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The Raw Food Diet, is it Right for You? The Raw Food Diet is one of first things that come to mind when someone hears or sees the word " diet". In this type of diet, you only eat foods that are not cooked. In this way, it is believed you gain all of the available nutrients contained within the food. When considering this type of dieting technique, it is important to know the details about what is involved. The raw food diet is based on idea that everything should be eaten while living, or as close to living as possible. This living material is not necessarily the food, but the enzymes that are in the food. Many of these enzymes are known to die after they reach one-hundred and two degrees. Thus, while cooking foods also kills harmful organisms, it also destroys these important enzymes. Heat also causes the structure of the food to break down and cause the food to become toxic (although the reverse appears to be true in potatoes). Enzymes are often referred to as the energy that is contained in the food. The first difference that will happen if one begins eating raw food is a change in the balance and functioning of the bodies system. Cooked foods force the stomach to deal with larger molecules, thus leading to the production of more acid. When one eats only raw foods, the stomach acid becomes less dominant in what is passed along to the intestines. Raw food diets can be divided into several different categories. There are those that are made up of mostly fruit, sprouts, or fruit juices. Depending on which types of nutrients are needed, you change the foods you eat. Some raw foods will include nuts, in order to get protein. If this is part of your diet, it is best to soak the nuts for twenty-four hours, which allows for the rejuvenation of the enzymes. There are also several diets that are made up mostly of raw foods, with a few cooked foods on occasion. Usually, a raw food diet consists of a minimum of seventy-five percent raw food. There are several different changes that those on a raw food diet will notice. The first is that there is increased energy. This also includes an overall improvement in general health. The body will also go through a process to detoxify, and get rid of all the harmful chemicals built up over the years from cooked foods. The immune system is also known to improve with this kind of diet. If you are interested in a raw food diet, you can expect your body to go through several changes. The raw food diet is one that is well known among several who are interested in changing their lifestyle towards eating different types of enzymes. The results of the raw food diet help with an increase in energy, as well as a change in the balance and functioning of the body. By looking into and researching what the raw food diet will include, you can decide whether it is a right move for you. Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com About the Author:
Scott Meyers is a staff writer for Its Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Nutrition and Health . --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eating Healthy and How To Save Money On GroceriesBy: Sandra Arnold Everyone knows that it's mostly, more costly to eat healthy Diets rather than junk foods. A limited budget almost guarantees to less than ideal eating habits in many ways. Junk food often costs less at your grocery store than healthier choices. Especially when eating out, it's cheaper to through a fast food hamburger joint than it is to dine at a restaurant that offers fresher, more healthy options. Your budget doesn't have to put a complete lid on healthy eating goals. Simply, instead, pursue some creative possible answers and think 'outside the grocery bag'. Budget Minded Tips for Healthy Eating Tip #1 - Peruse Your Local Farmers Market You can usually find a farmer's market locally in the summer time and, if you are a city dweller, you can find farmer's markets operating year round. Finding envious bargains is not as rare as you might think and you'll often come upon amazing items at prices that are easy on your budget. If you are not sure where to look for a farmer's market, more often than not, one in four neighbors will know. Tip #2 - Grocery Store Coupons You can find bargains on fresh produce when you are willing to visit different stores for budget conscious bargains. You can rely on some grocery stores to deliver better prices on a certain types of food, but you must be watchful of the too good to pass up sales, that when everything is added up in the end, will save you money in the long term. Tip #3 - Buy Vegetables and Fruit Don't be fooled by convenience. Prepackaged fruit and vegetables aren't as good for you, being able to choose and know exactly what healthy ingredient you are adding to your new healthy eating diet. You'll get more body benefiting health components you're looking for, when you're willing to do the preparation of your fruits and vegetables, rather than paying somebody else to. Tip #4 - Stop Buying Prepared Meals Not nearly as daunting as your Mother may have conditioned you, homemade cooking: soup, stew, the dreaded 'casserole", and just about anything you buy ready to eat in a box or carton, no fooling, has much more nutritional benefit. Packaged food is made to last for sometimes years on end, thus it should be obvious, that such 'food' is stuffed to the gills with extra, but completely unnecessary calories, sugars, sodium - (salt), and you don't want to know about the hidden possibility of worms, bugs, hair, moths and the occasional human finger as history has proven! A cookbook bought to have on hand for years may have a learning curve, but the money you'll save in the first month will banish any doubts you may have now. Side note: the newest edition of, 'The Joy of Cooking' I promise is a wise way to ultimately save you a boat load of money, and doesn't break the bank. Healthy eating is attainable and the best part is you can do it while saving time, money and possibly yourself, health-wise. Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com About the Author:
It is possible for you to be eating healthy while staying totally on budget. Sandra Arnold, a secondary author at HealthyLivingStraightTalk.com, where healthy living is easy on the budget, and shares with you how to save money, eat healthy groceries, not break the bank and become more healthy, for free. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Raw Food Diet Benefits - Vibrant Health & Energy Raw food diet benefits have become a very popular conversation topic in the past few years. With endless research studies and recent news releases linking processed foods and illness, people are taking their health into their own hands. Many of these individuals are committing to a raw food diet and starting the transformation from consuming common cooked and prepared meals, to one of the most extreme vegan diets ever developed. However, raw food, or live food diets are not just another dietary fad or trend. Eating a raw food diet is more a lifestyle change than a dietary one, and some people are reaping the results of unlimited health benefits. Here is a list of possible healthy related raw food diet benefits: * Will increase weight loss and help with weight normalization. * Heal illnesses such as allergies, fatigue and digestive disorders. * Will increase energy levels. * Will lower cholesterol and high blood pressure * Can improve the appearance of skin and alleviate severe acne * Can improve quality and quantity of sleep * Will help to eliminate migraines and some forms of chronic pain * Has been linked to improvements in childhood disabilities such as autism * Higher levels of body and mind unity and improved mental awareness * Rejuvenating results from certain meditative exercises such as yoga or tai chi There are also environmental reasons behind some people’s decision to convert to a raw diet. Many raw foodists were already vegetarian, or vegan due to strong beliefs in animal welfare and rights. These individuals feel they can take their environmental contribution one step further by choosing to consume raw uncooked foods. Here is a list of possible environmental related raw food diet benefits: * Less energy is used when food is uncooked * Will help to reduce the amount of harmful chemicals used by industrial farms such as pesticides. * Will not support the needless killing or farming of animals * Will help to decrease the overall size of an individuals carbon footprint Eating a raw diet can improve both an individual’s life and health immensely. However, it is important to speak to either a professional dietitian or a physician before making any sudden or drastic dietary changes. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE LAW OF HEALING AND CRISES Cause of Diseases An Excerpt from: Unfired Foods and Hygienic Dietetics for Prophylactic (preventative) Feeding By: George Julius Drews The primary causes of nearly all diseases are lowered vitality and accumulation of waste. In the hurry scurry life of today these causes often go on for years without coming to light or being recognized until the system is wholly saturated with the waste poison and vitality is so low that resistance is out of the question. | |
| Super Foods - The 10 Healthiest Foods To Eat Submitted By: Karen Ciancio A list of the top 10 healthiest foods may seem like a come-on. Magic food? We all know there are no real magic foods. The road to optimum health is not in a pill or one magic food. But there are foods that pack such a nutritional wallop and possess such powerful health benefits, that they are referred to as "super foods". This healthy food list consists of foods that are nutrient dense. That is, they have more nutrients per calorie than most other foods. They have also been proven to contain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that prevent disease: from cancer to heart disease to arthritis, and many more. These super foods are perfect for heart healthy, low fat cooking and most fit perfectly into a low carb lifestyle as well. The 10 healthiest foods are foods that are so exceptionally good for us that we should include them in our healthy diet on a regular basis. Our list of super foods is arranged alphabetically, not in order of importance. Each is an amazing food, jam packed with health giving benefits. The 10 Healthiest Foods to Eat 1. Berries
