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Health benefits of Barberry

Barberry is an evergreen, deciduous shrub that bears oval shaped red fruits. Barberry is known for its medicinal uses for more than 200 years. It is a cleansing herb that contains excellent stimulating and sedative properties that help fight several disease causing organisms. You can consume barberry orally, and also be used externally for treating a number of health issues. Let us know about some of the best health benefits of barberries for human health.
1.Eases Up Inflammation and Infections
Barberries help in easing the inflammation. Actually,inflammation is the root of some health ailments and treating these inflammations can actually be helpful in making the symptoms a bit manageable.
Research has stated that barberry consists of some potential antibacterial and anti-fungal agents in it and this make the fruit a great solution to fight infection.
2. Beneficial in treating Diarrhea
Diarrhea is caused by specific bacteria that could be naturally treated using barberry. However, when the condition is serious, it is very much required to contact your doctor on an immediate basis.
3. Controls Blood Sugar
Sugar present in barberries could be harmful for diabetes patients. However, research has stated that because of the presence of berberine, consuming the fruit in moderate amount could actually help in lowering the blood sugar levels in an effective manner.
4. Detoxifies Blood
One of the best known health benefits of barberry is that it is beneficial in cleansing the blood. Barberry could help in improving the function of liver, which in turn enhances the blood detox in your body
5. Treat Gastrointestinal Infections
One of the most amazing benefits of barberries is that it can help in treating gastrointestinal infections because of the presence of some powerful antibacterial and anti-fungal agents in it.
6. Controls Cholesterol levels
Barberries are known to control cholesterol levels. Dietary fiber present in barberry is wonderful to bind unnecessary cholesterol in the intestine; which in turn encourages and enhances the production of good cholesterol levels and this helps in controlling the cholesterol level.
7. Eye Health
Barberries are known to be beneficial for eye health. Berberine present in barberry could actually promote eye health. This means, it is not only able to improve vision, but also be able to avoid any macular degeneration that is related to vision.
8. Stimulates the WBC Production
Barberry is known to be beneficial in stimulating the production of WBCs. Berberine chemical compound present in barberries, helps in this. Optimal production of white blood cells is helpful in promoting normal blood clot and accelerating the wound healing.
9. Lowers Blood Pressure
Hypertension is not a condition that is pretty easy to deal with. Barberries could help in relaxing the blood vessels and this will improve the blood flow and help the heart work properly. This in turn will result in lowering the blood pressure.
10. Improves Flow of Blood
Normal flow of blood is essential for optimal distribution of nutrients and oxygen in the body. Barberry helps in enhancing the blood flow by relaxing the blood vessels and easing up the function of heart.
11. Improves Digestion
Almost all fruits consist of high amount of fiber in them that are great for digestion. Barberry is also helpful in improving digestion because of the rich fiber content. Apart from this, the antibacterial and anti-fungal effects of barberries could help keeping digestion healthy and free from infection.
12. Treats Skin Disorders
Certain types of skin disorders could be cured by using barberry. Acne, psoriasis, etc. are some of the skin disorders that can easily be treated with barberries, as it consists of some effective antibacterial and anti-fungal agents for fighting infections.
13. Treat Anemia
Barberries are beneficial in treating anemia. Anemia occurs when the body is suffering from iron deficiency. There may be a lot of causes for iron deficiency. However, we know barberry is loaded with Vitamin C and thus could be helpful in dealing with this problem.
14. Urinary Tract Treatment
Barberry supports the urinary system, bladder and kidney function, and can help alleviate such symptoms as cramping, inflammation,irritation, and discomfort. It is excellent for kidney stones and gallbladder problems. Barberry may optionally be used as a homeopathic component or an adjunct component.
15. Supports cardiovascular and neural system
Barberry acts as an effective medicine against various cardiovascular issues such as hypertension and tachycardia. It also acts as a curing medicine for certain neural disorders namely epilepsy and convulsion.

Health Benefits of Coffee, Based on Science

1. Bundle
Coffee has antimicrobial properties that can protect the skin from germs.
Coffee grounds are an excellent exfoliant. The bases do not dissolve in water, which makes them well cleansed of dead skin cells.

