Benefits Of Drinking Warm Lemon Water

Start the day out with a mug of warm water and the juice of half a lemon.
It's so simple and the benefits are just too good to ignore. Warm water with lemon:
1. Boosts you're immune system

Lemons are high in Vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C is great for fighting colds and potassium stimulates brain & nerve function and helps control blood pressure.
2. Balances pH
Lemons are an incredibly alkaline food, believe it or not. Yes, they are acidic on their own, but inside our bodies they're alkaline (the citric acid does not createacidity in the body once metabolized). As you wellness warriors know, an alkaline body is really the key to good health.
3. Helps with weight loss
Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. It also has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet lose weight faster. And, my experience is that when I start the day off right, it's easier to make the best choices for myself the rest of the day.
4. Aids digestion
The warm water serves to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and peristalsis梩he waves of muscle contractions within the intestinal walls that keep things moving. Lemons and limes are also high in minerals and vitamins and help loosen ama, or toxins, in the digestive tract.
5. Acts as a gentle, natural diuretic
Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials because lemons increase the rate of urination in the body. Toxins are, therefore, released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy.
6. Clears skin
The vitamin C helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well.
7. Hydrates the lymph system
This cup of goodness helps start the day on a hydrated note, which helps prevent dehydration (obviously) and adrenal fatigue. When your body is dehydrated, or deeply dehydrated (adrenal fatigue) it can't perform all of it's proper functions, which leads to toxic buildup, stress, constipation, and the list goes on. Your adrenals happen to be two small glands that sit on top of your kidneys, and along with your thyroid, create energy. They also secrete important hormones, including aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone secreted by your adrenals that regulates water levels and the concentration ofminerals, like sodium, in your body, helping you stay hydrated. Your adrenals are also responsible for regulating your stress response. So, the bottom line is that you really don't want to mess with a deep state of dehydration!
Adopting just this one practice of drinking a cup of warm water with lemon in the morning for a month can radically alter your experience of the day. Don't be surprised if you begin to view mornings in a new light.
Like I said, the recipe is really simple - a cup of warm (not hot) water and the juice from half a lemon.

Health benefits of cumin seeds

Cumin seeds contain numerous phyto-chemicals that are known to have antioxidant, carminative and anti-flatulent properties. The seeds are an excellent source of dietary fiber.

Its seeds contain many health b

enefiting essential oils such as cuminaldehyde (4-isopropylbenzaldehyde), pyrazines, 2-methoxy-3-sec-butylpyrazine, 2-ethoxy-3-isopropylpyrazine, and 2-methoxy-3-methylpyrazine.

The active principles in the cumin may increase the motility of the gastro-intestinal tract as well as increase the digestion power by increasing gastro-intestinal enzyme secretions.

This spice is an excellent source of minerals like iron, copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, selenium, zinc and magnesium. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells. Iron is required for red blood cell formation. zinc is a co-factor in many enzymes that regulate growth and development, sperm generation, digestion and nucleic acid synthesis. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the powerful anti-oxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.

It also contains very good amounts of B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, vitamin B-6, niacin, riboflavin, and other vital anti-oxidant vitamins like vitamin E, vitamin A and vitamin C.

The seeds are also rich source of many flavonoid phenolic anti-oxidants such as carotenes, zeaxanthin, and lutein.

The Six Most Important Minerals and Vitamins!

When we diet and cut down our calories, we usually limit the intake of certain foods, which means we may not get all the vitamins and minerals that are vital to our health.
While keeping our weight down is important, we have to be careful not to harm our health in the process, and to do so, make sure your intake always includes the following vital materials:

Magnesium

- Minimal Daily recommended amount: Men: 420 mg. | Women: 320 mg.

- Why we need it: Magnesium is essential for muscle performance and the operation of our nervous system. It keeps the heart healthy, regulates the levels of sugar in the blood, supports the immune system and keeps our bones strong.

- Signs of shortage: Lack of appetite, nausea, headaches, forgetfulness, aching or twitching muscles, tension and chronic fatigue.

- Sources: Almonds, leafy vegetables such as basil, Parsley and Spinach. Salmon, Cashew Nuts, Soy Beans, Pinto Beans, Whole grains, Lentils, Bananas and Yogurt.

