Consumption of good nutrition products is always the best source for maintaining proper health. The nutritional value in the body can be increased with the help of regular consumption of healthy foods which includes higher amounts of vitamins and well as minerals in the food products. These ingredients will be higher in fruits, vegetables, Non fat dairy products and in whole grain products.

It is mandatory to change your diet when your physician has informed you about any particular problem or any risk factor like higher cholesterol levels or higher blood pressure. If your physician has suggested you to take measures to improve the nutritional value then consider it immediately and start taking nutritious products to improvise the nutritious value. If you have more risk for the diabetes, heart disease or cancer then you must take extra care about the proper nutritional diet. If you have any queries regarding the dietary products or nutritional products then you can consult any registered dietician who can suggest you about best nutritional food.

Though a small change in the dietary habits can change your health condition but many of us feel quite difficult to change the nutritional habits. So the best way is to select the healthy foods which are rich in nutrition and should consult the doctor frequently so that you will be aware of what actually you are doing with the food products. They can even give you with some suggestions which can help you to improvise eating habits.

Now the common query that many of us face is whether we can trust the nutritional information that is published in magazines or in news papers. Yes you can trust them but one thing that is to be noted is that the diets and nutritional tips that are given by different sources may be different from one another. So it is better to consult doctor first before you start with any of the diet. If you are using some short term diets then you may lose weight temporarily but it has proved to be unhealthy in long run. It is better to avoid intake of vitamins pills and only after taking suggestion from your doctor you can prefer change of eating any type of foods. But there includes some of the common nutrition tips that can make you healthy. First thing that we are aware of is to avoid unhealthy fat foods. Consume more fruits and vegetables at the time of meals as well as during snacks. Check with the nutritional labels before you purchase any food products. Regular exercise can also help in good health and in case of regular exercise and balanced nutrition you can find that your weight will never change.

Author: This article was written by a certified pharmacist. He is blogging at Pharmacytechnicianinfo.net. It is a wonderful online guide that offers you everything on pharmacy education. It helps every aspirant in reaching their goals in the pharmaceutical industry

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Antioxidants – anything that is a source of antioxidants is good for your body. These are elements that help to prevent free radicals from degenerating your skin cells. Antioxidants are often associated with fresh fruits and vegetables, and especially with things like tomatoes and blueberries. Green tea has a high natural concentration of antioxidants, and this can help to strengthen your body and skin cells over time.

Health Benefits – it’s not just about looking great when it comes to antioxidants in your system. Along with a careful eye on your diet and more regular exercise, antioxidants have been shown to reduce serious conditions like high cholesterol. And since they help to prevent your skin cells from breaking down, they also play a role in preventing premature aging and even cancer.

Skin Benefits – your skin is exposed to a wide variety of negative elements each and every day. Many of them go unnoticed, but they have a heavy impact on your skin over time. Things like pollution, cigarette smoke, and even sunlight are constantly bombarding your skin cells. By strengthening your skin, you’ll be less susceptible to damage from the elements or natural breakdown. It also improves your chances of warding off skin conditions like rashes and acne.

Part of a Daily Routine – it’s important to drink green tea responsibly without turning it into some kind of fad. Whenever people hear about a new healthy food, they tend to go overboard. It’s essential to establish that green tea is not a miracle cure for great looking skin. You aren’t going to look 10 years younger if you down five glasses of green tea every day. But when you drink it with moderation and as part of a larger healthy routine, it can certainly benefit your body.

Green Tea in Products - you don’t just have to drink green tea in order to experience the effects for your skin. Along with aloe vera, it’s one of the most common components of moisturizers. You can also find it in toners, astringents, and exfoliating products. Some people even make their own green tea mixtures and apply them directly to their face. If you’re dealing with sensitive skin and acne, just be careful that you don’t aggravate your condition.

Experimenting is Half the Fun – enjoying green tea, or tea in general, can be a wonderful hobby. In addition to experiencing the health benefits, there is a wide variety of teas for you to try. Finding your favorite brands is a blast, and it’s fun to be able to appreciate the difference from one kind of green tea to the next. And when you’ve discovered your favorites, there’s nothing better than rewarding yourself with a freshly brewed cup of green tea after a long day of work.

It’s important to remember there isn’t just one product that will give you beautiful skin. This article comes to us from our friends at http://www.howtogetridofacnehelp.com, a site dedicated to helping people feel as beautiful as they want. Getting good skin is often the results of a blend of products and healthy behaviors, so it’s important to do as much research as possible.

