Monday, August 31, 2009

Elak Terkencing Semasa Batuk

Ramai wanita mengakui mereka sering mengalami masalah terkencing semasa sedang batuk. Keadaan ini semakin serius jika wanita itu sudah melahirkan anak, sedang hamil atau sudah menopaus.Melahirkan anak yg besar melebihi 3.5 kg dan melahirkan anak yg ramai meninggikan lagi risiko kecederaan ini. Keadaan ini sebenarnya berpunca daripada tekanan abdomen yg tinggi dan ia dipanggil 'tekanan inkontines' (stress incontinence). Otot-otot di bahagian lantai pelvis wanita itu mengalami kecederaan. Setiap wanita yg sudah melahirkan anak dinasihatkan utk membuat senaman utk menguatkan otot di dinding pelvis. Senaman seperti mengecutkan otot di sekeliling farag dan dubur boleh dilakukan seperti menahan daripada membuang air kencing. Begitu juga ketika membuang air kecil, tahan pengalirannya utk beberapa saat kerana ia adalah antara senaman yg bagus utk wanita.

AIS Jejaskan Kesihatan


Ramai yg suka minum ais terutamanya dalam cuaca panas. Namun begitu, menurut perubatan Cina,ais menjejaskan kesihatan terutamanya kepada golongan lelaki. Mereka akan terdedah kepada risiko penyakit seperti ketidaksuburan, tekanan darah tinggi, pengecutan saluran darah dan penambahan beban jantung yg lama-kelaman akan menyebabkan terjadinya masalah jantung, kesakitan anggota badan dan menurunkan daya ketahanan semasa bersenam. Selain itu, pakar juga menyarankan supaya tidak mengambil susu, jus atau kopi yg sejuk pada awal pagi kerana ia akan melemahkan sistem kekebalan, fungsi otot dan fungsi perut dlm proses penghadaman.

SUSHI-Makanan Terbaik Masyarat Jepun


Penduduk Jepun adalah antara rakyat yg paling panjang umur dan sihat. Kajian pakar menunjukkan bahawa faktor kesihatan org-org Jepun berkait rapat dgn tabiat pemakan mereka. Pakar juga percaya bahawa makanan utama org-org Jepun iaitu sushi adalah faktor utamanya.

Sushi yg diperbuat daripada bahan-bahan seperti ikan mentah (Salmon), sayuran dan nasi bukan hanya mengandungi lemak rendah, iaitu hanya kira-kira 30%, malahan ia dipenuhi dgn kandungan asid lemak Omega-3 yg merupakan sumber utama yg boleh diperolehi dgn senang melalui pemakanan sushi.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

9 Herba Hebat Untuk Pengubatan

'Spicy Mustard Seed' - Sering kali digunakan utk membantu masalah pencernaan. Dalam pengubatan Cina, ia dikenali sebagai tonik 'Yang', yg bermaksud merangsang dan menyegarkan badan.

'Feverfew' - Herba yg namanya membawa maksud mengurangkan demam. Ia telah digunakan sejak zaman dahulu lagi utk merawat migrain dan loya.

'Lemon Balm' - Kaya antioksida. Kajian menunjukkan bahawa ia mengandungi 10 kali ganda aktiviti antioksida berbanding vitamin C atau E.

'Sage' - Selain digunakan sebagai bahan perasa, ia digunakan utk membantu penghadaman terutamanya setelah mengambil makanan berlemak.

'Lavender' - Ia mengandungi agen penenang utk membantu memberikan ketenangan dan merehatkan minda.

'Peppermint' - Ia membantu utk memberikan ketenangan dan menyejukkan badan.

'Oregano' - Berpotensi sebagai antioksida utk membantu mencegah kerosakan sel akibat radikal bebas.

'Rosemary' - Ia mengandungi antioksida utk mencegah katarak.

'Chamomile' - Digunakan di Jerman sebagai bahan berkumur mulut (gargle) utk membantu mencegah jangkitan gusi.

Ambil Berat Tentang Kesihatan RAMBUT

Rambut yg sihat, hitam dan berseri tidak bergantung kepada jenama syampu yg digunakan sahaja. Hakikatnya ia berkait rapat dgn pemakanan harian yg diambil. Jika anda menghadapi masalah-masalah rambut seperti berminyak, kering bercabang dan kelemumur, cubalah senarai makanan dibawah ini sebagai rujukan.

Rambut Berminyak
Makanan yg perlu banyak diambil: Buah-buahan segar, makanan yg mengandungi vitamin B2 seperti dadih, telur, hati, sayur bayam dan sayuran berdaun hijau.

Rambut Kering Bercabang
Makanan yg perlu banyak diambil: Makanan yg mempunyai lemak seperti buah avokado, kekacang, ikan, buah-buahan dan sayur-sayuran segar, tomato, kuning telur, keju dan susu.

Rambut Berkelemumur
Makanan yg perlu banyak diambil: Beras perang, pasta, buah-buahan dan sayur-sayuran segar, makanan yg mengandungi protein yg tinggi seperti daging, telur dan susu.

Merawat Rambut Kering

Rambut kering dan kusam paling bermasalah kepada kaun wanita. Selain sukar diurus, ia juga memcacatkan pemanpilan apatahlagi jika ia selalu terdedah kepada sinaran matahari. Selain itu, rambut yg kering juga mampu mengakibatkan rambut bercabang dan berpecah-pecah pada hujungnya (spilt ends). Cubalah tips di bawah ini bagi merawat rambut anda yg kekeringan.

* Walaupun sukar terutamanya bagi anda yg berkerja, tetapi cubalah jauhi sinaran matahari secara langsung dan juga air laut.

* Guna syampu yg bersesuaian dgn rambut. Pilih yg mengandungi pelembab dan ceramide (vitamin rambut) yg berfungsi membersihkan kotoran rambut sekaligus melindungi warna rambut agar tidak kelihatan kusam.

* Jgn terlalu kerap menukar syampu. Sebaiknya jika cuaca terlalu panas dan rambut terdedah kepada persekitaran luar, syampu rambut anda setiap hari.

* Selain itu, pastikan anda memakai perapi rambut (conditioner). Walaupun ada syampu yg mengandungi perapi sekaligus di dlmnya (2 in 1) tetapi bagi yg mengalami masalah rambut kering, cubalah pilih perapi dan syampu secara berasingan. Pilihlah perapi yg diperkaya dgn vitamin A atau B. Urut kulit kepala anda menggunakan hujung jari agar kandungan perapi tersebut lebih mudah menyerap ke dlm pori-pori rambut. Biarkan selama 5 hingga 10 minit sebelum dibilas.

* Pelembab rambut juga diperlukan dan seeloknya pilihlah yg berasaskan air (H20). Hanya tuangkan sedikit ke telapak tangan anda dan urutlah ke setiap helaian rambut anda dari akar hingga ke hujung rambut anda.

* Sekiranya hujung rambut anda mula bercabang, cuba gunting hujung rambut anda setiap enam minggu sekali secara rutin bagi mengembalikan rambut yg asal.

* Bagi mereka yg gemar menggunakan hair dryer, apa kata simpan dulu di dlm almari. Ini kerana rambut yg sedia kering akan bertambah kering dan rosak jika kerap terdedah kepada wap panas yg berlebihan.

* Makanan juga penting kepada kesihatan rambut. Makanlah makanan yg mengandungi kandungan protein yg tinggi seperti ikan sebagai bekalan mineral semulajadi bagi merawat rambut yg kering.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Jangan Tahan Bersin

Kepantasan udara yg dilepaskan ketika bersin boleh mencapai 160 km/jam. Demikian menurut Dr. Mark Leyner dan Dr. Billy Goldberg. Oleh itu, jangan ditahan-tahan jika anda terasa ingin bersin. Perbuatan ini boleh menyebabkan gegendang telinga pecah, hilang pendengaran, wajah bengkak sementara dan keretakan tulang rawan hidung.

