Healthy Recipes

Lentil - Dal Soup

Posted - Oct 20th-2014

1 cup green moong dal (split moong beans)

1 cup white urad dal (split matpe beans)

For mild taste:

2 tea spoon cumin seeds

3 teaspoon coriander powder

3 tea spoon turmeric powder

1 tea spoon cayenne pepper or

1/2 spoon black pepper powder

2 tea spoon pink salt (Sendhv salt is best)

1 tea spoon fresh ginger paste or chopped ginger

1 tea spoon fresh garlic paste or chopped garlic

1/2 onion paste or chopped (any)

1/2 tomato - bell pepper (optional)

4 tea spoon Ghee

1/4 tea spoon hing

some cilantro for good flavor

for hot & spicy taste add double all the spices :)

mix both dal and soak over night in 4 cup water add 1/2 spoon backing soda powder or (for quick cook soak dal in super hot water for 30min), One tea spoon pink salt (Sandhav Salt is Best), you can add or change 4 cup fresh water in the morning before cooking dal, cook at least 1 hr at medium heat or (use pressure cooker ready in 10 min), stay close to stove/gas and keep eyes on your soup :) Now other side.. add ghee in other pot heat up and add cumin, lets wait for 3-5 min cumin will turn brown-black add chopped onion, tomato, bell pepper (optional), cook a little while and add other spices cook for 5 min and add in to cooked dal.. mix well and cook another 5 min.. add chopped cilantro... congratulations your soup is ready.. you might be hungry now.. so I let you enjoy your soup. feel free to share with your friends family and clients :) In your service chef Vaidya Dr. Raj - text me 231.360.1435 *****

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Reasons to make Kale a part of your diet:

What is Kale?

The vegetable belongs to the Brassica family, along with broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. Kale comes in two different forms: kale with smooth leaves and kale with curly, crinkly leaves. Its leaves are typically either green, blue, or purple. This long neglected vegetable has gained immense recognition lately as one of the best superfoods, for its exceptional nutrient richness, health benefits, and delicious flavor, and often referred to as the “queen of greens”, “the new beef”, and the new “vegetable cow”.

Why makes Kale a Superfood?

Kale is fat free, high in protein, contains easily-extractable essential amino acids, is the king of carotenoids , is abundant in omega 3 fatty acids, and unlike inorganic minerals, e.g. limestone, bone meal, oyster shell, the calcium in kale is alive with life-sustaining energy.

Here are 16 Healthy Reasons to make Kale a part of your diet:

