CHOOSING THE CORRECT COOKING OIL

Oils are a cook’s best friend. They impart, enhance, and carry flavors, and they help conduct heat for better cooking. But, not all oils are created equal. As a general rule for cooking oils, you want at least two — one for high heat cooking like frying, and one for dressings and finishing — but not more than you can use before they go rancid.

Anyone can toss some oil into a pan and cook, but if you want to up your cooking game, consider using different oils based on the dish you're making and how you plan to cook it. Using the right one can mean the difference between a tasty, well-cooked meal and a smoke alarm going off over your burned food.

We're not suggesting that you run out and buy a dozen different oils just in case you need them, but there is some benefit to having more than one type of cooking oil in your kitchen. Depending on whether you plan to bake, fry, broil, or grill, a different oil will yield different results in your food, and give you more control over the cooking time and temperature.

Different oils fill different needs — for health, taste and cooking. For good health, our bodies need a variety of healthy fats found naturally in different oils. This guide will help you choose what oils are best suited for specific cooking techniques, or used raw.

Oils and fats are of 2 kinds:

Saturated fat which increases blood cholesterol. Examples are all animal fats (butter, ghee, organ meats) except fish oil.

Unsaturated fat which does not have any major effect on blood cholesterol.they provide good cholesterol. Examples are all vegetables oil are predominantly unsaturated fats except palm kernel oil,coconut oil and hydrogenated vegetable oils.

As a general rule, the fats which remain solid at room temperature are saturated fats and which remain liquid are unsaturated fats.

Best option is combination of Oils:

If we use a combination of oils, then the danger of saturated fat content of one oil is counteract by the benefits of unsaturated fat due to Omega 3 and Omega 6 content. Therefore,it is best to use groundnut oil, sunflower oil, mustard oil mixed in equal proportions.

However, it is important to realize and remember that quantity of oil is more important than the type of oil.therefore use as little oil as possible for cooking.if you are using very little oil for cooking then the type of oil doesn't matter since you are exercising and having healthy diet.

Frequently asked questions

Should I heat oil to the smoke point?

No. If oil smokes in the pan, discard it. The temperature is too high. Clean the pan and start over at a lower temperature. The point where oil smokes signals that the oil has been damaged and potentially cancer-causing properties have formed.

Which oils are genetically engineered?

Soy, corn, canola and cotton are the most common genetically engineered (GE) crops and all are cooking oil sources. PCC does not sell any of these oils, except canola oils that are Certified Organic or Non-GMO Project Verified.

Can I use olive oil for all of my cooking?

No. Extra virgin olive oil deserves its reputation as a healthy culinary oil. It contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and phenols — protective compounds that provide numerous benefits. But to maximize the health benefits, we recommend using it raw for salads and dips or for lower-heat cooking.

I've heard I should not use canola oil. Why?

It is true that more than 90 percent of the canola grown in the United States is GMO, but organic and non-GMO sources are available at PCC. Canola was bred from rapeseed, which 30 years ago contained elevated levels of erucic acid considered harmful to humans. Today's canola contains less than two percent of this controversial fatty acid.

Choose the Right Cooking Oil Every Time With This Guide

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Five Reasons to Eat Watermelon

1. It soothes sore muscles.

According to a new study in the Journal of Agricultural Food and Chemistry, drinking watermelon juice before a hard workout helped reduce athletes' heart rate and next-day muscle soreness. That's because watermelon is rich in an amino acid called L-citrulline, which the body converts to L-arginine, an essential amino acid that helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation.

2. It helps heart health.

Postmenopausal women experienced improved cardiovascular health after six weeks of taking commercially available watermelon extract supplements containing citrulline and arginine.

3. It could be a natural Viagra.

Improved circulation can benefit more than just the heart, as at least one watermelon researcher has pointed out. But you'd probably have to eat an awful lot to achieve the desired effect--and eating too much could cause unfortunate side effects, since watermelon has long had a reputation as a natural diuretic.

4. It's rich in vitamins and minerals, but low in calories.

Given its name, you might assume the fruit has little nutritional value—and it is more than 90 percent water. But a 10-ounce (300-mL) wedge of watermelon packs in about one-third of the recommended daily value of vitamins A and C, as well as a modest amount of potassium (9 percent of the daily value).

5. It could even combat cancer.

Watermelon is among the best dietary sources of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to both the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer, although scientists are still investigating the details of that connection.

Source: www.epmmi.org

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Facts About Health You Never Knew

40 Facts about Health ←FACTSlides→
One of the worst tragedies regarding the World health crisis is that through poor lifestyle habits, most people actually invite the unsavory assortment of disabling diseases bent on killing them. Plagued with a pandemic of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, many seem to spend their last 10 or even 20 years dying rather than really living! Worse, these self-destructive habits have led to astronomical medical costs.

It doesn’t need to be this way. It can change. Not only for you personally and for those you love!

Most people want good health, but they are confused about where to find it. Did you know that the public indulges on the nearly 30,000 quick-fix health supplements available on the market? It’s a multi billion dollar industry. More than 150 million people take some form of supplement each year. While taking a vitamin pill might be helpful at times, it’s not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. It’s not worth spending a fortune on something that doesn’t get to the core of the problem.

15 Amazing Facts About Health

1. People who regularly eat dinner or breakfast in restaurants double their risk of becoming obese.
2. Farting helps to reduce high blood pressure & is good for your health.
3. Laughing 100 times is equivalent to 15 minutes exercise on a stationary bicycle.
4. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it feeds your body & mind with the necessary nutrients & energy to function throughout the day . Eating breakfast regularly will also keep weight off because it gets your metabolism going.
5. Over 30 % of cancer could be prevented by avoiding tobacco & alcohol, having a healthy diet & physical activity.
6. Mental disorders such as depression are among the 20 leading causes of disability worldwide.
7. Sleeping less than 7 hours each night reduces your life expectancy.
8. Every cigarette you smoke reduces your expected life span by 11 minutes.
9. The average person loses about 80 hair a day-- & they end up everywhere from shower drains to pillows & coats.
10. There are up to 1000 different types of good bacteria living in our skin. They help with our skin cell turnover & immunity.
11. Each minutes your heart pumps 1.5 gallons of blood.
12. A women 's average heartbeat is faster than a man's by almost 8 beats a minutes.
13. 1 can of SODA a day increases your chances of getting Type 2 Diabetes by 22 %.
14. Ginger can help reduce exercise- induced muscle pain by up to 25 % .
15. On average, people who complain live longer, Releasing the tension increases immunity & boost their health.

