Kombucha is no fermented, lightly fizzy sweetened tea made of several health benefits such as aiding in digestion, promoting weight loss, facilitating detoxification, lowering cholesterol levels, boosting heart health, controlling diabetes, and of course protecting the liver. It also does aid in reducing arthritis pain and also providing relief from gastric ulcers.

What is Kombucha Tea?

Kombucha tea is of refreshing beverage much obtained by the fermentation of sweetened tea with a symbiotic association of acetic acid, bacteria, as well as specific yeast cultures. It is believed to have originated in northeast China during the third century BCE, this miraculous tea has rather been valued for its unique, refreshing taste and also has an impressive range of medicinal benefits. It is popularly referred to as the ‘Immortal Health Elixir’ in ancient Chinese literature. Other names attributed to it are kombucha that does include Manchurian mushroom tea, Russian tea, Kargasok tea, spumante, tea beer, tea cider, as well as tea kvass.

It has various flavors much depending on whether it is made from black or green tea and tastes somewhere in the middle of apple cider and champagne.

KOMBUCHA NUTRITION FACTS

Kombucha indeed contains a range of yeast and bacterial species with polyphenols, amino acids, as well as organic acids. Post the completion of the fermentation process, the tea does develop into a nutritional powerhouse with the richness of minerals such as sodium, numerous beneficial enzymes, a range of vitamins such as vitamins B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), B12 (cobalamin), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and several healthful chemical constituents such as gluconic acid, oxalic acid, acetic acid, glucuronic acid, usnic acid, fructose, and lactic acid.

Health Benefits of Kombucha Tea

DETOXIFIES THE BODY

Kombucha contains large amounts of organic acids like glucuronic acid and powerful antioxidants which help in shielding the body from oxidative damage. The antioxidants that happen to in it look out for free radicals and also neutralize their effects, thereby repairing as well as protecting the body from chronic diseases and inflammation. Furthermore, it does prevent the harmful effects of pollution caused by petroleum products along with plastics, pesticides, resins, as well as heavy metals.

IMPROVES DIGESTION

Kombucha is no with a live colony of bacteria and yeast, so it does work as a probiotic by sustaining gut health and also provides relief from various abdominal disorders that include chronic constipation as well as diarrhea. The digestive enzymes that are present in it to enhance the effects of glucuronic acid and also aids in the breakdown of proteins and saccharides, thus making the digestive system more efficient.

PROMOTES WEIGHT LOSS

Kombucha tea metabolism. A high metabolic rate does help in weight loss as it does make one feel more energized, and more likely to engage in regular physical exercise. Also, the sugar, as well as calorie content in this fermented tea, very less with little, five times lesser than a fizzy drink.

PROTECTS LIVER

Kombucha possesses the remarkable ability to detoxify one’s body. It does contain a powerful detoxifier glucuronic acid which does bind the toxins by entering the liver and also eliminating them via kidneys. This does help in reducing the burden on the pancreas and also keeps the liver healthy. A research study has also shown that this tea helps in restoring the levels of glutathione and is also remarkably effective in reducing hepatotoxicity. A comparative study conducted on black tea, kombucha tea, and enzyme-processed black tea has proven the superiority of kombucha tea in providing hepatic protection against toxicity due to the antioxidants in it.

MAINTAINS CHOLESTEROL LEVELS

It maintains healthy levels of cholesterol. The anti-lipidemic properties of this tea to help in reducing the absorption of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) as well as triglycerides, and also elevating the levels of HDL (good cholesterol) in the body.

PREVENTS HEART DISEASES

Studies do show that drinking kombucha can indeed be beneficial for the heart as it does regulate cholesterol and also lowers triglyceride levels in the blood.

CONTROLS DIABETES

Kombucha as a therapeutic agent helps in suppressing the factors that tend to cause diabetic conditions.

PREVENTS CANCER

The antioxidant-rich tea does possess anti-microbial properties and also prevents conditions such as cancer as it does contribute productively to maintaining cellular health as well as strong immune defense. Glucaric acid present prevents several types of cancer that include pancreatic, colon, as well as breast cancer.

RELIEVES ARTHRITIS PAIN

Kombucha contains glucosamines which are beneficial in the prevention and Homeopathy treatment of arthritis. Glucosamine present in it does stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid, which helps in the maintenance of cartilage structure and does provide relief from the pain associated with arthritis.