The results of a study conducted in 2013 indicate that the substances contained in coffee also contribute to skin health. Caffeic acid, an antioxidant, can increase collagen levels and reduce premature cell aging.

Caffeic acid also has antimicrobial properties, which means it can help protect the skin from germs. Confirmation of these findings will require additional human studies.

To make a simple exfoliating scrub, combine:

one-quarter Cup of fresh coffee grounds
quarter Cup brown sugar
enough lemon juice for the desired consistency
RUB this mixture into your skin once every few days after washing your body. Leave the scrub on the skin for a few minutes, then rinse it off.

2. Getting rid of swollen eyes
Coffee can benefit people with swollen, inflamed eyes.

Caffeine stimulates blood flow and dilates or dilates blood vessels. This increases blood flow, which can help the skin naturally tighten. The result may be a reduction in the accumulation of fluid under the eyes.

Other compounds in coffee, such as chlorogenic acids, can also reduce inflammation around the eyes.

Try blotting around the eyes with a paste of very finely ground coffee and liquid from the coffee itself.

3. Sunscreen
Coffee contains antioxidants that can help protect against UV rays.
Coffee contains antioxidants such as polyphenols. They can help protect against UV rays and some signs of aging associated with sun exposure.

The authors of a study conducted in 2015 concluded that participants with the highest consumption of polyphenols from coffee or other sources had fewer UV pigment spots on their faces. Among the participants were Japanese women aged 30-60 years. Confirmation of these findings will require further research.

Drinking coffee or applying it to the skin are simple ways to deliver these antioxidants to the body.

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4. cellulite Reduction
Coffee can also help reduce the appearance of cellulite on the skin.

A small study found that a local weight loss product containing caffeine and several other active ingredients was more effective at reducing persistent cellulite in women than a placebo product.

However, based on this study, it is impossible to say whether caffeine, another substance, or a combination produced these results.

A person can try using fresh, moist coffee grounds to scrub and exfoliate areas of cellulite. Peeling can also help smooth the skin and stimulate blood flow.

5. Acne treatment
The antioxidants, stimulants, and chlorogenic acids found in coffee can make it an effective acne-fighting facial scrub.

Acne occurs when fat, dead skin cells, and other substances clog pores that can be infected with bacteria, leading to inflammation.

Cleansing the face with coffee grounds can help clear dead skin cells and clear the pores.

The chlorogenic acids in coffee can also reduce inflammation and protect against certain strains of bacteria.

6. Foot bath
Coffee can be very effective for cleansing the feet, smoothing and softening the skin.

Earth can help scrape dead skin cells from the soles of your feet, and the stimulating effects of caffeine can help increase blood flow and circulation in this area.

To make a foot bath:

Brew several large cups of coffee
Add the coffee and used grounds to a small bucket or bath.
Let the coffee cool so it doesn't burn your skin
Soak your feet in coffee and use the grounds to remove dead skin cells.
7. Hair and scalp
By rubbing coffee grounds into the scalp, you can remove dead skin cells.
The scalp and hair are naturally acidic. Scientists measure the acidity of a substance using a pH scale.

The lower the pH value, the more acidic the substance is. A pH value below 7.0 is considered acidic, while a pH above 7.0 is basic or alkaline. The hair fibers have a pH of 3.67, while the scalp has a pH of 5.5.

Using hair products that have a higher pH value than hair can lead to dullness, curls, and damage.

Coffee is naturally sour. The American dental Association gives a pH value of 5.11 for the average roast of a major brand.

Applying coffee to your hair can be a great way to help balance the pH level of your hair and scalp.

Try rinsing your hair with cold, brewed coffee or rubbing coffee grounds into your scalp. It can also help clear the scalp of dead cells.

8. Hair coloring
People with brown hair who want to add a little depth to their natural color can try the coffee treatment.

To darken your hair with coffee:

Brew several large cups of strong coffee and let it cool to room temperature.
Add the coffee to a large bowl. Have a clean Cup and a hair band or shower cap handy.
Lean your head forward over the sink.
Using a Cup, scoop up the coffee and pour it over your head so that all the hair is thoroughly soaked.
Gently wring out your hair, then put it in a bun or use a shower cap.
Leave the coffee to soak in for 30 minutes to 3 hours.
Wash your hair in the shower.
For a darker color, repeat this process.

