Superfoods Archives - Cilantro News

6 Turmeric And Honey Health Benefits

Pamela Nylander PhD — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 10:27:12 +0000

The combination of turmeric and honey has 6 amazing health benefits; find out which ones in this article.

What is turmeric?

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a herbaceous plant of the ginger family.

Its rhizome is commonly used as a spice and is the key ingredient in curry.

The medicinal properties of turmeric have been known for thousands of years¹.

They are mainly attributed to curcumin, a polyphenol with antioxidant effects¹.

What is honey?

Honey is a sweet, golden, and viscous liquid that bees make using the nectar of flowers.

They store it inside the beehive for eating during times of scarcity.

Honey contains a blend of compounds that makes it beneficial to health, including²:

Amino acids
Phenols
Pigments
Vitamins
Minerals

Human civilization started using honey as a medicine at least six thousand years ago².

The health benefits of honey encompass antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal effects².

6 Turmeric and honey health benefits

The combination of turmeric and honey has medicinal properties superior to those of each of them alone.

Studies have shown that turmeric and honey have the following 6 health benefits:

1. Wound healing

The separate topical applications of turmeric paste and honey enhance wound healing comparably^3,4.

However, researchers have found that a turmeric and honey paste decreased the size of wounds more than honey alone⁴.

2. Oral mucositis defense

Oral mucositis is an ulceration of the lining of the mouth.

It is a complication of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

A study showed that turmeric and honey application in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy was effective against oral mucositis⁵.

3. Gastric ulcer repair

Gastric ulcer is a painful sore in the stomach’s inner lining.

Researchers have found that a mixture of wild honey and turmeric had gastric ulcer healing effect⁶.

4. Antidepressant effects

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by a feeling of sadness and a loss of interest.

Oxidative stress is a key factor in the elevation of depression⁷.

A study reported that honey and curcumin (the main active compound of turmeric) increased antioxidant activity⁷.

As a result, honey and turmeric may be used as a natural treatment for depression.

5. Antibacterial activity

Another amazing health benefit of a turmeric and honey combination is its antibacterial effect.

A study revealed that this mixture had antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus and Proteus species⁸.

On the other hand, turmeric and honey alone had either no or less antibacterial effect against these species⁸.

Another study reported that turmeric and honey had properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria⁹.

These effects were enhanced when turmeric and honey were combined⁹.

Anti-biofilm and anti-quorum effects

Bacteria can create a biofilm, a protective matrix that increases their survival.

In addition, bacteria can sense the density of the population they belong to and modify their virulence based on it. This property is called “quorum sensing.”

Research demonstrated that curcumin (from turmeric) and honey eradicated bacterial biofilm and reduced quorum sensing virulence factors¹⁰.

6. Cough suppressant

Multiple studies have found that honey decreases the severity and frequency of cough in children, improving the quality of patients’ and parents’ sleep^11,12,13.

Besides, honey was more effective than Dextromethorphan and Diphenhydramine in alleviating cough^12,13.

In addition, turmeric essential oil is effective against disorders of the respiratory tract, such as expectoration, cough, and asthma¹⁴.

In conclusion, turmeric and honey are beneficial for cough without causing side effects¹¹.

Turmeric and honey natural antibiotic recipe

The recipe for a turmeric and honey natural antibiotic paste is the following⁴:

Mix 100 g of raw honey with 10 g of turmeric powder

Summary: 6 Turmeric and honey health benefits

Humans use turmeric to season dishes and honey as a sweetener.

They have also used these natural products as folk medicines for thousands of years.

The combination of turmeric and honey has the following 6 amazing health benefits:

Wound healing
Oral mucosidosis defense
Gastric ulcer repair
Antidepressant effects
Antibacterial activity
Cough suppressant

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Should I Take Turmeric On An Empty Stomach?

Pamela Nylander PhD — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 05:53:21 +0000

Should I take turmeric on an empty or full stomach to fully benefit from its amazing therapeutic effects?

You will find the answer in this article.

What is turmeric?

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a flowering plant in the Zingiberaceae family.

Its root is used as a spice in South Asian and Middle Eastern cooking.

Moreover, turmeric has a long history of use in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine^1,2.

What are the health benefits of turmeric?

Turmeric has a wide range of therapeutic effects, including:

Pain reduction
Liver protection
Anti-diabetic effects
Anticancer attributes
Anti-microbial properties

Should I take turmeric on an empty stomach?

If your stomach is already full, it will digest the bolus before it can break down turmeric.

Therefore, if you want to experience the benefits of turmeric fast, it is best to take it on an empty stomach, such as in the morning before breakfast.

However, it is preferable to take turmeric mixed with fats.

Why should I take turmeric with fats?

Curcumin is the major biologically active constituent in turmeric³.

This antioxidant is insoluble in water but soluble in oil^2,3.

Therefore, when mixed with water, curcumin is difficult to absorb and rapidly transformed into inactive metabolites³.

Yet, if you take it with vegetable oils, such as coconut or olive oil, you will increase its bioavailability, multiplying its health benefits^2,3.

Should I take turmeric with black pepper?

Piperine is a bioactive compound of black pepper².

Taking turmeric with piperine increases its bioavailability by 154% and its biological effects^4,5.

As mentioned above, turmeric is poorly available and rapidly metabolized in the liver and intestinal wall⁴.

Piperine prevents turmeric transformation in the liver and intestine, improving its absorption⁴.

Summary: Should I take turmeric on an empty stomach?

Turmeric is a rich source of curcumin, an antioxidant, which makes it beneficial to health.

It’s best to take turmeric on an empty stomach, like in the morning before breakfast, to benefit from its therapeutic effects fast.

However, due to its low water-solubility, curcumin is difficult to absorb and rapidly transformed into inactive metabolites.

