Ashwagandha-Helpful to cure Depression, Thyroid, Heart Diseases.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an interesting herb that YOU should be aware of!

I was first introduced to it a few months ago while researching natural supplements for anxiety and stress. All the claims and health benefits associated with this herb used in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine intrigued me so much, that I decided to purchase a few bottles to test it out myself. The results were miraculous as soon as I discovered what these reputed websites were raving about.

I regularly meditate because of my high anxiety personality and what I noticed after taking this essential supplement was that I was able to settle into a meditative state quite effortlessly. I also noticed how much more relaxed I was during my usual stressful work week. I was sold!

Being the resourceful person I am, I dug in a little deeper to understand this herb and the other health benefits this centuries old remedy claimed to provide.

What I Found Out Blew My Mind!

Ashwagandha is a nutritious evergreen shrub grown in the Middle East and India. It is often referred to as the “Indian ginseng” and is classified as an “adaptogen.”  These types of adaptogenic herbs are known to be extremely effective in bringing balance to your hormones and normalizing the physiological functions in your body.

For those out there who hate swallowing pills, there are other ways of ingesting it other than taking it in capsule form. I have found that you can also chew on the root or brew it in a fresh hot tea and it also comes in a liquid extract.

Ashwagandha

Here are the top ten health benefits of Ashwagandha and why YOU should consider adding it to your health routine.

1. Reduces Anxiety and Depression

About 350 million adults suffer from depression globally and an estimated 40 million in the United States suffer from anxiety. Ashwagandha has shown to be extremely effective in treating both anxiety and depression without any of the known side effects that come with taking prescription drugs. It is known to lower the levels of cortisol in your body and, in return, helps you to relax. In high doses, it can actually be used as a mild sedative to help treat insomnia as well.

2. Adrenal Fatigue

Your adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system. They are responsible for releasing the hormones cortisol and adrenaline in your body. Too often, we are dealt numberless amounts of highly stressful situations throughout the week, whether it be from our jobs, family issues or paying off debt. These all fatigue our adrenal glands and over time, can create health issues associated with stress. Ashwagandha helps support your adrenal glands and restore balance to your levels of cortisol and adrenaline.

3. Improves Thyroid Function

Ashwagandha has been shown in studies to help re-balance the thyroid. This is again due to its “adaptogenic” properties. It can help with stress, the loss of energy and other common symptoms that are related to thyroid issues.

4. Cancer Prevention

Studies have been very promising in ashwagandha’s ability to prevent and treat cancer. It stunts the growth of cancerous cells and also supports the growth of white blood cells that are lost during chemotherapy. More studies are being conducted to find out more. Keep an eye out for this… interesting stuff!

5. Increases Stamina and Endurance

This herb can increase endurance and stamina during physical activity. If you’re an athlete or just love working out regularly like I do, then this is the perfect supplement for you! It sharpens your mind and improves concentration during your workout, almost like caffeine does, but without the side effects. A couple of other benefits include the reduction of lactic acid and faster recovery time in your muscles from extensive exercising.

6. Helps Treat Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Test results for the treatment of Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease have been very promising! They have shown that Ashwagandha improves memory loss and that it helps rebuild lost connections in the brain from these degenerative diseases. The National Brain Research Center has done studies on mice with alzheimer’s and revealed that mice that were given ashwagandha were able to retain information learned after being supplemented for 20 days. Although research is still in the early stages, we should be confident that one day researchers will hopefully make a breakthrough with this impressive ancient herb.

7. Boosts Immunity

Ashwagandha is not called the “Indian ginseng” for nothing. It is also known to strengthen our immune systems and increase our energy. Research has shown that the amount of white blood cells in our bodies increase when we regularly take Ashwagandha. If you’re feeling under the weather, add this to your arsenal of cold/flu fighting vitamins and nutrients.

8. Anti-Inflammatory

The many types of diseases that arise due to inflammation - like fibromyalgia and heart disease - can be reduced and possibly even healed by taking Ashwagandha regularly. Taking this herb can reduce the inflammation in your body, which in turn aids to reduce the symptoms associated with disease.