Vitamin D

- Minimal Daily recommended amount: 5-15 micrograms (mcg)

- Why we need it: Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium, is crucial for bone growth, muscle performance and maintaining the immune system. The vitamin also reduces the risk of bone degeneration and along with calcium may prevent osteoporosis.

- Signs of shortage: Rickets in muscles and bones. Symptoms for this disease include repetitive bone pain and muscle weakness.

- Sources: consumption: salmon, tuna, mackerel, cod liver oil, beef, cheese, egg yolks, fortified milk, soy milk, orange juice and yogurt (small amount), 10-15 minutes in the sun.

Calcium

- Minimal Daily recommended amount: 1000-1200 mg.

- Why we need it: Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and healthy teeth, as well as daily bodily functions such as muscle contraction, blood clotting and transmitting neural signals.

- Signs of shortage: No immediate symptoms, but long term effects include osteoporosis.

- Sources: Dairy products, yogurt and cheese, fortified orange juice, almonds, leafy vegetables like kale and spinach, sardines, tofu, tahini, salmon, soy milk, broccoli and black beans.

Folic Acid

- Minimal Daily recommended amount: 400 mcg.

- Why we need it: It isn't that folic acid is only crucial for pregnant women or women who are trying to get pregnant, but it is also essential for all human beings to create DNA and RNA strands (the building blocks of our bodies). Folic acid also helps in the creation of red blood cells and prevent the occurrence of anemia. It may also prevent cancer cells from forming.

- Signs of shortage: Diarrhea, loss of appetite, losing weight, weakness, tongue sores, headaches, heart palpitations, irritability and forgetfulness. Pregnant women who aren't getting enough folic acid risk premature birth or birth defects.

- Sources: Temples greens like broccoli, spinach and Brussels sprouts, legumes such as chickpeas and beans, peanuts and nuts, corn, avocado, brown rice, fruits like bananas, oranges and papaya.

Iron

- Minimal Daily recommended amount: 8-18 mg.

- Why we need it: The body needs iron to create hemoglobin, a material in red blood cells that allows oxygen to move throughout the body. Iron helps create red blood cells and fights anemia and fatigue, improves our memories and is essential to the growth process. Without it, we may suffer a degeneration of the spine, problems with our reproductive system and blood shortage.

- Signs of shortage: Dizziness, fatigue, anemia, pallor, low energy levels and headaches.

- Sources: Spinach, oatmeal, lentils, chicken, tofu, clams, barley, baked potatoes with skins, peanuts and flaxseed.

Zinc

- Minimal Daily recommended amount: 8-12 mg.

- Why we need it: Zinc keeps our immune system healthy, heals and protects the skin, increases brain activity, is essential for emphasizing the senses of taste and smell and can even give some relief to PMS symptoms.

- Signs of shortage: Loss of appetite, weight loss, slow healing of wounds, dry skin, hair loss, diarrhea, disruptions in senses of smell and taste and 'foggy' memory.
- Sources: Lean beef, oysters, chicken, beans, yogurt, cashews and sunflower seeds.

Top 10 Efficacious Health Benefits of Ginger

Ginger is one of the best gifts from nature that you can use for multitude of health benefits in your day-to-day life. This aromatic rhizome is the sign of liveliness and energy. Ginger is one of those highly effective herbs that you can use in your day-to-day food items without any side effects.Easy availability makes ginger as one of the largest used home remedies across the world. People across the world use ginger in different forms to reap different health benefits. Today, we let you know top 10 highly effective health benefits of ginger. Here they are.

Top 10 Efficacious Health Benefits of Ginger

1. Effective and Long-term Relief from Cold and Flu

Ginger is one of those herbs that can provide you effective and long-term relief from the symptoms of cold and flu. It has enzymes that strengthen the body’s self-defense mechanism and provide relief from signs and symptoms of flu, cold, etc.

2. Anti-microbial Properties

Ginger has excellent anti-microbial properties and can be used to remove germs and microbes in the stomach. Its anthelmintic properties keep the stomach free of unwanted germs and microbes. Regular consumption of ginger in food keeps the stomach problem-free.

3. Prevents Skin Infections

Ginger has properties to treat variety of common skin infections, like scars, redness, itchiness, etc. Not only it treats the skin infections, it also makes the skin glow and prevents any recurrence. In a way it also purifies blood and prevents any skin diseases.