Mixing it with vegetable oils, such as coconut or olive oil, and black pepper will increase its absorption and biological effects.

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7 Benefits Of Drinking Coconut Oil On An Empty Stomach

Pamela Nylander PhD — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 06:55:17 +0000

You will find 7 amazing benefits of drinking coconut oil in the morning on an empty stomach in this article.

What is coconut oil?

Coconut oil is an edible oil obtained from the meat and milk of the coconut.

It is a white and solid fat that melts into a clear liquid at temperatures above 78°F (25°C)¹.

7 Benefits of drinking coconut oil in the morning on an empty stomach

Virgin coconut oil offers amazing health benefits.

When is the best time to take coconut oil?

When you take coconut oil in the morning on an empty stomach, the health benefits are multiplied. Here is why:

1. It provides energy

Coconut oil is high in saturated fatty acids (about 90%), of which 60% are medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs)².

These MCFAs are rapidly transported to the liver, where they are exclusively oxidized for the production of energy².

In contrast, long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) commonly found in most diets are being absorbed in the intestine before being stored in the adipose tissue².

When you take coconut oil in the morning on an empty stomach, your liver can immediately oxidize MCFAs, producing energy.

2. It reduces fat deposition

Coconut oil acts as an appetite suppressant.

When you drink coconut oil in the morning on an empty stomach, you will feel full during the next 3-4 hours.

As a result, you will eat less during this time.

This will reduce the total amount of fat accumulated in your body, given that MCFAs found in coconut oil are not stored in the adipose tissue².

3. It improves cognitive function

Studies have shown that a diet rich in coconut oil improves cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients^3,4.

One of the possible modes of action is that coconut oil flushes out aluminum from your body⁵.

Research has reported that coconut oil had a protective role in aluminum-induced Alzheimer’s disease^6,7.

When you take coconut oil in the morning on an empty stomach, it has a better capacity to remove aluminum from your body, given that it doesn’t interact with the bolus.

4. It eliminates harmful bacteria

Coconut oil kills numerous harmful bacteria in your gut thanks to its high lauric acid content (51%)¹⁰.

It eliminates, namely, the following bacteria:

Bacillus subtilis⁸
Escherichia coli⁸ and vulneris⁹
Enterococcer bacteria⁹
Helicobacter pylori⁹
Proteus vulgaris⁸
Pseudomonas aeruginosa⁸
Staphylococcus aureus^9,10
Streptococcus mutans⁹
Vibrio bacteria⁸

When you eat coconut oil in the morning on an empty stomach, these bacteria are weaker because they have not eaten for several hours.

5. It has anti-parasitic effects

Coconut oil has anti-parasitic activity against the protozoan responsible for malaria: Plasmodium falciparum¹¹.

Parasites are more sensitive in the morning when your stomach is empty.

6. It has antifungal properties

Coconut oil has antifungal effects against several Candida species, including Candida albicans^9,12.

Just like bacteria and parasites, fungi are also weaker in the morning when your stomach is empty.

7. It has a laxative effect

Coconut oil has a laxative effect.

It is, namely, high in glycerol, one of the main constituents of triglycerides.

Glycerol is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that attracts water molecules.

As such, it lubricates the intestines and stimulates bowel movement.

When you drink coconut oil in the morning on an empty stomach, the laxative effect of glycerol is enhanced because there is no other food in your gut that needs to be digested.

What is the difference between virgin and RBD coconut oil?

Virgin coconut oil provides many health benefits and has traditionally been used for nutritional and medicinal purposes⁴.

It has been collected from freshly extracted coconut milk without using heat, chemicals, or shear⁴.

Conventional coconut oil, on the other hand, is derived from copra (dried coconut meat) and may be exposed to high temperatures and chemicals during the refining process.

It is, therefore, also known as RBD (refined, bleached, and deodorized) coconut oil and does not offer the same health benefits as virgin coconut oil⁴.

How to take coconut oil in the morning

Take a teaspoon of virgin coconut oil first thing in the morning
Wait at least half an hour before eating anything else
After about a week, you can increase the amount to one tablespoon

Side effects of drinking coconut oil on an empty stomach

Drinking coconut oil on an empty stomach may cause mild symptoms such as nausea and itching.

These symptoms are transient and will disappear over time.

They are known as die-off symptoms or a Herxheimer reaction.

Here is how to avoid a Herxheimer reaction or reduce it if you are already experiencing it.

Summary: 7 Benefits of drinking coconut oil on an empty stomach

Virgin coconut oil offers many amazing health benefits.

When you drink it in the morning on an empty stomach, these benefits are multiplied.

As a result, coconut oil increases the 7 following effects:

It provides energy
Coconut oil reduces fat deposition
It improves cognitive function
Coconut oil eliminates microbes and parasites
It has anti-parasitic effects
Coconut oil has antifungal properties
It has a laxative effect

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13 Health Benefits Of Cilantro (Coriander) Leaves

Pamela Nylander PhD — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 07:38:13 +0000

You will find 10 amazing health benefits of cilantro (coriander) leaves in this article.

What is cilantro?

Cilantro, also known as coriander or Chinese parsley, is an annual herb in the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family.

Its scientific name is Coriandrum sativum.

Where does cilantro come from?

Coriander is native to the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions^1,2.

This aromatic plant is commonly used in Mexican, Indian, Southeast Asian, and other types of cuisine³.

Cilantro also has a long history as a traditional medicine dating back to Ancient Egypt¹.

Composition of cilantro leaves

Fresh cilantro leaves contain^2,4,5,6:

Major constituents	Minor constituents
Proteins	Essential oils
Carbohydrates	Fatty acids
Fibers	Flavonoids
Minerals	Carotenoids
Vitamins	Coumarins

The main biologically active substances of cilantro leaves are essential oils⁴.

