Health Benefits of Dates

Health Benefits of Dates

The benefits of dates include relief from constipation, intestinal disorders, heart problems, anemia,  sexual dysfunction, diarrhea, abdominal cancer, and many other conditions. Dates are good for gaining weight also. Dates are rich in several vitamins, minerals and fiber too. These delicious fruits contain oil, calcium, sulfur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper and magnesium which are all beneficial for health. Some health specialists have said that eating one day per day is necessary for a balanced and healthy diet.

The massive health benefits of dates have made them one of the best ingredients for muscle development. People consume dates in several ways, such as mixing the paste of the dates with milk, yogurt or with bread or butter to make them even more delicious. The paste is beneficial for both adults and children, especially during a time of recovery from injury or illness.

According to a modern medical survey, it is now accepted that dates are useful in preventing abdominal cancer. Many Muslims break their fast by eating dates and water according to their cultural traditions. Breaking fast by eating dates helps avoid overeating of food after the fast is finished. When the body begins to absorb the high nutritional value of the dates, feelings of hunger are pacified. Also, the nervous system can get a lot of help from consuming dates, since they have such significant amounts of potassium.

Dates are one of the very best sweet and versatile foods that can regulate the digestive process. It can significantly boost energy levels in people within half an hour of consuming it. The American Cancer Society recommends an intake of 20-35 grams of dietary fiber per day, which can be supplied through dates. It is also said that taking one date per a day will help you to maintain your eye health all your life. They are commonly known to be quite effective in guarding against the problem of night blindness.

Nutritional Value of Dates

Dates are a good source of various vitamins and minerals. Its a good source of energy, sugar and fiber. Essential minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium and zinc are found in dates.  It also contains vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamin A and vitamin K.

Health Benefits of Dates

Constipation: Dates are often categorized as a laxative food. This is why dates are so frequently eaten by people suffering from constipation. In order to achieve the desired laxative effect of dates, you should soak them in water over night. Then, eat the soaked dates in the morning like syrup to get the most optimal results. Dates have high levels of soluble fiber, which is essential in promoting healthy bowel movements and the comfortable passage of food through the intestinal tract, which can relieve symptoms of constipation.

Bone Health and Strength: The significant amounts of minerals found in dates make it a super food for strengthening bones and fighting off painful and debilitating diseases like osteoporosis. Dates contain selenium, manganese, copper, and magnesium, all of which are integral to healthy bone development and strength, particularly as people begin to age and their bones gradually weaken. So, eat your dates and give a boost to your bones!

Intestinal Disorders: The nicotine content in dates is thought to be beneficial for curing many kinds of intestinal disorders. Continuous intake of dates helps to inhibit growth of the pathological organisms and thus, they help stimulate the growth of friendly bacteria in the intestines. In terms of digestive issues, dates contain those insoluble and soluble fibers, as well as many beneficial amino acids which can stimulate the digestion of food and make it more efficient, meaning that more nutrients will be absorbed by the digestive tract and enter your body for proper usage.

Anemia: Dates have a high mineral content, which is beneficial for many different health conditions, but their impressive levels of iron make them a perfect dietary supplement for people suffering from anemia. The high level of iron balances out the inherent lack of iron in anemic patients, increasing energy and strength, while decreasing feelings of fatigue and sluggishness.

Allergies: One of the most interesting facets of dates is the presence of organic sulfur in them. This is not a very common element to find in foods, but it does have a worthwhile amount of health benefits, including the reduction of allergic reactions and seasonal allergies. According to a study done in 2002, organic sulfur compounds can have a positive impact on the amount of suffering people experience from SAR (Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis), which affects approximately 23 million people in the United States alone. Dates are a great way to somewhat stem the effects of those seasonal allergies through its contributions of sulfur to the diet.

Weight Gain: Dates should be included as a  part of a healthy diet. They consist of sugar, proteins and many essential vitamins. If dates are consumed with cucumber paste, you can also keep your weight at a normal, balanced level, rather than over-slimming. One kilogram of dates contains almost 3,000 calories, and the calories in dates are sufficient to meet the daily requirements for a human body. Of course, you should not eat just dates throughout the day. If you are thin and slim and want to increase your weight, or if you are trying to build your muscles to impress some girl, or you have become weak due to a serious medical problem – you need to eat dates!

