Lettuce Its Nutritional Properties For Health

Lettuce nutritional values and properties

• Respiratory system:  lettuce leaves decoctions are interesting for the affections of the respiratory system, helping to fight asthma attacks and bronchial spasms.

If left glean plant can exploit the flower stems to the same decoctions with properties more outstanding  that the leaves.


To combat cough, can be made a syrup by cooking 150g of  fresh leaves and  boil for a quarter of an hour. The resulting mixture is added a cup of sugar. It is stored in a closed jar to take hot a couple of glasses on the day.


We can also make a decoction of leaves in water and add the  lemon juice. We drink a couple of glasses a day, one before going to bed.


• Female genital tract: in cases of dysmenorrhea, to promote menstruation, avoiding pain or very long periods, can be performed an infusion  for half an hour of 100 g of fresh leaves per liter of water and drink 2or 3 cups a day.


Properties for external use:
• Analgesic: External use has emollient properties which can be used to alleviate the pain caused by bumps, sprains, strains,bruises, etc.


• Eye drops: Can be used as eye drops to treat conjunctivitis,bleary,rheum, tired eyes etc. For this we must boil for 6 minutes 50 gr of leaves in a pint of water with a few drops of oil, let cool and with gauze, we get wet the sore eyes.


• Natural Deodorant : To prevent foot and underarm odor, the lettuce juice, like radish, constitutes in one of the best  naturaldeodorants. Extract the juice of lettuce and we will keep in the fridge.After bathing, get wet feet or armpits with some juice.


Lettuce is a food that should not miss in our tables usually. In addition to the above properties, we must consider that its low content in fat and carbohydrates and high content in water, which gives it a caloric power of only 13 kcal per 100 g . It is very suitable and recommended for diets.


Its richness in minerals, especially potassium, which is very necessary for maintain an adequate level of fluid in the body, along with calcium and phosphorus makes it particularly suitable for correct welfare bones.


It also presents a series of not very common trace elements within the vegetable world, such as selenium, an antioxidant that plays a fundamental role in preventing certain types of cancers, such as colon, prostate or lungs. It also prevents premature aging and even helpsfight dandruff.


It contains many amino acids necessary for the formation of proteins,some, such as alanine, sometimes necessary for the construction of the muscular tissue and nervous, others, such as glycine, to the proper functioning of immune system.


 It has vitamins C and E, but above all it is very rich in beta carotene, which the liver turns into vitamin A. It is convenient to eat fresh, so for not lose its nutritional and medicinal properties. We have to account that the inner leaves, although they may be more palatable, have fewer components than the outer leaves of stronger green.

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Lettuce Its Nutritional And Medicinal Values

Lettuce properties and benefits

The origin center of lettuce is located in the Mediterranean basin.The first certain indications of lettuce existence dating from about 4,500 BC in engravings from Egyptian tombs  are represented, similar to that known today as asparagus lettuce types.

It was also known and used by the ancient Persians, Greeks and Romans, who even developed the technique of whitening.


The parts in that consists lettuce are:
Root: the root, which never comes to exceed 25 cm. depth, is pivotal , and short branches.
Leaves: The leaves are arranged in rosettes, deployed at first, and in some cases continue throughout their development. The edge of the limbs can be smooth, wavy or serrated.


Stem: is cylindrical and branched. Inflorescence: Are yellow flower heads that are arranged in clusters.

Seeds: are provided with a feathery pappus.


Nutritional Value
Lettuce is a food that provides very few calories, high water content (90-95 % ), vitamins, minerals like potassium and magnesium along with fiber required for intestinal function.


The outer leaves of darker color are the more nutritious than the whitish inside. Romaine lettuce grown in the open air is richer in vitamins.
Raw is the best way to enjoy its freshness, palatability and nutritional value.
The toughest leaves can be cooked like any other vegetable.


Medicinal Properties
• Diuretic: Stimulates urination, so it is appropriate in those cases where it is necessary to stimulate the kidneys to increase urine output, in diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, dropsy ( fluid accumulation in the body with swelling of tissues), edema, kidney pain, kidney stones, kidneyfailure, inflammation of the urinary bladder or cystitis,etc.


Also is used as a support in diets that helping to lower blood sugar, by removing corporal liquids.Decoction 50% of lettuce leaves for 10 minutes. Take a couple of glasses a day.


• Gastrointestinal : Lettuce has carminative properties, freeing to the body of the annoying flatulence avoiding the feeling of fullness in the stomach and abdomen. Drink the liquid prior decoction.The same preparation is stomachicand helps facilitate digestion and protect the stomach relieving it of intestinal inflammation.