Hati-Hati Dengan Krim Pemutih

Putih sudah menjadi obsesi sehingga membuatkan ramai lupa diri. Dalam suatu kajian yg telah dijalankan di Amerika Syarikat (Arndt dan Fitzpatrick,1965), krim pemutih mengandungi dua peratus - lima peratus hidrokuinon yg boleh mendatangkan kecederaan pada kulit. Kajian yg dilakukan ka atas 56 org responden wanita yg mempunyai masalah bintik hitam pada kulit mendapati krim yg mengandungi hidrokuinon boleh menghilangkan bintik-bintik hitam pada 44 org daripada 56 responden. Bagaimanapun, pemakaian krim pemutih yg mengandungi hidrokuinon berlebihan (lebih lima peratus) boleh menyebabkan kulit iritasi dan terasa sedikit terbakar. Lebih bahaya lagi krim pemutih yg digunakan mengandungi merkuri. Logam yg sebenarnya sudah dilarang penggunaannya itu memang menjadikan kulit nempak putih mulus, tetapi lama-kelamaan akan mendap di bawah kulit. Setelah bertahun-tahun kulit akan menjadi biru kehitaman, bahkan ia boleh menyebabkan kancer.

Cergas Dengan Tarian Salsa

Tarian melibatkan banyak pergerakannya yg tersendiri. Salah satunya ialah tarian Salsa yg sesuai utk semua peringkat umur. Gerak langkah dlm tarian Salsa mengikut tempo yg lebih cepat berbanding tarian-tarian lain. Tarian Salsa dikatakan membentuk tubuh lebih ramping. Ia bergantung kepada tahap keaktifan dan kecekapan seseorang itu menari, tempoh masa menari dan kekerapan. Tarian ini juga membantu mengurangkan tekanan darah, kolesterol dan menjaga kesihatan jantung. Setengah jam menari membakar kira-kira 200 hingga 400 kalori sama seperti berjalan, berenang atau berbasikal.

Mineral Dalam Nasi

Mengapa setiap kali berdiet anda harus melupakan terus pengambilan nasi sedangkan nasi banyak khasiatnya kepada tubuh. Nasi sememangnya mengandungi jumlah karbohidrat, namun lebih jauh lagi ia mengandungi vitamin dan mineral tertentu yg menguatkan tubuh.

Biarpun ia mampu membuat perut merasa kenyang dan terhindar dari dehidrasi namun jika anda memilih utk berdiet, hadkanlah pengambilannya. Biarpun jumlah sedikit, namun mineral yg anda perolehi tetap sama.

Fakta Sihat-Apa Yg Perlu Anda Tahu?

* Sarapan pagi dgn bijirin kaya serat akan mengurangkan stres. Sesekali beralihlah mengambil makanan kaya seret seperti cornflakes utk sarapan pagi anda.

* Coklat cukup baik utk merangsang hormon di otak kerana mengandungi antioksidan, zat besi dan magnesium.

* Tiram kaya sumber mineral dan zat besi yg cukup baik utk kekuatan tubuh dan juga kesihatan kulit.

* Semangkuk kecil kacang merah (sekitar 200gm) ternyata sama khasiatnya dgn sepinggan sayur dan buah-buahan segar.

* Susu rendah lemak atau kurang lemak mengandungi jumlah kalsium yg sama dgn susu biasa. Jadi usahlah ragu akan kekurangan jumlah kalsium yg mencukupi hanya kerana jenis susu yg berbeza ini.

* Semakin gelap warna buah dan sayuran, makin tinggi lah nilai gizinya.

* Makan selepas jam 8 tidak akan menambah berat badan sekiranya kesemua jenis lemak dan kalori  digunakan sepenuhnya sebelum anda tidur. Jika makan melebihi jumlah tenaga yg digunakan, lemak mudah terkumpul dan risiko kenaikan berat badan juga makin bertambah.

* Ingin kulit cantik? Minyak zaitun, biji bunga matahari, badam, lemak Omega 3 dari ikan Salmon, ikan Kembung dan Sardin paling baik utk mencantikkan kulit.

Kelebihan Buah Mengikut WARNA

Warna mempunyai kaitan dgn jiwa. Selain fesyen, makanan yg berwarna juga mempengaruhi kesihatan.
Tahukah anda bahawa warna bukan hanya sekadar melekat di jiwa malah mempunyai kaitan yg kuat dgn kesihatan diri. Kedengarannya mungkin pelik. Bagaimana?
Buah-buahan dan sayur-sayuran yg diletakkan selambak di pasar sebenarnya banyak kelebihan masing-masing. Ia bukanlah hanya sekadar kelebihan masing2. Ia bukanlah hanya sekadar warna tetapi membekalkan khasiat tertentu. Kenali khasiat dari setiap warna buah-buahan dan sayu-sayuran ini.
Kumpulan MERAH
Buah/Sayur: Tomato, Grapefruit atau sejenis buah limau masam berwarna merah jambu dan Tembikai.
Khasiat: Kesemua buah-buahan dari golongan ini mengandungi 'lycopene' yg tertumpu di kelenjar prostat bagi lelaki dan berupaya melindungi DNA. Warna merah juga disebabkan oleh kandungan likopena ini, iaitu karotenoid atau sebatian semulajadi yg memberikan warna merah kpada tomato dan pelbagai khasiat kebaikan antioksidan semulajadi yg baik utk kesihatan badan. Bahan likopena ini juga mengurangkan risiko beberapa jenis kancer dan penyakit jantung.


Kumpulan KUNING/HIJAU
Buah/Sayur: Avokado, Bayam, Lobak Hijau atau Turnip, Kacang Pis dan Tembikai Susu.
Khasiat: Golongan buah dan sayuran ini mengandungi 'lutein dan 'zeaxanthin', sejenis karotenoid yg berupaya menyihatkan mata. Malah kekurangan mengambilnya juga dikatakan berisiko tinggi menghadapi katarak mata. Masalah penglihatan juga akan lebih tinggi berlaku di kalangan org-org tua dan yg mengalami masalah kabur mata. Jadi, berusaha melebihkan sumber sayur dan buah ini.
Kumpulan OREN
Buah/Sayur: Mangga, Ubi Keledek, Lobak, Aprikot, Tembikai dan Labu.
Khasiat: Biasanya buah dan sayuran kategori ini mengandungi alpha dan juga beta karotena jenis antioksida. Beta karotena secara semulajadinya berubah menjadi vitamin A di dlm badan. Bagaimanapun jika berlebihan, vitamin A boleh menjadi toksik, tetapi badan kita secara semulajadi mengubah vitamin A yg secukupnya sahaja dari beta karotena. Ini membuatkan sumber vitamin A yg selamat tersimpan di dlm badan.

Kumpulan HIJAU
Buah/Sayur: Brokoli, Brussels Sprouts (sejenis sayur seperti kubis hijau kecil) dan Kubis
Khasiat: Sayur-sayuran ini mengandungi 'sulforaphane', 'isothiocyanate' dan 'indoles' yg berupaya merangsang gen-gen di kawasan hati. Seterusnya akibat rangsangan ini, hati akan berupaya mengeluarkan enzim-enzim yg boleh menghancurkan kimia-kimia yg menyebabkan barah di dlm badan.

Kumpulan MERAH/UNGU
Buah/Sayur: Anggur, Jus Anggur, Prun Cranberry, Blueberry, Blackberry, Strawberry dan Epal Merah.
Khasiat: Buah-buahan ini mengandungi 'anthocyanins' yg merupakan antioksida (bahan yg boleh melindungi sel-sel daripada radikal oksigen yg merosakkan). Kandungan dgn 'anthocyanins' ini sebenarnya mengelakkan darah beku.


Kumpulan OREN/KUNING 
Buah/Sayur: Peach, Betik, Semua jenis Limau dan Jus Limau.
Khasiat: Buah-buahan ini membekalkan khasiat karotenoid, satu famili kimia yg mempunyai beta karotena. Malah buah-buahan seperti oren mengandungi serat yg tinggi di samping pembekal vitamin C dan E yg tinggi. Kesemua sayur dan buah-buahan ini baik utk kesihatan kulit. Betik pula pembekal vitamin A yg sihat utk mata secukupnya sahaja dari beta karotena. Ini membuatkan nya sumber vitamin A yg selamat tersimpan di dlm badan.
        
