Health

Top 10 Cayenne Pepper Benefits You Should Know About:

Cayenne pepper, a type of spice, from the family, Capsicum, is no exception to the same. There are a number of herbs and spices that benefit our health. Here are some more herbs and spices. Let’s get into cayenne pepper benefits.

People use Cayenne pepper, considerably hot chili pepper, in the preparation of spicy dishes, either in its whole form/ powdered form for centuries in America & China valuing its benefits.

A large number of prominent societies tapped into the health benefits of Cayenne Pepper. And people still continue to opt for it after they came to know about one for its ample healthier advantages. Explore to realize the top ten cayenne pepper benefits everyone should know about.

Top 10 cayenne pepper benefits you should know about

The right food is renowned as medicine and prescribed for the best health. This medicinal property of food is solely due to the constituents found in the food and not comes from elsewhere.  One such vital component of food rendering ample health benefits is the family of spices.

1. Enhancing antioxidant activity

Antioxidants are highly required by the body. They help in eliminating the piling up of free radicals that are toxins causing a severe setback to the immune system.

Removing these radicals is essential to prevent ample health problems like cancer, neurodegenerative diseases (like Alzheimer’s) & heart problems too. Thus, using this, you can easily complement the body with natural oxidants via food. It is because the body synthesizes major antioxidants that aren’t sufficient to combat the radicals. 

The role of Cayenne pepper is seen here. It is an abundant source of many natural antioxidants – vitamin C,  E, beta carotene, Lutein, Choline,  Zeaxanthin & Cryptoxanthin.

2. Reducing the cold symptoms

Cayenne pepper used in a variety of home remedies for treating coughs, nasal congestion, and to fight cold & recover soon.

Research supports the employing of usage of pepper as a remedy for a few ailments. The first research is from a few authors who reviewed (2016) review found that capsaicin can relieve the symptoms of a cold. This is one of the major constituents of cayenne pepper and works on sneezing, nasal congestion, stuffy nose, etc. if allergies weren’t the cause.

Capsaicin may reduce these symptoms by contracting the dilated blood vessels found in the nose and throat.

Also, the second research from 2019 showed that forty-six users used the capsaicin nasal spray. They were very happy with its instant results as it offered excellent rapid and sustainable relief.

3. Relieving pain

Capsaicin, the vital ingredient found in cayenne peppers, might offer pain-relieving too, along with reducing cold symptoms.

A research review that was published in 2016 tried to determine the potential of capsaicin found in a pain-relieving cream to lessen the pain.  The authors found that long time use can render splendid benefits as capsaicin shall help to mitigate the pain by reducing the production of a substance P, the chemical that takes pain messages to the brain.

Scientists also proposed in research that applying ointments containing 0.0125% capsaicin might lessen the pain and tenderness that results from osteoarthritis. Say, for instance, using the ointment three times per day at the site of pain can offer excellent benefits.

4. Easing skin issues

Having a healthy, glowing skin free from infections and damages is the dream of almost many here. Capsaicin, in cayenne pepper, can help in achieving the same by mitigating the effects of skin issues.

Research has found that the capsaicin possesses antibacterial properties that help the body in resisting attacks/invasions from a group of Streptococcus bacteria. These bacteria are the causative agents of infections in the skin and soft tissue, like impetigo.

Also, amusingly, a 2016 review described that cayenne pepper can reduce itching due to health conditions like psoriasis & process like dialysis if kidneys fail.

5. Managing weight

Cayenne paper might seem a boon for people with overweight. It is because many products containing cayenne paper have been enhanced the metabolism of the body & helped in weight loss in the best way.

Few research results play a vital role here. A scientist found in one research that one gram of the cayenne pepper can increase the core body temperature slightly, which in turn would help prominently in burning additional & unnecessary calories. Also, few felt like they didn’t have a desire to eat sweets/fatty items after consuming cayenne.

In 2018, scientists offered 2 mg placebo (inert tablet) or 4-mg of capsaicin continuously for twelve weeks for the volunteers. They found that people consumed a bit higher amounts of capsaicin had around a six percent decrease in body fat. However, the others on placebo had less or no effect at all.

6. Enhances the metabolism

The capsaicin, the inevitable component of cayenne peppers, can enhance the metabolism of the body. It has been found from authenticated sources that capsaicin boosts the amount of heat the body regularly produces. It is beneficial in burning more calories so that your body’s metabolism stays good.