• Circulatory system: Improves circulation, prevents atherosclerosis and reduces cholesterol.


• Sedative: Lettuce has a calming effect. It helps to calm the nerves, control palpitations and sleep better at night, preventing insomnia.It is advisable take a good lettuce salad with olive oil before going to bed.


This property is increased if we take a 50% decoction of  lettuce leaves and we take a couple of glasses a day, morning and before go to bed.
The components that give this property is the lactucin, one of the main components of lettuce juice.

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The Chickpea And Its Nutritional Properties

Chickpeas nutrients and benefits

Plant of the legume family.It is native from Turkey where it was extended to Europe and later to the continents of Africa,America and Oceania. Currently,the major producer is India, followed by Pakistan and Turkey.

In America, the major producer is Mexico, and in Europe, the main producing countries: Spain, Italy and Portugal. Has been known since ancient times.


There are three main varieties of chickpeas which are differentiated by their geographic location. In the Mediterranean and Eurasian area are smaller and variable in color.


Among them, the most cultivated are dehydrated, small and yellow or black kabuli, kabul or medium to large and bright, and gulabi, small size and color also clear.


The chickpea is widely consumed in worldwide for its nutritional and culinary properties. This vegetable is an excellent source of protein and has a high carbohydrate content, which makes it a food that provides a lot of energy.


It has lots of fibers, favoring intestinal transit. It also contains folates, which are involved in the proper functioning of the nervous system. this legume is consumed as dry grain, but is also used as flour and also toasted.


Chickpea, has been one of the key ingredients in the Iberian peninsula to make dishes like soup million, old clothes, and chickpea stew. In other regions also are used to prepare dishes known as the Madrid stew.


Nutritional evaluation of chickpea
Chickpeas are a good source of vegetable protein, starch, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, iron , magnesium. The vitamin content is low, stands out the vitamin E, vitamin K and the content of folates.


It is also important its contents in soluble and insoluble fiber which promotes intestinal transit and helps fight constipation, and contribute to the prevention of various diseases.


The lipid content is very low. Has low concentrations of anti-nutritive components as saponins, phytates and tannins which produce beneficial effects.


Legumes commonly consumed in our regions containing non-toxic concentrations. Phytates and tannins have anti-cancer effect, generally. both in the intestine and in the body


Benefits
* Lowers cholesterol.

* Hypertension.

* For ccorporeal growth.

* It has anticancer properties.

* It is restorative.

* Improve intestinal transit.

* For diabetes.

* Combats anemia.

* Colon problems.

* It has diuretic properties.


Not recommended for : People with:
* People with digestive problems, heavy or slow digestion, bowel problems and colitis.

Strawberries Nutritional Value Table

Strawberries properties and benefits

Strawberries are little energetic, whose main component are carbohydrates after water, with an amount of about 7% of their weight, are composed mainly of glucose, fructose and xylitol , are also a good source of fiber.

Strawberries have different nutritional properties, and one of them and very important is their antioxidant function to absorb free radicals that can cause diseases, illnesses and disorders in the body.


The roots are purgative, their decoction for treatment of kidney an gout diseases and also to skin problems as the chilblains. Regarding the leaves, help relieve indigestion and tonsillitis.


They are very rich in vitamin C, with a higher percentage that has orange. A half portion of strawberries, 150g- 200g, containing on average 90 mg of vitamin C , while a medium orange has 240g , having an average of about 85 mg . In either case (strawberry or orange) , the recommended daily intake for this vitamin are about 60 mg, are more than overtaken.


Contains minerals: iron and iodine, calcium, potassium, phosphorus,magnesium. Moreover, its low contribution to sodium and high potassium content means that they are indicated in people with hypertension.


Strawberries contain various organic acids, among which are: citric acid whose disinfectant action and urine alkalizing effect, enhances the action of vitamin C , malic acid, oxalic acid, and also contain small amounts of salicylic acid. For this reason, those people that presenting intolerance to acetylsalicylic acid; more commonly known as aspirin, should avoid them.


Strawberry color is due to plant pigments called flavonoids known as anthocyanins . Anthocyanins act as powerful antioxidants.


In this sense, if we consider that the oxidative process results in the deposition of cholesterol in the arteries, and is produced by aging and certain cancer mutations, it can be concluded that strawberries have a significant preventive effect on the welfare of the organism.


Strawberries are one of the fruits with the highest antioxidant capacity, which is not only due to its content of anthocyanins, but also to the presence in their composition of important amounts of polyphenols and vitamin C.We can see more detail the strawberries nutriconal value in the following table:

Remedies with strawberries
For tonsillitis: 3 grams of strawberry leaves in a cup of water, boil for 5 minutes. When at room temperature should make  gargle several times a day.