9. Anemia

Ashwagandha can help with iron deficiency due to its high iron content. If you are noticing the usual symptoms of iron deficiency, consult a doctor first before taking this supplement.

10. Aphrodisiac

Yes, you read that right. Ashwagandha was used during ancient times as an aphrodisiac in India. In fact, a 2013 study revealed that the herb can increase semen volume, sperm counts and sperm motility when evaluating the spermatogenic activity in males.

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Remedies for DRY MOUTH

10 Natural Remedies to Prevent Dry Mouth

Most of us are quite familiar with dry mouth syndrome. Dry mouth occurs when your salivary glands are not producing enough saliva, which aids in the digestive process, and prevents harmful bacteria from forming. The medical term for the condition is xerostomia. However, it is not a disease.

Dry mouth can result from a wide variety of causes, which includes; infections, adverse reactions to medications and smoking. You can prevent it from occurring by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Here are the most common causes and symptoms attributed to the condition:






What Causes Dry Mouth:
Side effect of certain medications
Side effect of certain medical treatments
Side effect of certain diseases and infections
Smoking
Dehydration
Nerve damage
Surgical removal of the salivary glands
Symptoms of Dry Mouth:
Sores in the mouth
Dehydration
Cracked lips
A dry feeling in the mouth (cotton mouth)
Hoarseness, dry nasal passages, sore throat
Dry feeling in the throat or a dry and red tongue
Difficulty with speech
Problems chewing, tasting, and swallowing
A burning or tingling sensation in the mouth and tongue
Bad breath
10 Home Remedies to Treat Dry Mouth:





1) Ginger - Ginger has some amazing properties, that help fight and prevent many medical conditions. The spicy tasting herb helps produce more saliva in the mouth while fighting off bacteria and infections.

Remedy:
Chew a small piece of fresh ginger slowly for several times a day.
Drink a cup of green tea with ginger and a teaspoon of honey to increase the flavor and to keep your salivary glands functioning properly.
2) Stay Hydrated - Dehydration is one of the most common causes of cotton mouth, which is why it is so important to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Avoid sugary soft drinks, as they are a major contributor to dehydration and can also rot your teeth.
Remedy:
Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, especially with each meal to promote healthy digestion.
You can also suck on small pieces of ice and roll it around your tongue.
Snack on frozen chunks of water-based fruits and vegetables to absorb the natural juices. Citrus fruits are the best.
You can blend a combination of fruits or vegetables together for a delicious smoothie.
You can drink up to two glasses of coconut water each day.
Have a cup of green tea or herbal tea each day.
Consume hot liquid foods stews and soups.
3) Aloe Vera - Aloe vera treats the sensitive tissues inside your mouth, keeping your lips and tongue moisturized.

Remedy:
Drink ¼ cup of aloe vera juice twice a day or rinse your mouth with aloe vera juice on a daily basis.
You can also apply pure aloe vera gel around your mouth using a cotton swab.
Leave the gel on for a few minutes, and then rinse your mouth out with cold water. Repeat 2 or 3 times a day.




4) Lemon Juice - The tangy sour taste of lemon juice increases the production of saliva, while keeping your breath smelling fresh and clean. Lemons are high s of Vitamin C and protect you from catching a cold.

Remedy:
Squeeze out half a lemon and add the juice with a tablespoon of honey to a glass of warm water to stay hydrated during the day.
You can make sugar-free homemade lemonade as an alternative solution.
Sprinkle a pinch of salt onto a lemon wedge, and rub it against your tongue to fight off dehydration.
5) Slippery Elm - Slippery elm becomes a gel- substance when mixed together with water. It's used to treat cold sores and even soothes a sore throat. The chemicals of the elm also cause mucous secretion.

