Losing Weight With Herbs

27 08 2011

   Herbs have always been used to help lose weight effectively. There are many kinds of herbs that you can use to help suppress appetite and control your weight loss problem. For people need or want to shed a few pounds and who are already eat a healthy diet and participating in regular exercise, then adding natural herbs into your diet can be a great addition to help aiding you in weight control.

   In, fact the Chinese have been using herbs for medicinal purposes for over 4000 years. Today, the western medical community, who has once shunned the use of herbs for medicinal purposes, is starting to take notice of the benefits of using herbs. Herbs can not only help one to lose weight, they are also nutritionally sound and can offer a healthy, natural alternative to nourish and heal the body. Herbs can also give the body the necessary nutrients that the body does not always got through a regular diet.

   However, herbs may not be a good weight loss solution for these seeking to lose a lot of weight in a short time. Some herbs do have some side effects and are not suitable for some body condition, and some should be taken carefully. As with any weight loss program or diet, caution should always be used and one should not take a large amount of herbs at a same time. Herbs should also be used in conjunction with regular diet and exercise for an effective weight loss solution.

   When purchasing herbs you should always look for freshness of the herbs. Those that are loose and sold in bulk for a long time have almost no nutritional value. Instead, opt for those freeze-dried over air dried herbs as they are less likely to go bad and the freshness can remain over a longer period of time.

   Since we now understand the usefulness of herbs as a weight loss remedy, let us look at a few herbs that you can use. The following are good starters to help you curb your appetite and lose weight with herbs.

   Evening Primrose has been shown to be an effective source of natural alternative to help reduce cholesterol levels and help people who do not process fats correctly lose weight. Studies have shown that the psyllium granules of these seeds consumed with water before a meal can help to control a person appetite. This herb can cause an instant reduction of appetite by making the stomach feel full. This feeling can lead to less calorie and fat consumption. Queen’s flower has also been shown to be one of the most effective plant used in alternative weight control and diabetes.



WARNING!!! Crash Diets Are Dangerous!!!

23 06 2011

   Some people are seriously want to lose weight most specially people with the obesity problem nevertheless, do you know that some people who are physically fit are still obsessed to lose more?

   It is very alarming to see people doing a forceful move that the method of losing weight is becoming unhealthy. The most favourite technique is the crash diet. Who would not require this kind of weight loss technique when it’s immediate and dramatic lose of pounds in the body? People choose to do this because it’s fast and could attain in a short term basis.

   Crash diet is something you have to consider earnestly because it is unhealthy and could pose a great risk to your health. According to Isadore Rosenfeld professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, in New York City. Crash diet cal alone alter your immune system and increase your risk of dehydration, heart palpitation and cardiac stress.

   “Crash diet once won’t hurt your heart,” Dr. Rosenfeld says, ” But crash dieting repeatedly increase the risk of heart attacks.”

   A crash diet is a diet which is intense in its nutritional deprivations, typically badly restricting calorie intake. It is meant to accomplish quick weight loss and may differ from outright starvation only slightly. It is not meant to last for long periods of time, at most a few weeks. This kind of diet will have an effect of a yo-yo kind of gaining and losing weight it lead to greater chance of a heart problem, and the worse part is DEATH.

   Eat healthy and moderation is a advisable diet and a combination of workout. Just be vigilant and very keen in what you eat and limit food that may contribute to weight gain like sugary food, reduce salt in your food and starchy food, fewer carbohydrates. Eat a lot of vegetables and fruits to increase the fiber intake. Eating greens aide your body to cleanse our system.

   If you thinking to supplement it with weight lose pill. I would recommend an herbal pill that derived from plants and could cost increase your immune system as well.

   For one thing, the herbal plant derived weight loss has been proven not only to lose weight but to surge your energy. There is much knowledge base information that it will increase burning ability of your body that it change fat in accelerated level.

   Here’s the thing, crash diet is totally not advisable. Is Healthy and balance diet with a combination exercise? Better oh, yes for sure! Because it is recommendable. A safe and natural diet pill derived from herbal plant species, including wild berries extract? It is so much better!!!



The 7 Top Herbs To Use For Diabetes

11 03 2011

   Diabetes is one of the tip chronic diseases affecting people’s lives of today. Medication is expensive and having the disease can be debilitating. Do not despair. There are so many things out there that can help reduce the bad effects of diabetes to a person health. Here, we will show you the top seven herbs that you can use to treat diabetes.

