Coconut

Coconut In Modern Medicine


Modern medical science is now confirming the use of coconut in treating many of the above conditions. Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of these are summarized below:


Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses.
Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.
Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.
Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.
Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.
Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.
Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.
Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.
Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.
Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.
Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.
Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.
Helps protect against osteoporosis.
Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.
Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.
Improves digestion and bowel function.
Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.
Reduces inflammation.
Supports tissue healing and repair.
Supports and aids immune system function.
Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.
Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.
Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.
Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.
Functions as a protective antioxidant.
Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.
Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do.
Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.
Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement) .
Reduces epileptic seizures.
Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.
Dissolves kidney stones.
Helps prevent liver disease.
Is lower in calories than all other fats.
Supports thyroid function.
Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.
Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.
Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.
Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.
Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.
Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.
Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.
Provides protection form damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation form the sun.
Helps control dandruff.
Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.
Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.\
Is completely non-toxic to humans.

See Research to read some of the published studies regarding the above mentioned uses of coconut products.

Thanks to: v.m.sathishkumar svm_sathishkumar@yahoo.co.in

Over View

Apples
Protects your heart
prevents constipation
Blocks diarrhea
Improves lung capacity
Cushions joints

Apricots
Combats cancer
Controls blood pressure
Saves your eyesight
Shields against Alzheimer's
Slows aging process

Avocados
Battles diabetes
Lowers cholesterol
Helps stops strokes
Controls blood pressure
Smoothes skin

Bananas
Protects your heart
Quiets a cough
Strengthens bones
Controls blood pressure
Blocks diarrhea

Beans
Prevents constipation
Helps hemorrhoids
Lowers cholesterol
Combats cancer
Stabilizes blood sugar

Cabbage
Combats cancer
Prevents constipation
Promotes weight loss
Protects your heart
Helps hemorrhoids

Carrots
Saves eyesight
Protects your heart
Prevents constipation
Combats cancer
Promotes weight loss

Cauliflower
Protects against Prostate Cancer
Combats Breast Cancer
Strengthens bones
Banishes bruises
Guards against heart disease

Cherries
Protects your heart
Combats Cancer
Ends insomnia
Slows aging process
Shields against Alzheimer's

Chestnuts
Promotes weight loss
Protects your heart
Lowers cholesterol
Combats Cancer
Controls blood pressure

Figs
Promotes weight loss
Helps stops strokes
Lowers cholesterol
Combats Cancer
Controls blood pressure

Garlic
Lowers cholesterol
Controls blood pressure
Combats cancer
kills bacteria
Fights fungus

Grapefruit
Protects against heart attacks
Promotes Weight loss
Helps stops strokes
Combats Prostate Cancer
Lowers cholesterol

Grapes
saves eyesight
Conquers kidney stones
Combats cancer
Enhances blood flow
Protects your heart

Honey
Heals wounds
Aids digestion
Guards against ulcers
Increases energy
Fights allergies

Lemons
Combats cancer
Protects your heart
Controls blood pressure
Smoothes skin
Stops scurvy

Limes
Combats cancer
Protects your heart
Controls blood pressure
Smoothes skin
Stops scurvy

Mangoes
Combats cancer
Boosts memory
Regulates thyroid
aids digestion
Shields against Alzheimer's

Oranges
Supports immune systems
Combats cancer
Protects your heart
Straightens respiration


Peaches
prevents constipation
Combats cancer
Helps stops strokes
aids digestion
Helps hemorrhoids

Pineapple
Strengthens bones
Relieves colds
Aids digestion
Dissolves warts
Blocks diarrhea

Strawberries
Combats cancer
Protects your heart
boosts memory
Calms stress

Tomatoes
Protects prostate
Combats cancer
Lowers cholesterol
Protects your heart


Thanks to: "Shenoy, Sheshagiri" sheshagiri.shenoy@veco.com

Never be sicck again

Thanks to: "Ramesh Rajendran" rameshmicrob@yahoo.co.in

Ginger

Ginger is a strengthening food that has long been used to maintain health. Ginger has a long history of both culinary and medicinal use in Chinese, Japanese and Indian medicines. In ancient China, ginger was regarded as a healing gift from God and was commonly used to cleanse and warm the body.

