Healthy Foods

Health Benefits of Almonds

Most of you would probably be more familiar with almonds as a baking ingredient. It’s usually added to brownies, and its essence is used as an ingredient to make gelatin. However, there are also health benefits of almonds that you must be more aware of. Who knew that such a delicious nut can promote good health?

Here are some Health Benefits of Almonds:

Promotes high IQ

Studies have found that one of the health benefits of almonds is that it promotes high IQ in children, especially those who are only 2 to 3 years old. If you introduce almonds at this age, you’ll be filling your child’s diet with a lot of nutrition since almonds contain high levels of vitamin E, phosphorous, iron, magnesium and calcium. You don’t have to feed kids too many almonds either. Just two to three pieces which are soaked to soften would be good enough. A word of caution, though: the outer skin could contain allergens to it is best to remove it.

Controls cholesterol levels

For adults, one of the best health benefits of almonds is that it promotes high levels of good cholesterol (HDL) which in effect lowers the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL). Compared to other snacks, almonds are also healthier, so you might want to munch on these nuts and skip the oily batch of fries.

Good for the skin

While it’s good to much on almonds to promote good skin from the inside, almond oil and almond milk are also applied onto the external layers of the skin because they keep the skin from drying up. Almond oil and milk are also wonderful smelling, which makes this not just one of the best kept health benefits of almonds, but one of the best kept beauty secrets as well.

Protects the body from diabetes

Are you diabetic? They you will be happy to note that one of the best health benefits of almonds is that it lessens the rise in insulin. Insulin rise can cause a lot of complications in the body which could put the lives of diabetics at risk. If you’re diabetic, this is definitely the right nut for you.

Good for pregnant women

Almonds are also rich in folic acid which is good for the fetus mental and body development. These nuts are also filling, so they’re good snacks each time you feel pregnant hunger pangs. They’re definitely better than chips and other food products which are high in sugar. If you’re trying to avoid gestational diabetes, this is the right nut for you too.

Good for digestion

If you feel like you’ve been eating too much processed food and white flour, you could be afraid of constipation. This is a common problem among many of us. Thankfully, almonds are rich in fiber, and they could help you pass your bowels regularly.

Natural energy booster

Those who work out also love almonds because they can provide that much-needed energy boost. About half a cup of these nuts could help power up an hour or two’s worth of workout. They’re rich in copper, Riboflavin, and manganese.

Health Benefits of Coffee

Are you a big coffee drinker? A lot of people drink coffee in the morning because they wanted to be kept awake by the caffeine; not to mention that this has been a habit each single day. When it comes to health, there are studies saying something about its negative effects, while there are many pointing to the positive health benefits of coffee.

Being optimistic people, we will deal with the positive benefits today. Here they are:

Protection from diseases

One of the best health benefits of coffee is that it can protect the brain from certain diseases. These diseases include Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and dementia. Coffee has a lot of antioxidants, and these antioxidants can also prevent liver diseases in people who are stressed out.

Boosts brain performance

Have you been lacking sleep lately? Coffee is a natural stimulant, and it’s no secret that one of the best health benefits of coffee is that it can improve your brain’s performance. A cup of Joe might be just what you need to help you be more alert in the office. A lot of people also say that drinking coffee regularly helps to sharpen one’s memory.

Speeds up metabolism

Those who take coffee regularly enjoy one of the best health benefits of coffee which is to keep one slim. You don’t have to worry about your metabolism if you take coffee each day because the substance naturally enhances your body’s ability to burn off energy. Some athletes even drink coffee to make sure they’re burning enough energy during a workout. Drinking coffee is also said to lower the risks of type 2 diabetes, and of course, obesity.

Keeps you young

Coffee has great benefits for your skin. Because of its antioxidants, one of the best health benefits of coffee is that it can keep the blemishes away. If you drink the beverage moderately, you can also prevent cancer. Some spas even offer coffee treatments wherein they apply coffee directly onto the skin. Apparently, it’s also a good body scrub.

Caution while drinking coffee

While drinking coffee has plenty of benefits, anything in abundance is considered bad. Coffee speeds up your heart rate so if you have heart problems, drinking five cups of coffee a day is definitely not a good thing. Those who drink more than enough coffee also suffer from sleep deprivation, while others believe that drinking coffee now has the “opposite” effect on their bodies which means that they’re most likely to feel sleepy when they drink the beverage.

According to studies, you need to drink two full glasses of water for every cup of coffee that you drink. Otherwise, you may suffer from dehydration. If you’re preparing your cup of coffee, make sure you’re not putting too much sugar in it either. Simply adjust the strength of your coffee if it’s too strong, and don’t turn the beverage into an excuse to consume more simple sugars.