The pepper’s component capsaicin does this via a process termed as diet-induced thermogenesis. This core process works best to enhance metabolism (or life – processes).

Another research found that individuals who had cayenne pepper along with triglyceride oil as a part of their breakfast had about fifty-one percent of their calories burnt sooner.

 7. Reduces Hunger

Many people now look for natural foods that can help them feel fuller for longer but aid in eating less. The cayenne pepper does that. 

There have been several proposals of reasons for the same. But one of the most obvious & acceptable reason, that has been concluded by a study seems appropriate – the pepper lessens the amount of the hunger hormone ghrelin, produced.

Studies found that the intake of capsaicin supplements reduces hunger by ten percent, while capsaicin beverages, if drunk, reduced hunger by sixteen percent.

8. Digestive health

Spices have always promoted very good digestive health and cayenne paper too. There are numerous benefits of cayenne identified in terms of digestive health.

It strengthens the stomach’s defense mechanism against a large number of infections.  Also, you will see an increase in digestive fluids’ production, aiding better digestion. 

Additionally, you will feel relieved as it stimulates the stomach nerves for protecting against injury & reducing the risk of stomach ulcers.

Above all, cayenne pepper stimulates and enhances intestinal peristaltic motion, boosting both the processes of assimilation and elimination. Scientists derived these results as findings from various researches.

9. Psoriasis

Sometimes, despite even being so cautious, the body attacks itself – a situation termed as autoimmune diseases. Psoriasis is one such autoimmune disease that can inflict harm upon oneself whereby patches of red, dry, itchy, scaly portions develop in the skin. But, the worst part is that there is no cure for psoriasis.

Yet, the wonderful thing is that capsaicin, in Cayenne peppers, if applied as creams, helps in mitigating the effects of itching & also helps in enhancing the appearance of such affected areas.

Two studies with amusing results – one says that capsaicin eliminated the P substance’s production since P substances are the messenger that takes signals of pain to the brain. Scientists did another study and found that patients treated with capsaicin had highly reduced redness.

Also, they had less patchiness as well as scaling than others who were treated with a placebo cream.

10. Reduces the Risk of Cancer 

Tumor growth (uncontrollable cell growth) leads to Cancer. But, capsaicin in Cayenne pepper reassures promising ways to reduce the risk of cancer.

It is because the capsaicin attacks the uncontrolled growth of cells in different pathways.

Also, other studies have found that capsaicin can decrease the rate of propagation of cancer cells. Moreover, it can also kill many types of cancer-causing cells like cells causing prostate, skin, and even pancreatic cancer.

Concluding Note

Thus, Cayenne peppers have a repository of health benefits due to the abundance of their active component, capsaicin. They help in reducing the risk of cancer, reduce hunger, enhance metabolism, help in managing weight, among other top benefits.

9 Echinacea Benefits Along With Side Effects, and Dosage:

What Is Echinacea?

Native to North America, Echinacea is a flowering plant or herb consisting of about nine species that bloom in the color purple. All parts of the plant seem to have certain medicinal properties including the flower, leaf, stem, and roots. Echinacea today is growingly available as a dietary supplement predominantly as capsules, tablets, and liquid juices. Let’s get into the echinacea benefits and how it works.

How It Works:

The benefits of Echinacea seem to come in play due to the vast phenolic compounds noted as cichoric acid, caftaric acid, and echinacoside.

Prolong use of Echinacea in large doses might get your system adapted to it and the benefits could cease to exist.

Benefits Of Echinacea:

1. The major benefit of Echinacea is its ability to prevent and treat a cold. It is said that those who consume Echinacea may have a reduced risk to develop a cold in the future. You can also check some more of these foods to fight flu for immediate relief.
2. It does this by directly impacting the T cells of our immune system and thereby boosting immunity.
3. Echinacea also has anti-inflammatory properties and therefore could potentially help for infections especially upper respiratory tract infections, typhoid, malaria, and urinary tract infections.
4. Echinacea not only plays a role in reducing inflammation but also helps in relieving pain due to its analgesic effects.
5. It may help in detoxification as Echinacea acts as a diuretic as well as a laxative.
6. It can play an essential role in gut health along with relieving constipation.
7. Also, preliminary research exists on the benefits of Echinacea in conditions such as anxiety. There have been few studies suggesting the benefits in children and teenagers suffering from attention deficit hyperactive disorders.
8. Aerobic exercise performance. It could help increase oxygen intake and therefore speed up energy metabolism.
9. As well as acting as a support system during chemotherapy wherein the white blood cell count falls. It could play a role in increasing the red and white blood cell count.