Cilantro vs coriander, what is the difference?

In the United States, the fresh foliage of the plant Coriandrum sativum is called cilantro leaves, whereas the dried fruits are called coriander seeds¹.

In the rest of the world, the foliage and dried fruits are called coriander leaves and coriander seeds, respectively.

What is known as coriander seeds are, in fact, dried fruits⁷.

Are the health benefits of cilantro leaves and coriander seeds the same?

Both cilantro leaves and coriander seeds have health benefits.

Nevertheless, the essential oils found in the leaves and seeds are different⁴.

Coriander seeds are high in linalool, whereas cilantro leaves are rich in aldehydes⁴.

Furthermore, the therapeutic activities of the leaves are more effective than those of the seeds^8,9,10,11 due to a higher content of antioxidants and phenolic compounds¹⁰.

This article deals with the health benefits of cilantro leaves and the names cilantro and coriander have been used interchangeably.

13 Health Benefits of cilantro leaves

Here are 13 amazing health benefits of cilantro leaves:

1. Antifungal effects

In recent years, the demand for new antifungal therapies has increased drastically¹².

Cilantro leaves have antifungal properties.

The essential oils found in coriander leaves kill, to wit, Candida yeast cells^6,13.

Furthermore, plantaricin, a peptide present in the cilantro leaf, eliminates the following fungi¹⁴:

Penicillium lilacinum
Aspergillus niger

2. Antibacterial activity

Cilantro also has antibacterial attributes.

Essential oils found in cilantro leaves eradicate a wide range of bacteria including^6,8,15:

Salmonella cholerasuis and enterica
Staphylococcus aureus
Bacillus subtilis
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Escherichia coli
Vibrio cholerae
Yersinia enterocolitica

Furthermore, plantaricin, a peptide found in coriander leaves, is more effective against bacteria than common antibiotics¹⁴.

3. Antioxidant properties

Reactive oxygen species, such as free radicals, can generate oxidative stress in your body, leading to a variety of chronic health conditions, including¹⁶:

Cancer
Aging
Parkinson’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease

Cilantro leaves extract^11,17,18 or fresh juice¹⁹ display antioxidant activity.

This effect is due to an increase in glutathione levels thanks to the plant’s content of flavonoids¹⁹.

Glutathione is, namely, your body’s most powerful antioxidant.

4. Anti-inflammatory effects

Is cilantro an anti-inflammatory?

A study has shown that essential oils isolated from dried cilantro leaf powder reduce inflammation⁶.

Furthermore, this anti-inflammatory effect was somewhat similar to that of Ibuprofen, a well-known anti-inflammatory drug⁶.

5. Reduction of diabetes

Are coriander leaves good for diabetes?

High amounts of glucose and lipid circulating in the blood are the major causes of the morbidity and mortality of diabetes²⁰.

Studies have shown that cilantro leaf and stem extracts reduce diabetes by lowering blood glucose levels^20,21.

6. Memory improvement

Alzheimer’s disease is a crippling neurodegenerative disorder whose symptoms include memory loss and dementia.

Studies have shown that fresh coriander leaves improve learning abilities and memory^22,23.

For this reason, cilantro leaves may be a helpful remedy in the management of Alzheimer’s disease^22,23.

7. Management of anxiety

All people suffer from states of emotional tension and uneasiness²⁴.

However, when the symptoms become intolerable, taking a remedy can be considered for coping with anxiety²⁴.

The Egyptians called coriander the spice of happiness².

A study has shown that dried powder of cilantro leaves has anxiolytic activity²⁴.

Does cilantro make you sleepy?

In addition, coriander leaves also induce a calming sedative effect⁹.

It is worth mentioning that if you eat too much cilantro, it can have the opposite effect.

8. Reduction of cholesterol

High total and LDL cholesterol and reduced HDL cholesterol are associated with obesity, diabetes, and coronary heart disease²⁵.

Is cilantro good to lose weight?

Cilantro leaves reduce total and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL serum cholesterol^20,22 .

Therefore, coriander helps for weight loss.

9. Anti-cancer effects

Research indicates that coriander leaf extract kills lymphoma and breast cancer cells^26,27.

These studies suggest the potential of cilantro in cancer treatment.

10. Protection of liver health

The liver is the first organ to metabolize foreign substances²⁸.

Toxicants such as paracetamol and alcohol damage the liver by producing reactive oxygen species²⁸.

Is cilantro good for the liver?

Studies have shown that cilantro leaves protect liver health by reducing oxidative stress^28,10.

11. Prevention of skin wrinkles

UVB radiation from sunlight causes damage to skin characterized by wrinkles.

Sun exposure stimulates the generation of free radicals, decreasing collagen production and increasing the secretion of collagen degrading enzymes¹⁷.

Cilantro leaves extract protects your skin against wrinkles by scavenging free radicals¹⁷.

As such, it increases collagen production while reducing collagen degrading enzymes levels¹⁷.

12. Decrease of epileptic seizures

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder marked by recurrent epileptic seizures²⁹.

Also, epileptic attacks produce free radicals causing oxidative stress in brain tissues³⁰.

This oxidative stress, in turn, generates brain cell death and neuronal damage^30,31.

Cilantro leaves, stems, and twigs decrease epileptic seizures and prevent neuronal damages thanks to their antioxidant activity³².

13. Removal of heavy metals

Exposure to heavy metals during childhood compromises development with lifelong physical and intellectual impairments³³.

In adults, chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and neurological decline are linked to these toxic metals³³.

The removal of heavy metals from your body is one of the well-known health benefit of cilantro.

A study showed, namely, that routine supplementation with cilantro leaves decreased mercury burden in individuals after dental amalgam removal³⁴.