Remedy:
Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of slippery elm into a cup of hot water.
Cover the gel and allow it to steep for 10 minutes, before straining. You can add a bit of honey to give it some taste. Drink the slippery elm tea twice a day.
Alternatively, you may prepare a paste with some slippery elm bark powder and a bit of hot water.
Apply the paste solution inside your mouth for a few minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with water, and repeat the process as needed.
6) Oil Pulling - Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic medicine practice that dates back over 3,000 years. This natural remedy has many benefits for treating dry mouth, and for promoting good oral hygiene.

Remedy:
Place 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth, and swish the oil around thoroughly for about 15 minutes.
Spit it out and rinse with warm water.
Brush your teeth as usual and repeat on a daily basis.




7) Cayenne Pepper - Cayenne pepper can help cure nasal congestion problems and dry mouth as well. The sharp tasting cayenne pepper stimulates the production of saliva and kills off bacteria.

Remedy:
Place a tiny amount of ground cayenne pepper to a wet finger, and slowly rub it all around your tongue. You may experience an uncomfortable burning sensation for a little while, but it will help get rid of the dry mouth.
Add a dash of cayenne pepper powder to your soups, salads, and other dishes.
You can also take capsules as a substitute, but make sure you consult your doctor beforehand.
8) Cardamom - Cardamom acts as a natural treatment for oral ulcers, infections, and various digestive issues. You can chew on it to fight bad breath and even help relieve flu symptoms.

Remedy:
Chew on a handful of cardamom after each meal or whenever your mouth becomes dry.
You can mix a teaspoon of cardamom powder to a glass of hot water if you prefer not to chew it raw. Allow the cardamom to steep for 10 minutes before drinking.
Have a glass first thing in the morning and before you go to bed.
You can rinse your mouth with lukewarm cardamom tea twice a day as another option.
9) Grapeseed Oil - Grapeseed oil contains a very high content of Vitamin E, which is used to moisten your mouth and heal cold sores. You can also snack on grapes to absorb their high water content, ideal for preventing dry mouth symptoms.

Remedy:
Gently rub a little grapeseed oil on your tongue and the inside of your cheeks using your fingers.
Allow the grapeseed oil to work its magic overnight.
Rinse your mouth out with warm water the following morning, and then brush your teeth directly after to get the taste out.
Repeat process every night before going to bed.
10) Fennel Seeds - Fennel seeds are a yellow colored spice that promotes fresh breath and eliminates dehydration symptoms. Fennel seeds contain flavonoids, which quench the dry thirst in your mouth.

Remedy:
Grab a handful of fennel seeds and eat them several times a day to prevent dry mouth.
Try mixing equal amounts of fennel seeds and fenugreek seeds together, which also helps to lower bad cholesterol levels.
Dry roast the fennel and fenugreek seeds in a pan.
Eat 1/2 teaspoon of this healthy combination after each meal.
A Few Extra Preventative Measures Against Dry Mouth:





Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco, since it minimizes the production of saliva in the mouth.
Take hot showers and breathe the steam in for a few minutes to keep your nasal passageway fully moisturized.
Use a humidifier or vaporizer when you sleep.
Breathe through your nose, not your mouth.



Try to avoid taking medicines that are diuretics, decongestants, and antihistamines.
Gargle with warm salt water 3 or 4 times a day.




Use toothpaste and mouthwash with fluoride to keep your tongue clean.
Drink plenty of water with each meal and make sure you chew your food thoroughly before swallowing.
Try to limit your intake of spicy foods, since they can cause irritation on the inside of the mouth.
Choose fresh fruits as snacks instead of junk food to stimulate the saliva glands.
Avoid sugary sodas and drink water instead.

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Remedies for Varicose Veins

Home Remedies for Treating Varicose Veins

According to a number of studies, about 25 percent of all women and 10 percent of men are affected by varicose veins. Varicose veins are dilated and 'puffed up' veins that are usually in the legs that can be painful and have an unpleasant appearance. But don't stop reading here, because there are a number of at-home remedies for treating varicose veins that could help you or someone you know with the condition avoid expensive and painful surgical procedures.