It’s also not advisable for pregnant women to consume more than 200 mg of coffee. Most pregnant women skip the beverage altogether. If you’re concerned that drinking coffee might increase your heart rate too much, or perhaps even cause contractions in your uterus, ask your doctor for advice. Some would say one cup a day is safe, but if you want to not take coffee while pregnant for the safety of your baby, drinking coffee is not a must. Its health benefits can also be found in other food items.

Dark Chocolate Health Benefits

Chocolate is one of the most well-loved food in the world, and now there are plenty of reasons to eat them—at least the dark variant. Read on to find out more about dark chocolate health benefits.

Rich in antioxidants

One of the most published dark chocolate health benefits is its antioxidant content. A lot of people drink or eat chocolates just for the taste but they don’t know it also contains flavanols. These flavanols are powerful antioxidants that help kill cancer-causing free radicals in the body. Antioxidants also keep the human body young. Those who don’t eat or drink chocolate, especially the dark variant, lose out on this benefit.

Lowers blood pressure

Amusingly enough, one of the best dark chocolate health benefits is enjoyed by those who actually suffer from high blood pressure. This is because dark chocolate, when stripped of its sugar and cream content, can actually help lower one’s blood pressure. If you have a tendency to have high blood pressure, simply nibble on a dark chocolate bar with 70% and up cocoa content. This means that chocolate itself is actually good for you. It’s the additives that sometimes make it very unhealthy.

Lowers bad cholesterol

Not all fat or cholesterol is bad for the body. There is HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol). For people who are prone to heart ailments, it’s all a matter of lowering bad cholesterol. Thankfully, it’s one of the best dark chocolate health benefits known to man. If your blood work shows high levels of bad cholesterol, simply nibble on a dark chocolate bar with high cocoa content.

Acts as an Anti-depressant

If you’ve been munching on a chocolate bar every time you’re depressed or feeling sad, there’s actually scientific fact now which can back up your “remedy”. Dark chocolate is a very good natural anti-depressant, and for those who have been tagged as compulsive eaters simply because they turn to chocolates when they’re down, this news couldn’t get any better.

Take note, though, that anti-depressant qualities are considered dark chocolate health benefits so try looking for chocolate variants without milk content. Milk can be quite fattening. If you can find the unsweetened chocolate variant too or at least ones with very little sugar in them you’re on the road to a healthier lifestyle.

Cleans up the arteries

Eating dark chocolates can also improve your cardiovascular health. There are antioxidants in chocolates that help sweep plaque off your arteries. It’s also rich in magnesium which is an important mineral to have if you want to keep your nervous and cardiovascular systems healthy. Magnesium in your diet can also promote a healthier bowel movement, so it’s definitely one of the food products you ought to include in your diets without guilt.

Prevents tooth decay

While very few people would believe that chocolate actually prevents tooth decay, recent studies have shown that it helps to stop the growth of streptococcus mutans, which is a bacteria found in oral cavities. Of course, sugar promotes these cavities, so don’t forget to brush your teeth after eating chocolates.

Health Benefits of Garlic

Garlic is a common ingredient in most of the dishes that we prepare. Do you know that this gives more than just a sumptuous flavour? Are you familiar with the health benefits of garlic?

Yes, this is not just another ingredient that will make your dish more aromatic and delicious because it has an important role in making you healthier. In fact, it is even referred to as ‘nature’s penicillin’ or ‘natural wonder drug’ because of all the remedies that it could do.

The most important component in garlic that makes it beneficial for health is the sulphur content. Those which are organically grown do not just have a stronger taste but these also have higher amount of sulphur. Hence, it is more beneficial for you health.

Here are some of the most outstanding health benefits of garlic:

Cure for Common Cold and Flu:

Cold, flu and other common illnesses are triggered by virus and bacteria. The power of garlic can help the body fight these by strengthening the defense of the immune system. This enables a person to be cured much faster or avoid the illnesses completely.

Helps Out in Digestion:

Garlic enables the lining of the stomach to produce more enzymes. These enzymes digest food properly so that there will be less that would end up as stored fat. Better digestion leads to being able to avoid obesity and heart problems.

Directly Improves Circulatory System:

The health benefits of garlic affect the cardiovascular system in many ways. First of all, it prevents the formation of blockage in the arteries which could hinder proper blood flow. Second, the arteries would not harden too. Third, garlic has components which lower bad cholesterol and increase the amount of good cholesterol so that hypertension would not become a problem.

Fights Cancer:

Stomach and colon cancer is easily prevented because of the flavonoids that the garlic bulb contains. The flavonoids can avoid cancer because it inhibits the absorption of carcinogenic components by the cells.

