Health is wealth,beauty is duty

12/03/2021

10 health benefits of eating raw onions

Eat a raw onion every day if you want to beat the summer blues. We’ve all heard of this. After all, over the years our moms, nanis, and dadis have ensured onions find a place in our wholesome plate of salad. And let’s not deny the fact that even the most delicious of foods don’t taste all that good if they aren’t complemented with sliced onion and green chutney.

But apart from making our taste buds tingle, onion plays a major role in keeping our health in check.

Onions have a plethora of health benefits to offer
Sodium, potassium, folates, vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus… these are just some of the nutrients that onions have. In fact, the humble onion is a superfood. And it has these 10 amazing health benefits to offer:

1. Onion helps in improving heart health
Onions are a rich source of flavonoids and thiosulfinates. What do these do exactly? Well, the flavonoids in onion help in reducing bad cholesterol in your body and thiosulfinates are known to keep the consistency of the blood right, much like a blood thinner. Due to this, the risk of heart attack and stroke reduces by many folds.k

A report by the Cambridge University Press also says that the flavonoids present in red onions help lower the levels of LDL or bad cholesterol.

2. It can give you healthy bones
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), just one onion contains 25.3 mg of calcium. Calcium equals strong bones, so adding this veggie to your salad can build you build better bone health.

3. It improves immunity
Everything revolves around immunity these days. The antioxidants present in onions can help you strengthen that too. According to a study published in the journal of Mediators of Inflammation, onion’s chemical composition is so strong that it helps in immune enhancement and has anti-cancer properties too. Now that’s huge!

Onion juice for immunity. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

4. It is great for those with respiratory problems
Onion is an anti-allergen and in most cases, allergies play a major role in giving us respiratory problems. According to a study published in the journal, DARU Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, eating onion has a relaxing effect on the muscles of the isolated trachea which helps the patients of asthma breathe easily. This happens due to the presence of flavonoids.

5. Onions can give you good vision
Conjunctivitis during this time of the year is very common. The selenium in onion helps in the production of vitamin E, which in turn keeps this painful eye problem at bay. In fact, sone natural eye drops also contain extracts of onion juice.

6. It can improve your oral health too
Who would have thought right? Many of us avoid eating onions because of the bad breath it leaves us with. But turns out, this bulb is good oral hygiene, thanks to its vitamin C content.

Onion for oral health. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

7. It improves sexual health
In case your partner is dealing with erectile dysfunction then make him eat onions because according to a study published in the journal Biomolecules, it can help in correcting that. The study also says that it also helps in increasing the level of testosterone in men.

8. It can give you glowing and ageless skin
Onions are packed with vitamin A, C, and K–and you need all of them for flawless skin. These vitamins not just help you get rid of pigmentation but protect you from harmful UV rays as well. Do you know that you can add a hint of onion juice in your face pack and apply it for supple and acne free skin?

9. It can bestow you with healthy hair
Although there is not much scientific evidence to prove this, many Ayurvedic hair products use onion juice for hair growth. Also, due to its antibacterial properties, onion helps in keeping dandruff and lice away from your scalp.

Yes, the road to envious hair does include regular massages with onion juice.

10. Helps in easing menopause symptoms
According to a study published in the Journal of Breast Cancer, consuming raw onion helps in easing postmenopausal symptoms due to the presence of calcium.

Cooked or raw: What’s the best way of eating an onion?
Well, this is a million-dollar question and according to clinical nutritionist, Dr Lovneet Batra, eating raw onion is better because it has more sulphur and antioxidants to bestow.

So just peel, eat, and repeat to get the goodness of onions!

12/03/2021

11 Surprising Benefits of Camphor Essential Oil

The health benefits of camphor essential oil may include its potential properties as a stimulant, antispasmodic, antiseptic, decongestant, anesthetic, sedative, and nervous pacifier. It may also act as an antineuralgic, anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, and insecticide.

What is Camphor Essential Oil?

The essential oil of camphor is obtained during the process of its extraction of camphor from two types of camphor trees. The first one is the Common Camphor tree, bearing the scientific name Cinnamomum camphora, from which the common camphor is obtained. The second variety is the Borneo Camphor tree, which is where Borneo Camphor is derived from; it is scientifically known as Dryobalanops camphora. The camphor oil obtained from both have similar properties, but they differ slightly in aroma and the concentration of various compounds found in them.

