Top 10 High Protein Vegetables

Legumes

The USDA defines peas and dried beans as belonging to both the vegetable food group and the protein food group. On average, 1/2 of cooked dried beans delivers 7.5 grams protein, or about 15 percent of your protein needs for the day. Beans are also a good source of fiber, B vitamins, iron and calcium. Choose from fresh peas, dried peas, lentils, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, soy beans, navy beans, black beans and other fresh or dried legumes.

Sprouts

Not surprisingly, sprouts that come from legumes are good protein sources. Each 1/2-cup serving of serving of fresh soybean sprouts, for example, contributes 4.5 grams protein, or up to 9 percent of your daily protein needs. Other high-protein sprouts include lentil and mung bean sprouts.

Dried Tomatoes

Each 1/4-cup serving of sun-dried tomatoes provides 2 grams protein, or about 4 percent of the protein you need for the day. Sun-dried tomatoes are higher in protein than fresh tomatoes because the drying process concentrates nutrients when the moisture is removed. The serving of sun-dried tomatoes is also a rich source of fiber, and vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and iron.

Mushrooms

Each 1/2 cup serving of cooked mushrooms, on average, contributes 2 grams protein, or 4 percent of the DV for protein. Mushrooms are also a good source of fiber, vitamin C and iron. Portabellas, white button mushrooms, straw mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms and oyster mushrooms are all good protein sources.

Spinach

Opt for cooked spinach over fresh spinach if you’re concerned about your protein intake. Each 1/2 -cup serving cup of cooked spinach contains 3 grams of protein, compared to the 1 gram provided by the same amount of fresh spinach. Along with the 6 percent of the DV for protein, cooked spinach provides 190 percent of the DV for vitamin A. It is also high in vitamin C. Spinach provides iron and calcium, but the oxalic acid present in spinach prevents people from absorbing the two minerals as efficiently as they do from meat and dairy products.

Cooking Greens

Along with spinach, other cooking greens, such as broccoli rabe, swiss chard, mustard greens and collard greens also provide 2 to 3 grams of protein per 1/2 cup, or up to 6 percent of the DV for fiber. As with spinach, cooking greens are high in fiber, and a wide range of vitamins and minerals.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts contribute 2 grams protein, or 4 percent of the DV for protein, in every 1/2-cup serving of the cooked vegetable. A serving also supplies 80 percent of the DV for vitamin C, and high amounts of fiber, vitamin A and iron.

Corn

You’ll get 3 grams of protein, or 6 percent of your daily protein needs, from 1/2 cup of sweet corn kernels, which is roughly equal a small ear of corn. Corn is also high in fiber and vitamin C.

Artichokes

A medium artichoke contains 4 grams of edible protein in its edible parts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The figure represents about 8 percent of the DV for protein. Artichokes also contribute about one-fifth of the DVs for fiber and Vitamin. The vegetables also provide vitamin A, along with calcium and iron.

Broccoli

Each 1/2 cup serving of cooked broccoli provides 2 grams of protein, or 4 percent of your daily protein needs. The vegetable also provides 80 percent of the vitamin C you need, along with 30 percent of the DV for vitamin A and 11 percent of the fiber you need for the day.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/543186-top-ten-high-protein-vegetables/#ixzz2119KtXom

Natural Medicine Chest: 10 Benefits of Ginger

Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Ginger may be powerful weapon in the treatment of ovarian cancer. A study conducted at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that ginger powder induces cell death in all ovarian cancer cells to which it was applied.

Colon Cancer Prevention
A study at the University of Minnesota found that ginger may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells.

Morning Sickness
A review of several studies has concluded that ginger is just as effective as vitamin B6 in the treatment of morning sickness.

Motion Sickness Remedy
Ginger has been shown to be an effective remedy for the nausea associated with motion sickness.

Reduces Pain and Inflammation
One study showed that ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful natural painkiller.

Heartburn Relief
Ginger has long been used as a natural heartburn remedy. It is most often taken in the form of tea for this purpose.

Cold and Flu Prevention and Treatment Ginger has long been used as a natural treatment for colds and the flu. Many people also find ginger to be helpful in the case of stomach flus or food poisoning, which is not surprising given the positive effects ginger has upon the digestive tract.

Migraine Relief
Research has shown that ginger may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.

Menstrual Cramp Relief
In Chinese medicine, ginger tea with brown sugar is used in the treatment of menstrual cramps.