Berries are extremely rich in antioxidants which help protect the cells in our bodies from damage and therefore from diseases like cancer. Among other things they are also an excellent source of Vitamin C and soluble fiber. Blueberries might help reverse the short term memory loss that often comes with aging. 2. Broccoli
Broccoli (and other cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and cabbage) helps fight cancer, especially breast, colon and lung. It boosts the immune system. Broccoli also contains antioxidants and a substance called sulforaphane, which research is showing to be a powerful cancer fighter and preventer. 3. Citrus Fruits
The citrus bioflavanoids in oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit have anti-cancer and antioxidant properties. Many of these citrus bioflavanoids have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and blood clot inhibiting abilities. 4. Garlic
Numerous studies have shown that regular consumption of garlic can lower our blood pressure. It also prevents the blood from being overly sticky and decreases LDL cholesterol (the "bad" one) while increasing the good HDL cholesterol. 5. Nuts
Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, a special type of fat that is essential for our bodies, but that the body cannot produce. Omega-3 essential fatty acids protect us against heart disease. Almonds are also known for their ability to help lower LDL cholesterol levels. 6. Oats
Oats also help reduce cholesterol. Research shows that one bowl of oatmeal per day can reduce cholesterol by up to 23%. Oats are also considered an excellent grain for diabetics as they have less impact on blood sugar levels than some other grains. 7. Salmon
The Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon and other fatty fish may help prevent heart disease and stroke by lowering the body's rate of blood clotting. 8. Spinach
Spinach's secret weapon, lutein, makes it one of the best foods in the world to prevent cataracts, as well as age related macular degeneration, the leading cause of preventable blindness in the elderly. 9. Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain high levels of lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant and as such helps to protect the cells in our bodies from damage. 10. Turkey
Turkey is one of the leanest protein foods and is low in calories, making it an excellent healthy food choice. Turkey also contains selenium which has been shown to inhibit cancer development, improve the immune system, and aid in the metabolism of our thyroid hormone. You can see that the top 10 healthiest foods, or "super foods", are also some of our favorites. By including these super foods in a healthy diet on a regular basis you can easily gain many health benefits. Making healthy food choices just got easier. About Karen Ciancio Karen Ciancio is a cook and a fan of all things cooking related. Her website http://www.cookingnook.com contains recipes that feature each of these super foods plus lots of other recipes, cooking tips and kitchen ideas. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sacred Chocolate Bar - Amazonian, 2 oz. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Foods That Help Burn Fat Submitted By: Lisa Irby Foods that are high in fiber and protein are best to consume if you want to burn fat around your waistline and tone your abs. Below you'll find a handful of foods that will help you reach your weight loss goal. Dairy Products According to an article in Obesity Research, women who ate low-fat dairy products, such as nonfat yogurt and low-fat milk, three to four times a day lost 70 percent more fat than low-dairy dieters. In another study done at Purdue University those who consumed 3 cups of fat-free milk gained less weight over the course of 2 years than those on low calcium diets. So, not only do dairy products help you strengthen your bones, they can also play an essential role in burning that unwanted body fat. If you are a regular consumer of milk and other dairy products, that's great in moderation. Just watch your proportions and perhaps switch over to the no-fat varieties. Eggs Eggs are not only delicious, but they are high in protein and essential to burning fat. You may have heard all the warnings about eggs and your health. That's because two eggs contain enough cholesterol to put you over the recommended amount of daily cholesterol intake. Well, more recent studies have shown that dietary cholesterol has little effect on your blood cholesterol. Dietary fat is the bad guy. That's what raises your bad cholesterol levels. However, if you're still concerned about your overall cholesterol intake, you can eat them without the yolk and still benefit from the high protein. The egg white is the most nutritious part of the egg. Beans While beans are notorious for the gastrointestinal disturbances they cause, they are also very good sources of fiber, protein and iron. Some of the best kinds of beans to eat are: - Kidney beans
- Navy beans
- White beans
