ONIONS ANOTHER MAGICAL HEALTHY DIET

Onions and heart

1. To help keep our blood free of clots, and make the most of the health benefits of onions, eat them both raw and cooked. 

2. Prescribing onions to heart patients is a routine thing amongst cardiologists.

3. Here are some of the things that onions can do for our heart:

(i) Boost beneficial HDL cholesterol

(ii) Thin the blood

(iii) Retard blood clotting

(iv) Lower total blood cholesterol

(v) Lower triglycerides

(vi) Lower blood pressure.

Onions are a rich source of quercitin

1. It is the richest dietary source of quercitin, a potent antioxidant flavonoid (also found in shallots, yellow and red onions), which is found on and near the skin and is particularly linked to the health benefits of onions.

2. Quercitin thins the blood, lowers cholesterol, raises good-type HDL cholesterol, prevents blood

clots, fights asthma, chronic bronchitis, hay fever, diabetes, atherosclerosis and infections and is specifically linked to inhibiting human stomach cancer.

 3. It is also an anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antiviral. It is also a sedative. So far, there is no better food source of quercitin than onion skins.

Detoxify your body with onions

1. Onions contain a variety of organic sulphur compounds that provide health benefits.

2. Sulphur-containing amino acids are found in onions as well as garlic and eggs.

3. These specific amino acids are called methionine and cystine. Amongst other things, they are very good at detoxifying our body from heavy metals.

4. In fact, they are able to latch on to mercury, cadmium and lead and escort them out of the body.

5. Onions also contain vitamin C, which is excellent at detoxifying the body and is effective in removing lead, arsenic and cadmium. So increasing consumption of onions can help our body to get rid of these harmful metals.

Cancer prevention

1. Studies have revealed that the antioxidants present in onions can protect us against cancer by reducing the DNA damage in cells caused by free radicals.

2. All onions and onion relatives (garlic, leeks, chives and scallions or spring onions) are rich in organosulfur compounds, which have been shown to help prevent cancer in lab animals.

3. In fact, an onion extract was found to destroy tumour cells in test tubes and arrest tumour growth when the cells were implanted in rats.

4. The onion extract was shown to be unusually nontoxic, since a dose as high as forty times that of the dose required to kill the tumour cells had no adverse effect on the host.

5. In addition, shallots have been shown to exhibit significant activityagainst leukaemia in mice.

Other health benefits of onions

1. Onions have also been shown to have a significant blood sugar lowering action, even comparable to some prescription drugs.

2. The active compound that seems to be responsible for lowering glucose works by competing with insulin for breakdown sites in the liver, thereby increasing the lifespan of insulin.

3. Onions have historically been used to treat asthma, too. Their action on asthma is due to their ability to inhibit the production of compounds that cause the bronchial muscle to spasm and relax.

4. Onions have potent antibacterial activity, destroying many disease- causing pathogens, including E.coli and salmonella.

5. The flavonoids in onion tend to be more concentrated in the outer layers of the flesh. To maximise health benefits, peel off as little of the fleshy, edible portion as possible when removing the onion’s outermost paper layer. Even a small amount of overpeeling can result in unwanted loss of flavonoids. For example, a red onion can lose about 20 per cent of its quercetin and almost 75 per cent of its anthocyanins if it is overpeeled.

6. The total polyphenol content of onions is much higher than many people expect. (Polyphenols are one of the largest categories of phytonutrients in food. This category includes all flavonoids as well as  tannins.) The total polyphenol content of onions is not only higher than its fellow allium vegetables, garlic and leeks, but also higher than tomatoes, carrots and red bell pepper. In the French diet, only six vegetables (artichoke heart, parsley, brussels sprouts, shallot, broccoli and celery) have a higher polyphenol content than onion. Since the French diet has been of special interest to researchers in terms of disease  prevention, onion’s strong polyphenol contribution will very likely lead to follow-up studies that pay closer attention to this unique allium vegetable

THE EXTRAORDINARY HEALTH BENEFITS OF MORINGA

Moringa also known as the Miracle Tree is a multipurpose plant, as the leaves, pods, fruits, flowers, roots and bark of the tree can be utilized. It is also referred to as Drumstick Tree by the Britishers. The specialty of this tree is that it actually bears fruits in the warm season.

