What is an Alfalfa and its benefits?

ALFALFA

            Alfalfa is one of the most versatile and nutritious foods known. It can be used as a tea, sprinkled on meals or taken as capsules or tablets.

          Alfalfa is highly alkaline, thus helping alleviate problems with stomach acid.

Some illnesses which alfalfa helps to control are:

•      Arthritis
•      Stomach ulcers
•     Gastritis
•     Liver problems
•     Hemorrhoids
•     Constipation
•     Anemia
•     Body odour
•     Gum problems       
•     Athlete’s foot
•     Diabetes
•     Malnutrition
•     Anorexia
•     Cancer
•     Asthma

                    Alfalfa is high in chlorophyll which has tremendous properties for preventing body odour, healing, helping the growth of new tissues in addition to being antiseptic and antibacterial.

NUTRIENTS:-

                    It contains a rich supply of nutrients as well as Vitamins & Minerals including:-

1.       High content of chlorophyll

2.       PABA (Para-amino-benzoic acid)

3.       Amino acid Triptophan

4.       Proteins

VITAMINS:

1.       Vitamin – A

2.       Vitamin – b complex

3.       Vitamin – C

4.       Vitamin – D

5.       Vitamin – E

6.       Vitamin – K

7.       Vitamin – U

8.       Biotin

9.       Inositol

MINERALS:-

1.      1.   Calcium

2.      2.   Phosphorous

3.      3.   Iron

4.      4.   Magnesium

5.      5.   Potassium

6.      6.   Sodium

7.      7.   Sulfides

What is an Anemia and its treatment?

ANEMIA

              Anemia (hematic insufficiency) is the lack of oxygenated blood in the body.

The symptoms are:-

- Paleness of the skin

- Paleness of the eyelids  
                              

- Palen 

- Spoon-shaped fingernails due to lack  of iron

           - Paleness of the gums

           - Brittle hair

           - Increased respiration

           -Paleness of the lips

CAUSES:- 

                    Anemia is caused by the lack of oxygen in the blood. The main cause is a lack of iron (main component of hemoglobin) in the blood. A shortage of proteins, folic acid, Vitamins B6, B12 & C is other causes of anemia.

The best suggested treatment to help combat anemia is:-

                    A balanced diet, eating healthy foods especially those that contain a high amount of iron. Some recommendations: Lentil soup, spinach, egg yolks, dried prunes, broccoli, turnips and whole grains.

Warning:- 

                    If the anemic condition still persists, especially in the case of pregnant women, consult your physician. 

The following is the daily suggested (150 Lb) use
Important Supplement	Suggested daily use	Comments
1.      Multi – minerals ( with iron)	4 tablets daily up to 12 years of age, 12 years to adult – 6 tablets daily (2 tablets with each meal)	Needed for proper composition and body function.
2.      Nutritional shake with Aloe Vera	1 daily of 25 gm. Take with milk or yogurt.	It should contain multi-vitamins, multi-minerals, vegetable proteins, amino-acids, fiber etc.
3.      Alfalfa or Pollen	3 tablets daily. 1 tablet with each meal.	Multi-vitamins and multi-minerals.
Supplementary help
4.      Aloe Vera juice, gel or nectar	4 to 6 ounces daily. 1 or 2 ounces before each meal.	Anti-inflammatory, pain inhibitor, digestive and nutritive.

Suggested Vitamins and Minerals (Taken daily with meals)
Vitamins
·         Folic acid -  50 mg	·         B6 – 50 mg	·         B12 – 100 mcg
·         C – 500 to 1000 mg
Minerals
·         Iron – 50 to 80 mg

What are Unsaturated Fatty Acids?

UNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS

OMEGA - 3 ( EPA & DHA) & OMEGA – 9 (Oleic acid)

OMEGA – 3 (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids)

                      Recent investigations have found that the daily ingestion of a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids called Omega provides great health benefits principally to the cardiovascular system. It helps prevent problems of the cardiac and circulatory systems like arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, heart attacks and embolism. There are other combinations of oils in this Omega group  named – Omega – 3 and Omega – 9.

                      One of the principal fatty acids is Omega – 3 ( Linolenic acid) as well as Omega – 9 ( Oleic acid) which along with Omega – 3 have wonderful therapeutic properties.

                      The Greenland Eskimos and the Pacific Northwest Groups, who consume large amounts of fish, rarely develop coronary artery disease and have a reduced risk of heart risks. The Eskimos have very low levels of LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein).

                    It has been found that Eskimos and fishermen who eat a large amount of fish have fewer heart problems, high blood pressure and cases of cancer than people whose diet contains a high consumption of red meat. The reason for this is the consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in cold water fish and other marine animals.

