Month: October 2023

Most of the time when we eat papaya fruit, we trash the papaya seeds. But little do we know how beneficial they are and how they can prevent and cure a plethora of ailments related to the liver, gut, intestinal worms, and even diseases like dengue. The following is a list that illustrates papaya seeds benefits.

1. Heals Liver Cirrhosis

Papaya seeds contain vital nutrients that help heal cirrhosis of the liver. Grind or crush 5–6 papaya seeds and have them with food or juice, especially lime juice. This should be done for 30 days. Moreover, eating small amounts of papaya seeds regularly helps in detoxing the liver and keeps liver diseases at bay.

Also Check: Can papaya seeds get rid of parasites?

2. Keeps The Kidneys Healthy

Researchers at the University of Karachi have found that papaya seeds can be used to improve kidney health and preventing renal failure. The same works wonders for kidney poisoning-related diseases.

3. Reduces Inflammation Of The Joints

Papaya seeds are anti-inflammatory in nature, which makes them great for alleviating arthritis, joint disease, swelling, pain, and redness.

4. Kills Bacteria And Heals Viral Infections

A small amount of papaya seeds has been found to kill harmful bacteria like E. coli, Staphylococcus, and Salmonella. They also help fight viral infections and cure typhoid, dengue, and numerous other diseases. In Nigeria, papaya seeds mixed with milk is an excellent cure for typhoid fever.

The seeds have been extensively used in Costa Rica to fight against dengue fever. The juice from papaya leaves can also help cure dengue by increasing platelet count.

5. Aids Digestion

Both unripe papaya and papaya seeds are high in the enzyme papain. Papain is a beneficial aid to protein digestion but best avoided for pregnant women or those trying to conceive.

6. Arrests Cancer

Papaya seeds contain agents that stop the growth of cancer cells and tumors. They contain isothiocyanates which work well for colon, breast, lung, leukemia, and prostate cancer.

7. Destroys Parasites In The Intestine

The seeds of papaya contain an alkaloid called carpaine that kills intestinal worms and amoeba parasites. The fruit also helps metabolize proteins and makes the gastrointestinal tract an extremely hostile place for parasites to live and thrive. Studies have shown that children in Nigeria have got rid of parasites in their gut 75% of the times by consuming papaya seed juice for 7 days.

8. Helps In Contraception

Papaya seeds are excellent natural contraceptives for both men and women, without any side effects, unlike the over-the-counter contraceptives that have numerous adverse effects on prolonged use. For centuries, both men and women in the Indian subcontinent and in parts of Southeast Asia have traditionally used the papaya fruit and its seeds as a form of birth control.

For men, eating 1 teaspoon of papaya seeds every day for 3 months can greatly reduce sperm production without affecting libido. Moreover, this effect is temporary; when papaya seeds are discontinued, fertility is restored.

Making Papaya Juice

• Use 2 papaya leaves.
• Wash and cut into smaller pieces.
• Pound and squeeze the pulp through a filter cloth.
• Only 2 tablespoons of juice can be squeezed out.
• Two tablespoons per serving once a day.

How to Eat Papaya Seeds

Papaya seeds can be eaten raw (though that gives a strong, pepper-like but bitter taste), ground or crushed in salad dressings, milk, or honey.

Conclusion: Eat The Seeds In Moderation

The goodness of consuming papaya seeds are many and not limited to the above list. That said, one should partake only small quantities of the seed and that also, not very frequently. Excessive consumption may lead to many side effects, notably pregnancy-related issues.

As a precaution, pregnant women should not use papaya seeds or the enzyme-rich green papaya. This warning on their use would also extend to breastfeeding. Additionally, while papaya seeds do have strong anti-parasitic properties, they may be too powerful for young children’s gastrointestinal tracts. So a doctor should be consulted before giving them to infants.

