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The green-cactus looking plant that sits out in your garden isn't just a plant with its roots in folklore, it's the crux of a million dollar industry that extends from beauty creams to healthy juices and diet supplements. Over time, aloe vera has seamlessly integrated itself into everything we use. But what makes this miracle plant so distinguishable?

The aloe vera plant is about one or two feet tall with prickly and bitter leaves, which act as a defence to keep animals and insects from feeding on the plant. The leaves hold a gooey translucent gel, also extremely bitter, and known all over the world for it's unbelievable healing properties. This translucent gel is made up of around 96% water, some organic and inorganic compounds, a type of protein which contains 18 of the 20 amino acids found in the body and lastly, Vitamin A, B, C and E. Another part of the aloe vera plant which is used is the 'sap', a yellow-coloured liquid stuck to the skin of the plant from the inside. When dried and purified, the powdered aloe is often used as a laxative, though it's effectiveness is questionable.

One of the most crucial elements found in aloe vera gel is a complex carbohydrate known as acemannan. It allows nutrients to reach the cells, nourish them and at the same time relieve them of toxins. Ayurveda, Chinese herbal medicine and British herbal medicine have all advocated aloe vera as a healer, when applied or consumed orally. Let's go over some of its most prominent benefits.

Aloe Vera for Beauty

Bill C. Coats writes, "Since the skin needs nutrition of its own, Aloe Vera, when formulated into a properly designed personal care regimen, can treat, exfoliate, restore, reveal and provide constant, impressive nutrition to the human skin." And we're about to show just how you can do that. Once you move past the slimey texture of natural aloe vera gel and apply it to your skin, you'll notice how soothing and cooling it is. And it's for these exact reasons that Ayurveda refers to aloe vera as the miracle herb that can be used to treat wounds, minor cuts, dry skin and severe burns.

Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj, Delhi-based dermatologist says, "Aloe Vera is rich in Vitamin C, E and beta carotene which gives it its nourishing and anti-ageing qualities. It can moisturise the skin without making it greasy, which makes it a great buy for those with oily skin." She also suggests drinking aloe vera juice early in the morning on an empty stomach because it improves digestion and cures any kind of stomach trouble. And you know that if you've got a healthy inside, it'll give you a glowing outside which in this case is radiant skin.

Aloe vera or aloe vera-based products can be used in the winter as well as in the summer and by people of all skin types. Aloe vera treats the cells on the epithelial level of the skin which is why it's recommended by dermatologists to remove tan, treat sunburn and stretch marks. One way to use aloe vera is to apply the gel directly, another would be to make a pack using aloe vera along with some other special ingredients from your kitchen.

1. Aloe Vera for Dry Skin - Take some aloe vera, a pinch of turmeric, a teaspoon of honey, a teaspoon of milk and a few drops of rose water. Blend this mix till you get a paste. Apply it and leave in for about 20 minutes or so.

2. Aloe Vera Scrub - Grab half a cup of fresh aloe vera gel, a cup of sugar and two tablespoons of lemon juice. The sugar will help exfoliate and scrub off dead skin, the aloe vera will deep clean the skin and the lemon will help fade out scars and tan. Stir the three ingredients together and use it to scrub both face and body.

3. Aloe Vera for Acne - Take some aloe vera gel, blended walnuts with a flour like consistency and honey. Aloe vera's healing properties coupled with the anti-oxidants from honey will leave you with smooth and clear skin.

4. Aloe vera for Sensitive Skin - Grab some aloe vera gel, cucumber juice, yoghurt and rose oil and blend them to a paste. Apply and leave for around 20 minutes, then rinse it off.

Aloe Vera for Weight-Loss

It's not just the beauty industry that's obsessing over the benefits of aloe vera, the health industry can't stop raving about it either. According to Britt Brandon, the author of The Everything Guide to Aloe Vera for Health, "Aloe vera can improve the effectiveness of your diet and maximise your weight-loss potential. With ample amounts of vitamins and minerals that contribute to weight-loss, as well as amino acids, enzymes and sterols, aloe vera ensures your diet is not only supportive of weight-loss, but also improves the body's absorption and utilisation, improving overall health as well as weight-loss success."

