The Amazing Benefits of Alpha-Carotene!

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Alpha Carotene, Antioxidant, Beta Carotene, Cancer, Cardiovascular Diseases, Carotene, Fat Soluble, Fruits, Healthy Skin, Immune System, Photosysthesis, RAE, Supplements, Vegetables, Vision, Vitamin A

Carotene is a general name for biochemical compounds that play an important role in photosynthesis, and it has two well-known forms: alpha carotene and beta carotene. It can only be synthesized by plants. Other forms of carotene include delta, epsilon, gamma and zeta. These forms are all made up of hydrogen and carbon molecules, and are therefore called hydrocarbons. They do not contain oxygen, and this makes them hydrophobic, which means they “dislike” water. Therefore, all forms of carotene are insoluble in water, but soluble in fat.

Three carotene: alpha, beta and gamma, are also called pro-vitamins, because your body can process and turn them into vitamin A.

Alpha carotene and beta carotene differ in the position of double bonds in their ring structures. Alpha carotene is less common than beta carotene. In fact, when a fruit or vegetable appears more orange, it has more beta carotene than alpha carotene.

Both alpha carotene and beta carotene can be converted into vitamin A by the body. Vitamin A, also called retinol, is important for maintenance of visual acuity. According to research, intake of 1 microgram beta carotene dissolved in oil is equivalent to 0.5 microgram retinol, 1 microgram beta carotene from the diet is equivalent to 0.083 microgram retinol and 1 microgram alpha carotene from the diet is equivalent to 0.042 microgram retinol. Alternatively, these can be expressed in retinol activity equivalent (RAE).

Alpha carotene is found in different vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash, tomatoes, cilantro, green beans, in dark green vegetables like spinach, peas, broccoli, kale, collard greens, turnip greens, and fruits such as apricots, apples, avocados and cantaloupes.

Studies show that alpha carotene has the power to reduce one’s mortality risk from disease by more than one-third. That’s the kind of life insurance that makes sense to stock up on!

A new 14- year study showed that people with the highest blood levels of alpha carotene experienced a 39% lower risk of dying from any disease, including heart disease and cancer.

As mentioned before, our bodies can convert alpha carotene into vitamin A for the maintenance of healthy skin and bones, improved vision and a robust immune system.

As an antioxidant (an enzyme that fights disease by stopping the oxidization or break-down of cells caused by free-radicals) alpha carotene is considered superior. It is so powerful that it removes destructive free-radicals from the body before they can cause the tissue damage that can lead to chronic diseases like heart diseases and cancer.

In addition, alpha carotene may help prevent cancer by stimulating cell-to-cell communication, a process which appears necessary for proper cell division.

Antioxidants supplements typically don’t contain alpha carotene, so it is especially important to satisfy your needs for this nutrient with a vegetable-filled diet.

Tip: you should eat these foods in the presence of dietary fat, because they are fat soluble and are absorbed better with fat. If you are taking cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as cholestyramine, your absorption of carotene may become impaired. Therefore, avoid taking these drugs together with eating carotene-rich foods.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha-carotene
http://atbcstudy.cancer.gov/
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/High-alpha-carotene-levels-linked-to-longer-life-Study

The Miraculous Benefits of Ginger Tea!

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Allergies, Asthma, Blood Pressure, Cancer, Capsules, Colds, Digestion, Essential Oils, Flu, Ginger, Illness, Indigestion, Menstrual Pains, Parasites, Tea

This great healthy drink is recommended for digestive disorders, strengthening the immune system and relieving the morning sickness which occurs in case of pregnant women. Ginger tea is very effective against some types of cancer, reduces joint inflammation and rheumatic pains, strengthens immunity and lowers bad cholesterol.

Ginger is part of the family Zingiberacea and is considered an ally remarkable for health; can treat many illnesses and quickly provide benefits to the digestive system. It was used as a medicinal plant since ancient times to relieve rheumatic problems and treat signs of colds and flu. Research on ginger revealed digestive and anti-cancer properties, uses in cosmetics and surprisingly good efficiency ginger tea offered in the treatment of colon cancer and ovarian cancer.

