Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice

Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice

Image source:  https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Pikiwikisrael

The pomegranate is a native fruit of Persia. Its name in Latin means "apple with many seeds".The fruit, which is about the size of an apple, has a thin rind lined with a layer of white membrane which divides the fruit into several cells. Each cell contains numerous seeds encased in a juicy pulp. The outer rind color is pink to deep red when the fruit is mature on the most popular varieties for eating. Pomegranate has been used as curative remedy by several civilizations and has been referred as a sacred symbol by several religions and mythologies. 

1.  Its effectiveness as an anti-oxidant
Pomegranate juice has antioxidants that are super powerful and beneficial to your heart, mind, bones, and overall health. They’re called polyphenols and flavonoids. No other juice or fruit has more of these types of antioxidants than the pomegranate fruit. Researchers have suggested that the antioxidant power of pomegranate is extremely high; pomegranate juice contains nearly three times the antioxidant boost of even green tea. It is also a highly regarded defender against free-radicals in the body.

2.  Preventive and chemical treatment for cancer
It has been shown that pomegranate extract in therapeutic doses caused a natural death of cancer cells (Apoptosis) such as  breast cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer, without affecting healthy cells. Pomegranates are the richest source of a natural substance called ellagic acid.  Its effectiveness has proven in the treatment and prevention of the prostate cancer, where it suppresses the growth of cancer cells, and interferes with the genetic factors of cancer cells, leading to death at the end.

3.  Treatment of heart and blood vessels diseases
In a study released by John Hopkins Medical Center , researchers found that pomegranate juice can reduce the progression of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries by inhibiting the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Diabetes patients who drank pomegranate juice had a reduced risk for arteriosclerosis and a reduced uptake of bad cholesterol.  Consumption of pomegranate juice for 2 weeks by hypertensive subjects significantly decreased systolic blood pressure.

4. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects
Pomegranate has also shown to possess anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.  The barks of the tree and root have been used in traditional medicine to eliminate tapeworms. In addition, ellagic acid also has other benefits; it has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, anti-cancer properties.

5.  Pomegranate juice prevent Alzheimer's disease and improve the nerves
It is proven that polyphenols (found in pomegranate juice) are neuro-protective.Therefore, diet can affect the risk of  Alzheimer’s disease. American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (2006) said that a daily glass of antioxidant-rich pomegranate juice may halve the build-up of harmful proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease. Pomegranate juice is high in fiber and has substantial amounts of potassium which is important in sending nerve impulses as well as releasing energy from protein, fat, and carbohydrates during metabolism.

6.  Pomegranate juice improve erectile dysfunction
Researchers believe that the potent antioxidant content of pomegranate juice can prevent free radical molecules from disrupting proper circulatory function and help increase blood flow to the penis leads to erections. Drinking 250ml of pomegranate juice a day may help manage erectile dysfunction and impotence. The juice of Pomegranate is the active source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B5, Vitamin E, iron, calcium, potassium, and antioxidant polyphenols, such contents can increase the amount of blood in the body and to regulate the blood flow to the all parts in  the body. It has been determined that taking a regular dose of pomegranate will increase the blood flow around the body, in particular to the penis area. Its powerful antioxidants help to keep the blood vessels functioning optimally. It preserves the nitric oxide in the blood vessels of the penis which keeps the penis tissue relaxed and allows increased blood flow into the region. This increased amount of blood in the penis gives a stronger and much longer lasting erection.

7.  Pomegranate juice improve sperm quality and count
The antioxidants in pomegranates particularly punicalagin play a role in sperm health because sperm are especially susceptible to oxidative damage due to the high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids involved in regulating sperm maturation and spermatogenesis.

8.  Pomegranate juice improve skin and delay ageing
Foods rich in antioxidants may improve skin and delay the effects of ageing, and pomegranates in particular may play a role due to their very high levels of antioxidants. Pomegranate has 20% more antioxidants than orange, apple or cranberry juice.  Pomegranate juice not only captures free radicals, it can also prevent inflammation, which is the main cause of premature aging. The pomegranate may contribute to  the thickening of the epidermis and help with anti-aging.

