Unless you are into exotic spices such as Indian curry, you may
never venture upon fenugreek seed. Fenugreek seed is favored
more in the east as a spice where it is an integral part of
pan-Asian Cuisine. In this article you will learn what
fenugreek can do and how it works.
The true benefits of fenugreek lie in its long history of
medical uses. For centuries, spanning Ayurvedic, traditional
Chinese Medicine and folk medicine, fenugreek has been used all
over the world. Fenugreek has so many usages - almost too
numerous to count, however, scientists have been able to narrow
down fenugreek top two functions. Fenugreek has the ability to
reduce blood sugar and cholesterol. With its ability to lower
blood sugar, fenugreek may hold a special interest by people
who suffer from diabetes.
Fenugreek has been traced back over 1000 B.C., which makes it
one of the oldest cultivated plants dating back as far as
Egyptian texts. These texts detailed how fenugreek was used in
the embalming and mummification process. History has shown that
fenugreek is truly a multi-purpose herb; fenugreek has also been
used as an aphrodisiac, used to enhance the appeal of stale
grass to livestock, can be brewed like coffee, and once used as
a yellow die for clothing.
For thousands of years, fenugreek has been used for its healing
properties in Northern Africa, the Middle East, and Far East.
Fenugreeks therapeutic usages included arthritis, hair loss,
male reproductive support, kidney health, wound healing, and
much more. Chinese herbalists prize fenugreek as a "Warming"
herb that can stimulate digestion. Fenugreek is also widely
used today by lactating mothers to increase milk production.
Fenugreek seed contains nearly 25% galactomannan which is a
type of natural soluble fiber that can benefit your health.
One of these health benefits includes a reduced risk of
cardiovascular disease. Fenugreek seeds, galactomannan, can
slow digestion which in turn slows glucose absorption and
stabilize blood sugar levels. Another benefit of fenugreek
seed is its appetite suppressing ability. The galactomannan
fiber can swell in the stomach and make you feel full reducing
the amount of food one consumes.
Fenugreek has many amino acids but the most abundant amino acid
is 4-hydroxyisoleucine
the pancreas to release insulin (Diabetes 1998). Insulin
causes blood sugar to drop which may help ease diabetic
symptoms. Fenugreek also regulates blood sugar through the
enzymes sucrase and alpha-amylase. By inhibiting these two
enzymes, fenugreek can help slow the break down of
carbohydrates into sugar further reducing blood sugar levels in
the body.
In 2003, Alternative Medicine Review published some research
showing how fenugreek supplementation in type II diabetics
lowered total cholesterol, lowered LDL cholesterol, and lowered
triglycerides or blood fat as well as ease the symptoms of
diabetes. In 1991, Phytotherapy Research published research
showing similar results on non-diabetics.
The next time you are eating out at an Indian restaurant and
biting down in some curry, try and narrow out the taste of
fenugreek. To fully reap the benefits of fenugreek you need to
stop into you're your online internet vitamin store and pick up
a bottle of standardized fenugreek to truly experience the
herbs blood sugar and cholesterol lowering properties.
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Saturday, June 30, 2007
Lower Cholesterol And Blood Sugar With One Herb - Fenugreek Seed
Anti Aging Herbs For The Heart
Dr. John Christopher, a famous natural healer, praised the use of Cayenne throughout the time of his practice. He once stated that in 35 years of practice he never lost a patient due to a heart attack if he was present during the attack. His emergency treatment was to get the patient to drink a cup of cayenne tea and within minutes the danger has passed.
Take a bite on a habanero pepper and you instantly feel a rush of heat to all parts of your body. That is due to the increased blood flow throughout your body. That is an effect that no pharmaceutical drug can create. Cayenne moves blood to the sick and dying organs and with it nutrients and healing bio-chemicals. At the same time it gets the waste materials carried away. For best result, Cayenne pepper should be taken with meals. Use 1/4 of a teaspoon of powder, or more, in a cup of distilled hot water.
Jiaogulan.
Jiaogulan is a Chinese herb and in Japan it is called Amachazuru and it is used to lower the cholesterol levels in the blood stream. It lowers the LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and raises the HLD cholesterol (good cholesterol). This herb can lower the blood pressure when it is to high and it can also rise the blood pressure when it is to low.
Soy.
Soy has been used in Japan and China for centuries and has shown to reduce the chances of having a heart attack. It is also shown to reduce the chances of developing breast cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer. Good sources of soy are lentils and flaxseeds, tofu, miso and soymilk.
Gynostemma Herb.
Gynostemma herb is also known as Southern Ginseng by the Chinese Herbalists. It is not related to ginseng and it belongs to the cucumber family and has traditionally been grown in the South Central China area. This area of China is well know for the long life if it's people as well as the low occurrences of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Gynostemma has been shown to have a marked effect in reducing the amount of cholesterol levels in the blood. Gynostemma works by emulsifying the cholesterol deposits that have accumulated on the blood vessel walls, thus making them available for excretion out of your body.
Procyanidolic.
Procyanidolic aligomers (PCO) are derived from pine bark and grape seeds. Studies have show it to prevent histamine release, promotes healthy veins and circulatory system.
Lecithin.
Lecithin has been showed to lower the risk of heart disease. It reduces the adhesiveness of platelets in the blood stream; reduce very low-density lipoprotein, lowers triglycerids and cholesterol in the blood.