Aids Weight Loss: Kale is a good source of dietary fiber which improves the digestive action, bowel movements, and quick disposal of toxins and waste products. Along with its low calorie count and zero fat, it is a must-have on any weight loss diet. Vitamin C it contains hydrates your body and increases your metabolism, leading to weight loss and healthy blood sugar levels.
High Iron Content: Iron is essential for formation of hemoglobin and enzymes, transporting oxygen to various parts of the body, cell growth, proper liver function, and more. High chlorophyll content in kale helps elevate hemoglobin levels, boosting overall body health.
Bone Strength: Kale is an incredible source of well-absorbed calcium, helps prevent bone loss, stalls the onset of osteoporosis, and maintains healthy metabolism. Vitamin C is also helpful to maintain cartilage and joint flexibility.
Anti-Inflammatory: The anti inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids help fight and alleviate arthritis, autoimmune disorders and asthma. Phytonutrients, such as quercetin, help combat inflammation and prevent arterial plaque formation. Kale, which is basically alkaline in content, along with vitamin K, helps improve blood circulation reducing chronic inflammation.
Anti Cancer: Carotenoids and flavonoids, along with the phytonutrient, sulforaphane, are active cancer-fighting compounds. Kale also contains organosulfur compounds, broken by the body into isothiocyanates, inducing cancer-destroying enzymes that inhibit colon, prostate and ovarian cancer cell growth.
The indole-3-carbinol boosts DNA health and inhibits cancer cell growth. Detoxifier: Kale’s great detoxifiers, fiber and sulfur, lower cholesterol, and keep your liver healthy. Isothiocyanates, found in Kale, when broken down to glucosinolates, help to regulate detoxification activities at the core genetic level, the body cells.
Immune Booster: Kale’s impressive concentration of nutrients strengthens the immune system and fights viruses and bacteria. Iron boosts oxygen supply to your blood warding off anemia, phytonutrient sulforaphane nourishes the immune system, and Vitamin C hydrates and provides antioxidants, aiding metabolism promoting processes.
For Skin: Vitamin A prevents dry and flaky skin, repairs underlying skin tissues, and prevents damage caused by free radicals. Contains phytonutrients, lutein, and beta-carotene, that improve skin’s elasticity, firmness and keep it supple. Vitamin C and K, help prevent premature aging of the skin, and fight dark circles and wrinkled skin.
For Hair: Kale is packed with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, that increase blood circulation to the scalp, strengthen hair follicles, prevent hair breakage, and improve elasticity of hair.
For Vision: Kale contains a high concentration of beta-carotene and carotenoids (zeaxathin and lutein), that act as sunglass filters, protecting eyes against UV rays, built up of cataracts and protect the retina against free radicals.
Lowers LDL cholesterol: Kale juice favorably influences serum lipid profiles and antioxidant systems, and reduces the risks of coronary artery disease, among hypercholesterolemic patients. The bile acid isolators, cholestyramine and colestipol, are excellent agents for lowering circulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels.
Protein source: Kale is one of the best bio-available protein sources, for growth, repair and nourishment of muscle tissues. Kale provides larger amounts of protein than meat, establishing it as a viable protein source for vegetarians.
Rich in Antioxidants: Antioxidants, such as carotenoids and flavonoids help protect against various cancers. The best antioxidant source of beta-carotene, Kale helps fights cancer, heart disease, and certain age-related chronic diseases. Manganese in kale helps your body’s own antioxidant defense system, superoxide dismutase, protecting you from damaging free radicals. Its folate and B6 team up to keep homocysteine levels down, preventing heart disease, dementia, and osteoporosis bone fractures.
ALA source: Kale is actually a great source of alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), which is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that’s essential for brain health, reduces Type 2 diabetes risk, and boots heart health as well.
Vitamin K source: Vitamin K is also found in Kale which strengthens the body’s bone health, forestalling the effects of osteoporosis, prevents clotting of blood, is anti-inflammatory and also helps in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. .
For Brain Health: Omega 3 in kale helps delay the damage to brain cells due to high blood sugar in people who are diabetic or obese.

HEALTHY JUICES

Carrot + Ginger + Apple

Boost and cleanse the system

Apple + Cucumber + Celery

Prevents cancer, reduces cholesterol, eliminates stomach upset and headache

Tomato + Carrot + Apple

Improves skin complexion and eliminates bad breath

Bitter gourd + Apple + Milk

Helps eliminate bad breath and reduce internal body heat

Orange + Ginger + Cucumber

Improves Skin texture, moisturizes the skin

Reduces body heat

Pineapple + Apple + Watermelon

To dispel excess salt

Nourishes the bladder and kidney.

Apple + Cucumber + Kiwi

Improves skin complexion

Pear & Banana

Regulates sugar content

Carrot + Apple + Pear + Mango

Counteracts toxicity

Decreases blood pressure

Fights oxidization

Honeydew + Grape + Watermelon + Milk

Rich in vitamin C + Vitamin B2

Increase cell activity

Strengthen body immunity

Papaya + Pineapple + Milk

Rich in vitamin C, E, Iron

Improve skin complexion

Stabilizes metabolism

Banana + Pineapple + Milk

Rich in vitamin with nutritious

Prevents constipation

Indian Spices

Alsi - Flax seeds, Ajwain - Carraway seeds , Dhania - Coriander seeds or Powder, Dhania Patta - Coriander leaves (Cillantro), Dal Chinni - Cinnamon, Elaichi - Cardomam, Ghee - Clarified Butter, Haldi - Turmeric Powder, Hing - Asofetida, Imli - Tamarind, Jeera - Cumin Seeds, Jaiffal - Mace, Javitri - Star Anise, Kesar - Saffron, Long - Cloves, Methi - Fenugreek Leaves, Methre - Fenugreek Seeds, Raee - Mustard Seeds, Saunf - Fennel Seeds, Tej Patta - Bay Leaf, Posto - Poppy Seeds. Kali Mirch - Black Pepper. Sendha Namak - See - Salt.

Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric's Beneficial Effects in a Nutshell

Strengthens and improves digestion

Supports healthy liver function and detoxification

Purifies your blood

Contains Curcuminoids - fight cancer, arthritis & Alzheimer's

Protect against childhood leukemia

Turmeric Recipes

1. Alu Gobi (Potatoes and Cauliflower)

Chop very fine 2” fresh ginger
Cut potatoes in small pieces
Cut the cauliflower in equal size to match the potatoes
Cumin seeds ½ tsp,
Turmeric ½ - ¾ tsp,
Salt to taste,
Red crushed peppers (optional)
Black pepper and cilantro to garnish.

Place a non-stick wok/deep pan on fire. Add about 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil. When hot add ginger. let cook for about 3-4 minutes until slightly brown. Add Cumin seeds. When they begin to splutter, about 5 seconds add the potatoes and cauliflower. Mix well so oil with ginger and cumin flavor covers the vegetables.

Add salt to taste, ½ tsp turmeric, ¼ sp red peppers crushed. Cover and cook on very low heat. After every five minutes uncover and mix well, to cook evenly. When almost done sprinkle chopped cilantro and black pepper. Cover and cook for another 3-5 minutes. Check to see the potatoes are well done. When cooked evenly cover and leave until ready to eat. Fresh Cilantro and black pepper gives a very aromatic flavor to the dish. Can be eaten with any Indian Roti or rice.

2. DAL (Lentil)

Red lentils – Masoor dal ½ cup
Yellow lentils – Moong dal ½ cup
½ onion chopped fine
one small tomato – finely chopped
Cilantro finely chopped
Cumin seeds ½ tsp
Salt to taste
Turmeric ¾ tsp.

Take equal amounts of both dals (lentils). ½ cup each. Wash well under running water until the water runs clear.

In a deep sauce pan add about 3 cups of water and let boil. After the first 5 minutes a white foam will float on top, with a slated ladle remove the white foam. Put salt to taste and ¾ spoon turmeric. Place a lid and cover about 80 % of the pan. Leaving a little place for the steam to escape. Cook on low fire until the lentils are soft about 15 - 20 minutes. The water and the lentils should be well incorporated. Add more water if needed. If too much water let boil uncovered until the water reaches the right consistency ie thick soupy.

In a separate frying pan fry chopped onion in about 1 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil. When pinkish brown add cumin seeds and let the onions get light brown. Add chopped tomatoes. Sauté when until onions and tomatoes are same consistency. Add cilantro, sauté for another ½ minute and add to the cooked dal. This final step is called TARKA. This tarka gives the final fresh taste to the dal. For added flavor can squeeze a little fresh lemon juice before eating.

Dals are high in protein replacing meat dishes for vegetarians. Best eaten with rice.

ABOUT INDIAN CURRY

Herbs Spices Chilies

Curry is not necessarily hot. It can be flavorful, aromatic &/or chili hot.

Curry actually means liquid. It does NOT mean hot spicy food. Any dish which has soupy consistency is a curry. Curry maybe made up of herbs, spices and chilies

Flavor comes from Spices- spices are dried herbs and seeds, cumin, coriander etc.
Aroma comes from Herbs - fresh and green like cilantro, mint, basil etc.
Heat comes from Chilies- Red, green etc. – use as much or as little as you want

Curry may be made of any one or two or all three of the above

Once you know the basic curry from North India you can make many dishes
This curry paste can be made and frozen for months in advance.

Basic North Indian Curry paste
4 onions
200 grams fresh ginger (4 Tb Sp bottled paste)
1 pod garlic fresh ( 2 Tb Sp bottled paste)

Chop all fresh ingredients coarsely in the food processor. In a fry pan or deep wok fry all three in about 3 Tb Sp olive or vegetable oil. Until dark brown evenly, not burnt. Will take about 20 minutes.

Add one small can tomato paste until well incorporated. You should be able to see the oil bubbling separately. Can be frozen at this stage.

When ready to cook (wok/deep pan) add this paste in 1 tb sp of hot vegetable or olive oil. Add one stick cinnamon, 2 pods black and 2 pods green cardamom, 2 cloves and 1 tsp cumin seeds (these are all spices). After about a minute or so add what ever you are going to cook in this paste (recipes given below). Add 1/3 tsp turmeric powder, salt to taste and red chili powder or paprika to taste. Sauté for about 5-8minutes until the paste is coating the item being cooked. If you like really hot and spicy curry can add ½ t sp Garam Masala extra (powdered spices all of the above available in Indian stores) Add water and cover to cook for about 20 minutes on medium heat, until the water is reduced and the curry is thick. Check to see if the item being cooked is soft and eatable. If too thick can add hot water, if too liquidly can cook uncovered until the consistency is right.