Prevention of Diabetic Nephropathy
A study done on diabetic rats found that those rats given ginger had a reduced incidence of diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage).

Super Food: 10 Benefits of Lemon Water

Isn't in amazing that something as simple as adding lemon to your water can make such a positive impact on your health. Here are ten AMAZING benefits of lemon water!

1. It’s good for your stomach 

Lemon can help relieve many digestion problems when mixed with hot water. These include nausea, heartburn and parasites. Due to the digestive qualities of lemon juice, symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, bloating and belching are relieved. By drinking lemon juice regularly, the bowels are aided in eliminating waste more efficiently. Lemon acts as a blood purifier and as a cleansing agent. The intake of lemon juice can cure constipation. It is even known to help relieve hiccups when consumed as a juice. Lemon juice acts as a liver tonic and helps you digest your food by helping your liver produce more bile. It decreases the amount of phlegm produced by your body. It is also thought to help dissolve gallstones.

2. Superb for Skin Care

Lemon, being a natural antiseptic medicine, can participate to cure problems related to skin. Lemon is a vitamin C rich citrus fruit that enhances your beauty, by rejuvenating skin from within and thus bringing a glow on your face. Daily consumption of lemon water can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. It acts as ananti-agingremedy and can remove wrinkles and blackheads. Lemon water if applied on the areas of burns can fade the scars. As lemon is a cooling agent, it reduces the burning sensation on the skin.

3. Aids in Dental Care

Lemon water is used in dental care also. If fresh lemon juice is applied on the areas of toothache, it can assist in getting rid of the pain. The massages of lemon juice on gums can stop gum bleeding. It gives relief from bad smell and other problems related to gums.

4. Cures Throat Infections

Lemon is an excellent fruit that aids in fighting problems related to throat infections, sore throat andtonsillitisas it has an antibacterial property. For sore throat, dilute one-half lemon juice with one-half water and gargle frequently.

5. Excellent for Weight Loss

One of the major health benefits of drinking lemon water is that it paves way for losing weight faster, thus acting as a great weight loss remedy. If a person takes lemon juice mixed with lukewarm water and honey, it can reduce the body weight as well.

6. Controls High Blood Pressure

Lemon water works wonders for people having heart problem, owing to its highpotassiumcontent. It controls high blood pressure, dizziness, nausea as well as provides relaxation to mind and body. It also reduces mental stress and depression.

7. Assist in curing Respiratory Disorders

Lemon water assists in curing respiratory problems, along with breathing problems and revives a person suffering from asthma.

8. Good for treating Rheumatism

Lemon is also adiureticand hence lemon water can treat rheumatism andarthritis. It helps to flush out bacteria and toxins out of the body.

9. Reduces Fever

Lemon water can treat a person who is suffering from cold, flu or fever. It helps to break fever by increasing perspiration.

10. Acts as a blood purifier

The diseases like cholera or malaria can be treated with lemon water as it can act as a blood purifier.

Bonus: Lemon water is an excellent source of anti-oxidants and vitamin C, which prevents formation of free radicals. These free radicals can cause death of the cells and rob electrons. It’s an excellent remedy for a hangover!

Super Food: 10 Health Benefits of Mango

1.  Prevents Cancer: 
Research has shown antioxidant compounds in mango fruit have been found to protect against colon, breast, leukemia and prostate cancers. These compounds include quercetin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, fisetin, gallic acid and methylgallat, as well as the abundant enzymes.

2.  Lowers Cholesterol: 
The high levels of fiber, pectin and vitamin C help to lower serum cholesterol levels, specifically Low-Density Lipoprotein (the bad stuff)

3.  Clears the Skin: 
Can be used both internally and externally for the skin. Mangos clear clogged pores and eliminate pimples. (Read more on page 5.)

4.  Eye Health: 
One cup of sliced mangoes supplies 25 percent of the needed daily value of vitamin A, which promotes good eyesight and prevents night blindness and dry eyes.

5.  Alkalizes the Whole Body:
The tartaric acid, malic acid, and a trace of citric acid found in the fruit help to maintain the alkali reserve of the body.

6. Helps in Diabetes: 
Mango leaves help normalize insulin levels in the blood.  The traditional home remedy involves boiling leaves in water, soaking through the night and then consuming the filtered decoction in the morning. Mango fruit also have a relatively low glycemic index (41-60) so moderate quantities will not spike your sugar levels.