9.  Pomegranate juice prevent osteoarthritis
A study published in the September 2005 issue of the journal of nutrition suggests that that extracts from pomegranate fruit may slow cartilage  degradation in osteoarthritis.

10. Pomegranate improves fertility
Pomegranates are high in Vitamin C and fiber, and contain the minerals iron, potassium and calcium. Other nutrients include Vitamin A, Vitamin E and folic acid. It is regarded as a symbol of health, fertility and rebirth. Pomegranate has been shown in clinical studies to improve and balance the estrogen and progesterone levels and enhance nurturing energy.

11. Pomegranate boosts immunity
The pomegranate juice is rich in vitamin C which helps to increase immunity powers immensely. The antioxidants in the juice boost immunity, and increase resistance to diseases, specially TB and cancer. Studies have shown that the pomegranate can be used to treat cancers of the lung, prostrate and breast. Pomegranates have a great amount of vitamin C, which increases your immunity against the common infection such as flu, colds, bleeding gums, wounds that won’t heal, just to name a few.

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Pubic lice (crabs)

Pubic lice (Crabs)

Image Source: By Doc. RNDr. Josef Reischig, CSc. - Author's archive, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31557499

1. Pubic lice are tiny parasitic insects that live in coarse body hair, such as pubic hair. They are yellow-grey and about 2mm long. They have a crab-like appearance so they are often known as crabs. The eggs appear as brownish dots fixed to coarse body hair. Pubic lice are different from the head lice which some people get on their scalp.

2. Parasitic lice belong to the insect order Phthiraptera and include two main groups. The group that includes the human lice is known collectively as "Anoplura", or the sucking lice. There are over 550 species in the world, all of which are blood-sucking parasites of mammals, including wildlife, livestock, and pets.

3. The second group contains the chewing lice, known collectively as "Mallophaga". This is a large and diverse assemblage of over 2,650 species in the world, none of which suck blood. Instead, they possess weak chewing mouth parts and feed on feathers, fur, and skin debris on their host.

4. Crab lice are very small (1.5-2 mm; 0.06-0.08 inch),wingless, flattened insects with mouth parts for sucking blood. Crab lice have a large claw at the end of the last two pairs of legs that fits snugly around a hair shaft, allowing them to cling securely to coarse hair on their host. The claws resemble those of an aquatic crab, hence the common name of 'crab lice'.

5. In all stages of their life cycle, crab lice feed frequently on human blood. The adult female lays about four eggs (nits) per day. These are glued to hairs. The young emerge 7-10 days later, after being incubated by body heat, and must feed on blood within about 24 hours in order to survive.

6. You can get pubic lice by having close body contact-such as sex with someone who already has them. It is also possible to get them by sharing towels, clothes or someone's bed. Condoms do not prevent the transmission of pubic lice.

7. Symptoms include itching in the genital area and visible nits (lice eggs) or crawling lice.

8. Tiny, brick-red specks (faeces) usually on underwear or sheets, but sometimes on skin as well. 

9. Tiny white, oval, shiny attachments stuck near the base of pubic hairs; these are the eggs, and are not to be confused with hair follicles.

10. A pubic lice infestation is diagnosed by finding a "crab" louse or egg (nit) on the hair in the pubic region or, less commonly, elsewhere on the body (eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, moustache, armpit, perianal area, groin, trunk or scalp).

Egg

Image Source: By KostaMumcuoglu at the English language Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16506825

11. Pubic lice may be difficult to find because there may only be a few. Pubic lice often attach themselves to more than one hair and generally do not crawl as quickly as head or body lice. If crawling lice are not seen, finding nits in the pubic area strongly suggests that a person is infested and should be treated.

12. Without treatment, public lice can remain present as long as there are adult female lice that can feed on blood and lay nits which will develop into adult lice.

