Health Benefits of Cucumber

Cucumber is one of the oldest cultivated vegetables and is believed to be originated in northern India. Today, cucumbers are the fourth most-widely grown vegetable crop in the world behind tomatoes, onions and cabbage. They’re grown worldwide in temperate regions.

There are two types of cucumbers: slicing cucumbers and pickling cucumbers. The pickling varieties tend to be smaller, thicker, and have bumpy skin with black-dotted spines.

Cucumbers, scientifically known as Cucumis sativus, are grown to either be eaten fresh or to be pickled. Those that are to be eaten fresh are commonly called slicing cucumbers. They are cylindrical in shape and commonly range in length from about six to nine inches, although they can smaller or much larger. Their skin, which ranges in color from green to white, may either be smoothed or ridged depending upon the variety. Inside a cucumber is a very pale green flesh that is dense yet aqueous and crunchy at the same time, as well as numerous edible fleshy seeds. Some varieties, which are grown in greenhouses, are seedless, have thinner skins and are longer in length, usually between 12 and 20 inches. These varieties are often referred to as "burpless" cucumbers since people find them easier to digest than the other varieties of cucumbers.

Health Benefits
- The flesh of cucumbers is primarily composed of water but also contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and caffeic acid, both of which help soothe skin irritations and reduce swelling. Cucumbers'hard skin is rich in fiber and contains a variety of beneficial minerals including silica, potassium and magnesium.
A Radiant Complexion

- The silica in cucumber is an essential component of healthy connective tissue, which includes muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bone. Cucumber juice is often recommended as a source of silica to improve the complexion and health of the skin, plus cucumber's high water content makes it naturally hydrating—a must for glowing skin. Cucumbers are also used topically for various types of skin problems, including swelling under the eyes and sunburn. Two compounds in cucumbers, ascorbic acid and caffeic acid, prevent water retention, which may explain why cucumbers applied topically are often helpful for swollen eyes, burns and dermatitis.

- An Easy Way to Increase Your Consumption of Both Fiber and Water

- Trying to get adequate dietary fiber on a daily basis is a challenge for many Americans. Adding a crunchy cool cucumber to your salads is an especially good way to increase your fiber intake because cucumber comes naturally prepackaged with the extra fluid you need when consuming more fiber. Plus, you get the added bonus of vitamin C, silica, potassium and magnesium.

- High Blood Pressure? Cucumber Can Help You Cool Down

- The high water content, vitamins A, B & C and the presence of certain minerals like magnesium, potassium, and silica make cucumbers an essential part of skin care. Facial masks containing cucumber juice can be used for skin tightening. Ascorbic acid and caffeic acid present in cucumbers can bring down the water retention rate which in turn diminishes the puffiness and swelling under the eyes. Cucumber skin also can bring relief to the skin caused by sunburn or windburn.

- The high silica content of cucumber also helps to prevent splitting and spoiling of nails of the fingers and toes.

Useful Tip: When buying cucumbers, choose the ones that are firm to touch and dark green in color. Do not buy overly matured or yellow colored as they are prone to contain more insoluble fiber and mature seeds. Go for organically grown cucumbers to get a rich taste and nutritients content.

Treatment for Indigestion- How to relieve indigestion?

Indigestion is a common problem and many people have it from time to time. Usually every person get involved in indigestion some time or other. Indigestion problem is a chief disorder of digestive system.

Indigestion includes a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas (flatulence or belching), bloating, and upset stomach. Heartburn is that burning, painful feeling, due to stomach acid rising up into the esophagus when the muscle separating them is relaxed or weak. It also may arise from an inflamed stomach lining (gastritis) or an ulcer.

There are a number of proactive steps one can take to reduce problems associated with indigestion and heartburn.

Indigestion Causes:
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Eating spicy, fatty, or greasy foods
- Eating too much (overeating)
- Eating too fast
- Emotional stress or nervousness
- High fiber foods
- Tobacco smoking
- Too much caffeine

Indigestion Symptoms:
- Pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen
- Belching and loud intestinal sounds (borborygmi)
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Poor appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Flatulence

The symptoms of indigestion may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

Indigestion Remedies:
- Drink half a glass of pineapple juice after meals. This is the most beneficial remedy for treating indigestion.
- Eat an orange because helps the digestive system and stores nutrition.
- Consume grapes or grape juice. This is also a best remedy to solve indigestion.
- Drink carrot and beet juice.
- Apply ice bag on the stomach for about 30 minutes after meals.
- Rub a spoon of cumin seeds in a glass of water and after drink.
- Mix equal amounts of water and baking soda in a glass. Drink this to get immediate relief.
- One or two coriander juice spoons in combination with buttermilk, is very effective in curing digestive affections.
- Eat ½ tablespoon of aniseed to enhance digestion.
- Peppermint is also very efficient for the indigestion.
- Mix a spoon of fresh coriander of leaf juice and a little salt and drink this combination two times a day.

