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Health Benefits of Bananas

Posted by: Tips Park Posted date: 16:45:00 / comment : 0 , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The banana is one of the few fruits that has actually had a song composed in its honour. Many of us have listened to Harry Belafonte's classic Banana Boat Song some time or the other, but how much do we really know about the banana?

Bananas are originally from Malaysia. They were then brought to India around the 6th century. By 200 A.D., there were banana plantations set up in southern China. Here they were considered to be exotic fruits. It is said that when Alexander the Great visited India during his campaign in 327 A.D., he savoured bananas and took them to the western world.

This fruit comes in yellow, green, and red varieties and has been proven to have a number of medicinal benefits.

A Source of Potassium

Bananas are a natural source of potassium. Potassium is important for the human body as it helps keep the body fluids and electrolyte balance in body cells and helps in regulating blood pressure. Higher levels of potassium in the body can reduce the possibility of a stroke. The fact that bananas are high in potassium and low in salt makes them ideal for people who are suffering from blood pressure problems and have to watch their salt intake.

Research also states that potassium can help in improving a person's alertness. However, it should be noted that excessive quantities of potassium cause decreased heart muscle activity. A medium-size banana contains at least 450 mg of potassium

Vital Vitamins and Minerals

Bananas pack their share of vitamins. Large-size bananas have high amounts of vitamin A in them. Vitamin A is essential for the development of specialised tissue in the eyes. It is also important for the growth of the skin and soft skeletal tissue. Vitamin B is also present in the form of Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, and Folic acid. These help in calming the nervous system. Bananas also have a small amount of Vitamin C in them.

Electrolytes

Bananas have their share of electrolytes too. Electrolytes are elements like magnesium, potassium, and calcium. They are important for maintaining the body's fluid level and preventing dehydration. So, bananas can form an important part of the diet for a person who is suffering from diarrhoea.

Iron

Bananas are also a natural source of iron. The iron found in bananas can help in the creation of haemoglobin, thus making bananas an ideal fruit for people who are suffering from anaemia.

Other Benefits of Bananas
  • Bananas are fruits that are high in fibre, making them an ideal remedy for constipation and an alternative to chemical laxatives.
  • Bananas contain an amino acid called tryptophan. Tryptophan is converted by the body into serotonin, which relaxes a person and helps in improving one's mood.
  • Bananas are considered to be a natural solution to hangovers. A banana milkshake mixed with honey will help to calm the stomach and build up depleted blood sugar levels at the same time.
  • Bananas can act as a natural antacid. This gives relief to a person who is suffering from heartburn.
  • The inside of the banana skin when rubbed on a mosquito bite is found to reduce the swelling and irritation.
  • Bananas are an ideal diet for people who are trying to quit smoking. This is because of the combination of Vitamin C, A1, B6, and B12 that helps the body to recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
  • Due to the high level of potassium in them, bananas are considered to be an excellent snack when a person is highly stressed or is working late at the office. This is because potassium helps to normalise the heartbeat sending oxygen to the brain. Increased metabolic rates during stress reduce our potassium levels. Bananas help to replenish them.
  • Research conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine states that a regular intake of bananas in your diet can help reduce the possibility of stroke by up to 40 percent.
  • Bananas are an ideal fruit to be eaten when a person is suffering from ulcers. This is due to the soft texture of the fruit which makes it easily digestible, combined with its ability to neutralise acidity.
Storing Bananas

Bananas need to be treated with care as they bruise easily. The ideal way to store bananas is to keep them at room temperature. In order to ripen bananas, you can either wrap them in a newspaper or keep them in a brown paper bag. If you store a banana in a fridge it will turn black. However it will still be edible.

Nutrition Guide for Cancer Patients

Posted by: Tips Park Posted date: 06:37:00 / comment : 0 , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Eating right food in right quantity can help a cancer patient feel better and stay stronger. Whether it is you or someone you care about who is suffering from cancer, it's important to know what should be consumed before, during and after the treatment so the body can heal itself. Be it the Proteins, Fats, Carbohydrates or Water, Vitamins and Minerals, the body of the cancer patient needs everything in a balanced proportion.

Proteins
Our bodies need proteins for growth, to repair body tissues and keep the immune systems at their best. The entire body system will collapse in the absence of adequate supply of proteins. A cancer patient needs more proteins than usual to heal tissues and fight infections. The best sources of protein include fish, poultry, lean red meat, eggs, low-fat dairy products, nuts and nut butters, dried beans, peas and lentils, and soy foods.