Varicose veins are usually genetic, so if someone in your family has had them, there is a greater chance that you will too. They are caused when the valves in the veins that push blood throughout your circulatory system weaken and become 'flappy', causing fluid to accumulate in the veins. The common signs for the development of varicose veins are tenderness around the area of an enlarged vein, swelling of the legs, a tightening or itching sensation in the legs and a feeling of heaviness in the legs.

Although varicose veins are usually benign, meaning that they do not put your health at risk, their puffed up appearance is startling or discomforting for some, and therefore many doctors recommend cosmetic surgery to remove them. Yet these surgeries can be expensive and keep you off your feet, so it's best to try out some of these simple and completely natural remedies first.

1. Keep Your Feet Up

Just like on any long flight or an extended period sitting down, the blood rushes to your legs and causes them to feel heavy. The feeling with varicose veins is similar, and those that have the condition may experience swelling if they spend the day seated or on their feet. To remedy this uncomfortable feeling, it is best to recline with your legs elevated for anywhere up to an hour. This allows the blood to flow away from the legs and ankles and back towards the heart to decrease swelling and the feeling of heaviness.

2. Ice Your Veins

Applying ice or a cold pack to your varicose veins can help minimize their appearance and reduce the swelling around the vein. This is because the application of cold restricts the bloodflow to the area of application, making the appearance of the swollen veins less apparent. It is also recommended to take a cold or lukewarm bath every so often to keep your bloodflow healthy and your veins and vessels working hard.

3. Exercise

Regularly performing cardiovascular exercise, either running, walking at a fast pace, biking or swimming, keeps your blood flowing as it should and prevents the pooling of liquids in your veins. It is recommended to perform at least 15 minutes of cardiovascular exercise every day (with approval from your doctor), and not just to stay fit. It has been shown that regular exercise can reduce the severity and appearance of varicose veins.

4. Flex Your Feet

Even if you aren't able to get in a full cardiovascular workout, doing a few leg raises or ankle circles will help keep your varicose veins in check. When you contract the muscles in your feet, the blood is forced upward out of your legs and towards the heart. By pointing and flexing your feet a few times, circling your ankles, or doing heel slips where you slide your heels back and forth can keep your circulation in check and blood out of your varicose veins.

5. Try A Compression Stocking


There are special compression socks and stockings that can be purchased at most pharmacies that will help improve circulation in your legs. As explained above, when pressure is applied to the lower legs, the blood is pushed up towards the heart and won't pool in your veins. You can get weaker compression stockings, 20mm Hg, or stronger ones at 60 mm Hg (the stronger versions usually require a prescription from a doctor). They come in a variety of colors and shapes for different parts of the leg and are usually comfortable enough (in the weak and mild versions) for everyday use.

If you or someone you know has varicose veins, you should consult your doctor to determine if you have a higher chance to experience clotting. These natural remedies will help mediate many of the effects of varicose veins, but there is no guarantee that they will completely disappear. There is no harm in trying!


More helpful page

http://www.astrovighnesh.in

Book mark it and visit often for healthy tips

Astrologer Vighnesh

+1 425-358-6565

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10 Amazing Health Benefits of Flaxseeds