Kumpulan PUTIH/HIJAU
Buah/Sayur: Daun Saderi, Bawang Putih dan juga Buah Pear.
Khasiat: Pokok-pokok dlm golongan famili bawang mengandungi 'allicin' yg didapati boleh mengelakkan tumor atau ketumbuhan. Makanan ini juga kaya dgn sumber flavonoids termasuk 'quercetin' dan 'kaempferol' yg semuanya tergolong dlm kategori antioksida. Daripada semua antioksida yg terdapat dalam buah dan sayur, flavonoids adalah kumpulan terbanyak yg kita makan, sehingga jumlahnya satu gram setiap hari.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Makanan Sahabat Mata


Bukan sahaja lobak merah yg baik utk mata tetapi makanan yg memiliki karakteristik menyerupai lobak merah juga menyihatkan mata. Antaranya ialah:

Pucuk Ubi - Dlm berat 100 gm, nilai vitamion A mencapai 3,300 RE.

Ubi Keledek Merah - Kandungan vitamin A sekitar 2310 RE per 100 gm. WHO dan UNICEF mempromosikan ubi ini sebagai makanan pencegah kekurangan vitamin A. Air rebusan ubi sangat baik diminum oleh kanak-kanak.

Daun Betik - Pahit rasanya, manis manfaatnya. Dlm setiap 100 gm daun betik tersimpan vitamin A sebanyak 5475 RE. Lebih banyak dari lobak merah.

Daun Melinjo - Setiap 100 gm daun melinjo mengandungi nilai vitamin A sebanyak 3000 RE.

Mangga - Mangga mengandungi beta karotena. Namun begitu, nilai vitamin A paling tinggi terdapat dlm mangga iaitu 4920  RE per 100 gm. Mangga yg masak di pokok memberikan nilai vitamin A sebanyak 1900 per 100 gm.

7 Panduan Halau Sinus

Minum Teh Panas Dan Sup Panas
Salah satu cara terbaik utk menghentikan sinus adalah dgn minum banyak teh hitam, hijau dan tumbuhan yg tidak mengandungi kafein. Cubalah makan sup ayam panas setaip hari.

* Tekapkan air Suam Ke Muka
Lakukan perkara ini sekurang-kurangnya 3 kali setiap hari setiap lima minit. Celup tuala kecil ke dlm air suam dan sapukan ke bahagian bawah muka dan di antara mata.

* Cubalah Aromaterapi
Utk membantu membuka saluran pernafasan dan sinus, titiskan minyak kayu putih ke dlm bekas berisi air suam, sedut wapnya dan hembuskan. Selain itu, wasabi juga berkesan menghalang sinus.

* Sarapan Di Tempat Tidur
Bersarapan di tempat tidur dan minum secawan teh panas akan membuka laluan pernafasan dan membersihkan pengumpalan lendir.

* Tinggikan Kepala Semasa Tidur
Dengan mengangkat kepala lebih tinggi dgn satu atau dua bantal, boleh membantu membuka pernafasan semasa tidur. Makin tinggi kepala, semakin baik kesannya.

* Bilik Bebas Habuk
Habuk dan debu akan menyebabkan lemahnya membran lendir, terutamanya ketika tidur. Elakkan dari menghamparkan karpet. Simpan kain baju di dlm almari dan bersihkan perabot sekali seminggu.

* Tidur Cukup
Jika anda menderita sinus, anda perlukan rehat dan tidur yg cukup. Matikan handphone dan tutup lampu ketika hendak tidur.

Cegah Katarak Dengan Sayuran Hijau

Sebuah kajian yg dilakukan di makmal menyatakan buat pertama kalinya bahawa pengambilan sayuran hijau membantu mnencegah katarak kerana pengaruh anti oksidanya. Anti oksida banyak terdapat dlm sayuran hijau seperti bayam dan kangkung boleh melindungi sel mata dari cahaya sehingga kepada cahaya ultra ungu (UV) yg merupakan penyebab utama katarak.
Kenyataan ini dibuat oleh para pengkaji Amerika yg menjumpai anti oksida 'lutein' dan 'zeaxanthin' hampir 10 kali lebih mujarab berbanding vitamin E dlm melindungi sel mata dari kerosakan akibat sinaran UV. Namun demikian, menurut pengkaji dari Ohio state Universiti, sehingga sekarang belum ada kajian biokimia yg menyokong sama ada sayuran hijau boleh membantu mata. Katarak adalah satu penyakit mata yg boleh menyebabkan kerosakan lensa mata dan memburukkan lagi masalah mata.

Mendengar Muzik Tingkatkan Mood

Anda jarang mendengar muzik atau adakah muzik menyesakkan halwa telingar anda?
Fikirkan semula!
Muzik telah menjadi sebahagian hidup kita. Ada juga yg menjadikan muzik sebagai semangat utk melakukan aktiviti. Muzik dpt mengubah kesedihan menjadi kegembiraan.
Menurut kajian yg dilakukan Valerie N. Stratton, PhD dan Annette H.Zalanowski dari Universiti Penn State terhadap para siswa fakulti psikologi dan muzik mendapati bahawa apa pun jenis muzik yg didengarkan, muzik boleh menjadikan mood bertambah baik.

Para siswa diwajibkan mendengar selama dua minggu. Mood mereka direkodkan sebelum dan selepas muzik didengarkan. Hasil kajian yg dilakukan dimuatkan di dlm Psychology & Education: An Interdisciplinary Journal. Menurut Stratton, para siswa dilaporkan lebih mempunyai emosi positif setelah mendengarkan muzik dan emosi positif mereka meningkat walau mendengar pelbagai jenis muzik seperti rock/pop, balada, klasik dan instrumental. Setelah mendengar muzik, para siswa didapati lebih optimis, riang, akrab, tenang dan santai.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Sakit Kepala? Cubalah Refleksi Tangan


Sebahagian kita menggunakan 'painkiller' atau ubat penahan sakit dgn segera sebaik sahaja sakit kepala menyerang. Tetapi, jika anda melakukan penyembuhan sendiri secara semulajadi utk meringankan rasa sakit, tidak perlu pergi jauh, lihat saja telapak tangan anda. Para pengamal perubatan tradisional menyatakan tangan tak ubah seperti sebuah peta mini dari bahagian tubuh kita kerana tangan berhubung kait dgn organ-organ dalaman. Seperti contoh, jari telunjuk pada hidung, telapak tangan atas fasa peru-paru dan ibu jari pada tulang belakang dan otak. Dengan menekan bahagian tertentu, kita boleh merangsang saraf dan mendorong otot atau organ bereaksi. Ini meningkatkan bekalan darah pada hujung saraf dan membantu memecahkan ketegangan dan peradangan dalam bentuk rasa sakit.

Wanita Merokok Cepatkan Menopaus


Selain menjejaskan kesuburan, kajian menemukan wanita yg merokok mungkin mengalami menopous lebih awal berbanding yg tidak merokok. Mereka juga dikatakan mengalami perubahan hidup dua tahun lebih awal. Journal Reproductive Biomedicine Online menyatakan merokok boleh membahayakan telur dan mempengaruhi kesuburan. Pada wanita merokok, menopaus bermula pada sekitar umur 47 tahun sementara mereka yg tidak merokok pula, menopaus bermula pada umur 49 tahun. Munurut ketua kajian, Dr.Filiberto Di Prospero perbezaan dua tahun permulaan menopaus ini menyatakan pengaruh rokok yg mengganggu fungsi telur kerana kerosakan reproduksi secara biologi.

Tips Mencegah Kaki Bengkak


Kaki adalah bahagian luar biasa dari rangka manusia. Dari pinggang sampai ibu jari, terdapat lebih dari 60 tulang yg berbeza. Dalam kehidupan sehari-hari, rata-rata org berjalan sejauh 9000 langkah sehari. Tidak hairan lah jika kaki sering kali terasa penat, sakit dan bengkak. Seorang pakar penyakit kaki dari Toronto Hartley Miltchin menyarankan cara mengawal pembengkakan kaki seperti berikut :

* Banyakkan berihat jik sering terasa sakit.
* Sekiranya anda mengalami kesakitan akut atau pembengkakan, letakkan ais atau sayuran beku pada kaki selama 20 minit. Ulang setiap beberapa jam selama 48 jam pertama.
* Berehat dan tinggikan kaki jika terasa bengkak. Letakkan bantal di bawah kaki jika anda baring terlentang.
* Jika kaki terasa letih dan tidak mengalami pembengkakan, rendamkan kaki dalam air suam selama 20 minit. Untuk penyembuhan berikutnya, tambahkan empat titis minyak kayu putih.(Eucalyptus)
* Gunakan skrub pengelupasan utk membuang kulit kasar.
* Keringkan kaki dan gunakan krim pelembab.