Foti.
Foti can lower the cholesterol in the blood by inhibiting its absorption in the intestines, which assists in the prevention of arteriosclerosis and other heart related diseases.
Niacin is the closest thing available to a perfect treatment that corrects most causes of coronary heart disease. Niacin blocks the release of fatty acids from fat cells. Niacin plays a critical role in energy production, gene expression, and hormone synthesis. You cannot live without it. Niacin also tends to shift LDL particle distribution to larger particle size and improve HDL functioning. The intake of 3 grams Niacin for as little as two weeks can reduce serum cholesterol by 26 percent.
Vitamin E.
Vitamin E supplies Oxygen to the heart and the other muscles in the body. Accelerates wound healing and aids in the functioning of the immune system.
If you just feel that you need vitamins, supplements or herbs to fight the aging process then find a good health care professional prior to starting any type of home treatment.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.
David Cowley has created numerous articles on Anti Aging. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to Anti Aging and how to treat it. Visit http://www.aging-team.com
Common Fat Burning Foods And Herbs
Herbs are used for maintaining good overall health and keeping the bodys most basic processes working properly. People have been using herbs for medicinal reasons since before recorded history. In the past just as today, herbs are used for a million different things including weight loss, digestive health, and sexual health.
Herbal dietary supplements replenish the body with the minerals and nutrients it needs that it may not get from a poor diet, pollution or other reason. Herbs help keep the body balanced, maintain a healthy mind and promote a healthy balance of mind, body and feelings.
The benefits of herbal medicine are obvious and people use them for all types of reasons. Even skeptical people in the medical field are starting to realize and appreciate just how important herbs are. Medicinal use, herbal tonics, ancient theory and rituals using herbal medicine are now getting popular in the world view. Its well over due too, as the Chinese have been utilizing the benefits of herbal medicine for over 4,000 years.
From a historical standpoint, even to today, Chinese herbs have had a massive and positive influence on the mental and physical health of billions of people. These and other herbs such as from Indian ayurvedic medicine are still being used today for common and rare health problems by over 80% of the world.
A major use of herbal medicine today is for natural weight loss. Aside from a focused plan of diet and exercise, some herbs may help safely raise the metabolism or help in appetite suppression. But at the same time, you should also be aware of any possible side effects. You could always check with your doctor about any diet herbs you are thinking about taking.
It is important to stay informed about what herbs you add to your diet. Everyones metabolism (the rate that your body burns calories) is different and is affected by many things, such as genetics. Frequently eating even a few more calories than your body requires can lead to gaining weight. By taking in only one hundred extra calories daily for example, means that you will gain one pound in a month (a pound of body fat is equal to 3,500 calories).
Some experts believe that a lifestyle with low physical activity results in a person gaining more weight than eating too many extra calories does. This is because regular exercise burns off calories and also builds lean muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn while not exercising.
Here are a few of the commonly used herbs that promote good health and also weight management.
Common herbs reviewed
Bilberry Fruit Extract. Helps improve eyesight at night and the ability to adapt to bright light.
Cascara Sagrada (Aged Bark). Helps relieve and cure constipation.
Cayenne Pepper Fruit. An effective anti irritant for rashes, bug bites or other causes.
Cranberry Fruit. Promotes proper urine flow by preventing urinary tract infection.
Dong Quai Root. Natural menopause symptoms relief.
Echinacea Herb. Fights fevers, colds and respiratory ailments.
Evening Primrose Oil. Replenishes essential fatty acids, treats fatigue and the addition to alcohol.
Feverfew Leaf. Treats headaches, migrains and menopause symptoms.
Garlic Cloves. Lowers cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Ginger Root. Treatment for upset stomach, nausea and motion sickness.
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract. Improves memory and mental health. Reduces dementia and is a natural pain reliever. Also treats Vertigo and tinnitus.
Asian Ginseng Root/Panax Ginseng. Gives a person more energy to feel invigorated.
Siberian Ginseng Root. Invigorates and gives more energy against fatigue and weakness.
Goldenseal Root. Improves respiratory ailments and treats colds and flus.
Gotu Kola Herb. Enhances memory.
Grape Seed Extract. Enhanced blood circulation. Treatment for colds and flus.
Green Tea Leaf Extract. Reduces cholesterol.
Kava Kava Root Extract. Natural tonic for reducing nervousness, anxiety, stress, and restlessness. Improves sleep patterns.
Licorice Root. Improves respiratory, relieves stomach problems and treats ulcers.
Milk Thistle Seed Extract. Repairs liver damage and cirrhosis.
Saw Palmetto Berry Extract. Enhances urine flow by regulating prostate size in benign prostate hyperplasia stages 1 and 2.
St. Johns Wort Herb Extract. Promotes good moods and treats depression.
Valerian Root. Treats anxiety and trouble falling asleep.
Remember to thoroughly research any herbs you think may help cure a health problem, or help you lose weight. While herbs can be a great supplement in your weight loss plan, they should only be that a supplement as the traditional methods of proper dieting and exercising at least 3 times a week are often the best way to succeed.
George Watson is a popular Weight Loss researcher. Read more about fat burning foods and herbs at his weight loss pill review website, http://www.BetterWeightLoss.info