Aloe vera is used in a wide range of health products, like diet supplements, juices etc. It's rich in anti-oxidants which means it helps cut out free radicals in the body and boost your immunity. It's also a good source of protein so it helps muscle development and gives you copious amounts of energy. There are countless studies that prove how effective aloe vera is for weight-loss, but it should be consumed regularly and over a long period of time for it to really work.

How to drink aloe vera juice: The natural taste of aloe vera is so bitter that you wouldn't think of consuming it as is. Take the gel, dice it into small pieces and blend. Now mix a bit of this with some other fruit or vegetable juice that's preferably sweet. You can also use the leaves of aloe vera, blend them, strain and drink. If you find it too bitter then mix it up with honey and drink. You can also add some lemon to this mix.

Pineapple is the king of tropical fruits. It’s no doubt a really tasty fruit but did you know that it is full of vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and C, manganese, copper, potassium, beta-carotene, folic acid and dietary fibers? And you know what is the best way is to get all these nutrients? Well it’s consuming it in the juice form because it helps in delivering the nutrients faster. Though pineapple juice is not everyone’s first choice, I am sure you will consider it as an option once you read about all the health and beauty benefits it has to offer.

Pineapple Juice Health Benefits

1. Effective Arthritis Solution:

Pineapples juice is loaded with an enzyme known as Bromelain. Many scientific studies show that bromelain is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. It is particularly effective against arthritis so if you have arthritis then you should add it to your diet immediately. Bromelain also has healing properties which get accentuated when it’s used with turmeric.

2. Treats Indigestion & Digestion Related Problems:

Bromelain helps to break down proteins. Proteins are hard to digest and often act as a cause of indigestion and digestion related problems. It also contains small bits of fibre that can help to de-clog the digestive and intestinal tracts so instead of your favourite digestive aid or antacid, drink a glass of pineapple juice.

3. Natural Diuretic:

While we all know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but not everyone loves an apple and might not like having it every day. If you bored of apple but want the health benefits it offers, try pineapple juice. Pineapple juice is a natural diuretic helps in maintaining the health of your kidney which is the organ responsible to get rid of the toxins in the body.

4. Maintains Cardiovascular Health:

The vitamin C, beta carotene and antioxidants in pineapple juice help your body to maintain cardiovascular health. It also helps to reduce blood pressure and is very effective to counter hypertension, which in turn contributes to reducing your risk for heart disease.

5. Remedy for Menstrual Disorders:

Pineapple juice is a very effective remedy when it comes to menstrual disorders. Bromelain has analgesic properties that can help women who suffer from uncomfortable or painful periods.

6. Promotes Bone Health:

The manganese present in the pineapple is good as it helps in the development and maintenance of strong and healthy bones. When you juice up a pineapple, the juice contains almost 73 per cent of the manganese that the body requires. It is especially beneficial for growing kids as it helps in the growth and development of bones while for adults; it prevents bone related problems like osteoporosis by strengthening them.

7. Maintains Eyesight:

Beta-carotene and vitamin A help in maintaining eyesight as they prevent macular degeneration which is the primary reason behind loss of vision at the old age.

8. Promotes Oral Health:

If you want to ensure good health of your teeth and prevent the frequent trips to the dentist then add pineapple juice to your diet. Pineapple juice contains high amount of vitamin C which help in strengthening the gums and keeping your teeth healthy and strong. Vitamin C also helps in preventing plaque formation and reduces the risk of periodontal diseases and gingivitis as they restrict bacterial activities.

Pineapple Benefits for Skin

9. Makes Skin Clear:

The vitamin C in pineapple juice is a very effective acne treatment. You can get rid of acne and acne marks by using this as a toner or applying and letting it dry and then washing it with cold water. Thus, pineapple for skin is one of the perfect remedies to make skin clear.