The various components of camphor essential oil are alcohol, borneol, pinene, camphene, camphor, terpene, and safrole.

Health Benefits of Camphor Essential Oil

Camphor essential oil has many medicinal properties, which are explained in greater detail below.

May Improve Circulation

Camphor essential oil is an effective stimulant that can help boost the activity of the circulatory system, metabolism, digestion, secretion, and excretion. This property helps in giving relief from problems and ailments associated with improper circulation, digestion, sluggish or overactive metabolic rates, obstructed secretions, and a wide variety of uncommon conditions.

May Prevent Skin Infections

Camphor oil is known to be an excellent disinfectant, insecticide, and germicide. It can be added to drinking water to disinfect it, particularly during the summer and in rainy seasons when there is a higher chance of water becoming infected. An open bottle or container of camphor oil, or burning a piece of cloth soaked in camphor oil, drives away insects and kills germs. A drop or two of camphor oil mixed with plenty of food grains also helps in keeping them safe from insects. Camphor is also used in many medical preparations such as ointments and lotions to cure skin diseases, as well as bacterial and fungal infections of the skin. When mixed with bathing water, camphor oil disinfects the whole body externally, and also kills lice.

Use camphor to relieve pain, irritation, and itching. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

May Eliminate Gas

It may be very helpful in giving relief for gas trouble. Primarily, it may not let gas form and secondarily, it effectively removes the gases and healthily expels them.

May Reduce Nervous Disorders

It acts as a good anesthetic and is very effective for local anesthesia. It can cause numbness of the sensory nerves in the area of application. It also reduces the severity of nervous disorders and convulsions, epileptic attacks, nervousness, and chronic anxiety.

May Relieve Spasms

It is known to be a very efficient antispasmodic and gives immediate relief from spasms and cramps. It is also effective in curing extreme spasmodic cholera.

May Increase Libido

Camphor oil, when consumed, boosts the libido by stimulating those portions of the brain which are responsible for sexual desires. When externally applied, it may help to cure erectile problems by increasing blood circulation in the affected parts since it is a powerful stimulant.

May Relieve Neuralgia

Neuralgia, a painful condition caused when the ninth cranial nerve is impacted due to swelling of the surrounding blood vessels, can be relieved using camphor oil. This oil can make the blood vessels contract and thereby reduce pressure on the ninth cranial nerve.

May Reduce Inflammation

The cooling effect of camphor oil may makes it an anti-inflammatory and sedative agent. It may be very helpful in curing nearly all types of inflammation, both internal and external. It may also relax the body and mind while giving a feeling of peace and freshness. It may prove to be very cooling and refreshing, particularly in the summer. Camphor oil can also be mixed with bathing water to have that extra sensation of coolness in the summer heat. [9]

May Reduce Arthritis Pain

A detoxifier and a stimulant for the circulatory system, camphor oil can excite blood circulation and gives relief to rheumatic diseases, arthritis, and gout. It is also considered antiphlogistic as it reduces the swelling of body parts. This is yet another beneficial effect of proper blood circulation.

May Relax Nerves & Brain

Camphor oil may have a narcotic effect since it temporarily desensitizes the nerves and relaxes the brain. It can also make a person lose control over their limbs if taken in excess since it impacts brain function. The smell of the oil is somewhat addictive. People have been seen to develop strong addictions to repeatedly smelling the oil or consuming it, so be careful.

May Relieve Congestion

The strong penetrating aroma of camphor oil is a powerful decongestant. It can immediately relieve congestion of the bronchi, larynx, pharynx, nasal tracts, and lungs. It is, therefore, used in many decongestant balms and cold rubs.

Other Benefits

It is sometimes used in cases of cardiac failure, in combination with other medicines. It is also beneficial in providing relief from symptoms of hysteria, viral diseases like cough, measles, flu, food poisoning, infections in the reproductive organs, and insect bites.

Word of Caution: Camphor oil is toxic and can be fatal if ingested in excess. Even 2 grams can be lethal. Ingestion of a slight overdose can still manifest symptoms of poisoning, including extreme thirst, vomiting, and a drop in body temperature.