13. Pubic lice will not go away without treatment. Treatments for pubic lice include using a special lotion or shampoo to kill the eggs and lice. These can be purchased without a prescription. Follow the directions carefully.

14. Machine wash all linens, stuffed animals, or any other items with which the lice may have come in contact. Wash in hot, soapy water. D ry all linens in a hot dryer for at least 30 minutes.

15. Items that can not be washed must be taken to the dry cleaner or wrapped and sealed in a plastic bag for 14 days.

16. Clean all hair accessories well.

17. Vacuum all furniture.

18. After shampooing as directed, make sure to remove each single nit from each shaft of hair. Any nits left in the hair will hatch and start the cycle over again.

19. If eyelashes are infested, use petrolatum ointment, applied twice daily for up to 8-10 days; nits should be removed mechanically from the eyelashes with a nit comb. 

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Head Lice - A Lousy Problem

Head Lice - A Lousy Problem

Image source:   By Gilles San Martin - originally posted to Flickr as Male human head louse, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11208622

1. Three types of sucking lice infest humans: the body louse, the head louse and the crab louse or pubic louse.

2. The head louse and the body louse are physically indistinguishable, but are easily distinguished from the crab louse. Head lice (also known as "head louse") are small insects that live in people's hair and feed on their blood. 

3. Lice glue their eggs (also known as "nits") to hair so they cannot be brushed or shaken off easily. Lice eggs take about six to nine days to hatch. After they have hatched they take about seven or more days to become egg-laying adults. 

4. Lice die very quickly (usually about two days) without feeding and cannot live for very long away from a person's head.

5. They need blood to survive and can live up to 30 days on the head but will die within 1-2 days if they fall off the head.

6. Head lice is also called pediculosis.

Life cycle

Image Source: By CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/home.asp ID# 6816, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3997380

7. Head lice are not a major public health concern because they do not spread illness or disease.

8. Head lice can be a bother because of the discomfort they can cause and how easily they are spread from person to person.

99. Head lice are not caused by being dirty. Anyone who has hair can get head lice. 

10. Head lice can move quickly on dry hair making them hard to see. 

11. Head lice do not jump or fly or swim. 

12. Head lice bites can make the scalp itchy but they do not cause disease. 

13. Adult head lice lay about 10 eggs (called nits) every day. These nits are stuck to the hair near the scalp. After the head lice hatch, the empty shell of the nit stays stuck to the hair.

Nit

Image Source: By English wikipedia, Fig.3.Louse_egg.jpg, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3945597

14. Head lice eggs hatch in seven to nine days into the first nymph stage, which looks like a miniature adult. The nymph takes a blood meal by biting the scalp soon after hatching and will feed every three to six hours. In about nine days, the louse will have passed through two more nymphal stages and reach the adult stage. The adult will stay on the head for its entire life.

15. You can find lice anywhere on the head. Look behind the ears and the back of the neck. 

16. Lice can vary in colour from tan, brown or gray. 

17. You cannot get rid of lice with a hair brush or with a hair dryer. 

18. You can get head lice by touching heads with someone who has head lice, or by sharing combs, brushes, hats, headsets or helmets. 

19. Head lice are common where children play or work closely together. 

20. The best way to find head lice is by using a fine toothed lice comb on hair that is dry, wet or wet with conditioner. 

21. Only treat when you find a live louse on the head.

22. Pets cannot get head lice and people cannot get head lice from pets.

23. Head to head contact with someone who has head lice.

24. Sharing things that are in direct contact with a person’s hair such as combs, brushes, barrettes, ribbons, caps, hats, scarves, helmets, towels, pillows and coats.

25. Children age 5 to 12 get lice more easily because their heads often touch when they play together.

26. Combing with a nit comb-A nit comb can sometimes be effective in removing viable nits and lice. Nits that are more than ¼ inch from the scalp are not likely to be viable and need not be removed. Comb daily until no live lice are discovered for 2 weeks. Recheck in 2-3 weeks after you think all lice are gone. 