   Basil:

   Basil is a popular leaf used with white pasta. In eastern countries, it is a popular herbal medicine to treat diabetes. This is because basil has chemicals that can suppress the rise of sugar levels after meal. As you know, the food we eat is converted into glucose or sugar. Insulin is the agent that enables the body cells to absorb sugar. Diabetic individuals have insulin that cannot perform this function and the glucose or sugar ends up in the bloodstream instead of the cells and this is what complicates diabetes. With a regular intake of basil, the glucose levels will be balanced.

   Garlic:

   Garlic is a world renowned herb used in almost all dishes. In terms of health, it is a very powerful food that is rich in antioxidants. What is does for a diabetic person is that the free-radical damage made by cells that were oxidized due to high insulin levels. A diabetic person whose insulin level is out of control is very susceptible to oxidize the cells.

   When this happens, these oxidized cells become free radicals, imbalanced cells that lost an electron. What these few radicals do is to try to take the electrons for the healthy cells, causing more damage and turning healthy cells into non-functional cells. The anti-oxidant powers of garlic can significantly reduce all of these issues, if not completely turn things around.

   Bilberry:

   This is perhaps one of the most common herbs recommended to treat diabetes. This plant has leaves that can dramatically lower a person’s blood sugar level. To use it, all you have to do is to boil about a few handfuls of these leaves in three or four cups of water for about half an hour and drink it. Now, there are processed versions of this drink in the form of instant tea.

   Ginkgo Balboa:

   A popular herb used for weight loss and detoxification, the ginkgo balboa is powerful herb that can increase a person’s blood flow. Due to the improved blood flow, a diabetic person can avoid complications to the eyes brought about by the chronic disease. This is normally prescribed to individuals suffering from diabetic retinopathy.

   Ginseng:

   Many health-conscious individuals use ginseng as a slimming tea. Some use ginseng as a cleansing agent because of its antioxidant properties. Ginseng is also a powerful herb that can help treat diabetes. What it does it to support the production of beta cells in the body’s pancreas. These beta cells produce and release insulin in the body. It also helps reducing the resistance of insulin to sugar, making it work its function as a glucose carrying agent more efficient.

   Cinnamon:

   If you think this is only something you smell in breads, think again. Cinnamon bark is widely used in many countries to treat many ailments. Aside from adding spice to your dishes, it also helps in aiding a lot of problems such as stomach ache, gas pain, nausea, and more. Today, studies reveal that cinnamon improves the insulin’s ability to take glucose to the blood more than 20 times.

   Bitter Melon:

   What this does is to lower the body’s blood sugar. On a typical dosage a person with diabetes only has to take 50 to 100 millilitres of this herbs juice everyday. On a cellular level, the bitter melon makes our cells better in absorbing glucose with less assistance from insulin. Now, this herb is transformed into capsules that doctors prescribe to patients with diabetes.



‘6′ Powerful Herbs To Promote Healthy Blood Sugars

14 12 2010

   Glucomannan- Is essentially a water soluble fiber found in the roots of the konjac plant. It helps elevate constipation and can be used to aid weight loss. In diabetics it is shown to have improved the lipid profile and alleviate fasting blood sugar levels of those with type 2 diabetes.

   Gymnema Sylvestre- Is a herb which is commonly called Guam. It is said to aid absorption of sugar molecules in the intestines. It helps to reduce and control blood sugar levels in diabetics. it can be used to treat hyperglycemia.

   Fenugreek- The herb and the seeds are both used in medication and traditional Indian cooking. One of its uses is to help lactating mothers increase their milk. It is also seen to lower the blood sugar levels of those suffering from type 2 diabetes. Specifically lowering serum cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoproteins.

   Prickly Pear Cactus- The cactus contains a range of alkaloids including phenethylamines. They have an anti-inflammatory property which can come in useful to diabetic prone to infections. It has shown a blood sugar lowering tendency in studies of type 2 diabetes person.

   Stevia- Is the genus of the sunflower family. It is a low carb, low sugar food alternative to people who are obese or high blood pressure. It also has a negligible effect on blood glucose and so is considered a good food for those with type 2 diabetes.

   Turmeric- Is a perennial plant which is part of the ginger family. It has been used in traditional food and medicines in many cultures. It is antiseptic, anti bacterial and anti inflammatory. It is also used for gastrointestinal discomfort.



How Can Food Therapy Improve Your Health…NOW

31 10 2010

   As a diabetic it is very important to pay attention to your food. Food therapy can help you keep your blood sugar levels under control. Natural Cure is better than getting medication from the doctor about it. This will allow him to schedule frequent blood tests to monitor your sugar levels and change your medication accordingly.