4. Prevents Ovarian Cancer

Ginger has been found to prevent ovarian cancer, as it contains properties to destroy the cancer cells. An in vitro study has shown ginger to prevent propagation of cancer cells, particularly in women with ovarian cancer.

5. Prevents Colorectal Cancer

The antitumor properties of ginger make it effective in preventing large number of cancer cells, like cells produced in colorectal cancer condition. Ginger has been found to reduce the growth of colorectal-cancer-causing cells. Per different studies, regular consumption of ginger can prevent occurrence of different kinds of cancers.

6. Helps Prevent Nausea

Ginger is an excellent anti-nausea agent. People complaining of motion sickness and nausea, especially when going uphill, can benefit a lot from ginger. It also prevents vomiting and other related feelings. Ginger tea is an effective answer to nausea and vomiting.

7. Effective Painkiller

Ginger is an effective painkiller, for it contains pain-reducing properties, especially headache. People suffering from headache often consume ginger tea to get rid of the problem. It also opens the nasotracheal passage and improves breathing.

8. Improves Body’s Self-defense Mechanism

Ginger has always been known to improve the immune system, i.e., the body’s own self-defense mechanism. Regular consumption of ginger in any form can result in prevention of common infections.

9. Strengthen Uterus and Increase Contractions

Ginger is an excellent herb for uterus, for when it is mixed with other traditional herbs, it strengthens the female reproductive system. Ginger aids in uterine contractions and helps during pregnancy and menstruation by reducing cramps. However, the herb should be taken under medical guidance during pregnancy.

10. Anti-inflammatory

Ginger is widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used since time immemorial to bring down inflammation in different body organs, especially lungs, neck, and face. It also has a component called gingerol that possesses properties to bring down inflammation in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, etc.

However, ginger has numerous other benefits; these were the top 10 most effective health benefits of the herb. However, usually, it does not have any side-effects; it should be taken under medical supervision if one is planning to take it in more-than-normal quantities. We wish you a healthy body, forever!

Felix Baumgartner landed safely from his jump from the Stratosphere.

Extreme athlete Felix Baumgartner landed safely on Earth after a 24-mile jump from the stratosphere in a dramatic, daring feat that may also have marked the world's first supersonic skydive.

Baumgartner came down in the eastern New Mexico desert minutes after jumping from his capsule 128,097 feet, or roughly 24 miles, above Earth. He lifted his arms in victory shortly after landing, sending off loud cheers from jubilant onlookers and friends inside the mission's control center in Roswell, N.M.

It wasn't immediately certain whether he had broken the speed of sound during his free-fall, which was one of the goals of the mission. Organizers said the jump lasted for just over nine minutes, about half of it in free-fall.

Three hours earlier, Baumgartner, known as "Fearless Felix," had taken off in a pressurized capsule carried by a 55-story ultra-thin helium balloon. As he exited his capsule from high above Earth, he flashed a thumbs-up sign, aware that his feat was being shown on a live-stream on the Internet.

During the ensuing jump from more than three times the height of the average cruising altitude for jetliners, Baumgartner was expected to hit a speed of 690 mph.

Any contact with the capsule on his exit could have torn his pressurized suit, a rip that could expose him to a lack of oxygen and temperatures as low as minus-70 degrees. That could have caused lethal bubbles to form in his bodily fluids

He activated his parachute as he neared Earth, gently gliding into the desert east of Roswell.

Coincidentally, Baumgartner's attempted feat also marked the 65th anniversary of U.S. test pilot Chuck Yeager successful attempt to become the first man to officially break the sound barrier aboard an airplane.

At Baumgartner's insistence, some 30 cameras recorded the event Sunday. While it had been pegged as a live broadcast, it was actually under a 20-second delay. Shortly after launch, screens at mission control showed the capsule as it began rising high above the New Mexico desert, with cheers erupting from organizers. Baumgartner could be seen on video, calmly checking instruments inside the capsule.

Baumgartner's team included Joe Kittinger, who first attempted to break the sound barrier from 19.5 miles up in 1960, reaching speed of 614 mph. With Kittinger inside mission control Sunday, the two men could be heard going over technical details during the ascension.

"Our guardian angel will take care of you," Kittinger radioed to Baumgartner around the 100,000-foot mark. Kittinger noted that, it was getting "really serious" now.