27. Over-the-counter lice shampoo-As with all drugs, directions must be followed exactly. These products should be rinsed from the hair over a sink rather than shower or bath to limit exposure to the body. A second treatment may be required in about 10 days. 

288. Prescription lice shampoo medications-These products contain other insecticides that require greater care for treatments and should be used only under a physician’s care and only if live lice persist following treatment with the over-the-counter products. Parents should be advised to discuss with their health care provider specific instructions for use of these products, potential risks and benefits, and other possible treatment recommendations. 

29. A number of household products such as mayonnaise, petroleum jelly, olive oil, tea tree oil, hair gel and vinegar or wet combing have been suggested as a treatment. These products show little proof of killing head lice and are not as effective as head lice shampoo.

30.Wash clothing and bedding used in the last 3 days by the affected person in hot water and dry in a hot dryer. 

31. Place items that cannot be washed in a sealed bag for two weeks.

32. Put all combs, brushes and hair accessories in hot, soapy water.

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Banana Facts

Banana Facts

Image source: By Augustus Binu, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=41291734

1. Bananas derive from the family Musaceae in the genus Musa. It is believed that there are over different varieties of banana, but the vast majority of Banana’s cultivated for export to Western markets is the Cavendish variety.

2. Bananas are believed by some to be the world’s oldest fruit. Certainly they are mentioned in Ancient Chinese, Hindu, Greek and Roman texts, and the earliest record in Sanskrit dates back to 5000 B.C.

3. There are more than 500 varieties of banana in the world. Banana plants are the largest plants on earth without a woody stem. India is by far the largest world producer of bananas.

4. Banana is derived from the Arab word "banan," which means finger.

5. A cluster of bananas is called a hand and consists of 10 to 20 bananas, which are known as fingers. 

6. Banana plants are the largest plants on earth without a woody stem. They are actually giant herbs of the same family as lilies, orchids and palms. The banana tree grows from a bulb (or rhizome) not a seed. 

7. Bananas are a good source of vitamin C, potassium and dietary fiber. Bananas are America's #1 fruit. 

8. Bananas are great for athletic and fitness activity because they replenish necessary carbohydrates, glycogen and body fluids burned during exercise. 

9. Bananas are not grown commercially in the continental United States. They are grown in Latin and South America from countries like Costa Rica, Ecuador, Colombia, Honduras, Panama and Guatemala. 

10. Bananas are perennial crops that are grown and harvested year-round. 

11. In 2001, there were more than 300 banana-related accidents in Britain, most involving people slipping on skins. 

12. There are more than 500 varieties of banana in the world. 

13. There is no such thing as a banana tree. Bananas grow on plants. 

14. The banana plant reaches its full height of 15 to 30 feet in about one year. 

15. Despite being usually being grown in a tropical climate, Iceland has begun to successfully produce bananas with the help of geysers providing energy to create a tropical environment.

16. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe it’s time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!

17. Banana leaves, pseudostems, fruit stalks and peels can all be used for various culinary purposes. Bananas are primarily eaten as a fruit, either on its own or as a part of a salad. All parts of the banana have medicinal applications as well. 

18. The banana trade is big business. It comes fifth in terms of world trade in agricultural produce-after cereals, sugar, coffee and cocoa.

19. Bananas contain tryptophan and vitamin B6, known to help make you feel happy. 

20. Wild bananas originated in Asia, and have been cultivated for more than 4,000 years. 

21. Bananas are available all year around. They are harvested every day of the year.

22. All eight essential amino acids that the body does not produce are contained within a single banana.

23. Bananas are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, iron and fiber. Bananas are sodium, fat, and cholesterol free.

24. Red bananas contain more nutrients then their yellow cousins.

25. Bananas, however, can be cooked and are frequently found in Spring Rolls and deep 

fried in Asian cultures.

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Natural Ingredients for Your Hair Care

Natural Ingredients for Your Hair Care

Henna Powder

Any tips you hear from anybody are suggestive; you can try them, but if they don’t work for you, ditch them!

