Amazing Health Benefits of Guava (Amrood)

Guavas (Psidium guajava) are tropical fruits of Myrtaceae family, cultivated and enjoyed in many tropical and subtropical regions. Packed with a myriad of hard, tiny seeds at the centre, guavas have a distinct flavour and lovely aroma. These fruits are also known for their high-profile nutrients and multiple health benefits. It is consumed raw or in the form of jams and jellies. Guava is low in calories and fats but contains several vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds that play a pivotal role in preventing and curing various health problems.

Health Benefits of Guava (Amrood)

• Guavas being one of the richest sources of vitamin C, provide the immune system a huge boost in antioxidants and protect against common infections and pathogens. This fruit is a very good source of vitamin A and flavonoids like beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and cryptoxanthin. The compounds are known to have antioxidant properties and therefore essential for optimum health.
• Guavas are a rich source of vitamin C and iron, which are known to prevent against cold and viral infections. The juice of the fruit or a decoction of guava leaves is helpful in relieving cough and cold since it helps to get rid of mucus and disinfects the respiratory tract, throat and lungs. (Note: one should avoid drinking water immediately after eating guava as it can lead to a sore throat).
• Antioxidants are the major lines of defense against the proliferation of free radicals in the body, which are one of the main causes of serious conditions like cancer. Clinical studies have shown that the potent antioxidants present in guava tend to reduce the risk of prostate cancer, breast cancer and oral cancer by preventing the growth of metastatic cells. Guavas are also rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to be successful in reducing risk of prostate cancer. Lycopene has also shown to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells, although further human trials need to be done.
• Owing to its high fibre content and low glycemic content, guavas helps to regulate the absorption of sugar, which decreases the chances of major spikes and drops in insulin and glucose in the body. Studies have shown that consuming guava can help prevent the appearance of diabetes.

  

  Health Benefits of Guava (Amrood)

• Guava is one of the richest sources of dietary fibre. Consuming one guava fulfils about 12% of our daily recommended intake of fibre, which makes it extremely beneficial for healthy bowel movement and overall digestive health.
• Fresh guavas are a rich source of potassium, an important component of cell and body fluids that controls heart rate and hypertension. These fruits, being rich in fiber and hypoglycemic in nature, help reduce blood pressure. Further this also helps reduce cholesterol in the blood and prevents it from thickening, thereby maintaining the fluidity of blood. Guavas help lower the levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL), which lead to the development of heart diseases.
• Guavas are extremely good sources of vitamin A, known to prevent degradation of vision, slow down the appearance of cataracts, macular degeneration, and improve eyesight.
• Owing to their anti-inflammatory action and antibacterial ability, guava leaves have been known to cure toothache, swollen gums and oral ulcers. Being a good source of vitamin C, consuming guavas also protect against scurvy.
• The magnesium present in guavas is helpful in giving our body system a good energy boost and combat stress. Vitamin B3 (niacin) and B6 (pyridoxine) present in the fruit, help in improving blood circulation to the brain, stimulating cognitive function and relaxing the nerves.
• Guava aids weight loss by regulating the body metabolism. Being high in fiber content, it satisfies the appetite easily. Guava also nourishes the body with its rich supply of vitamins, proteins and minerals, less of carbohydrates and no cholesterol!

  

  Benefits of Guava for Skin

• The astringent property of the fruit is useful in maintaining a healthy glowing skin! Application of the fruit pulp as a face scrub or a face mask is believed to help cure skin discoloration, wrinkles, premature aging and acne irritation. Also, it helps tone up and tighten the facial muscles! Guavas being high in vitamin A, B, C and K, minerals and antioxidants like carotene and lycopene, are helpful in maintaining skin’s radiance and keep other dermal disorders at bay.

