Top Amazing Health Benefits and Uses Of Bamboo Shoot

Bamboo shoots are little sprouts that spring up adjacent to the bamboo plant. One of the fastest growing plants in the world, bamboo can grow up 100 cm a day, helping to give its reputation of being the tallest in the grass family.

The bamboo plant is popular in Asian cultures, where every single part of the plant is utilized. You may have heard of bamboo being used to make furniture, houses, floor mats, and even musical instruments.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE

Bamboo shoots make a great nutritious addition to any meal. Bamboo shoots contain the following vitamins and minerals:

Vitamin A: Essential to eye health and bone development. Vitamin A also ensures strong teeth and bones, while keeping your skin soft and moisturized.

Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 stimulates the metabolism while boosting the immune system. Vitamin B6 is also for regulating hormones and helping to maintain emotional stability.

Thiamine: Thiamine maintains a healthy immune system, while helping to ensure the health of your heart. Thiamine also increases energy production and protects the nerves by helping them to develop strong myelin sheaths.

Riboflavin: Riboflavin provides your body with a significant amount of energy. It also aids in the production or red blood cells and encourages the development of healthy tissues and organs.

Niacin: Niacin is essential because it helps to lower LDL cholesterol and assists the digestive system in absorbing carbohydrates. Niacin also improves blood circulation and encourages sharp cognitive functioning.

Folate: Folate is important for preventing birth defects.

Pantothenic Acid: Pantothenic acid helps to reduce stress and helps to maintain heart health by regulating blood pressure and decreasing LDL cholesterol.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E has long been revered for its ability to strengthen and maintain skin, hair, and nail health.

Calcium: Calcium is vital to your health, as it help to maintain strong and healthy teeth, bones, muscles, and nerves.

Magnesium: Magnesium ensures normal nerve and muscle function. Magnesium also helps to regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Potassium: Potassium helps to protect your cardiovascular system by regulating blood pressure and preventing strokes and heart attacks.

Iron: Iron is vital to red blood cell formation and hemoglobin, helping to prevent the onset of anemia.

Bamboo shoots are also a rich source of such minerals as zinc, phosphorus, copper, manganese, sodium, and selenium. Bamboo shoots are also rich source of fiber and amino acids.

Bamboo shoots are characterized by their light-yellow colored flesh, mild flavor, and crunchy texture. Fresh bamboo shoots have to be soaked overnight before prepping for cooking. In today’s post, we are listing down the health and nutritional benefits of bamboo shoots:

1) ENSURES HEARTH HEALTH

Bamboo shoots may help to protect the cardiovascular systems by helping to regulate blood pressure due to its rich mineral content, particularly potassium, magnesium, niacin, and pantothenic acid.

2) REDUCES CHOLESTEROL

Consuming bamboo shoots can help you decrease levels of LDL cholesterol. The high fiber content of this sprout keeps the arteries clear while preventing the development of atherosclerosis. By keeping the blood vessels clear of plaque, blood is able to easily flow to and from the heart, decreasing the pressure placed on your heart and preventing the onset of heart attacks and strokes.

3) BOOSTS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Boasting a high vitamin and mineral content, bamboo shoots may help to fortify the immune system. A rich source of vitamin C, regularly consuming bamboo shoots may help to protect your body from infection and illness.

4) IMPROVES DIGESTION

High in fiber, bamboo shoots can help keep the digestive system running smoothly and efficiently. Fiber helps to add bulk to stool, encouraging regular, healthy bowel movements and preventing constipation. Getting enough fiber in the diet also helps to prevent diarrhea by adding bulk to the stools and preventing the loss of vital nutrients.

5) WEIGHT LOSS

If you are trying to put together a healthy diet low in fat, consider adding bamboo shoots to the mix. While rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, bamboo shoots are low in calories, yet help to fill you up.

8 Glutamine Rich Foods and How They Can Boost Your Muscle Strength

Let's begin by looking at what glutamine really is. It is the most important amino acid found in our body and yet a lot of us have very little or sometimes no knowledge at all about this extremely significant "building block" of protein. It is mostly present in the skeletal muscles and lungs, and involved in performing very essential functions. Some of these include digestion, repairing damaged tissues, strengthening of the immune system, and eliminating waste products like ammonia from the body.While each individual produces certain amounts of glutamine daily, sometimes due intense workout sessions or circumstances like stress and anxiety, it becomes necessary to externally consume glutamine rich food as the normal amount of glutamine production is depleted from the body, decreasing one's strength and stamina.