An accompaniment to most burgers, sandwiches, and salads, yellow mustard sauce is a household name in America. And, if you regularly whip up sandwiches in your kitchen, you might have it handy in your kitchen cabinet.

Considering the fact that it features the most in unhealthy foods, you might be led to think that it doesn’t offer any nutritional value. Turns out, there might just be some health benefits in your bottle of mustard sauce. Here are 6 of these benefits.

1. Promotes Heart Health

Yellow mustard is rich in potassium, with 83 milligrams of the nutrient in 100 grams of the sauce. This nutrient helps your heartbeat stay regular.

Also Check: What does honey mustard pair well with?

Mustard is also rich in phosphorous, 57 milligrams in 100 grams to be precise, which is believed to protect against heart disorders. However, there isn’t enough research to back this claim.

2. Strengthens Teeth And Bones

The calcium in yellow mustard sauce is vital to the growth and development of bones and teeth. It also supports their structure and hardness.4 100 grams of the sauce provides 32 grams of calcium.

The phosphorous content in yellow mustard sauce works with calcium to ensure the proper maintenance of bone mass and strength.

3. Aids Nerve Functioning

Phosphorous content in yellow mustard sauce is vital to nerve functioning. It works with the B vitamins in the body to oversee nerve signalling. The calcium and magnesium content in the sauce also contribute to intracellular functioning and nerve transmission.

4. Relieves Respiratory Disorders

According to ayurveda, mustard relieves congestion in the head and lungs. It is hence also promoted as a means to relieve respiratory disorders. However, this claim is currently under scientific study and does not have any research to back it up as of yet.

5. Aids In Metabolism

Yellow mustard is rich in magnesium with 24 milligrams of the nutrient in 100 grams of the condiment. Magnesium plays an important role in metabolic processes and is in charge of the synthesis of protein.

Magnesium also contributes to the functioning of adenosine triphosphate molecule, which produces and transfers energy in cells during metabolism. Additionally, the phosphorous content in this sauce contributes to the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein, and fats in the body.

6. Fights Cancer

Mustard contains a lot of phytochemicals called glucosinolates and isothiocyanates. These compounds are currently being studied for their potential anticancer benefits.

Certain other studies conducted on rats have looked at the potential of mustard in treating colon cancer. The results showed promising benefits of the condiment in cancer treatment. However, this one benefit remains to be proved.

Besides this, the nutrient content in mustard is believed to contribute to proper kidney functioning and digestion. And, while you could continue to go for commercial options, you could also try making your own at home. This way you’ll be able to ensure that there are no harmful additives in what you’re consuming.

Homemade Yellow Mustard Sauce Recipe

The Romans were the first to grind mustard seeds into a paste. And, for yellow mustard, white mustard seeds are used. Here’s how you can make your own sauce.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup of water
• 4 tablespoons of dry ground mustard
• 3 tablespoons of vinegar (white distilled options work well)
• 1/4 teaspoon and 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt (separate)
• 1/8 teaspoon of turmeric
• Pinch garlic powder
• Pinch paprika

Directions

• Add water, dry mustard, salt, turmeric, garlic, and paprika in a small saucepan and whisk until smooth.
• Cook the mixture over medium-low to low heat, stirring continuously for 30–45 minutes or until it bubbles down to a thick paste. Be
• sure to do this in a well ventilated room as mustard has a strong fragrance.
• Whisk the vinegar into the mixture and cook until it’s thickened to the desired consistency.
• Let the mustard cool at room temperature. Transfer the contents to an airtight container

This mustard should last for up to 3 months. The smell and taste might be pungent initially, but will mellow down in time.

While mustard sauce offers all of the above benefits, it also comes with a lot of sodium content. This could derail all the benefits that the condiment offers when had in large amounts. So, be sure to have yellow mustard in moderation.

Demerara sugar sounds exotic and its golden toffee color promises to be delicious. But are you having it because you believe it is more nutritious or healthy than other sugars? After all, brown rice and brown multigrain bread are better for health, so shouldn’t this sugar be too? Time for a reality check! Here’s a look at what demerara sugar really contains and whether or not it is a healthy choice for you.

