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There’s nothing better than a chilled glass of sugarcane juice on a hot summer day. Sugarcane, a grass plant that can be found in 36 varieties, has no fats and is a 100 percent natural drink.

An 8-ounce serving – approximately 240 ml – of sugar cane juice (without any additives) contains 250 calories, with 30 gm natural sugars.  It has zero content of fat, cholesterol,fiber and protein but contains sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron. You would think that this sugar-rich drink can’t possibly have health benefits but we’ve rounded up 10 of them for you.

1. It gives you a shot of instant energy

There’s a reason sugarcane juice sells at most roadside kiosks in summer. It’s the best way to energise yourself, and ensure you don’t experience dehydration. The simple sugars in the juice are easily absorbed by the body and are used to replenish sugar levels.

2. It enhances liver function

Sugarcane juice is said to be one of the best natural treatments for liver-related ailments such as jaundice. Alkaline in nature, sugarcane juice helps maintain the electrolyte balance in the body.

3. It can help the body fight cancer

The high concentration of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and manganese makes sugarcane juice alkaline in nature. This – along with the presence of flavonoids – helps the body stave off cancerous cells, especially prostate and breast cancer.

4. It eases the digestive system

People suffering from digestive distress would do well to include sugarcane juice in their diet. The potassium in sugarcane juice balances the pH levels in the stomach, facilitates the secretion of digestive juices and keeps the system on track. It also helps prevent stomach infections.

5. It is helpful for people with diabetes

The high sugar content in sugarcane juice may make diabetics wary of consuming this juice. But, in moderation, sugarcane juice can benefit diabetics – the natural sugar has a low glycemic index, preventing spikes in blood glucose levels.

6. It maintains kidney health

Being a natural low-cholesterol, low-sodium food with no saturated fats, sugarcane juice helps keeping the kidneys in top shape.

7. It alleviates pain associated with STDs & UTIs

Consumed in a diluted form, with lime juice and coconut water, sugarcane juice can help reduce the burning sensation associated with sexually transmitted diseases, urinary tract infections, kidney stones and prostatitis.

8. It aids in development of bones and teeth

Back in the day, chewing on a sugarcane stick used to be a regular pastime for young children and adolescents. Apart from keeping them occupied, the calcium-rich sugarcane also ensures proper development of the skeletal system, bones and teeth.

9. It keeps bad breath & tooth decay at bay

Experiencing bad breath linked to tooth decay? Sugarcane juice can be your saving grace.Rich in minerals, including calcium and phosphorus, sugarcane juice helps build toothenamel and strengthening teeth and ensuring they are prone to decay. It also overcomes bad breath caused due to the deficiency of these nutrients.

10. It can help cure acne

Topical use of sugarcane juice can help reduce and cure skin problems such as acne. Sugarcane juice contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid, which increase cell turnover. They also exfoliate the skin, eliminating chances of acne buildup.  Just mix with Fuller’s earth (multani mitti) into a mask-like consistency, apply on face and neck and leave on for 20 minutes. Wash off with cool water.

Sugar contained in sugarcane juice is natural, but keep in mind that it is essentially sugar. Consume this healthy beverage in moderation, and run it past our Coaches if you suffer from a medical condition.

Blueberry juice is a delicious beverage packed with health benefits – in fact, there are at least 10 of them, which we are going to outline for you in a moment. Blueberries in general have been hailed for their nutritional content along with being powerful antioxidants. Now that the warmer weather is upon us and blueberries are coming back for the season, here are 10 benefits of blueberry juice you should be aware of to entice you into eating more of these healthy berries.

Health benefits of drinking blueberry juice

Lose weight: A study conducted by the University of Michigan found that blueberries can aid in weight loss. Blueberries were found to help reduce fat in rats regardless of the diet they were on. Researchers believe that blueberries have an impact on the way our body stores and breaks down sugar. Although the study was conducted on rats and more research on human subjects is required, there are previous studies suggesting similar results.

Slow down the aging process: Thanks to its high antioxidant count, blueberry juice can help fight off free radical damage that speeds up the aging process. In one study, participants consumed blueberry juice combined with apple juice for four weeks. The researchers found that oxidative DNA damage – which promotes aging and increases the risk of cancer – was reduced by 20 percent.