Amazon.com Grocery and Gourmet Food store has the latest range of Green tea products. Check out the best offers.

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Couple of the below mentioned problems are associated with growing age and hence, women must follow a regular check-up screening program to arrest any severe consequences to the medical condition.

Common Health Problems in Women

Some of the following problems may be experienced by men too. It’s just that these problems are common in women. There is a good news to it that many of these problems can be corrected with healthy life styles, including physical activity, and healthy and nutritious diet habits can go a long way to help women have a healthy and long life. Following are some general female problems.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are common in women than men, and especially during their adolescence. Women are fascinated by ‘ideal figure’ and this is the root cause for most of the eating disorders, wherein they literally starve to a limit that actually puts them to the risk of death.

This disorder has been reported to have severe outcomes, such as death in almost 1 in 10 cases. Thus, prompt attention is required to avoid children falling prey to this problem. Adolescent girls should be explained the importance of healthy diet and healthy life. Contact your physician to seek a solution to such problems.

Menstrual Cycle

Menstrual cycle is a vital part of being a woman and it implies your ability to have children. Usually, girls start menstruating between 10 to 13 years of age. If you believe that you are either early or late, you should see your physician. Moreover, after starting to menstruate, some women do not have a regular cycle. Usual cycle is of 28 days. If you do not have periods for more than a month or it is irregular, you should consult gynecologist for the same.

Vaginal Discharge

White discharge from the vagina is normal during periods, however, if the discharge is huge and frequent there may be different reason associated to it. Especially, if the vaginal discharge is green or yellow color, it is certainly worrisome, and demands medical evaluation.

Fertility

Women are born with all the reproductive eggs they will ever have in their lifetime. During each menstrual cycle, one egg matures and if it has come in contact with the sperm, it fertilizes too. However, women may face problems with their fertility during a certain age and hence, need extra care and medical assistance to overcome the problem.

Fibrocystic Breast Disease (FBD)

This is  again a common and non-serious problem that is characterized by presence of non-cancerous tumors in the breasts. The cysts can disappear with pregnancy and nursing and appear again over a period of time.

Depression

Depression in women, is a great challenge in today’s world that demands careful evaluation to correct the condition. A depressed woman can be responsible for an unhealthy generation. Depression should be controlled and corrected by eradicating the root cause for this mental health problem.

Above given list discusses a couple of common female problems that are correctable with immediate medical attention as well as implementing a healthy lifestyle. Women should seek prompt professional help to overcome these problems, to be able to live healthy and happy life.

My name is Lords Screw, I have written many articles on Medical Problems and with this article I have shared my ideas about “Female Problems”. Hope you like them and it helps you to explore your ideas.

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Areas That the Sacral Chakra Controls

The sacra chakra is located in the lower stomach over the pubic bone area. As it relates to the physical body, the sacral chakra controls the stomach, upper intestines, kidneys, pancreas and gall bladder among other organs. Both male and female sexual organs are related to the sacral chakra as well as the adrenal glands, middle spine and adrenal glands and hormonal secretion.

Sacral Chakra’s Effect on Sexuality and Fertility

The sacral chakra plays a part in how the emotions work and the area within the brain’s function that deals with areas such as control, addiction and sexuality. In this capacity it can affect a person’s ability to make decisions in sexual relationships such as power and creativity. Because this chakra is connected with the ovaries and testes, sexual desire lies within its energy. The bodily secretions of both males and females, including semen and urine are controlled by the sacral chakra. It is directly related to the reproductive system and can increase fertility when properly in balance.

A problem in the sacral chakra is said to result in sexual dysfunction and physical aliments in men and women. In men, impotency, low sperm count, premature ejaculation and diseases of the prostate and testes such as cancer are reported conditions related to a blocked sacral chakra. Women with this condition can experience low or extremely high sex drives, infertility, menstrual irregularities including clotting and pain, miscarriage, fibroid tumors and ovarian cysts and cancers. For both genders, low back pain, chronic disc degeneration and inflammation manifest when there is an imbalance in the sacral chakra.

Names and Description

There are several names for the sacral chakra. Svadhisthana, which means sweetness, and adhishthana are other names used for the sacral chakra.  In Tibetan Buddhism, the location of the sacral chakra is known as the secret place wheel. The symbol of the sacral chakra is a white lotus inside of a crescent moon. The symbol has six petals. The animal that is associated with this chakra is the crocodile of Varuna, which was said to be a god of all forms of water in Hindu mythology.