Fats
Fats are essential as part of a cancer treatment. They serve as a rich source of energy. The body breaks down fats and uses them to store energy, insulate body tissues, and also for transporting some types of vitamins through the blood. The patient, however, can choose to use more of Monounsaturated Fats and Polyunsaturated Fats and less of Saturated Fats or Trans Fats.
  • Sources of Monounsaturated Fats include vegetable oils like olive, canola, and peanut oils.
  • Sources of Polyunsaturated Fats are found mainly in vegetable oils like safflower, sunflower, corn, and flaxseed.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and Minerals are often required in small quantities for the proper functioning of the body. It may be hard for the patient to eat a balanced diet during and after the treatment. Your doctor may suggest you a daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplement.

Water
Whether it's a cancer patient or a normal person, the body cells need water to function. The patient should drink an ideal quantity of fluids to be able to make the most of cancer treatment. A health expert can also recommend antioxidants and herbs as part of the treatment.

Safety Points:
Inform your health care team about any over-the-counter products or supplements you were using before the cancer treatment or want to use after the treatment. Take the product to your doctor and ask for his advice. In fact, you can:
  • Ask your doctor for reliable information on dietary supplements.
  • See labels on the product for both the quantity and concentration of active ingredients contained.
  • Call your doctor if you have side effects, like numbness, or tingling in your limbs.

Home Remedies for Body Rash

Posted by: Tips Park Posted date: 07:43:00 / comment : 0 , , , , , , , , , , ,

An inflammation affected area, an altered texture or some special spots all can be termed as skin rash. These are associated with various symptoms like tingling, itching, inflammation, pain, discomforts etc. These might or might not be contagious. These can affect the complete body of a person or just some specific areas. These often require some medications that can be easily availed at home itself.

Causes of Body Rash
  • fabric or cloth allergies is one of the major reasons behind body rash
  • Hives as well as Eczema and Contact dermatitis are one of the prime causes.
  • Food allergies, Impetigo, Cosmetic allergies, etc are sometimes the major causes behind its occurrence.
Home Remedies for Body Rash
  • You may wash the affected area using the chamomile tea as it is considered as an extremely healing material in this context.
  • Application of olive oil over a regular period of time is also considered as one of the leading methods to avoid as well as cure the problem of body rash
  • Aloe Vera pulp has some vital properties of fighting against the issue of rashes.
  • It has been experimentally proven by many dermatologists that a blend of Vitamin E and Cod-Liver Oil is highly natural and can be used to treat a wide array of such problems
  • If you have some baking powder then you can take some of it and thereby gently rub on the affected area. This would certainly bring in the desired changes.
  • Oatmeal bath is perhaps one of the most effective measures that can be undertaken in order to deal with this problem. You should use it during your bath and put some quantity of it in your bathtub or bathwater. A bath from such content would considerably lessen the impact of body rash.
  • Calcium water and its application is certainly one of the best in the business. You can take a cotton ball and then dip it in a considerable volume of calcium water. Once it is done you may apply with ease on the affected region.
  • You can also make considerable changes in your diet and for this purpose you can have some quantities of Vitamin C rich food as this vitamin has some antioxidant properties.
  • You can take some leaves of Holy Basil and thereafter add to it some tablespoon of an essential oil like olive oil. You can thereafter add some garlic as well as salt and pepper to the mixture. Gently smear them of the affected region in order to see quick results.
  • Make sure that during your bath you only make use of herbal products and during your bath you do not rub the area of rash consistently as this would intensify the problem.
  • You should keep away from fermented foods such as pickles, yogurt or pizzas as they can cause certain allergic reactions.

Ways To Avoid Thyroid Problems

Posted by: Tips Park Posted date: 06:14:00 / comment : 0 , , , , , , , ,

Our thyroid is the gland in our neck that is responsible in creating hormones for the balanced actions of our metabolism. If this gland malfunctions, then the metabolism of a person will be disrupted which could cause many different health disorders. This is because metabolism plays a big role in the functions of the body. There are actually different diseases that one can obtain in case the thyroid is not functioning well. You may have a disease called hypothyroidism which is caused by the inflammation or swelling of the thyroid. In case your thyroid is inflamed, it cannot produce hormones properly which stops metabolism. This situation will then lead to obesity, insomnia, depression and hormonal imbalance.

