Saturday 30 May 2009

Various Harmful Effects of Pesticides on Our Health

Pesticides are used by farmers to save the crop from the attack of pests. It helps them to yield an unharmed crop and keep its selling price low. But these powerful chemicals provide a lot of harmful effects on your health, as they are a poison for us. In other words, our diet is being poisoned, against our wishes. It all happens when we consume vegetables and fruits, grown in this non-organic way.
This issue is denoted with the title of 'Pesticide Poisoning'. It arises when the chemicals intended to kill pests, start affecting the non-targeted organisms like human beings and wildlife (like bees). This condition occurs from a long time exposure to the pesticides residue in food, air, water, soil, sediment, food materials, plants and animals. This process gives rise to a lot of health troubles. It mainly includes skin and eye irritation, nervous system disorders like Parkinson's Disease, reproductive diseases and severe types of Cancers. There may also occur the problems of neurological, birth defects, fetal death, and neurodevelopmental disorder.
To avoid the side effects of pesticides, soak all your fruits & vegetables in warm water, for a few minutes, at least. Then drain out the water.
- Peel their hard skin and wash them with the water that is mixed with salt, lemon juice or vinegar.
- Prefer buying only organic foods.
- If you have sufficient resources for home gardening, then nothing could be better than that !!! Grow your own vegetables & fruits in your home garden, without the use of any chemicals.

Friday 22 May 2009

Amazing Health Benefits of Garlic Herb cum Spice

Garlic (Allium sativum) is one of the most commonly used herbs, packed with multiple health benefits. Its nutritional value is extremely rich as it contains photochemicals and compounds like chlorine, iodine and sulfur. This herb is native to the Central Asia, mainly India. Hippocrates, Pliny the Elder and Galen described the use of garlic for many health conditions. It kills parasites; cures respiratory problems, poor digestion and low energy problems. Learn some of its wonderful health benefitsright below:
garlicCurbs diabetes- Garlic has the ability to increase insulin level in the body and so it regulates the blood sugar level.
Boosts immunity- This spice has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties which boost your immune system to work efficiently. It reduces the incidence of common cold upto 60 percent.
Controls high blood pressure- The patients of high blood pressure get benefit by the use of garlic as it lessens the aggravation of blood vessels. Garlic is a Natural Blood Thinner.
Treats cancer- A severe cancer distress can be treated with the use of this spice. It contains certain compounds that neutralizes the cancer causing compounds.
Healthy digestive system- Garlic enhances the production of digestive juices in the stomach and helps to remove wastes from it. The crushed cloves of this spice prevent all forms of digestive diseases.
Heal infections- Its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties helps to heal various infections. You will be surprised to know that garlic contains one percent power of penicillin.
Sound heart condition- The use of this spice helps in improving certain heart problems like coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction.
Better skin health- Garlic contains a good amount of antioxidants and helps to maintain blood circulation. So, it proves to be really beneficial for forming a fine skin health. The raw form of this herb helps in clearing acne.
Beauty benefits- Garlic is used for mole removal and anti-aging purposes.
Blood purification- It helps in blood purification. In vitro studies, its found that this herb contains anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties.
Hypertension- Due to the ability to lower high blood pressure, garlic can control the problem of hypertension.
Scurvy- As garlic contains vitamin C, so it can treat the illness of scurvy.
Other benefits- This herb can heal the problems of respiratory diseases,asthma, digestive distresses like constipation, rheumatoid arthritis,heart disease, skin diseases like wounds, diphtheria, whooping cough and sexual debility.
As a herb, you can use garlic in its fresh form: chop it, mince it, chew it raw, roast it.. the way you like. As a spice, garlic can also be used in its dried form: simply sprinkle it on soups, salads, curries, sauces or marination. Its just awesome!!