This paste is good for 2 cans of Garbanzo beans, or 2 cans of kidney beans or 2 cans of black eyed beans.

Vegetables that can be cooked in this paste are green peas with potatoes cut in small pieces or potatoes alone.

Chicken pieces or fish can be cooked in a similar way.

Serve all these dishes with lot of chopped cilantro sprinkled on top as garnish.

Curries are best eaten with Boiled Rice or Hot Naan/Roti.

Cinnamon and Honey: A Magical Result in Numerous Problems:

VERY IMPORTANT ~ Facts on Honey and Cinnamon: It is found that a mixture of honey and cinnamon help to improve most health problems. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a very effective medicine for all kinds of problems. Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of problems. Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients. Weekly World News, a Canadian magazine [January 17, 1995 issue], has given the following list of problems that can be improved by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists:

HEART PROBLEMS:
Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also, for those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, it is a preventative measure against the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.

LONGEVITY:
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon powder and three cups of water and boil to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increases and even a 100 year old, starts performing the chores of a 20-year-old..

CANCER:
Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three times a day.

WEIGHT LOSS:

On a daily basis, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water in the morning one half hour before breakfast [on an empty stomach] and at night before sleeping. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet. FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half Tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M. When the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.

INDIGESTION:

Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals. IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

BLADDER INFECTIONS:

Take two table spoons of Cinnamon powder and one tea spoon honey in a Glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.

CHOLESTEROL:

Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three times a day, any chronic Cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of

Cholesterol.

COLDS:

Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This Process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.

UPSET STOMACH:

Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root. GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan , it is revealed that if Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

ARTHRITIS:

Arthritis patients may take daily [morning and night], one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly, even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon of Honey and one half teaspoon of Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.

INFLUENZA:

A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ingredient which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu. PIMPLES: Take three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and make a paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root. SKIN INFECTIONS: Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

BAD BREATH:

People of South America , first thing in the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS:

Daily (morning and night) honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing. Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it! Drinking Water Are you drinking the amount of water you should every day? Lack of water is the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45% Slash the risk of breast cancer by 79% 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer For dieters - one glass of water shuts down midnight hunger pangs. (A University study)

Turmeric - Super Spice Secrets: Can This Miracle Spice Stop Cancer, Alzheimer's and Arthritis? For more than 5,000 years, turmeric has been an important part of Eastern cultural. Valued for its medicinal properties and warm, peppery flavor, this yellow-orange spice has recently earned a name for itself in Western medicine as well. Turmeric comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, which is native to southern India, and is widely used as an ingredient in curry dishes and yellow mustard. Research shows this spice as one of nature’s most powerful potential healers. Dr. David Frawely, founder and director of the American Institute for Vedic Studies in Santa Fe, New Mexico said - “If I had only one single herb to depend upon for all possible health and dietary needs, I would without hesitation choose the Indian spice Turmeric. There is little it cannot do in the realm of healing and much that no other herb is able to accomplish.” Turmeric’s Beneficial Effects in a Nutshell Strengthens and improves digestion Supports healthy liver function and detoxification Purifies your blood Contains Curcuminoids - fight cancer, arthritis & Alzheimer's Protect against childhood leukemia Curcumin: Turmeric’s Active Anti-Inflammatory “Ingredient” which come from curcumin -- the pigment that gives turmeric its yellow-orange color, and which is thought to be responsible for many of its medicinal effects. Turmeric’s Cancer-Fighting Properties In India, colon, breast, prostate and lung -- is 10 times lower. Turmeric’s Essential Role for Your Liver Increases bile flow, a detoxification enzyme in the to help body digest fats. Turmeric for Heart, Brain and Overall Health Turmeric inhibits free radical damage of fats, including cholesterol. Rich in vitamin B6, associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. Turmeric's volatile oils also have external anti-bacterial action. Helps prevent bacterial wound infections and accelerate wound healing. Turmeric is beneficial for: Cystic fibrosis Type 2 diabetes Crohn’s disease Psoriasis Rheumatoid arthritis Cataracts Gallstones Muscle regeneration Inflammatory bowel disease 7 Things dont's do after a meal

Don't smoke - Experiment from experts proves that smoking a cigarette after meal is comparable to smoking 10 cigarettes (chances of cancer is higher).

