add fresh oregano to your meal. A very important thing to remember here is the timing for picking the leaves. Pick the leaves just after the dew has dried in the morning. What happens is that as the sun gets warmer, the leaves dry out and lose their oil, resulting in loss of aroma and flavor.

Apart from all this, the best part about oregano plant is that it is normally pest resistant. However oregano plant diseases cannot be ruled out as pests like spider mites and aphids bother the plant.

Overall, it is great to have oregano plant in your backyard or vegetable garden or even if you just have a nice airy and well lit balcony. Moreover, you would not need to ask for more toppings or seasonings from the pizza delivery boy if you have oregano handy in your kitchen. What say? Are you all set then, to spice up your kitchen?!

By Medha Godbole

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/oregano-plant.html

Benefits of Mangosteen

By Kevin Stith

It has already been generally accepted (and widely advertised) that mangosteen extract is useful in the treatment of arthritis, acid dyspepsia, fibromylagia, moderate asthma, otitis externa and eczema. Now, the latest findings indicate that mangosteen has – in addition to its antioxidant effects – antimicrobial actions that inhibit the progression of acne. Furthermore, it is highly effective against the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a bacterium responsible for staph infections.

Mangosteen is at least as effective as most pharmacological agents as far as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties are concerned. Diabetics are increasingly in favor of its regular use and report that their need for insulin decreases considerably with the ingestion of mangosteen products.

The medicinal benefits of mangosteen will doubtlessly be heralded for a long time to come. Many more will be announced and either confirmed or dismissed in the process. At the moment, there is an understandable trend towards treatment with naturopathic agents like mangosteen extracts in lieu of prescription drugs.

Those properties may be taken as confirmed (unlike some of the miraculous benefits ascribed to it.) However, the highest testimonial that can be given for including this legendary (and certainly not inexpensive) plant in one’s diet is the fact that people who do apparently enjoy better overall health. This means that they appear to be less prone to disease and have higher energy levels than those who do not use mangosteen. They spend less money on prophylactic (preventive) medicines, pay fewer visits to doctors and hospitals and display a higher level of confidence in their health status.

With polluted air, toxic wastes and high levels of stress threatening humans from every side, natural products like mangosteen may offer a centuries-old escape from some of the worst maladies generated by modern civilization. In an age where the use of regenerative food supplements has become something of a religion, could one possibly give higher endorsement to any other natural solution?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/131338

 http://ezinearticles.com/?Benefits-of-Mangosteen&id=131338

Mangosteen

Mangosteen Documented Health Benefits

 Findings from Independent Scientific Studies on Health Benefits of Mangosteen

1. Anti-fatigue (energy booster)

2. Powerful anti-inflammatory (prevents inflammation)

3. Analgesic (prevents pain)

4. Anti-ulcer (stomach,
mouth and bowel ulcers)

5. Anti-depressant (low to moderate)

6. Anxyolytic (anti-anxiety effect)

7. Anti-Alzheimerian (helps prevent dementia)

8. Anti-tumor and cancer prevention (multiple categories cited)… shown to be capable of killing cancer cells

9. Immunomodulator (multiple categories cited) - helps the immune system

10. Anti-aging

11. Anti-oxidant

12. Anti-viral

13. Anti-biotic (modulates bacterial infections)

14. Anti-fungal (prevents fungal infections)

15. Anti-seborrheaic (prevents skin disorders)

16. Anti-lipidemic (blood fat lowering, LDL)

17. Anti-atherosclerotic (prevents hardening
of arteries)

18. Cardioprotective (protects the heart)

19. Hypotensive (blood pressure lowering)

20. Hypoglycemic (anti-diabetic effect, helps lower blood sugar)

21. Anti-obesity (helps with weight loss)

22. Anti-arthritic (prevention of arthritis)

23. Anti-osteoporosis (helps prevent the loss of bone mass)

24. Anti-periodontic (prevents gum disease)

25. Anti-allergenic (prevents allergic reaction)

26. Anti-calculitic (prevents kidney stones)

27. Anti-pyretic (fever lowering)

28. Anti-Parkinson

29. Anti-diarrheal

30. Anti-neuralgic (reduces nerve pain)

31. Anti-vertigo (prevents dizziness)

32. Anti-glaucomic (prevents glaucoma)

33. Anti-cataract (prevents cataracts)

34. Pansystemic - has a synergistic effect on the whole body

 http://livingbyheart.tripod.com/xresearch/id72.html