ENHANCES MOOD

Kombucha contains a variety of amino acids, methylxanthine alkaloids (caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and B vitamins (which includes B1, B6, B9, and B12), which are required for a healthy nervous system. This does help in inhibiting the release of the stress hormone cortisol, battling depression, balancing mood, and also enhancing concentration. Regular consumption of this tea can indeed help one overcome sleep disorders. It promotes mental health.

BOOSTS IMMUNITY

Kombucha is rich in numerous antioxidants that do strengthen the immune defense and boost the energy levels of one’s body. The anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties of this tea do help in fighting various bacterial and viral infections. It helps boost the immune system.

ANTI-MICROBIAL EFFECTS

Kombucha tea has anti-microbial properties which may also prove effective against a variety of pathogens. Apart from acetic acid, it contains other anti-microbial components, which even at neutral values of pH, to provide protection against a range of microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermis, Escherichia Coli, Salmonella enteriditis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogens, and Helicobacter pylori.

TREATS ASTHMA

The theophylline in kombucha is popular as a bronchodilator, which rather helps control chronic asthma caused due to it’s anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and bronchoprotective effects.

HEALS GASTRIC ULCERS

Kombucha provides relief from gastric ulcerations. The antioxidants and phenols decrease gastric tissues and also decrease the secretion of excess gastric acids.

IMPROVES CELLULAR HEALTH

Kombucha helps in maintaining cellular health which is vital for the healthy functioning of the body.

OTHER USES

Kombucha drink indeed has a revitalizing effect which does help retain the natural color of the hair, and keeps the skin firm and also improves the feeling of overall health as well as vigor. It is an effective wound healer, which is also known to improve eyesight. Apart from such health benefits kombucha culture can also be utilized to manufacture artificial leather.

10 Health Benefits of Musk melon

Cantaloupe or musk melon is an excellent source of beta-carotene, folic acid, potassium and vitamins C and vitamin A. It is an yellow orange color juicy fruit with plentiful of health benefits.So here we see about the top best 10 health benefits of Musk melon or Cantaloupe that everyone should know.Cantaloupe fruit is also called as mushmelon, muskmelon, cantalope, rockmelon or spanspek.

10 Health Benefits of Musk melon / Cantaloupe

1. Cantaloupe is an excellent summer fruit. It helps to fight the heat in the body and helps in preventing heat-related disorders during the summer.
2. Being a good source of dietary fiber,Cantaloupe helps to prevent constipation.
3. Cantaloupe helps to get rid of heavy flow and clots during the mensuration.
4. The potassium content in the cantaloupe helps to bring down the high blood pressure and also helps in sodium excretion and age-related bone loss.
5. Cantaloupe is a great fruit for the weight reduction.
6. Vitamin A in cantaloupe helps to maintain healthy skin and hair.
7. Being a rich source of vitamin C,it helps to prevent chronic diseases.
8. Cantaloupe juice helps to treat acidity and gastrointestinal ulcers.
9. Folic acid or folate is very essential for pregnant women.It helps to prevent neurological defects in the newborns.It also aids in treating anemia.
10. Cantaloupe is cholesterol free and considered to be good fruit for blood cholesterol patients.

Photo credit: anneh632 / Foter / CC BY-SA

The above are the 10 Health Benefits of Musk melon which help you in this Summer.

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Newborn care for summer babies

Towering temperatures and sizzling heat can make the summer seem inexorable. This can make it a tough time for you and your baby. Following the few simple precautions for Newborn care for summer babies can help to get you and your baby through the summer healthily.

Common illnesses during the summer

Babies are inclined to illness, predominantly during the summer. The following are the most common dangers for the babies during hot weather.

1. dehydration
2. fever
3. overheating
4. vomiting
5. diarrhoea
6. gastroenteritis
7. mosquito borne diseases: dengue, malaria and chikungunya
8. sunburn
9. heat stroke
10. prickly heat
11. skin allergies and rashes
12. insect bites
13. Hygiene and cleanliness

The summer heat increases perspiration, which can lead to the skin infections and rashes. When bathing the baby, take special care to wash her/his neck, underarms and other visible folds in her/ his body. Increasing number of proper baths or sponge baths will keep her clean and cool. You could add the few drops of eucalyptus oil or neem oil to bath to naturally disinfect her body. You could also wash the baby’s laundry in hot water with the mild disinfectant to get rid of germs. Regularly clean the baby’s hands, especially if she keeps touching her face.

Clothes

Keep the baby cool and comfortable in loose fitting cotton clothing that lets her the skin breathe. When it gets particularly hot some mothers leave their little ones in nothing but a T-shirt or singlet the whole day. Use a summer hat to protect her/ his face when you step out.