Flaxseed is the seed derived from the plant Linum usitatissimum, and have been praised for their extraordinary health benefits. Flaxseeds are loaded with Omega-3 essential fatty acids, extremely high in fiber, and contain Lignans, which help ease menopausal symptoms. The powerful little seeds also help prevent against heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.  There are two different types of flaxseeds, which are the brown and yellow versions. Flaxseeds can be added to yogurts, cereals, and even sprinkled on salads. Flaxseed oil is a substitute for the traditional seed variant, which can be used as a cooking alternative to regular oil. It can help treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and promote low blood pressure.  Precautions: Pregnant women and possibly breastfeeding mothers should avoid taking ground flaxseed or flaxseed supplements. Consult with your physician if you are taking blood-thinners, as the flaxseed can increase the risk of bleeding.  People suffering from prostate cancer, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, and hormone-sensitive conditions, should consume the flaxseeds with caution, and consult with your doctors.  Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly for people taking diabetes medications, to stabilize the blood sugar levels. Drink plenty of water with the flaxseeds to prevent gastrointestinal side effects. Avoid large amounts of flaxseeds, as it may cause intestinal obstruction. You'll certainly want to add flaxseeds to your dietary intake, after reading about the top 10 incredible health benefits below! 1) Promotes Weight Loss - The omega-3 essential fatty acids help keep your metabolism in check, and give you energy throughout the day. The magical seeds are high in B vitamins, potassium, magnesium and zinc, all essential components for weight loss. Flaxseeds are also gluten-free, and can be mixed together with low fat or Greek yogurts, for a perfect and healthy snack during the day.  2) Lowers Bad Cholesterol Levels - Flaxseeds can help keep the LDL cholesterol (the bad guys) down, while promoting HDL cholesterol levels (the good guys) in the system. The LDL cholesterol helps keep your blood pressure regulated, and prevents heart disease. You can eat 2-4 teaspoons per day, or 1-2 capsules of flaxseed oil. Consult with your physician before taking the supplement version.   3) Helps Fight Cancer - The lignans contained in flaxseeds can help reduce the risks for breast cancer, due to their anti-estrogen components. The lignans assist in blocking enzymes that are involved in the production of hormone metabolism, which cause the growth and spread of tumor cells. Flaxseeds also prevent against prostate, ovarian and colon cancer. The omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in fighting off the cancer cells. 4) Protects Against Heart Disease - The ALA omega-3 fatty acids of the flaxseeds, are known for reducing the build-up of fats in the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis. They also help reduce inflammation, while preventing arterial clots, that cause strokes and heart attacks. Keep your heart healthy with a daily dosage of flaxseeds to your diet!  5) Promotes Healthy Skin - The high anti-inflammatory properties of flaxseeds, helps to keep your skin fully hydrated and moisturized. The essential omega-3 fatty acids also reduce some chronic skin conditions, such as rosacea, acne, eczema, skin allergies, sunburn, and even protect against skin cancer. You can try rubbing a little flaxseed oil gently on your skin on a daily basis to ensure smooth clean skin.  6) Helps Treat Menopausal Symptoms - Flaxseeds are high in lignans, which contain estrogen-like qualities that can reduce menopausal symptoms in women. The lignans act like conventional hormone replacement therapy, which combat hot flashes, mood swings, and prevent against ovarian cancer. The suggested dosage of flaxseeds is a single tablespoon, two or three times per day. Please consult with your doctor beforehand.  7) Keeps Blood Sugar Stabilized - Flaxseeds are widely used to promote healthy blood sugar levels in people who suffer from Type II diabetes. The alpha-linolenic acid and fiber of the tiny seeds, help prevent high blood sugar levels in the body. They also improve insulin sensitivity in glucose intolerant people.  8) Promotes Healthy Hair - The vitamin E contained in flaxseeds, helps provide adequate nourishment to your hair follicles and roots. The omega-3 fatty acids replenishe brittle hair, prevents against scales, and also against alopecia (hair loss). The essential fatty acids of the seeds aids in the promotion of strong healthy hair.  9) Improves Digestion - The high soluble fiber content contained in flaxseeds, helps to promote healthy digestion, and prevents against colon cancer. Consumption of ground flaxseeds allows for the smooth passage of food through the intestines as well. Make sure you drink plenty of water to aid in the digestion process, and stay fully hydrated all day.  10) Detoxifies the Body - Flaxseeds are rich in fiber, which flushes out harmful toxins from the body, cleanses the colon, and helps to promote a healthy immune system. The detoxifying process is essential for combating chronic fatigue and inflammation symptoms. Add a tablespoon of flaxseeds to your morning bowl of oatmeal, and reap the detoxifying benefits!