Don't eat fruits immediately - Immediately eating fruits after meals will cause stomach to be bloated with air. Therefore take fruit 1-2 hr after meal or 1hr before meal.

Don't drink tea - Because tea leaves contain a high content of acid. This substance will cause the Protein content in the food we consume to be hardened thus difficult to digest.

Don't loosen your belt - Loosening the belt after a meal will easily cause the intestine to be twisted &blocked.

Don't walk about - People always say that after a meal walk a hundred steps and you will live till 99. In actual fact this is not true. Walking will cause the digestive system to be unable to absorb the nutrition from the food we intake.

Don't sleep immediately - The food we intake will not be able to digest properly. Thus will lead to gastric & infection in our intestine.

Coconut Oil and Health Problems: The most effective treatment for Alzheimer's may be sitting on your cupboard shelf. Doctor discovers effectiveness of coconut oil in fighting neuro degeneration. Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, autism, dementia, epilepsy, and various emotional disorders. Coconut oil or the fatty acids in coconut oil on epilepsy are the most thoroughly studied and documented. However, new research on Alzheimer's disease has shown that coconut oil may be the best alternative treatment for this otherwise untreatable condition. Recently, a letter was sent to Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and other Members of the Alzheimer Study Group. Here are some of the contents of the letter. The letter was written by Mary T. Newport, MD, Director of Neonatology at Spring Hill Regional Hospital in Florida. About five years ago Dr. Newport's husband, Steve, began to develop signs of Alzheimer's disease. At the time Steve was only 53 years old. Steve's latest MRI showed extensive atrophy in the amygdale and hippocampus, the areas affected by Alzheimer's. Some clinical trials recruiting Alzheimer's patients for studies to test the effectiveness of two experimental drugs. one of them, Ketasyn, showed great promise. In preliminary studies persons with Alzheimer's disease demonstrated overall improvement in mental ability in as little as 45 days. Positive results were noticeable in some of the subject after just a single dose. The active ingredient in Ketasyn is medium chain triglycerides (MCT) which are derived from coconut oil. Since the drug is not approved for treatment of Alzheimer's by the FDA it is not commercially available. The daily dosage of MCT oil used in preliminary studies was equivalent to about 2½ tablespoons of coconut oil (virgin coconut oil). I started adding 2½ tablespoons to my husband's oatmeal at breakfast says Dr. Newport. "Within a few days there was noticeable improvement in his gait, his ability to converse, his sense of humor has returned; he remembers the month and the season immediately, which he could not remember if repeated over and over to him before. He is following through on things that he wants to accomplish during the course of the day. To see this much improvement in such a short time is very encouraging for both of us. He is well aware that he is suffering from this disease and fully supports and enjoys our dietary change." How do the medium chain triglycerides in coconut oil fight Alzheimer's Problems? During digestion, MCTs are broken down into medium chain fatty acids, some of which are converted into ketones. Nerve tissue, including the brain, relies on glucose for energy. Nerve cells can also convert ketones into energy. When food is restricted and adequate glucose is unavailable, the body converts fat into ketones, which supplies the brain with the energy it needs to function properly. The use of MCTs to treat neurological disorders has been around for a number of years, but little has been done to use this knowledge to development treatments for Alzheimer's and other neurological conditions. MCTs and coconut oil are natural products and as such, are not patentable, so drug manufacturers have little interest in researching their therapeutic potential.

Remedy For Dengue Fever: One of my friend's friend's son was in the critical stage at the ICU when his blood platelet count drops to 15 after 15 liters of blood transfusion. He confessed to me that he gave his son raw juice of the papaya leaves. From a platelet count of 45 after 20 liters of blood transfusion, and after drinking the raw papaya leaf juice, his platelet count jumps instantly to 135. Even the doctors and nurses were surprised. After the second day he was discharged. So he asked me to pass this good news around. Accordingly it is raw papaya leaves, 2pcs just cleaned and pound and squeeze with filter cloth. You will only get one tablespoon per leaf. So two tablespoon per serving once a day. Do not boil or cook or rinse with hot water, it will loose its strength. Only the leafy part and no stem or sap. It is very bitter and you have to swallow it like "Won Low Kat". But it works.