7. Improved Sex: 
Mangos are a great source of vitamin E. Even though the popular connection between sex drive and vitamin E was originally created by a mistaken generalization on rat studies, further research has shown balanced proper amounts (as from whole food) does help in this area.

8. Improves Digestion: 
Papayas are not the only fruit that contain enzymes for breaking down protein. There are several fruits, including mangoes, which have this healthful quality. The fiber in mangos also helps digestion and elimination.

9. Remedy for Heat Stroke
Juicing the fruit from green mango and mixing with water and a sweetener helps to cool down the body and prevent harm to the body. From an ayurvedic viewpoint, the reason people often get diuretic and exhausted when visiting equatorial climates is because the strong “sun energy” is burning up your body, particularly the muscles.  The kidneys then become overloaded with the toxins from this process.

10. Boosts Immune system 
The generous amounts of vitamin C and vitamin A in mangos, plus 25 different kinds of carotenoids keep your immune system healthy and strong.

Facts and trivia:

• According to some, more mangos are eaten fresh than any other fruit in the world.
• Originated 4,000 plus years ago.
• Biologically a close relative with other flowering plants like cashew and pistachio.
• Originated in sub-Himalayan plains.
• In India where they are most heavily grown and eaten, mangos are known as “safeda.”
• There are over 1,000 different varieties of mangos.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-health-benefits-of-mangos.html#ixzz1zcsgAj88

Super Food: 7 Health Benefits of Hemp

1. A Healthy Heart

The essential fatty acids contained in hemp can reduce blood cholesterol to prevent plaque buildup in the arteries. Plaque buildup can contribute to atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of the arteries and eventually can cause heart attacks and stroke. The fatty acids help to reduce inflammation that can cause poor blood circulation and high blood pressure. Therefore hemp can reduce the workload of the heart, and as a result helps to prevent heart disease and stroke.

2. A Healthy Mind

Your brain contains lot of the same essential fatty acids which are found in hemp. Therefore, hemp can help to improve your memory, and prevent diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Hemp seeds can also help to improve your moods, alleviate symptoms of depression and reduce anxiety and stress levels.

3. Healthy Skin

Hemp oil is often used for cosmetic purposes in products such as soaps, skin lotions and lip balms. This is because the oil helps to penetrate into the layers of the skin to promote new cell growth for a softer and smoother skin. Hemp can also help to clear up skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dry skin.

4. Weight Loss

Hemp is a natural appetite suppressant, and helps you to feel full longer. Adding 4 tablespoons of hemp seeds to your breakfast can help to reduce your food cravings for the rest of the day. On top of that you will have lots of energy for exercise and other activities to help you lose weight.

5. Digestive Disorders

The high amount of fiber that is contained in hemp seeds can help to keep your digestive tract clean and healthy. As a result you can eliminate digestive disorders such as bloating and constipation.

6. Prevent Cancer

A healthy digestive system along with the antioxidants and plant sterols contained in hemp can help to reduce your risk of breast, colon and prostate cancers.

7. Diabetes

Hemp seeds are also essential if you are diabetic, or are at risk for diabetes, as they can help to control your blood sugar levels. This is due to the healthy fats which help the body to absorb the glucose from the bloodstream and turn it into energy. As a result, energy levels will increase and sweet cravings will decrease.

Super Food: Green Tea Benefits

1. Weight Loss. Green tea increases the metabolism. The polyphenol found in green tea works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which your body turns food into calories.
2. Diabetes. Green tea apparently helps regulate glucose levels slowing the rise of blood sugar after eating. This can prevent high insulin spikes and resulting fat storage.
3. Heart Disease. Scientists think, green tea works on the lining of blood vessels, helping keep them stay relaxed and better able to withstand changes in blood pressure. It may also protect against the formation of clots, which are the primary cause of heart attacks.
4. Esophageal Cancer. It can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer, but it is also widely thought to kill cancer cells in general without damaging the healthy tissue around them.
5. Cholesterol. Green tea reduces bad cholesterol in the blood and improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol.
6. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It is said to delay the deterioration caused by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Studies carried out on mice showed that green tea protected brain cells from dying and restored damaged brain cells.
7. Tooth Decay. Studies suggests that the chemical antioxidant “catechin” in tea can destroy bacteria and viruses that cause throat infections, dental caries and other dental conditions
8. Blood Pressure. Regular consumption of green tea is thought to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
9. Depression. Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in tea leaves. It is this substance that is thought to provide a relaxing and tranquilizing effect and be a great benefit to tea drinkers.
10. Anti-viral and Anti-bacterial. Tea catechins are strong antibacterial and antiviral agents which make them effective for treating everything from influenza to cancer. In some studies green tea has been shown to inhibit the spread of many diseases.
11. Skincare. Green tea can apparently also help with wrinkles and the signs of aging, This is because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Both animal and human studies have demonstrated that green tea applied topically can reduce sun damage.