An hour into the flight, Baumgartner had ascended more than 63,000 feet and had gone through a trial run of the jump sequence that will send him plummeting toward Earth. Ballast was dropped to speed up the ascent.

Kittinger told him, "Everything is in the green. Doing great."

This attempt marked the end of a five-year road for Baumgartner, a record-setting high-altitude jumper. He already made two preparation jumps in the area, one from 15 miles high and another from 18 miles high. It will also be the end of his extreme altitude jumping career; he has promised this will be his final jump.

The energy drink maker Red Bull, which is sponsoring the feat, has been promoting a live Internet stream of the event from nearly 30 cameras on the capsule, the ground and a helicopter. But organizers said there will be a 20-second delay in their broadcast of footage in case of a tragic accident.

Baumgartner has said he plans to settle down with his girlfriend and fly helicopters on mountain rescue and firefighting missions in the U.S. and Austria.

Home Remedies for Stress Relief

1.  Sip a chamomile infusion.  Chamomile is an essential part of your home remedy toolkit!  I suggest buying loose chamomile and making your own infusion.  This basically means, put 2 Tablespoons of dried, loose chamomile flowers in a teapot (or French press), fill with boiling water, steep for 5 minutes, then strain and drink.  You might also add some honey.  Chamomile is a super safe and versatile herb – it has been used for centuries for reducing stress, relaxation and soothing upset tummies.  If you know you’re going to have a stressful day – drink chamomile tea early and often.  Yes, you can just buy chamomile tea bags, but they’re a lot more expensive than brewing your own.
   
   
2. Essential Oils to the rescue!  Lavender essential oil is the classic stress-reducer.  But I also love Stress relief body oil!  For a super simple body oil, combine 1/2 cup sweet almond oil with 10 drops total of your favorite essential oils.  Try Geranium and Rose, or for a more masculine scent, add some Sandalwood or Vetiver.   Pour into a pretty bottle and use as a moisturizer after your bath or shower. Sage essential oil.  Clary Sage is relaxing and DE-stressing, but also has a warming and uplifting effect on your emotions (which is helpful when you’re feeling frazzled!)  If you’re at home, put a few drops of one or both of the oils in an oil burner or diffuse   On the move, you can put a drop of each oil on a handkerchief and smell it occasionally.  Or make my…
   
   
3. Stress Relief Spray: in a portable spray bottle combine some rosewater (or distilled water), and a few drops of lavender and clary sage essential oils.  Shake to combine.  Mist your face or your general environment as needed, and enjoy the relaxing aroma…
   
   
4. Take an aromatherapy bath.  Baths are relaxing enough, but for some extra stress-relief, I like to add a handful of Epsom salts and 10 drops of essential oil to the running bath.  You can use the lavender/clary sage mix as above, but I also like adding some Rose essential oil or Ylang Ylang essential oil.  Just keep it to 10 drops total.  Soak for 20 minutes, then towel off and apply…
   
   
5. Stress relief body oil!  For a super simple body oil, combine 1/2 cup sweet almond oil with 10 drops total of your favorite essential oils.  Try Geranium and Rose, or for a more masculine scent, add some Sandalwood or Vetiver.   Pour into a pretty bottle and use as a moisturizer after your bath or shower.
   
   
6. body oil.  I know it’s not exciting, but when you’re feeling stressed make sure you’re hydrating yourself throughout the day.  Having enough water helps your body function at its peak, and also helps to flush out any toxins.  Drinking enough water also helps stabilize your mood and prevents the energy slump that comes from dehydration.
   
   
7. Eat some green, leafy veg.  Greens are the most nutrient dense food, and we often don’t eat enough of them.  In times of stress, making sure you boost your intake of green leafy vegetables like broccoli, spinach and (my favorite) kale will ensure you body gets the nutrients it needs to handle the stress!

BENEFITS OF TART RED CHERRY JUICE

Red cherries taste delicious, but their juice may also have health benefits. Several universities have discovered that tart red cherry juice, from varieties such as Montmorency, have benefits that can play a role in good health. Tart cherry juice is usually sold in a concentrated form that must be mixed with water. The manufacturer King Orchards recommends mixing one part cherry juice concentrate with seven parts water. This equals two tablespoons of juice in an eight-ounce glass.