Papaya Juice - Help in Dengue: My friend's sister had dengue many years ago. It was a very serious situation for her as her platelet count had dropped to 28,000 after 3 days in hospital and water has started to fill up her lung. She had difficulty in breathing. She was only 32-year old. Doctor says there's no cure for dengue. We just have to wait for her body immune system to build up resistance against dengue and fight its own battle. She already had 2 blood transfusion and all of us were praying very hard as her platelet continued to drop since the first day she was admitted. Fortunately her mother-in-law heard that papaya juice would help to reduce the fever and got some papaya leaves, pounded them and squeeze the juice out for her. The next day, her platelet count started to increase, her fever subside. We continued to feed her with papaya juice and she recovered after 3 days!!! It's believed one's body would be overheated when one is down with dengue, papaya juice has a cooling effect. It helps to reduce the level of heat in one's body, thus the fever will go away.

feel better naturally...

Food is Medicine :

Aloe Vera - The Life

Aloe Vera is quite an incredible medicinal plant full of nutritional benefits. It is a succulent plant and part of the lily family (Liliaceae), the same family that garlic and onions belong to. Different parts of the plant are used for different purposes and aloe vera has both internal and external applications.

Aloe vera is medicinal, and like all plant medicines, should not be consumed every single day for months on end.

Top 12 Benefits of Aloe Vera:

Aloe Vera contains over 200 active components including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, polysaccharide, and fatty acids – no wonder it’s used for such a wide range of remedies! The bulk of the aloe vera leaf is filled with a clear gel-like substance, which is approximately 99% water. Humans have used aloe therapeutically for over 5000 years – now that’s a long-standing track record! The list of benefits and effects for this miraculous plant are many.

Here is a list of the Top 12 Benefits of Aloe Vera (including some medicinal uses):

1. Aloe Vera Is High in Vitamins & Minerals:

Aloe Vera contains many vitamins including A, C, E, folic acid, choline, B1, B2, B3 (niacin), B6. Aloe Vera is also one of the few plants that contains vitamin B12. Some of the 20 minerals found in Aloe vera include: calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, manganese.

2. Aloe Vera is High in Amino Acids & Fatty Acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. There are about 22 amino acids that are necessary for the human body and it is said that 8 of these are essential. Estimates of the amino acids found in aloe range from 18-20 amino acids, with all 8 essential amino acids. Aloe vera also includes quite an impressive range of fatty acids. Aloe contains three plant sterols, which are important fatty acids – HCL cholesterol (which lowers fats in the blood), campesterol, and B-sitosterol. All are helpful in reducing symptoms of allergies and acid indigestion. Other fatty acids include linoleic, linolenic, myristic, caprylic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic.

3. Aloe Vera is an Adaptogen

Aloe vera is a well-known adaptogen. An adaptogen is something that boosts the body’s natural ability to adapt to external changes and resist illness. It is thought that aloe’s power as an adaptogen balances the body’s system, stimulating the defense and adaptive mechanisms of the body. This allows you an increased ability to cope with stress (physical, emotional and environmental stress like pollution)

4. Aloe Helps with Digestion

Poor digestion is related to many diseases. A properly functioning digestive tract is one of the keys and foundations of health. Aloe is known to soothe and cleanse the digestive tract and help improve digestion. The interesting thing about taking aloe internally is that, because it is an adaptogen, it helps with either constipation or diarrhea, helping to regulate your elimination cycles in whatever way you need. It’s been a great remedy for people with problems such as irritable bowel syndrome as well as acid reflux. Aloe also helps to decrease the amount of unfriendly bacteria and in our gut keeping your healthy intestinal flora in balance. Aloe is also a vermifuge, which means it helps to rid the body of intestinal worms.

5. Aloe Helps in Detoxification

Aloe Vera is a gelatinous plant food, just like seaweeds and chia seeds. The main benefit to consuming gelatinous plant foods in your diet is that these gels move through the intestinal tract absorbing toxins along the way and get eliminated through the colon. This will help the proper elimination of waste from your body and help the detoxification of your body.