Energy Booster: Dates are high in natural sugars like glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Therefore, they are the perfect snack for an immediate burst of energy. Many people around the world use dates for a quick afternoon snack when they are feeling lethargic or sluggish.

Nervous System Health: The vitamins present in dates make it an ideal boost to nervous system health and functionality. Potassium is one of the prime ingredients in promoting a healthy and responsive nervous system, and it also improves the speed and alertness of brain activity. Therefore, dates are a wonderful food source for people as they begin to age and their nervous system becomes sluggish or unsupported, as well as for people who want to keep their mind sharp.

Healthy Heart: Dates are quite helpful in keeping your heart healthy. When they are soaked for the night, crushed in the morning and then consumed, they have been shown to have a positive effect on weak hearts. Dates are also a rich source of potassium, which studies have shown to reduce the risk of stroke and other heart related diseases. Furthermore, they are suggested as a healthy and delicious way to reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol in the body, which is a major contributing factor heart attacks, heart disease, and stroke. Therefore, when taken twice a week, dates can seriously improve the overall health of the heart.

Sexual Weakness: Studies have shown that dates are even beneficial for increasing sexual stamina. Soak a handful of dates in fresh goat’s milk over night, then grind them in the same milk with a mixture of cardamom powder and honey. This mixture becomes a very useful tonic for increasing sexual endurance and reducing sterility caused by various sexual disorders. The science behind this phenomenon is largely due to traditional usage which stimulated formal research. In 2006, Bahmanpour studied the effects of date palms and their oil on sexual functioning and found that the high levels of estradiol and flavonoid components of dates are what increase sperm count and motility, as well as promoting increased testes size and weight. So, if you are looking for a masculine boost, eat some dates, because they are a great natural aphrodisiac!

Night Blindness: The benefits of dates are extensive, and are commonly employed to fight off various conditions affecting the ear, nose, and throat. When the leaves of the date palm are ground into a paste and rubbed on and around the eyes, or when dates are ingested orally, it has been shown to reduce the frequency of night blindness, and this solution is commonly used in rural areas where dates grow as an alternative medicine.

Intoxication: Dates are commonly used as a remedy for alcoholic intoxication. Dates provide quick relief and have a sobering effect in case you feel as though have consumed an uncomfortable amount of alcohol. They can also be used the following morning to prevent severe hangovers. Again, they should be rubbed and soaked overnight for the best results.

Diarrhea: Ripe dates contain potassium, which is known as an effective way of controlling diarrhea. They are also easy to digest, which further helps alleviate the unpredictable nature of chronic diarrhea. The soluble fiber in dates can also help relieve diarrhea, by providing bulk to the bowel movements and promoting normal, healthy functioning of the excretory system.

Abdominal Cancer: Research has pointed towards dates being a legitimate way to reduce the risk and impact of abdominal cancer. They work as a useful tonic for all age groups, and in some cases, they work better than traditional medicines, and are natural, so they don’t have any negative side effects on the human body. They can be quickly and easily digested for a quick boost of energy.

Although dates carry tremendous nutritional values, great care should be taken in their selection because their surface is very sticky, which often attracts various impurities. Therefore, you should only consume dates that are processed and packaged properly. Also, make sure to wash them thoroughly before you eat them, as this will help remove the impurities present on the surface.

Sources: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-dates.html

Health Benefits of Durian

Health Benefits of Durian

Durian is an exotic and controversial fruit in many parts of Southeast Asia, and is widely celebrated for its long list of health benefits, which include the ability to boost your immune system, prevent cancer and inhibit free radical activity, improve digestion, strengthen bones, improve signs of anemia, cure insomnia, prevent premature aging, lower blood pressure, and protect against cardiovascular diseases. Some of the more minor benefits of durian is its ability to help with diabetes management, reduce inflammation of the joints, help thyroid health, reduce headaches, and lower symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Durian is often called the “king of fruits” in Southeast Asian nations, but is native to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, and possibly the Philippines, but debates still continue on that point. It is a large fruit, up to 1 foot long and 6 inches wide, with a hard, spiky exterior, with a range of yellow to red flesh. Out of the 30 species varieties, 9 of them are commonly utilized for cooking or consumption, and only one is found internationally, outside of the local growing areas. That species is called Durio zibethinus.