Cherry juice concentrate can also be added to foods such as yogurt or oatmeal without dilution.

Pain Relief
Tart cherry juice has proven benefits in reducing inflammation, which in turn provides pain relief. Dr. Kerry Kuehl at Oregon Science and Health University discovered that tart cherry juice may be as effective in relieving pain as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen and aspirin.

Heart Health
A University of Michigan study led by Dr. Sara Warbler found that tart cherry juice had measurable benefits in improving heart health. The cardiovascular benefits may be due to the high antioxidant content of tart cherry juice. Antioxidants help the body fight free radicals, compounds associated with aging and disease.

Gout Relief
Gout is a form of arthritis in which uric acid builds up in the joints, causing severe inflammation and pain. The University of Michigan Health System reports that eating a half-pound of tart cherries or drinking an equivalent amount of cherry juice each day can reduce inflammation and relieve the pain of gout

Natural Cleaning Products Which can be Homemade

Here are a few basic household ingredients and items you can use to clean your home.

Vinegar Uses:

Vinegar actually cleans much like an all-purpose cleaner. All you need is to mix a solution of equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle and you have a solution that will clean most areas of your home. Vinegar is a great natural cleaning product as well as a disinfectant and deodorizer. It's always best to test any cleaner on a hidden area first to make sure no color change or damage occurs. Be aware that improperly diluted vinegar is acidic and can eat away at tile grout. Vinegar isn't a good idea to use on marble surfaces, either. And, don't worry about your home smelling like vinegar. The smell disappears when it dries. Some common uses for vinegar in the rooms of your house are...

Bathroom: Clean the bathtub, toilet, sink, and counter-tops. Use pure vinegar in the toilet bowl to get rid of unsightly rings. Flush the toilet to allow the water level to go down before pouring the undiluted vinegar around the inside of the rim. Scrub down the bowl. You can also mop the floor in the bathroom with a vinegar/water solution. Vinegar will also eat away the soap scum and hard water stains on your fixtures and tile leaving them shiny and beautiful.

Kitchen: Clean the top of the stove with equal parts vinegar and water. Most appliances can be cleaned with this same all purpose mix of vinegar and water. Counter-top surfaces can be cleaned and disinfected with the same spray. Use vinegar to clean floors and be amazed at the fresh shiny results.

Laundry Room: You can use vinegar as a natural fabric softener. This can be especially helpful for families with sensitive skin issues. Add ½ cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle in place of store bought fabric softener. Vinegar has the added benefit of breaking down laundry detergent more effectively. I like to use vinegar to clean my washing machine as well.

Lemon Juice Uses

Lemon juice is another natural substance that can be used to clean your home. Lemon juice can be used to dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits. Lemon is a great substance to clean and shine brass and copper. Try mixing lemon juice with vinegar or baking soda to make cleaning pastes. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle baking soda on the cut section of the lemon. Use the lemon to scrub dishes, surfaces, and stains. Be aware that lemon juice can act as a natural bleach. It's a good idea to test it out on a hidden area first. Mix 1 cup olive oil with ½ cup lemon juice and you have a furniture polish for hardwood furniture. One of my favorite uses for the fruit is to put a whole lemon peel through the garbage disposal. It freshens the drain and the kitchen. Orange peels can be used with the same results. Lemon juice can also be used to treat stains because of its natural bleaching qualities.

Baking Soda Uses

Baking soda can be used to scrub surfaces in much the same way as commercial non-abrasive cleansers. Baking soda is great as a deodorizer. Place a box in the refrigerator and freezer to absorb odors. Put it anywhere you need deodorizing action. I've used it in trash cans, laundry, and even my sons super smelly sneakers. Baking soda makes a great addition in the laundry room as well. Baking soda is actually one of the most versatile cleaners on the planet.

Other Natural Cleaners

There are quite a few other options for natural cleaners. You might be surprised to learn that things like ketchup, rice, coffee grounds, and other kitchen ingredients can actually do a fantastic job at cleaning house.

You can also always buy commercially available natural cleaners, but be aware of what you need to look for in a green cleaning product before you buy. Be sure to learn about how to read labels on the products you are shopping for. Many of these commercial products use natural ingredients that you may have in your home, but not all green cleaners are created equal.