Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that has been used in India for over 2500 years, and once you learn about some of the health benefits of Turmeric, you won’t be too surprised it’s been used for so long!

Benefits

• May increase metabolism and aide in fat loss or weight management

• Naturally detoxifies the liver, which helps boost liver function

• The active ingredient in Turmeric is curcumin. A study in 2009 showed that the combination of curcumin and vitamin D helped the immune system to clear the brain of amyloid beta, which is a substance that forms the brain plaque associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

• Natural Antiseptic and Antibacterial agent.

• A study done in 1992 has showed that Turmeric may be able to help reduce cholesterol level and fight atherosclerosis (which is when the artery wall thickens).

• Natural pain killer

• May help prevent Melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer.

• Natural anti-inflammatory that works just as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs on the market – with less or no the side effects. Because of this, it can be used as a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

• Early studies show promise that Turmeric can help slow the progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Intake

Dried – You can find Turmeric in a dried powder form to use in a variety of recipes. I typically find this spice used in Indian dishes, but you can be creative and use this however you want! Test it out, and have some fun!

If you prefer, you can usually find Turmeric in a pill at your local health food store. Just follow the suggestions on the bottle for use.

Precautions

If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor first (by the way – I am pretty sure every spice and herb says this!).

Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction.

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Image Credit: FotoosVanRobin on Flickr®

Tags: Alzheimer's disease, Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, Antiseptic, cholesterol, culinary, curcumin, immune system, liver, melanoma, metabolism, Multiple Sclerosis, pain killer, spice, Turmeric, Vitamin D, Weight Loss

Myrrh

Myrrh has been used for Centuries, and known as a very precious Herb. Here are some of the benefits that Myrrh may help you with.

Benefits

•Anti-inflammatory

•Stimulates blood circulation

•Antiseptic

•Treatment of Arthritis

•Lowering Cholesterol

•Skin Diseases

•Respiratory Infections and Bronchitis with excess of Mucous (dries things up)

Intake

Drops – can take 20-40 drops in water, 2-4 times a day. You can drink, or you can use a smaller amount of water and gargle.

Topically- can be applied to cold sores, and even infected wounds.

If you don’t know what you are doing, stop right there. It would be best to ask a licensed professional; Nutritionist or Herbologist. They will be able to help you with your specific needs.

Precautions

There are no known side effects to Myrrh if you take normal doses. Large doses may irritate the stomach, and should not be taken during pregnancy.

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Tags: Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Bronchitis, excess of Mucous, herb, herbal, Herbologist, Lowering Cholesterol, Mucous, Myrrh, Nutritionist, Respiratory Infections, Skin Diseases, Stimulates blood circulation, Treatment of Arthritis

Health Benefits of Agave Nectar

Agave Nectar is a wonderful Sugar Replacement!

Agave Nectar

Blue Agave Nectar is the most common species of Agave plants. If you buy Agave Nectar, chances are they are from the Blue Agave plants.

The two most common types of Agave nectar is either “Light”, “Amber”, or “Dark”.

The Light Agave Nectar has less heating and a more thorough filtration process, which makes a more mild and neutral flavored product. The Dark Agave Nectar is filtered less, and what’s left in the syrup allows for it to have a stronger taste to it, comparable to maple syrup.

The Darker the Agave Nectar, the less processed it is said to be. For me personally, I would rather have a product in its most raw and natural form.

Health Benefits

Agave Nectar has a low glycemic index. This allows for sweetness without the side effects of Sugar, such as an unhealthy blood sugar spike more commonly known as a “Sugar Rush”. This makes for Agave Nectar to be a much healthier alternative to processed sugars and artificial sweeteners, and can be used for those who are diabetic, or just trying to be healthier.

GLYCEMIC VALUES
Organic Agave Nectar 27
Fructose (fruit sugar) 32
Lactose (milk sugar) 65
Honey 83
High fructose corn syrup 89
Sucrose (sugar) 92
Glucose 137
Glucose tablets 146
Maltodextrin 150
Maltose 150

Source: BlueAgaveNectar.com

Agave plants have Saponins, which has anti-inflammatory, immune system-boosting properties, even anti-microbial capability. Agave plants also have Fructans in it, which is believed to help lower cholesterol. Agave plants also have Inulin, which is a carbohydrate that many scientists believe helps with weight loss.

Agave Nectar has also been proven to help with intestinal bacteria. Modern technology has confirmed that when using salt with Agave Nectar, it increases the anti-microbial property of the plant, which was originally used by the Aztecs for dressing wounds and using as a balm for skin infections.

So as you are trying to be healthier, find ways to add Agave Nectar in to your day-to-day diet. You will reap the many health benefits, and it will be a much better substitute for sugar or artificial sweeteners.

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Tags: agave syrup, ageve nectar, amber, Anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, blue agave nectar, dark, Fructans, glycemic index, Healing, Healthy, immune system, inulin, light, Lose Weight, low glycemic, salt, saponins, Skinny, sugar replacement, sweetness, Weight Loss

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been used for centuries for its taste and many medicinal health benefits.

Cinnamon comes from dried bark from a Cinnamon tree. The bark can be either dried and rolled into cinnamon sticks, or dried and ground into a powder.

Benefits

•Cinnamon contains Calcium, Manganese, Fiber, and Iron.

•Cinnamon has been found to have a helpful effect on blood sugar levels, which makes it helpful for those who have Diabetes.

•The smell of Cinnamon may help with memory.

•Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory effects, and when mixed with Honey may relieve arthritis pain.

•Cinnamon has an anti-clotting effect on blood and actually helps with blood circulation.

•Natural preservative by preventing bacterial growth, which can ultimately help prevent or kill bacteria infections.

Uses

You can use Cinnamon in just about anything. You can add a dash of cinnamon to your breakfast cereal in the morning, add it to herbal tea, or top on your dessert. You almost can’t go wrong when trying to add Cinnamon to your regular diet.

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Tags: alcium, anti-clotting effect, Anti-inflammatory, arthritis, blood circulation, fiber, honey, iron, kill bacteria infections, Manganese, memory, prevent bacterial growth