To prevent going through these health problems, you should be aware of the natural ways on how to prevent thyroid problems. It is always better to start with prevention rather than cure. You can learn a few ways on how to prevent getting any problems regarding your thyroid glands. Keep in mind that you will need iodine to keep your thyroid healthy. With this, you need to eat foods that are rich in iodine. Though there are iodized salts available, it is important that you check if it really has enough iodine in it. You may also go for diets that are focused on increasing your iodine intake.

Bad health habits can also trigger thyroid problems. You should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol especially in an excessive manner. If you can, just try to avoid taking these things as it can cause many other health problems.

You will also need to have lots of Vitamin A, B and C in your body. This is why taking in healthy foods like vegetables and fruits is important. Green leafy vegetables are the best to take to keep your thyroid healthy and functioning well. You may take veggies like broccoli, spinach, soybeans and others. These foods will help in the functioning of your thyroid to make your metabolism in total order and balance.

Vitamin D is also important. People who would like to avoid thyroid problems should get enough sunlight on a daily basis. Do not congest yourself in the office for too long. Take some time to go out and enjoy the sunlight and the freshness of the air in the outdoors. In case, you really cannot go out that often, you may just take vitamin supplements which can help your body absorb the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and strong.

And always keep in mind that everyone will need a balanced diet with healthy lifestyle. Abusing one's body with unnecessary activities will only make one's immune system weak and making the parts of the body obtain problems which can affect the overall health of a person. So, staying healthy is the most natural way to keep your thyroid healthy.

If you still want to learn some more about thyroid glands and how to make it healthy and functioning well, you may try out some programs from health and wellness websites that you may learn a lot from. You may take the programs that they are offering to achieve optimum health and wellness. By simply taking these holistic programs, you are actually improving the quality of your life and be ultimately healthy.

Credit : Randy Gray

Vitamins to Help Remove Dark Circles

Posted by: Tips Park Posted date: 07:51:00 / comment : 0 , , , , , , , , ,


If you have under eye dark circles, your self-esteem will surely be lower. When other people first notice your puffy eyes, you will surely feel embarrassed. Everyone will definitely want to make a great first impression, putting forward your best face all the time, so to speak, yet the bags surrounding your eyes will surely weigh you down. So, how can you best remove dark circles?

Well, this will all depend on what caused the dark circles below your eyes. Numerous things can actually be the reason behind the appearance of these dark circles, some of the most common include insufficient sleep, genes, allergies, menstruation, pregnancy, sun exposure, poor circulation of blood, dehydration, liver or kidney problems, sinus infections or cold, poor nutrition, age, and certain medications. It will be great if you first identify the real cause of the development of dark circles below your eyes so that you will be able to treat it more effectively.

However, it does not necessarily mean that you need to bear with these ugly circles. In reality, there are various topical creams available these days that can significantly lessen or remove the appearance of these circles over time, whatever might be the cause behind their development.

Numerous vitamins can be useful if you want to remove dark circles, such vitamins A, C, E, and K as well as iron. Majority of the topical creams contain these vitamins and applying them on your under eye area can keep in check those under eye circles.

Vitamin A is helpful in repairing and maintaining the skin tissues around your eyes, not to mention that it also has lots anti-aging benefits. Great sources of this include carrot, liver, spinach, pumpkin, apricot, and others.

Meanwhile, vitamin C is another potent vitamin when it comes to getting rid of circles. It can perform numerous functions such as increasing collagen, removing free radicals from your skin and protecting it against sun damage.

Vitamin K, on the other hand, is regarded to be the best among the vitamins that can remove those dark circles by healing damaged arteries and capillaries and helping blood to circulate properly around your eyes.

These are just some of the effective vitamins that will surely be of great help if you want to remove dark circles the soonest time possible. Try to incorporate foods rich in them into your diet and you will definitely get the best results.

Credit : Faye Curtiz

Health Benefits of Raspberries

Posted by: Tips Park Posted date: 10:05:00 / comment : 0 , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Raspberries are a member of the rose family, and come in many colours besides red. There are also black, purple and gold raspberries, all of which have an intense sweet taste that can be used in a variety of tasty dishes. And not only are raspberries a delicious snack, they are also full of vitamins, minerals and fibres which can help to improve your health. Here are ten reasons why raspberries should be an essential part of your diet.

1) Raspberries are a rich source of fibre.

One single serving of raspberries contains about a third of your daily dose of dietary fibre. There are many reasons why high-fibre foods are good for your health. Fibre helps in the digestive process, promoting bowel regularity and keeping the gastrointestinal tract clean. Studies have shown that a high-fibre diet may reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer. Best of all, fibre takes long to digest, so those raspberries will keep you feeling fuller for longer.