10. Best Source of Anti-Oxidants:

As pineapple juice is full of Vitamin C and potassium, it is one of the best sources of anti-oxidants out there. The anti-oxidants not only boost your immunity but also help to keep your skin and body feel and look younger.

So don’t just use the pineapple to beautify your glass of juice or cocktails but also consume its juice. It’s particularly refreshing in summers. Here’s a small tip – add few drops of lemon. This will not only enhance the taste but also increase the Vitamin C content which as I mentioned has numerous benefits for your body.

1. You’ll Strengthen Your Immune System

Daily consumption of coconut water has the ability to strengthen your immune system. It also has the ability to remove bacteria in the body that causes gum disease and urinary tract infections. Coconut water combats viruses that cause you to catch a cold, typhus or infectious diseases. Even during cold season, you find your health is exceptional.

2. You’ll Start to Feel More Energetic

Coconut water enhances the thyroid gland hormones, which gives you an energy boost at a cellular level. After a week of consuming coconut water consistently, you may just see a spring in your step that wasn’t there before.

3. You’ll Feel Better Internally

Coconut water eliminates toxins from the body and breaks down kidney stones. As a natural diuretic, it’s really helpful for those of you who have kidney disease. It cleanses the urinary tract, as well as bladder channels too, so after a week you may find yourself feeling a lot more healthy and energetic.

4. You’ll Notice Improvements in Your Digestive System

Coconut water is excellent for the digestive system as it gives us a lot of our daily requirements for fiber. It’s not always easy to obtain the amount of fiber per day that your body requires. When you consistently drink coconut water for a week, you’ll find yourself becoming more, ahem… regular. When gastric acid is eliminated regularly, you’ll have a lot more energy because the body is able to run at an optimum level.

5. You’ll Lose Weight

When you consistently drink coconut water for a week, you may find yourself shedding some pounds. It’s more of an indirect result, as you’re able to drink coconut water in large amounts because it’s low in fat, which curbs your appetite. When you drink a lot of coconut water, your appetite will be reduced and you’ll possibly eat less. Also, the amount of energy you gain may just have you doing more exercise.

6. You’ll Relieve Certain Types of Headaches For Good

If you’ve suffered from headaches, you know how terrible they can be. Coconut water can be used as a means of hydrating yourself properly and subsequently preventing headaches daily. Coconut water may be the answer if your headaches have something to do with hypertension or dehydration.

If you’re suffering from headaches due to dehydration, it’s because you’ve lost essential fluids. This may have happened due to physical activities when you lost too much fluid or perhaps you have a hangover. Coconut water is a headache-solver, in most cases, due to it being a natural elixir packed with electrolyte-balancing nutrients. Through drinking coconut water you’ll regain the fluids that you’ve lost, putting you back on the mend quickly.

7. You’ll Notice More Radiant Skin

One cup of coconut water will ensure that your skin is radiant thanks to the incredible effects of hydration. Skin, of course, is the largest organ in the body and if you’re not hydrated, your skin suffers greatly. If you consistently drink coconut water daily, your skin will see noticeable improvements. By adding coconut water to mineral water, you’ll find yourself drinking more fluids and getting maximum hydration. Positive effects are seen throughout the body but the skin may take some time to shine.

8. You’ll Feel Younger

If you’re tired of eating carrots in the hopes of saving your eyesight, coconut water may just be your answer. Coconut water has the ability to reverse visions problems such as glaucoma and cataracts. Through drinking coconut water, you’ll have boosts of energy, your risk of heart attacks and strokes will be reduced, and the aging process will be slowed down at a cellular level.