Besides, coriander leaves remove the following toxic heavy metals^34,35,36,37:

Mercury
Lead
Arsenic
Cadmium
Copper

Is cilantro good for kidneys?

A study reported that the intake of coriander decreased arsenic and cadmium concentrations in the kidney³⁵.

Is it safe to eat cilantro?

Cilantro is non-toxic to humans.

This edible plant has been approved for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical use by the US FDA and the Council of Europe⁴.

Side effects

Is it bad to eat too much cilantro?

If you eat too much cilantro, it can induce unpleasant symptoms, known as a Herxheimer reaction, at the beginning.

These symptoms are due to the toxins that microbes release into your body when they die off.

Also, when more heavy metals are detached from your body tissues than your liver and kidneys can process, these metals will circulate in your bloodstream, causing these side effects.

Here is How To Prevent A Herxheimer Reaction During Detoxification.

Dosage

How much cilantro to eat a day?

Begin with a maximum of 1-2 leaves daily and gradually increase the amount.

Summary: 13 Health benefits of cilantro (coriander) leaves

Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a plant belonging to the Apiaceae family.

Coriander leaves are used worldwide as a culinary herb and are valued for their medicinal uses.

The biologically active substances of this herb are mainly essential oils.

Cilantro leaves have the following 13 amazing health benefits:

Antifungal effects
Antibacterial activity
Antioxidant properties
Anti-inflammatory effects
Reduction of diabetes
Memory improvement
Management of anxiety
Reduction of cholesterol
Anti-cancer effects
Protection of liver health
Prevention of skin wrinkles
Decreases of epileptic seizures
Removal of heavy metals

The post 13 Health Benefits Of Cilantro (Coriander) Leaves appeared first on Cilantro News.

17 Health Benefits Of Turmeric Root Powder

Pamela Nylander PhD — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 12:58:06 +0000

You will find 17 amazing (and scientifically proven) health benefits of turmeric root powder in this article.

What is turmeric?

Turmeric, which scientific name is Curcuma longa, is a flowering plant in the Zingiberaceae family^1,2.

Its root (rhizome) is commonly used as a spice, especially in South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine^1,2 .

It is, namely, the key ingredient in curry and gives it its distinctive flavor and vibrant yellow color^1,2 .

Furthermore, turmeric has a very long history of medicinal use in India, dating back nearly 4000 years².

Composition of turmeric root

Turmeric root consists of^1,3,4:

60-70% of carbohydrates
6-13% of water
6-8% of protein
5-10% of fat
3-7% of essential oils (including turmerone and zingiberene)
2-7% of fiber
1-6% of curcuminoids (curcumin and its derivatives)
Trace of minerals, vitamins, alkaloids, and resins

The main biologically active compounds are curcumin and turmerone^2,5.

Curcumin and turmerone are both natural antioxidants^2,6.

17 Health benefits of turmeric root powder

Thanks to its antioxidants properties, turmeric is good for a variety of conditions.

Here are 17 amazing health benefits of turmeric root powder for men and women:

1. Reduction of inflammation and pain

Turmeric has natural anti-inflammatory effects.

A study involving 28 healthy men showed that turmeric supplementation reduced muscle inflammation and damage following a half-marathon race⁷.

Turmeric also diminishes rheumatoid arthritis⁸ and osteoarthritis symptoms⁹.

The anti-inflammatory properties of this plant are mainly attributed to curcumin^8,9,10 but also turmerone¹¹.

2. Promotion of skin health

Turmeric is good for your skin.

Studies indicate that both ingested and topical curcumin provides therapeutic benefits for skin health¹².

The skin conditions examined included¹²:

Acne
Alopecia
Atopic dermatitis
Facial photoaging
Oral lichen planus
Pruritus
Psoriasis
Radiodermatitis
Vitiligo

The topical application of curcumin also has significant wound healing properties. It hastens, namely, various stages of the natural wound healing process¹³.

Furthermore, both oral and topical curcumin suppresses several types of skin cancer cells^14,15.

3. Protection of liver function

Liver disease constitutes the fourth to the fifth cause of death worldwide¹⁶.

It includes¹⁶:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (40%)
Hepatitis B virus (30%)
Hepatitis C virus (15%)
Alcoholic liver disease (11%)

Many factors associated with liver diseases, such as alcohol and drugs, generate oxidative stress¹⁶.

Turmeric is good for your liver.

Research revealed, namely, that curcumin has protective and therapeutic effects on oxidative-associated liver disease thanks to its antioxidant activities^16,17.

4. Treatment of diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (the most common type) is an ensemble of metabolic diseases that have reached pandemic dimensions all over the world¹⁸.

A research review showed that curcumin counteracts diabetes and its complications by modulating different signaling molecules^19,20.

5. Reduction of cancer

Cancer is one of the primary causes of death in industrialized countries²¹.

Curcumin, the most representative polyphenol found in turmeric, is good for fighting cancer²¹.

It reduces cancer by affecting different signaling pathways, molecules, and cells involved in its development^21,22.

What type of cancers does turmeric reduce?

Curcumin has therapeutic effects in the following types of cancers:

Breast cancer^21,23
Lung cancer^21,24
Blood cancer²¹
Cancer of the digestive system
- Gastric cancer²¹
- Colon cancer²¹^,25,26
- Pancreatic cancer²¹^,27
- Hepatic cancer²¹
Prostate cancer^21,28
Brain cancer²¹
Bone cancer²¹
Pharynx and larynx cancer²¹
Malignant mesothelioma²¹
Skin cancer^14,15

In addition, non-curcuminoids molecules found in turmeric, such as turmerone, elemene, and furanodiene, also exhibit anticancer activities²⁹.

Besides, turmerone enhances the bioavailability and anticancer effect of curcumin²⁹.