Meaning of Sacral Sacra Color

The color orange or red orange is associated with the sacral chakra. Its color is compared to a sunset or a ripe orange fruit. This color is said to have several psycho spiritual connotations as it relates to relationships and sexuality. The color orange ties in with the amount of self respect that a person gives or receives. It deals with setting boundaries and respecting the boundaries of other people as well as the ability to practice a give and take mentality in sexual relationships. The sacral chakra surrounds issues such as violence, additions and pleasure that can be directly relate to both physical and spiritual joy.

The Sacral Chakra and Emotional Issues

Because the sacral chakra teaches a person to make their own reality, emotions such as love, hate and fear can be affected by its condition. At its ultimate potential, the sacral chakra enables a feeling of security in sexuality and relationships. Blame, guilt, morality, power and control are all influenced by the sacral chakra. Feelings such as anger, fear and joy are stored inside the sacral chakra.

Dual Aspects of the Sacral Chakra

While the chakra holds the key to several areas of positive energy within the body, it does have its negative aspects as well. Positive sides of t this chakra and its corresponding color includes sociability, creativity and independence. Conversely, the chakra and its color also can present destructiveness, despondency, withdrawal and an over dependent character in some people.

Learn more about your swadhisthana (sacral) chakra and solar manipura (solar plexus) chakra

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• Yogurt. Yogurt is a great source of protein that won’t make you sleepy and deter your concentration. Choose eat yogurt to help get your day started off.

• Oatmeal. High in B12, oatmeal will give your body energy. The more energy you have, the greater your concentration level will be. Add oatmeal to your daily diet.

• Eggs. Eating eggs for breakfast will help ward off hunger and also prepare your mind for concentration. Low in saturated fats and calories, one egg a day can help increase your ability to concentrate.

• Coffee. Coffee, in moderation, can help increase your ability to concentration. However, too much coffee can actually have the opposite effect. ½ cup of coffee is more than enough to get your focus where it needs to be. Drink it to help you get going in the morning or to beat the 3 p.m. drag.

• Tuna. Tuna is full of Omega 3 fatty acids that help increase brain activity. Eating plenty of tuna will also lower your risk for stroke. Avoid adding fatty mayonnaise that can have a negative impact on your waist line.

• Pumpkin seeds. Also rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, eating pumpkin seeds twice a week can increase your ability to concentrate. They are great when added to salads for as a quick snack during the day.

• Ginseng. This age old Chinese herb has long been known for its ability to increase concentration. Many people take Ginseng to help sharpen the memory. Ginseng is widely available to help improve concentration.

• Gingko Biloba. Like ginseng, the Chinese also turn to this herb for its ability to help improve concentration. It is a part of your diet?

• Lamb. Lamb contains B12 that can help improve concentration. It is a lean source of meat that is beneficial for the body.

• Spinach. Green leafy vegetables are rich in iron which is essential to brain functioning. Spinach increases your capacity for learning and gives you the ability to focus.

• Water. Your brain must be hydrated if you expect it to function properly. Make sure that you are drinking at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. This will be great for your body and your mind. Choose to drink water over other beverages. Carry a water bottle with you so that you have it when you need it.

• Whole grains. To increase the blood flow to your brain and improve concentration, have a diet filled with whole grains such as breads, cereals, and pasta. It is important that you eat whole grains in moderation so they do not have the opposite effect.

• Sage. This herb is known to boost your brains ability to transmit messages. It can be taken in supplement form or added to your food. However you choose to add it, sage should be an important part of your if you struggle with concentration.

• Nuts. If you are looking to boost your concentration level, add nuts to your diet. Although nuts are high in fat, they have good fat this is crucial to concentration. Nuts in moderation are an essential part of a healthy diet.

• Colorful fruits. Fill your diet with an array of colorful fruit to help improve your memory functioning also give you the ability to concentrate. Choose to eat fruit when you have a craving for something sweet. Filling your body with sweetened, starchy foods will serve only to make you feel lethargic and decrease your ability to concentrate.

The inability to concentrate is a common problem. If you are experiencing this problem, you are not alone. Use the list of food items above to help improve your ability to concentration. Eating a healthy diet can have many benefits for your body, including the ability to concentrate. Change your diet today.