Masalah Penbuangan Air Kencing

Lebih daripada 50% lelaki yg berusia 45 tahun dan 90% lelaki berusia 53 tahun mengalami masalah berkaitan dgn kencing. Kebanyakan daripada mereka ini berpendapat bahawa ia hanyalah disebabkan oleh faktor usia yg semakin meningkat. Oleh itu, mereka mungkin keberatan utk mendapatkan bantuan profesional. Walaupun keadaan ini tidak menyebabkan kematian, ia boleh menyebabkan masalah-masalah yg lebih berat sekiranya tidak dirawat.Ada banyak jenis penyakit yg boleh menyebabkan masalah berkaitan dengan kencing ini.
Antaranya ialah:
*  Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
*  Prostatitis
*  Cystitis
*  Kanser Prostat
*  Urethral stricture
*  Bladder Disorders

LETIH, Mungkin Gejala Penyakit Jantung

Jng pandang remeh jika anda berasa letih yg agak luar biasa, ini mungkin gejala serangan jantung. Penyakit jantung mempunyai gejala-gejala antara lainnya ialah letih yg luar biasa, pola tidur yg terganggu, sukar bernafas dan ketidakmampuan mencerna makanan. Biasanya gelaja ini muncul sebulan lebih awal dari serangan jantung, jika disedari lebih awal, ia memberi cukup masa utk mencegahnya. Gejala klasik seperti sakit dada sebelum serangan lebih banyak dialami oleh lelaki berbanding wanita.
Menurut Prof.Jean Mc Sweeney dari Universiyi Arkansas dlm sebuah kajian menyatakan kurangnya sakit dada yg dialami wanita merupakan sebab utama kenapa wanita mempunyai gejala serangan jantung yg tidak diketahui. Dlm kajian terbaru, para pengkaji Amerika menanyakan lebih dari 500 wanita menderita penyakit jantung yg berumur 60an, dilaporkan hmpir semuanya merasakan gejala baru atau berbeza dlm beberapa minggu sebelum serangan jantung. Tujuh dari sepuluh berasakan keletihan luar biasa dan hampir setengah menderita gangguan tidur dan kesulitan bernafas. Oleh itu, wanita perlu mengetahui gelaja baru yg muncul berkait dgn penyakit jantung ini supaya segera mencari rawatan perubatan supaya boleh menentukan penyebab gejala tersebut.

Garam Menyingkirkan TOKSID Dalam Badan

Garam yg anda ambil setiap hari bukanlah hanya sebagai penyedap rasa masakan tetapi jauh dari itu ia bertindak menyingkirkan toksid serta kekotoran dlm badan yg tidak diperlukan oleh tubuh. Kandungan sodium dlm garam bertindak menyimbangkan tenaga balam tubuh. Kandungan bahan ini juga membantu menyeimbangkan keadaan berasid serta menjadikan agen detoksifikasi yg sekaligus menyingkirkan toksid dan asid daripada tubuh dlm masa yg singkat. Walaupun garam agak sensitif dgn penyakit buah pinggang dan darah tinggi, namun pengambilannya yg terkawal masih dapat membantu kesihatan tubuh yg lain. Berusahalah mengambilnya namun hadkan pengambilannya dgn kadar yg sihat utk tubuh anda.

Mandi Sauna Dan Wap Menyegarkan


Amalan mandi wap atau sauna dpt memberikan kesan baik kepada tubuh kerana wap akan memasuki rongga pernafasan dan terus ke sistem perjalanan darah atau fungsi organ yg memberi kesan positif. Wap memanaskan seluruh anggota, menjadikan darah lebih cair, mengembangkan urat saraf dan menjadikan darah lebih mudah mengalir. Kesan panas juga melegakan otot-otot dan menghilangkan sengal-sengal, bisa dan kebas tubuh badan. Wap membuka rongga roma, mengeluarkan segala kotoran dlm kulit, menjadikan rambut bertambah segar, lebat dan menghilangkan kelemumur. Khasiat mandi wap membantu wanita selepas bersalin mengembalikan bentuk tubuh dgn mencairkan lemak dan menambahkan susu badan. Ia juga dpt menyembuhkan sakit gout, migrain, resdung, buasir, sengal-sengal sendi, kebas, selesema, penyakit kulit, batu karang dan darah tinggi. Mengamalkan mandian wap dan sauna ini pula boleh menggantikan sel-sel yg telah mati dan memberikan kesegaran kepada kulit.

Bawang Putih Rendahkan Suhu Badan

Pelbagai petua ada menyebut tentang cara hendak menurunkan suhu badan yg tinggi. Amalan pengambilan bawang putih memang menjadi keutamaan bagi masyarakat Cina kerana khasiatnya yg sememangnya diakui. Begitu juga dgn org-org Syria yg menggunakannya dlm mengubati masalah demam panas dan juga ciriy-birit.

Bawang putih kaya dgn selulos, vitamin A, B dan zat galian seperti zat kalsium, fosforus dan besi. Bawang putih yg mengandungi bahan allicin bertindak merendahkan paras suhu badan selain menurunkan paras kolesterol dan menambahkan kepekatan darah. Sifat bawang putih yg bertindak mengeluarkan lebihan angin yg tidak diperlukan dlm badan membuatkan tubuh kekal sihat tanpa masalah dalaman lain dan mengimbangkan suhu badan. Selain itu, kandungan bawang putih bukan sahaja menghasilkan antibodi tetapi membentuk sistem kawalan secara semulajadi utk membunuh kuman bagi meredakan demam kepialu, disentri (berak darah), taun dan bengkak kerongkong.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Buahan Kering Pembuka Selera Yg Kaya Khasiat

Buah kering sering jadi pilihan saat berbuka puasa. Ia bukan saja mudah didapati tetapi dpt membantu memberikan tenaga segera kepada kita. Kurma adalah pilihan paling popular saat menjelang Ramadan. Inginkan pilihan lain? Cubalah kismis dan buah prun.

Khasiatnya KURMA
Hakikatnya, tidak perlu menunggu hingga ke bulan Ramadan utk anda menikmati kurma. Ini kerana kurma adalah buah seribu khasiat.

* Selain kandungan kalorinya yg tinggi, ia juga mudah dihadamkan ketika berbuka puasa.
* Mampu membantu merendahkan risiko serangan angin ahmar.
* Kandungan karbohidratnya yg tinggi memberikan kita tenaga yg maksimum utk kembali segar setelah seharian berpuasa.
* Ia juga mengandungi zat gizi penting bagi fungsi tubuh iaitu kalium khusus utk kebaikan jantung dan pembuluh darah. Galian ini membetulkan denyutan jantung, mengaktifkan pengecutan otot-otot dan mengatur tekanan darah.
* Gula yg terkandung dlm kurma mudah diserap dlm tubuh tanpa perlu melalui proses yg panjang. Inilah yg menjadikan kurma sebagai buah yg paling ideal utk hidangan berbuka puasa atau sahur.
* Kurma juga diketahui mengandungi pelbagai vitamin penting lain, seperti vitamin A, tiamin, riboflavin, niasin, zat besi, vitamin B, asid nikotinat, serat dan bermacam-macam lagi.
* Kurma juga mengandungi banyak garam galian lain seperti magnesium, potasium dan kalsium.
* Serat yg terkandung di dlm kurma pula dpt membantu melancar dan mengaktifkan fungsi usus sekali gus memudahkan pembuangan air besar.

FAKTA NUTRISI
Dlm setiap 100 gm kurma kering terkandung Vitamin A 50 IU, Tiamin 0.09 mg, Riboflavin 0.10 mg, Niasin 2.20 mg serta Kalium 666 mg.