Indigestion Prevention:
- Eat your food in time and do not do it fast.
- Make physical exercises.
- Try to eat the foods that are rich in fibers.
- Try to find ways that will help you relax and take deep breaths.
- Drink large quantities of water every day.

Lifestyle changes that may be helpful, especially for gastroesophageal reflux
- Weight loss: Being overweight increases the risk of gastroesophageal reflux.
- Posture: sit upright while and following eating.
- Sleep: sleep on your left side, and if you frequently have GERD, even raise the head of your bed a bit and chew non-mint gum
- Timing: don't eat within 3 hours of bedtime
- Journal: keep a journal of what you eat and what causes problems. If you do so, you'll begin to see a pattern.

Apple cider vinegar health benefits

Over the decades, vinegar has been used for many purposes: making pickles, killing weeds, cleaning coffee makers, polishing armor, and dressing salads. It's also an ancient folk remedy, touted to relieve just about any ailment you can think of.

In recent years, apple cider vinegar has been singled out as an especially helpful health tonic. So it's now sold in both the condiment and the health supplement aisles of your grocery store.


Apple Cider Vinegar is an effective natural bacteria-fighting agent that contains many vital minerals and trace elements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, chlorine, sodium, sulfur, copper, iron, silicon and fluorine that are vital for a healthy body.

Natural Apple Cider Vinegar is made by crushing fresh, organically grown apples and allowing them to mature in wooden barrels. This boosts the natural fermentation qualities of the crushed apples, which differs from the refined and distilled vinegars found in supermarkets. When the vinegar is mature, it contains a dark, cloudy, web-like bacterial foam called mother, which becomes visible when the rich brownish liquid is held to the light.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar Useful For?

Apple cider vinegar is useful for a whole range of things including:
•helping the metabolism to function correctly
•reducing the levels of bad cholesterol in the body
•regulating the water content in the cells and body
•reducing water retention in the body
•helps with regulating blood pressure
•helps to prevent circulatory problems
•helps with reducing premature calcification of the arteries
•increases concentration and memory
•helps with blood circulation
•helps to regulate the body temperature
•increases general vitality and energy

Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a powerful detoxifying and purifying agent. It breaks down fatty, mucous, and phlegm deposits in the body and, by doing so, improves the health and function of the vital organs of the body, such as the liver, kidney, and bladder by preventing excessively alkaline urine. It oxidises and thins the blood, and promotes digestion, assimilation and elimination, as well as neutralising toxic substances that enter the body. Apple cider vinegar has also been found to neutralise harmful bacteria found in certain foods.

Apple cider vinegar is rich in potassium, and this is believed to ease the effects of common colds and allergies. It is also helpful for tooth decay and splitting fingernails, both of which are signs of potassium deficiency. Potassium is also important for the replacement of worn out tissues within the body and also for soft tissue repair. Apple cider vinegar is also thought to help arthritis, either as a beverage, or with compresses soaked in hot vinegar and applied to the affected joints.

It is also helpful in the treatment of asthma, nose bleeds, osteoporosis, candida, high cholesterol, colds, constipation, muscle cramps, colitis, diabetes, diarrhea, depression, dizziness, ear discharge, eczema, fatigue, gallstones, kidney stones, hay fever, headaches, heartburn, hiccups, indigestion, insomnia, kidney and bladder problems, metabolism, nasal congestion, sore throats, stiff joints, ulcers, and weight loss.

Apple cider vinegar is a powerhouse of vitamins, mineral, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. It has little fat and sodium. It is high in potassium helping to re-establish a healthy digestive tract. It is a wonderful super food promoting growth of healthy micro flora in the body which is essential to heart health and proper immune function.

Apple cider vinegar is high in pectin which lowers blood pressure. It lowers the bad cholesterol and increases the good cholesterol helping the body to function correctly.

The use of apple cider vinegar is effective in repelling fleas on your pets. One part vinegar and one part water can be sprayed on your pets fur and rubbed in generously to the skin. Saturate the entire coat, and continue every day for a few days to a week. Any flea infestation will surely be gone.