Few Safety Measures | Side Effects Of Echinacea:

Since there are many Echinacea products and most of them come from different parts of the plant, not all of them have been tested safe for consumption by humans.

There is a risk of experiencing nausea or even sometimes diarrhea on consumption. Check with your health care professional to weigh the benefits of Echinacea in treating the condition you are suffering from by adhering to standard nutritional and medicinal guidelines.

AshwaSanchalanasana For Lower Body:

The Ashwa Sanchalanasana / Horse Posture is a wonderful support to people who play sports, cycle, walk and jog regularly. Ashwa Sanchalanasana is derived from three words. The Ashwa meaning Horse, Sanchalana meaning movement. Ashwa Sanchalanasana provides a range of physical benefits and is also considered a balancing posture because the spine lengthens.

I feel that the practice of yoga works not only to heal and strengthen the body but also to open the mind to imbibing qualities that we admire in Nature. Like the tree’s steadfast strength, the nimble agility of the birds, the awe-inspiring energy of the lion, and so on.

The horse is, of course, known for the fluid strength of its legs and its ability to turn, jump, duck and dodge at a moment’s notice. Incorporate the Ashwa Sanchalanasana posture into your pre and post-workout / game routine. The posture trains the muscle structures of your lower body to become stronger and agile.

Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian/Horse Posture):

Ashwa Sanchalanasana or the equestrian pose is an amazing pose to stretch and tone the hips, legs, quadriceps, and groin. The asana also opens the chest and stretches the muscles of the back.

It is an excellent pose to beat indigestion, constipation. Here is some more yoga for digestion. Even sciatica (lower back) pain (yoga for sciatica) can become better with this horse posture.

Ashwa Sanchalanasana or the Equestrian pose is part of the Sun Salutation series of asanas. It appears as the 4th pose and the 9th pose in Surya Namaskara. Check out how to do Surya namaskar.

Ashwa Sanchalanasana Steps:

1. Stand at the front of a yoga mat with your feet hip-width apart.
2. Bend forward from your hips and place your hands on either side of your feet.
3. Your knees can bend slightly. Bend the left knee and take your right leg backwards as much as possible. Balance the right leg on the front of your foot (the ball of the foot), keep your knee straight and push your heel backward to a limit that you can manage.
4. Gently push your groin towards the floor without bending the right knee. Breathe normally throughout. Now, bring your focus to your torso, open your chest, lengthen your spine and lift your chin up towards the ceiling.
5. Hold this posture for eight deep breaths, release the posture and repeat the same for the other leg. Take a break between each side if needed.

Ashwa Sanchalanasana Benefits:

1. The pose massages the abdominal organs and improves their functioning, strengthens the leg muscles, and induces balance in the nervous system.
2. Lengthens the spine and strengthens the muscles of the chest, opening the heart and increasing lung capacity.
3. Tones the kidney and liver.
4. Increases willpower, courage, and determination.
5. Relieves constipation
6. Helps Infertility
7. Alleviates menstrual discomfort.

Precautions:

People with knee injuries, neck problems should take extra care or completely avoid doing this asana based on the severity.

Also pregnant women should be careful while you stretch out the leg back.

Vitamin B12 Rich Foods For Vegetarian:

Vegetarians are at greater risk of being victims of Vitamin B12 deficiency as it is mostly found in non-vegetarian foods. Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to a decline in red blood cells, fatigue, numbness, breathlessness, anemia, constipation, or loss of appetite. Proper functioning of our nervous system and brain significantly depends on Vitamin B12 so it is important for even vegetarians to make sure their diet contains Vitamin B12 which is also called cobalamin, a water-soluble vitamin. Just because you are a vegetarian does not imply you could not have enough B12. Here is the list of foods that are rich in Vitamin B12 to ensure the good health of a vegetarian.

How Much Vitamin B12 You Need:

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for adults is 2.4 micrograms a day. It may vary for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration sets the Daily Value for vitamin B-12 at 6 micrograms.

3 Main Sources Of Vitamin B12 For Vegetarians:

1. Fortified Foods:

Merging fortified food products like fortified cereal with the natural source of Vitamin B12 or milk can help any vegetarian to get the right amount of Vitamin B12 for good health.