Good things come in small packages - the same is true of chia seeds which are extremely miniscule yet are power packed with nutrients and minerals.  Also known as salvia hispanica, chia seeds are native to Mexico, and belong to the mint family. They are believed to have been consumed by some of the ancient civilizations like the Mayans and the Aztecs. Chia seeds are grown primarily for their oil but gradually made way to the culinary world owing to their health benefiting properties. They are widely cultivated in parts of Mexico, Guatemala, Argentina, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Australia and Ecuador. Small oval shaped, they are soft seeds that are multicoloured - brown, black and white. One of the most interesting things about these wonderful seeds is their ability to soak up water. Chia seeds are hydrophilic, which means they can easily be mixed with water and can soak up to twelve times their weight!

NUTRITIONAL PROFILE

Just 100 grams of chia seeds can load you up with some of the most essential nutrients including iron, calcium, thiamin, manganese, magnesium, zinc, phosphorous, B vitamins, folate and riboflavin. According to medical experts, small quantities of chia seeds added in daily diet can help strengthen immunity, boost metabolism and can also ward off some rampant ailments. Just in case you need more convincing for buying a pack of these super seeds and including them in your diet, here are some proven benefits of chia seeds consumption.  

Chia seeds are enriched with fiber. Every 100 gram will give you close to 40g of dietary fiber. Fiber is an excellent agent for digestion and helps keep bowel-related ailments (like constipation) away. Fiber also helps in relieving from bowel inflammation, irritability and helps in regulating cholesterol levels as well.

2. Weight Loss:

Believe it or not, seeds are the new superfoods as not only are they rich in fiber but provide energy too. Just a handful of chia seeds when mixed with nuts and dry fruits or included in smoothies or shakes can help you keep full for longer. These can soak a lot of liquid and expand in the stomach, which helps in suppressing appetite, warding off untimely hunger pangs, preventing binge-eating, and thereby facilitating weight-loss. Every 100g of chia seeds has close to 480 calories and 30g of fat out of which polyunsaturated fats (good/essential fats including omega 3, 6) make up to 23g.   

3. Omega 3 Dose:

Omega 3 is extremely important for our body's functioning. Chia seeds are one of the highest sources of plant-based omega acid, also known as Alpha Linolenic Acid (AHA). These are a part of polyunsaturated fats which are the 'good fats' and extremely essential for the nervous functioning of our body.

4. Essential Minerals and Antioxidants:

Chia seeds are loaded with essential nutrients and are suitable to give your daily diet a power boost. They are full of antioxidants that are linked with acting against inflammation, growth of cancer cells, ageing and age-related cognitive decline. Just a couple of spoons of chia seeds can make for 30 percent of your daily manganese requirement and 18% of your daily calcium requirement.

Chia seeds are good for your overall digestive and metabolic health. Some of the most recent studies have linked chia seed consumption with healthyblood sugar levels, HDL (good cholesterol), cholesterol as well as reduced levels of triglycerides (blood fat) and LDL (bad cholesterol). These can safely be consumed by diabetics and can also aid in maintaining healthy heart and bones. For all those who are gluten-allergic, there is some good news - chia seeds are absolutely gluten free!

However, please note that those who suffer from certain nut or seed-based allergies may get allergic to chia seeds. Those on blood thinning or blood pressure medication should also get in touch with a medical professional before including chia seeds in their regular diet.

There have been many dabble in the up and coming well-known basil seeds (which look like chia seeds), in that they might assist control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes (in accordance with the Sutter Gould Medical Foundation). Why is this so? Basil seeds appear to help the controlling of blood sugar in test subjects, as well as in dieters, it has the possibility to help in reducing appetite as well as food cravings and also to keep weight loss efforts on track. There are actually great claims which basil seed drinks assist with weight loss, yet with a lack of adequate research, these types of claims haven’t yet solidify at this time. In Asian countries, like Thailand, basil seeds are made in a drink, and stores sell these drinks in cans. The intact seeds, coupled with water, sugar, honey and often coconut milk, create a thick drink using a consistency much like tapioca. The traditional recipes, however, are higher in sugar. Also in Asia, it’s the primary component in Italian cuisines.