Apple cider vinegar will clean your toilets and have your bathroom smelling like apples! Just pour apple cider vinegar into the toilet, and allow it to sit overnight. It can also be used in dishwashers as a substitute for dish detergent. Mix 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup water, and you can use this solution to clean microwaves, kitchen surfaces, windows, glasses and mirrors, too.

As you can see, apple cider vinegar is a miracle product that cab be used in a multitude of ways. I highly recommend its use!

Cardiovascular Training

Cardiovascular training, or aerobic training, is a type of exercise designed to increase muscular endurance by improving the performance of the heart and lungs to distribute oxygen to the muscles. Cardiovascular training can also help one achieve and maintain a healthy weight by burning calories. Exercises of this type use large muscle groups, and involve raising the heart rate to a target rate for at least 30 minutes.

There are many different types of CV exercise, but the most effective CV exercises are those that use the largest muscle groups in the body and require you to support your own bodyweight while exercising. So, walking, jogging and running, while excellent fat burning exercise, are excellent for your CV workout because they fulfil both criteria: they use the large muscles of the legs and you have to stand up throughout your workout. On the other hand, a hand-cycling machine – which you could find in a gym – is far less effective for CV exercise, because you will be using the smaller muscles of the arms and will be seated throughout your workout. The following list will give you some ideas for your CV workout:

Swimming; cycling; rowing; aerobics; circuit training; walking; jogging; running; dancing; using gym machines such as a stepper, treadmill, rower, or cross-trainer; and team sports such as football.

Here are a few keys points to remember when performing cardio:
- Start out at a comfortable level and gradually progress.
- Try different activities.
- Be consistent (3-6 times per week).
- Stretch before and after.
- The best activity for you is the one you will actually do.
- Get a few cardio buddies to keep you motivated.

The Benefits of Cardio
- Increases metabolic rate
- Increases growth hormone secretion
- Reduces stress levels
- Increases blood flow to the brain increasing alertness
- Improve cholesterol levels
- Improves digestion
- Boosts immune-system function

Cardiovascular exercises benefit any age group. However, any exercise of aerobic capacity should be structured properly and should be scaled moderately to fit the particular needs of each person. You are advised to consult your private physician to get medical clearance first, especially if you are over 35 years old.

Related Links
- Cardio Exercises - Types

Cardio Exercises - Types

Cardio is the medical term used to reference the heart. This is from the Greek word kardia which means heart. Aerobic means oxygen.

Cardio is used in reference to exercises and/or equipment intended for cardiovascular fitness and endurance training (aerobic exercise). "To do cardio" is a common term which means to engage in Running or other endurance training for a set period of time. Having Cardio equipment at home is a great way to be sure to get it in.

There are many different types of CV exercise, but the most effective CV exercises are those that use the largest muscle groups in the body and require you to support your own bodyweight while exercising. So, walking, jogging and running, while excellent fat burning exercise, are excellent for your CV workout because they fulfil both criteria: they use the large muscles of the legs and you have to stand up throughout your workout. On the other hand, a hand-cycling machine – which you could find in a gym – is far less effective for CV exercise, because you will be using the smaller muscles of the arms and will be seated throughout your workout. The following list will give you some ideas for your CV workout:
- Riding a bike (any type of bike)
- Dance class
- Walking
- Swimming
- Use of any type of Aerobic Machine
- Water Aerobics

Your heart is the most important muscle in your body. Doing Cardio benefits your heart. When you don't engage in aerobic exercises, your heart suffers. Make an effort to do some type of Cardio 3-6 times per week. Even if you only do 15 minutes a day, that is better than nothing at all. Ideally, you want to do 30 minutes a day. It is a process so you must start somewhere.

Beauty Benefits of Coffee & Tea

Coffee or tea — take your pick. New research shows that both deliver unexpected health pluses. It cannot only delight your day as you start your everyday activity but can also give you a lot of skin benefits. One of the best benefits that every person can get by drinking their daily dose of coffee is having an antioxidant, coffee are full of antioxidants.

The beverages may also be mood boosters, with coffee linked to a decreased risk of depression and tea to less anxiety. To get the most from your morning mug:

Beauty Boosters
COFFEE: Helps in reducing inflammation and redness of the skin.
For your skin: “Caffeine helps in treating dark circles and is often found in most cosmetics. It also helps reduce build up of blood under your eyes, which contribute to eye shadows, Apart from this, it contains anti-ageing properties, which delay the signs of ageing. Phytosterols (friendly plant sterols and stanols that blocks cholesterol absorption in our system) promote moisture retension and provides chemical-free sun protection. It also reduces the appearance of cellulite and tightens your skin. Coffee beans can be used as face or body scrubs.

