Grapes – a queen of all fruits

1. Grapes are one of the most valuable fruit that is known to revitalize our entire system. They are delicious, highly nutritious and very easily digestible.
   
   Grapes can be eaten fresh or dried (raisins) or can be consumed as a grape juice. Although seedless grapes are highly sought after for table grapes, the absence of seeds does diminish the phytochemical content of the grape. To receive the maximum nutrients from grapes, it is recommended that the seeds are also consumed.
   
   
   Many of the health benefits attributed to red/purple grapes are due to the pigments that are concentrated largely in the skin and seeds, which have about 100 times higher level than the pulp of the grape.
   
   Grapes are rich in content with water, protien, fat, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron) and vitamins (Vitamin C, Vitamin A and P). Due to its rich content of sugar which is formed of glucose, they are easily absorbed in the body soon after its consumption thus supplying heat and energy within a short time.
   
   Health benefits are massive and can be illustrated as follows:

1. Cancer:
   Grapes seem to be very good cancer fighting fruit. (They are an excellent source of health promoting flavonoids. Usually, the stronger the color of the grapes, the concentration of flavonoids are found higher.)
   
   Grapes are also rich in ellagic acid, a potent flavonoid that helps fight cancer. Besides there is a substance found in the skin (not flesh) of grapes, called "resveratrol". Researchers reported in a study that resveratrol is converted in the body to a known anti-cancer agent that can selectively target and destroy cancer cells.
   
   Besides, red grape skins and seeds contain recently isolated compounds shown to reduce the size of estrogen-dependent breast cancer tumors.
   Still more interesting fact is that grapes acts as a preventative agent in prostrate, lung, liver, and breast cancer.
2. Heart Disease:
   Grapes are abundantly useful in the treatment of heart disease as they tone up the heart and are effective in cardiac pain and palpitation of the heart. Besides grape juice is highly valuable for a person who is suffering from a heart attack which will avert serious consequences and by reducing the pain and palpitation.
   
   Also eating fresh grapes may prevent the accumulation of harmful oxidized cholesterol as well as the development of atherosclerotic lesions. According to the study, as reported in the Journal of Nutrition (vol. 135, pp. 722-728, 2005.), naturally occurring antioxidants in fresh grapes known as polyphenols are believed to be responsible for this beneficial impact.
   
   The flavonoid compounds found in grapes called resveratrol appear to decrease the risk of heart disease by:
   -Reducing platelet clumping and harmful blood clots
   -Protecting LDL cholesterol from the free radical damage that initiates LDL's artery-damaging actions
   -Boosts good type of HDL cholesterol
   They are also known to keep heart flexible and healthy.
3. Blood Pressure :
   The intake of grapes regularly in our diet reduces the risk of hypertension.
4. Alzheimer’s disease: Resveratrol, a beneficial polyphenol present in grapes reduces the levels of amyloidal-beta peptides in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Studies suggest that grapes can enhance brain health and stall the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.
5. Constipation:
   As grapes are a laxative food, it is valuable in relieving constipation. It tones up the stomach and intestine and relieves the most chronic cases of constipation. When fresh grapes are not available, raisins soaked in water can be used.
6. Dyspepsia :
   Grapes constitute a light food that eliminates indigestion and irritation of the stomach and, is valuable in dyspepsia.
7. Asthma :
   According to Dr. Oldfied, grapes and their juices are beneficial in the treatment of asthma.
8. Body building fruit:
   Grapes are very good for the blood and a body builder - it is also a quick source of energy.
9. Migraine:
   The grape juice is very effective home remedy for severe migraine.
10. Kidney Troubles:
    It is an excellent food remedy in acute and chronic nepthritis and bladder stones. Also grapes help to decrease the acidity of the uric acid greatly and, lends itself further in aiding the elimination of the acid from the system, thus benefiting the kidneys greatly.
11. Antibacterial activity: Red grapes have strong antibacterial and antiviral properties and can protect you from infections. They have a strong antiviral property against poliovirus and herpes simplex virus.
12. Liver Disorders:
    Grapes activate liver to glycogenic functions and bile secretions and is highly useful for all types of liver disorders.
13. Pyorrhoea :
    The organic acid of the grapes are strongly antiseptic and has a strong effect on the gums. According to Johanna Brandt, “Every tooth may be loose in its socket and pus may be pouring from the gums, but after a few weeks on the exclusive grape diet, it will be found that teeth are firmly set in the jaws and that every trace of pyorrhea poisoning has disappeared”.
14. Alcoholism :
    Grapes are an effective remedy for those craving alcohols as it is the most purest form of alcohol. So grapes must form an exclusive diet in treating the alcoholics.
15. Eyesight:
    Grapes can contribute to reducing the risk of loss of eyesight (a major problem among the elderly). By increasing grapes intake we can reduce the risk of macular degeneration (the main cause of vision loss) by 30-40%.
    