The reason this fruit is often considered controversial is because the smell has a divisive effect on people. Your natural olfactory sense will either find it pleasant or absolutely revolting and nauseating. This has led durian to be banned on public transportation in certain Asian nations, and the avid fans of the health benefits of durian are balanced by those who are repulsed by the sight and smell of this powerful fruit.

Nutritional value of Durian
Most of the health benefits come from durian’s impressive vitamin and mineral content. It contains vitamins such as vitamin-C, folic acid, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6 and vitamin A. Important minerals such as potassium, iron, calcium,  magnesium, sodium, zinc, phosphorus are found in durian. It also contains nutrients such as  phytonutrients, water, protein and  beneficial dietary fats.

Health Benefits of Durian

The health benefits of durian are explained below.

Digestive aid: Durian, like many “meaty” fruits, contain high levels of dietary fiber, which are essential to the normal function of multiple systems in the body, most notably the digestive system. Fiber causes bowel movement to increase in bulk, which makes it easier for them to move through the intestinal tract. Fiber also stimulates peristaltic motion and the secretion of digestive and gastric juices, further easing the entire process. By reducing conditions like constipation and blockage in the intestines, conditions like bloating, excess flatulence, heartburn, cramps, and indigestion can be reduced, as well as serious conditions like colorectal cancer. Much of the fiber in durian is insoluble fiber, which also lowers the frequency of diarrhea for people with loose stool.

Fiber also helps to reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood by scraping LDL cholesterol out of the body and quickly removing it before it can do any damage to the cardiovascular system in the form of plaque buildup.

Blood pressure and cardiovascular health: Durian is a rich source of potassium, and since potassium is such an integral part of the salt and fluid balance throughout the cells of the body, potassium levels also dictate blood pressure. When plenty of potassium is present, the blood vessels can relax, reducing the stress on the cardiovascular system, and reducing the chances of developing conditions like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Reduced stress on the veins and arteries also increases oxygenated blood flow to the brain, and studies have shown that potassium levels can therefore help boost cognitive function and memory, reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia!

Anti-aging: In traditional, herbal medicine, durian was often hailed as a tool to battle aging, and was one of the main reasons why people call it the “king of fruits”. It turns out that durian has a wide variety of antioxidant properties stemming from its vitamin and organic chemical makeup that actively reduce the amount of free radicals in the body. Eating an excessive amount of durian can seriously boost your body’s ability to eliminate those free radicals, thereby reducing the chances of premature aging and delaying the appearance of symptoms such as wrinkles, age spots, macular degeneration, hair loss, tooth loosening, arthritis, cancer, and heart disease. Eat enough durian, and you can feel, look, and act younger than you have in years!

Insomnia: Durian contains tryptophan, the organic chemical closely associated with falling asleep after Thanksgiving, since it is found in massive doses in turkey.  By adding tryptophan to your diet, it enters your brain, is converted to serotonin, which induces a feeling of relaxation and happiness. The excess serotonin then releases melatonin into the bloodstream, which causes the body to feel tired, and eventually pass out. If you suffer from insomnia, have a few pieces of durian before you try to fall asleep and see the results for yourself!

Sexual dysfunction: A number of studies have recently been conducted to evaluate the potential of durian meat to act as an aphrodisiac. The results are in, and it can produce intensified sexual libido and stamina, and also reduce the chances of infertility in men and women, and increase sperm motility. All in all, it is an aphrodisiac in every sense of the word!

Cancer prevention: As mentioned earlier, durian has a wealth of vitamins, nutrients, and organic chemicals that function as antioxidants. In the battle against cancer, free radicals are vitally important, because during cell metabolism, there are byproducts created, called free radicals. These free radicals can destroy the DNA of regular cells and convert them to cancer cells, which can then metastasize or form fatal, tumorous growths. All of the antioxidants which reduce oxidative stress on the organs of the body are bonuses to the immune system, and durian is packed with them, including vitamin-C, vitamin-B complex, and vitamin E, as well as phytonutrients that battle cancerous cells.