Pack on antioxidants: As mentioned, blueberries and blueberry juice are high in antioxidants, which fight free radical damage. Blueberries are noted to offer the highest amount of antioxidants, compared to other fruits. Aside from fighting free radicals, antioxidants have also been linked to improved overall health.

Lower blood pressure: Studies have found that blueberry consumption is associated with a reduction in blood pressure. After eight weeks of consuming 50 grams of blueberries a day, high-risk heart disease patients experienced four to six percent decrease in blood pressure.

Prevent heart disease: Because blueberries can aid in hypertension, they can also help reduce the risk of heart disease as well. Blueberries are known to reduce the risk factors related to heart disease, but more research is required to determine if they can reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Boost brain health: Free radicals and oxidative stress can damage the brain, but the antioxidants in blueberries can help combat this, thus contributing to improved brain health. A six-year study consisting of 16,010 elderly found that consuming blueberries and strawberries delayed cognitive impairment by 2.5 years.

Manage diabetes: Blueberries are fairly low in sugar, which makes them a healthy snack for diabetics that won’t increase the blood sugar levels. Blueberry properties have also been shown to benefit insulin control and sensitivity, which can be easily achieved by drinking blueberry juice.

Treat urinary tract infections: Cranberry juice is often hailed for aiding in urinary tract infections, but blueberry juice can benefit the treatment as well. Blueberries and cranberries are closely related and share the same active ingredients that help treat a urinary tract infection. Just remember to drink a natural blueberry juice and not the cocktail variety, which is packed with sugar and can worsen the condition.

Relieve muscle damage after strenuous exercise: After an intense workout, muscles may get tired and sore, but this muscle fatigue can be improved with the consumption of blueberry juice and blueberries. Blueberries can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress on the muscles, thus speeding up muscle repair.

Support eye health: The antioxidants in blueberries can aid in eye health by preventing free radical damage to the eyes and the ensuing vision problems. Blueberries also aid in blood pressure, which is a contributing factor to poor vision as well.

As far as health benefits are concerned, the seeds are full of fiber and known for many surprising health benefits. These seeds are used in making falooda, sherbet, milkshakes and other popular health drinks. It is known worldwide as one of the ingredients for sweet Asian drinks. However, like Chia seeds, it is comparatively less tasty.

1. Basil seeds for weight loss: Sabja seeds can be used for weight management purposes. It is full of fiber that makes your stomach full and don’t feel hunger to a certain period of time. After soaking into water, it has the ability to expand 30 times of its original sides thus reduces longing for eating more.
2. Sabja seeds for hair: The seeds contain adequate amount of vitamin K, protein and iron. These nutrients are helpful to make your hair healthy and shining. So, it is suggested to include it in your daily diet requirements to skip embarrassment from hair loss and baldness.
3. Basil seeds for healthy skin: The mix of Sabja seeds and coconut oil is effective to ward off many skin related diseases. Method: Take 100 ml of coconut oil and 1tsp of crush basil seeds. Now heat the mixture for 5 minutes. Strain and apply it over your skin to cure skin related problems like psoriasis, eczema, etc.

4. Basil seeds for acidity: Acidity problems are very common these days due to faulty lifestyle and wrong dietary pattern. Sabja 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 reduce burning sensation in your stomach.
5. Sabja seeds for diabetes treatment: The seeds are good in curing of diabetes type 2 by lowering down the sugar in blood. Method: Take soaked basil seeds (1tsp), toned milk (1 glass) and vanilla for flavor. It helps to give you energy sans sugar.
6. Relieves constipation: The soaked Sabja seeds when eaten helps to cleanse the inner stomach. It ensures easy bowel movement and helps to flush out toxin from the stomach. It is also taken with milk before going to bed to ease constipation.
7. Acts as coolant: These seeds are used to lower body heat that’s why as one of the important ingredients in summer for a number of cool drinks such as falooda, rooh afza, nimbu pani and sherbet.
8. Nutritional values of basil seeds: The seeds contain many phyto-chemicals and polyphenolic flavonoids like Orientin, vicenin and other antioxidants. The leaves are rich in essential oils like eugenol, citronellol, limonene, citral and terpineol. It contains beta carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin A and vitamin K. It also contains important minerals like potassium, manganese, copper, calcium, folates, and magnesium.
9. Sabja Seeds recipes: Rooh afza, milkshake, Indian lemonade, paan gulkand milkshake, strawberry falooda, mango falooda, mango sherbet, rose milk recipe, nimbu panni, Shikanji, nannari sharbat, bel sharbat, etc. are some of the important healthy recipes of it
10. Medicinal values: Medicinally, it can be used to treat digestion problems, cure constipation, removes skin infection, respiratory disorder, sore throats and stress relief