    Flavonoids present in grapes have antioxidants, which can reduce and fight the damage caused by free radicals such as cataract.
16. Anti-aging & Life-prolonging properties :
    The resveratrol found in grapes seems to influence genes controlling the aging process. According to Harvard Medical School researchers, this substance can restrict calories intake. It activates enzymes that slow aging, thus increasing DNA stability and extending life span by 70%.
    
    
    In short, for taste and for health, put either some grapes or grape juice in your daily diet that will do wonders to your overall health and immune system!
    (However, a word of warning, grapes have many health benefits, but have a high sugar content and should therefore be eaten in moderation or choose the less sweet ones).
    
    
    
    

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Tips on Low Back Pain Relief and Prevention

What can cause low back injuries?
Muscle strain or spasm, sprains of ligaments (which attach bone to bone), joint problems or a "slipped disk." The most common cause is using your back muscles in activities you're not used to, like lifting heavy furniture or twisting a body.
A slipped disk (also called a herniated disk) happens when a disk between the bones of the spine bulges and presses on nerves. This is often caused by twisting while lifting.




What can I do for relief when I've hurt my lower back?























What else can I do for relief?
Heating pads can help to relax painful muscle spasms. Use heat for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Massages may also give relief.



Call your family doctor if:
Pain goes down your leg below your knee
Your leg, foot, groin or rectal area feels numb
You lose control over going to the bathroom
Your pain was caused by an injury
Your pain is so intense you can't move around
Your pain doesn't seem to be getting better after 2 to 3 days



Tips for preventing back strain

• Don't lift by bending over. Lift an object by bending your knees and squatting to pick up the object. Keep your back straight and hold the object close to your body. Avoid twisting your body while lifting.

• Push rather than pull when you must move heavy objects.


• If you must sit at your desk for long hours, break up the time with stops to stretch
  

Tips for preventing back strain
Wear flat shoes or shoes with low heels (1 inch or lower). Exercise regularly. An inactive lifestyle contributes to lower back pain.


What's the best way to sit?
















What's the best position for standing?

• If you must stand for long periods, rest 1 foot on a low stool to relieve pressure on your lower back.

• Every 5 to 15 minutes, switch the foot you're resting on the stool.


• Maintain good posture: Keep your ears, shoulders and hips ina straight line, with your head up and your stomach pulled in.

What's the best position for sleeping?


The best way to sleep is on your side with your knees bent. You may put a pillow under your head to support your neck. You may also put a pillow between your knees.

If you sleep on your back, put pillows under your knees and a small pillow under your lower back. Don't sleep on your stomach unless you put a pillow under your hips.

Proper sleeping positions
What you sleep on can also impact how comfortably you sleep. If adjusting your sleeping position doesn't help reduce pain, try adjusting your sleeping surface. Mattress firmness is an individual choice. It should not be too hard or too soft.

What exercises can I do to strengthen my back?