1. Demerara Sugar Is Also Made From Sugarcane

Demerara sugar is made by dehydrating the cane syrup obtained from sugarcane. Which is essentially the same process followed for white sugar, made by purifying syrup from sugarcane or from sugar beets. The name mainly comes from its origins at the plantations in the former British colony of Demerara, currently in the Republic of Guyana. The sugar was extracted from cane grown in the rich volcanic soil of the region. Its distinctive flavor and deep molasses and caramel notes made it popular with the colonial power.

Also Check: Can I use brown sugar instead of honey?

2. It Is A Partially Refined Or Raw Sugar

During its production, demerara sugar also undergoes the same initial processes as white sugar. However, demerara sugar is taken from the raw sugar of the first pressing of the cane and doesn’t undergo further processing to strip it of all its molasses and color. This leaves a bigger, golden-sized grain that has a hint of molasses in its flavor. Some believe that this makes demerara sugar different and more nutritious than regular sugar. But there’s more to it than meets the eye.

3. It Has Marginally Less Sucrose And More Molasses Than White Sugar

Unfortunately, even though the sugar is not treated further, it is still essentially 96 to 98 percent sucrose, as raw sugars usually are. That is certainly an improvement on pure sucrose. Some data suggest that demerara sugar could actually be around 93 percent sucrose, the balance made up by glucose and fructose, as well as minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium in small amounts from the molasses it contains. But this high sucrose content means it is pretty much like having regular sugar. So if you are diabetic or weight watching, you are not going to see any benefits from choosing demerara sugar over white sugar.

4. It Contains Some Minerals But Too Little To Count

The ash level of a sugar or molasses is an indicator of mineral content in sugar since much of the ash comes from minerals (unless there are impurities). With demerara sugar, ash level standards are usually set to below 0.45 percent by many manufacturers. This is unlike sugars like muscovado sugar, another partially refined sugar, where standards in traditional manufacturing centers limit the ash to under 3 percent. In other words, the ash content in demerara sugar is much lower than some other alternatives to white sugar. To stay within this limit, the raw cane sugar needs to be processed by partial centrifugation, so excess molasses may be removed. In the process, you lose further mineral content.

All in all, though, neither demerara sugar – nor muscovado sugar – contains enough minerals to merit any attention for health benefits. You’d need to load up on a lot of sugar to get any significant amount of the minerals in. And with sugar being almost purely carbs and costing you about 16 calories a spoonful, it is just not worth it!

5. Its Crystals Are Bigger And Have A Richer Flavor

What you get when you buy demerara sugar is a marginally less refined sugar that has a very small amount of minerals from the molasses in it. What you can expect, however, is a deep caramel flavor and a golden texture different from white sugar.

Regardless of nutrient content and health benefits or the lack thereof, demerara sugar has a unique flavor that makes it a staple for many. The sugar is popular in some parts of the world like England, where people enjoy its slightly intense toffee flavor. It is also popular in crumbles or as a topping for cakes. It is even suggested as a sweetener for sharp tangy fruit like grapefruit. The crystals are larger than the average white sugar, so they take longer to dissolve in your drink than normal white sugar. This means it won’t melt into your hot or cold drink as easily. Whether that’s a deal breaker for you is a matter of preference.

Watch Out For Impostors Or “Dressed Up” White Sugar

You’d imagine that the golden color of demerara sugar means that it is significantly less refined, but it may not always be the case. Unscrupulous manufacturers out to make a quick buck off the popularity of raw cane sugars are coloring white sugar. This is then palmed off as demerara sugar, which commands a higher price. If you’re trying to have a less processed sugar, this fake demerara might mean you’re in fact having something that’s been processed even further and colored like brown sugar. So read labels carefully.