Although ginger may be consumed as spices, to give food, fresh juices and cakes a unique flavor, refreshing, but to fully take advantage of the beneficial properties of ginger, infusion is a must resort. A cup of ginger tea daily helps to combat respiratory problems and alleviate stress and has a strong anti-inflammatory effect and strengthens immunity.

Ginger tea – benefits and curative properties.  Ginger contains calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, protein, carbohydrate, dietary fiber, selenium, sodium, vitamins C, E and B6. Ginger volatile oils have analgesic, sedative and anti-thermal effects. They give flavor and aroma and promote gastrointestinal muscle movement, contributing to better digestion.

Ginger has nearly 500 identified compounds, many with known biological activities, acting in different ways or influence a particular enzyme or protein, or by supporting the work of other compounds. Here are some of the benefits of ginger:

Ginger tea helps digestion

Ginger is very effective for healthy digestion, acting through protein breakdown and help stomach and intestines to release gas. It is so effective in this regard as it has 180 times more enzymes to digest protein than legendary papaya. Once ingested, ginger promotes the release of important enzymes in the digestion process. These enzymes are essential as it helps in efficient absorption of nutrients from food. It also helps digest fatty foods by stimulating the production of saliva and swallowed the relief process. Ginger tea combat digestive discomfort by improving absorption of beneficial substances in food and prevent overeating. Therefore, drinking ginger tea after meals is great for regaining control of digestion. In addition, daily consumption of ginger tea can prevent diarrhea to flatulence, bloating and indigestion due to chemicals in its composition, which tones the muscles of the digestive tract and prevent high levels of stomach acid that can cause heartburn.

Ginger tea has anti-ulcer effects

Ginger has anti-ulcer significant effects comparable to many of the medicinal products available on prescription, and contains a substance called zingibain that destroys parasites and their eggs. Ginger extracts tested in the laboratory, destroying a number of parasites, such as those of raw fish over a period of 16 hours. Therefore, the injection of ginger in the treatment of parasitic diseases is indicated. In case of indigestion and loss of appetite, mix equal parts of ginger juice, lemon and salt and is given before meals. If you experience stomach or intestines symptoms, it is recommended an infusion of dried ginger mixed with castor oil, or a mixture of resin and powdered ginger.

Calm morning sickness with ginger tea

Ginger relieves morning sickness that affects some pregnant women, as long as they consume a cup of ginger tea every two days. It is an effective remedy that can be safely used by pregnant women which have this unpleasant symptom.

It is the best natural remedy for nausea in all forms: essential oil, capsules, soaked in alcohol, marinated in honey, pickled in brine or vinegar, as Oriental methods, especially Japanese, boiled in soups or prepared as tea, in the infusion.

Diminishes menstrual pain

This herb is a natural remedy and very helpful in reducing menstrual pain. If symptoms presented each month overwhelms you, try to apply several times daily local tea compresses with ginger. It is scientifically proven that a compress soaked in ginger tea and applied to the lower abdomen can relieve pain and relax muscles.

Ginger tea lowers blood pressure

Ginger lowers blood pressure by relaxing the muscles surrounding blood vessels, facilitating blood circulation throughout the body. Helps prevent and treat nausea caused by motion and dizziness. The ginger is great for good circulation, prevents blood clots and helps transport of oxygen and nutrients to vital organs of the body, including the penis (the aphrodisiac effect). Amino-acids and minerals in ginger root also promotes the erythrocytes, therefore it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Ginger tea helps in colds and flu

We can appeal to the healing effects of ginger to combat respiratory diseases. It is particularly effective in cough expectorant, cleaning the lungs, but also in allergic respiratory problems such as asthma. Ginger tea helps in colds and flu by inducing sweating and strengthens the immune system. It also has expectorant action being beneficial to get rid of cough, bronchitis, throat irritation. A simple way to make ginger tea is to bring water to a boil, cut a few slices of ginger and let them boil in water for 10-15 minutes small. Ginger tea is very effective in treating colds because decongest the upper nasal passages, moisten the throat, helping to relieve cough and promotes expectoration, which speeds up the healing process.