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Olives – a Superb Nutrition to Mankind

Olives are one of the oldest foods known to man, dating back some thousands of years in the Mediterranean region. The olive tree was valued as a symbol of peace and happiness and is well-known as a blessed tree. While olives were used as food, olives leaves are widely used for medicinal values and, olive oil are treated as perfect oil for cooking purposes.

Olives are concentrated in monounsaturated fats and a good source of vitamin E. Because monounsaturated fats are less easily damaged than polyunsaturated fats, it’s good to have some in our cells’ outer membranes and other cell structures that contain fats, such as the membranes that surround the cell’s DNA and each of its energy-producing mitochondria. The stability of monounsaturated fats translates into a protective effect on the cell that, especially when combined with the antioxidant protection offered by vitamin E, can lower the risk of damage and inflammation. (In addition to vitamin E, olives contain a variety of beneficial active phytonutrient compounds including polyphenols and flavonoids, which also appear to have significant anti-inflammatory properties.)

It's true that olives do have some fat, but it's the incredibly healthy monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats have been found to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and increase HDL (good) cholesterol.

Current research shows there are around 100 naturally occurring compounds in fresh olive leaves. These all work together in ‘natural synergy’ to provide an effective year-round defense system for the olive tree. These compounds include a unique group of powerful polyphenolic antioxidants which are potent scavengers of free-radicals. In simple terms, they defend their cells against attack and damage.

The antioxidants in olive leaf scavenge free-radicals eliminating them before cell damage is done. Olive Leaf does not cure diseases, it is however a cold blooded killer of most pathogens. Once the pathogens have been stunned or killed off, the immune system can rebuild it and cure the disease or get rid of the symptoms. One compound in olive leaf is oleuropein which converts to elenolic acid in the body. The oleuropein and its related sub compounds target viruses and bad bacteria's while relaxing blood vessels.

Nutritional Value of Olives
Given below is the amount of nutrients present in three olives, combined together:
Fat - 2.5
Cholesterol - 0mg
Sodium - 110mg
Carbohydrate - 1g
Calories - 25
Protein: 0g
Iron
Vitamin E
Dietary Fiber
Copper
Fatty Acids
Amino Acids
Due to fat content olives are highly energetic especially when ripe. They should be used preferably in the winter. Moreover, Olives are easy to digest if well chewed and, black olives are better than green olives.

The health benefits of Olives, Olive leaves and Olive Oil are listed as follows:

1. General consumption of Olives, due to their high anti-oxidant properties, help to combat against diseases such as cancer (particularly breast cancer and colon cancer).
2. The nutrients in olives help to prevent heart disease. Olives Leaves help combat against strokes, heart-disease, High blood pressure, diabetes. The olive leaves tea helps prevent and defends against High blood pressure.
3. The Vitamin E in Olives may even help to reduce the frequency and/or the intensity of hot flashes in women going through menopause.
4. The anti-inflammatory actions of monounsaturated fats and, the Vitamin E contained in Olives is the body's primary fat-soluble antioxidant. Anti-oxidants help to strengthen the body's immune system; reducing the severity of asthma, cancer, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, premature ageing, as well as delaying the effects of ageing.
5. Olives are also very light foods (i.e. it contains low calories), but at the same time very filling; being able to quickly satisfy hunger and, lead to fewer total calories ingested at mealtime.
6. The chronic ulcers and boils, which show difficult healing condition, are healed up with the use of olive oil generally. The local application of olive oil or the water extracted from the crushed olive oil leaves is effective on boils, rashes and itching.
7. The Olive oil can also be used on hands, hair and as a base for massage oil. When used as a balm it fortifies the hair and it keeps the hair shiny and prevents dandruff.
8. Olive Oil when used as a balm fortifies and moisturizes the skin, combating dry skin and softening it. It also combats against acne.
9. Massaged onto the body, Olive oil fortify the limbs, combat against inflammation, and sooth away aches and pains from tired muscles and so on.
10. Olives aids in digestion and strengthens the bowels, as well as the stomach.

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