For rheumatism : Take four large or eight small strawberries, washing them, place them with two cups of water, liquefy them well. It can be taken once in the day, preferably with an empty stomach.

Marigold/Calendula properties And Benefits

Marigold Properties

Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genre: Calendula
Variety: officinalis

Calendula is used primarily as a cream or ointment, soothes and heals thereddened skin, inflamed or swollen. With its bright orange flower heads can also make a tea that, once cold is a bath or lotion  indicated for inflamed rashes and sting cuts and abrasions.


Action
Antifungal - Anti-inflammatory - Antimicrobial - purifies blood - Healing the wounds.


Skin infections
Whether a topical use on the skin or ingested, calendula has antiseptic, purifying and detoxifying properties and its potential uses are plentiful.

As a lotion, cream or ointment acelerates the healing and stops infections such diverse problems as minor burns, sunburn, insect bites, red bumps and pustules , cuts and abrasions, inflamed rashes, hemorrhoids and varicose veins.


Digestive Action
Calendula can be ingested but more better as infusion to treat inflammatory problems of the entire digestive system, such as peptic ulcers and gastritis.


Due in part to its antifungal properties, helps to recover from gastrointestinal infections, especially those related to intestinal dysbiosis and yeast, and is used to treat conditions such as acne, throat infections and mastitis.

Combines well the infusion with herbs such as cleavers ( Galium aparine ) , red clover (Trifolium pratense) and chamomile ( Chamomilla recutita).


Benefits
* Calendula flowers are used to prevent menstrual cramps and treat muscle spasms.

* Calendula is recommended to treat dermatitis and acne.

* It is antiseptic, anti inflammatory and cicatrizant. Thousands years ago the Egyptians regarded calendula a special plant, the Greeks and Romans used for the treatment and prevention of diseases.

* Stimulates epithelization, ie, has a natural action of dermal healing that regenerates damaged skin, enhancing the synthesis of glycoproteins and collagen , making the skin heal without scarring.

* Has emollient, soothing and softening properties by phytosterols, saponins and beta-carotene that it contains, contains caryophyllene, quercetin that give it an analgesic effect.

* In the market there are creams naturist whose base active is calendula  and are indicated to help to relieve the irritation rash for babies.

* Is eaten in salads, in other dishes is often used to color as a substitute for saffron.


Calendula oil.
Dried flowers are placed in vegetable oil and placed in the dark and dry place for several days. After the oil is placed on a sieve, calendula is discarded and again the same oil with more dried Marigold calendula.
The oil have to cover calendula to prevent bacterial growth and infiltration. This oil is used to make soaps and skin treatments.

 
Precautions
* Sometimes it can cause allergic reactions if present a sensitive skin to this plant.

* Do not take during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended.

* Not recommended for use on skin  and eyes irritated.

It is recommended to consult a medical specialist in this topic if you have questions about this plant.

Spinach Its Properties

Spinach Properties And Benefits

Eat and prepare spinachs is easy, because they are delicious both raw and cooked. This plant is available in stores either fresh, frozen and may be part of many dishes.

It is an essential ingredient of the cream and spinach dish called  " catalan spinach ", which are combined with raisins and pine nuts. Other ways to consume it is in soups, stir-fried, steamed, blanched , etc.


It is very nutritious, tasty and easy to digest. The Arabs considered spinach the queen of vegetables. In addition to its great taste, the popularity of the spinach is due to its high nutritional value. Its leaves,with fresh green color are very delicious and are eaten both raw and cooked added to salads.


As most of the leafy vegetables, has a large amount of water and small percentage of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. Spinach is distinguished by its high nutritional importance, since its high content in vitamins and minerals overcome other vegetables.


Spinach health benefits
It is one of the richest vegetables in calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium as well as vitamins A, C and folic acid. To increase iron absorption, spinach should be eaten with foods rich in vitamin C such as tomatoes and orange juice and other citrus fruits.

Spinach is very efficient in the treatment of anemias, to accelerate the replacement of blood after operations and to treat internal bleeding.


By having a lot of vitamin A or niacin, spinach prevents eye diseases, strengthens the immune system and has anti-cancer properties. Also for its high content of vitamin A, this vegetable also promotes good skin and mucous membranes.


Folic acid or vitamin B9 from spinach makes this a highly recommended for consumption in stages of pregnancy or lactation food. This vegetable can also helps to combat the harmful effects of certain drugs which absorb vitamin B9 and can help alcóholic people or smokers, as these habits cause malabsorption of folic acid.