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11 Walking Workouts for Your Body and Your Soul

It you ever feel you need to relax, recharge your battery and get in better shape, but just haven't found the time, the answer might be simpler than you think. Walking can be an amazing exercise for anyone who wants a quick pick-me-up for the body and brain, as well as for everyone who wants to maintain a healthy and fit life style. Even a daily 10-minute stroll can do wonders and give you a great feeling for up to 12 hours. Whether you want to burn fat, boost energy, lift your mood, or just get a bit more toned in a few important places, we have the workouts and tips for you.

High-Intensity Walks: You could go down a size (or more) this month by adding high-intensity walks to your weekly schedule. Simply go out for a 10-minute routine of fast, high-intensity, walks on 3 non-consecutive days a week. During the rest of the week you can do moderate-intensity activities for about 30 minutes per day. These walks will work even better before or after other cardio workouts and as always, the more you workout, the better you'll feel. Treadmill Slimmer: It's too cold outside? It's too hot outside? Your favorite TV show just started? Treadmills are the answer to all of those. No need to worry about weather, darkness or anything else, just worry about yourself. Another bonus of the treadmill is that you can see your progress in speed and distance which will help you get more motivated. Here is a great half an hour workout that can burn more than 150 calories: (1 MPH = 1.6 KPH) Walking Sprint: Start by warming up with a 5 minutes walk at normal speed, then walk as fast as you can for 10 minutes (but don’t run). Note how far you went and turn around, walking back to your starting point at a brisk pace. When walking back, your speed should be lower than your walking sprint and you should slow down as you get closer to your starting point. Each time you do this workout, try to walk faster and go farther than you did last time, until you are happy with your time and distance. The Weekend Walk: This 60+ minute workout can crank up your post-exercise calorie burn nearly fivefold compared with a 30-minute walk or other short exercises. And did I mention that you will burn nearly 350 calories during the walk itself? Plan your route so you will enjoy your surroundings and even meet up with friends, nothing is better than some company of long walk this. And don’t forget to bring some water with you!

Belly-Busting walk: You can add this simple change to your daily walks to zero in on shaping your abs. The recommended time for this workout is about 10 minutes at first, adding more time as you begin to feel it isn't too taxing on you. When walking, focus on drawing your abs in toward your spine, but don’t hold your breath. It might help to imagine that your legs extend up above your navel. Try to maintain the contraction throughout your walk. If you feel it's too much, release it for a short break while still walking, and resume after a minute or two.  The slight hip swivel will make your lower torso rotate, activating more ab muscles and burning more calories. Happiness Walk: This workout has a lot to do with your mind and not just your body, combine these easy steps in your walk and you will be much more calm and relaxed when you are done. 1) Focus on your feet, imagine the firm ground beneath you as each foot rolls from heel to toe with each step you take. Try to keep this awareness of your steps for 2 to 3 minutes and not to get distracted. 2) Turn your attention to breathing. As you walk, lift your torso and pull your shoulders back to stand upright and increase lung capacity. As you inhale, think of the energy you are giving your body and your mind, then exhale all of the tiredness and pain. 3) Mentally speak to yourself, think about the fresh air and healthy workout you are doing. focus on the good things and if you find yourself wondering off into bad territory, just go back to focusing on your feet. Nature Walk: In just 5 minutes, mother nature can work wonders on your mood and physical well being. If possible, go for short lunchtime strolls in parks or mountain areas. It has been found that it will improve your memory and attention 20% more than a walk in an urban environment, due to fewer distractions and cleaner air. Walking with Poles: A good pair of walking poles will cost you about $90 and up but it may boost your calorie burn by up to 46%. Not only will you be giving your arms a workout, but the poles also reduce impact on your joints.

Outdoor challenge: It not shocking to hear that walking uphill can activate 25% more muscle fibers than just strolling on a level terrain. It might be harder, but that why it's called a challenge. Find a hill to add to your walk, preferably one that takes at least 2 to 2½ minutes to climb, and try this workout. First warm up at an easy walking pace for 5 to 10 minutes and then walk up and down the hill. After you return to level terrain, do 2 minutes of brisk walking and go back to the hill climb. Repeat the hill and level walk for your desired workout length and finish it up with 5 minutes of easy walking to cool down.