If there are mosquitoes in your area then keep the baby’s arms and legs covered with clothes made from light, breathable materials, like cotton.

Food and drink

As long as you are completely breastfeeding your baby, you will not need to give her water. But your baby may feed more often and for shorter periods in the heat. This is because she/ he will feel thirsty. But the body is well made because the first milk that comes out is the watery foremilk which will give your baby all the fluids she/ her needs.

If you are formula feeding your baby, you might need to give her water in the heat. You will need to be extremely careful about sterilising the bottle or bowl and spoon you use to feed your baby with and making sure the water is safe. Do speak to your doctor before introducing the water though.

You will also need to take care when preparing your food. What you eat might affect your breastmilk, which in turn can affect your baby’s health. Some studies show that a baby’s tummy can get upset by changes in her mother’s diet.

Home and surroundings

Ventilate the home by keeping windows open, unless the hot dry wind (loo) is blowing. Throw away sluggish water that has collected in open vessels, like flower pots or coolers.

Pest control can also protect your home against all kinds of disease causing insects, like cockroach bites, ants and flies. Use good quality disinfectant to clean your home and keep it hygienic.

Pre-summer check

Carry out a pre-summer check in your home. Check that it is clean and safe. Get rid of any potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Look for gaps under the door and in the windows where hot air and insects can come in and get them repaired. You might like to call an electrician to check your fans and fridge are in good working condition for the summer. Your cooler or air conditioner will also need servicing.

Healthcare

• Most summer diseases can be avoided by staying indoors in the cool clean environment. When you go out with your baby take the following precautions to keep her cool and healthy:
• Keep her away from crowded places, where the chances of catching an infection are high.
• Keep her away from direct sunlight and hot temperatures, especially the hot dry winds.
• Use a mosquito net to protect your baby from harmful insect bites.
• Keep her clean. Regularly wash her hands and trim her nails.
• Use sunscreen to protect her from the sun’s harmful rays.
• Despite your best efforts to keep your baby healthy, babies do fall sick. If this happens then contact your doctor.

In case you don’t have it already, consider getting health insurance. Health insurance can help to minimise any unforeseen expenses due to medical emergencies. Several health care packages are available nowadays to suit different budgets and medical requirements.

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The essential health benefits of elderberries do indeed include their ability to alleviate allergies, boost up one’s immune system, protect against bacteria as well as infection, lower one’s blood sugar, help with weight loss, and also help in moderate the digestive process.

What are Elderberries?

Elderberries are the fruit of the flowering plant referred to as Sambucus, in fact, more commonly referred to as elder or elderflower. The full scientific name of its most common variant, from which one gets the majority of our elderberries, is Sambucus nigra. One does primarily find elderberries in the Northern hemisphere, particularly in Europe as well as North America, although some southern species are grown in Australia.

The berries are rather black or very dark blue and have in fact a sharp, sweet flavor that does make them highly preferred for desserts, syrups, jams, jellies, spreads, and as the base for various cocktails and beverages. Many people do think that they lend this scientific name to Sambuca, but in fact, that is not true. Elderberry wine is indeed very popular and can be made quite simply at home.

Nutritional Value of Elderberries

Elderberries are indeed packed with lots of nutrients such as minerals like iron, potassium, phosphorus, as well as copper, as well as vitamins, such as vitamin A, B, and C, as well as proteins cum dietary fiber.

Health Benefits of Elderberries

Aid in Digestion

Elderberries are no doubt packed with dietary fiber that can help eliminate constipation, reduces excess gas, and generally increases the health of one’s gastrointestinal system. Fiber can also indeed help increase the nutrient uptake efficiency in one’s gut in order for us to get more out of food we eat.

Improve Heart Health

High levels of fiber in elderberries do help in eliminating excess cholesterol from one’s system and also make space for HDL (good) cholesterol that the body needs. This can indeed help in eliminating the chances of developing atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular issues. Additionally, a diet rich in flavonoids such as anthocyanins has been found to reduce the several risks of heart disease. The high level of potassium in elderberries also does protect the heart by relaxing the tension of blood vessels and arteries. As a vasodilator, potassium can indeed significantly reduce blood pressure and also keep one’s heart healthy.

Improve Respiratory Health

When it really comes to clearing up a sore throat, a cough, cold, bronchitis, or any other issue that affects one’s respiratory system, elderberry juice might be one’s best choice. Like many cough syrups, elderberry syrup does contain active ingredients that help soothe inflammation as well as irritation. The syrup also does act as an expectorant and clear out phlegm that can indeed trap foreign agents in one’s glands. Elderberry juice is even recommended for those suffering from Yoga Mudras for Asthma.