- Lima beans And as always, there are certain beans that you should limit in your diet. I'm talking about those that are baked and refried. Baked beans are loaded with sugar and refried beans contain tons of saturated fat. Sure, you'll be getting your protein but you'll also be consuming a lot of excess junk your body doesn't need. Here's another tip. Cook your beans thoroughly because our bodies are not adapted to breaking down some proteins that are contained in certain beans. Oatmeal While it may not be the most attractive food, oatmeal has some great nutritional qualities. You may have noticed that many of the oatmeal brands are now boasting that eating more oatmeal will help lower your cholesterol level. That's because oatmeal contains soluble fiber which helps reduce blood cholesterol by flushing those bad digestive acids out of your system. The best kind of oatmeal to eat is unsweetened and unflavored. Yes, yes... it's tempting to select the flavored kinds and load it with sugar and butter, but you really lose out on all the health benefits of oatmeal if you eat it this way. If you must sweeten it up, add honey or fruit (fresh or dried). Olive Oil Certain fats are good for you and your body needs them. Olive oil is one of those "good fats". In fact, it's so good that it helps you burn fat and keeps your cholesterol in check. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fat, a type of fat that provides outstanding health benefits. One ounce of extra virgin olive oil contains about 80% of the daily value for monounsaturated fat. So instead of taking a swig of juice in the morning, some are picking up a bottle of extra virgin olive oil. Almonds Like olive oil, almonds are also rich in monosaturated fats - remember these are the good fats. They are also rich in calcium and contain a good amount of Vitamin E. In fact, a handful of them contain about half of the recommended daily requirement. So the next time you're hungry, instead of grabbing a handful of potato chips, try some almonds instead. Whole Grains Despite all the noise with the "low carb craze", your body needs carbohydrates. If you go without them completely your body will start to crave them. So it's not a good idea exclude all carbs because the right kinds are actually good for you. It's the processed carbohydrates that are bad for you -- the white breads, bagels, pastas, and white rice to name a few. The key is to eat "whole grain" foods because they contain the fiber and minerals your body needs and they haven't been processed. Don't let the food manufacturers trick you. "Wheat bread" is still lacking important vitamins and minerals. The only kind of bread that's good for you is the kind that's labeled "whole grain". Lean Meats Beef and turkey are great for building up muscle and giving your immune system a boost, but as always you have to watch out for certain forms of them. Basted turkeys are usually injected with a lot of fatty substances while beef contains saturated fat. That Thanksgiving turkey may look good, it's not always good for you. And when you do purchase beef, be sure to buy the leanest cuts you can find by looking for "round" or "loin" on the labels. Tuna and salmon are also good sources of protein. They both contain omega-3 fatty acids (the healthy fats). These two foods are also great for your immune system. Experts say you should eat them two to three times a week. About Lisa Irby Lisa Irby is the author of http://www.flat-stomach-exercises.com, a site that presents the REAL FACTS on slimming your waistline and dispels many dieting myths. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hidden Secrets of a Raw Food Diet Supermodel Today every girl dreams to become a supermodel or at least have a body like a supermodel. Mention the name Carol Alt, and you will get immediate recognition. She is well known for all the covers that she has graced and at 47 will be posing in Playboy. She credits her health to a raw food diet that she started 12 years ago after being diagnosed with reproductive cancer. She credits this diet with saving her life and giving her a body that is always camera ready. She is now cancer free. She also credits a raw food diet for helping her to be healthy and allowing her to pose for Playboy without working out. A raw food diet makes all the difference in how she feels and looks. Her good looks have netted her a suitor 13 years her junior. Her career began 26 years ago when she posed for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition and the former supermodel didn't feel comfortable when Playboy came calling the first time. She just wasn't happy with the way that her body looked, even though she was a svelte supermodel at that time. But after starting the raw food diet, it changed her life and her attitude for the better claims that the difference is indeed the raw foot diet. She feels better and looks better than she did at 20. This raw food diet is her key to physical health and well being. It shows in the way that she feels and looks. She has more energy and has a svelte physique that is shown off in the Playboy issue that she recently posed for. She states that everything changed when she went on a raw food diet. With the health problems that she was dealing with, the raw food diet actually made her healthier and more confident. This confidence shows both on and off camera. One decision that she did make when posing for the Playboy shoot was no full frontal nudity. This was a personal choice. But looking at Carol Alt, you can see the physical proof of going on a raw food diet. She looks much like she did in her 20's, but even better. Going on a raw food diet has actually made her look and feel better at 47 than she did as 20. It also has made her much more healthy. Raw food diet is the way forward! Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com About the Author:
Come learn about the greatest selection of Superfoods on The Planet. Please visit our site at Superfood living and learn about Raw Chocolate Cocao Noni, Goji Berries, Maca, Phytoplankton, Sacred Chocolate, and more.... | | Alkaline Foods, Acid Foods and Your Body’s pH Balance Submitted By: Cliff Smith As consumers learn more about nutrition, many are realizing that a specific ratio of alkaline foods to acid foods determines pH balance and overall health. Human blood registers about 7.4 on the pH scale, which means that it is naturally alkaline. In order to maintain this level, the body needs the proper balance of alkaline foods to acid foods. What is pH Balance? It is a way of measuring the acidity or alkalinity of a substance on a scale of zero to fourteen, with a pH of seven being considered “neutral.” A pH that is lower than seven is considered acidic and a pH above seven is alkaline. For every unit a solution moves up or down on the pH balance scale, it registers a tenfold increase in the degree that it is acid or alkaline. How Can Alkaline Foods Affect Your Overall Health? It has been found that pH balance plays an important role in your total well-being because bacteria, viruses, yeast, and other harmful organisms thrive when the blood system is more acidic. So, maintaining a pH balance on the alkaline end of the scale can create an uninviting environment for the very things that might make you sick. That’s why consuming more alkaline foods than acid foods can be very beneficial to your overall fitness. What Should You Eat for Proper pH Balance? The best alkaline foods to consume are fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices. Simple seasonings like sea salt, cinnamon and oregano can be good choices. Leafy green vegetables such as lettuce, spinach and beet greens are excellent alkaline foods. Carrots, peppers, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and other orange or yellow vegetables will also help alkalize your diet. There are a few fruits and vegetables that are considered to be acid foods, so try to limit your intake of plums, corn, green olives, and cranberries. It is interesting to note that ripe bananas are fine alkaline foods, but green bananas are more acidic. Also, this may seem at odds with traditional thinking, but citrus fruits are usually known to be naturally alkaline. Keep in mind that we are talking about the pH balance these foods register once they have been digested. What are Acid Foods? It is important to remember that you do need some acid foods to satisfy a nutritional balance. Most experts recommend a diet made up primarily of alkaline foods, but about twenty percent of your consumption should be acidic. Common acid foods are pasta, meats and fish. Of course, coffee, sodas, sugars and alcohol can really tip pH balance to the acid side of the scale. Other items that may be healthy might also be acid forming, such as nuts, whole grains and beans. This doesn’t mean you should stop eating them. It just means that you should be aware of the balance of alkaline foods to acid foods that you consume on a daily basis. In summary, a diet that consists primarily of fruits and vegetables will give you the best chance for a healthy pH balance. However, it is important to remember that some acid foods are as essential as the many choices you can make for adding alkaline foods to your daily routine. About Cliff Smith Cliff Smith created the Alkaline Food Test as a simple way for consumers to measure their daily intake of acid foods to alkaline foods. You may take the test at his online health food store. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Foods That HealSubmitted By: Jay Morganson Do you know that if you eat vegetables and fruits that you are eating foods that heal? Between just being great tasting fruits and vegetables help in more ways then you can imagine. Sure the doctors and specialists always say that we need to eat five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables a day, but have you ever actually done that? Now be honest with yourself. I always wonder what it would be like if I actually ate the recommended dose of fruits and vegetables every day. What would happen? Would I feel different? How about would I look different? Would people look at me differently? Well being that I have actually tried to do just that, I am here to show you why you should look at what you are eating, or should I say what you are not eating. If you make the decision to eat five to seven servings (a day) of fruits and vegetables it is really not that much. It is, if you look at it normally, very easy to do such a thing. Start with breakfast, you can add assorted fruits such as raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or even bananas to your morning cereal and get a whole serving done and out of the way. Substitute fruit or vegetables for a snack mid day and there is two. At lunch have yourself some lettuce and tomato on your sandwich and there are another two. If you have been keeping track we are almost at 5 servings. An afternoon coffee break can