8 Scary Health Facts

1. It's not just coughs and sneezes that spread diseases. One single bacteria cell can multiply to become more than 8 million cells in less than 24 hours. Just imagine what's on the toilet door handle you just touched, the taps and even on other people's hands...
2. Flies can't eat solid food. They vomit on food to make it soft before sucking it back up. Flies will eat anything from poo, to your roast dinner. Speaking of poo, a typical bowel movement can contain up to 100 billion potentially disease-causing organisms some of which end up in the air and on the toilet even after flushing - even if the lid is put down. When you're cleaning special attention should be paid to anything likely to be touched or contaminated with feces. This includes lavatory seats, flush handles, door handles, wash basins, taps, floors, tiling, light switches, potties, baby-changing mats etc.
3. Airborn - Different viruses cause the common cold and flu, but both are spread through the air in tiny droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. When you sneeze your body is getting rid of infected cells and an average sneeze will spread over 100,000 virus cells up to 30 feet. And, in case you were wondering, people suffering from a cold can spread the virus from two days before the symptoms of the illness start and up to four days afterwards. On average, adults catch two to three colds each year. School-age children can have twelve or more colds in a year.
4. Do not use eyeshadow if you have an eye infection as this will aggravate the problem. You could also pass the bacteria on to the eyeshadow with the applicator or your finger. And pay attention to how those suave mall makeup artists apply their products on your face. You don't want to get used tools. Which reminds us, never use lipstick if you have a cold sore, it will aggrivate the cold sore but, more importantly, the infection will be on the lipstick and you could re-infect your mouth. Ok, one more thing, never share mascara as this is the most common way to pass on eye infections such as conjunctivitis.
5. The wart virus is very contagious. The skin cells on the warts release thousands of viruses and touching the wart or skin cells on it releases the virus, which can then infect others. Similarly, 6-9 million Americans have toenail fungus. Protect your feet by keeping them clean and dry. Furthermore, a tiny flake of infected skin from a person with athlete's foot can fall off whilst showering. It may then be trodden on by others who can then develop the infection. Once a small patch of infection develops it typically spreads along the skin.
6. High heels over 1.5 inches could lead to broken and twisted ankles as well as knee and backstrain. Pointed shoes could lead to bunions and hammer toes.
7. Don't neglect your beard. If you do it will smell like a sweaty armpit. Dirty beards harbour the same smelly bacteria that live in smelly armpits. Human beards that aren't regularly maintained or groomed create the perfect environment for human lice.
8. Make sure you brush and floss your teeth twice a day to avoid plaque. Plaque produces smelly gasses and bacteria which lead to bad breath and gum disease.

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Health Benefits of Avocado

The avocado is a rather unique type of fruit. Most fruit consists primarily of carbohydrate, while avocado is high in healthy fats. Numerous studies show that it has powerful beneficial effects on health.

Nutritional Value of Avocados

Avocados are considered a “Super Food” and have a special position in the food calorie pyramid. Avocados are rich in various nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Avocados are also a good source of monounsaturated fatty acids, and they have a low sugar content. They are a good source of energy and contain a number of essential vitamins and minerals. Avocados contain calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper,manganese, phosphorus and zinc. They also contain minerals such as vitamin C, B6, B-12, A, D, K, E, thiamin,riboflavin, and niacin. Furthermore, they are a great source of dietary fiber, and a single serving can provide more than 40% of the daily requirement!

Avocados are rich in potassium and successfully balances the potassium to sodium ratio which is vitally important to overall health. According to CAC (California Avocado commission), a medium-sized Hass avocado contains almost 22.5 grams fat. Two-thirds of this fat is of the monounsaturated variety, and they are also very low in fructose. Perhaps most importantly, avocados have a unique collection of organic compounds like phytosterols, carotenoids, flavonoids,

How to Select and Store Avocados

A ripe, ready-to-eat avocado is slightly soft but should have no dark sunken spots or cracks. If the avocado has a slight neck, rather than being rounded on top, it may have ripened a bit more on the tree and have a richer flavor. A firmer, less mature fruit can be ripened at home and may be less likely to have bruises, depending on how it was handled during harvest and transport. Other varieties can have different textures (for example, smoother and less pebbly), different colors (for example, lighter or brighter greens), and varying degrees of glossiness.

A firm avocado will ripen in a paper bag or in a fruit basket at room temperature within a few days. As the fruit ripens, the skin will turn darker. However, we do not recommend relying exclusively on color to determine the ripeness of an avocado. Hold the avocado very gently in your palm and begin to press very gently against its surface. A ripe avocado will yield to very gentle pressure, without feeling squishy.

Avocados should not be refrigerated until they are ripe. Once ripe, they can be kept refrigerated for up to a week. Loss of some nutrients in avocado—for example, its vitamin C content—is likely to be slowed down through refrigeration. If you are refrigerating a whole avocado, it is best to keep it whole and not slice it in order to avoid browning that occurs when the flesh is exposed to air.

If you have used a portion of a ripe avocado, it is best to store the remainder in the refrigerator. Store in a sealed and reusable glass container or sealed and reusable plastic container. Sprinkling the exposed surface(s) with lemon juice will help to prevent the browning that can occur when the flesh comes in contact with oxygen in the air.

Tips for Preparing Avocados

Use a stainless steel knife to cut the avocado in half lengthwise. Gently twist the two halves in opposite direction if you find the flesh clinging to the pit. Remove the pit, either with a spoon or by spearing with the tip of a knife. Next, take each of the avocado halves and slice lengthwise to produce four avocado quarters. The use of "nick and peel" method to peel the avocado. Just take your thumb and index finger to grip an edge of the avocado skin and peel it away from the flesh, in exactly the same way that you would peel a banana. The final result will be a peeled avocado that contains most of that dark green outermost flesh that is richest in carotenoid antioxidants.

You can prevent the natural darkening of the avocado flesh that occurs with exposure to air by sprinkling with a little lemon juice or vinegar.

The method you use to peel an avocado might make a difference to your health. Research on avocado shows that the greatest phytonutrient concentrations occur in portions of the food that we do not typically eat, namely, the peel and the seed (or "pit.") The pulp of the avocado is actually much lower in phytonutrients than these other portions of the food. However, while lower in their overall phytonutrient richness, all portions of the pulp are not identical in their phytonutrient concentrations and the areas of the pulp that are closest to the peel are higher in certain phytonutrients than more interior portions of the pulp. For this reason, you don't want to slice into that outermost, dark green portion of the pulp any more than necessary when you are peeling an avocado. Accordingly, the best method is called the "nick and peel" method. In this method, you actually end up peeling the avocado with your hands in the same way that you would peel a banana. The first step in the nick-and-peel method is to cut into the avocado lengthwise, producing two long avocado halves that are still connected in the middle by the seed. Next you take hold of both halves and twist them in opposite directions until they naturally separate. At this point, remove the seed and cut each of the halves lengthwise to produce long quartered sections of the avocado. You can use your thumb and index finger to grip the edge of the skin on each quarter and peel it off, just as you would do with a banana skin. The final result is a peeled avocado that contains most of that dark green outermost flesh, which provides you with the best possible phytonutrient richness from the pulp portion of the avocado.

Here are health benefits of avocado, that are supported by scientific research.

Avocados have many health benefits. They are packed with nutrients and are therefore considered as one of the best foods you can eat. Avocados are most beneficial when eaten raw. Many of the most well-researched and important health benefits of avocados are as follows:

Healthy Eyes

Avocados help to keep your eyes healthy. They contain carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which help to protect your eyes against cataracts, eye diseases related to age, and macular degeneration. Those conditions are often caused by free radicals that accumulate in the tissues of the eyes. The antioxidant activity of those special carotenoids neutralize the effects of those dangerous free radicals.