• fortified plant-based milk (almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, etc). Check out some best substitutes for milk in diet and their making.
• fortified cereals

You may start your day with fortified cereal or granola as breakfast but make sure they are low in sugar. It would be wise to do a quick check of the label which has detailed information on the nutritional value before you buy any fortified food.

2. Dairy Products:

• yogurt
• low-fat milk
• cheese

Dairy products including yogurt, low-fat milk, or Swiss cheese are widely available which can be consumed at any time of day.

You may have yogurt during your breakfast, milk with breakfast cereal, or slices of cheese as a snack to satisfy your hunger and reap various health benefits as they are rich sources of Vitamin B12.

3. Nutritional Yeast:

It would be wise for vegetarians to go through the label for nutritional content so as to make sure it has a sufficient amount of B12 vitamin before buying it because not all nutritional yeast contain vitamin B12.

Compared to unfortified one, fortified nutritional yeast contains a good amount of Vitamin B12.

You may add nutritional yeast over soups, mixed greens, or roasted vegetables to savor and relish it and reap the benefits of B12 content for enhanced health. In fortified nutritional yeast, synthetic vitamins are added during the manufacturing process so that the nutrient content goes high which is displayed on the ingredients list.

Vitamin B12 Foods List:

10 Main Vitamin B12 Foods for Vegetarians:

Commonly, Vitamin B12 is available in different animal foods. This is the main reason why most of the vegetarian people have a deficiency of B12 in their bodies. Therefore, you must know the sources of Vitamin B12 that do not include any animal foods. Here are some vitamin B12 foods for vegetarians.

1. Fortified Cereals

Fortified cereals can be a great option for breakfast. It contains added vitamins which help in bone growth and immunity development. It has 254% DV of Vitamin B12 per 3/4 cup, which is very easy to digest for vegans.

2. Fortified Juice

Fortified juice has several health benefits because it is enriched with added vitamins. Each cup of fortified juice contains 250% DV of vitamin B12. But the amount usually varies from one brand to another.

3. Unsweetened Soymilk

Vegans who need a dairy product supplement can choose unsweetened soymilk. It is free from added sugars, so it does not cause harm to vegans. Per 16oz glass of unsweetened soymilk contains 249% DV of vitamin B12  that can cover up the vitamin deficiency to a great extent.

4. Fortified Tofu

Fortified Tofu is another important choice for vegetarians. Soybeans are used in making tofu, and each cup fortified tofu contains 137% DV of Vitamin B12.

5. Low-fat Milk

As the name suggests, low-fat milk does not include any milk fat. So, it has fewer calories and a large number of vitamins, which is essential for the vegans. With each 16oz glass of low-fat milk, one vegan can get 108% DV of vitamin B12 that can be used in a milkshake, tea, or coffee.

6. Low-fat yogurt

Yogurt is a very common but essential food item consumed by both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Moreover, Low-fat yogurt contains 62% DV of vitamin B12 per cup. It has 2% milk that has several health benefits.

7. Swiss Cheese 

Swiss cheese is a yellow colored cheese that has a medium-hard texture, and it comes with a block or round shape. It contains 36% DV of vitamin B12 per oz that. So, it can be a great choice for the vegan to cover up vitamin B12 deficiency.

8. Vitamin Water

Vitamin water is actually very healthy because it contains added vitamins and helps the vegan to prevent dehydration. With each cup of vitamin water,  one can consume 62% DV of vitamin B12.

9. Eggs

Many vegetarians consider eggs as a good source of vitamin B12 because 1 large egg contains 23% DV of vitamin B12.

10. Whey Powder

Whey powered is normally used as a protein supplement. 7% DV of vitamin B12 is found in one tablespoon whey powder, so it can be a great addition to the vegan food list for strength and power.

Top Coconut Water Benefits For Skin, Hair, and Health:

Have you ever thought that coconut water has innumerable benefits for you? Isn’t it astonishing that the coconut water you think is only meant for drinking can serve so many purposes? This coconut water will force you to believe that a single thing can impart so many purposes, be it for skin, hair, or health. You can’t even deny the miraculous benefits that it serves. Not only you but your family can also avail its advantages. The sweetness in its taste, the essence in its users can add a new sense of beauty to its existence. It not only helps your skin to glow but also adds new strength and shine to your hairs.

Coconut Water For Glowing Spotless Skin:

Can you imagine that coconut water will add wonders to your skin? It hardly depends on what type of skin you have; this elixir of life can add magic to your skin. Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits of coconut water for your skin:

Helps to heal infections:

Coconut water has significant properties that can fight against bacterial and fungal infections. If you suffer from any sort of skin infection, then this natural coconut water can help you to get rid of such problems and have spotless and glowing skin to flaunt.

