Health Benefits of Onions

Onions had been widely used as an ingredient in various dishes for thousands of years all over the world. Here in the Philippines, almost all of the dishes have onions. There are many variations of onions; you can see red, yellow, and white onions each with their own flavor intensity. Onions can be eaten raw, fried, dried or roasted.

Onions are also known to have medical values. They are used to treat colds, coughs, and to repel insects. Dry onions are a surprising source of fiber and a rich source of healthy sulfur compounds, similar to those found in garlic. Research on onions has lagged behind garlic research, but onions appear to have similar cardiovascular benefits, such as reducing blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, at least in the short term.

Onions also contain phytochemicals called flavonoids, which help vitamin C in its function, improving the integrity of blood vessels and decreasing inflammation. All this spells help for your cardiovascular system. One particular flavonoid, quercetin, may inhibit tumor growth and help keep colon cancer at bay.

Onions also contain vitamin C and chromium. Chromium is a mineral that helps cells respond to insulin, ultimately assisting with blood glucose control. Green onions, because of their bright green tops, provide a wealth of vitamin A.

Earwax: To Remove or Not to Remove?

I personally had been treated with my ear infection just this year. It was extremely painful and I feel like I’m going to be deaf. Then I decided to go to the doctor to see what’s on my ear. I’m surprised there was something on it. A white-like-plastic or something… I don’t know what it is. The doctor said maybe dirt and there’s an infection. I have to take antibiotic and get back to him and see if the infection is still there. I got back after a week and the infection was gone.

After a month the pain got back, I’ve got ear infection again unfortunately. I go to another doctor and she said that whenever I take a bath, I should wear ear plug because the water is getting on my ear and another reason is that, I’m removing my earwax so frequently (almost every day). That’s because whenever I feel itch on my ear, I rush on my room and get a cotton buds.

My doctor also said that I should have a little earwax on my ear because if it is too clean, my ears would really get dry and itchy. She said that my ears are so dry so she recommended some vitamins. I got better after that. I’ve used my earplug for about 6 months and fortunately, the infection doesn’t come back. I should always be careful with my ear.

Now to answer the question, TO REMOVE OR NOT TO REMOVE EARWAX, according to some doctors, earwax removal should be left on your ear. You don’t have to remove it unless you are experiencing symptoms associated with earwax buildup and blockage of your ear canal. These symptoms include earache, progressive hearing loss, tinnitus, noises on your ear, itching, odor or discharge. According to what my doctor said, you should leave a little earwax on your ear because if it’s too clean, the ears would get too dry and itchy and the tendency is, you will have to use cotton buds to relieve the itch which can make the scenario worst, just like on my case.

So the verdict, LEAVE YOUR EARWAX ON YOUR EARS! Don’t be so stubborn and have self discipline! I’ve learned my lessons pretty well. Heheheh

Herbal Medicines in the Philippines Approved by the Department of Health

If you are looking for the list of herbal medicines in the Philippines and particularly looking for those plants that are approved by the Department of Health, here they are:

Acapulco (Cassia alata)

• Used to treat fungal infections
• The leaves are known to be sudorific, diuretic, and purgative which are used to treat intestinal problems and used to get rid of intestinal parasites
• Used to treat bronchitis
• Because of Akapulko’s anti-fungal properties, it is a common ingredient in soaps, shampoos, and lotions in the Philippines.
  