Qualities of Ginger

The major active ingredients in ginger are terpenes and oleoresin called ginger oil. These two, and other active ingredients in ginger, provide antiseptic, lymph-cleansing, circulation, and constipation relief qualities.
Ginger is good for the respiratory system

It is good to fight against colds and flu
Ginger offers substantial protection from stroke and heart attack because of its ability to prevent blood clotting
Ginger is crucial in the battle against cardiovascular disease

Relieves headaches and pains
Helps to clear sore throats
Good for upset stomach and indigestion.
It is very effective as a cleansing agent through the bowels and kidneys and also through the skin

Colds/Flu
Kills influenza virus by improving immune system's ability to fight infections. Ginger also relieves headaches.

Increases Circulation
Increases the muscular contractions of the heart atria, there by increase in overall circulation. Ginger has been proven to prevent internal blood clots and lowers blood pressure. Ginger Root stimulates the central nervous system controlling the heart and respiratory centers. Ginger helps reduce serum cholesterol, which can slow down circulation.

Ginger Relieves Motion/Morning Sickness
Ginger is one of the most effective herbal remedies to get rid of Motion/ Morning Sickness.

Digestive Aid - Indigestion, Stomach Ache
Ginger Root increases production of saliva in the mouth and dramatically increases digestive enzyme amylase in the saliva to additionally aid digestion. Ginger Root also contains a very effective digestive enzyme zingibain.

Women's Health
Ginger Root is good for the uterus as well as the intestinal tract and may ease menstrual cramps

Skin
Ginger is very cleansing - reduces pus in infected wounds as well as boils. Clears spots caused by chicken pox and shingles. Useful for burns, sores, sunburn, ringworm, warts, herpes, athletes foot and even for dandruff.

Stress Protection
Ginger Root appears to limit the effects of adrenergic stimulation and there by relieves the stress

Arthritis
As Ginger root is a proven anti-inflammatory agent, some arthritic victims may find it helpful.

Ginger is sometimes recommended as an alternative to aspirin for people who can not take aspirin because of its irritating effect on the gastrointestinal tract.

Ginger cures following ailments
Asthma - Adults
Athlete's Foot
Acne
Boils/ Blisters
Cold Sores
Cuts
Cold
Flu
Gingivitis
Glandular Fever
Gum Infections
Head Lice
Infections
Insect Bites / Stings
Mosquito Bites
Mouth Ulcers
Mumps
Ringworm (tinea)
Skin Conditions - Antiseptic
Sore Throat
Warts

With all the benefits to the average person, ginger should be included in the diet every day. Especially for a person who are suffering from heart problems, cold/flu, stress problem, motion sickness a daily dose of ginger combined with other herbs to enhance their effectiveness is part of a sensible, healthy diet.

Thanks to: "s.v.m.sathishkumar" at svm_sathishkumar@yahoo.co.in

Tomato

Tomato is considered both vegetable and fruit but is largely accepted as vegetable. It is popular all over the world. It contains a lot of nutrients especially vitamins. It is very tasty and people like to take it in different forms such as raw, as salad, as juice, soup, sauce, ketchup, sauce, in curries, in sandwiches etc.

It is great source of vitamin A, B and C. Taking 3-4 ripe tomatoes daily will give sufficient amount of vitamins required by the body. Some scientists prefer it even to orange and grapes. It also contains iron in quantities twice as found in eggs.

It speeds up blood circulation and enriches red blood corpuscles in blood.
It provides strength to heart muscles and bone.
It also provides energy.
It clears constipation, and activates the liver.
It is digestive, diuretic, carmative and an apetiser.
But persons suffering from kidney stone must not take Tomato. Taking too much of Tomato seeds may result in the formation of stones. So it is better to avoid the seeds.
A person suffering from cough should also avoid taking Tomato.

Medicinal uses:

1. For stomach disorder:

Cut tomato into pieces, sprinkle salt and pepper and take it morning and evening for indigestion and for its role as an appetizer.

2. For constipation:
Take tomato juice evenly mixed with spinach juice before retiring to bed for comfortable bowel movement.

3. For skin disorder:
Tomato can be utilised in various form for different kind of skin problems:a) Taking Tomato juice 2-3 times regularly purifies blood and cures skin diseases.b) Apply pulp of Tomato on face, and leave this for an hour. Then wash it with warm water. Repeat this daily. You will have a good complexion. It will also remove ugly looking pimples in a short time.c) Tomato lotion: Add few drops of lemon juice in 1 teaspoon of Tomato juice. Apply on face and remove after 15 minutes. It is very effective for shrinking enlarged pores.d) Tomato tonic: Add 4 teaspoons of butter milk to 2 teaspoons of Tomato juice. Apply it and remove it after half an hour. It is excellent in removing sunburns.