Treadmill Hike: If you have no hills or tracks near your home then this treadmill routine can give you the same fat burning experience of an uphill walk in just 25 minutes.(1 MPH = 1.6 KPH) Indoor Leg Workout: If you don’t have a treadmill, and you don’t really want to buy one either, then you can just as easily use the stairs at your home to get a good workout. The routine takes about 5 minutes and can be performed daily: 1. Start by walking up and down one flight normally. 2. Slowly walk up sideways, crossing bottom foot over top, walk down normally and repeat facing the opposite direction. Try to keep your head up while doing this but also be careful not to fall over. 3. Step up on the first stair, then down, starting with right foot (right up, left up, right down, left down). Do this for about 10 times, take a moment to breath and repeat, starting with the left foot. 4. Climb the stairs two steps at a time and go down normally but quickly, using each step. 5. Run up the stairs and walk down normally. 6. Repeat numbers 4 and 5 another four times. 7. At the bottom, place your right foot on the first or second step, bend your knees, and lower into a lunge. Keep the right knee directly over the ankle as you do so. Push off with right foot to return to start. Repeat with your left leg and then alternate legs until you do 20 lunges total. 8. Walk up and down normally one time to relax and do some stretching.

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The purple sweet potato

The purple sweet potato: The latest in a long line of potential ‘Superfoods’

The purple sweet potato, the latest food item presented to the general public as a potential superfood.   The potato’s colouring contained the chemical anthocyanin, which is known to lower the risk of cancer and could even possibly slow down certain types of the disease.  The colour is the important part because the purple colour is responsible for the amount of anthocyanin in the potato.  Scientists have already used two strands of anthocyanin to treat colon cancer and found that the pigment slowed down the growth of cancerous cells.  Anthocyanin, which produces red, blue or purple colours in different types of food, can also be found in blueberries, red grapes and red cabbage, however the specially grown purple sweet potato has a higher concentration of the chemical than any other species of potato.  Dr Weiqun Wang, who was also involved in testing the potato, has said that the new purple sweet potato tasted sweeter than other potatoes but was still perfectly edible.  According to Wang, “It’s good not only for cancer prevention but other benefits like antioxidants as well.”

 

SWEET POTATO (Kamote) far exceeds the nutrition and health values of rice.
Here are the benefits of substituting rice with kamote:
1.   Sweet potato is more filling and suppresses hunger pangs longer. It is also cheaper than rice.
2.   Unlike rice, it is  easy to grow. It grows in backyards with or without fertilizers. Local government executives can provide their poor communities with idle government land for planting kamote which the entire community can share.
3.   Unlike rice which needs to be eaten with a dish, Sweet Potato tastes good and can be eaten by itself. Thus, substituting rice with sweet potato saves money for other needs.
4.   Rice cannot match the nutritional values of potato. Because rice converts to sugar in the body, the Philippines registers as a top producer of diabetics in the world. The poor tends to load up on rice and less on the dish which are more expensive. That makes them vulnerable to diabetes, an ailment known in developed countries as a rich man’s disease.
5.   The nutritional values of a 3 oz. baked sweet potato are: calories 90, fat 0 g, saturated fat 0 g, cholesterol 0 mg, carbohydrate 21 g, protein 2 g, dietary fiber 3 g, sodium 36 mg
 
6.   Too much rice consumption can make you sick, but sweet potato(kamote) can bring you to health and keep away some health problems. These have been proved medically.
 
Sweet Potato (kamote) lowers hypertension, bad cholesterol and even blood sugar when eaten as as a substitute to rice! (Wonder if they mean white rice or brown rice as well....)   The purple sweet potato (kamote) is particularly effective for lowering hypertension.
 
The Korean medical documentary credits the sweet potato (kamote) as high fiber and is one of the best foods that one can eat to prevent cancer!

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