Flax vs Chia: Which Seeds Are Healthier?

Fibre: Both of these seeds are a great way to get more fibre in your diet, but chia has the edge: an ounce gives you 10.6 grams of fibre, or 42 per cent of your recommended daily intake, versus 7.6 grams and 31 per cent for flax. 

These seeds also provide different types of fibre. Chia is one of the richest sources of soluble fibre, the kind that takes longer to get through your digestive tract, which adds bulk to stool and slows glucose absorption. The fibre in flax, however, is mostly soluble fibre, which has been tied to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol — in fact, research has shown an association between daily flax consumption and lower cholesterol.

http://digcan.com/health

Fat: Being seeds, both of these are rich in fats. There's a bit more in flax, with 11.8 grams per serving, but chia has 8.6 grams. However, these are healthy fats, including omega 3 fatty acids. A serving of chia has 4915 milligrams of those, while flax has 6388 milligrams.

Lignans: Lignans are phytochemicals that are linked to reduced cancer risk; in particular, research has suggested that they may have a role in reducing the risk of breast and prostate cancers. Flax is a good source of lignans. Chia seeds also have lignans, but are not as rich a source as flax.

Protein: Sprinkling these tiny seeds onto your food can up your protein intake. Chia and flax have about the same amount per ounce, at 4.4 grams and 5.1 grams respectively. However, chia is one of just a few plant sources that is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all of the needed protein-forming amino acids. It's not necessary to only eat complete proteins if you get protein in your diet from a variety of sources, but it helps!

Calcium: An ounce of flax seeds provides seven per cent of your daily value (DV) of bone-healthy calcium, but chia seeds have more than double: 177 milligrams or 18 per cent of your DV.

Phosphorus: Calcium isn't the only mineral that's good for your health — phosphorus is also essential for the formation of bones and teeth. An ounce of flax will give you 180 milligrams of flax or 18 per cent of your recommended daily intake, but chia will give you a whopping 27 per cent with its 265 milligrams of phosphorus.

Copper: Copper is a trace mineral important for red blood cell formation, and both chia and flax are sources. Chia, however, has just a smidge with three per cent of the recommended daily intake, while flax has 17 per cent.

How To Eat: An important note about flax seeds: they should be eaten ground, as the whole seed is likely to pass through you undigested, taking all its benefits with it. If you're going to store ground flax, make sure you do so in the fridge in order to prevent oxidation, which will make it taste rancid. Your best bet is to buy flax whole and grind small amounts at a time — a coffee grinder works well for this. Chia seeds, however, can be eaten ground or whole.

Verdict: Flax is a seed worth eating, but chia has the upper hand here thanks to its higher numbers for fibre, calcium, and phosphorus, as well as because it's a complete protein. But all seeds have antioxidants, abd different ones, so it's great to get a mix of them in your diet.

Black cumin (Nigella Sativa) vs Black cumin (Bunium Bulbocastanum)

Do you have seeds of doubt about which cumin is the real black cumin? http://goo.gl/jTkBK9

You’re not alone. Two botanicals, Bunium bulbocastanum and Nigella sativa, are commonly referred to as black cumin. Both are purported to have therapeutic properties and both are spices. So what’s the difference? Let’s cut through the confusion.


Nigella Sativa                                                       

The prophet Mohammed is quoted as saying in the Koran, “This black cumin is healing for all diseases except death.” The black cumin he was referring to is Nigella sativa. It’s been used for centuries to treat everything from abscesses to herpes zoster.

Also called fennel flower, black caraway, and kalonji, Nigella sativa is a flowering plant. It’s native to parts of Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. The plant grows nearly three feet, and has wispy foliage, small pale flowers, and fruit pods filled with seeds.

These seeds, about the size of caraway seeds, contain a number of active ingredients, including a powerful compound called thymoquinone (TQ). TQ is said to reduce inflammation, enhance the immune system, and protect against cancer.

Considerable research is being conducted to determine potential applications for N. sativa in the treatment of a range of conditions, including: 

Cancer
N. sativa has gained interest as a possible anti-cancer agent. TQ has been shown to reduce the size of cancerous tumors in a number of animal studies. Laboratory studies in India found that TQ effectively slowed the growth of leukemia and myeloid lymphoma cells.