6. Elimination of bacteria

Curcuma longa has antibacterial properties.

Which bacteria does turmeric eliminate?

Turmeric, or curcumin extract, inhibits the proliferation of harmful bacteria such as:

Escherichia coli^4,30,31
Streptococcus⁴
Staphylococcus^4,31
Bacillus^4,31
Micrococcus⁴
Pseudomonas^4,31
Salmonella typhi^30,31
Klebsiella pneumoniae³¹
Listeria monocytogenes³¹
Helicobacter pylori³¹

The antibacterial effect of turmeric compares favorably with standard antibiotics⁴.

7. Inhibition of fungi

Turmeric has antifungal activities.

Which fungi does turmeric remove?

It inhibits, namely, a wide range of fungi, including:

Aspergillus^4,32
Penicillium^4,32
Cryptococcus neoformans³¹
Candida albicans³¹
Rhizoctonia solani³¹
Phytophthora infestans³¹
Erysiphe graminis³¹

Furthermore, turmeric completely inhibits the growth of Candida albicans³² and reduces its biofilm formation³³.

Moreover, curcumin has antifungal activity against 38 different strains of Candida, including some fluconazole-resistant strains³¹.

8. Eradication of viruses

Turmeric has extraordinary antiviral attributes.

Indeed, an aqueous extract of turmeric suppresses hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication⁹⁴.

Which viruses does curcumin eliminate?

Furthermore, curcumin reduces the following viruses:

Coxsackie virus B3³⁴
HIV^{32,35,36,37,38}
Influenza^39,40
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 and 2^38,41,42,43
Hepatitis C (HCV)⁴⁴
Human papillomavirus (HPV)^45,46
Japanese encephalitis (JEV)⁴⁷
Kaposi’s sarcoma herpesvirus⁴⁸
Zika⁴⁹
Chikungunya⁴⁹
Vesicular stomatitis virus⁴⁹
Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus⁵⁰
Enterovirus 71 (EV71)⁵¹

9. Elimination of intestinal parasites

Symptoms of intestinal parasitosis include brain fog, lethargy, poor sleep, anxiety, slow digestion, abdominal bloating, and gas.

Parasites and their eggs can be transmitted through food, water or person-to-person contact.

Which parasites does turmeric kill?

Turmeric, or its active component curcumin, has anti-parasitic effects.

It kills, to wit, the following parasites:

Schistosoma mansoni ^52,53
Leishmania ^54,55
Giardia lamblia^56,57
Trypanosoma^58,59
Plasmodium falciparum^60,61
Acanthamoeba^62,63
Entamoeba histolytica^64,65
Trichomonas vaginalis⁶⁶
Toxoplasma gondii⁶⁷
Cryptosporidium parvum^68,69,70
Fasciola gigantica⁷¹

10. Removal of heavy metals

Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements characterized by their high atomic weight and density^72,73.

Major chronic diseases in adults are associated with toxic heavy metals⁷⁴.

Moreover, exposure to toxic metals early in life compromises development, with lifelong impairments⁷⁴.

Thanks to its antioxidant properties, curcumin is a chelator of positively charged metals⁷⁵.

Which heavy metals does curcumin remove?

It reduces the liver toxicity induced by:

Arsenic⁷⁵
Cadmium^75,76,77,78
Chromium⁷⁵
Copper^75,76
Lead^{75 ,77}
Mercury⁷⁵

It also prevents glutathione depletion^16,75.

Too low concentrations of copper in tissues induce anemia, whereas too high concentrations induce hepatic damage⁷⁵.

Curcumin has a protective effect in both copper and iron overloaded cases^75,79,16 .

11. Scavenging of reactive oxygen species

Reactive oxygen species (such as O₂^–, H₂O₂, HO-) consist of radical and non-radical oxygen species formed by the partial reduction of oxygen⁷⁹.

They generate oxidative stress in your body, resulting in damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids⁷⁹.

This damage, in turn, induces cancer, neurodegeneration, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and aging⁷⁹.

Which reactive oxygen species does curcumin neutralize?

Thanks to its antioxidant attributes, curcumin has scavenging activity against a variety of reactive oxygen species, including⁷⁵:

O₂^–(superoxide anion)
HO (hydroxyl radical)
ROO (peroxyl radical)
NO₂ (nitrogen dioxide radical)

12. Protection from ionizing radiation

Curcumin has radioprotective effects in normal cells and radiosensitizing effects in cancer cells⁸⁰.

Furthermore, curcumin may remove uranium and cobalt from your body⁹³.

13. Promotion of cardiovascular health

Curcumin found in turmeric has a protective role in cardiovascular diseases, including^81,82:

Atherosclerosis
Aortic aneurysm
Myocardial infarction
Stroke
Cardiac hypertrophy
Heart failure
Diabetic cardiovascular complications
Cardiotoxicity
Ventricular arrhythmias

This protective role is due to curcumin’s antioxidant, anti-thrombotic, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cholesterol effects⁸².

14. Relief from depression

In 2017, the World Health Organization announced that depression was the leading cause of disability and ill-health worldwide, with more than 300 million people living with this condition⁸³.

Natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective compounds are thought to counteract the degenerative processes frequently associated with major depressive disorder⁸³.

A handful of clinical trials have demonstrated the benefits of curcumin in major depressive disorder^83,84,85.

15. Treatment of neurological disorders

In addition to depression, curcumin demonstrates protective action in the following neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders:

Alzheimer’s disease^85,86,87
Tardive dyskinesia⁸⁵
Epilepsy⁸⁵
Diabetic neuropathy⁸⁵
Parkinson’s disease⁸⁷
Multiple sclerosis⁸⁷
Huntington’s disease⁸⁷
Prion’s disease⁸⁷
Autism⁸⁷

Furthermore, curcumin may also improve cognitive function in the elderly⁸⁸.