Glutamine Rich Foods

Here is a list of glutamine rich foods that you could consume in case of lack of this highly essential protein. Apart from adding supplements to your daily diet, you can rely on these food items to balance out the glutamine content in your body. While animal proteins are highly rich in glutamine, there are numerous vegetables as well that would do the trick.

1. Meat

Meat contains very high amount of protein. Any food that is high in protein is also high in glutamine. Meat is considered one of the richest sources of glutamine. Beef, chicken and lamb are excellent sources of glutamine.

2. Seafood

Fish is a great source of glutamine. So if you love your grilled salmon, baked river sole with spices or traditional Indian fish curry, you are getting a good dose. Salt-water fish has a higher content of glutamine than fresh water fish.

3. Milk

Milk helps promote glutathione production, which is an anti oxidant and is great for the body. It is essentially rich in glutamine. Add milk to your daily diet and your glutamine content in the body will remain stable.

4. Nuts

They are fairly rich in glutamine content. It would be unhealthy to munch on nuts the whole day but consuming just a handful of them two to three times a day will provide a good amount of glutamine. Almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts are some of the nuts that are beneficial.

5. Eggs

Eggs are especially beneficial for those individuals who engage in daily physical exercise. They are a great source of Vitamin K, B Vitamin including biotin, thiamine and Vitamin B12. They are also an excellent source of selenium, Vitamin D low cost protein and glutamine content.

6. Cabbage

Along with building one's immunity and over all health, cabbage, essentially red cabbage, is a powerful source of glutamine. It is important to note that eating raw cabbage is more beneficial than cooked one as cooking cabbage will reduce the glutamine content. Thus it is advised to consume cabbage in the form of salads.

7. Protein Drinks

Energy drinks are an important source of the amino acid, glutamine. Athletes must consume these protein shakes. Whey Protein is a common source of protein that individuals who actively workout consume. It is great to improve protein synthesis and build muscles.

8. Beans

For vegetarians, peas and beans are an important source of glutamine. In case one is recovering from a health issue and there is lack of glutamine, soy beans and kidney beans are extremely beneficial in such cases.

Instan Noddles are Dangerous For your Health

Instant noodles have long been a popular meal option, loved for their convenience and low cost. But a new study suggests they may increase the risk for heart disease and stroke. And the study has sparked renewed interest in an eye-opening video that shows how our stomachs handle processed foods.

They found that consumption of instant noodles two or more times a week was associated with a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women but not in men. Metabolic syndrome is set of conditions – including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess abdominal fat and abnormal cholesterol -- which combined increase the risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

The digestive tracts are seen contracting and convulsing to break down the noodles. More than two hours after consumption, the instant noodles aren’t broken down, and their shape and colour are still largely recognizable. By comparison, the homemade noodles are nearly completely broken down.

1. Contain Harmful Preservatives

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and t-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) are the main preservatives added to instant noodles to prevent rancidness and keep them usable longer.

The European Mission includes BHA in a list of chemicals with possible endocrine-disrupting effects. The endocrine system is responsible for the production and regulation of hormones, a disruption of which is likely to cause several adverse developmental, immune, neurological and reproductive effects.

2. Don’t Digest Easily

This is far more harmful than it sounds.

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital used a minuscule camera to observe the effects of noodles on the digestive tract over 32 hours.

The video revealed the stomach working hard, contracting back and forth, to break down the noodles. The noodles remained undigested for a long time and severely strained the digestive tract.

Furthermore, the retention of instant noodles in the digestive tract for so long means you get overexposed to the toxic chemicals and preservatives, such as TBHQ and BHA, found in the noodles, which can prove carcinogenic.

Long-term exposure to TBHQ can also cause asthma, anxiety and diarrhea in some people. It can also adversely affect the liver and the reproductive organs.