Nikmatnya KISMIS
Selain kurma, kismis juga menjadi pilihan utk dimakan sewaktu berbuka atau bersahur. Anda disarankan makan sekitar 21 biji kismis (khususnya kismis merah) di waktu pagi setiap hari bagi membantu merangsang kecerdasan minda.

* Kismis adalah sumber antioksidan yg baik. Antioksidan yg terdapat pada kismis dikenali sebagai 'catechin' di mana merupakan sejenis bahan antioksidan yg sedia diserap. Bahan tersebut membantu utk meningkatkan kesihatan usus besar.
* Kandungan potasium dan serat di dlm kismis juga tinggi di mana ia baik utk penghadaman.
* Ia turut mengandungi fruktosa iaitu gula buah semulajadi. Fruktosa ini bila diurai mampu menjadi sumber tenaga yg baik buat tubuh.
* Berita baik bagi mereka yg sedang berdiet, kismis tidak mengandungi sodium, lemak mahupun kolesterol apatah lagi ia mudah dijadikan sajian seharian.
* Bagi mendapat serat yg baik, disarankan pengambilan dua sajian kismis setiap hari. Suku cawan kismis mengandungi serat yg bersamaan dgn satu sajian buah-buahan.
* Kismis juga boleh membantu memerangi masalah plak gigi dan penyakit gusi. Berdasarkan kajian Kolej Pergigian Universiti Chicago, kismis mengandungi bahan 'phytochemical' yg menyekat pertumbuhan bakteria di dlm mulut. Ini sekaligus membantu mengurangkan masalah penyakit gusi dan kerosakan gigi manakala kajian turut menunjukkan tiga dari empat org dewasa yg berusia melebihi 35 tahun dilaporkan mengalami beberapa bentuk penyakit gusi.

FAKTA NUTRISI
Bagi setiap 100 gm kismis terkandung 79 gm Karbohidrat, 4 gm Serat, 59 gm Gula, 3 gm Protein, 32 miligram Magnesium, 101 miligram Fosforus dan 749 miligram Potasium.


Hebatnya PRUN
Prun sememangnya kaya dgn pelbagai manfaat utk kesihatan. Rasanya yg masam manis mampu membuka selera terutamanya sewaktu berbuka puasa. Buah prun juga mampu membantu memberikan tenaga segera kepada kita.

* Ia kaya dgn antioksidan yg tinggi serta membantu mempertingkatkan sistem imunisasi tubuh.
* Prun juga mengandungi potasium dan zat besi yg baik utk membantu melancarkan aliran darah.
* Kandungan seratnya juga baik utk sistem penghadaman.
* Kandungan vitamin A dan C di dlmnya pula dpt membantu mempertingkatkan kesihatan rambut dan kulit.
* Ia juga diperkaya dgn kandungan lutein yg baik utk kesihatan mata.
* Pengambilan prun di waktu bersahur dpt membantu memberiakn tenaga esktra utk memulakan tugasan harian. Ini kerana rembesan kandungan gulanya utk dicerna berlaku secara perlahan bagi membolehkan kadar tenaga kekal sepanjang hari.
* Buah prun juga sesuai dujadikan snek bagi mereka yg berdiet. Sebiji buah prun hanya mengandungi kira-kira 11 kalori dan ia bebas lemak.
* Kajian terkini di Amerika Syarikat baru-baru ini mendapati wanita yg makan 12 biji prun setiap hari mampu mengurangkan risiko diserang osteoporosis.
* Kandungan serat boleh larut di dlmnya pula mampu membangkitkan rasa kenyang yg lebih lama di mana sangat sesuai utk kita yg sedang berpuasa.

FAKTA NUTRISI
38 gm prun kering (Bersamaan dgn 5 biji) mengandungi 16.5 gm Karbohidrat, 3 gm Serat, 295 kj (Tenaga) dan yg pastinya bebas lemak.

10 Tips Ekstra Langsing Saat Berpuasa

1 - Paling penting utk anda lakukan adalah mengenalpasti kadar metabolisme tubuh anda. Ini kerana individu yg mempunyai kadar metabolisme tinggi, mereka tidak mempunyai masalah berat badan walaupun makan banyak ketika berbuka.

2 - Bagi individu yg mempunyai kadar metabolisme rendah, harus lebih berhati-hati dlm soal pemilihan kuantiti dan jenis makanan ketika berbuka. Elak makan melebihi keperluan harian kerana ia akan menimbulkan masalah berat badan apatah lagi tiada aktiviti yg berat di waktu malam selepas berbuka.

3 - Ramai yg anggap bersahur itu sesuatu yg remeh tetapi hakikatnya bersahur adalah sama pentingnya dgn bersarapan. Bersahur akan membantu anda mengimbangi zat gizi yg tidak diperolehi tubuh selama sehari berpuasa. Jadi, prinsip bersahur bukan utk kenyang semata-mata tetapi lebih kepada makanan yg bergizi tinggi.

4 - Mulakan saat berbuka dgn makan makanan yg mudah, ringkas dan dlm kuantiti yg sedikit demi sedikit tetapi berulang-ulang. Kejutan 'jutaan' makanan secara tiba-tiba akan membuatkan perut berasa tidak selesa dan anda mudah berasa loya.

5 - Jgn lupakan sayuran dan buah-buahan di dlm menu berbuka dan bersahur anda. Seelok-eloknya apabila berbuka puasa, makanan yg diambil perlulah bergantung pada keperluan individu.

6 - Sebaiknya elak atau kurangkan pengambilan makanan yg berempah dan pedas kerana ia boleh menyebabkan perut pedih dan gastrik. Selain itu, elakkan juga daripada minum minuman berkarbonat (bergas) atau kandungan kafein yg tinggi kerana ia akan memburukkan lagi keadaan perut anda yg kosong setelah seharian berpuasa.

7 - Elakkan makan banyak selepas menunaikan solat tarawih dan tidur ketika perut masih kenyang kerana ia akan merangsang kepada kegemukan. Anda dinasihatkan utk tidur sekurang-kurangnya tiga jam selepas makan.

8 - Kurangkan pengambilan lemak dan bukan karbohidrat dlm menu diet anda. Ini kerana 1 gram lemak mengandungi 9 kalori berbanding hanya 4 kalori bagi 1 gram karbohidrat.

9 - Berpuasa tidak seharusnya dijadiakn alasan utk anda kurang minum air. Pastikan anda minum air secukupnya di antara waktu bersahur dan juga berbuka puasa.

10 - Aktiviti senaman juga sebaiknya diteruskan meskipun anda sedang berpuasa. Bezanya, anda boleh memilih aktiviti kecergasan berintensiti rendah dan dilakukan selama 30 minit setiap sesi utk sekurang-kurangnya tiga kali seminggu.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Terapi Minda Dgn Lilin Dan Bunga-Bungaan

Selepas penat dan lelah seharian dgn tugas, tenangkan diri dgn aroma segar dari lilin wangi ataupun titisan minyak bunga-bungaan. Terapi minda ini mampu menstabilkan tekanan dan memulihkan semula tubuh yg lesu. Sama ada menyalakan, dititiskan ke dlm air mandian ataupun dimasukkan ke dlm alat elektronik khas, terapi dari aroma pati alam semulajadi ini boleh dinikmati. Bagi yg menggunakan minyak aromaterapi ini, titiskan ke dlm air mandian. Aroma ini efektif digunakan selama 20 minit.

Apakah jenis terapi yg boleh didapati daripada haruman bunga-bungaan ini?

Terapi Ketenangan:
Calamus, Camomile, Carrot Seed, Cypress, Geraniym, Jasmine, Lavender, Lime, Marigold, Rose, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Violet Leaf Dan Ylang-Ylang.

Terapi Tekanan:
Camomile, Cedarwood, Geranium, Lavender, Melissa, Neroli Dan Rose.

Untuk Tidur Nyenyak:
Camomile, Cypress, Geranium, Lavender, Rose, Sandalwood Dan Ylang-Ylang.

Bagi Yg Hamil:
Di larang menggunakan aroma Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Cypress, Jasmine, Juniper, Myrrh, Marjoram atau Valerian dan Minyak Esensial kerana baunya sangat kuat dan tidak elok utk kesihatan bayi.