Blending: Camphor oil blends well with basil, cajuput, chamomile, Melissa, and lavender oil for uses in aromatherapy.

12/02/2021

7 Impressive Benefits of Garlic

If you remember one thing from this article, let it be this: Garlic breath is good. Seriously, if you’ve eaten your fair share of garlic today, you’ve done a service to your health. But what is garlic, and why is it so good for you?

“Garlic belongs in the allium family,” explains Sudha Raj, PhD, RDN, a teaching professor at Syracuse University’s Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics in Syracuse, New York. Allium refers to a class of plants that also contains onions, scallions, leeks, and shallots. “It contains phytochemicals such as allicin and organosulfur compounds,” Dr. Raj adds. These phytochemicals (or plant compounds) are responsible for the plant’s heart-healthy, immune-supportive, anti-inflammatory, and nutritional properties.

One note: The scientific backing for many of these benefits is based on studies involving supplements and extracts (including powders and capsules), which may provide doses higher than you’d get from food. This is commonly done in research settings to test a desired response within a set amount of time, Raj explains. “However, long-term use of garlic in smaller amounts as in daily food preparation may also produce positive outcomes at lower doses,” she says.

Indeed, “in many studies, the concentrated equivalent may be around two cloves,” says Wendy Bazilian, RDN, a doctor of public health and nutritionist in San Diego and author of the Eat Clean, Stay Lean book series.

If you are interested in taking a supplement, talk to your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you and it won’t interact with any medications you’re currently taking, especially if you have ongoing medical conditions or are making adjustments to your diet that may influence how well one of your drugs works.

But don’t discount the power of adding garlic to your favorite foods, which can contain a huge variety of nutrients and chemicals that may interact synergistically together in beneficial ways, says Raj. “Deliberately including garlic in food preparations on a regular basis can give you long-term benefits,” she says.

Don’t be afraid to load up the garlic in hummus, pesto, pasta, sauces, soups, stir-fries, and roasted vegetables, says Dr. Bazilian. After all, it’s packed with health benefits — here are seven of them.

1. Garlic May Help Lower Blood Pressure
A couple of cloves a day may help keep a visit to the cardiologist away. “Garlic stimulates the synthesis of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels, and inhibits ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) activity,” says Raj. (ACE inhibitors help relax blood vessels.) This could potentially support healthy blood flow and pressure.

Raj points to a recent review and meta-analysis published in February 2020 in Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine: In the 12 trials and more than 550 individuals with hypertension that were studied, taking Kyolic aged garlic supplements for three months lowered systolic blood pressure (top number) by about 8 points and diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) by 5.5 points, a similar effect to that of blood pressure medications.

RELATED: 5 Lifestyle Changes to Help You Lower Blood Pressure

2. Garlic May Help Quell Inflammation
Scientists believe that chronic inflammation is a driver behind chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and arthritis, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Garlic, on the other hand, helps inhibit the activity of certain inflammatory proteins, says Raj. In a randomized, controlled, double-blind study of 70 women with the inflammatory autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis, the group who took 1,000 milligrams of garlic supplements per day for eight weeks had lower inflammatory markers, less pain and fatigue, and fewer tender joints compared with a placebo group. Researchers published their findings in November 2020 in Phytotherapy Research.

3. Garlic May Help Lower Cholesterol
Another potential perk of garlic for the heart: improving cholesterol levels. How? Garlic “may help decrease the production of cholesterol by the liver,” says Bazilian.

While more research is needed to determine the relationship between garlic intake and cholesterol levels, a meta-analysis and review of studies that was published in May 2018 in Medicine concluded that taking garlic supplements was effective in lowering both total cholesterol and high LDL cholesterol levels, which are two risk factors for heart disease.

RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Cholesterol

4. Garlic May Support Immune Function
Given our collective zest for learning about taking care of our immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic, here’s one reason to add garlic to your dinner tonight. While there’s not enough evidence to suggest that that garlic will prevent or treat the common cold, for instance, it can play a role in your body’s defense mechanisms in a few ways.