References

• Types of Sugar
• What’s the Difference Between Total Calories and Calories From Fat?

Azadirachta indica or neem is an extraordinary tree. Every part of the neem tree – bark, leaves, flowers, seeds, roots and fruits – has been used since ancient times for a wide range of purposes in ayurvedic, homeopathic, and unani medicine. In fact, it is known as the “Village Dispensary” in many Indian villages.

However, the very potent powers of neem, and neem oil in particular, could affect you adversely if used unwisely. A lay consumer often overlooks or is unaware of this fact. Here are some side effects of neem you should be aware of.

Neem Oil Can Irritate The Skin And Stomach Lining

Many neem-based products such as neem leaf extracts and neem teas are generally safe for ingestion. But neem oil, derived from the plant’s seeds, is potentially harmful if ingested. Azadirachtin, an active component of neem oil, can irritate the skin and stomach lining and cause mild to serious problems. The other components of neem oil include fatty acids, essential oils, and other constituents, all of which typically occur in other foods and can be safely consumed.

Also Check: How Much Sugar Does Your Orange Juice Have?

Neem Oil Can Cause Nausea Or Diarrhea

Adults who ingest neem oil could suffer from nausea or diarrhea. These are the milder side effects, though. More serious effects can occur if you consume too much and the effects include kidney failure, seizures, or metabolic acidosis, which is a chemical imbalance in blood leading to a build-up of excessive acid. Many of these conditions can be managed with timely medical care, but fatalities are not uncommon.

Neem Oil Can Cause Brain Damage

While neem oil is primarily a topical application, in some countries where it grows, there is a tradition of administering the oil in small amounts to newborns and infants. This practice carries huge risks. In children and some adults, neem oil can cause toxic encephalopathy, a neurologic disorder that causes vomiting and seizures. Other serious side effects observed include drowsiness and brain swelling. While precious lives are often saved with timely medical intervention, there are deaths too. Some babies who survive may have impaired neurological functions. Clearly, not all traditions are safe.

Neem May Cause Infertility

Since neem oil has been shown to have genotoxic (cell-damaging) properties in lab studies, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not ingest it. Neem may also induce abortion. Experiments on laboratory animals with neem have shown it to have spermicidal qualities and, hence, it should not be used by men or women wanting to become parents. On the good side, research indicates its potential as a vaginal contraceptive thanks to these same spermicidal properties.

The Good And The Bad In Haircare And Skincare

Neem oil is excellent for both skincare and hair care. It’s rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids (EFAs), and stimulates the production of collagen, making it an excellent antidote for dryness and aging skin. Neem oil’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can treat fungal skin infections such as athlete’s foot and ringworm. Hair loss, graying hair, dandruff, and lice are the various hair problems that can also be treated with neem oil.

However, there have been rare cases of individuals reacting to topical applications of neem oil. For instance, when applied to the scalp to combat alopecia or hair loss, neem oil could lead to contact dermatitis or itchy rashes on the face and scalp. Always do a patch test before use and ensure you don’t use undiluted neem oil directly unless under medical supervision. Carrier oils like coconut and almond can be blended with it in the proportion 1:10 for sufficient effect. Neem oil is powerful enough to be effective at this concentration too.

Effect On Vision

A study from India cites the rare instance of a woman who consumed a large quantity of neem oil and 5 days later, reported loss of vision. Fortunately, her eyes responded to treatment and she recovered her vision. While the report offers no details on the context surrounding her consumption of neem oil, the message is clear – indiscriminate use of neem oil can potentially harm our bodies in unforeseen ways.

Neem Oil: Should It Be Avoided At All Costs?

Not at all! Neem oil is already incorporated commercially in a range of everyday products for skincare, healthcare, dental care, and cosmetic use. In general, exposure to neem oil in such products is considered safe with no side effects, as the quantities will be balanced and safety-tested. So go right ahead if you love using herb-based toiletries and skincare products. Do a patch test or slowly increase quantities to ensure you are not allergic to the product.