The high content of vitamin K in this vegetable makes that taking spinach is beneficial for proper blood clotting. This food d is also beneficial for bone metabolism.


For each 100 g of spinach we have the following nutritional information in this table:

Recommendation
Should be stored refrigerated in a perforated bag for no more than four days since it loses flavor and tends to become ácid.For quality, we must choose those spinachs that presenting fresh looking green leaves with natural aroma.

Coriander And Its Wonderful Benefits

Coriander Benefits And Uses

Coriander  is an herb of the family Umbelliferae ( Coriandrum sativum ), from the Middle East, where it grows wild throughout the year.

Archaeological finds in Egyptian tombs reveal that this people used to leave bouquets of this herb as a funerary offering.


The Greek physician Hippocrates used it as a drug. Among the Romans,cilantro also enjoyed of popularity. As relate the ancient writings;  placed under the pillow, it was useful to reduce fever and alleviate headaches.


In the first century AD , was used as the basis of a Roman condiment called coriandratum, which masked the flavor of the meat decomposed. In ancient times it was assured that if men consumed in high doses improved their sexual potency.


Properties
* It is stimulant, digestive, analgesic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac , and bactericidal . The flavor and aroma of the herb are very characteristic and intense, so should be used in cooking with moderation.


* For its sensitivity to heat, and to do not miss its scent, it is recommended to use fresh coriander and add it when little time is left for cooking.


* Combined with other spices is very good: with parsley, mint and basil, can be used to flavor pickles and sausages.

* Because of its fragile consistency, it is preferable to keep in the refrigerator with roots in a glass of water and leaves covered with a plastic bag. in this way, leaves and aroma - essence may remain in good condition longer.


Purifying herb

* Coriander is considered a natural debugger: scientific studies have proven its effectiveness in eliminating toxic metals from the body, especially in cases of mercury poisoning . Other research indicates that thanks to its essential oils , coriander helps to eradicate salmonella, a bacteria present in some contaminated food that can cause stomach infection.


* The substance called citronellol contained in its essential oils, makes the coriander an ally to fight bad breath and prevent sores and oral ulcers. Eating this coriander helps to remove urinary infections and for the smooth functioning of the liver.


* It is rich in iron, magnesium and manganese and phytonutrients, coriander helps in the treatment of anemia. It also has a positive effect on digestion, positively helping to process food and intestinal transit. It also eliminates flatulence and assists in the treatment of stomach and diarrhea pains.


* Recent discoveries reveal that cilantro can reduces levels of bad cholesterol. Some researchers also believe that can increases insulin production and decreases the levels of blood sugar.

The Beet And Its Anti-Aging Secrets

Beet benefits and properties

The beet belongs to the family Chenopodiaceae. Develops a root thick, fleshy , usually red and variably rich in vitamin C. Its leaves are juicy and rich in vitamin A.

Properties
Beets are rich in folate. The folate acid and folic acid prevent birth defects and neural tube helps against heart disease and anemia.


It's high in fiber, soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fiber helps maintain intestinal movement working well, while soluble fiber keeps the levels of blood sugar and cholesterol controlled.


 It is a food low in calories and carbohydrates are the most abundant component,which turns it into one of the richest vegetable in sugars.


It is an excellent source of fiber, ideal for satiety and intestinal transit. Furthermore, folates have the presence guaranteed, as well as several vitamins of group B.


Due to its low calorific value, can be consumed as an ingredient in salads and used in weight control diets. Keep in mind the consumption ration and flavoring. It is very rich in fiber which provides a feeling of satiety, which limits the use of other higher calorie foods.


Anti-aging properties
It has B vitamins such as B1 , B2 , B3 and B6 , C , E, A. Beetroot contains low in provitamin A and vitamin C.

* Vitamin C, to the skin, the healing of pimples, the restoration of the primary tissue.
* Vitamin E nourishes the cells and stops aging.
* Vitamin A , Retinol carotene and lycopene, protects the skin from radiation, increases the elasticity of the skin and prevents damage caused by sun exposure


For all these properties and characteristics of beet, our skin can stay young although the years pass.

Uses
To consume raw beets, to grate and served with a little oil and lemon, but are more digestible if they are cooked. For cooking , you have tointroduce them in boiling salted water without having previously without peeled because otherwise lose some of its color and flavor.


Should be boiled for at least one hour, depending on the size that present, but not more than two. Once cooked we can remove the skin easily and can be served as a vegetable dish.


A month of using this blessing of nature will see the results as a blood purifier , decreasing acne marks, detoxification and eliminating impurities from the deepest layer of the skin.