Healthy Heart

The health benefits of avocados include a healthier heart. Beta-sitosterol, which is found in avocados, helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Research studies suggest that the intake of avocado may enhance antiatherogenic properties of HDL cholesterol, which helps in protecting your heart fromatherosclerosis, also known as arteriosclerotic vascular disease. The significant levels of potassium also make avocados a powerful fruit in the fight against hypertension. Potassium is a vasodilator, which relaxes the tension of blood vessels and arteries, thereby reducing the chances of clotting, heart attacks, and strokes.

Kidney Health

Your diet plays a very important role in maintaining the balance of minerals and fluids in those who suffer from chronic kidney disorders. Potassium is one of the minerals that helps in maintaining a normal heart rate. Avocados are a good source of potassium and their inclusion in your diet may provide other benefits as well. It is important to make sure that potassium levels are not too high as that can also be dangerous for the heart. Potassium is a key aspect of maintaining fluid balance through chemical channels for cells and organs. This balance of fluid is also vital for the functioning of the kidney, which handles the movement of fluid and toxins through the body.

Vitamin K Deficiency

A vitamin K deficiency is not very common, but is frequently seen in neonatal care. It may lead to a bleeding disorder known as vitamin K deficiency-related bleeding (VKDB). This occurs mostly due to an insufficient intake of vitamin K during pregnancy. Inclusion of avocado in the diet of a pregnant woman may help in lowering risk of VKDB in the newborn child, since avocados are one of the rare fruits that have a very high amount of vitamin K (almost 40% of the daily requirement in a single serving!)

Morning Sickness

During pregnancy, morning sickness is very common. Avocados help to overcome nauseaand queasiness during pregnancy since it contains vitamin B6, which is commonly connected to reducing nausea and vomiting.

Arthritis

The anti-inflammatory properties of avocados are perhaps its most valuable attribute, and between the wide range of phytochemicals, flavonoids, carotenoids, phytosterols, fatty alcohols, and omega-3 fatty acids, avocados are one of the best foods for reducing the inflammation in tissues, joints, and muscles.Arthritis affects tens of millions of people around the world, and by consuming a proper amount of avocados, studies have frequently shown the symptoms and associated pain of arthritis can be efficiently reduced!

Anti-Cancer Properties

Health benefits of avocados include a lower risk of cancers, including breast cancerand prostate cancer. Avocado containss carotenoids and monounsaturated fat, which both contribute to the significant reduction of cancer. Avocado also contains Glutathione, an antioxidant that protects the cells from cancer and the dangerous effects of free radicals. The list of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds in avocados is impressive, and it is almost difficult to determine which one has the largest impact. Studies have been widely done on oral, skin, and prostate cancers, and the results show that instead of metastasizing, the organic compounds in avocados cause cancerous cells to undergo apoptosis (automatic cell death). Research is ongoing in terms of avocado and cancer.

Antioxidant Properties

Avocado contains both vitamin C and E, which help to enhance antioxidant properties of the human body. Vitamin C recycles vitamin E and helps to reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Avocado also contains antioxidants like epicatechin, violaxanthin, neochrome, and about a dozen others. Antioxidants neutralize the effects of free radicals, which are the dangerous byproducts of cellular metabolism. They are responsible for dozens of serious conditions in the body, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, vision problems, premature aging, cognitive disorders, and many more.

Healthy Skin

Avocados contain many vitamins and minerals that help in maintaining healthy skin.Carotenoids found in avocados are associated with reducing UV-induced inflammation of the skin due to exposure to sun. Oil made from avocado helps in protecting the skin against sunburn damage. The high levels of beta-carotene in avocados can be enzymatically split into provitamin A, which has long been connected to protecting the skin from a variety of conditions and the damaging effects of the sun.

Weight Management

Regular exercise, along with a healthy diet, is very important in weight management. Avocados are fruits that provide nutritional value to the body and support weight control. Findings of a recent study suggest a number of beneficial effects of avocado on weight management.

Anti-Aging

Consuming avocados is also associated with healthy aging. It contains compounds such as xanthophyll, which have antioxidant properties. Research studies suggest that an intake of xanthophyll may decrease signs of the aging process on various parts of your body.

Bone Health

Avocados contain carotenoids such as zeaxanthin and lutein, which are associated with a reduced risk of cartilage defects (symptom of osteoarthritis). Intake of foods such as avocado and soy may help in reducing the risk of osteoarthritis. Furthermore, the levels of essential minerals in avocados are significant, including zinc, phosphorous, copper, and trace amounts of calcium and selenium. All of these are connected to lowered risks of osteoporosis and improvements in bone mineral density.

Nutrient Absorption

Avocados are best eaten along with other fruits and vegetables. This is due to the fact that nutrients present in fruits and vegetables get enhanced when eaten along with avocados. The absorption of carotenoid antioxidant molecules, which helps to protect the body against free radical damage, increases three to five times when a salad is eaten along with avocado. Therefore, adding sliced avocado to mixed salad is a good way to make a healthy meal even better. This makes avocado a great element as an appetizer since it prepares the digestive tract to function at its highest level during the meal to come!

Blood Glucose Levels

Apart from the fruit, the leaf extracts of avocados also provide health benefits. A study conducted on non-diabetic and diabetic rats suggest that the leaf extracts may help in lowering blood glucose levels. For diabetic patients, the metabolism of starch-based foods into simple sugars like glucose can cause the spikes and plunges that are so dangerous for diabetics. Fiber helps to slow the breakdown of food into usable sugars, so it is absorbed by the body in a more balanced way. Furthermore, the majority of carbohydrates in avocados are made up of 7-carbon sugars, a relatively rare form of sugar that actually inhibit the enzyme hexokinase. This helps avocados control the way that glucose is metabolized by the body, thereby protecting the overall health of diabetic patients.

Useful for Athletes

Athletes require a lot of energy and must maintain optimal nutrition to fuel their body. Avocado provides vital nutrients to athletes to maintain required energy levels and good health. Moreover, they contain phyto-chemicals that are a natural fuel source for your body.

Good Digestion

It is believed that avocados are soothing for the intestine and therefore aid in digestion. They contain soluble and insoluble fibers that help to keep digestive system running smoothly. These two types of fiber are very important for digestion, because they bulk up stools and help to ensure the smooth passage of food through the intestinal tract. Furthermore, they stimulate gastric and digestive juices so nutrients are absorbed in the most efficient and rapid way. Finally, they reduce the symptoms from conditions like constipation and diarrhea. All in all, the huge amount of fiber found in avocados (40% of daily requirement per serving) makes this a very important food for optimizing your digestive health.

Dental Care

Consumption of avocados also helps in preventing bad breath, which is primarily caused due to indigestion or an upset stomach. Halitosis can be eliminated by improving digestive health, and the antibacterial and antioxidant flavonoids found in avocados also kill the bacteria in your mouth that can result in bad breath as well. Avocados have also been connected with preventing oral cancers!

