Shallots are smaller and sweeter than onions, and like garlic it’s bulb divides into multiple sections .It digests better than onion when eaten raw. The bulbs are pulled of the ground and leaves are allowed to dry. The greens above the ground which are known as scallions are used as salads and also for cooking. Shallots are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber and folic acid. They also contain calcium and iron.There has been lot of research regarding the use of shallots for health conditions. Different results have found that shallots contains two sets of compounds. These are sulfur compounds, such as allyl propyl disulphids and flavonoids, such as quercetin. Flavonoid consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes because they are anti-cancer, antibacterial, anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory. Shallots are specifically linked to inhibiting human stomach cancer.
Shallots produce an anti-coagulant that thins the blood and exhibits strong anti-platelet activity. This is very good for patients who have symptomatic cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke. It aids brain function and protects against Alzheimer’s disease.
Shallots can lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes by preventing the degradation of insulin and increasing metabolism of glucose. Eating shallots daily helps the growth of bone tissue and reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis. Sulfur content in shallots makes skin look younger. Daily intake of a little shallot will benefit in the long run. Shallots can be eaten raw or cooked till they are flexible and tender. More alternative nutrition methods.
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Alternative Medicines Found in Household Foods
Sunday, March 14th, 2010Cancer Prevention: 5 Natural Foods That Prevent Cancer
Thursday, March 11th, 2010Cancer is one of the major causes of death worldwide. According to an estimate, it is believed that one third of deaths across the world are caused by it. There is a general belief that cancer is a hereditary disease. Though external factors such as chemicals, pollution etc are also believed to cause cancer. Our lifestyle and food habits are major contributory factors of cancer.
The national cancer institute as well as world cancer research fund believes in healthy eating to prevent cancer. The five important foods to be incorporated in our daily diet for preventing cancer are as follows:
Vegetables:
Broccoli, cauliflower, onion, garlic, carrot, sweet potato, spinach, beans, avocado, lettuce, asparagus are some of the vegetables to be included in our daily meal to protect ourselves from cancer. Broccoli, cauliflower, kale contains antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin which help reduce the risk of prostate or any other form of cancer. Beans, spinach, lettuce, avocado contain folate which is a preventive food for pancreatic cancer. Tomatoes and sweet potatoes are rich source of beta carotene, a preventive vitamin. Vegetables should be preferably taken in raw form as they are richer in nutrients.
Fruits:
Another important food group to be included in our day to day life for avoiding cancer. Fresh, organically cultivated fruits eaten in raw form or extracted as juice prove healthy for an individual. Fruits like banana, grapefruit, orange, papaya, red grapes, strawberries, raspberries; blueberries are few important fruits which help reduce cancer. Papaya is believed to prevent the absorption of nitrosamines from processed food and cultivation soil, which are major cause of cancer. While banana is rich in potassium and red grapes are rich in bioflavonoid; the berries too are believed to possess anti cancerous nutrients.
Fish:
This white meat is rich in Omega 3s and essential fatty acids which act as a preventive measure against breast cancer. They are healthy for our heart and brain. The fish oil is believed to protect from prostate and colon cancer.
Liquids:
drinking lots of water, juice, green tea and chai is essential for keeping our body healthy. Drinking 5 liters of water everyday washes down all the toxins from our body. While vegetable and fruit juices provide essential nutrients and vitamins. Green tea is a rich source of antioxidant. It has been proven by the American institute of cancer research that green tea contains phytochemicals which are believed to stop the transformation of normal cells to cancerous cells.
Soy:
it is a rich source of protein. At the same time soy is also believed to be rich is phytochemicals responsible for prevention of breast cancer. Soy can be taken daily as soy milk, tofu, granules, pulse. Any form of soy proves beneficial except the processed form. We should avoid soy chips rich in salt as well as other processed soy snacks. In fact any form of processed food be it salami, chips, sausages or cool drinks is unhealthy and major cause of different kinds of cancer.
To Your Health!
Natural Cure for Allergies and Sinus Conditions Via Allergy-fighting Foods
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010Allergies is a common condition which affect many of us. Allergies can take many forms such as skin allergy, sinus, asthma, are the common ones. Most people would not hesitate to popping antihistamines or other prescription by doctors. These prescriptions do not cure allergies, rather it just suppress the symptoms. As long as the root of the allergy is not taken care of, the allergies will be back. While allergens should be avoided or removed, if possible, a healthy and strong immune system is the best remedy for fighting allergies.
We should be aware that the symptoms of allergies is a sign from our body trying to tell us something is wrong. So if we take medication to suppress these symptoms, we are ignoring these important signs our body trying to tell us. Instead of suppressing it, we should instead pay attention to what our body is trying to tell us. Allergies is usually a sign that our body needs to be nourished. Allergies, such as eczema, is also a possible sign that our body is attacked by toxins which need to be eliminated fast. For the purpose of this article, I would like to focus on the basics, food.
Do you know that by making positive changes to our diet is the first step to a healthier immune system, thus reducing allergies attacks. Are you taking the right type of food your body needs? Are you guilty of eating too much processed and instant food? We are responsible for our body, so make the right choices.
There are types of food which helps to fight allergies. Therefore, it is beneficial to make it a point to include these foods in your daily diet:
- Eat more cold water fish
Omega-3 fatty acids from cold water fish such as tuna, salmon, sardines can protect the body against over production of certain antibodies which trigger allergies. Bake, steam or poach are the healthiest way to cook the fish.
- Yoghurt
The cultures or probiotics contain in yoghurt is good for the gut as well as helps skin allergies. However, most commercial yoghurt’s culture is weak due to over processed. The best is making your own yoghurt from organic milk. If you are allergic to cow’s milk, substitute with goat’s milk or soy milk.
- Canola Oil
This is a rich source of allergy fighting Omega-3 fatty acids. Other alternatives include soybean oil, flaxseed oil, walnut oil and wheatgerm.
- Green Tea
According to the Japanease, green tea contains methylated epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which is found to be anti-allergenic.
- Magnesium Rich Foods
Magnesium seems to be the minural which is found lacking in those who are allergy prone. Include magnesium rich foods in your daily diet such as spinach, sunflower seeds, pinto beans, tofu and halibut.
- Zinc Rich Foods
Some studies have shown that people with eczema are zinc deficient. It is a good idea to include zinc rich food such as tofu, beef, lean ham, chicken and crab in your diet.
- Fresh Fruit and Juices
Vitamin C is the best natural antihistamine. So make sure you have plenty of fresh fruits and juices in your diet.
A healthy diet is the very basic way to combat allergies. Without a good diet, you are not giving the nutrients your body needs to fight allergies. So start healthy eating today!