4. Bleeding gums:
For strengthening gums and to stop gum bleeding, take tomato juice regularly.

5. For mouth blister:
Gargle morning and evening with Tomato juice to get rid of blister on lips, tongue and mouth.

6. For eye troubles:
Cut tomato into pieces. Mix it with curd and take it with your meal. it will improve your eye sight.

7. For worms:
Taking tomato sprinkled with rock salt destroys worms of stomach.

Thanks to: IRFAN KHAN at sharukhirfaan@yahoo.co.in

Neem

For centuries the Neem tree has been known as the wonder tree of India . Traditionally used in ayurvedic remedies as an antiseptic to fight viruses and bacteria, it is also recommended for urinary disorders, diarrhea, fever, skin diseases, burns and inflammatory diseases. Because of its wide variety of applications it is commonly called the "Friend and Protector". Neem is also increasingly a key ingredient in modern cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Why is Neem such a wonder tree?
Modern research studies have discovered that it contains both alkaloids and liminoids, each with an array of medicinal properties.
For instance, one liminoid (azadirachitin) has been found to be 95% effective when used as a pesticide and insecticide.
Another liminoid found in Neem leaves (gedunin) has been used to treat malaria in tropical countries.
It is administered as a tea or herbal infusion.
Two other alkaloids (nimbin and nimbidin) have antiviral and antifungal properties.

While all parts of the tree are used in traditional ayurvedic formulas, there are three parts that are of particular benefit. These are the bark, the leaf and the oil.

Uses of Neem Bark
The Neem bark has cool, bitter, and astringent properties. It is traditionally used to treat tiredness, Kapha dosha imbalance, worms, fever and loss of appetite. Because of its antiseptic and astringent properties, it is especially helpful in healing wounds.
Probably the most common use of Neem bark is to clean the teeth. The traditional method is to snap off a twig of the tree and chew on it. The astringent qualities of the bark prevented bleeding gums, tooth decay and foul smell long before the advent of toothpaste.

The Magical Neem Leaf
Neem leaf is famous in ayurvedic texts for having an almost magical effect on the skin. It works as an antifungal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory agent. It is effective in treating eczema, ringworm and acne. Traditional methods include crushing the leaves into a paste and applying directly to wounds, ulcers or skin diseases.
Neem leaf has both pungent and astringent tastes. According to Maharishi Ayurveda, the Neem leaf is especially useful in balancing Vata disorders. It removes ama and other toxins from the body, purifies the blood, and neutralizes damaging free radicals. It is nourishing to the hair (keshya).Neem leaf is also revered for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. Even today in India , people sprinkle fresh Neem leaf near the beds of patients with flu or fever, and hang a cluster of leaves on the door outside. The air that crosses the neem leaf is purified of viruses and bacteria, helping to disinfect the room and prevent the spread of disease.

Traditional Uses of Neem Oil
The oil is derived by crushing the seeds. Like the leaves, Neem oil is used to treat skin problems. It is especially effective in treating head lice and dandruff, and creates a purifying effect when used in aromatherapy.

Thanks to: Rahim, Rizwan" RIZWAN.RAHIM@AIG.com



The Versatile Neem:

Saritha Sthanam shares here past

Newborn infants were anointed with herbs and oil, laid on a silken sheet and
fanned with a branch of a neem tree with ample leaves. As
the child grew it was given small doses of neem oil when
ill and bathed with neem tea to treats cuts, rashes and
the lesions of Chicken pox.

Daily brushing with neem twigs helped kept both child and adult free of cavities and
diseases of the gums.

At the wedding ceremony neem leaves were strewn on the floor of the temple and the air fanned with neem branches.

During adulthood neem bark was burned to make the red ash to be used for religious decoration of the body and neem branches were fanned at the front of
religious processions.

Neem oil lit the night in small lamps.

The wood was used to cook the daily meals of beans and grains that had been kept free of insects during storage by mixing them with a light coating of neem oil or
by mixing them with neem leaves.

Ayurvedic preparations with neem were given for illnesses and neem wood used to
make the roof of the house.

Even at the time of death, neem branches cover the body and neem wood was burned in the funeral pyre.