There are many benefits of the moringa tree, but the health benefits are the most important. Research has proved that various parts of the moringa tree can be used to cure a minimum of 300 diseases. Lets see a few of them here.

Vitamin A: Moringa is rich in Vitamin A. It contains four times more Vitamin A or beta-carotene than carrots. Hence, it is a weapon against blindness.

Vitamin C: It is also a rich source of Vitamin C many times more than oranges.

Calcium: Normally milk is said to be a rich source of calcium but the amount of calcium present in moringa leaves is way higher than in milk.

Protein: The moringa leaves are said to contain two times the protein present in milk.

Potassium: Bananas are a rich source of potassium. But moringa leaves contain seven times more potassium than bananas.

Zinc: Along with potassium, zinc is also found in large quantities in moringa.

Iron:  If moringa leaves were to be eaten by one and all, the world will be free of anemia as it contains three times more iron than spinach.

cholesterol levels:  With all the junk food eaten these days, many people face problems of high cholesterol. Moringa helps in balancing the cholesterol levels in the body.

Amino acids: Essential Amino acids are also found in moringa.

Sugar levels:  Moringa is also said to balance sugar levels, hence it is helpful in the fight against diabetes.

Immunity-stimulant: The body's natural defense mechanism increases with the consumption of moringa in the daily diet pattern. Since it is an immunity-stimulant, it is prescribed for AIDS afflicted patients. Less immunity is rampant in many country in Africa, especially people who do not have access to nutritious food and medicines. Moringa leaves can be consumed to stimulate metabolism, It is also said to have digestive powers. It is a nutrition booster and is known to promote a feeling of well-being in people.

Weight loss:  If you are looking for non-sugar based energy, then moringa leaves is the answer. Thus, it will also help in the weight loss process.

The cell structure of the body is stimulated by the moringa leaves. It is especially useful for lactating mothers. The consumption of moringa has shown dramatic increase in the quantity of breast milk. It is also famous for its anti-bacterial properties.

The paste of the moringa leaves is said to beautify the skin and is hence applied by women regularly, It protects the liver and kidneys, It can also be used as a water purifier.

Other Benefits of Moringa: It can be used as a source of biofuel. Cooking oil can also be produced from moringa tree. The health benefits of moringa oil, can be compared to sunflower oil and olive oil. It is used in the manufacture of cosmetics and personal care products. Perfumes and aromatherapy oils are also manufactured from moringa seeds. The flowers of the moringa plant can be used in making herbal tea, for they add a refreshing aroma to the tea.

Moringa contains more than 90 nutrients and 46 types of antioxidants. With all the health benefits of moringa, it can easily be termed as the most nutritious plant on the face of the earth. There are no side-effects of moringa tree leaves which have been proved till date. At the same time it can be consumed by small children and adults alike. Therefore, many people have started using it in porridge, pastas, breads, etc., to reap the everlasting health benefits of the extraordinary 'Moringa'.

CARROT THAT CRUNCHY MAGIC FOOD

IMPROVES VISION: Western culture’s understanding of carrots being good for the eyes” is one of the few we got right. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the liver. Vitamin A is transformed in the retina, to rhodopsin, a purple pigment necessary for night vision. Beta-carotene has also been shown to protect against macular degeneration and senile cataracts. A study found that people who eat the most beta-carotene had 40 percent lower risk of macular degeneration than those who consumed little.

HELPS PREVENT CANCER: Studies have shown carrots reduce the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. Researchers have just discovered falcarinol and falcarindiol which they feel cause the anticancer properties.

Falcarinol is a natural pesticide produced by the carrot that protects its roots from fungal diseases. Carrots are one of the only common sources of this compound. A study showed 1/3 lower cancer risk by carrot-eating mice.