Bone health: Durian is a great source of magnesium, potassium, manganese, and copper, all of which play an integral role in developing and sustaining bone strength and durability. Potassium also increases the efficiency of nutrient uptake by the cells, so it maximizes how many beneficial minerals the body takes in, also benefiting bone health. These essential minerals help to prevent the development of osteoporosis for patients of any age!

Anemia: Durian has many different minerals inside of it, but there are high levels of folic acid within durian as well, which is an essential component in the production of red blood cells. Also, durian is a good source of iron and copper, two other essential components of red blood cells; once RBC production is back to normal, then symptoms of anemia will disappear, which include indigestion, migraines, fatigue, anxiety, and cognitive malfunction.

A few Words of Warning: The only real danger of eating durians is the fat content. It has about 3 times more fat than most other fruits, with the exception of avocado. They are generally healthy fats, but for those people battling weight gain and obesity, other sources for these other health benefits should be sought out instead.

Other than that, enjoy these delicious and slightly stinky fruits and feel the boost to your body!

Sources: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-durian.html

Is It Possible to Take Too Many Antioxidants?

By Petra Trudell, Managing Editor

If you've ever heard of free radicals, you know they're the enemy.

Our atmosphere contains a great deal of oxygen, which means oxygen radicals are found everywhere, which is why oxidative stress to some degree is unavoidable. Free radicals can damage the body's cells, and are believed to be at least partially responsible for some neurological disorders, as well as some cases of diabetes, arthritis, cancer and cardiovascular disease.

A natural defense against free radicals is taking in antioxidants. But how much should you have? Is it possible to take it too far? This is a question many Canadians are asking.

How Much Is Too Much?
Antioxidants are found in vitamins A, C and E. They are also found in minerals like selenium and in plant chemicals, including carotenoids and flavonoids.

As an example, let's look at two nutrients with strong antioxidant activity within the body: vitamin C and vitamin E. Research has indicated that nutrition affects the availability of vitamins C and E, which aid in the reduction of oxidative stress. They may also be able to reduce incidences of disease. Eating foods rich in antioxidants may also modulate risk factors for coronary heart disease and other ailments. Antioxidants like those in vitamins C and E are important to your health. However, you only need to take in enough to balance the free radicals in your body.

In a study using lab mice, researchers have found that overloading natural antioxidants could lead to eventual heart failure. When your body’s cells are working properly, they produce the right amount of the antioxidant known as reduced glutathione. If they produce too much, then reductive stress will develop. By lowering the reduced glutathione level in mice that had failing hearts, researchers prevented their heart failure. Balancing the amount of antioxidants and free radicals is the key.

The Role of Diet
Cell damage happens as you age -- this is natural. Antioxidants help to protect the cells of your body from this damage. Other cell damage can occur from cigarette smoke and pollution. It can lead to diseases like diabetes and heart disease. The way you can offset those effects is by getting all the nutrients your body needs.

You don't need to supplement your antioxidant levels if you eat a healthy diet. It will give you the vital vitamins and minerals your body needs. Many healthy foods contain the antioxidants your body needs to fight off dangerous free radicals. Using natural antioxidants may reduce the risk of taking in too many antioxidants for your body to use. Make sure you include fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lentils, beans, seeds, nuts and healthy fats in your diet. Tea, particularly green tea is a great source of antioxidants, like EGCG.

Food rich in vitamin A include carrots, pumpkins and sweet potatoes. Note the bright orange color, which is the result of carotenoids. To increase your intake of vitamin C, include raspberries and strawberries in your diet. Fruits like mango, grapefruit and papaya are helpful, too. As for vegetables, pick up some Brussels sprouts, spinach and green or peppers. To get more vitamin E in your diet, try some avocados and aim to eat fish twice a week, especially tuna, salmon and mackerel. You might also enjoy sprinkling sunflower seeds or almonds in your cereal or on your salads. Adding selenium to your daily diet is as easy as enjoying beans, nuts, eggs and fish throughout the day. No foods you haven't heard of before.