2) Raspberries are a source of vitamin C

You'll find about half of your recommended dose of vitamin C in a serving of raspberries. The body is not able to make vitamin C on its own, and it does not store it either. But vitamin C is needed for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body, and is one of many antioxidants that block some of the damage caused by free radicals. You need a continuous supply of vitamin C in your diet for normal growth and development.

3) Raspberries contain natural sugars

Although raspberries only contain around 53 calories per 100g serving, these calories mostly come from sugars. But experts say that the natural sugars in raspberries are much better for your body than artificially created and processed sugars. The natural sugars are synthesized into glucose that the body uses in the brain and body cells to fuel metabolic processes.

4) Raspberries contain manganese

In just one cup of raspberries you will find almost two thirds of your daily recommended intake of the nutrient manganese. Manganese is a trace mineral that is present in tiny amounts in the body. Manganese helps the body form bones, blood clotting components, sex hormones and connective tissue. The nutrient is also essential for normal brain and nerve function. Experts say that manganese may help prevent osteoporosis, arthritis, premenstrual syndrome, diabetes and epilepsy.


5) Raspberries are a great source of vitamin A and K

Vitamin A strengthens immunity against infections, helps vision in dim lights and keeps skin and the linings of some parts of the body healthy. A single cup of raspberries contains around 4 per cent of your recommended daily allowance of vitamin A.

Vitamin K works to prevent calcification from occurring in your arteries, promotes blood clotting, protects your bones from fractures, prevents bruising and provides some level of protection against both liver cancer and prostate cancer. One cup of raspberries contains around 10 per cent of your RDA of vitamin K.

6) Raspberries are full of antioxidants

Raspberries rank near the top of all fruits for antioxidant strength. Antioxidants may protect cells from the damage caused free radicals, which can lead to cancer and heart disease. Raspberries have an ORAC value (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) of about 4,900 per 100g, putting them among the top-ranked ORAC fruits.

7) Raspberries are low-glycemic index food

The Glycemic Index is a measure of the effects of carbohydrates in food on blood sugar levels. Foods with carbohydrates that break down quickly during digestion and release glucose rapidly into the bloodstream tend to have a high GI. Foods with carbohydrates that break down more slowly, releasing glucose more gradually into the bloodstream, tend to have a low GI. Raspberries have a low GI, meaning the energy release from them is gradual and long lasting. Studies have shown that individuals who followed a low-GI diet over many years are at a significantly lower risk for developing certain diseases, including type 2 diabetes.

8) Raspberries contain important minerals

Minerals are necessary for three main reasons- building strong bones and teeth, controlling body fluids inside and outside cells and turning the food you eat into energy. You need minerals in the form that they are found in food. Luckily, raspberries are a great source of copper, iron and magnesium.

9) Raspberries are one of your five a day

The UK government recommends that everyone eats five portions of fruit and veg a day to lower the risk of serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Private medical insurance premiums can be higher for people who are overweight, and may not cover diabetes. Two handfuls of fresh raspberries count as one of your five a day.

10) Raspberries are a natural anti-inflammatory

Raspberries provide important anti-inflammatories, including anthocyanins (the pigments in red, purple and blue fruits), which may help reduce cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and improve eyesight and memory.

Raspberries can sometimes be expensive to buy in the shops, but they are really easy to grow if you can give them a sunny or partly shaded spot with well-drained soil. Raspberries can be used in a range of dishes, from a simple snack, to a delicious dressing, and most commonly a perfect pudding!

Credit : Chloe Hibbert

Quick Ways To Erase Wrinkles And Fine Lines

Posted by: Tips Park Posted date: 07:58:00 / comment : 0 , , , , , ,


The creases, folds, or ridges appearing on the skin as we get older are called wrinkles. Some of the factors responsible for the appearance of wrinkles are sun exposure, smoking, dehydration, and intake of certain medications. A person's genetic makeup also determines when, where, and how wrinkles would start appearing. We can use Hydroxatone products to fight wrinkles and improve the overall appearance of the skin. Does Hydroxatone work? According to many online reviews, these anti-wrinkle products definitely improve the appearance of dry and jaded skin by several degrees.

Hydroxatone is a leading anti-aging brand formulating products clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines, hyper-pigmentation, and deep wrinkles. Many women and men, using the products from the brand, have been quite happy with the results, as is evident from many wrinkle cream consumer reviews posted online. According to a large percentage of users, Hydroxatone added an healthy glow to their skin and made them look and feel years younger.