SLOWS DOWN AGING: The high level of beta-carotene acts as an antioxidant to cell damage done to the body through regular metabolism.  It help slows down the aging of cells.

PROMOTES HEALTHIER SKIN: Vitamin A and antioxidants protects the skin from sun damage. Deficiencies of vitamin A cause dryness to the skin, hair and nails. Vitamin A prevents premature wrinkling, acne, dry skin, pigmentation, blemishes, and uneven skin tone.

HELPS PREVENT INFECTION: Carrots are known by herbalists to prevent infection. They can be used on cuts – shredded raw or boiled and mashed.

PROMOTES HEALTHIER SKIN: Carrots are used as an inexpensive and very convenient facial mask.  Just mix grated carrot with a bit of honey.

PREVENTS HEART DISEASE: Studies show that diets high in carotenoids are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.  Carrots have not only beta-carotene but also alpha-carotene and lutein.

The regular consumption of carrots also reduces cholesterol levels because the soluble fibers in carrots bind with bile acids.

CLEANSES THE BODY: Vitamin A assists the liver in flushing out the toxins from the body. It reduces the bile and fat in the liver. The fibers present in carrots help clean out the colon and hasten waste movement.

PROTECTS TEETH AND GUMS: It’s all in the crunch! Carrots clean your teeth and mouth. They scrape off plaque and food particles just like toothbrushes or toothpaste.  Carrots stimulate gums and trigger a lot of saliva, which being alkaline, balances out the acid-forming, cavity-forming bacteria.  The minerals in carrots prevent tooth damage.

PREVENTS STROKE: From all the above benefits it is no surprise that in a Harvard University study, people who ate more than six carrots a week are less likely to suffer a stroke than those who ate only one carrot a month or less. 

Recommendations for Good Eyesight and Eye Health

Cold water fish (sardines, cod, mackerel, tuna.) are excellent sources of DHA, a compound which provides structural support to cell membranes and is recommended for dry eyes. DHA is also used as a treatment for macular degeneration and for sight preservation.

Spinach, kale and green leafy vegetables are rich in carotenoids, especially lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein, a yellow pigment, protects the macula from sun damage and from blue light. Zeaxanthin is one of the two primary xanthophyll carotenoids contained within the retina of the eye.

Eggs are rich in sulphur, cysteine, lecithin, amino acids and lutein. Sulphur-containing compounds protect the lens of the eye from cataract formation. Sulphur is also necessary for the production of glutathione, an important antioxidant for the lens of the eye and the whole body.

Garlic, onions, shallots and capers are also rich in sulfur.

Fruits and vegetables contain vitamin A, C, and E and Beta-carotene.

Dark berries such as blueberries, blackberries, and dark cherries are high in flavonoids and contain anthocyanins which improve night vision.

Wine has many important antioxidants and other nutrients which protect vision, heart and blood flow. Needless to say, moderation is always important.

Nuts and berries are nature's most concentrated food sources. Grains, such as flaxseed, are high in the beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower cholesterol and stabilize cell membranes.

Virgin olive oil is a mono-unsaturated oil and is a healthy alternative to butter substitutes which contain soy, corn or canola.

  

Top Vitamins for Vision and Eye Health
Vitamin A is considered by many to be the ultimate eye vitamin and is essential for the retina to function properly. It is also necessary for the production of rhodopsin, which is the visual pigment used in low light levels. Vitamin A-rich foods include sweet potatoes, carrots, mangoes, spinach, and cantaloupe.

Vitamin A also helps:
Eyes adjust to light changes
Moisten the eyes, which can enhance visual acuity
Prevent the formation of cataracts
Prevent blindness from macular degeneration.

Vitamin C helps strengthen capillaries and builds collagen. It helps maintain the shape of the cornea, especially in cases of infection, and fights against free radicals. Vitamin C also helps prevent cataracts from developing due to UV radiation and oxidative stresses. Healthy fruits and 100% fruit juices are the best sources of Vitamin C.