Boost Immunity

Elderberry syrup has indeed certain antibacterial as well as anti-infectious qualities and is very commonly made used off to ward off influenza during bad seasons where it does seem like everyone is catching it. Furthermore, elderberries can indeed protect against the effects of autoimmune disorders, even alleviating certain symptoms and the associated pain of AIDS.

Control Diabetes

The active antioxidant ingredients found in elderberries do work directly on one’s pancreas in order to regulate insulin as well as glucose levels. This either does provide much stability for people who do suffer from diabetes or help non-diabetics to avoid developing this terrible condition.

Improve Bone Health

The antioxidant, as well as anti-inflammatory compounds that are found in elderberries, can indeed help alleviate joint pain as well as soreness from inflammation. The high levels of essential minerals to help promote bone strength and the development of new bone tissue. Osteoporosis happens to be a condition that millions of people experience in later years of their life, but the increase in bone density during one’s younger years can indeed delay the onset considerably.

Skin Care

Elderberry does make its way into a lot of cosmetic applications, on account of its bioflavonoids that can boost one’s skin health. The antioxidant activity, combined with its significant levels of vitamin A, make elderberries perfect for preventing or even lessening wrinkles and helping age spots to fade. It usually improves the glow and tone of one’s body.

Weight Loss

On account of its high level of dietary fiber, combined with the metabolism-speeding effects of a solid vitamin cum mineral injection, elderberries aid in weight loss. The fiber does keep one feeling full; the low-calorie count does not affect one’s intake too much.

Psyllium can lower cholesterol, eliminate digestive problems, reduce inflammation, reduce blood pressure, and also help with weight loss efforts, as well as prevent diabetes.

What is Psyllium?

Psyllium is the name for plants of the Plantago genus. The seeds of these plants, which are typically small herbaceous plants, are indeed highly valuable because they can be turned into mucilage, the most common form of psyllium that is consumed. It is a natural dietary fiber, and while many people do think of it as a pure laxative, it has a number of other effects on one’s body that does make it so valuable.

Psyllium plants do grow primarily in Asia, and India is the world’s largest producer and exporter of psyllium husks. This particular herbal supplement has indeed become quite popular in the United States, which happens to be the main importer of the seeds.

The valuable mucilage does come from the seed coat, and about 25% of the seed coat is made use of to create this gelatinous mucilage. The remainder of the seed is also in fact used, but rather only for livestock feed. The unique thing about psyllium is that it does bonds with water, swelling to ten times its volume when it comes in contact, hence its impact on the body.

Health benefits of psyllium

Cholesterol Reduction

Similar to other dietary fiber, psyllium can indeed significantly affect the health of the heart by indeed lowering cholesterol. Excess dietary fiber works in order to decrease the amount of cholesterol absorbed from food, thus preventing it from sticking in the arteries as well as blood vessels. This does of course help to reduce the chances of atherosclerosis and the consequent heart issues that can arise. It does not, however, reduce the amounts of good cholesterol (HDL), which does keep one’s cholesterol levels balanced as well as healthy. Furthermore, it does stimulate the production of bile, which further makes use of cholesterol.

Digestive Problems

The main function of psyllium is no doubt to improve the functionality as well as efficiency of the digestive system, namely by binding with water in the gut. If one is suffering from diarrhea, psyllium can indeed help to bulk up one’s stool and also normalize one’s bowel movements. If one does struggle with constipation issues, it can also help reduce that discomfort, as it can also stimulate peristaltic motion and keep one’s bowels moving smoothly. It can also help reduce straining as well as inflammation, which can help eliminate one’s hemorrhoids as well as gastric ulcers.

Diabetes Prevention

Psyllium also has indeed proven to be effective on blood sugar levels, which is essential for everyone, whether or not one suffers from diabetes. By actually regulating the release of insulin into the bloodstream, and also keeping blood sugar levels steady, it can help prevent the onset of diabetes, as it does reduce the chances of major spikes as well as plunges. For people who are living with diabetes, adding it to one’s diet can help keep one healthy.

Weight Loss Issues

One of the best things about dietary fiber is that it does create the feeling of fullness, and that sense of satiety is also very important for people looking to cut down on their weight. By preventing in between-meal snacking, psyllium supplements can also keep one’ energy levels up without adding on the pounds. Oat bran often does contain psyllium and is a popular choice for a healthy snack.