16. Weight loss

A review study involving 1604 individuals has shown that curcumin reduced weight, waist, and body mass index in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders⁹¹.

17. Reduction of blood pressure

Hypertension is a chronic condition that can lead to health problems, such as cardiovascular diseases, myocardial infarction, and stroke⁹².

A systematic study involving 734 participants demonstrated that turmeric or its antioxidant curcumin lowered systolic blood pressure after 12 weeks of consumption⁹².

How to take turmeric root

Dosage

For optimal results, take a teaspoon of dried powder derived from the root of turmeric mixed with water daily.

You can also take half a teaspoon of grated fresh turmeric root daily.

Fresh turmeric is, to wit, more bioavailable and more potent than dried powder.

Turmeric vs curcumin

We recommend taking turmeric as opposed to curcumin extract, because some phytochemicals present in turmeric act synergistically with curcumin by enhancing its bioavailability^29,89.

Turmeric and piperine

Although turmeric and curcumin exert a wide range of health benefits, they are poorly soluble and absorbed⁸⁹.

Piperine, a major active component of black pepper, can increase by 2000% curcumin’s bioavailability^9,90.

For this reason, we recommend combining turmeric with black pepper.

Summary: 17 Health benefits of turmeric root powder

Turmeric is good for relieving multiple health conditions thanks to its biologically active components, mainly curcumin and turmerone.

These phytochemicals have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, affecting positively different signaling pathways, molecules, and cells in your body.

Turmeric root powder has the following 17 health benefits:

Reduction of inflammation and pain
Promotion of skin health
Protection of liver health
Treatment of diabetes
Reduction of cancer
Elimination of bacteria
Inhibition of fungi
Eradication of viruses
Elimination of intestinal parasites
Removal of heavy metals
Scavenging of reactive oxygen species
Protection from ionizing radiation
Promotion of cardiovascular health
Relief from depression
Treatment of neurological disorders
Weight loss
Reduction of blood pressure

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20 Health Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil And Side Effects

Pamela Nylander PhD — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 06:00:35 +0000

You will find 20 amazing health benefits of flaxseed oil for males, females, and kids and its side effects in this article.

What is flaxseed oil?

Flaxseed oil, also known as linseed oil, is a yellowish oil obtained by pressing seeds of the flax plant¹.

This oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids essential in the human diet².

In particular, flaxseed oil is high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) omega-3 fatty acids¹.

Furthermore, the ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids is low, making it very beneficial to health^1,3,4,5.

Composition of flaxseed oil⁶:

Compound	Family	% of content
Palmitic acid		5,1
Stearic acid		4,8
Oleic acid	Ω-9	22,3
Linoleic acid	Ω-6	14,0
α-linolenic acid	Ω-3	53,5

Omega-3 fatty acids and methylation

Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids regulate several enzymes involved in the methylation cycle^7,8.

What is the methylation cycle?

The methylation cycle is a process that regulates gene expression and protein function⁹.

It also neutralizes heavy metals via glutathione production⁹.

As such, it plays an essential role in your body.

Role of omega-3 fatty acids in methylation

Your body converts a part of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) found in flaxseed oil into DHA and EPA, the omega fatty acids found in fish oil³.

ALA, DHA, and EPA regulate enzymes in the methylation cycle^7,8, thereby decreasing homocysteine levels^7,8,11,12.

This attribute makes flaxseed oil very beneficial to health, as high homocysteine levels are associated with a wide range of diseases^13,14.

20 Health benefits of flaxseed oil

Here are 20 amazing health benefits of eating flaxseed oil for males, females, and kids:

1. Weight loss

Studies have shown that flaxseed oil helps to decrease weight and waist circumference¹⁵.

Also, it reduces total cholesterol, LDL “bad” cholesterol, and triglyceride levels¹⁵.

Linseed oil, indeed, regulates lipid metabolism and reduces fat accumulation in the liver thanks to its high alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) content¹⁶.

ALA regulates, namely, genes associated with obesity via DNA methylation^10,17,3.

2. Treatment of diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (the most common type) is characterized by insulin resistance and high insulin and blood glucose concentrations^18,19.

Research indicates that flaxseed oil prevents insulin resistance and reduces insulin and blood glucose levels thanks to its high content of ALA^20,21,22.

3. Protection of cardiovascular health

Cardiovascular disease are conditions that involve the heart or blood vessels, such as²³:

Heart failure
Coronary artery diseases
Myocardial infarction
Stroke
Aortic aneurysms
Venous thrombosis

Cardiovascular disease and cholesterol

Cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis risk are directly related to blood cholesterol profile^3,17,24.

By reducing triglycerides, total, and LDL cholesterol levels¹⁵, flaxseed oil protects your cardiovascular health.

Cardiovascular disease and blood sugar

Furthermore, increased blood sugar is also a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases³.

By reducing insulin levels and increasing nitrite concentration, flax oil also diminishes cardiovascular disease risk ²¹.

4. Reduction of cancer

Flaxseed oil has extraordinary anti-cancer benefits.

It reduces, namely, several types of cancers such as:

Brain cancer²⁵
Breast cancer^26,27,28
Colon cancer^29,30
Skin cancer³¹
Cervical cancer³²

A study has shown that flaxseed oil decreases cancer cell growth while slightly increasing the proliferation of normal cells⁵.

Breast cancer reduction is possibly due to linseed oil’s high ALA content²⁷.

However, linusorbs, natural peptides found in flax oil, also seem to play a role in the death of cancer brain cells²⁵.

5. Promotion of skin health

Flaxseed oil has multiple benefits for the skin.

A study involving 26 women revealed that flaxseed oil supplementation improved skin condition and diminished skin sensitivity³³.