Ampalaya (Momordica charantia)

• Ampalaya contains a mixture of flavanoids and alkaloids make the Pancreas produce more insulin that controls the blood sugar in diabetics.
• Best known to treat diabetes
• Good for rheumatism and gout
• Helps in lowering blood
• Can be used as a cough & fever remedy
• Treatment of intestinal worms, diarrhea
  
• Is an antioxidant, parasiticide, antibacterial & antipyretic
• Helps prevent some types of cancer

Bawang or Garlic (Allium sativum)

• significant protective action against a fat induced increase in serum cholesterol and plasma fibrinogen and in fibrinolytic activity.
• Used as a carminative, aphrodisiac, expectorant, and stimulant
• Human population studies show that eating garlic regularly reduces the risk of esophageal, stomach, and colon cancer
• Garlic has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal activity, it may work against some intestinal parasites
• Garlic is regarded as one of the most effective remedies to lower blood pressure
• It stimulates peristaltic action and the secretion of the digestive juices
• It is an excellent agent as a worm expeller
• Garlic has also been used successfully for a variety of skin disorders Pimples disappear without scar when rubbed with raw garlic several times a day

Bayabas or Guava (Psidium guajava)

• Contains quercetin which is an antioxidant that blocks enzymes that are responsible for building sorbitol, the sugar that forms the cloudy white clusters that cause cataracts
• Rich in folate which helps to fight bad breath that causes gum disease gingivitis.
• Very rich in astringents (compounds those make your gums feel tighter and fresh after you chew guava leaves or eat a raw guava or use some toothpaste) which binds up loose bowels in diarrhea.
• One of richest in vitamin-C and iron which are proven to be preventive against cold and viral infections
• Can help improve your skin texture and avoid skin problems more than the best of beauty creams or skin toner gels can do
• Helps reduce cholesterol in blood and prevents it from thickening, thereby maintaining fluidity of blood and reducing blood pressure.
• Very helpful for those who want to lose weight without compromising with their intake of proteins, vitamins and fiber

Lagundi (Vitex negundo)

• It has been clinically tested and studied to be effective for colds, flu, asthma and chronic bronchitis.
• The seeds are boiled and eaten to prevent the spread of toxins from the poisonous bites of animals
• The flowers are used for diarrhea, cholera and liver disorders.
• The saps from the crushed leaves are used for colds and sore throat.
• Leaf decoction of lagundi are used for wounds, ulcers, treat gastric colic, flatulence and it can also help those lactating mothers to produce more milk for their babies.

Niyog - Niyogan (Quisqualis indica L.)

• It is effective in the elimination of intestinal worms, particularly the Ascaris and Trichina
• Only the dried matured seeds are medicinal -crack and ingest the dried seeds two hours after eating (5 to 7 seeds for children & 8 to 10 seeds for adults). If one dose does not eliminate the worms, wait a week before repeating the dose.
  

Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)

• Sambong is known for its remarkable treatment for kidney stones or nephrolithiases, urolithiases, a diuretic and other diseases
• Leaves of sambong can be infused and used as a substitute for tea and also used for colds
• Can also be used for heart diseases and hypertension
• It is also high in essential oils and contains considerable amounts of camphor oil

Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia microphylla Lam.)

• Used for stomach pain
• Effective for gastroenteritis
• Used as mouth gargle since the leaves of this plant has high flouride content
• Also used as body cleanser and body wash

Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii)

• It is an aromatic plant used as herbal medicine worldwide.
• Has been consumed as tea and herbal medicine as a pain reliever
• Effective alternative medicine for aches and pain
• Effective for minor ailments such as headaches, toothaches and joint pains
• Used as mouthwash
  

The worst form of ignorance we have about herbal medicines is they maybe growing right in our own backyard and we only think of them as useless weeds. We fail to recognize them because we don’t know or understand what they are. In fact, studies show that our country is home to around 8,000 to 12,000 species of herbal plants. Imagine if we could develop their full potential to help give us a healthy and long life.

Dangers of Perfume to Unborn Child

While searching on the World Wide Web, I’ve come across www.current.com, and was shocked that perfume can actually affect unborn child.

So women who are planning on becoming pregnant should avoid using perfumes or other cosmetic products because those are high in chemicals, which are absorbed into their bodies and can affect the child inside them.