                  Fish is rich in omega – 3; Flaxseeds are powerhouse of omega – 3.  Walnuts, sea foods, canola oil, beans, cloves and dairy foods are also good sources of omega – 3.

Omega – 3 oil (Linolenic acid) is an 18 carbon long polyunsaturated fatty acid with three double bonds. Linolenic acid is an Omega – 3 oil because its first double bond is at the third carbon.

Linolenic acid can be converted into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which is the precursor to the three series favorable prostaglandins. Prostaglandins of the series 1 and 3 are favorable while the same of the series 2 are no good. The reason is - Prostaglandins of the 2 series promote  platelet stickiness, bad factor that contributes to hardening the cardiovascular system. Another important omega – 3 oil is the DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid).

Fish Oil

                    Areas that have been identified in which omega – 3 fatty acids change the metabolism:-

1   -    They may lower blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart attacks and stroke.

2   -  They reduce the tendency for blood platelets to stick together which can lead to formation of blood clots.

     - They lower the rate at which the liver manufactures triglycerides.

4   - They may help repair the damage due a lack of oxygen in body tissues.

5   -  They are used for the treatment of depression associated with bipolar disorder.

       OMEGA – 9 (Oleic acid)

                    It is monounsaturated oil because it contains 18 carbons and one double bond at ninth carbon molecule.

                   It has proven effective in the reduction of cholesterol in people who live in countries like Greece, Italy and Spain where olive oil is consumed daily in meals.

                  A mix of these fatty acids, Omega – 3 and 9 gives us a highly efficient combination for the reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides, improving general health by helping to:-

1.  Reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems because it reduces cholesterol in the blood.

2. Avoid deposits of cholesterol on the arterial walls.

3. Reduce the level of triglycerides in the blood (fats that are strongly implicated in obesity, heart attacks and strokes).

4.  Reduce the risk of thrombosis.

 5. Helps to normalize blood pressure.

 6.  Eases symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

 7. Slows the advance of multiple sclerosis.

 8.  Slows the effects from the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

 9. Slows the growth of cancerous tumors.

10.  Increases the mobility of blood cells.

11.  Helps avoid blood clots, making platelets less sticky.

12.  Prevents the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

13.  Helps to combat skin disorders like Psoriasis and Eczema.

What are Heart Tonics from Foods?

                               Heart Tonics

1. Orange - 

                              

It strengthens heart & liver. Its juice is very beneficial for weakness of heart.

2. Amla (Indian Gooseberry) - 

                         
                    Take two spoons of mixture of equal quantities of powdered amla & candy sugar with water  in the morning and evening. It gives strength to the heart. Amla reduces cholesterol. Heart patients should take amla daily. Taking 50 ml of fresh amla juice can prevent a person from heart attacks. For this, add 50 ml of amla in one cup of water and then drink.

3. Banana - 

    

                            

                         Eating mixture of two bananas & two spoons of honey give strength  to the heart. It also lessens pain of heart.

4. Ash Gourd (Petha) - 

                                

It strengthens heart & brain.

What are Beneficial and medicinal uses of Garlic (Lahsoon)?

                                   GARLIC

                     Garlic and Aloe come from the family of lilacs and both have medicinal properties. Garlic is characterized as possessing a buried stem in place of a root. Many varieties of garlic exist, the most common is Allum Satvium.

Principal properties of garlic:

                   Antibiotic, Cough Suppressant, Anthelmintic (combats intestinal worms), Antirheumatic, Fights hyperthyroidism, Muscle relaxant, Aids digestion, Diuretic, Anti-diabetic, Fights hypertension, Heart relaxant.

            Prevents Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis, Lowers fat and cholesterol in the blood and General Vitalizor and reconstructor.

                Garlic is rich in sugars, proteins, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, sulphur, iodine and silicone. In addition, it contains Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 and C.

Garlic contains:

                 Allicin, a powerful natural antibiotic in many cases stronger than penicillin and tetracycline.

                Ajoene, a compound discovered by Dr. Eric Blok of the University of New York, Albany. This product impedes the formation of blood clots in the arteries and thus prevents strokes as well as helping to control cholesterol levels in the blood.

Selenium:

               Garlic is rich in this indispensable element needed for neutralizing free radicals and therefore it prevents a countless number of illnesses. Selenium is an anti-oxidant helping to slow the effects of cell oxidation and aging. Combined with Vitamins A & E, the rejuvenating power of both is increased. 

                 Saponins, a compound which helps lower blood pressure, thus preventing strokes.