Antioxidant Supplements
If you have food sensitivities and allergies or don't like the foods mentioned, supplements can be a great way to add more antioxidants to your diet. You can find single vitamin supplements, like A, C and E as well as individual antioxidant supplements like lycopene, which commonly comes from tomatoes, or resveratrol, which can be found in grapes. Your doctor can help you determine the best dosage for your needs and for how long to take the supplement. If you're pregnant, nursing or currently being treated for a medical condition, it's especially important to speak with your physician first before adding any supplement.

Check out our entire selection of antioxidant supplements at eVitamins Canada and let us know what products you like best!

Sources: http://www.evitamins.com/a/is-it-possible-take-too-many-antioxidants-767#.VIkiAMm17uc

Oatstraw Extract and Chicoric Acid for Energy, Stress

By Petra Trudell, Managing Editor

 

The quest for more energy and less stress seems never ending. As we cram more and more into our schedules, the business takes a toll on our bodies that's hard to ignore. However, with the recent news about the safety of energy drinks and supplements (and all the positive news surrounding coffee) many of these busy people also don't know what to take to wind them up or down.

On the January 14 episode of "The Dr. Oz Show," Dr. Mehmet Oz introduced some new energy boosters and stress fighters as alternatives to energy drinks and other products that can have negative health impacts. Two immediately stuck out as unfamiliar and worth a second look: oatstraw extract and chicoric acid.

Oatstraw Extract
Produced from Avena sativa, oatstraw extract gives you the boost you need by going right to the brain. This extract is known to increase brain function by encouraging greater blood flow to the brain to enable activity (greater oxygen from the blood means greater activity) and by preventing the breakdown of neurotransmitters. The more active neurotransmitters, the more lively your brain.

Dr. Oz recommended adding 2 tsp of liquid extract to your coffee or juice in the morning and then repeating once later in the day if needed. The liquid extract is nice because it has virtually no flavor, so you can still enjoy your beverages. A side benefit? Oatstraw extract is known to increase sex drive, perhaps inspiring the phrase "sow your wild oats," as Dr. Oz pointed out.

Chicoric Acid
This active compound found in some plants is a known stress fighter for its ability to reduce levels of coritsol (the stress hormone) and boost levels of molecules that support feelings of happiness and calm, like dopamine and serotonin. This action makes chicoric acid a natural antidepressant. Another great benefic of chicoric acid is its demonstrated ability to reduce inflammation that can cause stress-related pains.

Perhaps the most well known source of chicoric acid is chicory root, which is a common coffee substitute, especially in the southern United States. Basil also possesses chicoric acid, as pointed out on the show, as well as dandelion root. However, you can also find supplements available if you're not interested in any of those foods.

Other Ways to Boost Energy and Cut Stress
In addition to these remedies, you can combat energy slumps and crippling stress through diet and lifestyle changes. Try these tips to give yourself a boost:

 

• Go to bed, get up and eat at the same time everyday.
• Sleep at least seven hours a night.
• Exercise first thing in the morning to wake yourself up or take a walk during your lunch hour.
• Pack meals and snacks rich in protein and fiber.
• Practice meditation at night to prepare your body for deep, restful sleep.
• Stay hydrated throughout the day.

Making these changes can really impact how you feel throughout your day. Shop for oatstraw and chicoric acid supplements at eVitamins and we'll be back soon with more Dr. Oz!

Sources: http://www.evitamins.com/a/oz-recap-oatstraw-extract-chicoric-acid-energy-555#.VIkbw8m17uc

6 Ways to Stay Healthy This Winter

By Rachel Zachar

As many of us are already beginning to experience the frigidness of winter, it's common to start noticing the physical effects that winter has on our bodies. In many winter climates, the dry air and lack of sunshine can negatively impact our skin, hair and even overall wellbeing. Here are some ways to keep the winter from wreaking havoc on your health.