Allergies
A large body of research supports the use of N. sativa for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. One study concluded that N. sativa relieves most common nasal allergy symptoms, including:

congestion
runny nose
sneezing
swelling of the nasal passages
Alzheimer’s Disease
Animal research indicates that N. sativa warrants further investigation for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that N. sativa enhances memory, attention, and cognition.

According to the GreenMedInfo.com reference page for black cumin, the seed has been scientifically confirmed as being:

• Analgesic (pain-killing)
• Antibacterial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-ucler
• Anti-cholinergic
• Anti-fungal
• Anti-hypertensive
• Antioxidant
• Antispasmodic
• Antiviral
• Bronchodilator
• Gluconeogenesis inhibitor (anti-diabetic)
• Hepatoprotective (liver protecting)
• Hypotensive
• Insulin sensitizing
• Interferon inducer
• Renoprotective (kidney protecting)
• Tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitor

Bunium Bulbocastanum                                         

B. bulbocastanum is also called black cumin, great pignut, soil chestnut, and black zira. It’s native to northern Africa, southeastern Europe, and southern Asia. The plant is about two feet tall, topped with white flowers similar to Queen Anne’s lace.

All parts of B. bulbocastanum have uses. The edible roots taste like coconut or chestnuts, while the leaves can be used as herbs. But the seeds of B. bulbocastanum are most prized.

Although there hasn’t been extensive research on the therapeutic uses of B. bulbocastanum, several studies indicate that the herb may be effective in several treatment areas.

Infection Control
Researchers are exploring B. bulbocastanum as an antibacterial drug. A study found that derivatives of the plant are effective in fighting certain forms of bacteria. Most notably, it helps fight Staphylococcus aureus, which is the primary cause of skin and soft tissue infections. These infections are often vancomycin-resistant and methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and don’t respond to antibiotics. Alternative treatments like B. bulbocastanum would be very beneficial.

Diabetes
According to some research, B. bulbocastanum has antioxidation and antiglycation properties. In the future, B. bulbocastanum may prove to effective at reducing the impact of diabetes complications and aging due to oxidation and glycation. These processes damage our cells and contribute to a host of medical conditions.

Human research and clinical trials are required before N. sativa and B. bulbocastanum can be heralded as cures. N. sativa in particular may pan out as a panacea for certain conditions.

Fenugreek Seeds Health Benefits

Fenugreek http://goo.gl/yKMAHp also known as Greek Hay and Fenigreek,(Binomial name: Trigonella foenum-graecum) is an annual plant in the family Fabaceae, with leaves consisting of three small obovate to oblong leaflets. It is  commonly cultivated in the Mediterranean region and India as a semiarid crop, with both seeds and leaves are primarily used as a culinary spice, along with it's use to treat a variety of health problems in Egypt, Greece, Italy, and Southern Asia. 

The first recorded use of fenugreek http://goo.gl/yKMAHp dates all the way back to 1500 B.C.E., in ancient Egypt. Across the Middle East and South Asia, the seeds were traditionally used as both a spice and a medicine. 

Its uses included helping with:

• digestive issues
• problems breastfeeding
• inducing childbirth
• arthritis
• kidney problems
• menopausal symptoms.

Today, fenugreek is typically used to treat:

• loss of appetite
• diabetes
• high cholesterol
• eczema

What are the Benefits of Fenugreek?

Due to its estrogen-like properties, fenugreek seeds have been found to help increase libido and lessen the effect of hot flashes and mood fluctuations that are common symptoms of menopause and PMS. 

In India and China it has also been used to treat arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, improve digestion, maintain a healthy metabolism, increase libido and male potency, cure skin problems (wounds, rashes and boils), treat sore throat, and cure acid reflux. 

Fenugreek also has a long history of use for the treatment of reproductive disorders, to induce labor, to treat hormonal disorders, to help with breast enlargement, and to reduce menstrual pain. Recent studies have shown that Fenugreek helps lower blood glucose and cholestrol levels, and may be an effective treatment for both type 1 and 2 diabetes. It is also being studied for its cardiovascular benefits.