Health benefits of Holy Basil Seeds

Seeds offer concentrated nutrition and also fiber. All of the ingredients required for plant germination can be found within the seed, including carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fat. Many seeds offer nutrition, flavor and texture in the balanced diet, which includes poppy, sunflower, pumpkin and sesame seeds. Research has shown that it gives a number of health advantages, from treating nausea to indigestion, diabetes, constipation, respiratory problems and so forth. There are additional health advantages people could possibly get from adding basil seeds in their nutrition.Listed are some of the popular health benefits of Basil Seeds

1. Aids in digestion

Basil seeds are generally utilized to offer rest from stomach upset. Because of its carminative effects, it really is effective for the treatment of digestive disorders like stomach cramps, flatulence, constipation, irregular bowel movements as well as indigestion.

2. Treats colds

Another benefit of basil seeds is they offer rest from influenza, fever and cold. Since it has got antispasmodic effects, it will help treat whooping cough. In reality, tulsi is definitely the main ingredient in several expectorants and cough syrups.

3. Cures respiratory disorders

The herb is effective in the cure of respiratory disease, in accordance with recent studies. A combination of the herb, along with ginger and honey is a cure for asthma, cough, cold, influenza and bronchitis. Just boil it in the glass of water as well as consume it.

4. Stress reliever

Usage of basil seeds comes with a uplifting effect on your mood and therefore is helpful for reducing mental fatigue, nervous tension, melancholy, depression as well as migraine. Because of its soothing effect, it really is widely used for aromatherapy purposes, providing you with clarity as well as mental power.

5. Good for skin infections

Basil seeds are crushed into oil to aid in dealing with infections like wounds, cuts, bladder infections, skin infections and so on.There isn’t any proof whatsoever that basil seeds have got unwanted negative effects. However, you need to talk to your doctor prior to consume them, particularly if you are on medication.

6. Reduces Inflammation

Its anti-inflammatory  nature decreases inflammation brought on by many problems just like arthritis, joints pain and etc.

7. Maintains Functioning of various Body Systems

It will help in maintaining the functioning of blood circulation system, cardio vascular system, digestive system, defense mechanisms along with other body systems.

8. Treats Problems of Genito-Urinary System

It will help for treating the problems of genito-urinary system like bladder infection, vaginal infection and gonorrhea.

9. Regulates Blood Sugar Level

It will help in reducing the metabolism as well as absorption of the carbohydrate within the intestine therefore regulates the blood sugar levels.

10. Fastens Wound Healing

Its anti-bacterial as well as anti-inflammatory property fastens the wound healing as well as helps prevent from further skin disease.

Treats Hyper-Acidity ProblemIt will help in managing the normal cholesterol level as well as dealing with the hyper-acidity problems just like heartburn, gastro-esophageal reflex disorder and etc.

11. Reduces Effect of Snake Poison

It behaves as a natural antidote for the snake poison.

12. Improves Memory Level

Omega-3 fatty acids perfectly found on the basil seed works well for enhancing the memory level as well as brain power.

13. Basil seeds for acidity

Acidity problems are quite normal nowadays because of defective lifestyle and incorrect dietary pattern. basil seeds are having cooling and soothing effects on the stomach. Method: Take milk (1 cup) and basil seeds (1tsp), stir it well and drink the same to lessen burning sensation within your stomach.

14. Relieves constipation

The soaked basil seeds whenever consumed helps you to cleanse the inner stomach. It guarantees easy bowel movement and helps to flush out toxin through the stomach. It is also taken along with milk before you go to bed to help ease constipation.

15. Anti-inflammatory

Essential from Basil seeds have demostrated anti-inflammatory property. Basil Seed oil is advantageous in lessening inflammation in arthritis and relive joint pains. Basil seed oil consists of Omega-3 fatty acids mostly alpha- linolenic acid that is biologically very active and acts in relieving stress and modulate immune functions in body.