Source: Sangati News Bulletin 11.2.2007

Honey

Honey. I call it as Elixir of life:

This daily supplement to the diet keeps strong and healthy.
One table spoon per day rejuvenate arteries and veins
It checks high blood pressure, mental impairment characterized by confusion, memory loss.

It keeps bones strong. So, its use has become a MUST for women because it helps bones strong after menopause.
It is an effective way checking prostate problem. Highly remedial to urinary inconvenience.
Keeps away Parkinson?s disease. [Besides to it only one cup of coffee and 2/3 cups of tea daily also helps to keep away Parkinson?s illness].
A spoon per day plays a vital role in fighting infections, keeps vision healthy, maintains skin glowing and helps in bone & body growth.

A spoon per day increases the quantity of semen (jism) and thus helpful in reproductive system.
It helps fight heart disease, memory loss, arthritis, respiratory problem eradication and helps removal in complications in diabetes, lever disease, age-related eye disease.
A spoon per day helps to remove back pain, shoulder pain, muscular pain, and wrist & thumb pains.

A spoon per day overcomes headache pain. Also very much helpful in migraine pain.
It helps for longevity of age.
Obesity is checked and removed by and by if taken a spoon per day after dissolving in Luke warm water early
in the morning without eating anything.

It helps fighting wrinkles to appear on the face.
Helpful in concentration and focusing on your work.
It removes constipation.

It keeps away intestinal inflammation and excessive gas formation.
Very important ? keeps away smoking habit.
Not at all harmful to diabetic persons.

Cuts down sputum enormously and helps to puke it away.
Gums become stout. So holds teeth for a long time of age.
Helps lower depression.

Helpful to keep away cold and flu.
Helpful to say bye-bye to acne.
A secret agent to increase self-confidence.

It highly helps to keep away most annoying disease Asthma. It is a wonder natural Medicare.
Helpful to fight different types of allergies.
Helps to keep away food poisoning.
[Take a spoonful of Limejuice. Add in Luke warm water. Drink. Helps to keep away food poisoning]
Helps to increase blood flow in the whole body.

Thanks to: "Naubat Rai" at naubatrai_08@yahoo.com

The Correct way of Eating Fruits

We all think eating fruits means just buying fruits, cutting it and popping it into our mouths. It is not so easy as you think. It is important to know how and when to eat fruits.

Correct way of eating fruits:

FRUITS SHOULD BE EATEN IN AN EMPTY STOMACH.
NOT EATING FRUITS AFTER YOUR MEALS

If you eat fruit like that, it will play a major role to detoxify your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities.

Let us say you eat two slices of bread and then a slice of fruit. The slice of fruit is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, but it is prevented from doing so.

In the mean time the whole meal rots and ferments and turns to acid. The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil.

So please eat your fruits in an empty stomach of before your meals!

You have heard people complaining "every time I eat watermelon I burp, when I eat durian my stomach bloats up, when I eat banana I feel like running to the toilet etc" Actually all this will not arise if you eat the fruit in an empty stomach. The fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas and hence you will bloat!

There is no such thing as some fruits like orange and lemon are acidic because all fruits become alkaline in our body, according to Dr. Herbert Sehlton who did a research on this matter.

If you have mastered the correct way of eating fruits, you have the secret of beauty, longevity, health, happiness and normal weight.

JUICES

Eating a whole fruit is better than drinking the juice. If you should drink the juice, drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly, because you must let it mix with your saliva before swallowing it.

You can go on a 3 day fruit fast to cleanse your body.
Just eat fruits and drink fruit juice throughout the 3 days and you will be surprise when your friends tell you how radiant you look!

Pine Apple

The exceptional juiciness and vibrant tropical flavor of pineapple that balances the tastes of sweet and tart make them only second to bananas. Although the season for pineapple runs from March through June, they are available year-round in local markets.

Pineapples are a composite of many flowers whose individual fruitlets fuse together around a central core. Each fruitlet can be identified by an "eye," the rough spiny marking on the pineapple's surface. The area closer to the base of the fruit has more sugar content and therefore a sweeter taste and more tender texture.


A Digestive Aid and A Natural Anti-Inflammatory
Fresh pineapple is rich in bromelain, a group of sulfur-containing proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzymes that not only aid digestion, but can effectively reduce inflammation and swelling, and has even been used experimentally as an anti-cancer agent. A variety of inflammatory agents are inhibited by the action of bromelain. It has demonstrated signifcant anti-inflammatory effects, reducing swelling in inflammatory conditions such as acute sinusitis, sore throat, arthritis and gout, and speeding recovery from injuries and surgery. To maximize bromelain's anti-inflammatory effects, pineapple should be eaten alone between meals or its enzymes will be used up digesting food.