TREATING DIABETES AND LOWERING BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS

Studies have shown that participants with type 2 diabetes had significantly lower blood sugar levels after eating fenugreek seeds. Therefore, a recommended home remedy for treating Type 2 diabetes is to consume 500mg of fenugreek seed twice daily.

HERBAL CURE FOR SKIN INFLAMMATION

Research has shown that Fenugreek is an effective topical treatment for skin problems such as abscesses, boils, burns, eczema, and gout. Therefore, a simple skin inflammation remedy is the following:

Take a spoonful of fenugreek seeds and grind them into a powder.

Mix the ground powder with warm water.

Take a simple piece of clean cloth and soak it into the mixture.

Apply the soaked cloth directly onto the affected skin as a poultice.

NATURAL CURE FOR HEARTBURN AND ACID REFLUX

Fenugreek seeds contain a lot of mucilage, which helps sooth gastrointestinal inflammation by coating the lining of the stomach and intestine. Therefore, for an effective remedy against heartburn or Acid Reflux, simply sprinkle 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds onto your food. Another option is to take one teaspoon of seeds and swallow them with water or juice before any meal.

HOME REMEDY FOR FEVER

The Fenugreek herb has been known to help reduce fever when taken with lemon and honey, since it nourishes the body during an illness. Therefore, to treat a fever, simply consume one to two teaspoons of Fenugreek seeds three times a day along with an herbal tea (such as green tea) with a teaspoon of honey and lemon juice. Some health food stores also sell herbal Fenugreek teas, which can be used instead of the green tea.

BREAST ENLARGEMENT

Many women want to know exactly how fenugreek breast development works. It works because it stimulates your mammary gland and encourages the growth of breast tissue. It also contains phyto-estrogen that increases the level of prolactin in your body that helps increase the size of your breasts. 

Many women think that progesterone and estrogen are not good for their health and may even cause cancer, but it is completely safe to use fenugreek because the hormones found in fenugreek are not like progesterone and estrogens your body produces – they are basically phytoestrogens or plants estrogen and are completely safe to use.

Therefore, a simple home remedy for breast enlargement is to make fenugreek a part of your regular diet. This can be done by consuming them in either the form of fenugreek capsules, fenugreek beverage or fenugreek extract daily. 

REMEDY TO EASE CHILD BIRTH FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

Fenugreek stimulates uterine contractions and can be helpful to induce childbirth. However, pregnant women should only use this remedy for inducing labor after consulting with their doctor.

REMEDY TO AID MILK PRODUCTION IN LACTATING WOMEN

Fenugreek has been known to increase milk production in lactating women. Research has even shown that milk production can increase by over 500 percent within 24 to 72 hours after consuming this herb. Although it is not known why this happens, researchers speculate that the oil contained in fenugreek seeds plays a role. Therefore, a recommended remedy to increase milk flow is to consume one capsule of fenugreek seed (at least 500mg) three times a day.

What are the Side Effects of Fenugreek?

While Fenugreek is generally considered to be safe when used moderately, there have been reports of a few minor side-effects. Nausea is one common side effect, while other people have reported gastrointestinal discomfort (diarrhea and/or gas). Also, when using this herb topically on the skin, it is important to watch out for skin irritations and rashes. 

Fenugreek use during pregnancy is not recommended, since it has the potential to induce labor. If you are pregnant and wish to take it, you should do so only after consultation with your doctor. 

If you are currently taking any oral medications, you should always use this herb at least 2 hours before or after these drugs. This is important since Fenugreek fiber has the potential to interfere with the absorption of oral medications due to its mucilaginous fiber (which gives it a moist and sticky texture).

For Skin Care

Make these home-made hair and face packs using fenugreek.

To get rid of dandruff

Fenugreek can help reduce dandruff. In order to make a paste out of it, do the following:

• Soak a handful of its seeds overnight in water and then grind to a coarse paste in the morning.
• Now apply this mixture on your scalp and leave it for a few hours.