3. Increases the Risk of Heart Disease

“Metabolic syndrome” is defined as a group of symptoms that increases a person’s chances of contracting heart disease, having a stroke and developing diabetes.

These symptoms include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglyceride level, high blood sugar and increased abdominal fat.

Women who consumed noodles 2 or 3 times a week reported an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome, according to a 2014 study published in the Journal of Nutrition.

Furthermore, deep-frying is a step in the production process of most instant noodles. This further saturates the noodles with excess fat from the oil, making it a greater risk factor for heart disease.

Noodles that are air-dried skip the deep-frying, which makes them a comparatively healthier alternative.

4. High in Saturated Fats

While eating any kind of fat excessively increases your risk of obesity, saturated fats are especially harmful as they spike your low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or the “bad” cholesterol) level and increase the risk of heart disease.

LDL cholesterol levels, insulin sensitivity and abdominal fat levels improved in subjects who switched from saturated fats to polyunsaturated fats, according to a 2002 study published in Diabetologia.

Depending upon the manufacturing process, the amount of saturated fat found in different brands of instant noodles may differ.

Instant noodles fried in palm oil, lard or butter before packaging are likely to have a higher saturated-fat content. Some instant noodles’ seasoning may also contain oils high in saturated fats.

Check the nutrition label to learn the exact amount of saturated fats in your preferred brand of instant noodles and assess the health risk accurately.

5. High in Salt

Sodium-rich salt is the indispensable taste-enhancer. However, too much of it is very harmful to your health.
Instant noodles are rich in salt, and therefore, rich in sodium.

Excess sodium has been linked with high blood pressure (hypertension) and, in turn, heart disease, heart failure and strokes.

Patients with hypertension who consumed a special diet (rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products with low levels of dietary sodium) experienced significantly reduced blood pressure levels, according to a 2001 study published in The American Journal of New Medicine.

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE SALAD

Strawberry Cheesecake Salad – or what I like to call a “potluck salad.” Rich and creamy cheesecake filling is folded into your favorite berries to create the most amazing fruit salad ever!

OK, let’s get back to the today recipe. Can I suggest you yet another delicious way to welcome spring and eat Your favorite Berry, or what I like to call a “potluck salad.”
You know, the kind of fruit salad that’s loaded with whipped cream, pudding and marshmallows – salad you’ll want for a dessert.

Easy to make Strawberry Cheesecake Salad and definately easy to go makes the most perfect salad for any potluck or family gathering. Which is good, because it tends to get a bit runny when it sits overnight, so you don’t want any leftovers. Just be sure not to add the fruit and marshmallows until just before serving!

Strawberry Cheesecake Salad - or what I like to call a “potluck salad.” Rich and creamy cheesecake filling is folded into your favorite berries to create the most amazing fruit salad ever!

Strawberry Cheesecake Salad

Ingredients :

- 8 ounces cream cheese (1 block)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 lbs strawberries, chopped

Instructions :

1. In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.

2. In another bowl whip the heavy cream until it has soft peaks.

3. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese and beat on low-speed.

4. Add the strawberries into the cheesecake mixture.

5. Serve immediately.

Best Vitamins for depression stress

Many people—millions, in fact!—live in a state of constant stress, accepting it as an unfortunate consequence of modern, fast-paced life. While it’s perfectly natural to experience stress from time to time--the stress response evolved from our natural “fight or flight” response--it shouldn’t be a daily visitor. Frequent stress leads to unwanted health consequences, including migraines and sleep disorders.

Far too often, we rely on unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking or frequent alcohol use, to manage our stress. This can perpetuate a negative cycle that’s difficult to break. Knowing this, it is not surprising that stress is a contributing factor in the six leading causes of death in America, including heart disease, cancer, and lung disease.
Here are the top five, natural Anti Anxiety and Depression Supplements:

1. FISH OIL
Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a major building block in optimal brain chemistry, says Paul Anderson, ND, a professor of naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Wash. Although Americans tend to get adequate amounts of omega-6 fatty acids from foods like canola oil and nuts, we often come up short in omega-3s, which are most readily available in cold-water fish. Without enough omega-3s, "you tend to not transmit nerve signals properly," says Anderson. "When your brain isn't running properly, you can feel depressed or anxious." Scientists have come to the same conclusion: A 2007 study of 43 adults found that those with diets high in omega-6s but low in omega-3s had high levels of proinflammatory cytokines-molecules that tend to be produced in the body when people are depressed or stressed. However, the research on omega-3s and depression is still developing. One 2009 study found that higher intakes of omega-3s and oily fish may reduce the number of occasions that women suffer depressive symptoms by about 30 percent. However, another 2009 study showed that complementing antidepressant therapy with an omega-3 supplement did not improve depression levels in patients with coronary heart disease.