For one, the allicin (one of the plant chemicals Raj highlights) in garlic provides antibacterial properties, says Bazilian. Scientists also believe that garlic has antiviral properties that may work in two ways, she says: by blocking the entry of viruses into cells, and by strengthening the immune response so that it can effectively fight off potential invaders. It’s these things that can help support a healthy immune system overall.

5. Garlic May Reduce Blood Clotting
One more perk of garlic for your heart health: “Compounds in garlic (and onions) have been shown to decrease the ‘stickiness’ of our platelets and have anti-clotting properties,” says Bazilian. These things may help guard against atherosclerosis, a process in which plaque buildup leads to a hardening and narrowing of the arteries. Per the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute, atherosclerosis increases your risk for blood clots that can cause heart attacks and stroke. Of course, eating garlic shouldn’t be the only preventive measure you take to protect your arteries. The National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute recommends following a heart-healthy eating plan, getting plenty of exercise, managing your weight, and avoiding or quitting smoking.

RELATED: What Are the Best and Worst Fats for Heart Health?

6. Garlic Provides a Host of Antioxidants
Garlic’s nutrients and plant compounds give it “strong antioxidant properties,” per a review published in July 2020 in Antioxidants. Not only do antioxidants benefit blood vessels and reduce inflammation but they may soak up the damaging free radicals that can lead to diseases like cancer (though this anti-cancer potential needs to be borne out in human research, says the American Institute for Cancer Research).

7. Garlic Makes Other Healthy Foods Taste Great
Bazilian classes garlic in the same category of food as onions, herbs, and spices, adding that “garlic brings great flavor to foods, so it helps us eat more of the foods that we’re supposed to be eating more of, like vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and beans.”

Adding flavor through garlic can also potentially help you reduce the need for excess salt on your foods — and for just 4 calories per clove, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

And finally, don’t discount the role that taste plays in your overall diet: “When we love the food we eat and learn to listen to our cues for satiety, it can be more satisfying, too,” Bazilian says. All the more reason to add some garlic to your next meal!

12/02/2021

Skin care tips dermatologists use

Wear sunscreen daily. Sunscreen is one of the single most important things you can do for your skin. When applied correctly, sunscreen protects your skin against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which cause sunburn, skin cancer, and premature skin aging, like wrinkles and age spots. For the best protection, apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. To save time in your skin care routine, you can consider using a moisturizer that also contains sunscreen. However, while cosmetics that contain sunscreen are convenient, remember to reapply them in order to achieve the best sun protection. Keep in mind that since no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s UV rays, it’s also important to seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing when outdoors, including a ligthweight long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection, when possible. For more effective sun protection select clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) label.

Stay out of tanning beds. Just like the sun, tanning beds emit harmful UV radiation that causes skin cancer. In fact, even one indoor tanning session can increase your risk of developing melanoma by 20%, squamous cell carcinoma by 67% and basal cell carcinoma by 29%. If you want that golden glow, achieve it with self-tanning products instead. When applied correctly, self-tanners look natural and won’t give you orange skin, streaks or splotches.

Simplify your skin care routine. Less is more when it comes to skin care. Using too many products, especially multiple anti-aging products, can irritate your skin. Instead, focus on the basics, such as a gentle cleanser, sunscreen, and moisturizer. Establish morning and nighttime skin care routines that work well for your skin, and stick with them.

Choose skin care products formulated for your skin type. Understanding your skin type will help you learn how to take care of your skin and select skin care products that are right for you. As mentioned above, here's how to identify and understand your skin type:

Sensitive skin: May sting or burn after product use
Normal skin: Clear and not sensitive
Dry skin: Flaky, itchy or rough
Combination skin: Dry in some areas and oily in others
Oily: Shiny and greasy

Treat your lips. Since skin cancer can form on the lips, apply a lip balm or lipstick that contains sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before going outdoors. If your lips feel chapped or dry, apply petroleum jelly for added moisture.

Keep your hands off your face. Whenever you touch your face, you transfer dirt, germs, and oil from your hands to your face. Do your best to leave your skin alone throughout the day. Avoid picking, popping or squeezing pimples, as this can cause scarring.