Then wash your hair with a mild shampoo or shikakai. Another variation to this paste is to heat mustard oil with a few leaves of henna in it. Then strain it.

• Once it cools down, add the fenugreek  paste to the oil and apply on the scalp. Keep it for half-an-hour before washing your hair. 

To reduce itchiness on scalp

Fenugreek can help reduce the itchiness and small bumps on the scalp which are a result of heat or dryness. In order to counter these, make this:

• Soak fenugreek seeds overnight in water. In the morning, strain the water and rinse your hair with this solution.
• You can even use other ingredients in addition to fenugreek seeds to get relief from itchiness.
• First, chop and grind some tulsi leaves and then mix sesame oil (til ka tel) in it.
• Heat this on a low flame and add a few fenugreek seeds to it.
• Once they start to crackle, turn off the gas.
• Apply the solution only once you’ve let it cool and strained it. You can also get rid of an itchy scalp with these remedies.

To control hair fall

Hair fall can be detrimental to one’s personality and self-esteem. In order to control it, make a paste of fenugreek  seeds.

• You can grind them before you mix them in curd and then apply on your scalp.
• Do keep it for about 30 minutes and then shampoo your hair. 

To lighten acne scars

Your pimples have disappeared but have left pesky scars on your face. In order to lighten them, make this effective pack:

• Boil a few seeds of fenugreek  in water for 15 minutes and allow it to cool.
• Strain the seeds and apply the liquid on the scars with a cotton ball.
• Follow this ritual at least for a week to see results. 

To get rid of burn marks

Burn marks are tough to get rid of but fenugreek  can help fade them over time.

• First, make a paste but grinding seeds soaked overnight.
• Apply this mixture on the marks and let it dry completely.
• Now wash the area with water and continue its use on a regular basis. 

To prevent pimples

Fenugreek can prevent the eruption of pimples as well as help treat blackheads. For this, instead of the seeds, use the fenugreek leaves.

• Grind them with a little water to make a paste.
• Now apply it on your face at night. Wash it the next morning with lukewarm water.
• If your skin is prone to acne, it is best to use this paste regularly to keep pimples at bay. 

Remember, home remedies take time to show any effect. Using them just once will not show any marked improvements. So use them on a regular basis.

Miracle berry

What is Miracle Fruit?
Miracle Fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum  http://goo.gl/oeVXp5  ), sometimes known as the Miracle Berry, is a plant native to West Africa known for its berry that, when eaten, causes sour foods (such as lemons and limes) subsequently consumed to taste sweet. 

Miracle Fruit contains a glycoprotein called miraculin, which binds to the tongue’s taste buds when the fruit is consumed. Miraculin acts as a sweetness inducer when it comes in contact with acids, causing bitter and sour foods to taste sweet, temporarily. This effect usually lasts between 30 minutes and 2 hours.

The berry has been used in West Africa since at least the 18th century, when European explorer the Chevalier des Marchais provided an account of its use there. Marchais, who was searching West Africa for many different fruits in a 1725 excursion, noticed that local people picked the berry from shrubs and chewed it before meals.

In the 1970s in the USA, an attempt was made to commercialize the fruit for its ability to turn unsweet foods into sweet foods without a caloric penalty, but ended in failure when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the berry as a food additive.

It is a shrub that grows between 6 to 15 feet in height and has dense foliage. Its leaves are 5–10 cm long, 2-3.7 cm wide and glabrous below. They are clustered at the ends of the branchlets. The flowers are white. It carries red, 2 cm long fruits. Each fruit contains one seed.

Miracle Fruit is available in three forms: The actual berries (which are usually frozen due to their high perishability), freeze-dried fruit granules, and miracle fruit tablets.

Consumption: 
Berries: Put one berry in your mouth and gently scrape the fleshy part off the seed. Swirl this around your mouth for 2 minutes before swallowing.
Freeze-Dried Granules: Place approximately 1 gram of the granules in your mouth and let them slowly dissolve on and around your tongue. Wait at least one minute before swallowing.
Tablets: Place one tablet in your mouth and gently swirl it around with your tongue until dissolved.