Common names of basil seed

The scientific name of Sabja seeds is Ocimum basilicum. The different common names of basil seed are Sabja seeds, Falooda, Arabic falooda seeds, Sabja ginjalu, Thai holy basil, Selashi Tukmaria, Sabja Vethai, Hazbo, Tuk malanga, Basilic cultive, Basilien Kraut, and sweet basil seeds. These seeds are the product of rudra jada plant that comes under Tulsi family but shouldn’t be mistaken with holy basil or Tulsi.

Side-effects of Sabja seeds

The children and elderly people should avoid to take it as the seeds may choke due to improper imbalance of water and seeds. Pregnant mother should skip it as the seeds lower down the level of estrogen.

1. Electrolyte Replacement: Coconut Water vs. Gatorade 

Because coconut water is high in potassium, and such a great electrolytereplacement, it has even been used for IV hydration in certain emergency situations.

It is also lower in carbohydrates compared to other sports drinks. Coconut water is only about 4.5% carbohydrates whereas other sports drinks can contain 6-8% carbohydrate concentration. This is good for athletes trying to watch their sugar intake and hydrate after an event. For most casual exercisers coconut water is a great low-sugar hydration choice for after a workout.

A 2002 study, compared water, coconut water, and standard sports beverages to determine which beverage was best for post-exercise hydration. The eight subjects exercised in the heat and then were rehydrated with either water, coconut water, or a sports drink.

Researchers found that there was no difference in sodium levels, urine output, or fluid balance between the three beverages, meaning all three beverages were equally hydrating. But, there was significantly less nausea or fullness with the coconut water allowing the participants to drink more of the beverage.

Overall, coconut water can be an alternative to sports drinks, but it may depend on the type of sport and the intensity. Some long-distance endurance athletes may need more specialized products that contain more sodium and carbohydrates. But, for most casual exercisers, coconut water is a great option.

2. Lower blood pressure 

A 2005 study found that when subjects were given coconut water for two weeks, their systolic blood pressure was 71% lower and their diastolic blood pressure was 29% lower than those who drank plain water.

The high potassium content of coconut water has led researchers to investigate the potential benefits for reducing cardiovascular disease risk.

Potassium counteracts the effect of sodium in the body, helping lower blood pressure.

3. Lower cholesterol and triglycerides

A 2006 study found that rats given coconut water had a decreased chance of having a heart attack. The coconut water helped decrease their total cholesterol triglyceride levels, and LDL cholesterol, specifically the cholesterol found in the heart.

Additionally, the health benefits of coconut water helped the rats recover faster if they did have a heart attack. Researchers believe that the benefit may be related to the potassium, calcium, and magnesium content in the water, all electrolytes that play a role in helping maintain heart health.

4. Cleansing / Detox

Our bodies have an amazing natural ability to cleanse and detox on their own, if provided the correct nutrients and hydration. Inadequate hydration leads to the build-up of toxins in our bodies because the liver and kidneys, the detoxifying organs, are unable to function properly without adequate water.

Dehydration resulting from water or electrolyte loss leads to fatigue, irritability, confusion, and extreme thirst. These symptoms result from the inability for the kidney to adequately flush toxins out of the system. Adequate fluid intake, ideally 8-10 cups per day, can help prevent dehydration and maintain the body’s natural detoxification ability.Although water is great, during very hot weather or strenuous exercise, more than just plain water may be necessary.

Coconut water contains a similar electrolyte profile to human blood, making it an ideal beverage to replace fluids and help remove toxins from the body. The electrolyte potassium, specifically, can help counteract some of the negative effects of a high sodium processed diet.

