Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll is the stuff in plants that makes them green and allows them to absorb energy from the sun. I was surprised when I learned chlorophyll is beneficial for humans. One of the main sources for chlorophyll is alfalfa. Chlorophyll is absorbed by humans every time they eat a green vegetable or salad.

Some of the health benefits include strengthening blood making organs, avoiding anemia, and antioxidant action. It is said to promote digestive health. Some folks claim it helps arthritis and fibromyalgia and inflammatory conditions. It has anti-aging and anti-microbial properties and is said to strengthen the immune system.  

Chlorophyll is often used for bad breath and reducing  unpleasant body odors. It is also used for constipation and wound healing. Chlorophyll is said to help detoxify the liver, and get rid of cancer toxins. There is also some evidence that it might help in the treatment or prevention of colon cancer. Health care providers use it intravenously for treating pancreatitis.

As far as nutrition is concerned chlorophyll has vitamins A,C,E,K and beta carotene. It contains antioxidants, magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium and essential fatty acids.

Some of the side effects of chlorophyll include becoming sensitive to the sun.  If you are taking medications that make you sensitive to the sun, chlorophyll makes it worse. It is also not recommended in supplement form for pregnant and breast-feeding women. Chlorophyll comes in supplement form as both tablets and liquid. It is also in green tea as well as the many green vegetables that are available.   

Sources:
http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/liquid-chlorophyll-benefits-risk#3.
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-712-chlorophyll.aspx?activeingredientid-712-activeingredientname=chlorophyll
http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/health-benefits-of-chlorophyll.html

My new website is up and running. Take a look at it. Go to www.valerielull.com

Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Healthy Teas
valerielull923@gmail.com

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a remedy that has been around for a long time. It was an important part of American folk medicine. There is a book by D.C. Jarvis called Folk Medicine. Jarvis was a Vermont country doctor and throughout his book he frequently refers to remedies that include apple cider vinegar. In Vermont they used it for the various ailments of their farm animals as well as for human use. 

Apple cider vinegar is one of those universal remedies that has been used for everything from morning sickness, to diabetes to warts. It has been highly promoted as an aid in weight loss. It can also be used in cooking and for cleaning purposes. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence for using ACV, but there are few scientific studies. People say they use it because it works. 

Apple cider vinegar is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. It contains vitamins A, B6 and E, lots of minerals,antioxidants, acetic acid and malic acid. Traditionally it has been used for ear and skin problems, fungus and warts, digestive disorders, inflammation, and detox. Some people use it daily as a tonic. ACV is a starch blocker which is why many people use it for weight loss. It is also said to lower blood sugar. As with any natural remedy, be sure to discuss using ACV with your health care provider, especially if you are pregnant or diabetic; it could make your sugars go too low. .

When purchasing ACV be sure to buy it in its natural state. The ACV you buy in supermarkets is usually clear, which means it has been processed and refined. Natural ACV has a cloudy look and there is a membrane called the "mother of vinegar". It has to have this to be natural. There is an excellent ACV vinegar known as Braggs. (I get no remuneration from the company; I just know it is a good product that I use myself).It can be taken with some honey added to make it more palatable. 

Check out my website at www.valerielull.com. 

Sources:
Jarvis, D.C. M.D., Folk Medicine: A New England almanac of natural health care from a noted Vermont country doctor, 1958, Fawcett Books, New York
www.thealternativedaily/the-apple-cider-vinegar-fat-loss-mystery-explained
www.thealternativedaily/Zap-bacteria-with-apple-cider-vinegar-and-these-six-other-superfoods

Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Healthy Teas
valerielull953@gmail.com

Cumin

 Cuminum cuminun, also known as cumin, is a spice that is used extensively for cooking in India, Africa and Latin America. It was used by the ancients in in Egypt in the making of mummies. In Greece they put a bowl of cumin seeds on the table for each meal. This is still done in Morocco. Cumin is mentioned in the Bible and was used for bread and seasoning soup. In Ayurveda (the medicine of India) it is used as a tonic. In the Middle Ages cumin was used to promote love and fidelity.

Cumin is thought to boost metabolism and digestion. It is known as a carminative, which means it relieves gas and bloating. Cumin seems to relieve stomach aches when it is taken with hot water. When taken in powder form it is a laxative. Cumin is sometimes used for insomnia, respiratory problems, lactation, anemia, boils and immunity.  It is also an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, and it is antiseptic.

Cumin is a great source of iron, copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc. It contains folate, niacin, pyridoxine, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamins A, C. E, and K. It also has carotene and lutein.

Some of the side effects include oil of cumin which may sensitize the skin to light. It can also cause low blood sugar so diabetics should be careful As with any substance used for medicinal purposes be sure to check with your health care provider before starting it. It has not been researched in pregnant or nursing women. Cumin comes in capsule, tablet and powder form

Sources:
http://www.drugs.com/npc/cumin.html
http://www.organicfacts.net/health-bendefits/seed-and-nut/health-benefits-of-cumin.html
http://thealternativedaily/detox-your-liver-and-reduce-inflammation-with-cumin
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/cumin.html

Be sure to check out my website to learn about healthy teas at www.valerielull.com . 



Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Healthy Teas
valerielull923@gmail.com

Limes, Citrus aruantifolia

Limes, often considered more sour than lemons, have many health benefits. Most notably, they were carried on British navy ships to keep the sailors from getting scurvey. Hence, the nickname limeys. They are full of vitamin C and are often used in cooking and beverages. Some of the culinary uses include, sorbet, cocktails, candies, and they are often used in limeade and sodas, notably lemon-lime soda. Health benefits include, scurvey, hemorrhoids, peptic ucler, respiratory problems, bleeding gums, skin treatments, respiratory problems and more.

Some historians think limes came from Indonesia. Probably lime is the most famous as the cure for scurvey which is a deficiency of Vitamin C. Llimes are full of it. Today it is used by workers in polluted areas like furnaces, cement factories and paint shops to protect the workers.

Limes contain acids, antiobiotic properties, antioxidants, and are good for detoxification. The use of limes in cosmetic products is quite extensive. These include deodorants, hair oil, lotions and creams, as an exfoliant for dead skin cells, dandruff, toothpaste, soap and bath products.  Limes are also used in cleaning products for floors and toilets.

Limes are useful for diabetics because of the high levels of soluble fiber in them. They help regulate the body's absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, and help to reduce the recurrence of blood sugar spikes. Limes have a low glycemic index.They are useful for constipation because of their soluble fiber. Limes help to lower blood pressure because of their high level of potassium and limes help control cholesterol. They cut down on inflammation of the blood vesels and help to prevent heart disease.

Limes help to prevent the eyes from aging and macular degeneration and the flavonoids help protect the eyes from infections. They are useful for bleeding gums which result from a deficiency of Vitamin C.

Some folks use a glass of warm water with the juice of a lime squeesed into it as a weight reducer. It is said that consuming 2 glasses of this a day can burn fat very well and results will be seen in about one week. 

Here is a simple recipe for limeade, or if you wish you can use lemons too.

Lemon-limeade

3 limes or 2 limes and 1 large lemon

Sweetener or choice

2 quarts of water

ice

Cut limes and lemon in half and squeeze out the juice into a pitcher. Add sugar or sweetener of choice. Stir well. Add water and ice and chill in the refrigerator.  Enjoy and keep cool. 

Valerie Lull, Author

Ten Healthy Teas

Lullval@clearwlire.net

Web Site: www.valerielull.com