Fenugreek Spice (Halba)


Botanical name: Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn.
Family: Leguminosae.

The plant is grown as a green leafy vegetable and for its seeds. The plant is eaten as salad and also after cooking popularly known as `Methi sag`. The seed is a popular spice. Both plant and the seeds are considered medicinal.

The robust herb has light green leaves, is 30 to 60 cm tall, and produces slender beaked pods 10 to 15 cm long. Each pod contains 10 to 20 small hard yellowish brown seeds, which are smooth and oblong, about 3 mm long; each is grooved across one corner, giving it a hooked appearance.

India is one of the major producers and exporters of fenugreek, This spice occupies third place in area and fourth in production among all the minor spices grown in this country. Fenugreek is exported to Saudi Arabia, Japan, Malaysia the USA, the UK, Singapore and Sri Lanka.

The composition of seed on an average is given below:
Moisture:6.3 %
Protein:9.5 %
Fat:10.0 %
Fiber:18.5%
Carbohydrates:42.3 %
Total ash:13.4 %
Calcium:1.3 %
Phosphorus:0.48 %
Iron:0.011 %
Sodium:0.09 %
Potassium:1.7 % Vitamin B1:0.41 mg/100 g
Vitamin B2:0.36 mg/100 g.
Niacin:6.0 mg/100 g
Vitamin C:12.0 mg/100g
Vitamin A:1040 I.U./100 g
Calorific value:370 calories/100g
Gums:23.06 %
Mucilage:28.00 %.

In nutshell, fenugreek seed contains many substances like protein, starch, sugars, mucilage, mineral matters, volatile oil, fixed oil, vitamins and enzymes. Seeds are rich in essential amino acids.

Fenugreek LeavesFenugreek leaves and stems are also rich in calcium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Although fresh leaves contain only 3 to 5 % protein, on dry basis, they are comparable to pulses.

The fixed oil content of the seed is about 7 %. The fatty acids consist largely of oleic, linoletic and linolenic. It has marked drying properties, the dried oil being golden yellow in color and insoluble in ether. The oil has a disagreeable odor and bitter taste.

The volatile oil content of fenugreek is less than 0.02 %. It is not commercially very important.

Fenugreek has been used both as a food or food additive as well as in medicines. Fresh tender pods, leaves and shoots which are rich in iron, calcium, protein, vitamins A & C, are eaten as curried vegetable since ancient times in India, Egypt and other countries. As a spice, fenugreek also adds to nutritive value and flavor of foods. Because of this, fenugreek is of considerable importance in those countries in the Middle and Far East where meatless diets are customary for cultural and religious reasons.

In Egypt and Ethiopia, fenugreek is a popular ingredient of bread, known to the Arabs as `Hulba`, and in Ethiopia going by the Amharic name `Abish`. In Greece, the seeds, boiled or raw, are eaten with honey. Fenugreek extract is an important ingredient for maple syrup. Fenugreek is mainly of interest as one of the principal odorous constituents of curry powder.

Medical papyri from ancient Egyptian tombs reveal that it was used both to reduce fevers and also as a food. According to belief of the ancients, fenugreek stimulates the digestive process as well as the metabolism in general. The seeds are used in colic flatulence, dysentery, dyspepsia with loss of appetite, diarrhea, chronic cough, dropsy, enlargement of liver and spleen, rickets, gout and diabetes. The seeds are used as carminative, tonic, aphrodisiac; infusion is given to small pox patients as a cooling drink; roasted and then infused, used in sweets served to ladies during the post-natal period.

Although the use of most spices in medicine has declined substantially in recent years, fenugreek is an important exception to the rule. Recent studies in England indicated that fenugreek seeds substantially contain the steroidal substance diosgenin, which is used as a starting material in the synthesis of sex hormones and oral contraceptives. The seed is used by Indian women for its power to promote lactation.

Ground fine and mixed with cottonseed, it is fed to cows to increase the flow of milk. It is used as a conditioning powder to produce a glossy coat on horses.

Indeed in the Middle Ages, fenugreek was recommended as a cure for baldness in men. In Java (Indonesia) today it is used in hair tonic preparations and as a cosmetic.

Fenugreek Tea

The seeds of fenugreek can be used to make tea which is known to increase milk secretion in nursing mothers. During the early stages of any of the respiratory tract infections such as Bronchitis, Influenza, Sinusitis, Catarrh and suspected Pneumonia, Fenugreek tea helps to perspire, dispel toxicity and shorten gestation period of fever. Fenugreek tea has a soothing effect on the inflamed stomach and intestines. It cleans the stomach, bowls and kidneys. It helps healing peptic ulcers by providing coating of mucilaginous matter.

Preparation of fenugreek tea: Soak 0.5 grams (about 1/8 teaspoonful) of crushed seed in 1 cup of cold water for 3 hours. Strain before drinking. You can sweeten the tea with honey. One can take up to four cups of Fenugreek tea. To improve flavor few drops of lemon juice can be used. For external application, prepare a thick paste by mixing the powdered seeds with hot water.

Fenugreek SeedsFenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek is used to lower blood sugar levels. Its seeds can be taken for diabetes - a glass of water or milk in which a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds has been soaked overnight is drunk each morning. Fenugreek seeds made in gruel, given to nursing mothers increase the flow of milk.

They are also used for removing dandruff. Two table spoons should be soaked overnight in water. In the morning softened seeds can be ground to a fine paste and applied on scalp and left on for half an hour. The hair is then thoroughly washed with soap-nut solution.

The seeds are widely available in health food stores and supermarkets. An infusion of the fenugreek leaves is used as a gargle for recurrent mouth ulcers. When used externally, Fenugreek has a soothing effect on the skin.

Cinnamon Bark (Kayu Manis)


Botanical name: Cinnamomum zeylanicun Blume
Family name: Lauraceae

Cinnamon is one of the most important tree spices of India. Like its cousin cassia, cinnamon consists of layers of dried pieces of the inner bark of branches and young shoots from the evergreen tree Cinnamomum zeylanicum which is obtained when the cork and the cortical parenchyma are removed from the whole bark. The thickness of the bark ranges from 0.2 to 1.0 mm. Pure cinnamon is free from any admixture with cassia, which is considered inferior to the former in appearance, flavor and odor. Cassia is the commonest substitute of cinnamon. While it may be possible morphologically to distinguish one from the other in the whole form, it is difficult to identify them in the powder form. Harvest Season : June to Dec Marketing Season : Aug to Feb

The quality of cinnamon depends, among other factors, on the region where it is grown. Sri Lankan cinnamon, and cinnamon from the Seychelles Island are considered to be the best. In India, it is grown on the West coasts. At Anjarakkandi, Cannanore district of Kerala, there is a 248-acre Randa Tarra cinnamon plantation - one of the biggest and perhaps the oldest plantation in Asia. It also grows on the Western Ghats from South Kanara southwards at low altitudes. Still the quantity produced in the country is not enough, and India imports considerable quantity of cinnamon every year, since its consumption is extremely high.

Preparation and curing of bark requires sufficient expertise. The various steps involved are (a) cutting of branches of the right size and shape in the right season, at the right stage of maturity; (b) scraping of outer rough corky layer; (c) peeling and skillfully removing the bark from the inner wood; and (d) piping and preparation of quills, quilling, feathering and chips, etc.

Cinnamon is available in the market in different grade designations in different countries, but the more common are the following four accepted by the ISO and BIS that are graded according to their length, breadth and thickness.

Cinnamon QuillsQuills: The long compound rolls of bark up to 1 meter in length, which constitutes the best grade.

Quillings: During the course of grading and transportation, some breakage of quills takes place. Besides, the smaller pieces left after the preparation of quills also goes into this second quality cinnamon known as `quillings`. They are of course, genuine cinnamon and are mainly used for grinding and also for distillation of cinnamon bark oil.

Featherings: This grade consists of the inner bark of twigs and twisted shoots which can not give straight quills or quillings of normal length. Thus they are also genuine and are used in the same way as quillings. However, they often contain small chips.