Vitamin E's antioxidant properties help protect against cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. One clinical study showed that vitamin E can cut the risk of developing cataracts in half. Another showed that the combination of vitamins C and E protected against UV rays.

The richest source of vitamin E is wheat germ. Dark green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, kale, and collard greens), sweet potatoes, avocado, asparagus, and yams are also good sources of vitamin E.

B Complex vitamins are necessary for nerve functions, especially vitamin B-12. The retinal receptor cells send all their messages through nerve fibers into the optic nerve and into the brain. 1000 mg of B-12, sublingually (under the tongue), a day is recommended for people with optic nerve disease or glaucoma.

B vitamins are abundant in meat and meat products such as liver, turkey, and tuna. Other good sources for B vitamins include whole grains, nutritional and brewers yeast, molasses, potatoes, bananas, lentils, chile peppers, tempeh, and beans.

Top Minerals for Vision and Eye Health
Magnesium is important in nerve conduction and it dilates blood vessels. It is especially important for maintaining blood flow to the eye and brain in elderly individuals with macular degeneration or diabetes, at a time of decreased blood pressure because they are lying down.

Chromium is vitally important in regulation of blood sugar. The healthiest form of chromium by far is glucose transfer factor (GTF) chromium.

Selenium is a trace mineral that helps boost immunity and fight off infections and it is an important co-factor for vitamin E, iodine, and glutathione reductase. Studies have identified low selenium levels in cataract sufferers.

Zinc is essential for the conversion of beta-carotene into vitamin A. Our eyes contain the greatest concentration of zinc in our body. It plays an important role in the action of many enzymes present in the retina and helps prevent cataracts and macular degeneration. Note: supplementation of more than 30 mg of zinc daily requires adding 2 mg of copper.

Copper is essential for the production of collagen, a component of connective tissues. Copper gluconate is a readily absorbable form of copper that is one of the most important blood antioxidants. It helps keep cell membranes healthy and aids red blood cells in hemoglobin production.

Other Important Compounds for Vision and Eye Health
Lutein, found in our retinas, is essential for healthy vision. Lutein and a related dietary carotenoid, zeaxanthin, accumulate within the retina and imbue a yellow pigment that helps protect the eye. It lowers the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration (low lutein intake is implicated as a risk factor in age-related macular degeneration) and may also help to prevent or slow down atherosclerosis.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a very important nerve stabilizer and is helpful in diabetics, and in patients with glaucoma, to protect their remaining optic nerve fibers.

Dicosahexaenoic acid (DHA), with six unsaturated double bonds, makes up 30 percent of the good fat in the retina, brain and adrenal gland. Following objects at a distance, driving and hand/eye coordination may all be improved with the use of DHA.

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is the primary component in the production of glutathione, an amino acid and major antioxidant in the lens of the eye. It is produced and released by the liver. Besides helping protect tissues surrounding the lens of the eyes, glutathione helps fortify the cellular enzymes glutathione, reductase, super oxide dismutase and catalase. Those are the primary free radical fighting enzymes inside our cells.

Glutathione has been linked in several studies with the prevention of cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disease, and diabetic blindness.

Rutin is also considered to be an important nutritional compound for the eyes due to its ability to strengthen capillaries.

Top Herbs for Vision and Eye Health
Pycnogenol is a powerful antioxidant derived from French maritime pine tree bark and the subject of more than 180 studies. Of particular note is its ability to reduce leakage into the retina by repairing capillaries in the eyes. While still largely unknown to American doctors, Pycnogenol is the leading prescription for diabetic retinopathy in France.

Coleus forskohlii, Pilocarpus jaborandi, and Triphala have all been used to lower intra ocular pressure via parasympathetic relaxation of the body. Triphala has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of glaucoma.

Saffron is better known as a kitchen spice which gives curry its yellow color; however, it can have wonderful results for eye problems, including cataracts.  In a recent trial, every participant who took saffron had vision improvements and the researchers said the aromatic herb "may hold the key to preventing the loss of sight in the elderly". Notably, there have also been reports of saffron significantly helping vision in the instance of cataracts.