Lemon Verbena Benefits For Health

Description:
Shrub up to 2m high, with many branches, with many rooting shoots and branches with some creeping basal adventitious roots at the nodes, then with ascending branches and  arching branches eventually climber supporters.

Lemon verbena uses:
In gardening, can be used to form hedgerows, leaves in decoction are carminative and improve gastrointestinal function, are also sudorific.


They are used as a sedative and nerve tonic with spearmint and eucalyptus against colds, coughs and asthma. Also used for diabetes, disinfectant in baths, is antispasmodic. Contains lipil and tannic acid.


* Helps to prevent that wounds becoming infected

* It is effective for treating insomnia

* Helps to lose weight

* Helps to treat migraines and headaches

* Helps to control rheumatic pains

* For symptoms of stress

* Helps to control allergic reactions

* Reduce inflammation and bloating

* It helps to eliminate toxins from the body

* Helps to treat irritable bowel syndrome

* Help to control pain and stomach cramps

* Helps in digestion and helps in cases of indigestion

* Helps to treat diarrhea in children and adults

* Helps to the  intestinal gas elimination

* Helps control your nerves and anxiety

* Toothaches : rinse with leaves infusion.

* Mild stimulant in nervous diseases, melancholy, hypochondria, spasm pains and stomach, looseness of the bowels, etc. With leaves is produced a liquor that is  used for intermittent fevers.

Other medicinal uses of cedron
* To help stomach : take leaf infusion .

* As a tonic , take leaf infusion .

* Carminativo : leaf infusion .

* Heart : with lemon balm leaves in infusion.

* For insomnia : leaf infusion .

Dose:
Infusion :
2 teaspoons of stem per cup of boiling water repose them  for 5 minutes and take 3 times a day.


How to use it
* Lemon verbena tea is the most popular form because it tastes nice and very effective.

* There are other products based on the cedrón as soaps, tincture , grass mate with lemon verbena essential oil, among others.

* The lemon verbena has the advantage that can be used internally as well as external condition or symptom that the person has.

* Use in pregnant women is not recommended as it is harmful to the developing baby.

* You can consult a doctor before using this plant if  have many doubts to avoid adverse effects.


Precautions .
Not recommended for hypersensitive patients with depressive state or too nervous.

White Onion Its Magnificent Benefits

Health Benefits Of White Onions

Classification
Is the family Liliaceae or Amarillydaceae whose scientific name is Allium cepa. Has tubular or cylindrical, elongated sheets that together are joining on a base which is name is bulb that is the main edible part.

These leaves come from the top of the stem. The tendency to possess elongated leaves remain vertically upright makes it in a excellent sunrays picker  but inefficient against weeds because does not create shadow on the ground.


Components:
* Thiopropionic acid.

* Quercetin: Special in hair treatment when this present weakness.

* Alliin, very similar to the amount contained in garlic.

* Amino acids: glutamic, glycine, arginine, lysine acid.

* Minerals: Mainly  magnesium, sodium, sulfur, potassium, phosphorus,calcium, and in lesser amounts: copper zinc selenium iron and manganese.

* Vitamins : Vitamin E, Vitamin C , folic acid.


Benefits
* Diseases of the nervous system:
For its significant content of vitamin B, potassium which is necessary for the generation and transmission of nerve impulses and magnesium related with the functioning of the nervous and muscular system.


* It has a high water content and allyl sulfide , recommended in treatment of edema and ascites.


* In acidic and / or toxic diets is in onion an excellent debugger, due to its ability to eliminate parasitic fungi that cause intestinal infections.


* Helps the body to cleanse accumulated debris through the liver with its detoxifying function.


* Antiasthmatic and antiinflammatory, since its sulfur components play an antiasthmatic and antiinflammatory action.


* Helps to lose weight and is used in the control of overweight:
The onion is ideal to include in any diet to lose weight by low caloric value, its high fiber content improves intestinal transit, its cleanser effect that helps to eliminate toxins and avoid withholding líquids. The onion brings satiety after consumption.


* Recommended for pregnant women and children:
Onion is a food to be considered in feeding children and pregnant women due to its content of folates essential for growth and proper development of the fetus in the early weeks of gestation.


* Powerful antioxidant:
The content of vitamin A, C , the sulfur compounds and the large number of flavonoids such as anthocyanins and quercetin make to the Onion a potent antioxidant.

External use

Hair Lotion:
The sulfur content in the white onion helps remove dandruff and helps conserve the hair.


On the hair:
For hair to grow quickly and make it look shiny and healthy. Just chop an onion into several portions and put in the shampoo bottle.

Let stand for about 15 days and then apply it with each washing. Do not worry if  you have wet hair and smells like to the onions since the smell disappears when it dries.