20 Amazing Benefits Of Capsicum/Bell Peppers For Skin, Hair And Health
1. Good for Eyes:
Being high in vitamin A, red bell peppers help to support healthy eyesight, especially night vision. They are a rich source of a carotenoid called lutein that helps in lowering the risk of macular degeneration of the eyes. Macular degeneration of eyes is the most common cause of age related visual loss. Bell peppers also protect your eyes from cataracts due to their high levels of beta-carotene and vitamin C.

2. Burns more Calories:
Red bell peppers help in activating thermogenesis and increase the metabolic rate. Capsaicin which is responsible for increasing the hotness of other peppers is found in bell peppers in very small amounts. Thus, they have a mild thermogenic action that increases the metabolism without increasing the heart rate and blood pressure unlike hot peppers. Hence, they can support weight loss.
3. Anti-Cancer Benefits:
Being rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients, bell pepper provides several anti-cancer benefits. The risk of cancer increases due to chronic excessive inflammation and chronic unwanted oxidative stress. These factors can be offset with regular intake of phytonutrients having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, bell peppers also contain health supportive sulphur compounds. The enzymes in bell pepper help to prevent gastric cancer and esophageal cancer. The carotenoid lycopene is found to be effective in the prevention of prostate, bladder, cervix and pancreas cancer.

4. Cardiovascular Benefits:
Red bell peppers are rich in lycopene, thus making them excellent for a healthy heart whereas green bell peppers are a good source of cholesterol lowering fiber. Increased homocysteine levels can lead to a higher risk of heart disease. Bell peppers contain vitamin B6 and folate which help to lower homocysteine levels. In addition to these, the powerful antioxidants vitamins A and C present in these vegetables help to wipe out free radicals. Potassium contained in bell peppers lowers about 162 milligrams of blood pressure which is also beneficial for heart.

5. Supports the Immune System:
Vitamin C is vital for maintaining a healthy immune system and for building strong collagen to support skin and joints. It is instrumental in lowering the risk of arthritis and reducing inflammation. Vitamin K aids in the formation of blood clots. It is important for developing strong bones and protection of cells from oxidative damage.
6. Great source of Vitamin B6 and Magnesium:
The combination of vitamin B6 and the mineral magnesium leads to decrease in anxiety levels, particularly due to pre-menstrual symptoms. Being a natural diuretic, vitamin B6 helps to reduce bloating and prevents hypertension.

7. Cures Iron Deficiency:
Red bell peppers provide almost 300 percent of the daily vitamin C requirement. Vitamin C is essential for the proper absorption of iron. Thus, those suffering from iron deficiency should consume red peppers.

8. Benefits of Capsaicin:
Capsaicin is found in the white membranes of peppers which is responsible for imparting heat to the seeds as well. It lowers the cholesterol levels and triglycerides. It kills the ulcer causing bacteria in the stomach and boosts immunity.
9. Detoxifying Properties:
Bell peppers help in clearing out the congested mucus membranes in the nose and lungs and eliminate toxins through sweating.

10. Benefits of Potassium:
Bell peppers are good sources of potassium. This mineral helps in keeping the fluids and minerals balanced in the body. It enhances muscle function and regulates blood pressure.

11. Other Benefits:
Bell pepper juice has proven to be effective in curing gastrointestinal disorders such as ulcers, diarrhea and dyspepsia. It also lowers the incidence of several respiratory problems such as emphysema, asthma and infections in the lungs. Drinking bell pepper juice is an effective remedy against sore throats and nose bleeds.
Hair Benefits Of Bell Pepper
Getting healthy, long and thick hair is everyone’s dream. But unfortunately an unhealthy lifestyle and lack of proper supply of nutrients in the diet often lead to several hair problems like hair thinning, dandruff, split ends and hair loss. Now this might appear strange, but bell pepper can support hair growth by improving the circulation of blood to the scalp. Given below are the benefits of bell peppers for hair.