It decreased, to wit, skin roughness and scaling while increasing skin hydration and smoothness³³.

6. Improvement of bone health

Consumption of flaxseed oil results in higher bone:

Mass³⁴
Density³⁵
Strength³⁶

Besides, a study suggests that flaxseed oil decreases estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis³⁷.

7. Protection of gut health

Flaxseed oil has amazing benefits for your gut microbiota.

It, namely, decreases levels of gut bacteria that are typically high in diabetic and alcoholic individuals^22,38.

Conversely, it increases the number of gut bacteria usually low in diabetic and alcoholic people^22,38.

8. Eradication of fungi

Flaxseed oil also has antifungal benefits thanks to its linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid content³⁹.

Linseed oil is also a powerful tool to get rid of Candida albicans^77,78.

Flaxseed oil kills Candida albicans.

9. Elimination of parasites

Among the multiple benefits of flaxseed oil, we count its anti-parasitic properties.

Flax oil has a suppressive effect on the growth of Plasmodium falciparum, a protozoan parasite responsible for malaria⁴¹.

These effects are due to its high level of ALA⁴¹.

Flaxseed oil eliminates liver flukes (Fasciola hepatica).

Dietary linseed oil also significantly reduces the number of Strongylidae worms⁴² and liver flukes (Fasciola hepatica)⁴³.

10. Improvement of kidney function

Flaxseed oil improves kidney function caused by hypertension by lowering blood pressure^44,45.

This effect is due to its high ALA content^44,45.

11. Protection of liver health

Dietary flaxseed oil reduces liver injury resulting from chronic alcohol consumption³⁸.

It also attenuates non-alcoholic liver disease induced by a high-cholesterol diet^46,47 or high blood pressure⁴⁴.

Furthermore, linseed oil also reduces liver hepatitis⁴⁸.

12. Removal of heavy metals

Flaxseed oil has amazing benefits for heavy metal removal.

It reverses, to wit, oxidative damage caused by:

Cadmium^49,50
Arsenic⁵¹
Lead^52,53

The mechanism is the following:

Glutathione is an antioxidant synthesized in human cells^54,55 capable of preventing cellular damage caused by free radicals, peroxides, and heavy metals⁵⁴.

Studies have shown that flaxseed oil supplementation increases glutathione levels^47,48.

13. Relief of constipation

Research reveals that flaxseed oil improves the frequency of evacuation and the consistency of stools⁵⁶.

14. Reduction of inflammation

Studies report that flaxseed oil reduces inflammation in patients with metabolic syndrome, a chronic disease with inflammatory states^57,58.

Furthermore, linseed oil also reduces arthritis⁵⁹.

15. Promotion of brain health

Flaxseed oil has excellent benefits for brain function.

It has, namely, neuroprotective effects on functional motor recovery following a brain stroke⁶⁰.

Linseed oil also improves cognitive function and reduces Alzheimer’s disease^61,62,63,64.

Moreover, research reported that supplementation of flax oil and vitamin C reduces hyperactivity in ADHD children⁶⁵.

16. Relief from depression

Studies revealed that flaxseed oil improves depression status by inducing antidepressant-like effects^66,67,68.

17. Reduction of eye dryness

Dry eye syndrome, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a condition in which eyes are dry⁶⁹.

It can also include symptoms, such as irritation, redness, discharge, and tired eyes⁶⁹.

Researchers have shown that the consumption of flaxseed oil reduces eye dryness in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome⁷⁰ or meibomian gland dysfunction⁷¹.

18. Lowering of blood pressure

Studies report that flaxseed oil reduces blood pressure thanks to the effect of ALA^72,44.

19. Reduction of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which there is a buildup of atheromatous plaque in the artery wall⁷³.

It may lead to coronary or peripheral artery disease, stroke, or kidney problems⁷³.

Research demonstrated that dietary flaxseed oil reduces atherosclerotic plaque formation⁷⁴ and atherosclerosis⁷⁵.

20. Lessening of menopause symptoms

During menopause, the amount of estrogen and progesterone hormones produced by the ovaries decreases.

A study shows that flaxseed oil can mimic the action of estrogen⁷⁶.

This effect may be due to its high content of fatty acids, phytoestrogens, or antioxidants⁷⁶.

As such, it can be a potential hormone replacement therapy for menopause⁷⁶.

Flaxseed oil dosage

How much flaxseed oil per day?

Take one teaspoon of flaxseed oil one day out of three. Then, with time, you can increase the dosage and take it daily.

How to use flaxseed oil?

If you mix flaxseed oil with cottage cheese and ground flaxseed according to Dr. Johanna Budwig’s recipe, you will amplify its health benefits.

Flaxseed oil goes rancid, and as a result, loses its health benefits quickly. For these reasons, keep it refrigerated and put the lid back on soon as you have used it.

What form of flaxseed oil is best?

We recommend avoiding capsules and buying organic cold pressed flax oil in a glass bottle instead.

Generally, brown flaxseed oil contains more alpha-linolenic acid than golden flax oil⁴⁹.

Where to buy flaxseed oil?

You can usually find organic flaxseed oil in a glass bottle at your local supermarket.

It is also available online at Amazon, iHerb, etc.

Flaxseed oil side effects

The side effects of flaxseed oil are the following:

Flaxseed oil can make you feel tired and dizzy, in the beginning, due to its cleansing effect on the liver. With time, on the contrary, it will make you feel more energized and focused.
Also, if you take too much flax oil, it can make you feel bloated and constipated. For these reasons, it is best to begin with a small dosage and progressively increase the amount.

These Side Effects Are Known As A Herxheimer Reaction. Here Is To Prevent This Reaction.

Summary: 20 Health benefits of flaxseed oil and side-effects

Flaxseed oil has amazing health attributes thanks to its high content of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) content.