1. Take zinc.
Winter is prime time for cold and flu season. Zinc may be able to slightly reduce the amount of time a cold lasts and help to lessen the severity of symptoms. Taking zinc at the onset of symptoms may be able to provide some benefits. According to Prevention magazine, using zinc lozenges may be able to aid with preventing the cold virus from accelerating and making a home in your airways, causing you to become sick.

2. Moisturize your skin.
Arid winter air is a common culprit of dry, cracked and flaky skin. With a lack of moisture in the air comes extreme dryness, which can cause your skin to become red, itchy and irritated. During winter, it's extremely important to step your moisturizing game up a notch, reaching for heavier products than you would during the spring and summer. Lotions and body creams that are specifically formulated for dry skin and contain nourishing ingredients like jojoba, green tea and chamomile can help saturate your skin with intense hydration.

3. Keep hair hydrated.
Hair often becomes dry, brittle and staticky in the winter, so it's important to fight those effects with a nourishing shampoo and conditioner. Those with ingredients like shea butter can be particularly beneficial in helping to condition hair so it is less likely to dry out and lose crucial moisture. The richness of shea butter is great to use on normal hair and can help keep it soft and lustrous.
 

4. Get vitamin D.
Cloudy, gray skies work against you in the winter, as they are devoid of vitamin-D-providing rays of sunshine. Since it's likely you'll be holed up indoors for a good portion of the winter, your vitamin D levels may start to wane. If you're deficient in vitamin D, you may experience symptoms such as aches and pains in your bones, a low mood, head sweating, gut trouble and weight gain, according to Dr. Mercola. Taking a vitamin D supplement can help replenish your levels.

5. Avoid germs.
Keeping your hands free from germs is important all of the time, but particularly more so in the winter when you're at an increased chance of catching a cold or the flu. When washing your hands, however, it's important to not scrub them too much, as soap and water can cause drying effects and create chafed, chapped hands. Additionally, antibacterial gels can cause intense drying, so it's best to avoid them as much as possible. After washing your hands with lukewarm water, make sure to use a moisturizing hand cream to hydrate your skin's protective barrier and prevent against redness, cracking and even infection.

6. Fight winter depression.
With the changing seasons and less sunlight, some people experience depression related to the seasons, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD).  The Mayo Clinic describes SAD as a type of depression that often occurs in the fall or winter and manifests through symptoms such as hopelessness, lack of energy, lost interest in favorite activities, difficulty sleeping, sluggishness and difficult concentrating, among others. To combat SAD, options like light therapy, psychotherapy or medications are often recommended. Staying busy and active in well-lit environments may also be able to provide some support in preventing against seasonal affective disorder.

This winter, make sure you keep your body and mind in great overall condition. Stock up on  your favorite supplements and wellness products at eVitamins, and have a healthy day!

Sources: http://www.evitamins.com/a/6-ways-stay-healthy-this-winter-1071#.VIgjLcm17uc

5 Foods to Fight Inflammation

By Rachel Zachar

You probably hear the term "inflammation" often, but you might not be quite sure what exactly it means. Inflammation is defined by Medical News Today as a mechanism your body uses to protect itself. More specifically, inflammation plays a key part in your body's immune and healing responses, as it works to remove harmful stimuli.

If you're experiencing inflammation in some part of your body, it might manifest through symptoms of irritation like swelling and redness. While inflammation is necessary for healing your body, sometimes inflammation can become chronic or persist well beyond its typical length of staying time. Once you've visited your doctor and had your inflammation issue properly checked out, you can decide if you'd like to try some anti-inflammatory options.

Certain foods can help reduce inflammation, which sometimes may be a catalyst in the development of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, many cancers and aging diseases. Keep reading to find out some foods that can contribute anti-inflammatory support into your diet.

1. Cinnamon
In a study performed on mice in 2012 in the journal BMC Complementary & Alternative Medicine, the results showed cinnamon extract lowered substances that caused inflammation and tissue damage; these results may carry over into humans, but more research is needed. Try sweetening your coffee or plain yogurt with a dash of cinnamon instead of sugar or other artificial sweeteners.