12. High Silicon Supports Hair & Nails:
Green bell pepper has a high content of natural silicon, which may support healthy hair and nails.

13. Stimulates Hair Growth:
By stimulating circulation, bell peppers improve the effectiveness of other herbs. Red bell pepper is a natural hair growth stimulator and is highly effective in curing hair loss. In case of hair loss, capsicum improves blood flow which is vital for proper growth of hair and protection of hair follicles from the effects of dihydro testosterone (DHT).

14. Strengthens Hair Follicles:
One of the reasons why bell peppers plants and the fruits are good for hair is the fact that they are excellent sources of vitamin C which is essential for hair health. Vitamin C helps in proper absorption of iron, thus ensuring that there is enough iron in red blood cells to carry oxygen to hair follicles. Vitamin C is also used in the formation of collagen. Collagen is required by hair follicles, blood vessel and skin to stay healthy and for their optimal growth. Vitamin C deficiency can cause dry, splitting hair that breaks easily.

15. Enhances Hair Growth & Health:
Applying bell pepper on hair can be effective in triggering hair growth through the improvement of blood circulation in the scalp. Boil a few dry red bell peppers in water and leave it for 5 to 6 minutes. After cooling it, massage it on your scalp with the help of a cotton pad and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. Then wash off the hair. This should be done twice a week for best results. The spiciness of bell pepper enhances the growth and health of the hair.
Skin Benefits Of Bell Pepper
A healthy and radiant skin plays an important role in enhancing the overall appearance. Some of the common skin problems faced today by many people are the appearance of wrinkles, discolouration, thickening and decrease in elasticity. Though genetics largely determines when the skin starts showing signs of ageing, there can be other causes as well such as skin damage and unhealthy lifestyle. Oxidation is a chemical process in which the free radicals steal electrons from healthy cells, thereby causing skin damage. Most of the skin damage occurs due to exposure to smoking and sunlight.

16. Fights Oxidative Damage:
Red, green and yellow bell peppers are rich in vitamin C which helps in the production of collagen. Collagen keeps the skin firm and protects the cells from further damage. It increases the ability of the skin to fight against oxidative damage.

17. Turns Skin Healthy & Youthful:
The antioxidants and phytochemicals present in bell pepper juice makes the skin healthy and youthful.

18. Heals Shingles & Athlete’s Foot:
Due to their anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, bell peppers can alleviate infections like shingles and athlete’s foot in combination with proper medication.

19. Reverses Signs of Ageing:
Consumption of bell pepper juice helps in reversing the signs of ageing due to its high antioxidant levels. Bell peppers protect the skin from damage-causing free radicals, thus promoting healthy and younger looking skin.

20. Clears Skin Blemishes & Rashes:
A mixture of carrot and green bell pepper juice can be very effective in clearing blemishes and rashes on the skin.

Nutritional Value Of Bell Peppers:
All peppers are good source of vitamin A, C and K; however, the red ones are the highest in nutritional value. Red peppers also contain carotenoids such as lycopene and beta-cryptoxanthin. They are rich in phytochemicals and have significant amount of fiber. A substance capsaicin which occurs in the white membranes of other peppers is present in lesser amounts in bell peppers. Some of the nutrients available in bell peppers are given below.

Three exercises to strengthen your joints
Common causes of joint injuries
Joint injury can be caused by a number of things, including:
Running too fast
Lifting weights that are too heavy
Not stretching after a workout
Not warming up or cooling down
Overexerting yourself in a class
How to protect your joints from injuries
To keep your joints healthy and strong:
Wear supportive shoes
Exercise the muscles around the joints to keep them strong
Warm up prior to exercise and cool down afterward
Increase your exercise intensity gradually
The best exercises to protect your joints
recommends the following three exercises to strength the muscles around your joints.
Bodyweight squat
Protects: Knees, ankles and hips
Stand in front of a chair or bench with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Lower yourself to the seat of the chair or bench, touch lightly and return to stand.
Tip: Keep your knees in line with your feet and never let them extend past your toes or you’ll risk injury.
Assisted or unassisted pullup
Protects: Shoulders and elbows
For the assisted pullup, stand on the platform of a pullup machine and grab the machine’s handles securely. For an unassisted pullup, start at the bottom of a pull-up position.
Begin with your arms fully extended, adjust the weight on the machine as needed and pull all the way up until you shorten your joint angle.
Tip: Remember to breathe normally as you perform the move.
Pushup
Protects: Shoulders and elbows
Start at the top of a pushup position with your hands shoulder-width apart, keeping your body in a straight line.
Lower your chest toward the floor, then extend your arms and push back to the starting position.
To modify the position, do a pushup on your knees or while standing, using a bar or wall.
Tip: Be careful not to sag your back while doing a pushup.