The best product for wrinkles would ideally contain SPF to help protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun. This becomes even more important with overexposure to the sun. The UVA/UVB rays can damage collagen fibers and cause premature aging of the skin. Avoid exposing your skin to the sun to stall the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Use a good quality sunblock while going out to prevent permanent damage to your skin cells.

You could check out the Hydroxatone AM PM Anti-Wrinkle Complex containing SPF 15 to add a healthy glow and brightness to your skin. Does Hydroxatone work? Going by what actual users have to say, the answer would be an emphatic yes.

Quit smoking to stay young for a longer time and prevent premature aging. The mere act of puckering your lips while you smoke can lead to the appearance of fine lines around the mouth. Your body would also react to the toxins by releasing an enzyme that breaks down the collagen and elastin fibers, accelerating the aging process.

Get adequate sleep to keep your skin in the best of health. If you are deprived of sleep, your body would produce a hormone called cortisol that disintegrates the skin cells.

Take a well-balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals to promote the health of your skin. According to recent research, some food products have the power to protect skin from the damage caused by UV radiations. Citrus fruits, carrots, green tea, and red peppers are especially helpful in reducing the sun burn intensity.

Take at least seven to eight glasses of water every day to keep your system hydrated and your skin resilient. It is important to stay hydrated after you exercise to make good the loss of fluids from your system as sweat.

You can also start using the Hydroxatone products to even out the skin tone, keep the skin hydrated, and improve radiance. Does Hydroxatone work? The key ingredients, such as Matrixyl 3000, are clinically proven to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles by 44 per cent. Based on this fact, you would have to say that the products from the brand do work.

Credit : Russell Brand

Nutrition for Pregnant Women

Posted by: Tips Park Posted date: 18:39:00 / comment : 0 , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pregnancy is a time when your body begins to undergo sudden and rapid changes. There was a time when mothers to be were advised to eat enough for two. Today, this advice is way off the mark because new research finds that in terms of quantity, pregnant mothers need take in an extra 300 calories only. So, pregnant mothers who habitually eat enough for two may find themselves developing undesirable health conditions. Therefore, it is important for pregnant mothers to understand what kind of food is best for them and their baby.

Even if you have been eating a healthy diet prior to your pregnancy, you have to pay extra attention to what you eat when you are pregnant. A healthy diet is vital to a successful pregnancy because it ensures correct fetal growth and reduces complications. 

Given below are a few guidelines regarding nutrition for pregnant women:
  • Avoid empty calories. Choose whole grain foods and substitute high calorie foods with foods that have higher nutritive value.
  • Pregnant women need approximately 1,500 mg of calcium everyday. This supplies enough calcium to the fetus for bone growth and prevents the mother from losing her bone density. In this regard, it is important to remember that most women do not get enough calcium even when they are not pregnant. So, extra effort has to be made to get the right amounts of calcium throughout pregnancy. Calcium rich foods include tofu, salmon, green leafy vegetables and dairy products. 
  • Another important aspect of nutrition for pregnant women is regarding the need to stock up on food rich in iron. These include fish, poultry, eggs, enriched grains and green leafy vegetables. However, since iron absorption from food takes place at a very slow pace, many doctors advise the intake of iron supplements. Iron supplements often lead to constipation, though it may help if you take your supplements with food. To improve iron absorption, include food that is rich in vitamin C. 
  • Folic acid is important to proper fetal growth. Taking in 400 mg of folic acid everyday can prevent more than 70% of birth defects commonly found in newborn babies. Natural foods like dark green vegetables, oranges, grains, beans, lean meat and liver are rich in folic acid. You also get folic acid supplements, and doctors often recommend the intake of prenatal vitamins that contain folic acid.  
  •  Pregnant mothers must not follow a restrictive diet. Do not skip meals. Eat enough to gain weight at the recommended rate. Include a variety of foods since this ensures that you are getting all the minerals and vitamins that your body needs. Eat at regular intervals so that your blood sugar levels do not peak and dip.
  • Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Avoid alcohol and quit smoking. 
  • These days, it is common for pregnant women to take in large doses of supplements. Although some amount of fortified foods is helpful, large doses can cause health problems. So always discuss with your healthcare provider before you start taking supplements of any sort. 
  • Pregnant women should avoid undercooked food, swordfish, mackerel and tilefish since these may contain high levels of Mercury. 
By following these tenets of good nutrition, a pregnant mother can ensure the health and proper development of her baby. At the same time, she can also prevent unnecessary weight gain that may lead to health complications later on.

Credit : Aliceshown
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