This article is written by Victor of 1001 Walking Canes that offers a large range of folding walking canes, umbrella canes, metallic canes and lot more.

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It has been theorized that plant life may hold the key to immortality and could help humans look and feel younger, or perhaps even live longer. Humans already use plant stem cells in anti-aging creams and burn ointments; but do plants really hold the secret to eternal life?

The Facts

Clonal trees, such as the Pando, have been alive since before humans existed; in fact, some believe trees such as these have lived since the dawn of Earth. But how? The key to this may lie within the structure and longevity of plant cells.

Plant cells differ from animal cells primarily because they are protected by cell walls. Plant cells also have embryonic cells, or seeds, that can last without being pollinated for hundreds of years. Both of these traits allow plants to live much longer than the oldest human. That said, often, a single plant doesn’t necessarily live thousands of years, but clones itself before it dies.

Making a Copy

Karen Micallef, the marketing director at the Michigan Center for Advanced Dentistry, has a particular plant that has been around for generations.

“It was my grandmother’s,” she said. “It had been replanted several times before being passed down to my mother, and then to me.”

Although Micallef’s plant may be identical to the one her grandmother passed down, technically, it’s not the same plant; it’s a clone. Unfortunately, there is no such evidence supporting that plants are quite literally “immortal.” Every living thing eventually expires; however the fact that many plants can be replanted and plant species can regrow from a cutting or another seed makes them scientifically amazing; as most living things cannot duplicate exact replicas of themselves.

Although Micallef’s plant may not be the exact same plant passed down by her grandmother; it is genetically identical, which represents a sort of immortality to her.

“It makes me think of my grandmother,” she said. “It used to be my great-grandmother’s plant, but I didn’t really know her. So more than anything, looking at it triggers memories of my grandmother and being in her sun room as a kid. It always makes me think of her.”

Karen’s grandmother has been immortalized in her mind because of the plant that had been passed down to her; and if she continues to cultivate it, the plant will be passed down to her children, continuing a tradition that has lasted for generations. In the end, although it’s not clear if plants somehow hold the secret to promoting human longevity; they clearly have the power to affect the way we feel.

Shanna Laub writes for Off-Topic Media. Special thanks to Karen Micallef, Marketing Director at The Michigan Center for Advanced Dentistry, a dental practice in the Detroit area that offers services such as cosmetic dentistry. Karen can be reached using the following contact information:

The Michigan Center for Advanced Dentistry
42010 Grand River Ave.
Novi, MI 48375
248-380-9330

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Dream, Dream, Dream

Driving: if you’ve been driving a lot in your dreams, your mind could be reflecting upon the journey you are going through during pregnancy. Mothers often dream about driving large vans, busses and lorries which they aren’t used to. These images are triggered by how pregnant mothers can often feel awkward manoeuvring their bodies and getting used to their shape and size.

Erotic dreams: these dreams can be triggered by many aspects of pregnancy. In the third trimester, it is often difficult to have sex so the mind may be making up for a lack of sexual activity. Also, these dreams can reflect the insecurities which come with a growing and changing body shape. The dreams are your mind reassuring you that you are attractive to other people and still desirable. Finally, many people describe how guilty they feel after having a saucy encounter with an ex in a dream! This is actually very common as your mind is dwelling on the past in order to move forward and embrace the next stage of your life.

Infidelity: many women find their husbands having an affair in their dreams, or have to stand by while another woman flirts or even kisses their partner. These dreams can be very upsetting, but only stem from the insecurities which your pregnancy brings. Your mind knows you need all the support and strength you can get and the primal fear of being left alone is translating into these dreams.

Water: floods, baths, torrential rain, lakes, rivers and canals pop up all the time in pregnant women’s dreams! Some believe this is linked to the water gathering in the womb while others think it’s our subconscious making sense of the idea of ‘waters breaking’. It could also be about washing your past away and starting anew or the need to look after and nurture your mind.

Animals: whether you’re giving birth to a puppy, looking after a beloved pet or watching as your cat morphs into your baby in your dream, you’re not alone. Dreaming of animals is common throughout pregnancy and could be linked to the idea of nurturing and bonding with someone or something you can’t communicate with. Your mind is also playing around with the idea of another presence entering your life. Some people believe animals in dreams are telling us to trust our instincts, as we all have the instinct to love and nurture those who are more vulnerable than us.

