Friday, 17 June 2016

TOP 10 HEALTH BENEFITS OF FENNEL SEEDS

1. Beats Bad Breath
Munching on a few fennel seeds will sweeten and refresh your breath after a meal and especially get rid of bad breath after an odorous meal.
Its antimicrobial properties fight the germs that cause bad breath. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties also soothe sore gums. In addition to chewing on a fennel seeds, you can swish lukewarm fennel tea in your mouth and gargle with it to reduce bad breath.

2. Aids Digestion
Fennel is highly beneficial in relieving digestive problems such as indigestion, bloating, flatulence, constipation, colic, intestinal gas, heartburn, and even irritable bowel.
This herb stimulates digestion and has carminative effects that soothe the digestive tract and prevent the formation of gas. Moreover, it can help rebuild the digestive system after radiation or chemotherapy treatments.
Simply chewing a teaspoon of fennel seeds after meals aids digestion and relieves stomach pains and bloating. When suffering from indigestion, you can drink fennel tea or take one-half teaspoon of fennel seed powder along with water two times a day.

3. Relieves Water Retention
Drinking fennel tea on a regular basis helps flush out excess fluids from the body as it works as a diuretic. You can also reduce puffy eyes caused by fluid retention by applying strong fennel tea under your eyes.
In addition to preventing and relieving water retention, fennel helps remove toxins and reduces the risk of urinary tract problems. It also has diaphoretic properties that will stimulate perspiration.
4. Reduces Obesity
Fennel is excellent for combating obesity as it suppresses the appetite and creates a feeling of fullness. Fresh fennel works as a natural fat buster by boosting the metabolism and breaking down fats. Plus, being a diuretic, fennel helps reduce water retention, which is a common cause of temporary weight gain.
One simple way to facilitate weight loss with this herb is to dry roast, grind and sieve fennel seeds and consume one-half teaspoon of the powder with warm water twice daily.
5. Protects Against Cancers
Fennel bulb can help decrease the risk of developing colon cancer because it helps remove carcinogenic toxins from the colon.
Moreover, the herb has an anti-inflammatory phytonutrient called anethole that has anti-cancer effects. A 2012 study at the University of Texas found that this phytonutrient can stop breast cancer cells from growing. Other phytonutrients like quercetin and limonene present in this herb also have anticarcinogenic effects.
6. Relieves Menstrual Problems
Many factors, including stress and poor diet, can interrupt a woman%u2019s regular menstrual cycle. Fennel seeds have emmenagogue properties that promote and regulate menstrual flow. The herb also has phytoestrogens that help with issues like premenstrual syndrome, menopausal disorders, and breast enlargement.
A 2012 study conducted by researchers from Babol University of Medical Sciences and Health Services in Iran also indicates that fennel can help reduce symptoms of dysmenorrheal or painful menstruation.
Apart from menstrual benefits, fennel is traditionally used as a galactagogue to promote lactation in nursing mothers. It also works as an aphrodisiac to increase libido in both men and women.
7. Treats Respiratory Illnesses
Fennel has mild expectorant properties that help relieve respiratory tract infections associated with coughs, colds, the flu, and sinus congestion.
For instance, when suffering with a cough and sore throat, you can drink warm fennel tea two or three times a day. Also, you can boil two tablespoons of fennel seeds in one cup of water until half the water evaporates, strain the solution and gargle with it
8. Prevents Cardiac Problems
Fennel can reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. It is a good source of potassium that helps lower high blood pressure as well as folate that is needed for converting potentially dangerous homocysteine molecules into a benign form
9. Promotes Eye Health

Researchers at the Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research have found that fennel may help reduce eye pressure and promote the dilation of blood vessels. Thus, it may help prevent or treat glaucoma, a vision-impairing disease. However, further research and evaluation is needed in this regard.
Moreover, an Indian study led by researchers from the Department of Biochemistry at the Shivaji University suggests that fennel seeds contain a compound (trans-anethole) that may prevent retinopathy associated with vision loss in diabetics.
You can derive these benefits by drinking fennel tea daily. Also, you can prepare an infusion of one-half teaspoon of fennel seeds boiled in one cup of water until half the water evaporates. Strain and cool the solution and then use it as eye drops to relieve eye strain and irritation.
10. Improves Memory and Brain Function
Fennel works as a general brain booster. Researchers have found that fennel seeds help improve cognitive performance. Fennel bulbs and seeds also have high levels of potassium, which encourages increased electrical conduction throughout the body, contributing to healthy brain functioning and cognitive abilities.
Moreover, fennel juice acts as a vasodilator and increases oxygen supply to the brain. It is also helpful in relieving depression and delaying the onset of dementia.

Monday, 6 June 2016

BEAT HOT SUMMER WITH CUCUMBER

CUCUMBER:


Being “cool as a cucumber” might actually have some weight to it. Cucumbers are incredibly hydrating, and staying adequately hydrated during the hotter months is crucial. Snack on cucumber slices and hummus, or if you’re truly desperate for some heat relief, "a green juice with lots of cucumber and lemon is a great way to stay hydrated and cool.


  • Take a bath! A cucumber bath is the best way to guarantee a refreshing end to a hot summer day. You can either puree the cucumber or just simply cut it and add it to your bath. Cucumber contains potassium and Vitamin C which will help to rejuvenate your skin. You can even add fresh mint for a “cooling” experience.
  • Make a toner. Cucumber is a great option for those of you looking for an all natural toner. Because cucumbers have such a high water content they are well suited to hydrate your face. You can make your own cucumber toner in minutes! Simply grate one cucumber into a bowl. You can then dip a cotton ball into the cucumber juice and there you have it, your own homemade cucumber toner.
  • Wear a mask, a cucumber mask that is. The health benefits of cucumber make it great for external beauty uses. A mask is a relaxing way to reap these benefits. You can find three of the best DIY cucumber masks.You are sure to find one that works for your skin type.
  • Eat it! This is simple but important. Cucumbers have more health benefits than you can imagine. They area great source of Vitamin B which will help if your energy is low. They have an extremely high water content to keep you hydrated and electrolytes to replenish important nutrients. The bottom line is they are a small way to make a big difference when it comes to our health, so eat up!
  • Help your hair. We all have mistreated our hair in some way at some point. The good news is using a cucumber hair mask once in a while will help to battle further damage. Blend 1/2 cucumber (peeled and cut), 1 whole egg, 1/4 olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise. Spread the mask evenly on your hair and leave on for about 30 minutes.
  • Say goodbye to shower fog. There is nothing more annoying then trying to get ready in a mirror that is still foggy from when you took a shower. Well, who knew cucumbers were the answer? Simply rub a slice of cucumber on the mirror before you turn on the shower to eliminate the fog. Even better, you will be left with a spa like fragrance as a bonus!
  • Polish your shoes. If you are in a rush and don’t have time to polish your shoes cucumbers will do the trick. Just rub a fresh cut slice on your shoes for a shinny appearance and water repellant.
  • Serve it up! Cucumber cups are the cutest way to serve bit size salads at your next party! Not only are the cute, but the miniature size will make it easy for your guests to enjoy appetizers while socializing. You can find a great recipe for a mediterranean salad perfectly fit for cucumber cups !
  • Put it in your water. Cucumber infused water in not only delicious but also nutritious. It is the perfect way to stay cool during the heat of summer. The refreshing taste will also help those of you who struggle to drink the recommended amount of water. Plus, the cucumber will serve as a gentle cleanse to rid your body of toxins!