Skin and Hair Care

Avocados are packed with nutrients that are beneficial for maintaining healthy skin. It enriches skin that is dry, chapped or damaged. They are added to a variety of cosmetics due to their ability to nourish the skin with essential vitamins and make it glow. It is also used for nourishing dry and damaged hair. Many people use avocados to prepare skin and hair masks. Above all, avocado oil helps in treating plaque psoriasis. Beta-carotene and lycopene are two of the organic compounds found in large quantities within avocados. Both of these have been connected to improving the health and tone of your skin and eliminating signs of premature aging.

Liver care

Avocados are very good at reducing liver damage. It has certain organic compounds that help in improving liver health. Liver damage is normally caused due to Hepatitis C. Findings of a recent research study suggest that avocados may play a major role in toning up and protecting your liver from a wide variety of conditions.

Avocado is Delicious and Easy to Incorporate in The Diet

Not only are avocados healthy, they’re also incredibly delicious and go with all sorts of foods. You can add them to salads and various sorts of recipes, or you can simply scoop them out with a spoon and eat them plain. They have a creamy, rich, fatty texture and blend well with various other ingredients.

A notable mention is guacamole, which is arguably the most famous use of avocados. It includes avocado along with ingredients like salt, garlic, lime and a few others depending on the recipe. An avocado often takes some time to ripen and it should feel slightly soft when ripe. The nutrients in avocado can oxidize soon after fleshing it, but if you add lemon juice then that shouldn’t happen as quickly.

If you’re serious about adding avocado to your diet, then I highly recommend that you watch this video about how to pick, prepare and eat avocados.

At the end of the day, avocados are an awesome food. They’re loaded with nutrients, many of which are lacking in the modern diet.

They are weight loss friendly, heart healthy and… last but not least, taste incredible.

What more could you ask for in a food?

organicfacts.net

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Foods to Prevent Gastric Ulcers

Photo Credit Image Source/Digital Vision/Getty Images

Stomach ulcers are lesions in the stomach, esophagus and small intestine caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Heredity, age, history of chronic pain, alcohol use, diabetes, stress and smoking are all risk factors for developing stomach ulcers.

Before you reach for a glass of milk to soothe your ulcer pain, consider this: Much of what we used to "know" about ulcers has been proven wrong. Most ulcers aren't caused directly by stress but by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which is why ulcers today are often treated with antibiotics along with an acid suppressor.

Treatment requires antibiotics to kill the bacteria and antacids to reduce the acid in the digestive tract and promote healing and pain relief. There is no specific diet prescription for a stomach ulcer. However, certain foods can exacerbate symptoms of burning, pain, indigestion, gas, nausea and vomiting and therefore should be limited or avoided. See this slideshow

Find out which foods can aid in healing and preventing ulcers.

HONEY

Honey inhibits bacterial growth which in turn will reduce acid formation. Start by taking a tablespoon of raw unprocessed Honey in the morning and at night to calm your stomach.

Green Veggies such as Kale, Rape, Broccoli

Eat a plate a day of raw or cooked listed vegetables. Provides vitamin C and a generous amount of fibre which are useful in the fight against ulcers.

Cabbage

Eat at least 2 cups of raw cabbage daily...add it to salads, coleslaw and wraps.

Yogurt with active cultures

Foods like yogurt and sour milk (fermented milk) contain "good bacteria" that can inhibit the secretion of excess acid and may help ulcers heal faster. Have a cup of yogurt or fermented milk without sweeteners at least once a day.

Bananas

Eat at least one banana per day to prevent discomfort through the day. When in pain eat at least two bananas and you will have immediate relief.

Green or black unsweetened tea

Have a cup of green or black unsweetened tea in the morning to jump start the day and prevent pain and discomfort through the day.

Foods to Avoid When You Have a Stomach Ulcer

You may need to avoid acidic, spicy, or high-fat foods. Not all foods affect everyone the same way. You will need to learn which foods worsen your symptoms and limit those foods. The following are some foods that may worsen ulcer or gastritis symptoms:

Beverages:

• Whole milk and chocolate milk
• Hot cocoa and cola
• Any beverage with caffeine
• Regular and decaffeinated coffee
• Peppermint and spearmint tea
• Green and black tea, with or without caffeine
• Orange and grapefruit juices
• Drinks that contain alcohol

Spices and seasonings:

• Black and red pepper
• Chili powder
• Mustard seed and nutmeg

Other foods:

• Dairy foods made from whole milk or cream
• Chocolate
• Spicy or strongly flavored cheeses, such as jalapeno or black pepper
• Highly seasoned, high-fat meats, such as sausage, salami, bacon, ham, and cold cuts
• Hot chiles and peppers
• Tomato products, such as tomato paste, tomato sauce, or tomato juice

Read more below

Foods to Avoid When You Have a Stomach Ulcer

What other guidelines may be helpful?

Do not eat right before bedtime. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
Eat small, frequent meals. Your stomach may tolerate small, frequent meals better than large meals.

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Healthy Breakfast: Best Foods to Eat!

Healthy Breakfast: Best Foods to Eat! 

Kick start your day with a nutritious breakfast. It will help you to perform better at work & give you the energy you need to get through the morning. 

Breakfast eaters are active in their work, show extra energy in physical & mental tasks. Breakfast has positive effect on alertness, attention, performance on standardized achievement tests & other skills.

Because breakfast is the most important meal of the day. When it comes to breakfast, the options are endless.

Here are healthier food options to satisfy those breakfast food cravings all day long.

Coffee

That espresso doesn't just wake you up. Coffee drinking has been linked to a lower risk of several diseases (such as diabetes and prostate cancer), and it may even help you live longer. Researchers suspect the combination of caffeine and antioxidants are responsible for many of the observed health benefits. (A 2005 study found that coffee is the number-one source of antioxidants in the U.S. diet, believe it or not.)

Of course, loading coffee up with cream and sugar may erase any potential benefits. So skip the fancy flavored drinks, and stick with skim milk.

Tea

Not a coffee person? Tea has a pretty impressive résumé of health benefits, too. Because it has less caffeine, it hydrates you more effectively than coffee, and it's also a rich source of the immunity-boosting antioxidants known as catechins.

All tea (black, green, or white) provides antioxidants, but green tea may be healthiest of all. Research suggests that drinking five cups a day can increase your body's metabolism and help you lose more weight around the middle.

Orange juice

Fresh squeezed OJ is a classic (and tasty) morning beverage, but that doesn't mean it can't be improved on. For even more nutritional benefit, you'll want to opt for a store-bought variety that's fortified with vitamin D. Along with fatty fish and fortified milk, fortified OJ is one of the few dietary sources of the sunshine vitamin, higher levels of which have been linked to a lower risk of osteoporosis, depression, and certain cancers.

Whichever OJ you prefer, stick with one small glass a day, Giovinazzo advises. Fruit juice is high in calories and sugar, she says, and shouldn't replace whole fruit in your diet.

Cereal

"Cereal can be tricky, because there are so many different kinds out there," Giovinazzo says. "Something with at least 5 grams of fiber and less than 5 grams of sugar is probably your best bet."