1. Shea Butter:
Comes from a tree native to Africa which has soothing, moisturizing and protecting effects, also known as Butyrospermum Parkii. It displays a protective role against UV rays because of its cinnamic acid content. Shea Butter returns luster to skin and hair, and also protects the skin and scalp, especially in over-processed and/or heat treated hair.

2. Chamomile:
Is a member of the daisy family and is an herb that purifies, calms and soothes with virtually no adverse effects so it can be used for long periods of time. The active ingredients in chamomile are called essential oils and flavonoids which are good for healing skin and scalp irritations.

3. Sunflower Oil:
Has high amounts of Vitamins A, B, D and E, minerals, lecithin, insulin, and unsaturated fatty acids and is an excellent moisturizer because of its emollients. Emollients are known to soften skin and hair without leaving an oily residue.

4. Avocado Oil:
Is a rich heavy oil, more penetrating than most oils. It is therefore good for dry hair and skin. It is obtained from the pulp of the avocado pear and has a deep green color. It is stable, natural oil, rich in vitamin E. Avocado also contains Vitamins A, B1, B2, D, and Beta carotene. It is classified as monosaturated oil and is best suited for dry hair and skin.

5. Witch Hazel:
Is extracted from the bark and leaves of the Hamamelis tree and is an astringent and gentle cleanser which removes build-up on the hair as well as the scalp; it also helps to fight dandruff.

6. Olive Oil:
Is obtained directly from the olive after it has been harvested. It is made into a paste from which the oil is collected. Olive oil conditions and improves the strength and elasticity of the hair, helping to prevent breakage. It’s also very good for "frizzy" and damaged hair. 

Image source:By I, Alex Ex, CC BY 2.5, $3  Olive oil  https://en.wikipedia.org/

7. Honey:
Naturally attracts and holds moisture. It is also a natural antiseptic and contains antioxidants. Honey is packed with vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, sulphur, iron, zinc and vitamins B1, B2, B3, which aid in hair growth. It can be added to conditioners, rinses and pomades.

8. Aloe Vera:
Known as the true or medicinal aloe, aloe vera is a species of succulent plants now widely used as a moisturizer and can also be used as a gel to re-twist locked hair. Aloe Vera is also used for soothing the skin, and keeping the skin moist while eliminating the risk of flaky scalp in harsh and dry weather.

9. Henna and ayurvedic herbs:
Henna and ayurvedic herbs will strengthen your hair, add gorgeous shine, protect it from the elements, and help it grow stronger, longer and healthier. There will be persons who don’t want color. There are other ayurvedic herbs that are perfect to use for their varying needs and give you all the benefits of using henna.

a. Organic Cassia Obovata: This herb has all the benefits of henna, but it doesn't color dark toned hair. It has a very low yellow dye molecule and it will show on blond or grey hair with a golden tone. It isn’t as long term as henna and should be used every 3-4 weeks. This is a staple ayurvedic herb, as is henna, when recommending herbal hair treatments. This herb and henna can be used with any other herbs. Can be mixed and used within 15 minutes. For golden tones you can allow dye release from 3-4 hours. It will not lighten hair.

b. Organic Amla Powder: This herb is widely use to promote hair growth. It also tones down the red of henna. Some don’t want the amla to affect their color results, so they can use it as a separate hair treatment, especially so if they want to tighten up their curls from the loosening affects of henna. Amla can be added directly to the henna powder or cassia obovata. Can be mixed and used within 15 minutes.

c. Shikakai: It helps strengthen hair from its roots. It is known as a natural hair cleanser and has a very low pH. It won’t strip the hair of its natural oils, and also acts as a detangler. Can be mixed and used within 15 minutes.

d. Brahmi: This herb makes hair denser, long, shiny and dark toned. Controls dandruff, reduces premature grey, reduces the amount of hair hair loss, and strengthens hair at its roots. Can be mixed and used within 15 minutes.

e. Bhringraj: It helps prevent hair loss, stops premature graying, and helps get rid of dandruff. Can be mixed and used in 15 minutes

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