Antioxidant Protection and Immune Support
Vitamin C is the body's primary water-soluble antioxidant, defending all aqueous areas of the body against free radicals that attack and damage normal cells. Free radicals have been shown to promote the artery plaque build-up of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease, cause the airway spasm that leads to asthma attacks, damage the cells of the colon so they become colon cancer cells, and contribute to the joint pain and disability seen in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. This would explain why diets rich in vitamin C have been shown to be useful for preventing or reducing the severity of all of these conditions. In addition, vitamin C is vital for the proper function of the immune system, making it a nutrient to turn to for the prevention of recurrent ear infections, colds, and flu.

Manganese and Thiamin (Vitamin B1) for Energy Production and Antioxidant Defenses
Pineapple is an excellent source the trace mineral manganese, which is an essential cofactor in a number of enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant defenses. For example, the key oxidative enzyme superoxide dismutase, which disarms free radicals produced within the mitochondria (the energy production factories within our cells), requires manganese. Just one cup of fresh pineapple supplies 128.0% of the DV for this very important trace mineral. In addition to manganese, pineapple is a good source of thiamin, a B vitamin that acts as a cofactor in enzymatic reactions central to energy production.

Thanks to vikash gupta at vikasguipta058@gmail.com

Orange

Juicy and sweet and renowned for its concentration of vitamin C, oranges make the perfect snack and add a special tang to many recipes; it is no wonder that they are one of the most popular fruits in the world.

Oranges are generally available from winter through summer with seasonal variations depending on the variety.

Oranges' Healing Phytonutrients
Orange has been associated with a wide variety of phytonutrient compounds. The most important flavanone in oranges, herperidin has been shown to lower high blood pressure as well as cholesterol and to have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Importantly, most of this phytonutrient is found in the peel and inner white pulp of the orange, rather than in its liquid orange center, so this beneficial compound is too often removed by the processing of oranges into juice.

Vitamin C for Antioxidant Protection and Immune Support
You may already know that oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C - just one orange supplies 116.2% of the daily value for vitamin C . A good intake of vitamin C is associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer. Vitamin C is also associated with reduced severity of inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin C, which is also vital for the proper function of a healthy immune system, is good for preventing colds and may be helpful in preventing recurrent ear infections.

A Very Good Source of Fiber
Oranges' health benefits continue with their fiber; a single orange provides 12.5% of the daily value for fiber, which has been shown to reduce high cholesterol levels thus helping to prevent atherosclerosis. Fiber can also help out by keeping blood sugar levels under control, which may help explain why oranges can be a very healthy snack for people with diabetes. In addition, the natural fruit sugar in oranges, fructose, can help to keep blood sugar levels from rising too high after eating. The fiber in oranges can grab cancer-causing chemicals and keep them away from cells of the colon, providing yet another line of protection from colon cancer. And the fiber in oranges may be helpful for reducing the uncomfortable constipation or diarrhea in those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. In addition to oranges' phytonutrients, vitamin C and fiber, they are a good source of thiamin, folate, vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), potassium and and calcium.

Prevent Kidney Stones
Want to reduce your risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones? Drink orange juice. When a person drinks orange, grapefruit or apple juice daily, his urinary pH value and citric acid excretion increased, significantly dropping their risk of forming calcium oxalate stones.

Prevent Ulcers and Reduce Risk for Stomach Cancer
An orange a day may also help keep ulcers away.

Watermelon

No other fruit says summer like the subtly crunchy, thirst quenching watermelon. Although watermelons can now be found in the markets throughout the year, the season for watermelon is in the summer when they are sweet and of the best quality.

As a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, the watermelon is related to the cantaloupe, squash and pumpkin. Watermelons can be round, oblong or spherical in shape and feature thick green rinds that are often spotted or striped. They range in size from a few pounds to upward of ninety pounds.

Health Benefits
Watermelon is not only great on a hot summer day to quench our thirst, it may also help quench the inflammation that contributes to conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis. Sweet, juicy watermelon is actually packed with some of the most important antioxidants in nature.

Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin C <http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=109> and a very good source of vitamin A <http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=106>.