5. Reduce stress and muscle tension

It’s almost as good as a massage!  Some of the electrolytes found in coconut water, specifically calcium and magnesium, may help with stress and muscle tension. Many of us are missing these critical minerals in our diets, making stress management even more challenging. Other than maintaining strong teeth and bones, calcium helps with smooth muscle relaxation. Adequate calcium intakes may help keep our all our muscles relaxed, including our heart muscle, lowering the risk of heart attacks.

Magnesium has been nicknamed the “relaxation” mineral. Its primary function is in the parasympathetic nervous system, the part of the nervous system that helps us relax. It also helps with the formation of serotonin, the feel good hormone.

1. Prevents cancer

Undoubtedly, this is one of the greatest benefits of soursop juice.

It is one of the natural remedies that has proven to be truly effective in treating all types of cancer, especially the breast, prostate, colon and lung.

The antioxidants present in this tropical fruit, fight fabulously the toxins that give rise to all types of malignant tumors.

The soursop juice is an ideal accompaniment to conventional medical therapy, in combating this terrible disease anticancer treatment.

2. It is ideal for losing weight

Soursop contains low calories, and high fiber levels.

This makes it the ideal fruit to contribute to the burning of fats in the organism.

Drink a glass of guanabana juice daily (without refined sugars), and complement your diet plan perfectly.

3. Protects organs and delays aging

The guanabana contains properties that prevent nerve damage, and contribute to heart health.

The high vitamin B1 content of this delicious fruit helps accelerate metabolism, thus improving blood circulation and regulating blood pressure.

The vitamin B2 that the guanábana contributes to our organism, helps to maintain the cardiovascular health in the best of the states, as well as to optimize the functions of the nervous system.

On the other hand, the vitamin C present in the guanabana, increases the resistance of our organism, and delays the process of natural aging.

4. Prevent the flu

The high vitamin C content of the guanabana helps to prevent and combat the flu and the cold.

Another of the most fabulous benefits of guanabana juice is that because of its great contribution of nutrients, it contributes in an excellent way to strengthen the immune system, keeping away from it all kinds of harmful agents, such as viruses and bacteria .

5. Strengthens bones and prevents osteoporosis

The high calcium and phosphorus levels of this powerful fruit make it a highly effective natural treatment to maintain good bone and dental health.

The soursop juice is highly recommended for all women who are going through the period of menopause because it helps strengthen bones, weakened by low production of estrogen.

6. Take care of your liver

This is another of the most fabulous benefits of soursop juice.

The number of antioxidants present in the guanabana helps to dramatically strengthen liver function, as well as that of the gallbladder.

7. Excellent for people with diabetes

Sugar from soursop is very easy to metabolize, and its compounds help balance and stabilize blood glucose levels.

Natural guanabana juice (without refined sugar), is very recommendable for people with diabetes.

8. Regulate intestinal transit

This is another of the 10 best benefits of soursop juice.

The high fiber content of this fruit helps in a wonderful way to combat all kinds of digestive diseases, such as constipation.

The guanábana is also excellent to take care of the intestinal flora.

9. It helps to fall asleep

The guanabana contains powerful nutrients, which act on the nervous system, helping to lower our levels of stress, anxiety, and to be able to better sleep.

The soursop juice is highly recommended for those suffering from insomnia, stress, anxiety and other sleep – related problems.

10. Increases energy

Soursop juice is also one of the most powerful natural energizers.

This is due to the high content in fructose levels of this fruit, natural sweetness capable of fabulously optimizing our mental and physical abilities.

Drink a glass of guanabana juice on an empty stomach, to start your day with the greatest energy.

Most people have no idea that Almond milk is more beneficial and nutritious than ordinary dairy milk, due to the fact that it contains much more nutrients and it has not been subjected to the same processing. It is also an ideal alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or have allergies to soy.  Almond milk, like soy milk, is a perfect alternative to cow's milk and has a surprisingly rich & creamy taste.

The benefits of almond milk are vast, especially for those looking to lose weight.  It has a low caloric value, with an 8 oz serving of Plain (which has no added sugar) only containing  around 60 calories, which has a much lower impact on your daily calorie intake than skim milk.  It is rich in vitamins, and also boasts an impressive dose of bone-building calcium.