Prepare your home a cup of ginger tea after the following recipe: Peel fresh ginger root, cut a small piece and gives it the grater until you get 2-3 teaspoons of rasping. Put the ginger in a cup and pour over boiling water to cover 3/4 cup (it is preferable to pour boiling water after about 2 minutes), then fill in the rest with freshly squeezed lemon or lime. If you drink sweetened tea cooled, add a teaspoon of honey (lime and acacia) and cover the mixture, leaving a few minutes to infuse well. Pass it through a sieve to get rid of rasping and consume it warm. CAUTION: It is very important to consume fresh root ginger; powder packets have an uncertain origin.

Ginger tea relieves symptoms of respiratory diseases: allergies, asthma

Nutritionist Phyllis Balch writes in his book “Prescription for Herbal Healing” that ginger works by inhibiting a component of the immune system that causes allergies and asthma. French researchers have shown in a study published in December 2008 in the journal “International Immunopharmacology” that ginger reduces airway inflammation, especially in the lungs, reducing respiratory symptoms associated with seasonal allergies.

Ginger Teal is very effective against cancer

Ginger is one of the most formidable enemy of cancer. It is considered to have an antitumor effect even in leukemia. Ginger extracts stimulate immunity by increasing the activity of thymus and spleen, and the production of phagocytes. Even in breast cancer is indicated the consumption of ginger, which seems to inhibit invasion, motility and agglutination of cancer cells.

Sexual Disorders

Scientific research performed on ginger certify that this aromatic herb is useful for people suffering from sexual disorders. According to specialists, the effect of “Viagra” of ginger can improve your sex life, because it acts on the genitals, improving blood circulation.

Reduce joint inflammation and rheumatic pains

Ginger reduces inflammation of the joints, rheumatoid arthritis is often recommended. Also, if you drink a cup of ginger tea after you exercised can avoid muscle soreness and joint pains in general. If you have local inflammation, such as dislocations or sprains, ginger compresses work miracles.

Lower the bad cholesterol

Recent studies show that ginger lowers bad cholesterol in the body, reducing the risk of heart disease. Ginger contributes to good blood circulation through optimum mix of minerals and amino acids effective in the fight against cardiovascular disease. In addition, the plant enhances immunity of the body, by a combination of antioxidants, at the same time, it proves effective in combating and preventing cholesterol and even cancer.

Ginger tea has strong analgesic effects

A cup of ginger tea reduces prostaglandins that sensitize pain receptors in nerve endings, demonstrating powerful analgesic effects. It is a good remedy against stress, and according to experts, the effect of ginger tea is similar to light anxiolytics type Xanax.

Ginger tea strengthens immunity

It strengthens the immune system due to the large amount of antioxidants that reduce the risk of infection or disease. For example, a cup of ginger tea consumed daily can significantly reduce the risk of stroke because the active substances in ginger blocks fat storage in the arteries, reduce the level of bad cholesterol and helps prevent various forms of cancer.

Precautions and contraindications

Ginger should not be used by people with inflammation of the stomach or lungs. The side effects are rare, and occur when it is used indiscriminately in large quantities and consumed daily.

However to sensitive people can cause heartburn. For pregnant women is recommended caution; Ginger can be taken against nausea and dizziness, but not long term.

People with gallstones should consult with your doctor before resorting to treatment ginger. Avoid taking ginger, two weeks before undergoing surgery.

Reactions with other drugs of ginger tea

Ginger can prolong the sleeping state, when taken together with barbiturates. Daily consumption of ginger can interfere with the absorption of iron and fat-soluble vitamins.

Ginger increases the power of drugs as aspirin, Clopidogrel (Plavix), Ticlopidine (Ticlid), Warfarin (Coumadin), which can lead to bleeding (stimulates circulation).

However if you prefer spicy dishes,  natural beverages or prepared as a tea, ginger will surprise and energize the body, with the great taste and health benefits.

Consumed in moderation, ginger tea helps proper functioning of the body, facilitates healing and prevents certain diseases.

To Your Health!

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-961-GINGER.aspx?activeIngredientId=961&activeIngredientName=GINGER

http://www.livestrong.com/article/272999-benefits-of-drinking-ginger-tea/