You'll find this winning combo in many whole-grain or bran cereals (such as shredded wheat), which as an added bonus are often fortified with riboflavin, folic acid, and other essential nutrients.

Top off your bowl with skim milk and fruit for the complete package: whole grains to fill you up, protein to supply all-day energy, and antioxidants to keep your immune system humming.

Whole-wheat bread

Carbohydrates are a breakfast mainstay, but the type of carbs you choose can make a big difference in the overall health of your meal. The simple rule to remember is that whole wheat and other whole grains—whether they're found in bread, toast, or English muffins—contain more fiber and nutrients than their white, refined counterparts.

What you put on it matters, as well. "Slathering your toast with butter or jelly just adds empty fat and calories," says Giovinazzo. "Instead, get some protein by adding an egg or some almond butter."

Oatmeal

You may have noticed a heart-shaped seal on your box of oatmeal recently. The seal's there because oats contain beta-glucan, a type of fiber that's been shown to help lower cholesterol when eaten regularly. Need another reason to dig in? Oats are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, folate, and potassium.

Steel-cut oats, which take about 15 minutes to cook, contain more fiber than rolled oats or instant varieties, but any type of oatmeal is a healthy choice. Just avoid the flavored kinds, which can be packed with sugar. Instead, sweeten your bowl with milk and a bit of honey, and top with fruit and nuts.

Wheat germ

A little wheat germ goes a long way. Just two tablespoons provides about 15% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin E and 10% of your daily folate. "Vitamin E is often a little low in people's diets, so this is a good way to add in some extra—especially if you don't eat a lot of nuts or seeds, two other big sources," Giovinazzo says.

It's easy to incorporate wheat germ into almost any meal, including your go-to breakfasts: Sprinkle it over cereal, stir it into yogurt, or mix it into a smoothie.

Grapefruit

Trying to lose weight? According to one study, eating half a grapefruit before each meal may help you slim down faster, thanks to the fruit's fat-burning properties and its beneficial effect on blood sugar and insulin levels. Grapefruit is also hydrating, filling, and packed with immunity-boosting antioxidants.

For a well-rounded breakfast, pair it with protein—such as yogurt or an egg, Giovinazzo suggests. But check with your doctor first if you take any medications, as grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interfere with some prescription drugs

Bananas

There's nothing like a banana at breakfast to keep those mid-morning cravings at bay. The yellow fruit—especially when they're still a touch green—are one of the best sources of resistant starch, a healthy carbohydrate that keeps you feeling fuller longer.

"Slice it up and add it to cereal or oatmeal," Giovinazzo suggests. "It will add natural sweetness, so you may not need additional sugar."

Thanks to a healthy dose of potassium, an electrolyte that helps lower blood pressure naturally, bananas are a particularly good choice for people with hypertension.

Eggs

These incredible edibles have made quite a comeback in recent years. Once shunned for being high in dietary cholesterol (one yolk contains about 60% of your daily allotment), eggs are now embraced as a healthy source of protein and nutrients like vitamin D. Why the turnabout? Research has shown that the cholesterol in our food has less of an impact on blood cholesterol than previously thought.

"If, overall, you're choosing lean proteins and not eating a ton of fat and cholesterol, then eggs are a great thing to have in your diet," says Giovinazzo. The American Heart Association recommends that people with normal cholesterol limit their cholesterol intake to 300 milligrams per day.

Watermelon

As its name suggests, watermelon is an excellent way to hydrate in the morning. What's less well known is this juicy fruit is among the best sources of lycopene—a nutrient found in red fruits and vegetables that's important for vision, heart health, and cancer prevention.

Best of all, watermelon contains just 40 calories per cup, landing it on lists of so-called negative-calorie foods that supposedly burn more calories during digestion than they add in. (Actually, it's a bit more complicated than that, but that's no reason to not eat watermelon!)

Healthy breakfast recipes

Healthy breakfast

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Foods to eat for healthy teeth

colgate.com

Taking good care of teeth has always been a challenge for many because of poor practices. Now doctors and researchers have found that proper hygienic practices should be enhanced with consuming nutritious foods to keep one’s teeth white.

On top of brushing as recommended, experts also advise consuming the following foods for healthy teeth. When it comes to the health of your teeth, you really are what you eat. Sugary foods, such as candy and soda, contribute to tooth decay. One of the first areas to decline when your diet is less than ideal is your oral health, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Use this healthy foods list to improve your diet and the health of your mouth.

Good Food For You Teeth

Cheese

If you're one of the many people who profess a love of cheese, you now have another reason to enjoy this tasty food. A study published in the May/June 2013 issue of General Dentistry, the journal of the American Academy of General Dentistry, reported at EurekAlert! found that eating cheese raised the pH in the subjects' mouths and lowered their risk of tooth decay. It's thought that the chewing required to eat cheese increases saliva in the mouth. Cheese also contains calcium and protein, nutrients that strengthen tooth enamel.

Apples

Apples contain vitamin C, Vitamin B (riboflavin, thiamin and B6), dietary fiber, phytonutrients compounds that boost resistance and protection because of the acid that kills bacteria although a study published in the Journal of Dentistry warns on over consumption.

The study that involved 1,000 men and women aged 18 to 30 found that people who ate apples were 3.7 times more likely to have dentine damage.

Dr David Bartlett, the lead researcher at King’s Dental Institute UK, warns that apples being fairly acidic, could be up to four times more damaging to teeth than carbonated drinks.

“Snacking on acidic foods throughout the day is the most damaging, whilst eating them at meal times is much safer. It’s not what you eat it’s how you eat it - an apple a day is good, but taking all day to eat the apple can damage teeth,” he says

Straw berries

From the 2009 journal of Dentistry review, strawberries are considered the third-best food source of polyphenols (behind only coffee and olives).

Polyphenols inhibit the breakdown of starches in the mouth (thus limiting the resulting sticky sugars that adhere to teeth as plaque) and also fight the bacteria that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.

Scrubbing teeth with strawberries also whitens them, but because the berries are so acidic, dentists warn that using this home remedy frequently could damage the enamel.

Carrots

These contain carotenoids precursors of vitamin A and minerals such as potassium that help balance sodium levels in the body. Carrot constituents are responsible for cleansing teeth.

Lemons

They are rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin E, folate, niacin thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus and protein.

Because lemon juice is acidic, it kills bacteria but sometimes it is applied to prevent gum bleeding and bad odors thus necessary for healthy teeth.

Yogurt

Like cheese, yogurt is high in calcium and protein, which makes it a good pick for the strength and health of your teeth. The probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, found in yogurt also benefit your gums because the good bacteria crowd out bacteria that cause cavities. If you decide to add more yogurt to your diet, choose a plain variety with no added sugar.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens typically find their way onto any healthy foods list. They're full of vitamins and minerals while being low in calories. Leafy greens such as kale and spinach also promote oral health. They're high in calcium, which builds your teeth's enamel. They also contain folic acid, a type of B vitamin that has numerous health benefits, including possibly treating gum disease in pregnant women, according to Medline Plus. If you have trouble getting leafy greens into your diet, add a handful of baby spinach to your next salad or throw some kale on a pizza. You can also try adding some greens to a smoothie.