Anti-bacteria and anti-fungal properties:

This is one of the health benefits of garlic that is really important for every person. For people who have weak lungs, garlic can help them prevent contracting lung infections. In fact, even the Chinese traditionally drink boiled garlic bulb with vinegar daily to avoid lung abscess. During the times when there is a serious flu epidemic that has affected many people, garlic will also provide you with an effective defense. This also has antibiotic effect against intestinal infections. For skin problems like athlete’s foot or ringworm, crushing garlic and applying it on skin will solve the trouble.

To be able to enjoy all the benefits of garlic, it is best to simply have it raw. You can prepare it anyway you want: chopped, sliced or crushed. When garlic is not subjected to heat, it has maximum potency. When garlic is put inside the microwave, this could kill the essential nutrients in it. If you are taking other meds, make sure to consult your physician to ensure that regular intake of garlic would not contradict the effects of the meds.

Health Benefits of Cinnamon

The aroma that cinnamon adds to any dish will certainly entice anyone. Aside from the luring scent, this also has an exquisite added flavor that makes the dish or baked product even more delicious. Do you know that cinnamon is more than just another spice that enhances recipes? Are you aware of the health benefits of cinnamon?

For centuries, cinnamon has always been recognized as a powerful ingredient which could greatly contribute to excellent health. It is actually recognized as ‘Ayurvedic’ in Indian medicine because of its amazing help when it comes to improving blood circulation. On the other hand, this is also recognized in Chinese medicine as an effective cure for colds because of the warming effect that it could bring to the body. In the Roman and Greek cultures, this ingredient is known to resolve problems within the digestive system. Fascinatingly, the health benefits of cinnamon do not end there just yet. Here are the advantages that it could bring.

Regulation of the Blood Sugar Levels – There have been studies which showed results that among the health benefits of cinnamon is that it helps out in preventing blood sugar level to spike up. In fact, even the American Diabetes Association recommends daily intake of cinnamon because people who regularly have their dose of cinnamon are able to control their blood sugar far better than those who take medicines for diabetes. This ingredient is helpful for people who have type 2 diabetes and hypoglycemia.

Anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties – The main reason why it is recommended for intestinal and stomach problems is because of its ability to fight off fungus, bacteria and parasites. The oil and extract of cinnamon can also alleviate vaginal yeast infection and oral yeast infection.

Improve Circulatory System – This is excellent for people who experience hypertension too. The cinnaldehyde which is an active ingredient in cinnamon avoids blood clotting that causes blockage of arteries, stroke and other cardiovascular problems.

Anti-inflammatory properties – Since this spice has anti-inflammatory effect, keeping the heart healthy is another one of the health benefits of cinnamon. Aside from that, it is recommended for people who have arthritis because this can reduce the swelling and pain.

Cancer prevention – This spice may not cure cancer but it helps out in staying away from this illness. A research conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland showed that it hinders the growth and progression of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.

Increase Brain Functions – Eating and even just smelling cinnamon can boost the performance of the bran. Because of this effect, researchers have been studying the possible benefit of cinnamon for Alzheimer’s disease and other degenerative neurological diseases.

Diuretic Effects – Cinnamon makes it easier to urinate which is also essential in enabling the body to get rid of toxins more efficiently. Aside from that, it also promotes increase secretion of breast milk for women.

This spice can be ingested in different ways so that you can also experience the health benefits of cinnamon. You can add it to your drink for more flavor and aroma. A pinch of this spice on your dessert or bread would be excellent too. There are also cinnamon sticks that you could enjoy.

Health Benefits of Green Tea

Do you know that Health Benefits of Green Tea surpasses other tea varieties? Green tea is now one of the most popular health drinks around. It is now widely available commercially. Green tea is one of three main types of tea, along with oolong tea and black tea. These three types of tea differ based on their oxidation levels. While black tea is fully fermented and oolong tea is partially fermented, green tea is only steamed, pan heated, or baked, thus preventing full oxidation. This is why the leaves are still green. But what difference does green tea really make for our health?

Green Tea Is A Powerful Antioxidant

Because of its preparation process and the natural properties of tea, green tea is one of the best and most powerful antioxidants currently known. It is rich in epigallocatechin-3 gallate or EGCG, which is lost during the fermentation process done to oolong and black tea but is preserved in green tea. EGCG is a far more superior antioxidant even when compared to vitamins E and C. Its antioxidant action effectively helps prevent free radicals from wreaking havoc within the body, causing tissue damage, weakening the cells, and thus making the body more susceptible to diseases. As a matter of fact, EGCG has the ability to attack cancer cells without causing harm to healthy tissues. This is why certain studies have linked green tea with the reduced risk of the growth of cancer cells in the body.