Check your skin regularly. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., affecting one in five Americans in their lifetime. Further, nearly 20 Americans die from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, every day. However, when detected early, skin cancer—including melanoma—is highly treatable. In fact, the five-year survival rate for people whose melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 98%. It is important to check your skin regularly for new spots, spots that are different from other spots on your body, or moles that itch, bleed or change color, as these are often early warning signs of skin cancer. If you notice any suspicious spots, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.

12/02/2021

12/02/2021

12/02/2021

5 Ways to Boost Your Immune System
There are plenty of supplements and products in the grocery store that claim to help boost your immune system. But while it may sound like a no-brainer, boosting your immune system is actually much harder to accomplish than you might think — and for good reason.

Your immune system is incredibly complex. It has to be strong enough and sophisticated enough to fight off a variety of illnesses and infections, but not so strong that it overreacts unnecessarily — causing allergies and other autoimmune disorders to develop. To operate in such a delicate balance, your immune system is tightly controlled by a variety of inputs.

But despite its complexity, there are everyday lifestyle habits you can focus on to help give your immune system what it needs to fight off an infection or illness. Here are five science-backed ways to ensure your immune system has everything it needs to function optimally, as well as why you shouldn't rely on supplements to boost your immune system.

Maintain a healthy diet
As with most things in your body, a healthy diet is key to a strong immune system. This means making sure you eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats.

In addition to providing your immune system the energy it needs, a healthy diet can help ensure you're getting sufficient amounts of the micronutrients that play a role in maintaining your immune system, including:

Vitamin B6, found in chicken, salmon, tuna, bananas, green vegetables and potatoes (with the skin)
Vitamin C, found in citrus fruit, including oranges and strawberries, as well as tomatoes, broccoli and spinach
Vitamin E, found in almonds, sunflower and safflower oil, sunflower seeds, peanut butter and spinach


Since experts believe that your body absorbs vitamins more efficiently from dietary sources, rather than supplements, the best way to support your immune system is to eat a well-balanced diet.

Exercise regularly
Physical activity isn't just for building muscles and helping yourself de-stress — it's also an important part of being healthy and supporting a healthy immune system.

One way exercise may improve immune function is by boosting your overall circulation, making it easier for immune cells and other infection-fighting molecules to travel more easily throughout your body.

In fact, studies have shown that engaging in as little as 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise every day helps stimulate your immune system. This means it's important to focus on staying active and getting regular exercise.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Water plays many important roles in your body, including supporting your immune system. A fluid in your circulatory system called lymph, which carries important infection-fighting immune cells around your body, is largely made up of water. Being dehydrated slows down the movement of lymph, sometimes leading to an impaired immune system.

Even if you're not exercising or sweating, you're constantly losing water through your breath, as well as through your urine and bowel movements. To help support your immune system, be sure you're replacing the water you lose with water you can use — which starts with knowing how much water you really need.

Get plenty of sleep
Sleep certainly doesn't feel like an active process, but there are plenty of important activities happening in your body when you're not awake — even if you don't realize it. For instance, important infection-fighting molecules are created while you sleep.

Studies have shown that people who don't get enough quality sleep are more prone to getting sick after exposure to viruses, such as those that cause the common cold. To give your immune system the best chance to fight off infection and illness, it's important to know how much sleep you should be getting every night, as well as the steps to take if your sleep is suffering.

Minimize stress
Whether it comes on quick or builds over time, it's important to understand how stress affects your health — including the impact it has on your immune system. During a period of stress, particularly chronic stress that's frequent and long-lasting, your body responds by initiating a stress response. This stress response, in turn, suppresses your immune system — increasing your chance of infection or illness.

Stress is different for everyone, and how we relieve it is, too. Given the effect it can have on your health, it's important to know how to identify stress. And, whether it's deep breathing, mediation, prayer or exercise, you should also get familiar with the activities that help you reduce stress.

One last word on supplements
There's no shortage of supplements claiming they can stimulate your immune system — but be wary of these promises.

First thing's first, there's no evidence that supplements actually help improve your immune system or your chances of fighting off an infection or illness. In addition, unlike medications, supplements aren't regulated or approved by the FDA. For instance, if you think a megadose of vitamin C can help you keep from getting sick, think again.

If you're looking for ways to help boost your immune system, consider keeping up with the lifestyle habits above, rather than relying on claims on a label.