Health Benefits of Eating Shrimp
While shrimp may be small in size, they are huge in terms of nutritional value and the health benefits they offer. Read on to learn how shrimp can help you lose weight, provide you with important beauty nutrients — such as the antioxidant astaxanthin — and add cancer-fighting minerals to your diet.

Weight loss benefits of eating shrimp
Loaded with protein, vitamin D, vitamin B3, and zinc, shrimp are an excellent, carbohydrate-free food for anyone determined to shed off pounds. Zinc supplementation of zinc deficient subjects has been shown to increase the levels of circulating leptin. Leptin is a hormone that plays a key role in regulating the body's energy expenditure, fat storage, and appetite. Insufficient leptin levels are believed to be the primary cause of food cravings, overeating, and obsession with food. The iodine in shrimp is good for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland which controls the basal metabolic rate, or the rate at which the body consumes energy at rest. Iodine deficiency can result in sluggish thyroid activity which in turn can lead to weight gain or hinder weight loss.

A true beauty food
Shrimp contain astaxanthin, a carotenoid that gives them their pink color and that can act as a potent antioxidant and protect the skin from premature aging. Also the omega-3 fatty acids in shrimp provide antioxidant protection. The zinc shrimp boast plays an important role in the production of new cells (including hair cells and skin cells). It also helps maintain the oil-secreting glands on the scalp that keep hair shiny. In addition, shrimp are a good source of copper which can help prevent hair loss, contribute to hair thickness, and intensify hair color.
Selenium punch for extra protection against cancer
Shrimp are loaded with selenium. Several population studies suggest that the risk of death from cancer, including lung, colorectal, and prostate cancers, is lower among people with a higher intake of the trace mineral selenium. Death rates from cancer are significantly lower in areas of the world where selenium is abundant in the soil than in areas where selenium levels are low. Selenium is believed to reduce cancer risk in two ways: First, selenium is an important constituent of glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme with anti-oxidant properties which can help protect the body from damaging effects of free radicals. Second, selenium is believed to prevent tumor growth by boosting the immune system and inhibiting the development of blood vessels to the tumor.

What about the cholesterol?
Shrimp are often given a bad rap for their high cholesterol content. Although it is true that shrimp are relatively high in cholesterol (about 200 milligrams in 3.5 ounces, or 12 large boiled shrimp), the Rockefeller study on shrimp and cholesterol suggests that shrimp cholesterol may not be that bad for you.

Shrimp Nutrition Facts
Glycemic Index (GI) Rating / Glycemic Load: As shrimp contain no carbohydrates, their Glycemic Index rating is 0.
Calories: Shrimp are relatively low in calories, with 1 gram of shrimp containing 1 calorie (1 ounce of shrimp, or 28 grams, therefore contains only 28 calories).
Macronutrients: Shrimp are made almost entirely of protein and water, but they do contain some fat and cholesterol, too.
Vitamins & Minerals: Shrimp are supercharged with vitamin B12 and selenium. In addition, they provide a fair amount of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, sodium (salt), zinc and copper. Surprisingly, they also contain some vitamin C.

Shrimp Recipes with Health Benefits
Looking for healthy recipes featuring shrimp? Try out the following recipes brought to you by HealWithFood.org. Simply click the name of the recipe to view the ingredients and the instructions.

Shrimp and Mushroom Risotto. This healthy risotto is not only chock full of flavor and nutrients but also a cinch to prepare.
Shrimp and Eggs on Romaine Lettuce. Both shrimp and eggs provide an abundance of high quality protein which is crucial for weight management. Eggs and shrimp are also rich in iron, a mineral that is crucial for healthy hair growth.
Shrimp Omelette Recipe. Similar to the above described dish, this omelette draws on the health benefits of shrimp and eggs.