Health Benefits of Green Tea — Photo Credit: symic

Green Tea Lowers Cholesterol Levels

There is also research that shows how green tea can also lower the overall cholesterol level in the body by reducing the levels of LDL or bad cholesterol so there is more HDL or good cholesterol in the body. This can help prevent health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and thrombosis or the abnormal formation of blood clots, which is known as the biggest culprit behind heart attacks and strokes.

Green Tea Helps Burn Calories

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition back in 1999 showed a link between green tea and weight loss. The study, conducted at the University of Geneva in Switzerland, found that men who were given green tea extracts combined with caffeine were able to burn more calories than men who were given a combination of caffeine and a placebo.

Green Tea Prevents Tooth Decay

Some studies also showed that green tea’s ability to destroy bacteria can also actually put a stop to dental plaque. Good oral health is very important to a person’s overall well-being and health, after all.

Are There Any Negative Effect?

Aside from the health benefits of green tea, advocates should also be warned of a particular harmful effect that has been traced to increased intake of green tea. According to some reports, drinking a lot of green tea can lead to insomnia because it contains high caffeine levels. Although the caffeine content is lower than that of coffee, some people might not be aware of this and might consume a lot of green tea to enjoy all its benefits.

It is true that green tea has several important health benefits, but it should also be taken in moderation within a single day.

Bell Pepper Health Benefits

Bell peppers are mild flavored peppers with a crisp texture. This is also called sweet pepper – because of its sweet flavor – and capsicum. It is a rich source of Vitamins A and C.

They come in different colors: the most common colors of bell peppers are green and red; there are also yellow bell peppers available in most part of the US. Some stores package them together. Each pack has 3 bell peppers of different colors (red, yellow, and green). This is called stop light.

Did you know that paprika is made from bell pepper? You read it right. These are bell peppers in powdered form.

Aside from having a nice appearance, delicious taste, and a perfect crisp, bell peppers also have health and weight loss benefits. They contain essential vitamins and minerals that make you healthy and stay fit.

Cancer Fighting Food

All bell peppers, regardless of color, carry pigments called carotenoids. This protects the peppers from the harmful effects of the sun until it ripens and is ready for harvest. The good thing about carotenoids is that it does not only protect the bell pepper; when eaten, it also protects us from cancer causing free radicals. This is made possible by its high antioxidant content. It improves our immune system to fight cancer and other diseases.

Vitamin C is also abundant in bell peppers, especially the red and yellow ones. A single piece of bell pepper is more than enough to supply you with your daily Vitamin C needs. This is more than the amount that you can get for an ordinary orange or mandarin. Furthermore, Vitamin C protects against any disease of the heart and some common types of cancer such as colon cancer.

Weight Loss

Bell peppers are low in calories. It is estimated that a cup of bell pepper contains only 22 to 25 calories. This makes this wonder pepper friendly to people who want to lose weight. In addition, your weight loss goal is far from impossible when you add bell pepper to your diet. This is because bell pepper boosts the production of body heat – making you burn more calories than usual.

Other Health Benefits

Did you know that bell pepper is rich in beta carotene? Red bell pepper, in particular, has the highest content among the varieties. This improves eye sight and protects against cataracts.

Are you a fan of bell pepper? What are your favorite bell pepper recipes? If you are looking for one, I recommend our Stuffed Peppers.

Health Benefits of Pineapple

The Health Benefits of Pineapple seem endless. You might know pineapple as a canned fruit that come in various slices. In reality, pineapple is a fruit composed of many flowers. The fruits of each flower circle around a single core; each fruit is characterized by a spiny part which we sometimes call as eyes.
Children from tropical countries know what a pineapple looks like. This is because the fruit grow best in humid climate and is readily available almost whole year round. For others, pineapple is just a simple canned fruit – or better yet a fruit shaped like Sponge Bob’s house.

One known Health Benefit of Pineapple is its ability to prevent scurvy. This fruit is rich in Vitamin C, but there is more to it than that.

Pineapples contain an important enzyme called bromelain. This enzyme has been found to be an effective anti-inflammatory compound that helps reduce swelling. It is also known to treat sore throat, arthritis, gout, and acute sinusitis.

Another Health Benefit of Pineapple is its ability to assist in digestion. It is more advisable to have pineapple in between meals to enable proper digestion that can lead to weight loss. If pineapple is eaten with any other food, it will first digest the food that was eaten with it, leaving a little effect on the other foods and proteins stored in the stomach.

Eliminating free radicals from our body is important. Pineapple, like berries is also high in anti-oxidants. This is responsible in protecting our cells from free-radical build-up that can lead to asthma, colon cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Other Health Benefits of Pineapple include: Goiter prevention by regulating the thyroid gland; protects against bronchitis by removing the inflammation of the bronchial tubes; prevents high blood pressure; removes worms from the intestine; prevents dyspepsia from occurring.

Do you have more Health Benefits of Pineapple to add? It is now your turn.