Protection against sun-tan:

Coconut water with a mixture of fuller’s earth can add wonders and magical effects on your skin. If you apply this to the affected area, then you can see magnanimous changes in your tanned skin. Due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, it is highly recommended for the skin. 

Skin moisturizer:

This amazing coconut water can act as a skin moisturizer for your skin. If you have dry skin, then this moisturizer is a must for you to try. It is not very hard to make a natural moisturizer with the help of this. You just need to add a few drops of lemon juice to the coconut water and apply it on your face with the help of cotton balls. After using it for a few days, you can see beautiful changes. 

Tones your skin:

If you have any sort of pigmentation, then this is the natural product for you to lighten your pigmentation.

Anti-aging properties:

Coconut water, when mixed with yogurt, can give you the features of anti-aging. At 40 years of age, you can still look as young as 25 years of age. If you don’t want to try harmful and expensive anti-aging creams, then this the best for you. 

Get rid of eczema:

Coconut water is rich in potassium and can cure serious infections like eczema. The treatment is hard to apply for the one suffering from it, but the natural properties of this water can help you at great ease to get rid of any problem. 

Makeup cleaner:

This wonderful water can help you to clean your makeup without using any expensive makeup cleaner. It not only helps to cleanse the makeup but also moisturizes your skin to get a glowing skin. 

Benefits Of Coconut Water For Long And Healthy Hair:

Nowadays, our youth is suffering a lot from the problem of stress and depression, and due to this problem hair loss, dandruff, weakening of the hair roots is a major concern for everyone. Due to this problem, people are taking regular sittings at doctors and buy expensive products to treat their hairs. But if I tell you that you can treat your hair even at a minimal cost, then will you believe? Don’t get amazed it is a fact!! Let’s see some of the benefits:

Controls dandruff:

The great antifungal and antibacterial properties of coconut water can help you to get rid of dandruff without spending a lot of money. Massaging coconut water besides with neem oil on your scalp before head bath will help you to encounter tremendous results within a week.

Prevents hair loss:

If you are disturbed by hair loss, then by drinking coconut water daily, you can give a new life elixir to your hair.

Strengthening hair roots:

If you apply coconut water to your scalp religiously, then you can strengthen your roots, and if your roots are strong, then you will not face any other hair problems.

To add shine:

If you want that your hairs give a glowing and shiny look, then this the thing just for you. Applying a mixture of honey and yogurt in addition to coconut water can help you to achieve something great within a few days. 

Health Benefits Of Coconut Water:

Coconut water is not only helping your skin or hairs to glow but will also give many health benefits in general. These health benefits are for overall healthy living, i.e., in all aspects, it will help you to live a better life. Let’s look at the benefits of this water:

Weight loss:

If you want to lose weight and you and disturbed for gaining weight regularly, then this drink can help you to achieve great hypes. You feel a great sense of contentment after drinking it, and it is also rich in fiber content to help you stay fit. 

Immunity booster:

Coconut water has a large amount of Vitamin C that can help you to immunize your body. If you are the one who loves drinking coconut water, then it is good news for you!! It helps you to fight against viral infections.

Fast recovery:

If you suffer from deadly diseases like cancer, then you will be amazed to know that coconut water has essential properties to help you even recover from this problem as soon as possible without costing you much.

Diarrhea treatment:

If you are the one caught by diarrhea, then this is undoubtedly a thing for you. It has all the essential nutrients that a person needs to fight against diarrhea, and if you take it, then you are going to be fit and fine. 

Detoxifier:

Whenever you feel full and want to detoxify your body, then this is a natural detoxifier without any side effects. It does not cause any harm to your system and helps to detoxify the wastes from your system in a proper way.

Conclusion:

In the end, we can see that coconut water is of immense importance if we use it judiciously. We should know about what are the nutrients it offers and what do we require. If we can keep a proper check on this aspect, then we can avail of a large number of benefits from it. It is not only helpful for one purpose but is an all-rounder that can serve multiple purposes and that too to a great extent. If you start knowing about its benefits, then it can do wonders for you and even for your loved ones. If you are well versed with all the properties, then you can also guide your near and dear ones about its powerful use. So, don’t wait and start consuming coconut water per your needs. Stay healthy, stay safe!!