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The Health Benefits of Horseradish

Cultivated since antiquity, horseradish was used medicinally in ancient Egypt and throughout the Middle Ages. Harvested mostly for its roots, this perennial is actually a tall flowering plant that grows up to five feet high. A member of the group of highly touted cruciferous vegetables, horseradish has many medicinal properties.

Here are 6 health benefits of horseradish:

Cancer Prevention

Consumption of cruciferous vegetables like horseradish is associated with preventing many types of cancer, notably lung and colorectal cancers. Horseradish contains compounds called glucosinolates, which help the liver detoxify carcinogens and, according to a study at the University of Illinois, may also help suppress the growth of tumors. Horseradish has a particularly high level of glucosinolates compared to other cruciferous vegetables.

High In Vitamin C

Horseradish contains a good amount of the powerful antioxidant, vitamin C. Vitamin c helps reduce the effects of free radical damage in the body, a known cause of cancer. It also boosts the immune system and supports the body’s fight against flu, the common cold and other bacterial and viral infections.

Antibiotic & Antibacterial

Horseradish has proven effective against infection, bacteria and fungi. It is particularly useful in destroying bacteria that causes bronchitis and urinary tract infections. These same properties may also help the body maintain a healthy bladder by preventing toxin accumulation and helping to flush out inflammatory agents.

Sinus Relief

Juice taken from the horseradish root has been known to help clear the sinuses and ease sinus discomfort. It may be an effective treatment for sinusitis. However, this theory remains unproven.

Pain Relief

Used topically, horseradish is known to soothe muscle pain and joint discomfort. It has also been proven effective against headaches. It helps stimulate blood flow to the skin’s surface and to inflamed areas.

Digestive Health

Horseradish is considered a potent gastric stimulant. This means it is known to help stimulate the appetite and aid in digestion by helping the intestines secrete digestive enzymes.

Pine Nuts Health Facts

Pine nuts are not really nuts but are the edible seeds of about 20 different species of pine cone. They have been eaten as food since the Paleolithic period and today are most commonly eaten as an ingredient in pesto sauce.

Here are six health benefits of pine nuts.

Weight Loss

Even though they are high in fat, eating pine nuts on a regular basis can boost your weight loss efforts because they contain pinoleic acid, which research has found to be an effective appetite suppressant. Pinoleic acid works by triggering the release of two hunger suppressant hormones, cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).

Cardiovascular Support

In addition to good circulation, pine nuts also contribute to a healthy heart. They are a great source of monounsaturated fats, which have been linked with lower cholesterol levels and a lower risk of heart attack. They are also high in vitamin E, vitamin K, copper, iron, and manganese, all of which help the cardiovascular system.

High in Iron

Pine nuts are a great source of iron, which is a key nutrient for many processes of the body, including circulation and nerve regulation. The copper they contain helps the body absorb more of the iron.

Anti-Aging

The antioxidants in pine nuts slow down the aging process because they help to remove free radicals from the body. When higher levels of free radicals are present, signs of aging will increase and those free radicals may also cause cancerous cells to grow. Eating foods high in antioxidants, such as pine nuts, will reduce the risk of these health concerns. The copper in pine nuts also contributes to their anti-aging arsenal.

Eye Health

Pine nuts contain lutein, an antioxidant that is crucial to the prevention of eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. They also contain vitamin A in the form of beta carotene, another important eye vitamin.

Energy Boost

When you are feeling tired or fatigued, pine nuts can give you the boost that you need because they contain protein and magnesium. It has been found that magnesium helps to improve symptoms of fatigue and it is also beneficial for tension release and muscle cramping alleviation.

Benefits of Chocolate

Why is Dark Chocolate Healthy?:

Chocolate is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables. These benefits are from flavonoids, which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from aging caused by free radicals, which can cause damage that leads to heart disease. Dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants (nearly 8 times the number found in strawberries). Flavonoids also help relax blood pressure through the production of nitric oxide, and balance certain hormones in the body.

Other Benefits of Dark Chocolate:

Chocolate also holds benefits apart from protecting your heart:

it tastes good

it stimulates endorphin production, which gives a feeling of pleasure

it contains serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant

it contains theobromine, caffeine and other substances which are stimulants

Benefits & Facts of Thyme Tea

Thyme is a delicate herb which is both pungent and hot with a penetrating fragrance. It is also a fabulous herb for healing a large number of ailments. It is known to increase the flow of urine and to help in menstruation. It helps in the delivery process and prevents miscarriages; in fact, it cleanses all the organs of the body. The Abbess Hildegard von Bingen used thyme for nervous disorders, leprosy and paralysis.

The Abbess Hildegard von Bingen stated, “He who drinks a cup of thyme tea instead of coffee in the morning will soon feel the beneficial effect: enlivened spirits, great comfort in the stomach, no coughing in the morning and an overall well-being.”

Thyme grows in sunny areas next to ant-hills. You can find thyme in dried up lawns, as it must have lots of sun and heat. Thyme came from the Mediterranean in the 11th century and is found in many gardens. Most people know the thyme plant as Garden Thyme (thymus vulgaris) or as Mother Thyme.

Thyme Benefits:

Thyme cures styes and aids pink eye. It cleans scrapes and cuts immediately with its antiseptic and disinfectant properties. Thyme treats women with menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms also. Thyme is a common remedy for stomach ailments, lung congestion, coughing ailments and overall flu conditions. It is even used to remove nightmares from children. Thyme is used for sprains, rheumatism, muscular atrophy, stroke, multiple sclerosis and paralysis. Thyme is a good overall herb to keep in the kitchen.

Oregano Oil Benefits

Consult a physician or health professional. Oregano oil supplements are not recommended for everyone. Before beginning a regimen of oregano oil to treat internal symptoms, consult a health professional to make sure you do not have any contraindications (such as pregnancy or anemia) for use of the oil.

A health professional should also be able to suggest a recommended dose for attempts to use oregano oil as a natural treatment for whatever condition you are trying to address.

Some oregano oil doses need to be combined with iron pills or other oils or liquids to dilute the concentration or correct for certain effects straight or consistent use of oregano oil can cause.

Select an emulsified oil. For the duration of your treatment, 600 mg of emulsified oil in capsule form per day should be the maximum dose necessary (for short-term treatment) to relieve intestinal symptoms and reduce inflammation.

Smaller doses of 100 to 150 mg per day in capsule form should be sufficient for less serious symptoms or problems, such as yeast imbalances, general inflammation, sinus problems, and upset stomachs.Take the oil daily until the symptoms resolve. Oregano oil needs to be taken consistently to build up the effect and reduce symptoms. Do not skip doses to give yourself the best chance at benefiting from the healing properties of oregano oil. Doses can be spread throughout the day.

Drink the oil mixed with juice, water, or milk. Because oregano oil can be very intense and even dangerous in its undiluted form, take capsule supplements or mix undiluted drops with a small glass of juice, water, or milk before consuming.

Oregano oil (3-6 drops) mixed with juice can reportedly aid a sore throat, cold, or sinus condition.

When purchasing a supplement, look for a concentration of carvacrol of 70% or greater.