2. B-COMPLEX VITAMINS
According to Anderson, one of the common culprits for mild depression is an imbalance of brain neurotransmitters-natural chemicals that can act as mood enhancers by helping transmit signals between brain cells. Prescription antidepressants like Prozac and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) focus on one of these neurotransmitters in particular: serotonin, which they allow to stay around longer in the system. A more natural solution, says Anderson, is supplementing with vitamins B6 and B3 (niacinamide). "Basically, they make your body conserve the amino acid tryptophan and convert as much tryptophan as possible into serotonin." A 2004 Danish study of 140 people found that those who were clinically depressed had low levels of vitamin B6 in their blood.

3. 5-HTP
The amino acid 5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, is another natural option for upping serotonin levels. As a serotonin precursor, 5-HTP may help those for whom SSRIs like Prozac don't seem to work, says Katie Baker, ND, owner of Stone Turtle Health, a naturopathic family medicine practice in Seattle. "SSRIs block the uptake of serotonin so it sticks around longer," she says. But that won't do much good if not much serotonin is around to begin with. In contrast, 5-HTP is converted into serotonin in the body. "With 5-HTP, you are not plugging up the drain, so to speak; you are just putting more into the sink," says Baker. A six-week study of 63 people found that those who took 300 mg daily of 5-HTP had the same depression relief as those who took prescription antidepressants-but with fewer side effects.

4. THEANINE
An amino acid derivative found in green tea, theanine has long been known to trigger the release in the brain of gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA. GABA activates the major calming neurotransmitters, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, but the body has difficulty absorbing supplements containing synthesized GABA. That's why Anderson recommends theanine, which the body can easily absorb and, ultimately, use to boost levels of GABA.

5. VITAMIN D
Vitamin D has long been championed for its ability to help maintain healthy teeth and bones because it promotes calcium absorption. Turns out the multitasking vitamin might also help combat anxiety and depression. A 2008 study of 441 overweight and obese men and women in Norway found that those given 20,000 and 40,000 IUs per week of vitamin D supplements had significantly less depression symptoms after one year than those in a placebo group. It's unclear how, exactly, vitamin D might fend off depression, but Smith conjectures that it might improve neurotransmitter function.

Best Foods for Children’s Brain Development

A healthy, balanced diet is not just good for kid's bodies, it's good for their brains, too. The right foods can improve brain function, memory, and concentration. Like the body, the brain absorbs nutrients from the foods we eat, and these 10 "superfoods" on the following slides can help children boost their brainpower.

These 7 foods can help kids stay sharp and affect children’s brain development.

1. Eggs
The protein and nutrients in eggs help kids concentrate, says Los Angeles-based chef Beth Saltz, RD.

How to Serve It: Fold scrambled eggs into a whole-grain tortilla for a filling breakfast or late-afternoon snack. “The protein-carb combo tides kids over until the next meal with no sugar-induced energy crash,” Saltz says. You can also try serving egg salad sandwiches or a few deviled eggs.

2. Greek Yogurt
Fat is important to brain health, says Laura Lagano, RD. A full-fat Greek yogurt (which has more protein that other yogurts) can help keep brain cells in good form for sending and receiving information.

How to Serve It: Pack Greek yogurt in a lunch with some fun mix-ins: cereal with at least 3 grams of fiber, and blueberries for a dose of nutrients called polyphenols. Dark chocolate chips are another option. They have polyphenols, too. These nutrients are thought to keep the mind sharp by hiking blood flow to the brain.

3. Greens
Full of folate and vitamins, spinach and kale are linked to lower odds of getting dementia later in life. Kale is a super food, packed with antioxidants and other things that help new brain cells grow.