Neem Leaf, Bark, And Seed: Do They Have Toxic Effects Too?

Neem stem bark extracts have long been used traditionally as a pesticide, a contraceptive, for dental care, rheumatism, and to treat gastrointestinal and skin problems. Scientific studies show that neem bark extract has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, and it can treat children’s inflammatory conditions in the mouth, stimulate the immune system, and treat acidity and ulcers.

Ayurvedic medicines use neem bark extracts to treat pain and fever. It is considered to be safe with no known toxic effect on humans. It has been found to be toxic for certain snail and fish species but has not shown any toxic effect on mice during laboratory tests.

Used under expert guidance, extracts of neem leaf, bark and seeds are considered safe for human use. In fact, like neem oil, they are already being used in various products for daily use. Traditional medicine does advise against unguided use of neem by children, women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, and all adults with a weak constitution.

Scientific studies show that aqueous extracts of neem leaves when ingested in the right dosage, can stimulate the immune system, control blood sugar levels, prevent intestinal ulcers, inhibit fungal and viral growth, prevent oral cancer, protect the liver, and treat anxiety and depression. Neem leaf extracts can inhibit the growth and development of the malarial parasite and is an important part of malaria control programs. Neem leaf is also known to have spermicidal properties so must be avoided by pregnant women and by women, and their partners, who are trying to conceive.

Ayurvedic medicine has already been using neem leaves for centuries to treat health conditions such as skin problems, eye problems, intestinal worms, leprosy, nosebleeds, and bile problems. Animal lab tests have shown adverse effects in various degrees but no known toxic effects on humans have so far been observed.

Neem seed use has shown mild to lethal toxicity in animal laboratory tests. On the other hand, ayurvedic medicines use seed extracts to treat intestinal worms and leprosy in humans. Neem seed extracts are known to have spermicidal, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, and anti-viral properties. Its spermicidal properties have even been successfully used to formulate a cream.

How Much Is A Safe Dose?

• In traditional practice, about 2–4 grams of powdered neem leaf or 10–20 ml of neem leaf juice are safely prescribed twice or thrice a day.
• About 1 gram of leaf extract gel or toothpaste used twice a day can effectively and safely remove dental plaque.
• About 30-60 grams of freeze-dried neem bark extract has proven to be effective against stomach ulcers.
• For skin and vaginal infections, creams with 5 percent or more of neem extracts or oil can be safely applied at least twice a day.
• To effectively repel mosquitoes and other insects, a 4 percent concentration neem oil mixed with other oils such as mustard or coconut has been found safe and effective.

As with any ingestible health product, a neem-based medication should only be taken when prescribed by qualified professionals who will also factor in possible side effects and interactions with medications for existing illnesses.

Safety Of Neem Tea And Neem Capsules

Neem leaf extract capsules are commercially available in strengths of 250–500 mg as treatment for acne and other skin allergies and infections. The capsules can be safely taken twice a day under medical advice only. Please do not self-medicate.

Neem leaves are quite safely used to make teas or infusions to boost immunity and cleanse blood. However, more than 2 cups a day can make you nauseous, and suppress your appetite, so don’t overdo it. In many Indian homes, neem leaves are boiled in bath water to take care of skin problems. Sometimes a bandage or cloth is soaked in such a tea and bandaged over sprains, swollen glands, and bruises. This is safe and effective.

References

• Neem
• Neem oil dilution?

A glass of orange juice feels like a great way to start your day. Packing in those vitamins and antioxidants, you probably feel especially healthy. But if you’re wary about the amount of sugar in the drink, you may well find reasons to cut your intake or change the kind of juice you drink.

A 248 g Glass Of Unsweetened Orange Juice Has 20.83 g Sugar

So how much sugar is there in a glass of orange juice? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you may think. The quantity of sugar in a glass of orange juice can vary greatly depending on whether you’re having it fresh squeezed with no sugar added in, or sweetened, or packaged with or without sugar.