Almonds

Almonds are great for your teeth because they are a good source of calcium and protein while being low in sugar. Enjoy a quarter cup of almonds with your lunch. You can also add a handful to a salad or to a stir-fry dinner.

Along with adding more leafy greens, dairy products and fibrous vegetables to your diet, pay attention to what you're drinking. Since it has no calories or sugar, water is always the best pick, especially compared to juice or soda. Your diet makes a big difference when it comes to a healthy smile.

Celery

Celery might get a bad reputation for being bland, watery and full of those pesky strings, but like carrots and apples, it acts a bit like a toothbrush, scraping food particles and bacteria away from your teeth. It's also a good source of vitamins A and C, two antioxidants that give the health of your gums a boost. Make celery even tastier by topping it with cream cheese.

A proper diet ensures health, well-being and proper weight. It’s the same with the health of teeth.

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Great Tips On How To Improve Your Dental Health

Taking care of your teeth is no easy task! There are so many things that can go wrong with those pearly whites, it’s hard to keep track. However, with some simple vigilance and attention on your part, your teeth can last you a lifetime without problems. This article is equipped with tried and true dental care just for you!

You may want to avoid mouthwash that contains alcohol, especially if you are older than 50. One of the pitfalls of aging is increased sensitivity in the mouth, which is only made worse by alcohol. Your best bet is to use a mouthwash that contains no alcohol and is fortified with fluoride. Use it twice daily for good results.

Brush more frequently than two times per day if you consume foods known to damage your enamel. Whenever you consume anything with a lot of sugar, you should brush your teeth after.

Visit your dentist every six months or whenever your dentist feels as though you should visit. Only by getting care regularly can you keep big problems at bay, depending on your situation. As you make it a habit of going, you will no longer view appointments with a sense of dread and fear. This is important if you will need dental work done at some point.

A toothache has been said to be right up there, if not worse than labor pains.  For there was never a philosopher who could endure the toothache patiently. For this reason, it is important to address a toothache at the very first sign of pain. Don’t assume that the pain will just pass. Get it checked out to make sure there is not something more serious going on like an abscess, which can turn serious rather quickly.

One way to ensure that you do not end up with cavities is to take good care of your teeth by performing regular dental care. Brushing, flossing and using mouthwash can all help to rid your mouth of harmful bacteria. It is also an effective way to stage off cavities.

Does sipping hot or cold beverages cause you to wince with pain in your teeth? Find a toothpaste for sensitive gums and teeth and plan on going to the dentist to get your problem looked at. Sensitivity might be a sign of a cavity or nerve inflammation. It is always best to treat these problems early.

Some dental issues are caused by a vitamin deficiency. Try taking more vitamins such as Vitamin B and calcium. These vitamins are naturally found in fruits and dairy products and contribute to overall dental health.

If you are deathly afraid of spending time in the dentist’s chair, you might be tempted to skip cleanings or procedures altogether. This is a bad idea, especially since poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease or even diabetes. Consider sedation dentistry, in which the patient is not awake during the appointment. Furthermore, some dentists will prescribe sedatives prior to the appointment. If you use either option, you must have someone who can drive you to and from the appointment.

Ways to Improve Your Smile

Keep Your Natural Sheen

Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you. A healthy smile isn’t always achieved overnight, but takes a variety of methods to help create and maintain. Here are 10 easy things you can do to help improve the appearance and health of your teeth.

Floss Daily

Flossing removes plaque between teeth and out from under the gumlines, where a toothbrush can’t reach. Daily flossing helps prevent tooth decay and gingivitis. When left alone, plaque and tartar build up under the surface of the gumlines. This can cause periodontal disease, which leads to bone destruction and tooth loss.

To floss properly, wrap the floss tightly around your finger and insert in the space between your teeth. Gently slide it up and down under the gumlines two to three times. If bleeding occurs, this is most likely due to gingivitis or gum disease. When flossing daily, the bleeding associated with mild to moderate gingivitis usually stops after about two weeks.

If you just can’t stand flossing, try an oral irrigator. This device sprays water or mouthwash to remove plaque and food between your teeth and below your gumline.

See Your Hygienist Twice a Year 

Having routine cleanings every six months helps to promote good oral health and a beautiful smile. When your cleanings are irregular, you can develop periodontal disease. This can cause unsightly swollen, receding, and bleeding gums. It’s also linked to health conditions like heart attack, stroke, diabetes, obesity, premature births, and sleep apnea.

In addition to removing stain and tartar from your teeth, your dental hygienist will also screen for health conditions like high blood pressure and oral cancer. Because many health conditions manifest themselves in the mouth, your dentist and hygienist can make you aware of issues that you should follow up on with your doctor.

Give Up Smoking

Smoking causes staining to your teeth. The stain from smoke is sometimes a superficial stain that can be polished off, but it can also soak deep into the enamel. Smoking also damages healthy gums, causing them to recede and develop large pockets around the teeth. This makes teeth appear longer and creates dark spaces between them. Smoking also makes it very difficult to reverse gum disease. 

Drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine are known for staining teeth. Similar to smoking, these drinks can build up a superficial stain that your dentist or hygienist can polish off. But they can also cause internal staining of your tooth enamel.

Limit Your Coffee, Tea, and Red Wine

Drinking through a straw can help reduce the stain on your teeth and may help reduce the risk of tooth decay. It can also help to rinse your mouth frequently with water so the dark liquid does not sit on your teeth for a long period between meals.

Choose Your Whitening Products Carefully

Depending on your needs, there are a variety of whitening products available: gel pens, rinses, toothpastes, strips, over-the-counter trays, custom trays, and laser whitening. While the choices can be overwhelming, each type can have specific benefits that help you target problem areas. Whitening toothpastes and rinses are good for coffee and tea drinkers. Gel pens are good for touching up small areas, like a tooth that has shifted back and collects more stain. Custom trays and laser whitening provide professional strength whitening and offer the most dramatic results.

Top quality electric toothbrushes are clinically shown to remove more plaque and achieve healthier gums than standard manual toothbrushes. Many now feature modes for whitening and sensitive teeth. The toothbrush bodies are made to last for years, while the heads can be changed out routinely as they age, or for sharing among family members.

If you’re not ready to shell out the dough for an electric toothbrush, be sure to purchase a soft bristled manual brush. While medium and hard bristled brushes are readily available on the market, dental professionals adamantly advise against their use. Stiffer bristles and aggressive brushing causes gums to recede and can wear enamel away from the teeth.

Drink Plenty of Water

Water is the healthiest drink for your smile and your body. It helps flush teeth clean and discourages tooth decay. Tap water is the best choice as it has the recommended dosage of fluoride. Many times bottled water comes from a source where the fluoride levels are not monitored, or contain no fluoride at all. A healthy level of fluoride promotes tooth health and discourages decay. Frequent consumption of acidic or sugary drinks can increase decay rates dramatically. Athletes are quickly becoming an at-risk group as the effects of sports drinks take a toll on their teeth.