Diet-Friendly Benefits

Almond milk is a beneficial addition to a diet geared toward weight loss or weight management.   Almond milk is also high in fiber.  A glass of almond milk contains nearly one gram of fiber per 8oz. serving, and fiber is important for healthy digestion.

Plain, original almond milk provides only 60 to 70 calories per cup, and it's:

• Low in protein, providing only 1 to 2 g per cup,
• Low in fat 2.5 g
• Has 0 g saturated fat
• Only 8 g carbohydrates

Vitamin-Rich

Like conventional dairy products, almond milk is nutrient-fortified, and a good source of several important fat-soluble vitamins.  One cup of plain almond milk has a Recommended Daily Value equivalent to:

• 10%  for vitamin A
•  25% for vitamin D
• 50% for vitamin E

These totals make it exceptionally high in nutrients compared to the amount of calories it provides per serving. Vitamins A and E act as antioxidants, enhancing immunity and protecting the body's cells and tissues from damage. In addition, vitamin A  and is important for healthy eyesight, improves the skin and supports normal growth and development. Vitamin D helps build and maintain strong bones and teeth, and enhances immunity.

Almond milk is lower in both potassium and phosphorus than regular milk or soy milk.  Individuals with chronic or acute kidney disease, must restrict their intake of these minerals according to the Medical College of Wisconsin, making almond milk a better choice.

It is also a good source of omega fatty acids, which are most commonly associated with fish.

High in Calcium 

Almond milk is rich in calcium, with one cup offering approximately 300 mg, meeting 30 percent of the DV for this major mineral. Calcium plays a big role in building and maintaining strong bones and teeth.  Almond milk contains 25% of your daily recommended Vitamin D intake and 30% of calcium both of which aid in building and maintaining strong healthy bones.  Having strong bones is paramount in fighting off the risk of osteoporosis in later life.Calcium is also needed to help regulate blood pressure and is necessary for muscle contraction.  Those who cannot tolerate dairy products, or do not use them, often come up short on this important nutrient.

Health Benefits

Diabetic Benefits 

Almond milk is wonderful for those who are diabetic or who are looking for a milk that is blood sugar friendly, as a typical serving only contains 8 grams of carbohydrates, 7 grams of which are sugar.  These sugars make up the carbohydrate content that has minimal impact on our bodies, in comparison to that of normal dairy milk, which contains simple sugars our bodies store as fat causing our bodies to miss out on these vital nutrients.  Also, almond milk has such as low amount of simple sugars, giving it a low glycemic nature, which means it is digested fully by the body and used for energy.

Heart Healthy

Opting for the almond milk can also promote a healthy heart, as there are only 5 mgs of sodium and no cholesterol in a typical serving.  The low amount of sodium, lack of cholesterol and presence of around 150mg of Potassium within the milk helps keep blood pressure levels normal and aids in maintaining a healthy heart.

Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention

I mentioned that almond milk is packed with Vitamin D which is known to improve cell function and immunity, and this has also been proven that it can help decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s.

Body Building 

Almond milk helps increase muscle power, which is perfect for body builders looking for a natural way to increase muscle strength and give them the explosive power that ‘unnatural’ products give.  It helps improve muscles due to the presence of  riboflavin which is a form of Vitamin B and iron.  In a typical serving of almond milk benefits is 4% of your recommended daily intake of iron, which helps regulate oxygen absorption.  And a high dose of riboflavin appears to be useful in the prevention of migraine headaches.

Other Beneifits 

No Refrigerated Needed

Dairy milk has to be refrigerated or it will spoil, but you will see in the stores that almond milk is set on the shelf with dry foods. It doesn't have to be set on ice to keep it's integrity.  This fact is excellent for road and camping trips.  Use almond milk instead of regular milk and lessen the load in your ice chest.

Lighter Alternative Than Soy Milk 

Soy milk isn't that good for a diet because it is full of sugar.  Therefore, the lift people feel after drinking it largely has to do with it's sugar content.  Soy milk also provides about 100 calories per every one cup, where as almond milk has about 40 calories less. Soy milk has 4 grams of fats compared to the 2.5 grams in the almond alternative.

Almond milk is a no-nonsense nutritional powerhouse.  Use it in recipes as part of your daily diet or with your morning cereal or coffee and you may notice a positive change in your health and mood.