Fructose: 

                 This carbohydrate helps stimulate the immune system.

Thanks to these characteristics, garlic has enjoyed great fame since ancient times. The Babylonians used it in 3000 BC considering it a miracle plant. They used it for illness of the respiratory system as well as for skin infections including leprosy. In addition, it was used to rid the body of amoebas and intestinal worms.

              The people if Israel considered garlic a miracle plant and in the Bible it is mentioned by Moses. 

             In Egypt, garlic is mentioned by the historian Herodotus where he mentions an inscription made in the great pyramid of Keops, which indicates that garlic was one of the vegetables given daily to the workers.

                Presently, the Egyptians take garlic before competing in sporting events. Similar stories can be told of Greece where Aristotle mentions garlic, saying "It cures hydrophobia and is a great tonic laxative".

            Hippocrates in 460 BC recommended garlic for athletes that competed in the Olympic Games. Subsequently its use had a great boom in the Middle Ages which has continued to date.

Garlic taken with thyme multiplies its antibiotic power and makes it more digestible. Garlic mixed with lecithin has greater power of assimilation.

 ANTIBIOTIC & GERMICIDAL POWER: -

                    Its effect have been well demonstrated agains bacteria like staphylococcus, streptococcus, salmonella and other germs that cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal and bronchiopulmonary infections. Also works against problems caused by fungi like ringworm and candidiasis.

LUNG DECONGESTANT: -

                  Acts as a great lung decongestant helping to loosen the harmful  , infectious secretion of bronchial tubes. In addition,  it helps to prevent head colds and flu. Dr Irwin Ziment, an expert in lung medicine, comments that garlic and some hot peppers (chillies) work well as expectorants.

 DESTROYS PAR ASITIC WORMS:-

                 Since the beginning of time, cloves of garlic have been used to get rid of oxyuriasis (intestinal worms) in children, working quite well to completely eliminate amoebas.

 ANTIRHEUMATIC:- 

                   Rubbing ground garlic mixed with hot aloe lotion calms and eases pain caused by inflamed and aching joints, a result of rheumatism.

  HYPERTHYROIDISM:-

                   Garlic contains a lot of Iodine which helps people who suffer from hyperthyroid, a deficiency of this mineral.

   MUSCLE TONER:-

                    Muscles can be toned by taking garlic, which then can sustain an extra amount of work, as the Egyptians who built the great pyramids have said. It is also a great muscle relaxant.

    DIGESTIVE:-

              Taking garlic prevents the blockage of gastric, pancreatic and intestinal juices, which are responsible for digesting the nutrients, by nerves or stress. In addition, it helps promote a relaxed and toned digestive system.

    DIURETIC:-

              Garlic is highly diuretic due to its essential oils and its low molecular weight sugars.

   ANTI-DIABETIC:-

                  Garlic is a big help to people with diabetes because it lowers the level of glucose in the blood. This is due to the fact that it increases the secretion of insulin. Insulin is in charge of maintaining normal levels of sugar in the blood.

  HYPERTENSION (LOWERS high blood pressure):-

                Garlic acts as vasodilator, which helps to widen blood vessels, making flood flow smoother. This helps to lower blood pressure. Experiments show signs of these effects in almost 75% of people.

   HEART RELAXANT:-

                Garlic regulates the cardiac rhythm, helping to avoid arrhythmia. This is beneficial for people that have accelerated heart rates and cardiac arrhythmia.

  REDUCES FAT IN THE BLOOD:-

                           It has been demonstrated that garlic promotes a           decrease of low density lipoproteins (dangerous) from about 7 to 22% and increasing the high density lipoproteins (favorable) from 15 to 31%. In addition, it lowers cholesterol              and triglycerides 17 to 20%. Studies done in different universities such as the University of

                        Munich in Germany, the Center of Research Clinics in New Orleans, the Department of Medicine at the New York Medical College, Oxford University and the Medical College of Tagore in India along with other presti gious institutions have corroborated the reduction in levels of detrimental cholesterol (LDL) as well as an increase in beneficial cholesterol (HDL) when a little garlic is given daily to patients.

  REVITALIZOR:-

                        Since ancient times, garlic has been associated with vigor, physical strength and force and promoting great strength in athletes

• ARTERIOSCLEROSIS & THROMBOSIS:-
•              In 1990, scientists co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Pennsylvania State University united at the first annual convention of “ The Health Significance of Garlic and Garlic Constituents”. Researchers from different institutions presented their studies in which the positive influence of Garlic was determined in the prevention of Arteriosclerosis. Studies done reveal that the ingestion of garlic daily during a month diminishes coagulation and the destruction of clots from 72 to 85%.