turn into a healthy break with a fruit smoothie. Yet another serving and we have not even hit dinner. For dinner have a small salad to start and then why not have two vegetables instead of just one with the actual entree. It is easy if you just take a few seconds to say no to the candy bar and yes to the apple, banana, orange, or kiwi fruit. How about thinking about your eyes for a second. Munch on some Beta Carotene rich carrot sticks to help improve eyesight. Yes your mother was right about this little ole wives tale. Go to your local farm stand and get yourself some fresh dark greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and what ever strikes your fancy. The darker your greens the better for digestion. Fresh picked cucumbers and tomatoes hold lots of good for you vitamins and not to mention taste better too. Ever just gone to a garden and picked a carrot out of the ground, washed it off, and eaten it? Have you ever tasted such wonderful gloriousness in all your life? No? Then what are you waiting for? Go to your local farm stand and get a sampling of every thing. Not only are you supporting local farmers, but think of all the awesome health benefits you yourself will be receiving. When you think of fruits and vegetables don't think of it as a chore. Look at it as a challenge. Your challenge is to lead a stronger, healthier lifestyle. Your choices that you make today will affect your health tomorrow. Just remember that if you eat your fruits and vegetables then you wont have to one see the doctor half as much as those who do not eat their required fruits and vegetables and two you will be healthy for a long, long time. Did you know your fruits and vegetables carry special fighters known as phytochemicals? No? Well they do. You know them better as things like antioxidants, and the like. Antioxidants are essential for cleaning out the system. The more you eat and use the better you will feel. Not to mention look. Look for more bran in your diet also. Bran helps with the cleaning of the system. Whole grains and nuts are great for you. Whole grains have many great properties for making your body cleanse itself. Nuts help lower your blood fat content. That is important for lower cholesterol. Lower cholesterol is important for a lowered risk of heart attacks. You want to make yourself as healthy as possible especially when the cold and flu season comes around. Think of all the sniffling, chills, fevers, body aches and more. Do you really want that? I think you would rather walk around, while everyone else is suffering, and smile at the fact that you are strong enough to fight these ailments. About Jay Morganson This Article was brought to you by Jay Morganson, Author of the "Recover Your Healthy Self"-Series. http://www.myhoodiaweightloss.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Father Of All Foods Submitted By: Carloos Parker Alfalfa is one of the most beneficial foods given to us by the creator. Alfalfa is one of the richest sources of all minerals necessary for great health. Alfalfa is one of the earliest cultivated plants, used for centuries for feeding livestock. This probably is true in part because Alfalfa is easy to grow, thrives in many varied climates throughout the world, and provides an excellent protein-rich food source. The name Alfalfa comes from the Arabian al-fac-facah, for "Father Of All Foods". Its high protein content and abundant stores of vitamins make Alfalfa a good nutritional source for humans. Alfalfa is a leaf that has many health benefits. Alfalfa is high in fiber an a member of the legume group. The plant has been used to stimulate lactation. It is also use as a treatment for dyspepsia, anemia, loss of appetite, and as a poultice for boils and insect bites. Alfalfa is good for colon disorders, hemorrhaging, and promotes pituitary gland function. Alfalfa is popular in the treatment of menopause symptoms. Alfalfa is used as a tonic to address conditions relative to the kidneys and the reproductive system. Alfalfa has also done service as a musculoskeletal and glandular tonic. Alfalfa has a proven cholesterol lowering effect, possesses antibacterial action against gram negative bacteria such as Salmonella typhi, and it contains at least one protein with known anti-tumor activity. Alfalfa alkalizes and detoxifies the body, especially the liver. Alfalfa is used in treating digestive problems and with regards to heart health. Alfalfa herbal supplements can be used as an overall tonic because of Alfalfa's detoxifying effect related to its alkalizing nature. Alfalfa herbal supplements are a good source of: chlorophyll, beta carotene, calcium, and the vitamins D, E and K. Alfalfa is often touted as one of the best sources of a wide range of minerals and vitamins. Alfalfa leaves contain flavones, isoflavones, sterols, and coumarin derivatives. Alfalfa is high in vitamin content, providing beta-carotene, vitamin B-complex, vitamins C, E, and K, and can be used as a nutritional supplement. Alfalfa is also higher in protein than many other plant foods. It is vitamin rich, with small amounts of beta carotene, vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and folate, and a substantial helping of vitamin K. It also contains a good range of minerals, with some calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc, and larger helpings of copper and manganese. Alfalfa is probably more useful as a source of easily accessible nutrients than as a medicinal herb. Alfalfa is an excellent source of most vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is critical in blood clotting, so Alfalfa may have some use in improving clotting. It also contains trace minerals such as calcium, magnesium,iron, phosphorous, and potassium. This abundance of nutrients has made Alfalfa a popular tonic. Many people advocate the use of dried Alfalfa and Alfalfa sprouts to enhance health. Alfalfa is used as to treat arthritis, diabetes, digestive problems, weight loss, ulcers, kidney and bladder problems, prostate conditions, asthma, and hay fever. Alfalfa leaf saponins have been shown to lower plasma cholesterol, decrease intestinal absorption of cholesterol, and prevent atherosclerosis. Alfalfa facilitates efficient ingestion of the entire nutriments found in it. Bean sprouts of Alfalfa are well known as preferable food plant due to their main components of fibers and vitamins which are said good for the human body. Due to its generally high nutritive value, Alfalfa could possibly help to prevent fatigue associated with vitamin/mineral deficiency or protein energy malnutrition in disadvantaged parts of the world. The antibacterial, antioxidant and antifungal properties of Alfalfa provide relief from arthritis pain and aid in healing intestinal ulcers, gastritis, liver disorders and cancer. In China, In traditional Chinese medicine, juice squeezed from fresh Alfalfa is used to treat kidney and bladder stones. Alfalfa has been used for digestive problems for thousands of years, In China, Alfalfa, has been used from thousand of years to cleanse the digestive system and to rid the bladder of stones. The root of Alfalfa is used to reduce fever, improve urine flow, and treat jaundice, kidney stones, and night blindness. Alfalfa Health Benefits: Alfalfa aids in increased energy levels due to its high nutritive value. Alfalfa may help reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels which can benefit heart health. Alfalfa herbal supplements have laxative and diuretic qualities as well as helping to improve appetite. Alfalfa herbal supplements can relieve pain associated with arthritis and bursitis due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Alfalfa assists with the treatment of urinary tract infections, and kidney, bladder and prostrate disorders. The main benefit of Alfalfa is as a food supplement. The seeds and sprouts of Alfalfa are an excellent source of beta carotene and several vitamins including Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin U, Vitamin B6, Vitamin K, Vitamin D. Alfalfa is especially also rich in minerals including iron, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, magnesium and silicon.
Alfalfa is believed to have benefit on various conditions such as high cholesterol, menopause and poor appetite. In the old times, Chinese and Indian physicians used young Alfalfa leaves to treat digestive disorders. North American Indians used Alfalfa to treat jaundice and encourage blood clotting. In 19th century, some herbalists used Alfalfa as a tonic for indigestion, dyspepsia, anemia, loss of appetite, and poor assimilation of nutrients. Alfalfa has been found to reduce heart diseases and prevent fluid retention. Alfalfa acts as a tonic, stimulant, appetizer and diuretic, and can assist in the relief of urinary disorders, arthritis and high blood pressure. Alfalfa juice, as a rich source of chlorophyll, is useful in respiratory disorders and discomforts, particularly those relating to the sinuses and the lungs. Uses Of Alfalfa: - Alfalfa acts as a great alkalizer of the body. - Alfalfa is a natural body cleanser. - Alfalfa enhances the endocrine glandular system, especially the adrenal and pituitary glands. - Alfalfa helps in eliminating retained water and carbon dioxide. - Alfalfa also helps with alcohol, smoking, and narcotic addiction. - Alfalfa helps in eliminating toxic chemicals and heavy metals (lead, aluminum, mercury, etc.) from the body. - Alfalfa acts as an infection fighter and as a natural deodorizer. - Alfalfa also naturally strengthens the body. - Alfalfa is high in chlorophyll & helps in rejuvenating the blood. - Alfalfa pulls mucus (catarrh) out of the tissues. - Alfalfa may help in reducing cholesterol level. - Alfalfa is a natural Remedy for Alterative, diuretic, antipyretic, hemostatic. - Alfalfa helps in preventing heart disease. - Alfalfa extracts with a lot of manganese improved the condition of a diabetic who failed to respond to insulin. - Alfalfa had been used traditionally for treating infections resulting from surgical incisions, bed sores and inner ear problems. Effects Of Alfalfa: Although Alfalfa is harmless to most people when taken in the recommended quantities, but it may have some side effects including potential blood thinning effect. Consuming the large amounts of Alfalfa seeds may cause damage to red blood cells. People who have been diagnosed with lupus, or those who suspect a predisposition to it based on family history, should probably avoid Alfalfa. About Carloos Parker | |
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