A cup of watermelon provides 24.3% of the daily value for vitamin C, and, through its beta-carotene, 11.1% of the DV for vitamin A. Watermelon is rich in the B vitamins necessary for energy production. Our food ranking system also qualified watermelon as a very good source of vitamin B6 and a good source of vitamin B1, magnesium, and potassium.

Because this food has a higher water content and lower calorie content than many other fruits (a whole cup of watermelon contains only 48 calories), it delivers more nutrients per calorie - an outstanding health benefit! Watermelon is also a very concentrated source of the carotenoid, lycopene. Lycopene has been found to be protective against a growing list of cancers. These cancers now include prostate cancer, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, lung cancer and colorectal cancers.

Protection against Macular Degeneration
Eating this fruit may lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults, by 36%.

What could be more delicious on a hot summer's day than a slice of sweet, refreshing watermelon? For the best ever summer spritzer, blend watermelon with a spoonful of honey.

Thanks to: "PED - Thane - Navare S" at snavare@acccement.com

Date

Food Value
The date is a food of high nutritional value. It provides natural sugar in the form of glucose and fructose. This sugar is ready for immediate absorption and is, therefore, infinitely superior to cane-sugar. It is usually taken raw or with milk, which makes it highly nutritious in most respects. Taking it with curdled milk is also common.

The seeds of the fruit, roasted and ground into powder makes a beverage like coffee, called 'date coffee'. The date palm yields a sweet juice of high food value.

Natural Benefits and Curative Properties
Dates are valuable as medicine for their tonic effect. Being easily digested, they are very useful for supplying energy and repairing waste. Milk in which clean and fresh dates have been boiled is
a very nourishing and restorative drink to children and adults alike, especially during convalescence.

Intestinal Disturbances
The nicotinic content in dates is an excellent remedy for intestinal disturbances. According to Metchnikoff, the great Russian Scientist, liberal use of dates keeps in check the growth of pathological organisms and helps to establish a colony of friendly bacteria in the intestines.

Constipation
The date is a luxative food. It is highly beneficial in the treatment of constipation as the roughage provided by it stimulates sluggish bowels. They should be immersed in water at night and taken after making them into a fine syrup the next morning to secure luxative effect.

Intoxication
Dates are excellent remedy for alcoholic intoxication. In such cases, drinking water in which fresh dates have been rubbed or soaked will bring quick relief.

Weak Heart
Dates are an effective remedy for weak heart. Dates soaked overnight in water and crushed in the same water in the morning after removing the seeds should be taken at least twice a week in this condition. It will strengthen the heart.

Sexual Debility
Dates are highly beneficial in the treatment of sexual weakness. A handful of dates soaked in fresh goat's milk overnight should be ground in the same milk in the morning. A pinch of cardamom powder and honey should be mixed in this preparation. This becomes very useful tonic for improving sex stamina and sterility to to functional disorders.

Children's Diseases
A date tied to the wrist of the baby and allowed to be sucked by him during teething time hardens the gums and prevents other complaints like fretfulness and diarrhoea.
A teaspoonful of paste of the date prepared with honey is an effective medicine for diarrhoea and dysentery during teething. It should be given three times a day.

Thanks to "Shenoy, Sheshagiri" at sheshagiri.shenoy@veco.com

Banana

Bananas come prepackaged in their own yellow jackets
Available throughout the year.
The banana plant grows 10 to 26 feet and belongs to the same family as the lily and the orchid.
A favorite food for everyone from infants to elders.

Health Benefits
Sports enthusiasts appreciate the potassium-power delivered by this high energy fruit.
Cardiovascular Protection from Potassium and Fiber
Best sources of potassium, an esssential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function.
Ccontains 467 mg of potassium and only 1 mg of sodium
A banana a day may help to prevent high blood pressure and protect against atherosclerosis.
Potassium in bananas may also help to promote bone health.
Potassium may counteract the increased urinary calcium loss caused by the high-salt diets
Soothing Protection from Ulcers
Protects Your Eyesight
Builds better Bones

Thanks to Shri Vikash Gupta - at vikasgupta058@gmail.com

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose. Combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure:
Banana is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power:
Students can benefit by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that this potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Ulcers:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Smoking:
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress:
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

PS : Now you know why monkeys are so happy with Bananas all the time!

Thanks to "aarthi sarathy" at aarthi_sarathy2000@yahoo.com