Chips: This classification includes the bark obtained from thick branches and stems, trimmings of the cut shoots before they are peeled, shavings of outer and inner bark which can not be separated or which are obtained from small twigs by beating or hammering, and odd pieces of outer bark. They invariably contain more or less inferior bark and woody material. This admixture is leveled `chips` which constitutes the most inferior grade of cinnamon.

Composition may vary according to the quality and region. According to different authors, the following range of variation may be seen:
Moisture:5.40 to 11.4 %
Volatile oil:0.3 to 2.8 %
Fixed oil:0.3 to 1.9 %
Fiber:25.6 to 30.5 %
Carbohydrates:16.6 to 22.6 %
Protein:3.0 to 4.5 %
Total ash:3.4 to 6.0 %
Ash insoluble in acid:o.02 to 0.6 %.

Of these, the most important component is the volatile oil of commerce, which finds numerous uses. Besides, volatile oil is also prepared from cinnamon leaves, fruits and roots as a by-product, which too finds use in the trades.

Cinnamon TreeCinnamon is a very useful tree. Every part of the tree; bark, wood, leaves, buds, flowers, fruits and roots - finds some use or other as discussed briefly below.

Cinnamon bark primarily is one of the most popular spices in use in every home. It has a delicate fragrance and a warm agreeable taste It is extensively used as a spice or condiment in the form of small pieces or powder. It is used for flavoring confectionery, liquors, pharmaceutical preparations, soaps and dental preparations. It is also used in candy, gum, incense and perfumes. It has a number of medicinal virtues. As a part of home remedy its decoction is used to combat cough. It is aromatic, astringent, stimulant and carminative and also possesses the property of checking nausea and vomiting.

Cinnamon bark contains 0.5 to 1.0 % volatile oil. It is extracted by steam distillation. This oil is light yellow in color when freshly distilled and changes to red on storage. It contains cinnamaldehyde up to 60 to 75 %; eugenol and benzaldehyde etc. Bark oil is extensively used for flavoring confectionery, liquors, soaps, dental and pharmaceutical preparations. It has high germicidal properties. It is also a good fungicide. It has the cordial and carminative properties of cinnamon without its astringency and is employed as adjuvant in stomachic and carminative medicines. As a powerful local stimulant, it is sometimes prescribed in gastrodynia, flatulent colic and gastric debility.

Green leaves, on steam distillation, yield 1 % essential oil which is generally heavier than water and is aggressive in action. The leaf oil yellow to yellowish brown with a slight camphoraceous odor resembling that of clove oil. It is used for flavoring sweets, confectionery and pharmaceutical preparations, besides being as a perfume for soaps. It is used as an embrocation in rheumatism.

The root bark yields 3 % oil which differs from both stem/bark and leaf oils. It is a colorless liquid with a camphoraceous odor. Camphor can be separates out on allowing the oil to stand. Presently it does not have commercial importance but there is opportunity to develop further.

The seeds contain 33 % fixed oil, formerly used for making candles. The oil, also called `cinnamon suet`, is obtained by heating to boil crushed ripe fruits suspended in water. The oleaginous matter rises to the surface and solidifies on cooling.

Cinnamon BudsCinnamon buds are as good for flavoring and spicing as the bark itself. Medicinal oil can be obtained from its fruits.

Wood provides a soft timber for use as low-grade board wood. Timber is moderately soft, not very strong, seasons without difficulty, but warps, splits, cracks, and is liable to strain. It is faintly scented, straight grained, medium and fairly textured. It can be effectively used for making curved fancy and decorative items.

The plant therefore is much more than the source of spice, for which it is universally known. Besides being the source of all-important spice, for which it is grown, it is a source for medicines, can support craft persons, an important source of perfumes, a source of fatty oil and so on. Therefore it is important source for growth of rural industrialization and if utilized planned manner can change our rural economic scenario.

Benefits of Cinnamon
Cinnamon LeavesCinnamon leaves are used in the form of powder or decoction. They are stimulant and useful in relieving flatulence and in increasing secretion and discharge of urine. Cinnamon prevents nervous tension, improves complexion and memory. A pinch of cinnamon powder mixed with honey does the trick if taken regularly every night for these purposes.

Common Cold
Common cold can be effectively cured with the use of cinnamon. Coarsely powdered and boiled in a glass of water with a pinch of pepper powder and honey, it can be beneficially used as medicine in cases of influenza, sore throat, and malaria. Its regular use during the rainy season prevents attacks of influenza. Cinnamon oil, mixed with honey, gives relief from cold.

Digestive Disorders
Cinnamon helps cure nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It stimulates digestion. A tablespoon of cinnamon water, prepared as for cold and taken half an hour after meals, relieves flatulence and indigestion.

Bad breath
Cinnamon can be used as a good mouth freshener.

Headache
Headache caused by exposure to cold air is readily cured by applying a paste of finely powdered cinnamon mixed in water on the temples and forehead.

Acne
Paste of cinnamon powder prepared with a few drops of fresh lime juice can be applied over pimples and blackheads with beneficial results.

Other Diseases
Cinnamon is highly beneficial in the treatment of several other ailments, including spasmodic afflictions, asthma, paralysis, excessive menstruation, uterus disorders and gonorrhea. It is sometimes used as a prophylactic agent, to control German measles.

Other Uses of Cinnamon
Natural Birth Control
Cinnamon can be used for natural birth-control. It has the remarkable effect of checking the early release of ova after child-birth. A piece of cinnamon taken every night for a month after child-birth delays menstruation for more than 15 to 20 months thus preventing early conception. It indirectly helps the secretion of breast milk. Dried cinnamon leaves and inner bark are used for flavoring cakes and sweets and in curry powder. They are also used in incense, dentifrices and perfumes. Cinnamon bark oil is used for flavoring confectionery and liquors. It is also used in pharmaceutical and dental preparations. Cinnamon leaf oil is used in perfumes and flavorings as also in the synthesis of vanillin.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Vanilla (Vanila)


Botanical name:Vanilla fragrans (Salisbury) Ames.
Vanilla planifolia Andrews.
Vanilla pompona Schneider.
Vanilla tahitensis Moore.
Family name:Orichidaceae.

Vanilla was traditionally not known to Indians. Europeans introduced it for flavoring dishes of western origin like puddings, ice creams, cakes, and pastries. Later when it was popularized Indian started flavoring their traditional sweets like kheer, sandesh etc.

The vanilla pods or sticks of commerce are the cured fruits or beans of the plant, which is a climbing orchid. It is a native of Atlantic coast from Mexico to Brazil. Vanilla cultivation spread to other countries after the discovery of America. The important vanilla producing countries are: Madagascar, Mexico, Tahiti, Comoro, Reunion, Indonesia etc.

Different methods of curing vanilla after harvest are being followed in different countries. Of the various processes, the Mexican Process has been reported to be suitable for Indian condition. During curing, or the fermentation process, vanilla pods get the flavor as a result of naturally induced enzymatic action of Beta-glucosidase on the precursor glucovanillin with the formation of vanillin and sugar. Vanillin aroma is the dominant flavor characteristic of vanilla. Climatic conditions, timing of the harvest, and the extent of sweating of the pods during curing are some of the important factors that determine the vanillin content and the quality of the pods.

The most important quality attributes of cured vanilla beans for grading purposes are: length of beans, aroma, color, flexibility, luster, and freedom from blemishes, mildew, and insect infestations. The well-cured beans thus graded and packed in airtight tin containers can keep well for a long time.

The proximate composition of whole vanilla beans is as under:
Vanilla BeansMoisture:25.85 to 30.93%
Protein:2.56 to 4.87%
Fatty oil:4.68 to 6.74%
Volatile oil:0.0 to 0.4%
Carbohydrates:7.1 to 9.1%
Fiber:15.27 to 19.60%
Ash:4.5 to 4.7%
Vanillin:1.48 to 2.90%
Resins:1.5 to 2.6%
Calcium:19.7%
Potassium:16.2%
Sodium:6.7%
Phosphorus:9.5%
Iron:0.3%.