These omega-3 fatty acids play, indeed, a crucial role in the methylation cycle, a process essential in your body.

Here are 20 health benefits of flaxseed oil for males, females, and kids:

Weight loss
Treatment of diabetes
Protection of cardiovascular health
Reduction of cancer
Promotion of skin health
Improvement of bone health
Protection of gut health
Eradication of fungi
Elimination of parasites
Improvement of kidney function
Protection of liver health
Removal of heavy metals
Relief of constipation
Reduction of inflammation
Promotion of brain health
Relief from depression
Reduction of eye dryness
Lowering of blood pressure
Reduction of atherosclerosis
Lessening of menopause symptoms

Furthermore, the side effects caused by flaxseed oil are due to its liver cleansing effect and disappear over time.

The post 20 Health Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil And Side Effects appeared first on Cilantro News.

7 Reasons To Use Coconut Oil For Weight Loss

Pamela Nylander PhD — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 09:03:07 +0000

Here are 7 reasons to use coconut oil for weight loss:

1. Coconut oil boosts your metabolism

Coconut oil is high in medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which represent about 65% of its composition.

Type of fatty acids	% of content
Medium-Chain Fatty Acids
Lauric acid	51%
Caprylic acid	9.5%
Capric acid	4.5%
Long-Chain Fatty Acids
Myristic acid	18.5%
Palmitic acid	7.5%
Stearic acid	3.0%
Omega-6
Oleic acid	5.0%
Omega-9
Linoleic acid	1.0%

These saturated fats require neither pancreatic lipase nor bile to be digested.

Long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) are digested in the intestine and then stored in adipose tissue.

MCFAs, on the contrary, are immediately transported to the liver for rapid oxidation and then used as an energy source.

Owing to its fast supply of energy, coconut oil speeds up your metabolism, increasing weight loss.

2. Coconut oil acts as an appetite suppressant

One of the major advantages of coconut oil is its appetite-suppressing effect.

Whenever you crave unhealthy foods and sugar or feel the urge to nibble between meals, take a spoon of coconut oil.

Thanks to the feeling of fullness that coconut oil provides, you will avoid food cravings without gaining weight.

Studies have shown that saturated fats of plant origin, such as coconut oil, raise the level of good HDL cholesterol^1,2,3.

By contrast, saturated fatty acids of animal origin raise the level of bad LDL cholesterol.

3. Coconut oil helps your body flush out aluminum

Research indicates that coconut oil is an aluminum chelator. It binds aluminum present in your body, neutralizing it and assisting in its removal.

Human exposure to aluminum is inevitable and our bodies collect it over time. However, in this “aluminum age” we live in, accumulation can be quite important.

Aluminum is namely a constituent of antacids, deodorants, kitchenware, and food additives⁴.

Investigation revealed that coconut oil has a prophylactic effect in aluminum-induced Alzheimer’s⁵.

Besides, it protects aluminum-related cognitive deficit⁴ and poisoning⁶.

Why is this good for weight loss? Because flushing aluminum out of your digestive system will cleanse your liver, speeding up your digestion.

4. Coconut oil has laxative properties

Coconut oil has laxative properties, thereby contributing to weight loss.

Namely, this edible oil is high in triglycerides.

Triglycerides contain a glycerol molecule bound to three fatty acids of varying length and composition.

As we already know, the majority of these fatty acids are medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).

These MCTs increase metabolism, and in turn, increase excess waste removal from your body.

Besides, glycerol attracts water molecules, which helps to lubricate the intestine and actively stimulates your intestinal muscles.

This results in an increase in bowel movement, and thus weight loss.

5. Coconut oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic activity

Harmful intestinal bacteria, fungi, and parasites release toxins in your gut that slow down your digestion and make you feel bloated.

The high amount of lauric acid (51%) in coconut oil, mainly in the form of free fatty acids and monoglycerides, has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiprotozoal activity^7,8,9.

Lauric acid has the additional beneficial function of partially transforming into monolaurin in the human body⁷.

Furthermore, monolaurin is many times more effective than lauric acid at killing viruses and bacteria.

The cleansing of intestinal bugs and their toxins helps restore digestive health, rebalance your body, and induce weight loss.

6. Coconut oil helps digestion

Virgin coconut oil protects the gastric mucosal layer and suppresses reactive oxygen species in the digestive system¹⁰.

Studies have shown that coconut oil has anti-ulcer properties thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities^10,11.

It increases, namely, the levels of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant¹⁰.

By improving digestion, virgin coconut oil stimulates weight loss.

7. Coconut oil helps you get more active

Given that coconut oil speeds up your metabolism, it makes you feel more energized.

Furthermore, coconut oil also lifts up your mood. A study has, namely, shown that it has antidepressant and antistress effects¹².

As such, coconut oil will help you become more active, which is good for weight loss.

How to use coconut oil for optimal weight loss

1. Eat coconut oil first thing in the morning

Take a tablespoon of organic virgin coconut oil on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.

2. Eat coconut oil as an appetite suppressant

Take a teaspoon of coconut oil whenever you feel the urge to nibble between meals.

3. Take a break when you reach a plateau

You will start losing weight after about 2-3 days. Once you reach a plateau (after about 3 weeks), take a one-week break from coconut oil.

4. Begin taking coconut oil again

After the one-week break, begin taking coconut oil again.

Summary: 7 Reasons to use coconut Oil for belly fat

Coconut oil is an amazing tool to lose weight.

The 7 reasons to use coconut oil for weight loss are the following:

Coconut oil speeds up your metabolism
It acts as an appetite suppressant
Coconut oil stimulates your liver
It has laxative properties
Coconut oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic attributes
It increases stomach acidification.
Coconut oil helps you get more active

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