Your baby: often during the last stages of pregnancy you’ll find your baby’s face, name and gender appearing in your dreams. This is your excitement and anticipation showing through in your subconscious. Studies also show that pregnant women are known to see their baby’s face in 15% percent of their remembered dreams! Some people believe names shown to them in a dream are significant, while others see the baby’s gender and face as premonitions. It’s more likely that your mind is eagerly waiting the birth and thinking ahead to better prepare you for the big day!

Whatever you’re dreaming about right now, try to relax and don’t put too much meaning onto the dreams. Dreams are our mind’s way of making sense of life and if you happen to stumble across the perfect name in a dream then all the better!

This article is written by Rose who is interested in dreams and whether they can help you predict baby names for your little one.

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Foods that contain Vitamin C

Essential for the production of collagen, which gives skin its elasticity, Vitamin C can actually be leached from the skin by UV ray damage, smoking and stress. Top up your levels with sweet potatoes, broccoli, peppers, peas, tomatoes, blueberries, guava, strawberries, oranges, papaya and kiwi fruit.

Foods that contain Vitamin E

A powerful antioxidant, foods rich in Vitamin E fight against free radical damage and strengthen’s the skin’s natural barriers, helping it to retain moisture and therefore preventing premature wrinkles. It also helps to reduce acne and will give pale skin some colour. Try eating hazelnuts, almonds, pine nuts, avocados, and peanut butter.

Foods that contain Vitamin A

Essential in skin cell production, Vitamin A helps new skin to grow, giving you a smoother, fresher complexion, and is also important for healthy eyes. Oily fish, liver, dairy products, and fortified cereals are great providers and it can also be created by the body from beta-carotene, the plant form of Vitamin A, which is present in dark green vegetables and orange fruit and vegetables.

Foods that contain Vitamin B2

All B vitamins are vital for healthy skin but B2, or riboflavin, gives it that glow. The best sources are red meat, liver, poultry, oily fish, eggs, cheese, soya beans and wheatgerm.

Foods that contain Omega-3 and Omega-6

Our bodies cannot produce these essential fatty acids so it is vital that we ingest them. It’s important to note that saturated fats counteract the benefits of essential fatty acids so for the EFAs to take effect you must cut down on those bad fats. Oily fish such as salmon and sardines are excellent providers of Omega-3, as are plant sources such as flax or sesame oils and linseeds. Sunflower and corn oils are an excellent source of Omega-6.

Foods that contain zinc

Zinc helps to keep skin soft and supple by boosting collagen production and its vital role in the health of the immune system helps to repair damage caused by external aggressors such as pollution and UV rays, as well as blemishes. Foods rich in zinc include pumpkin seeds, wheatgerm, liver, seafood, and mushrooms.

Emily Buckley is an experienced beauty writer currently writing for Laser Sight, pioneers in laser eye surgery in Melbourne and Australia.

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Exercise Ball

Using these balls will help you stretch your back out gently so that you can physically feel the tension draining away. Simply rest against the ball and then lean back slowly and carefully. As you begin rolling you’ll start to feel loose and relaxed.

You’ll be able to assume new positions that cannot be reached with regular stretching or yoga. While it may seem unnatural, you’ll have to curve your body over one of these exercise balls to see for yourself just how natural it feels. The ball seems to absorb your weight, which results in a feeling of weightlessness. It is a relaxing stretch while at the same time a very powerful one.

Many yoga enthusiasts cannot perform regular yoga positions due to problems with their back. For these people, exercise balls give them the chance to be a yoga participant. Some back issues leave a person with a severe shortage of flexibility and they simply cannot move their bodies enough to enjoy regular yoga.

Not just for bad backs

These balls are great for flexible strong people that just want to add more to their exercise routine.  Stability balls can offer a balance challenge to many yoga poses. If you have reached a certain plateau with your yoga and are ready to go on to a new level, an exercise ball can give you the extra challenge you need.

Yoga balls also strengthen flexibility and endurance. As you follow your yoga program you’ll be able to stretch out in various ways to make your body more flexible. You’ll find your endurance rise as well. You’ll have to concentrate on balance and this will give you a better ability to focus on the task at hand and the rest of your yoga workout.

Besides yoga…

These balls aren’t used only for yoga, however. Some people are replacing the chairs in their office with an exercise ball. While sitting down to attend to their office work they are developing their abdominal and back muscles since it takes an extra effort to remain balanced on the ball.

