Herbs and Spices to the Rescue of Your Health! (Part One)

By: Scott Meyers

When we think of healing foods, we don't always consider herbs and spices. They are the little extras that we often put on our food to give it more seasoning and to make it tastier for everyone at the table.

Put the saltshaker away when you're cooking, as too much salt in the diet can spell disaster for your circulatory system and kidneys. Reach instead for healthy herbs and seasonings to jazz up your next meal and help make you healthier to boot!

Herbs and spices have been used for centuries to treat a variety of health and medical conditions. Examples of these include inflammatory conditions, infections, autoimmune disorders, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and nausea. There is no doubt that when it comes to herbs and spices there are plenty of healing properties you should get to know better.

Garlic has long been used as a folk remedy for many ailments. Garlic is a member of what is called the allium family as it contains a substance called allicin. Other members of this family include onions and scallions.

Research into the benefits of garlic has shown that it is a strong preventative agent against stroke and heart disease. Garlic is also instrumental in lowering high blood pressure. Further studies have shown that garlic is very close to a natural form of antibiotic. Garlic is full of substances that help to detoxify the body and are able to disperse carcinogens that are building in the system.

A number of research studies have shown that a diet rich in garlic helps to lower the total cholesterol rate of an individual, including the bad cholesterol or LDL while at the same time it raises the good HDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. Garlic also fights a great number of bacteria and viruses and therefore helps to prevent infections.

Garlic is associated with a decreased risk of stomach cancer. Research in Italy and China support garlic's beneficial effects. Garlic is best eaten in its raw state. The best way to benefit from garlic is to eat it raw: cut up, sliced up or chopped.

Ginger is a very odd looking substance. It can be found in every produce department, and should be used more for its beneficial effects on health. Ginger works well to calm an upset stomach. Ginger is particularly good to take before embarking on a road trip if you are prone to motion sickness. Ginger snaps and ginger bread are also effective at calming an upset stomach. Pregnant women are often encouraged to eat ginger to reduce the nausea from morning sickness.

Ginger is also believed to be helpful in the fight to lose weight, as it works as a natural dietary aid. The reason it works is that ginger helps to boost the rate in which the body burns calories. This benefit has been borne out in studies conducted by researchers in Australia. When coupled with other spices including rosemary, thyme, oregano and pepper, ginger is excellent in regards to its antioxidant properties and therefore is proficient at fighting cancer.

Article Source: http://www.abcarticledirectory.com

Scott Meyers is a staff writer for Its Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Food Cures.

Note: The content of this article solely conveys the opinion of its author, Scott Meyers

Proper Exercise Can Cure Hypertension

By Cory Brusseau

Although there are new blood pressure treatments coming out ever day, exercise is still one of the best remedies around. Studies have shown that sedentary lifestyles tend to elevate blood pressure, while regular exercise can reduce it. A single workout can reduce blood pressure for an entire day, and regular exercise can keep the pressure down for the long run.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is often a precursor to heart disease and if left undetected or isn't properly controlled can lead to heart attack, kidney failure, stroke and death. Because it has few early symptoms, many people aren't aware they have it, leading to the statistic that one out of every two Americans die of heart disease. The risk generally increases with age due to the high fat-high cholesterol diets that most modern societies consume throughout their lives.

The good news is that the right kind of fitness program can make a big difference. A balanced fitness plan is always the best way to achieve the results you desire. Stretching, strength training, aerobic activity, and anaerobic activity all play a part in a total fitness plan. Regular physical activity makes your heart stronger. A stronger heart can pump more blood with less effort. If your heart can work less to pump, the force on your arteries decreases, lowering your blood pressure. Regular exercise is also a great way to maintain your proper bodyweight, another important way to control blood pressure. To keep your blood pressure low, you need to keep exercising. Depending on your condition, it can take from one to three months for regular exercise to have the desired effect you aim for. The benefits last only as long as you continue your fitness routine, so as long as you exercise on a regular basis, you will see marked benefits all your life.

If your blood pressure is already at normal levels, a good fitness plan will keep it from rising as you age. Remember to begin your fitness routine slowly. If your condition is bad, do not overwork yourself! Find an fitness plan that will allow you to go at your own pace. Remember to incorporate a good warm up and cool down plan. Build up the intensity of your workouts gradually. Yes, it is important to simply get out there and get moving. However, to achieve the maximum benefit from exercise, it is important to strive for a full, balanced, ongoing workout plan that grows in intensity.

Based on the mountains of evidence that now exists, there is one message for all couch potatoes out there: Get moving. Whether you are overweight or slim, have hypertension or normal blood pressure, engaging in regular exercise can help reduce, risk of heart attack, stroke, and premature death.