Improve Your Other Health Conditions

Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and bruxism (also known as teeth grinding) can all affect the health and appearance of your smile. When the body is strained by one health condition, it’s more difficult to treat another. Rather than covering up symptoms, you can help improve your health through preventive methods. Eating right and getting enough exercise can dramatically improve the appearance of your body, teeth, and gums.

Get Dental Treatment in a Timely Manner.

Dental conditions never correct themselves on their own. Tooth decay left untreated can easily transform a small cavity into a large tooth abscess. Where a tiny filling may have been all that was needed, it may now require a root canal and a crown. Treating your tooth decay early means you’ll need smaller and less invasive dental restorations. This helps maintain the structure and stability of the tooth and keeps treatment costs lower. If left untreated, decay can spread to other teeth and may cause infections throughout the rest of your body.

Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day

This is a given, but many people still need to be reminded to brush their teeth at least twice a day. Because plaque can harden into tartar, frequent brushing helps teeth to stay whiter and healthier than in people who brush less often. How you brush is also important. Angle the bristles toward the gumline at a 45-degree angle, with just enough pressure to make the tissue a lighter color. Gently make small strokes, focusing on only one or two teeth at a time. This will keep your gums healthy and remove the most plaque. It can take some time before you start to notice changes from whitening or improved oral hygiene. While these changes don’t come overnight, they are certainly worth the time and effort, both for the sake of your smile and your overall health.

Form Good Habits for a Great Smile

It can take some time before you start to notice changes from whitening or improved oral hygiene. While these changes don’t come overnight, they are certainly worth the time and effort, both for the sake of your smile and your overall health. Learn more ways to keep your teeth healthy and bright »

Hopefully the above article has helped you debunk some of the facts of dental care. There are so many things to consider when caring for your teeth. It helps when you know exactly what to do in order to prevent tooth decay, cavities and other dental problems. Use what you have just learned to have a lifetime of healthy teeth!

Simple Ways to Improve Oral Health: Are You Healthier Than an Olympic Athlete?

References:

• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2013, May 11). Oral health: A window to your overall health. Retrieved fromhttp://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475  
• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2013, May 14). Oral health: Brush up on dental care basics. Retrieved fromhttp://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20045536
• Prevent diabetes problems: Keep your mouth healthy. (2014, July). Retrieved fromhttp://www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/complications_teeth/index.aspx
• Rosema, N. A. M., Hennequin-Hoenderdos, N. L., Berchier, C. E., Slot, D. E., Lyle, D. M., & van der Weijden, G. A. (2011, January). The effect of different interdental cleaning devices on gingival bleeding. Journal of the International Academy of Periodontology, 13(1): 2-10. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21387981
• Saved by a straw? Sipping soft drinks and other beverages reduces risk of decay [Press release]. (2005, June 17). Retrieved from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/06/050616060426.htm
• Yaacob, M., Worthington H. V., Deacon, S. A., Deery, C., Walmsley, A. D., Robinson, P. G., Glenny, A. M. (2014, June 17). Powered/electric toothbrushes compared to manual toothbrushes for maintaining oral health. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD002281.pub3/full

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Headache: Home Treatment

Most headaches are caused by stress, muscle tension, dilated blood vessels in the head, or a combination of these. In only one person out of several hundred are headaches likely to be caused by a life-threatening illness such as a brain tumor. 

Managing Your Headaches

"Headaches are characterized by a feeling of tenseness in the neck, shoulder and scalp whereas migraines are basically pulsating headaches, often on one side of the head. Symptoms actually vary from person to person, and even from one migraine attack to the next," says Dr. Supriya Bali, Internal Medicine, Max Hospitals.

It is essential that you avoid headache-inducing substances like MSG (monosodium glutamate), excessive caffeine, alcohol, phenylethylamine found in chocolate and cheese, tyramine found in nuts and fermented meats and soy, and aspartame present in many artificially sweetened foods. If you start getting a headache, steer clear of all devices including your phone, laptop and TV. Eat healthy, and at regular intervals since a drop in blood sugar can set the stage for headaches. At least thrice a week, if not more, spend 30 minutes exercising. And always, we mean always, stay hydrated.

The next time you have a headache while at home, try the following program. Better yet, for greater success with this treatment start it as soon as you feel a headache coming on.

Warm the bathroom to between 70 and 80 degrees F.

Undress and take a hot foot-bath. For this treatment it is best to sit on the edge of the bathtub and fill the tub with hot water over your ankles. Start with water at 105 degree and increase as tolerated to not more than 115 degrees F.

Keep yourself warm by wrapping in a sheet.

Have a pan of ice water handy. Dip a washcloth in the ice water, wring it out well and place it over your forehead and eyes. Change the washcloth every two or three minutes.

Rub the back of your neck to relax the muscles. Slowly rotate your head in a circle once or twice, relaxing the muscles as much as possible, and then apply a cold cloth to the back of the neck.

When your feet have become nice and pink, fill the tub with water at 80 degrees to 95 degrees F. Then get in the tub, place a folded towel behind your head, lean back, and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep the cool cloth over your forehead and eyes.

Dry thoroughly. Blot the skin. Do not rub.

As soon as you are dry get right into a warm bed. Have the room darkened, with no noises to disturb you. You may even take the phone off the hook if you dare. Close your eyes, relax, and try to remove all irritating, stressful, and unpleasant thoughts from your mind.

Read more home treatments for headaches

Headaches-Home Treatment 10 Natural Home Remedies for Headaches That Actually Work - NDTV Food

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Guide and Techniques of Applying Compresses

Whenever water in any form is used for treatment, there must be close observation of the patient to be sure the reaction that is produced is beneficial. The wrong type of reaction may be caused by not following the proper technique during the treatment. The blame may then be placed on the therapy itself, instead of on the incorrect way in which it was given. Therefore, always listen carefully to what the patient is saying during the treatment and watch the skin reaction.

A compression is composed of several layers of cloth. When a cool compress is required, wet the cloth in the exact water temperature desired, wringing out just enough water so that it will not drip, and place it upon the affected body part. Change the compress every five minutes.

A cold compress is prepared by placing crushed ice between the layer of cloth. This, of course, does not need to be renewed so frequently.

In applying compresses to delicate parts of the body, great care should be taken not to injure the part. A very thin compress should be used in such cases.

The effects of a compress are very similar to those of poultice.

The wet girdle, leg pack, wet sheet pack, chest pack and wrapper, and half-pack are simply large compresses.

Heating Compress

A heating compress actually feels cold when it is first applied, but after only a short time it starts to heat up as the body reacts against the cold. Such a compress, when applied to the throat, is very good for the treatment of sore throat, tonsillitis, laryngitis, whooping cough, croup, and colds.

• Use a strip of thin cotton cloth long enough to wrap around the neck four times, or you may use two thicknesses and wrap them around the neck twice. They should be wide enough to cover the entire neck and also should be pulled up well under the ears; usually three or four inches wide is enough.
• You will also need a strip of flannel or wool cloth to use as a covering and long enough to wrap around the neck twice. It should be about an inch or two wider than the cotton.
• Cut a piece of plastic, from a disposable trash bag, long enough to go around the neck once and about one-half inch wider than the cotton.