As well, these balls are commonly used by pregnant women during labor. The woman sits with her back against the ball, which helps the baby get in the right fetal position. These balls are growing in popularity as a birthing tool and have assumed a new identity – the “birth ball” – in the process.

Exercise balls offer a well-rounded yoga routine for people with bad backs or for enthusiasts that want to add something new to their practice. There are also specific exercises available that require the ball in order to be performed. If you haven’t yet had the chance to try one out for yourself, give it a go. You’ll find that your yoga performance will rise to new levels faster and with less effort.

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Watercress is a fast-growing and hardy plant that flourish in water or semi-aquatic environment. It has been known as a vegetable since ancient time and is commonly found in Europe and many parts of Asia. The plant is part of the Brassicaceae or cabbage family and noted for its flavoring, aphrodisiac and therapeutic properties. Watercress has small leaves arranged on either side of a stem with white and green flowers in clusters.

Watercress

Nutritional Value of Watercress

Energy 11 kcal

Carbohydrates 1.29 g

Protein 2.30 g

Total Fat 0.10 g

Cholesterol 0 mg

Dietary Fiber 0.5 g

Vitamins

Folates 9 mcg

Niacin 0.200 mg

Pantothenic acid 0.310 mg

Pyridoxine 0.129 mg

Riboflavin 0.120 mg

Thiamin 0.090 mg

Vitamin A 3191 IU

Vitamin C 43 mg

Vitamin E 1.0 mg

Vitamin K 250 mcg

Electrolytes

Sodium 41 mg

Potassium 330 mg

Minerals

Calcium 120 mg

Copper 0.077 mg

Iron 0.20 mg

Magnesium 21 mg

Manganese 0.244 mg

Phosphorus 60 mg

Selenium 0.9 mcg

Zinc 0.11 mg

Health Benefits of Watercress

• Low calorie and very low in fats and recommended in weight reduction programs and controlling cholesterol levels
• It is rich in vitamin C and help to fight infections and boost immunity.

• Excellent source of vitamin-K and help formation as well as strengthening of bone. It also has the effect of limiting neuronal damage in the brain which is important for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

• It has an abundance of B-complex group of vitamins such as niacin and riboflavin that are essential for optimum cellular metabolic functions.

• It consists of several important minerals which are essential for a healthy body. Potassium helps to control heart rate and blood pressure by countering the effects of sodium. Manganese is used as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. Calcium is necessary for healthy bone and teeth and maintaining heart and skeletal muscle activity. Sulphur is useful in absorbing protein, remove contaminants from blood, build cell and help to keep the hair and skin healthy.

• Due to its high iron content, it is effective in the synthesis of haemoglobin and formation of red cells which is helpful in treating anaemia.

• Its high iodine content has the effect of strengthening the thyroid gland and this help to prevent the retardation of growth and mental development.

• The high content in soluble fiber helps reduce the absorption of carbohydrates which in turn control blood sugar levels. People suffering from diabetes will benefit from this property.

• The sulphur glycosides have a therapeutic effect and relieve conditions like coughs and colds.

• The combination of vitamin A and zinc together with phytonutrients lutein and zeaxanthin which are highly anti-oxidant, greatly improve the health of the eyes.

• It activates the detoxifying enzymes in the liver to remove toxic substances and reduce hangover.

Prevention of Cancer

Recent researches by British scientists have indicated that watercress is effective in preventing certain types of cancer. The University of Southampton has reported that a plant compound known as Phenylethyl Isothiocyanate in the watercress is able to suppress breast cancer cell development by “turning off” a signal in the body and starving the tumour of necessary blood and oxygen to grow.

The tumours in cancer sufferers develop very fast. When they outgrow the existing blood vessels, signals are sent out to the surrounding normal tissues to grow new blood vessels into the tumours, feeding them with oxygen and nutrients. The researchers at the university found that watercress can block this process by “turning off” the function of a protein known as Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF).

Research leader, Professor Graham Packham conducted a pilot study with a small group of breast cancer survivors who were asked to fast before consuming 80g of watercress, and then went through a series of blood tests over the next 24 hours. On analysing the blood tests, his team discovered significant levels of the plant compound and the function of the protein HIF was noticeably affected in the blood cells of the participants.

These insightful studies were published in the British Journal of Nutrition and Biochemical Pharmacology. The team recognised that more work needs to be done to determine how watercress can help to prevent and cure cancer but they were excited by the great potential of watercress in treating cancer.

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