Healthy pocket

Showing posts with label health benefits of eating nuts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health benefits of eating nuts. Show all posts

Monday, June 11, 2012

Quinoa (Goosefoot plant)

Scientific name: Chenopodium quinoa

Description:

Quinoa is an amino acid-rich seed ( although commonly considered a grain) with a transparent yellow color. Other varieties range in color from red, purple, orange, pink and even black. There are over 120 species of Quinoabut only three main varieties are cultivated. Cooked quinoa seeds have a fluffy, creamy, slightly crunchy texture and is very nutritious and delicious with a somewhat nutty flavor. The leaves are lobed or triangular and are edible and is similar to beets, swiss chard and spinach. The flower heads are branched with large clusters of seeds.


Health benefits:

Quinoa is rich in minerals like copper, folate, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and tryptophan. It is also rich in fiber, vitamin E and provides all the nine essential amino acids like lysine and cystine.


Medicinal Properties:

Migraine headaches

Quinoa is a good source of manganese, magnesium, folate and phosphorus that are helpful for migraine headaches. The magnesium & vitamin B2 in quinoa help relax blood vessels and improve the energy metabolism thus reducing the frequency of headache episodes.

Atherosclerosis and other Cardiovascular disorders

This is because as mentioned above Quinoa is a very good source of magnesium - a mineral that relaxes blood vessels. The phytonutrient, lignans, that are abundant in quinoa are also a valuable nutrient to the heart.

Studies show that consumption of whole grain products and dietary fiber has reduce the risk of high blood pressure and heart attack.

The mineral manganese also functions as a cofactor for the superoxide dismutase enzyme - an antioxidant. That's why Quinoa also lowers type 2 diabetes risk.

Gallstone Prevention - quinoa is high in insoluble fiber and helps reduce the secretion of excessive bile acids.


THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED/TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TRYING THIS. AVOID SELF-DIAGNOSIS AND SELF-MEDICATION.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Pili Nuts


Scientific name: Canarium ovatum Engl. Burseraceae


Description: Erect and spreading, this large tree reaches a height of about 35 m and is a meter
or more in diameter.  The leaves are alternate, pinnate and about 30 cm long with usually three pairs of opposite leaflets and a terminal leaflet.

The leaflets are ovate to elliptic, 12-20 cm long and 3-7 cm wide, smooth and shiny on both sides, pointed at the apex and rounded or obtusely pointed at the base. The fruit or nut, botanically a drupe, ovoid to ellipsoid, 4-7 cm long, about 3.8 cm wide.

Medicinal Value et al:

Young shoots, fruit pulp and the pili nut kernel are edible, used for cooking and making salads. The seed coat must be removed before eating as it can cause diarrhea.

Oil from the pili pulp could also be used in the make of soap.

The oleoresin is used as a stimulant; a rebefacient (an external skin application causing redness of the skin); and an antirheumatic when applied externally.

Poultices of brea(soft resin obtained from genes Canarium tree) are used externally for swellings of the legs.

Oleoresin, prepared in the form of ointment is applied on indolent ulcers.

It is a good source of fiber; minerals; vitamin E, folacin and other B vitamins and monounsaturated fat.


THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED & TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.