For your hair: “Coffee has rich antioxidant properties, which help to repair your damaged hair and prevent breakage.” Coffee stimulates growth and thickens your hair.
You can use coffee in hair packs. It can be added to henna, along with other ingredients. It helps to add shine and lustre to your hair. It is also an antioxidant that counteracts the effects of pollutants in the air.

For your Eye: Coffee can also be a perfect combination to treat dark eye circles together with vitamin K. it is a proven effective ingredient to neutralize the purple effect of circles under your eyes. You can now eliminate dark eye circles brought about by stress and lack of proper sleep. Coffee is known to be a vasodilator and it can reduce the puffiness under your eye. It can reduce the size of the blood vessel under your eyes. You can use eye creams together with coffee and apply it under your eye, but do not apply coffee as it is on your eye.

GREEN TEA: Is often referred to as a powerful weight-loss tool. But did you know that is also protects your skin from damage and reactivates dying skin cells?
For your skin: EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) in the green tea reactivates your dying skin cells. It also protects your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Moreover, it gives a glow to your skin. It contains antioxidants, which help rejuvenate your skin and protects it against free radicals. Green tea is also used as a skin toner, especially for those with oily skin. Soak green tea leaves in hot water for half an hour. Cool, strain and use the liquid to tone your skin. Green tea bags can be dipped in water and applied over your eyelids like eye pads for instant cooling and relaxation. They help reduce the puffiness around your eyes and add brightness.

Green tea also serves as an exfoliator. If you use it in the form of a face mask, it will naturally help in getting rid of unwanted toxins and make you look healthy and add shine.

For your hair: Green tea may also be used as a hair rinse, as the tannin in the tea helps to add lustre to your hair. Boil used tea leaves again in enough water. After boiling, cool and strain the water. Then add lemon juice to it and use this as a last rinse after shampoo. Green tea helps in reducing dandruff. It also stimulates hair growth and softens your hair. It contains vitamin C, vitamin E and panthenol, which are used as common ingredients in hair conditioners. It helps restore dry and damaged hair, while also protecting them from the UV rays of the sun.

Chamomile tea
Have you tried to bring out highlights in your hair without applying a hair colour? Chamomile tea helps you achieve those golden streaks! Steep 2 chamomile tea bags in 2 cups of hot water for 5-10 minutes. Then add 2 tsps of lemon juice to the mixture. Use this as a final rinse on your hair after using a normal shampoo and conditioner. But do not rinse it out. This will help you bring the natural blonde or red tones in your hair and slightly lighten your hair without looking drastic or fake.

Lemongrass tea
Lemongrass tea is known to be an excellent detoxifying agent. Not only does it cleanse your system internally, but if you apply lemongrass tea on your face, it helps you get rid of blemishes and acne. Boil a cup of lemongrass tea and once cool, apply it with cotton on your face to lighten your scars and get rid of large and open pores and pimples.

Oolong tea
Oolong tea helps to fight wrinkles and dark spots. The powerful antioxidants in this tea help to remove harmful toxins from your skin, which cause fine lines, age spots and wrinkles. It also serves as a protection from the harmful UV rays of the sun.

Black tea
Did you know that black tea has several beauty benefits? It helps fight free radicals that fasten the process of ageing of your skin. If you need a quick fix for your under eye bags, instantly dip 2 bags of black tea, cool and strain and put these on your eyes. It also serves as a natural astringent. All you need to do is make some tea, cool it and then splash it on your face for instant refreshment.

Ginger tea
The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger help your skin against acne. Highly antiseptic in nature, it keeps your skin clean and blemish-free. Ginger is invigorating and stimulating to your skin, it is also used topically to treat cellulite. Other than that, ginger tea is excellent for your hair. It increases scalp circulation and encourages hair growth. It also helps get rid of dandruff. Rinse your hair with ginger tea at least once in a week.

Lavender tea
Other than soothing your senses, lavender tea is found to be effective in curing various skin conditions like cuts, wounds and sores. Further, non-sweetened lavender tea can be used as a hair rinse to deal with problems like hair loss. It can also help in getting rid of dandruff.