Natural Medicine Chest: Raw Honey

1) Raw Honey has been shown to be an Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Viral, and Anti-Fungal substance.

In this respect, it can be very beneficial to your immune system and may assist in a wide variety of common ailments.

2) Aids stomach and digestion

In digestive disturbances honey is of great value. Honey does not ferment in the stomach because, being an inverted sugar, it is easily absorbed and there is no danger of a bacterial invasion. The flavor of honey excites the appetite and helps digestion. The propoma of the ancients, made of honey, was a popular appetizer.

3) For healing ulcers and burns

Many years ago, a study by Robert Bloomfield, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, reports “Applied every 2 to 3 days under a dry dressing, honey promotes healing of ulcers and burns better than any other local application. It can also be applied to other surface wounds, including cuts and abrasions…”

4) Honey has anti-cancer properties.

Recent studies by Gribel and Pashinskii indicated that honey possessed moderate antitumor and pronounced anti-metastatic effects in five different strains of rat and mouse tumors. Furthermore, honey potentiated the antitumor activity of chemotherapeutic drugs such as 5-fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide.
– Gribel, N.V., and Pashinskii, V.G. Antitumor properties of honey. Vopr. Onkol., 36:704-709, 1990.

C.V. Rao at the American Health Foundation in Valhalla, New York found caffeic acids in propolis are inhibitors of colon cancers in animals. Other research shows hive products have the ability to prevent and halt the spread of malignant diseases. Earlier research by M.T. Huang also published in Cancer Research found caffeic acids effective in inhibiting skin cancer tumors in mice.
– American Bee Journal, June 1994

5) A Spoonful a Day Keeps Free Radicals at Bay

Daily consumption of honey raises blood levels of protective antioxidant compounds in humans, according to research presented at the 227th meeting of the American Chemical Society in Anaheim, CA, March 28, 2004.

Biochemist Heidrun Gross and colleagues from the University of California, Davis, gave 25 study participants each about four tablespoons buckwheat honey daily for 29 days in addition to their regular diets, and drew blood samples at given intervals following honey consumption. A direct link was found between the subjects’ honey consumption and the level of polyphenolic antioxidants in their blood.

Natural Medicine Chest: Health Benefits of Black pepper

What follows are ten of the top health benefits of black pepper. This list is by no means exhaustive. As further research is conducted, more medicinal uses for black pepper are likely to be revealed.

• Black pepper aids digestion - Pepper's natural antibiotic properties make it an effective remedy for intestinal diseases caused by bacteria. Pepper causes an increase in the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, improving overall digestion by reducing gas, diarrhea, constipation and colic.
• Black pepper helps relieve cough and colds - Pepper's antibacterial properties also make it an effective remedy for respiratory conditions including colds, coughs and flu. Pepper's spiciness clears congestion and helps clear up sinusitis.
• Black pepper helps fight cancer - Research has revealed that pepper exerts a free-radical scavenging activity, and thus may assist in preventing some cancers and slow the growth of cancer cells.
• Black pepper may help in weight loss - The outer layer of the peppercorn contains substances that boost fat metabolism. Adding black pepper to foods may help in the treatment of obesity.
• Black pepper helps treat skin conditions - Research conducted in Great Britain has indicated that the active chemical ingredient in pepper, piperine, is an effective treatment for vitiligo, a skin disease that causes areas of the skin to lose their pigment. Pepper is also believed to decrease susceptibility to skin cancers caused by excess ultraviolet radiation.
• Black pepper improves bioavailability - Eating black pepper promotes the absorption of nutrients to all the tissues of the body, improving overall health.
• Black pepper improves dental health - Pepper helps fight tooth decay and provides relief from toothache.
• Black pepper is a natural antidepressant - Black pepper has been the investigated for its antidepressant properties. Animal studies showed that treatment with black pepper improved cognitive function and stimulated the central nervous system.
• Black pepper is a powerful antioxidant - Pepper has a rich natural content of phenols, organic chemicals that have strong antioxidant properties.
• Black pepper reduces inflammation - Animal research has revealed that pepper's active ingredient, piperine, has natural anti-inflammatory effects.