Also Check: What contains in orange juice?

To put the numbers into perspective: the WHO recommends that women cap their daily intake of added sugar or natural sugars from honey or fruit juices at 25 g and men cap it at 38 g. Just 1 glass of orange juice meets 84% of the daily sugar quota.

A single cup of about 248 g of unsweetened orange juice even though it may not have any added sugars already contains natural sugars. And you’re likely to get, on an average, about 20.83 g of sugar in this serving size.

A similar-sized serving of canned unsweetened orange juice has 21.81 g of sugar. Some organic orange juice brands listed on the USDA database had as much as 41.67 g of sugar in a 100 ml serving, while others had 33.8 g in a 100 g serving.

Orange Juice Also Contains Other Carbs

If you’re watching your sugar intake – and more so if you’re diabetic – you should know that it isn’t just important to know how much sugar or added sugar there is in orange juice. The carbohydrate content can be just as important because your body digests carbohydrates and converts them to blood sugar or glucose. In other words, it isn’t just the sugar in the juice but also the carbs that turn into sugar after being digested that matter.

So that same 248 g serving which you thought gave you around 20 g of sugar, suddenly becomes a more “heavy” choice, due to the 25.79 g of carbohydrates it also contains. A 249 g serve of an orange juice drink that might seem to have marginally more sugar content of 23.31 g also has 33.39 g of carbohydrate. And that changes the way you look at the drink.

Orange-Flavored Drinks Or Sodas Have The Most Sugar

The other important thing to track if you’re concerned about a sugar spike in your system is the glycemic load. Considered more effective a measure than just glycemic index or GI, this tells you just how much of an effect a certain food has on your actual blood sugar levels when you consume it. This is derived after factoring in the carb content of the food as well. Which is why some high GI foods that have low carb content can still be low as far glycemic load goes. In other words, they won’t give you as much of a sugar spike as you may fear. Foods that have a glycemic load of 10 and under are considered low glycemic load foods, and a load that hits 20 and over is considered high. How does orange juice stack up on the glycemic load charts?

Plain oranges have a glycemic load of just 5, well under 10. If you squeeze your own and leave in the fiber and pulp you should be able to keep the sugar rise low. However, have a glass of orange juice, even without any added sugars, and the glycemic load inches up to 12, slightly over the low glycemic load marker. Opt for an orange-flavored drink or soda and you will have a real sugar hit with a glycemic load that’s in excess of 20 and probably not a good idea if you’re trying to keep those sugar levels steady. Different orange juices and orange juice concentrates were studied by the American Diabetes Association, for their glycemic load. It varied between 9 and 14 for 250 ml servings.

Avoid Packaged Juice; Choose A Whole Fruit And Freshly Squeezed Juice

Here are some tips to make sure you don’t overdo the sugar with your next glass of orange juice.

• Stick to fresh squeezed orange juice. Better yet, have a nice juicy orange as a fruit instead. The pith and fiber in it is good for you too!
• If possible make your own, so you know nothing extra (especially sugar) has been added.
• If you’re buying canned or packaged orange juice, always read the label to check how much sugar it contains.
• Try and opt for a brand that says it has no added sugars. That way you’ll limit the damage! There’s no getting around the natural sugars, but at least you won’t be getting any unnecessary extra sugar in.
• Pick pure 100% juice. Anything that says “orange flavored” or anything else that implies it is just a cordial or syrup or artificial flavor of orange and not the real Mccoy is best avoided. The sugar in such drinks is likely to be higher.
• If actual sugar intake is an issue, but you like your juices sweet, artificial sweeteners offer an alternative. However, there is some controversy around other potential health problems from artificial sweeteners, so this is a decision you should make after consulting your doctor – especially if you are diabetic.

References

• The growing concern over too much added sugar in our diets