Silymarin, the primary component of milk thistle, is a major liver support compound. The liver is the key organ for the eye, since all the fat soluble vitamins and glutathione are stored there. The B vitamins are activated in the liver. The eye is subjected to bright light throughout the day and important ingredients for repair are stored in the liver.

Bilberry is high in a type of bioflavonoid that speeds the regeneration of rhodopsin, the purple pigment used by the eyes' rods. British air force pilots in World War II ate bilberry jam to improve their night vision during evening sorties.

Gingko biloba has been used for many centuries for eye and central nervous system problems. It is a selective cerebro-vascular dilator and seems to increase circulation to the back of the eye as well as increasing blood flow to the eye. It is also becoming an increasingly popular adjunct in the treatment of macular degeneration and glaucoma.

Eyebright has been used for centuries to treat eye irritation. The name is thought to have been given the plant because of its valuable properties as an eye medicine that preserved eyesight and so brought gladness into the life of the sufferer.

Remedies for the Eyes

Bentonite clay poultices have been used successfully by many people with eye problems. Bentonite clay pulls out toxins that cause any different eye issues and is especially good for infections and eye strain. It has even been reported to help restore vision in the instance of cataracts

Mix half a teaspoon of licorice root powder mixed with half a teaspoon of honey and one fourth teaspoon of clarified butter. Take the mixture twice daily with a cup of milk on an empty stomach.

Mix one-half to one liter of a combination of carrot, celery, and parsley, and chicory juice to help nourish the optic nerve and muscular system. Amazing results have been reported using this formula.

Use fennel eaten raw, made into tea or used as an eyewash to help with vision problems, including cataracts.

Endive juice is considered to be a very effective remedy for myopia. It can also be mixed with other beneficial juices such as carrot, parsley, and celery.

Cayenne is an anti-inflammatory for the mucus membranes and it increases blood flow to the eye. Use only very small amounts, well diluted with water in eye drop form.

Use Coleus dropped directly into the eye to increase blood flow to the eye and decrease intraocular pressure.

Jaborandi is a herb that grows in the rainforest. It's been used for well over 100 years in patients with glaucoma and it contains pilocarpine, an alkaloid compound which causes constriction of the pupils and reduces pressure within the eye.

Strange as it may seem, many report improved vision from applying mustard oil to the soles of both feet daily and at night.

Remedies Especially for Cataracts
As mentioned earlier, there have been many reports of saffron helping alleviate cataracts and restore vision.

Place a few drops of raw organic honey in the eyes twice or more each day. This is an ancient Egyptian remedy which is reported to have benefited many people with cataracts.

The use of carrots is considered beneficial in the treatment of cataract. Take plenty of raw carrots daily or else drink two glasses of fresh carrot juice, one each in the morning and evening.

Eat two or three cloves of raw garlic daily to clean the crystalline lens of the eye. The cloves should be chewed slowly.

Extract the juice of pumpkin flowers and apply externally on the eyelids twice daily to prevent further clouding of the crystalline lens.

Mix an equal quantity of aniseed and coriander powder together with one teaspoon of brown sugar, and take the mixture in doses of 12 grams in the morning and evening.

Finely grind seven kernels of raw almonds together with half a gram of black pepper and place in a half cup of water. Sweeten with raw honey and drink the mixture to help the eyes regain vigor and clarity.

Twice daily, close your eyes and bathe them with hot (but not scalding) water containing Epsom salts. In addition, take an Epsom salts bath at least twice a week. Remain in the bath from twenty-five to thirty-five minutes till you perspire freely. After the bath, cool off gradually.

When it comes to eye remedies, the best results may well come from combining one or more of the suggested remedies.
 

Two final ingredients essential to improving vision and maintaining eye health are patience and perseverance.  Most vision problems do not develop overnight and it is unlikely to correct such problems overnight.  However, with patience and perseverance vision problems can often be improved and perhaps even corrected entirely.  And, with good a good diet, habits and other items such as those described in this article, you may be able to maintain good eyesight for a long, long time.