Read more at Suite101: The Top Ten Health Benefits of Black Pepper: How Adding a Little Pepper Can Improve Digestion and Heart Health | Suite101.com http://suite101.com/article/the-top-ten-health-benefits-of-black-pepper-a193900#ixzz1zckrz4xZ

Super Food: Maca benefits

Maca Benefits for Men

1. Increases Aphrodisiac Activity & Enhances Libido

2. Increases Energy, Stamina and Endurance: Improves Athletic Performance

3. Improvement of Male Potency

4. Helps to Overcome Depression & Chronic Fatigue

5. Improves Immune System: Found to produce a "general sense of well-being"

6. Increases DHEA in most males

7. Decreases stress, anxiety

8. Increase sperm count, mobility & formation

9. Balances hormones

10. Increases testosterone levels and may help build muscle mass

11. Helps with erectile dysfunction

12. Enhances fertility

13. Helps fight acne & related skin problems resulting from hormonal imbalances

14. Improves concentration

15. Potent antioxidant and free radical scavenge. Provides cellular protection

Maca Benefits for Women

1. Increases and enhances libido

2. Increases energy, stamina and endurance: improves athletic performance

3. Increases sexual stimulation

4. Helps to overcome depression & chronic fatigue

5. Improves immune system: found to produce a "general sense of well-being"

6. Helps fight menopause symptoms

7. Decreases stress and anxiety

8. Reduces hot flashes

9. Improves sleep patterns

10. Adjuvant to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

11. Corrects menstrual irregularity / PMS issues

12. Enhances fertility

13. Helps fight acne & related skin problems resulting from hormonal imbalances

14. Improves concentration

15. Potent antioxidant and free radical scavenge. Provides cellular protection

16. Osteoporosis: helps increase bone density

Natural Medicine Chest: 15 Benefits of Tulsi (Holy Basil)

1. Healing Power: The tulsi plant has many medicinal properties. The leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seed of the plant are mucilaginous.

2. Fever & Common Cold: The leaves of basil are specific for many fevers. During the rainy season, when malaria and dengue fever are widely prevalent, tender leaves, boiled with tea, act as preventive against theses diseases. In case of acute fevers, a decoction of the leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a liter of water and mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature. The juice of tulsi leaves can be used to bring down fever. Extract of tulsi leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours. In between one can keep giving sips of cold water. In children, it is every effective in bringing down the temperature.

3. Coughs: Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu.

4. Sore Throat: Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle.

5. Respiratory Disorder: The herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorder. A decoction of the leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves, cloves and common salt also gives immediate relief in case of influenza. They should be boiled in half a liter of water till only half the water is left and add then taken.

6. Kidney Stone: Basil has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of renal stone the juice of basil leaves and honey, if taken regularly for 6 months it will expel them via the urinary tract.

7. Heart Disorder: Basil has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from them. It reduces the level of blood cholesterol.

8. Children's Ailments: Common pediatric problems like cough cold, fever, diarrhea and vomiting respond favorably to the juice of basil leaves. If pustules of chicken pox delay their appearance, basil leaves taken with saffron will hasten them.

9. Stress: Basil leaves are regarded as an 'adaptogen' or anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown that the leaves afford significant protection against stress. Even healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of basil, twice a day, to prevent stress. It purifies blood and helps prevent several common elements.

10. Mouth Infections: The leaves are quit effective for the ulcer and infections in the mouth. A few leaves chewed will cure these conditions.

11. Insect Bites: The herb is a prophylactic or preventive and curative for insect stings or bites. A teaspoonful of the juice of the leaves is taken and is repeated after a few hours. Fresh juice must also be applied to the affected parts. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and leeches.

12. Skin Disorders: Applied locally, basil juice is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases. It has also been tried successfully by some naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma.

13. Teeth Disorder: The herb is useful in teeth disorders. Its leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustered oil to make a paste and used as toothpaste. This is very good for maintaining dental health, counteracting bad breath and for massaging the gums. It is also useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders.

14. Headaches: Basil makes a good medicine for headache. A decoction of the leaves can be given for this disorder. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can also be applied on the forehead for getting relief from heat, headache, and for providing coolness in general.

15. Eye Disorders: Basil juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A. Two drops of black basil juice are put into the eyes daily at bedtime.

DISCLAIMER: These are only general guidelines as a first aid. It is always better to see a doctor depending upon the intensity of the case. The views expressed above are entirely those of the author.