13 Interesting Facts About Running
1
Researchers at the University of Utah started tracking the start and finish times of people running marathons.
They found that if you start running marathons at the age of 19, you will become faster year by year until you reach your peak at the age of 27.
2
After 27 years of age, however, you will be confronted with the harsh reality of losing your speed. You will become slower and slower and slower and slower... You get the picture. You will slow down until you are back to running the same speed that you were at age 19.
In other words, you reach your peak in about seven or eight years. After that, you gradually go back to your starting point.
The reversal takes 45 years. So that means that a 60-year-old can run as fast as their 19-year-old self.
3
You will see a huge difference in someone who goes from sedentary to active.
According to The Nurses’ Health Study, women who go from no activity at all to just one hour of activity per week can cut their risk of heart disease by almost half.
4
A study at St. Louis University has found that eating a baked beetroot prior to a race can help improve speed.
Maybe you have heard about the benefits of beetroots. Beetroots are mainly used for medicinal purposes such as treating liver disorders and can even suppress the development of some types of cancer.
Beetroots are a source of fiber and aid bowel function, which may help prevent constipation and improve cholesterol levels as well.
5
In his book, Inside Sports Psychology, Dr. Coastas Karageoghis confirms that music can boost running performance by up to 15 percent.
How much improvement you experience depends mostly on what type of runner you are. According to Dr. Karageoghis, there are two types of runners in general.
The first type are the “associators,” who tend to concentrate inward when they are running. The second type are the "dissociators," who look for stimuli and distractions from the things around them. Most people are dissociators or somewhere in between.
If you are an associator, then music will not work very well for you since you will not be affected by it. If you are a dissociator, then the beat of the music can have an effect on your speed.
6
Two million years ago, humans started hunting animals for food without weapons, despite the fact that there are many stronger animals in the jungle.
So how did our ancestors hunt without weapons, strength, speed, or even claws?
​
The one advantage that humans had in the wilderness is sweating really well, better than any other mammal on earth.
When it comes to running long distances in hot conditions, humans come out on top.
For instance, a horse that runs five or six miles on a hot day will have to make a choice: breathe or cool off. The horse will not be able to do both, but a human being can. This ability helps us run long distances.
7
When we run, 26 bones, 33 joints, and 112 ligaments are working in our feet. That's a lot, right? Aside from that, a whole network of nerves, tendons, and blood vessels are also in action.
8
US-based consumers bought the most pair of shoes per capita in 2013, according to a report by the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA).
Each individual, including children, bought 7.5 pairs of shoes. Running/jogging shoe sales totaled $3.09 billion in 2013, which is about 2 percent more than the previous year ($3.04 billion in 2012).
“This is more than any other country in the world,” said AAFA CEO Juanita Duggan. “Apparel and footwear contributed a record $361 billion to the US economy in 2​​​​​013, a bigger contribution than new cars, alcohol, toys, or practically any other industry has done.
"Ninety-eight percent of shoes sold in the US are imported mainly from China."
9
A study by Rhode Island College suggests that aerobic exercises (particularly the ones that do not require any intellectual efforts) such as running before an important brainstorming meeting, can stimulate your creativity and keep your brain cells buzzing for a couple of hours afterward.
10
Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt is regarded as the fastest person ever timed. His top speed is 30 mph, with an average speed of 23.5 mph.
However, he cannot even catch a squirrel.
11
Women were banned from participating in marathons before the 1980s. Medical science assumed that if a woman attempted to run 26 miles, her uterus would be torn.
So it has only been 30 years since women were allowed to run marathons.
12
Recent research shows that stretching before a run may not be helpful to your workout. Stretching before going for a run makes a runner’s body less capable; therefore, you should only warm up your body before running.
13
Doing exercise requires planning, attention, dedication, and discipline. Running contributes not only to your health, but also to the development of your character and personal growth.
Exercising regularly improves goal-setting skills, organization, and discipline – both at work and in other areas of life.