   Foods that you must avoid are the one which have high content of sugar such as sweets, syrups, jam, ice cream, cakes, pastries, sweet biscuits, chocolates and aerated soft drinks. You must also avoid foods that are processed and rich in fats such as junk food, canned and preserved foods condensed milk, cream and fried foods.

   Foods that you can eat, but must be limited include salt, alcohol, tea, coffee, red meats, poultry and fish. What you need to ensure is that you eat foods that are high in fiber such as whole grain products, fruits, nuts and vegetables. There is also evidence to support the fact that eating raw vegetables is better than cooking them.

   Then there are specific herbs and foods that you can use to control your sugar levels in the blood. These include bitter melon, bitter gourd, fenugreek, garlic, citrus fruits, onion, cucumber and green leafy vegetables.



Herbs and Diabetes

30 03 2010

   Since ancient times people became ill and suffered from various ailments. People from then on relied on herbal remedies derived from herbs and spices. Herb have been used to treat many diseases including diabetes. In fact there are more than 500 herbal remedies to manage diabetes and many still continue to use these plant extracts to treat the disease.

   Sugar in the form of glucose is the main source of fuel for body cells. The hormone insulin allows glucose in blood to enter cells. In diabetes, either the body doesn’t produce enough insulin and cells are resistent to effects of insulin. If the glucose levels in the blood persist, it may damage the eyes, heart, kidneys or nerves.

   Gymrena Sylvestre is a herb derived from a tree found in India and Africa, and has been known to curb the longing for sweetness. It helps to decrease blood fats and reduces blood sugar levels. Gymrena is supposed to increase the beta cells in the pancreas.

   Cinnamon which is got from the back of a tree, has been found to increase the conversion of glucose into energy and black out free radicals. This means that diabetes complications are retarded. Research in India indicates that the effects of this herb in controlling blood sugar levels are astonishing.

   Fenugreek has been used in India for a long time as an anti-diabetes drug. The fenugreek seed power is known to significantly reduce blood glucose levels and also reduce triglycerides. 15 gms daily is seen to produce and effect especially in type 2 patient.

   Jambolan, which belongs to the species of cloves, also reduces blood sugar levels quickly and the best part is that it is virtually without any side effects. It contains alcanolic acid and hence inhibits the production of free radicals.

   Bitter melon, also known as balsam pear, is a tropical vegetable widely cultivated in Asia, Africa and South America and is extensively used in herbal medicine as a remedy for diabetes. The blood sugar lowering action of the fresh juice or extract of the unripe fruit has been clearly established in both experimental and clinical studies. Bitter melon is composed of several compounds with comfirmed anti-diabetic properties. Cheratin, extracted by alcohol, is a hypoglycaemic agent composed of mixed steroids that is more potent than the drug tolbutamide which is often used in the treatment of diabetes. Memordica also contains as insulin like polypeptide which lowers blood sugar levels when injected into type 1 diabetes patients. The oral administration of 50-60 ml of juice has shown good results in clinical trials.

   Onion extract reduces blood sugar levels during oral and intravenous glucose tolerance. 25 to 200 gms of onion extract of raw onion affects the hepatic metabolism of glucose. The additional benefit of the use of garlic and onions has a beneficial cardiovascular effect. They are found to lower lipid levels, inhibit platelet aggregation and are anti-hypertensive.

   Bitter gourd is a vegetable found in the Indian Sub Continent and its juice is found to have positive effects on elevated blood sugar levels in the body. Lutien is a dietary supplement  which contributes to eye health in general. It is found in yellow and orange fruits and is also present in dark leafy vegetables. It protects the eye cells which are important for vision.

   The search for more herbs to cure diabetes still on and nature with its bounty of natural vegetation provides the necessary raw material. It will be prudent to consult your doctor before taking any alternative form of medicine.



‘7′ Powerful Nutrients

22 03 2010

This will help you promote healthy blood sugar:

   1- Gynnema Sylvestre-Helps removes excess sugar from your bloodstream

   2- Chronmuim- Boosts insulin sensitivity

   3- Cinnanon Bark- Activatis insulin receptor cells

   4- Banaba Leaf Extract- Patols sugar levels in your bloodstream

   5- Bitter Melon- Improves glucose tolerance

   6- Fenugreek Seed- Promotes wound healing, reduce risk of nerve damage

   7- Policosanol- Naturally helps supports healthy cholesterol



‘4′ Herbs for Diabetes

23 02 2010

   Gymnema Sylvestre:

It reduces insulin resistance by increasing cell permatibility. It is recommended that people with diabetes should take 4 grams per day of this ayurvedic herb. A Harvard study concluded that it did not only reduce blood sugar in type two but type one diabetics as well. Gymnema Sylvestre is made out of a herbal plant known as 91Masbedda92 in Sri Lanka. It has powerful medical characteristics for the cure of diabetes. The herbal preparation now market is now in dried powered form and could be dissolved in hot water and could be taken instead of tea.