2. Olive Oil
While not technically a "food," olive oil holds a lot of power when it comes to providing anti-inflammatory support. Its antioxidant properties and polyphenol content make olive oil a great choice in combating inflammation. Antioxidants are essential in helping with cellular repair and preventing against free radical damage. According to research from the Institute of Human Nutrition, antioxidants can also provide protection from cytokines and oxidants that can damage healthy cell tissue by unnecessarily inciting the inflammatory response.

3. Sardines
Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, sardines can help ward off inflammation. In addition, the omega-3s in sardines and other types of fish can help reduce joint stiffness and pain -- two common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammation disease. If you’re not big on sardines or fish, taking fish oil supplements can help restore your omega-3 levels and rev up your inflammation defense.

4. Walnuts
As the powerhouse in the nut family, walnuts contain a high level of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that works to stop inflammation in its tracks; it can also provide benefits for the health of your heart, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood vessels.

5. Pineapple
While one of the key selling points to eating pineapple is its high vitamin C content, it is also rich with bromelain, an enzyme that aids with digesting protein. Whole Health Chicago states that bromelain contributes anti-inflammatory effects by preventing the production of inflammation-causing compounds; in addition, bromelain can aid with breaking down a specific protein involved in blood clotting, which makes for healthier circulation and proper tissue drainage.

It’s possible to experience excessive inflammation without being aware of it, so if you suspect it even in the slightest, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor. These foods are only intended to be used to enhance your diet and provide support for reducing minor inflammation. Excessive or chronic inflammation, or diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, for example, may require medication for treatment. Don’t depend on these foods as the sole method of fighting inflammation.

We hope that incorporating these foods into your diet is able to provide you with some anti-inflammation support. Check out our selection of wellness essentials and supplements at eVitamins, and have a great day!

Sources: http://www.evitamins.com/a/5-foods-fight-inflammation-1074#.VIggLMm17uc

Black Seed Is Centuries-old Herbal Remedy

Black Seed Is Centuries-old Herbal Remedy

Black seeds (Nigella sativa) look similar in shape and size to a sesame seed and pack plenty of healthful properties into that tiny package.

This aromatic spice is used to support the health of the digestive and respiratory systems, especially the liver and kidneys. Taking black seed also helps proper circulation and keeps the immune system heightened to fight off threats of illness. This seed also contains omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids, which support the heart and the brain.

The best black seed oil is cold pressed to keep all the nutrients intact. Shop for black seed supplements from your favorite brands and save big!

Product Information

The broncho-dilating effects of Black Seed herb have been known for centuries by traditional healers throughout the world. Two of the primary active ingredients in Black Seed, nigellone and thymoquinone have been attributed its broncho-dilating (relaxes and opens breathing passageways) and secretion-dissolving (loosens mucos) effect. Thus making it a suitable natural alternative for all types of allergic and infectious disorders of the respiratory tract, such as asthma, allergies, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, hacking cough, and other cold-like symptoms. Unlike some other herbal alternatives, Black Seed is completely safe to use, with no side effects. It is an herb for kidney and liver support as well.


NOTES: Discover the Secret of Black Seed

Black Seed truly is an Amazing Herb! For centuries, the Black Seed herb and oil has been used by millions of people in Asia, Middle East, and Africa to support their health. An aromatic spice, similar looking to sesame seed except black in color, it has been traditionally used for a variety of conditions and treatments related to respiratory health, stomach and intestinal health, kidney and liver function, circulatory and immune system support, and for general overall well-being. Black Seed is also known as Black Cumin, Black Caraway Seed, Habbatul Baraka (the Blessed Seed), and by its botanical name "Nigella Sativa".

Since 1959, over 200 studies at international universities and articles published in various journals have shown remarkable results supporting its traditional uses recorded almost 1,400 years ago.
While the Black Seed is highly effective by itself, ongoing studies with the combination of other herbs have produced remarkable results.

Amazingly Black Seed's chemical composition is very rich and diverse. Aside from its primary ingredient, crystalline nigellone, Black Seed contains 15 amBlackino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, both fixed oils (84% fatty acids, including linolenic, and oleic), and volatile oils, alkaloids, saponin, and crude fiber, as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, sodium and potassium. There are still many components in Black Seed that haven't been identified. But research is going on around the world.