Vanilla extracts are in great demand in America while cured vanilla beans in European countries. The vanilla flavor can be extracted with alcohol. The color of the extract depends upon the strength of the alcohol used, duration of extraction and the presence of glycerin. Dark colored extract is obtained from dry beans and the presence of glycerin deepens the color of the extract. Vanilla extract is either stored in stainless, aluminum or glass containers. Ageing for 25 to 30 days improves the aroma, due to formation of esters from acids in the presence of 42 to 45% alcohol. Wooden containers must be avoided.

Vanilla ExtractThe vanilla extract mixed with sugar and made into a powder called `powdered vanilla` or vanilla sugar, which has great demand in commercial market round the globe.

Use of vanilla as source of medicine is practically forgotten. It is most popular as a flavoring agent known all over the world. In the USA, most of the vanilla flavor is marketed in the form of pure vanilla extracts.

Vanillin is an important product extracted from vanilla. It has market demand all over the globe and fetches much higher value.

Mace and Nutmeg Fruit (Buah Pala)

Botanical name: Myristica fragrans Hout.
Family case: Myristicaceae.

Mace and nutmeg fruit Nutmeg and Mace are two distinctly different spices produced from a single fruit of an evergreen, aromatic nutmeg tree usually 9 to 12 meters high, but sometimes reaching a height of 20 meters or more. Mace is the dried reticulated aril of nutmeg. When the peach or apricot like nutmeg bursts open, the mace is seen as an attractive bright scarlet cage closely enveloping or clothing the hard, thin, black shining shell of the seed called nutmeg. The mace is skillfully removed, gently pressed flat, dried and is called the `blade of mace`. On drying, the original scarlet color of the mace turns rather pale yellowish brown or reddish brown and becomes brittle.

The plant requires a hot and moist climate with a rainfall of 150 to 300 cm per annum. It grows best at low elevations in alluvium formed of deep friable loam with good drainage, well sheltered from high winds; it does not thrive above an altitude of 750 meters.

The flavor of mace is similar to that of nutmeg but is more refined. Mace is much more expensive than nutmeg. Inferior mace has usually little aroma and is brittle. Both the spices are used for flavoring a number of foods and beverages besides being used as medicine. Their pleasant aroma is due to the presence of the essential oil in them.

Commercial mace consists of flattened lobed pieces, 2.5 cm or more in length, somewhat less in breadth and 1 mm thick. When soaked in water, the lobes swell up and regain original form. It is dull yellowish red in color, translucent and brittle. In odor and taste, it resembles nutmeg, but is softer and more delicate. Four types of mace are recognized as follows:

Banda mace: It is considered to be finest. It has bright orange color and fine aroma.

Java Estate mace: This mace is golden yellow, interspersed with brilliant crimson streaks like Banda mace; it is free from insect infestation.

Siauw mace: It is of lighter color than Banda mace and contains less volatile oil.

Papua mace: It contains comparatively little volatile oil and that to of undesirable turpentine like aroma. It is entirely unsuitable for distillation purposes.

The trade considers Banda and Penang mace the entire world over as of superior quality. This true mace must be differentiated from mace consisting of the aril of other species of same genus.

Being a thin lacy material, the mace is very light in weight and consequently, for every 100 kg of nutmeg a tree produces, it yields only 3 to 3.5 kg of mace. Its quality depends on its essential oil content.

Mace Mace is available in the market as `whole`, `broken`, or `ground`. Mace is in great demand in India. In spite of the fact that India is a major producer of mace, a large quantity of mace is being imported every year. Therefore, there is huge domestic demand of this spice in India. That is the reason the cultivation of mace is gradually expanded.

The composition of mace is given below:

Moisture:5.9%
Protein:6.5%
Ether extract:24.4%
Carbohydrates:47.8%
Fiber:0.8%
Ash:1.6%
Calcium:…0.18%
Phosphorus…0.13%
Iron…12.6 mg/100 gram
Vitamin B1…0.37g/100 gram
Vitamin B2…/0.56 mg/100 gram
Niacin…1.2 mg/100 gram
Vitamin C…12 mg/100 gram
Vitamin A…175 I.U/100 gram.

It contains a volatile oil (4 to 15%), amylodextrin (25%), reducing sugar, pectin, resins and coloring matters.

Mace and nutmeg fruitThe leaves yield on water distillation, 0.41 to 0.60% of a light brown volatile oil with a pleasing spicy odor. Steam distillation of dried leaves give 1.58% of a colorless volatile oil containing alpha-pinene (80%) and myristicin (10%).

Oil of Mace resembles nutmeg oil in odor, flavor and composition and no distinction is made between them in the trade. Like nutmeg oil, mace oil also becomes viscous on storage due to absorption of oxygen. Old mace yields more viscous oil than the fresh one. Freshness of mace thus is judged accordingly.

Fixed Mace Oil: Mace yields a fat similar to that from nutmeg but in a much smaller amount. The fixed oil is a semi drying oil. However, it may not be economical to extract the oil.

The amylodextrin is present in mace in the form of granules, visible under the microscope. They are compound and irregular in shape with distinct hilum.

Nutmeg and mace are generally classified as baking spices, since both are particularly good in sweet foods (especially, doughnuts and dough). However, they find a much wider range of use than other baking spices. They are frequently included in frankfurter formulae and in recipes for curried meat and other products. In India it is frequently used in Mughlai dishes.

Mace and nutmeg fruit Both nutmeg and mace are much used in soups and preserves, in sauces, in combinations with dairy products. Nutmeg, in general, tends to be sweeter and more delicate than mace. For light colored foods, such as pound cakes, cream pies and cream soups, mace is often chosen because of its own light orange color.

Mace is often chewed for masking foul breath. However, use of nutmeg in India is greater in the kitchen and in medicine than mace. Their volatile oil is used as a flavorant in liquor, tobacco and dental creams.

In India, mace and nutmeg are used more as drugs than a condiment due to their valuable medicinal properties. Both are stimulant, carminative, astringent and aphrodisiac and are used in pharmaceutical preparations for dysentery, stomach ache, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, malaria, rheumatism, sciatica and early stages of leprosy. Excessive doses, however, have a narcotic effect.

Benefits of Nutmeg
Nutmeg was used in the preparations of various medicines in ancient times. Even today it is used in several important and widely used pharmaceutical preparations. The oil extracted from the herb is used in liniments, perfumery, hair lotions and as an antispasmodic carminative.

Insomnia
The powder of nutmeg, mixed with fresh amla juice, is also an effective medicine for insomnia, irritability and depression. Nutmeg paste mixed with honey is given to infants who cry at night for no apparent reason, to induce sleep. It should, however, not be given regularly without medical advice as it may cause serious complications and addiction in the infants.

Digestive Disorders
The powder of nutmeg, about 5 to 15 grams, mixed with apple juice or banana, is used as a specific remedy for diarrhoea caused by indigestion of food. The same quantity of nutmeg powder taken with a tablespoon of fresh amla juice thrice daily, is effective for indigestion, hiccups and morning sickness.

Dehydration
The herb is useful in treating dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly in cholera. An infusion prepared from half a nutmeg in half a litre of water given with tender coconut water in doses of 15 grams at a time, is an effective treatment. Skin Disdorders

Nutmeg is used in the treatment of skin diseases like ringworm and eczema. The paste of the herb prepared by rubbing it on a stone slab in one`s own early morning saliva---before cleansing the mouth---is applied once daily as a specific remedy in the treatment of these conditions.

Common Cold
In case of a running nose, a paste made from this with cow`s milk and 75 mg of opium should be applied to the forehead and the nose; it will provide quick relief. Precautions: Nutmeg should be taken in very small doses; in appreciable doses it excites the motor cortex and produces epileptic convulsions and lesions in the liver. Even a teaspoon of nutmeg can produce toxic symptoms such as burning in the stomach, nausea, vomiting, restlessness and giddiness with hallucinations.Skin Disdorders Nutmeg is used in the treatment of skin diseases like ringworm and eczema. The paste of the herb prepared by rubbing it on a stone slab in one`s own early morning saliva---before cleansing the mouth---is applied once daily as a specific remedy in the treatment of these conditions.

Other Uses
Sex Stimulant: Nutmeg, mixed with honey and a half-boiled egg, makes an excellent sex tonic. It prolongs the duration of the sexual act if taken an hour before intercourse.