The following steps should be performed to give a heating compress to the throat;

• Dip the cotton cloth in cold water and wring it out until it no longer drips.
• Wrap it around the neck, making it fit as close to the skin as possible. It is very important that there are no air pockets or wrinkles. Cover it completely with the piece of plastic.
• Cover this with the flannel or woolen strip. Be sure that all of the moist cotton cloth is covered. Tighten the cover snugly but not so much that it is uncomfortable for the patient. Pin it securely in place.
• Leave the compress in place overnight. It should be dry when removed in the morning.

The compress will draw blood to the skin surface that will warm and dry the cotton; and as a result, congestion of the structure deeper in the neck will be relieved.

• After the compress is removed, rub the neck with a cool cloth and dry thoroughly to prevent chilling.
• If the patient’s circulation is poor, and the cold cotton cloth will not warm up, wring the cloth out of hot water instead and use it in the same way.

How to Make a Warm Compress How to Apply a Cold Compress

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Aloe Vera: Health Benefits and Uses

Aloe’s reputation for healing wounds starts as far back as 1935 when it was documented that the whole-leaf extract promoted complete regeneration of the skin. Aloe Vera contains over 200 biologically active naturally occurring constituents which include polysaccharides, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids & minerals that promote nutrient absorption.

Minerals: Aloe Vera has loads of minerals including Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Chromium, Selenium, Sodium, Iron, Potassium, Copper & Manganese. These minerals work together to boost metabolic pathways.

ENZYMES: It contains important enzymes like amylase & lipase which can aid in digestion by breaking down fat & sugar molecules. One molecule in particular, Bradykinase helps to reduce inflammation.

VITAMINS: It contains Vitamin B 12 , required for for the production of red blood cells. Also it can assist with the bio-availability of vitamin B 12, meaning the body can more easily absorb & utilize it which can prevent deficiency. It is also a source of vitamin A, C, E, Folic Acid, Choline, B1, B2, B3 (Niacin) & B6.

AMINO ACIDS: It contains 20 of 22 essential amino acids that are required by the human body. It also contains Salicylic acid, which fights inflammation & bacteria.

Healthy Benefits of Aloe Vera

• Aloe Vera is an excellent body cleanser, removing toxic matters from the stomach, kidneys, spleen, bladder, liver & colon.
• Aloe can also offer effective relief from immediate ailments such as indigestion, upset stomach, ulcers & inflammation in the gut. 
• Aloe also strengthens the digestive tract & alleviates joint inflammation, making it a great option for arthritis sufferers.
• Aloe vera juice, when taken the same way as a mouthwash, was just as effective at removing plaque as the common mouthwash & its active ingredients, chlorhexidine. This is much better alternative because it is all natural, unlike the typical chemical laden options .
• Aloe Vera effectively heal mouth ulcers.

40 Ways To Use Aloe Vera

Topical Aloe Uses

1. Pamper yourself to a soothing body rub. Slice aloe leaves lengthwise and use the inner sides as a biodegradable body scrub in the shower.

2. Treat burns from minor mishaps in the kitchen—from grease splatters or hot utensils.

3. For more major kitchen mishaps like a scald, mix some aloe gel and vitamin E oil into a little jar for a homemade burn healer.

4. Banish black and blue bruises by swapping on the good goo.

5. Soothe and heal sunburns the feel-good way. Aloe contains cooling properties similar to menthol.

6. Take the sting or itch out of insect bites.

7. Reduce tissue damage from frostbite.

8. Alleviate mysterious rashes.

9. Make feet baby soft with an exfoliating foot mask by mixing together a half cup of oatmeal, a half cup of corn meal, four tbsp. of aloe vera gel and a half cup of unscented body lotion.

10. Help heal herpes outbreaks.

11. Fight Athlete's Foot.

12. Swab over blisters for quick relief.

13. Use as an antidote to allergic skin reactions.

14. Replace creams and lotions as a general moisturizer for dry skin. Aloe is fast absorbing!

15. Prevent pesky pimples and treat acne.

16. Soothe Psoriasis.

17. Prevent scarring and stretch marks.

18. Help rid of Rosacea.

19. Shrink warts.

20. Reverse signs of aging skin and wrinkles. Cleopatra did!

21. Help eliminate Eczema.

22. Brighten skin. Aloe can decrease pigmentation and dark spots.

23. Make skin new again with an exfoliating, organic sugar scrub by mixing together two tbsp. of aloe vera, 2 tbsp. of organic brown sugar and 1 tsp. of organic lemon juice.

24. For rougher patches mix together an organic salt skin scrub using two cups of sea salt, one cup of aloe vera, one cup of organic coconut oil and two tbsp. of local, organic honey.

25. Speed up hair growth by massaging aloe into the scalp, letting it sit for 30 minutes, and rinsing.

26. Reduce hair dandruff by mixing aloe vera juice with coconut milk and wheat germ oil. Massage into scalp and rinse.

27. Replace aloe with conditioner for silkier, smoother hair.

28. Remove eye makeup.

29. Treat minor vaginal irritations.

29. Treat minor vaginal irritations.

30. Drink aloe vera juice to relieve gastrointestinal disorders like indigestion.

31. Sip it to aid in elimination. Many times, it's recommended for its laxative effects.

32. Take a swig to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome including bloating and discomfort.

33. Take aloe orally to relieve heartburn, arthritis and rheumatism pain.

34. Boil leaves in a pan of water and breathe in the vapor to alleviate asthma.

35. Drink to lower blood sugar levels—especially for diabetics.

36. Strengthen gums and promote strong, healthy teeth by taking orally or use toothpaste with aloe vera ingredients.

37. Drink to help ease congestion, stomach ulcers, colitis, hemorrhoids, urinary tract infections and prostate problems.

38. Take orally to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides for a healthy heart.

39. Sip to minimize inflammation and infection of the eye and ear.

40. Toast to its general detoxifier and health boosting qualities!

What are the therapeutic benefits of Aloe vera?

Aloe Vera Side Effects, Drug Interactions and Contraindications

Caution should be taken when ingesting aloe vera as there can be potential side effects. The aloe latex—the yellow juice near the rind—is where most of the danger lies. However, ingredients in the more commonly used gel itself can also be harmful to some people. Always test a small amount to ensure you aren’t allergic to the plant.

• Here is a list of potential side effects. When in doubt, always check with your doctor.
• Regular use of the entire leaf—which includes the latex—can deplete potassium in the body. Electrolyte imbalances can lead to muscle weakness and cardiac problems. According to the NIH, ingesting one gram of aloe latex for multiple days can be fatal.
• If aloe latex is used while taking other medications, the laxative effect can impact the amount of medicine the body is able to absorb.
• Products containing the latex will exacerbate intestinal illnesses such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
• People with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels when using aloe.
• Ingesting any form of aloe is not recommended during pregnancy as it may cause uterine contractions or miscarriage. Aloe should also be avoided during breastfeeding.
• Excessive use of aloe latex may cause kidney failure and shouldn’t be used by people with kidney problems.

Aloe Vera: The Ultimate Guide

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