Blood Pressure

Psyllium does reduce blood pressure in those who regularly do consume it. It eases the tension on blood vessels and arteries of the heart.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

The mucilage of psyllium does one of the ways to reduce inflammation in one’s gut and colon. This is due to the fibrous activity found in this unique mucilage, as it can also ease the stress as well as strain on the colon.

Detoxify the Body

Although psyllium mucilage is often referred to as a laxative, it is just a highly efficient type of dietary fiber. However, it does indeed effectively detoxify the body, as cleansing out the gastrointestinal system can also be very cleansing and also beneficial for overall gut health.

The hernia can be an extremely painful and even deadly condition, and while medical attention is indeed strongly advised, there are several natural remedies for a hernia. These do include the use of ginger root, licorice, aloe vera, black pepper powder, buttermilk, and castor seed oil, as well as lifestyle changes such as weight loss, diet changes, and exercises.

A hernia does occur when an internal part of the body does breach through a weak spot in a surrounding muscle or tissue wall. It looks like a lump or even a swelling under the surface of the skin. This condition is commonly seen in one’s abdomen, but can also happen in one’s upper thigh region, belly button, and groin areas. While medical attention is of course strongly suggested whenever a hernia is suspected, there are usually a number of home remedies that have gained much popularity for treating a hernia, as well as certain lifestyle changes that can indeed reduce the risk.

Home Remedies for Hernia

Home remedies for a hernia are as follows:

Castor Seed Oil

Throughout history, castor seed oil does have a wide variety of stomach health concerns, as it can coat the stomach in a thin lining, thus preventing inflammation and also encouraging proper digestion. One can prepare a castor seed oil pack and place it on one’s stomach to soothe the painful symptoms of a hernia.

Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera juice benefits is often recommended for people who are struggling with the pain of a hernia and is taken prior to every meal, to lower the chances of developing a hernia.

Ice pack

When one suffers from a hernia, there can often be inflammation, redness, and the pain in the abdomen or groin. While this may not be the most comfortable remedy, applying an ice pack directly to one’s affected area can indeed cause contraction and also reduce inflammation in the body, thus often relieving the pain as well bloating associated with it.

Ginger Root

It is effective and also helps in soothing inflammatory conditions. One can also consume this remedy in liquid form through concentrated ginger juice, or one can also eat raw ginger to give one’s stomach a healthy boost and also much of the pain. It can indeed protect the stomach as well as esophagus from the build-up of gastric juices.

Licorice

A hernia can indeed cause damage to the stomach lining and the esophagus, and licorice root has long been known to be a healing stimulant for these parts of the body. Consuming licorice tea can quickly stimulate the re-growth of damaged tissues and can also relieve pain as well as inflammation along the way, due to its analgesic properties.

Lose Weight

Obesity is a major risk factor for hernia patients, and it can also slow down the healing process. If one does lose weight, one’s body will be under less physical strain, one’s posture will improve, and the symptoms may also disappear naturally. One should also eat smaller meals, as this will put less pressure on the stomach and sphincter.

Alter One’s Diet

Spicy as well as acidic foods are difficult to digest need be avoided if one already has one or are prone to it. These foods can also further inflame one’s stomach lining, thus making it more difficult for the healing process.

Black Pepper Powder

Black pepper powder is very useful for more than simply flavoring food. Black pepper has been associated with soothing stomach issues and also reducing inflammation of the gut. It can also indeed help suppress acid reflux and thus help in stimulating healing in those sort of parts of the body that may have been compromised when the organ does begin to push through the cavity wall.

Relieve Stress

A major factor in the formation of hernias is stress cum anxiety. Excess stress hormones in one’s body can also weaken the body’s organs and put more strain on one’s metabolism as a whole. Stomach issues, as well as acid reflux, can also be affected by stress, which can exacerbate or increase one’s risk of hernias. Great stress reduction activities include meditation, yoga, acupuncture, massages, as well as the use of essential oils and aromatherapy.

Cut Back on Exercise

One needs to avoid strenuous exercise or overexertion while lifting weights. In case one has under gone a hernia in the past or has commonly engaged in heavy exercise, it is better to cut back and perform easier workouts while in recovery, or as a preventative measure. The strain involved in such exercises is similar to straining during bowel movements, which can also cause hernias, so do ensure that one drinks enough fluids and also fiber to ensure smooth bowel movements.

Vegetable Juice

This happens to be a simple and most effective remedy for a hernia. Juice made up of carrots, spinach, onions, broccoli, and kale. The dense nutrients as well as anti-inflammatory nature can indeed soothe the burning as well as painful symptoms of hernias and can also speed up the healing process in one’s abdominal cavity. One can add a bit of salt to the vegetable juice.