How to Serve It: For some kids, greens are a hard sell. So rather than serving a salad, you may want to try some different ideas:

Whip spinach or kale into smoothies for snack time.
Add spinach to omelets or lasagna.
Make kale chips. Cut kale from stems/ribs, drizzle with olive oil and a bit of salt, and bake.

4. Fish
Fish is a good source of vitamin D and omega-3s, which protect the brain from declining mental skills and memory loss. Salmon, tuna, and sardines are all rich in omega-3s.

“The more omega-3s we can get to the brain, the better it will function and the better kids will be able to focus,” says Bonnie Taub-Dix, RD, author of Read It Before You Eat It.

How to Serve It: Grill it and offer your child a sauce for dipping, add fish to tacos, or make tuna sandwiches.

5. Nuts and Seeds
Packed with protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, nuts and seeds may boost mood and keep your nervous system in check.

How to Serve It: There’s always peanut butter, or you can also buy or make sunflower seed butter. Sunflower seeds are rich in folate, vitamin E, and selenium, and safe for nut-free zones. If you can’t get your kids to eat the seeds themselves, use the spread on whole-grain crackers or bread.

Make pesto: Nuts combined with olive oil and dark leafy greens make a healthful and tasty sauce you can serve over whole-grain pasta.

6. Oatmeal
Protein- and fiber-rich oatmeal helps keep heart and brain arteries clear. In one study, kids who ate sweetened oatmeal did better on memory-related school tasks than those who ate a sugary cereal.

How to Serve It: Add cinnamon. Compounds in the spice may protect brain cells, research shows.

7. Apples and Plums
Kids often crave sweets, especially when they’re feeling sluggish. Apples and plums are lunchbox-friendly and contain quercetin, an antioxidant that may fight decline in mental skills.

How to Serve It: The good stuff is often in the skin of fruit, so buy organic, wash well, and put the fruit in a bowl for quick snacks.

Health Benefits of Mangosteen Juice

Mangosteen juice is made from the tropical fruit known as Garcinia Mangostana. It is called “the queen of fruits” in Asia, because of its unique appearance and extensive health benefits. Is is recorded to have originated in Indonesia. Currently is grown in many areas in Southeast Asia as well as some parts of Africa.

The juice is used as a supplement to help with a variety of ailments as well as to promote overall good health. In Southeast Asia, this fruit has traditionally been used as a part of the people’s natural healing and diet. Western medicine has more recently researched the attributes of consuming mangosteen and have found many positive results.

Health Benefits of Mangosteen Juice,that is :

1. Reducing Inflammation

Systemic inflammation in people who are obese may lead to further health problems including diabetes and heart disease. Researchers studied mangosteen juice to see if it could lower signs of inflammation in obese volunteers. An article in "Nutrition Journal" reported that volunteers who drank mangosteen juice twice daily showed a significant reduction in inflammatory markers in their bloodstream, while markers for inflammation in a control group that received a different juice concoction didn't change. The authors cautioned that more studies are necessary to confirm the benefits of mangosteen juice and determine if there are any negative side effects.

2. Gum Disease

Although results from scientific research are still very preliminary, scientists are studying mangosteen as a possible weapon against the gum disease known as periodontitis. A study described in "Complementary Therapies in Medicine" reported that patients who applied a gel containing mangosteen juice to their gums improved more than patients in a control group. Both groups also received the standard treatment for periodontitis. The authors concluded that mangosteen gel could eventually be a helpful accompaniment to more traditional periodontal treatment. If you are having problems with your gums, see your dentist.

3. Antioxidant Effects

The function of an antioxidant is to fight against the free radicals that cause cellular damage and that have been implicated in the development of heart disease and cancer. Free radicals are naturally produced by the body as it breaks down food, but are also created by environmental factors like tobacco smoke, radiation and pollution. Mangosteen juice is high in antioxidants, especially the potent ones known as xanthones. Xanthones are found only in a few tropical plants, and mangosteen is the richest source. According to the National Cancer Institute, the science on antioxidant consumption is preliminary, but some studies indicate that they may guard against the development of cancer. Mangosteen juice and other sources of antioxidants, however, are not effective treatments for any disease.