There are also lots of pregnancy articles at http://articles.mercola.com you can learn a lot from this site about pregnancy like:

Link Between High Soy Diet During Pregnancy and Nursing and Eventual Developmental Changes in Children

Just Say No to Nuts During Pregnancy

Vegetarian Diets and Birth Defects

Living a Healthy Life

I’ve been disciplining myself and been looking for natural health products to live a healthy life because I was having a problem with my kidney. After 2 months of eating healthy foods and drink lots of water, I come to my doctor and see if there’s any improvement on my kidney. I recently have this .52 cm stone in my left kidney. Fortunately, it’s gone and passed out by itself. I didn’t even notice it passing through. My ultrasound result was clear and clean.

Reading a lot of natural health articles help me a lot. One of the sites I’ve been searching a lot for health information was Mercola.com which is owned by Dr. Joseph Mercola. Thanks a lot for this people who are providing the latest natural health information for the people around the world.

Ampalaya (Bitter Melon) Health Benefits

Bitter melon or bitter gourd is commonly known here in the Philippines as ampalaya. The fruit of this plant is bitter, even the leaves and stem. It is known as the most bitter of vegetables. Here’s a trivia for you guys if you haven’t heard or read; ampalaya is a member of the squash family.

The bitterness of this plant comes from the high concentration of quinine, which is used as anti-inflammatory and painkiller. It’s also effective for treating malaria. Aside from these properties, amplaya have been used as herbal medicine due to its numerous healing properties. Bitter gourd or bitter melon had been popular for its properties to treat diabetes. Clinical studies show that bitter melon increases the production of beta cells in the pancreas which leads to improvement of insulin production of the body. Ampalaya is also effective for people who are constipated because it can stimulate digestion, also effective for treating HIV infection and lowering blood sugar.

I love eating ampalaya with egg. It’s truly very delicious and very healthy. Some people don’t like the taste of ampalaya because of the bitterness. But if you eat bitter melon stir-fried with ground beef or sautéed with egg you’ll love it. But if you still can’t take the bitterness, you can put your amplaya on the freezer. Let it stay there for about 3-5 hours then it’s ready to cook.

A fantastic and very fascinating food art

You can be very artistic with foods ;)

Health Benefits of Banana

A friend forwarded this email to me and he told me to eat more bananas because I am sick. After reading this article, you would be amazed about how bananas can help you with your diet. You wouldn’t know unless you read this!


Depression:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana.
This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS:
Forget the pills - eat a banana.
The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure.
So much so, the US Food and Drug Admin istration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power:
200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power.
Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers:
One of the quickest
ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey.
The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.


Morning Sickness:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight:
and at work?
Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps.
Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs.
The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness.
It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases.
It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control:
Many other cultures see bananas as a " cooling " fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of
expectant mothers.
In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking &Tobacco Use:
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking.
The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress:
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance.
When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels.
These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes:
According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts:
Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills.
When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals.
It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around.
So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say,
" A banana a day keeps the doctor away! "

High Mercury Level in Canned Tuna

High Mercury Level in Canned Tuna

Recently I’ve read a health news article about high mercury level in canned tuna. I was alarmed because I’m always eating canned tuna. I don’t want to eat pork or beef because it may affect my current condition. I’m actually a kidney stone former and the doctor said, if I just have a good diet, there would be a great possibility that I will not form a kidney stone again.

The last time I was diagnosed was November 2007 and the kidney stone actually passed out after my shockwave operation. It was so painful while the stone is passing through and I don’t want to experience that pain again.

As part of my diet, my doctor told me not to eat fatty foods and those foods with high uric level. He also suggests not eating so much food with high calcium level. Right now, I’m just eating fish, fruits and vegetables. And to be honest, I feel so great with my current diet. No bloating, no hyper acidity and my metabolism is doing well.

But as I said before, I am alarmed by this article I’ve read from Dr. Mercola

“About half of the canned tuna in the United States is imported. The federal government advises pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children to avoid fish with high levels of mercury. Elevated mercury levels have been linked to learning disabilities in children and to heart, nervous system and kidney damage in adults.”

Here’s the link Mercury Levels Higher in Some Imported Tuna