   Huckleberry;

Improves circulation in the capillaries in the hands and feet and improves digestion and immune systems.

   Zinc:

It is essential for the pancreas to produce insulin and makes insulin work effectively. It also helps in fortifying the insulin receptor cells. When zinc is low, the pancreas does not create sufficient insulin, that high glucose levels.

   Ginkgo Biloba;

An extremely effective herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and derived from one of the oldest trees on earth. Studies indicate that Ginkgo biloba has a beneficial effect on peripheral and cerebral circulation and can therefore help to prevent the tissue damage and poor circulation associated with diabetes. It is also suggested that Ginkgo biloba can increase blood flow to the optic fibres of the eyes and therefore help to treat diabetes related eye disease.



‘3′ Herbs for Diabetes

11 02 2010

   Blueberry Leaf Tea- The leaves of the blueberry plant have been found out to have hypoglycemic properties beneficial to diabetics. Several cups of the blueberry leaves is enough to bring down blood sugar levels to normal. The leaves are first soaked in cold water, and then boiled for 5-10 minutes. This preparation should be taken at least a few times a day for three months to be able to see a visible and significant changes in blood sugar levels. The anthcyanic acid present in blueberry leaves is the ingredient thought to be the main ingredient in the metabolism of carbohydrates. You may also take in anthcyanic acid in capsule forms available in several health stores.

   Prickly Pear Cactus- The nopal, or prickly pear cactus is a food product found in Mexico and is called nopal. It is thought to have hypoglycemic properties. They can be diced and placed in a salad or in tacos. Research in Mexico have shown that when the cactus stem was boiled and then ingested significant drop in blood sugar within one hour, with glucose levels continuing to decline for two hours. It is also believed to decreases insulin resistance.

   Gymnema Sylvestre- A popular in alternative medicine  in India known as the ayurveda makes use of this plant. Gymnema sylvestre. It is common to find this plant being used in treatments in alternative medicine, especially for diabetes. In fact, studies have shown improvements in the control of blood sugar by people with type 1 diabetes. It is also effective in treating people with type 2 diabetes since tests have shown a decrease in the dosage of oral medications sometimes to a point to allow oral agents to be discontinued completely. Unfortunately, the use of this plant has only been seen in abnormal blood sugar levels. The benefits of this plant have not been subjected to controlled studies.



‘3′ Herbs for Diabetes

31 01 2010

   Garlic, folk medicine has often used onion bulbs and garlic cloves to lower blood sugars significantly. Subsequently, scientific studies have proven that the presence of disulfides in onions and garlic such as allyl propyl and diallyl sulfide have played a role in the decrease of blood glucose levels. They have been seen to have actions similiar to Tolubtamide, a sulfonylurea drug of the first generation. They act on the pancreas and stimulate the production of insulin so as to control the sugar levels in the blood. It is those people with type 2 diabetes who benefit the most out of this. A minimum intake of about 50 ml of its juice everyday presents a considerable decline in blood sugar levels. Taken orally 50 ml of their juice daily has been shown to improve glucose control.

  Fenugreek Seed, of the Fenugreek plant has been discovered to produce a positive effect in the metabolism of glucose in the body. Fenugreek seeds are chopped finely and served as a flavorful spice in the uS. But in India and in Middle East, it is more popular as a treatment for diabetes. These seeds are soaked in water until the following morning, then eaten alone or combined with other foods. There are studies showing a decrease in the fasting blood sugar levels when tested on diabetics. They are also found to lower cholesterol levels since they contain a gel-like soluble fiber which combines with bile acid and lowers cholesterol levels. For therapeutic purposes, about 3 1/2 ounces of fenugreek seeds are to be taken in daily.

   Bitter Gourd, or sometimes called the balsam pear is the most commonly used herb to combat diabetes. It often grows in countries from Africa, South America and Asia. Just a quarter cup of the exract of bitter gourd is enough to bring down blood glucose levels by twenty percent. Glucose tolerance was also improved in seventy five percent of people with type 2 diabetes when treated with the extract of bitter gourd. The juice or unripe fruit of the bitter gourd plant has also the ability to bring down blood sugars levels. This is due to the number of sterols it contains that acts like sulfonylurea drugs to produce lowered blood sugar levels. The only setback of this herb is its extremely bitter taste.