Favor Filters
Coffee brewed without a paper filter — in a French press or espresso pot, for example — retains an oily residue that contains cafestol, a substance that raises levels of heart-damaging LDL cholesterol. You could — if you're addicted to your French press — pour your coffee through a paper filter into a cup. Or, just save special brews for an occasion — breakfast in bed, anyone?

KNEE PAIN - NATURAL TREATMENT

Knee pain is one of the most common problems affecting millions of people. It is safe to say that most individuals have experienced knee pain at some point or the other, by the time they reach adulthood. The severity of the ache depends on aspects such as the cause of the pain as well as the affected person’s age and overall health status.

Specifically, the knee is where the thigh bone comes together with the tibia. The tibia bone is the largest bone in the lower portion of the leg. At the joint between the thigh bone and the tibia rests the patella or knee cap. The entire joint is covered by the synovial sac which produces a lubricant like fluid for the functioning of the joint. Of course, other body parts are involved in making up the entire knee joint: muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons.
Knee Pain Symptoms & Natural Cures

The knee joint allows for rolling movements, rotating movements, and gliding actions. Because of the joint’s extreme versatility and complete range of motion and despite that the knee is able to support a person’s body weight two to three times over, the knee is highly susceptible to injury.

Since knee pain is so common, most of us tend to ignore it, at least in the initial stages or until such a time that it gets unbearable and interferes with our ability to walk properly. While some causes of knee pain are relatively mild and get resolved on their own, others could be fairly complicated and may require medical intervention. In some, the knee pain is short-lived and goes away after a few days or perhaps weeks. However, it is also possible for the knee pain to get worse, if left unchecked and untreated. This also applies to an injury; even a minor knee injury increases your chances of incurring other similar injuries in the future.

In order to know if the knee pain can be treated or not, it is important to consult a doctor and identify the exact cause.

Symptoms for Knee Pain - Knee pain on its own can be referred to as a symptom for other underlying health conditions. Based on the causes of the pain, the location and the severity of the knee pain are likely to change. At times, you may also notice accompanying symptoms along with the knee pain, which include:

- Inability to straighten the knee completely, which is usually referred to as “locking” of the knee
- Instability or weakness in the legs, especially the knee area
- Stiffness and swelling around the knees
- Crunching or popping noises that accompany knee movement
- Redness around the knees, especially if the area feels warm to the touch

These symptoms are fairly common in case of knee pain and while they should be treated appropriately, they are hardly a cause for concern. However, at times there may be more severe symptoms that accompany knee pain, which require immediate medical attention, as they are a sign of serious knee trouble. You need to visit your doctor right away, in case:

- You suffer from high or moderate fever that is accompanied by severe pain, redness and tenderness in the knee
- You cannot extend your knee completely or even flex it properly or as normal
- You can’t bear to apply any pressure to the affected knee, which makes it difficult for you to walk
- You fall while walking or even standing, because your knee just “gives out”
- You notice an obvious structural deformity in your leg or your knee
- You see a significant amount of swelling in one or both knees.

Causes for Knee Pain

There are many different factors that could lead to mild, moderate or even severe knee pain. Given below are some of the most common causes for knee pain:

• Injuries: In case you incur a knee injury while playing sports or engaging in any other form of physical activity, your tendons, ligaments, bursae (fluid filled sacs), bones, muscles and cartilage could all get affected. Some of the most common types of injuries that are known to affect the knee include Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), knee bursitis, torn meniscus and patellar tendinitis.

• Arthritis: Arthritis is probably the most common association with knee pain. There are three types of arthritis: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, and septic. Osteoarthritis is joint degeneration. Rheumatoid is joint inflammation. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection.

• Mechanical Problems: This mainly refers to any type of dislocation in either the bones or cartilage, which could lead to a lot of pain and could interfere with your day to day activities. Some of the common mechanical knee problems include dislocated kneecaps, knee locking and pain in the hips. At times, a bone or cartilage may get degenerated, break off and float about in the joint space, causing excruciating pain in the knees.

• Obesity: You are at a much higher risk of suffering from knee problems, in case you are overweight. Excess weight increases the amount of pressure applied on to knee joints, even if you only engage in normal day to day activities such as walking, climbing a flight of stairs, descending and so on.

• Other Health Conditions: There are many other health problems because of which you may be prone to severe knee pain. Some of the most common conditions include Osteochondritis dissecans, chondromalacia patellae and Osgood-Schlatter disease, to name a few.

Related Links
- Remedies for Knee Pain