6. Aloe Alkalizes the Body

Disease cannot manifest in an alkaline environment. Most people are living and subsisting on mostly acidic foods. For great health, remember the 80/20 rule – 80% alkaline forming foods and 20% acidic. Aloe vera is an alkaline forming food. It alkalizes the body, helping to balance overly acidic dietary habits.

7. Cardiovascular Health

There hasn’t been a lot of studies conducted on aloe’s effect on cardiovascular health, but there has been some research to show that aloe vera extract injected into the blood, greatly multiplies the oxygen transportation and diffusion capabilities of the red blood cells. According to a study published in the 2000 issue of the British Medical Journal, beta sitosterol helps to lower cholesterol. By regulating blood pressure, improving circulation and oxidation of the blood, lowering cholesterol, and making blood less sticky, aloe vera juice may be able to help lower the risk of heart disease.

8. Aloe Helps Boost the Immune System

I think given the stresses of our daily lives, every one can use a boost to their immune systems. The polysaccharides in aloe vera juice stimulate macrophages, which are the white blood cells of your immune system that fight against viruses. Aloe is also an immune enhancer because of its high level of anti-oxidants, which help combat the unstable compounds known as free-radicals, contributing to the aging process. (Free radicals are a bi-product of life itself, it is a naturally occurring process but we can overload ourselves with unnecessary free-radicals by living an unhealthy lifestyle). Aloe is also an antipyretic which means it used to reduce or prevent fever.

9. Aloe Vera is Great for the Skin

Because of aloe’s well-known healing properties for the skin, aloe is one of the primary compounds used in the cosmetic industry. It is a known vulnerary, (meaning it helps heal wounds) and is great for applying topically to burns, abrasions, psoriasis and even to bug bites. Aloe acts as an analgesic, acting to help relieve pain of wounds. It’s feels especially good to cut a stem of aloe, place it in the fridge and rub it on sun burnt skin – the immediate soothing effect feels like an absolute lifesaver. Aloe is also an antipruritic: A substance that relieves or prevents itching. Aloe vera is an astringent: which causes the contraction of body tissues, typically used to reduce bleeding from minor abrasions. Due to aloe’s high water content (over 99% water) it is a great way to hydrate, moisturize and rejuvenate the skin and fits within my general guideline: “Don’t put anything on your skin that you wouldn’t eat!” Aloe increases the elasticity of the skin making it more flexible through collagen and elastin repair. Aloe is an emollient, helping to soften and soothe the skin. It helps supply oxygen to the skin cells, increasing the strength and synthesis of skin tissue and induces improved blood flow to the skin through capillary dilation.

10. Aloe vera is a: Disinfectant, Anti-biotic, Anti-microbial, Germicidal, Anti-bacterial, Anti-septic, Anti-fungal & Anti-viral:

Wow, I think that covers all anti- bases. Okay, I admit, that was just a sneaky way to add in another 8 good reasons why you should keep an aloe vera as a handy (to to mention beautiful) house plant and incorporate it’s uses into your healthy lifestyle. Aloe vera’s active ingredients are sulphur, lupeol, salicylic acid, cinnamic acid, urea nitrogen and phenol which are substances that prevent the growth of disease-causing microorganisms and act as a team to provide antimicrobial activity thus eliminating many internal and external infections, also active against bacteria. It also helps to treat fungal and viral infections.

11. Aloe Helps Reduce Inflammation

Aloe Vera contains 12 substances, including B-sisterole, which can help to slow down or inhibit inflammation. This may be able to help with painful joints due to stiffness and help improve joint flexibility.

12. Weight Loss – A Secondary effect

Improving your digestion, and detoxifying your body will have a secondary effect of promoting weight loss because when you start to improve your digestion you naturally eliminate more efficiently, which is a primary way that we all detoxify – through our bowels. This will lighten your toxic load on your body and will give you more energy.

Aloe Vera Intake Precautions

This plant is incredibly medicinal, yet there are some cautions against long-term use. Just because a little is beneficial, doesn’t mean that a lot is more beneficial. This is an incredibly potent plant and should be used with a level of respect for its potency. Long-term use can lead to loss of electrolytes, especially potassium.

Tip: Avoid taking aloe internally during pregnancy, menstruation, if you have hemorrhoids or degeneration of the liver and gall bladder.

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