Read more at:

• The Healing Herbs of India: http://thehealingherbsofindia.blogspot.in/
• Herbal Beautyholics: http://herbalbeautyholics.blogspot.in/
• The Kitchen Clinic: http://thekitchenclinic.blogspot.com/
• Traditional Home Remedies: http://traditionalhomeremedy.blogspot.com/
• The Slimming Furnace: http://theslimmingfurnace.blogspot.in/
•  Foods for Cancer Prevention: http://foodforcancerprevention.blogspot.in/
• प्राकृतिक उपचार: http://prakritikupchar.blogspot.in/

How Sleep Affects Your Weight

The Slimming Furnace: How Sleep Affects Your Weight:
Some research studies have revealed that short sleep and weight gain are linked! Losing sleep tends to make us eat more and gain weight, and now a new study suggests that one reason may be the impact that sleep deprivation has on the brain. If you're a short sleeper, that is, you sleep for 5 to 6 hours or less a night, you'll have trouble losing weight! In a 7-year study of 7,022 middle-aged people, researchers found that women who reported sleep problems were more likely to experience a major weight gain.

According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, when we are sleep-deprived, our general energy expenditure is 5 % less than it is when we get a good night's sleep, and the post-meal energy expenditure is 20 % less. In a study at the American Heart Association's 2011 Scientific Sessions, it was shown that women who got only 4 hours of sleep, ate 329 additional calories the next day than they did after 9 hours sleep.

In another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 11 volunteers spent 14 days at a sleep center on two occasions. During one period, they slept 5.5 hours a night, and during the other, they slept 8.5 hours. When the subjects were sleep-deprived, they increased their nighttime snacking and were more likely to choose high-carbohydrate snacks.

This is probably the biggest revelation about the connection between sleep and weight loss—and the biggest challenge for you if you're not getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night. Sleeping too little affects the hormone levels in our body. The two hormones that are key in this process are ghrelin and leptin.

Ghrelin, a hormone released by the stomach increases hunger, slows metabolism and decreases the body’s ability to burn fat. Lack of sleep causes ghrelin levels to rise, which means your appetite is stimulated, so you want more food. When you don't get enough sleep, it drives leptin levels down, which means you don't feel as satisfied after you eat. The two combined, can set the stage for overeating, which in turn may lead to weight gain. Now that you are eating more, your metabolism is slower when you are sleep-deprived; it explains all the reasons for weight gain!

Sleep is an important tool in weight management. These studies clearly indicate that getting enough sleep can help prime your brain to help you win the battle against weight gain. It’s the most effective thing people can do every day to reset their brain and body health.

Triphala for Weight Loss

The Slimming Furnace: Triphala for Weight Loss:

Triphala for Weight Loss

Triphala meaning ‘three fruits’, is a traditional Ayurvedic herbal formulation consisting of three fruits native to the Indian subcontinent. These are Amla (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica) and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). It is a natural antioxidantcommonly known for its use as a gentle bowel tonic. It also alleviates constipation, supports the nervous system, boosts the immune system, helps fight cancer, nourish and rejuvenate the tissue, helps support the reproductive system and fight against bacteria that cause any disease.

Triphala contains five of the six tastes recognized in Ayurveda -sweet, sour, bitter, pungent and astringent. It helps to prevent sickness and is being used as a therapeutic herbal food. Since triphala powder does not cause any serious side effect, almost any person could consume this supplement.

Triphala is a healthy approach toweight loss while helping the body get rid of the toxins as proper digestion and elimination are important factors in maintaining an optimal body weight. Triphala promotes healthy eating habits by supplying the body with the full spectrum of natural tastes.  Also, triphala reduces excessive water content of the tissues. That is why triphala can be successfully used as part of a weight loss program.

The effective way of ingesting triphala for weight loss is as tea. For this, make a decoction by adding ½ tsp of triphala powder to about 150ml of hot water. Stir and allow the tea to cool and drink. It can be taken on an empty stomach in the morning or before retiring to bed. If you cannot stand the taste, or have shortage of time, it would be convenient to take 2 triphala tablets (1000 mg) with water, before bed or upon rising in the morning. Remember to eat plenty of vegetables, greens, berries, nuts, seeds, fruits, and proteins when taking triphala because maintaining good health is as significant as attaining optimal weight.

Side Effects of Triphala

Triphala is a natural detoxifying formula. Some people may experience headache, nausea, upset stomach and diarrhea. Since Triphala supports healthy elimination, one may experience looser. If the problem becomes too intense, stop taking triphala until the symptoms subside or simply reduce the amount you are ingesting. If the symptoms recur, it is best to stop use and consult a practitioner.