Archive for the ‘herb’ tag
Food to Improve Memory
Foods That Improve Memory
Using herbal ingredients to improve memory has long been practiced not only by those in the United States, but in other countries as well. The American Indians, Orientals, Egyptians, and Greeks have all used herbs to improve memory and concentration. Spicy foods are said to increase the cognitive functions of your brain, and there are several spicy herbs available.
Turmeric is a herb often used in curry. Curcumin is found in turmeric and it works to improve your memory. It also reduces the effects of diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. Ginger is another herb, containing zingerone, which defends the neurons of the brain to improve memory. Cinnamon is a brain activity booster; even simply smelling it enhances cognitive function and lifts the mood. All these wonderful spices can be found in your local grocery store, usually on the aisle with the basic cooking ingredients such as flour and sugar.
Your local health food store should be able to supply ginkgo biloba, touted as the best herb to improve blood flow to the brain which is a must to improve memory and concentration. Suggested use is 80 mg, 3 times a day.
Another food to improve memory found in health food stores which increases memory and guards against senility is gotu kola. It also has a calming effect. Suggested use is 1/2 teaspoon in warm water 3 times a day.
Siberian Ginseng can help the body adapt to stress, helps promote a strong, balanced nervous system, and gives a mild energy boost. Suggested use is 250 mg, 2 times a day.
Before partaking in the benefits of any of these suggested herbs, please do your research and make sure they won’t have a negative interaction with any medications you are currently taking. The idea is to improve your memory, not further damage your health in another way.
Another popular way to stimulate your brain is by aromatherapy. Some herbs can be heated in either water or as an ingredient in a candle, maybe even as an ingredient for use with a potpourri burner placed on a cloth as an essential oil to inhale, or simply burned as incense. Aromatherapy can be done as a low-cost addition to your steps towards good mental health. It clears the mind, helps you relax, sharpens your ability to focus, and improves your mood. Two essential oils to use in aromatherapy to help improve memory are rosemary and basil. Although, anything that is pleasant to your nose will help you calm your thinking so that you can focus more clearly and feel uplifted in spirit.
It’s important to take proper care of your mind and body now. Don’t wait until you’ve aged and have more trouble undoing the effects of your neglect. It’s never too late to adapt a positive outlook and take charge of yourself!
Herbal Foods that Speed Up Your Metabolism and Help You Lose Weight
Herbs to Help You Lose Weight and Rev Your Metabolism
Losing weight has many more benefits than a smaller body.
Weight loss can help give you more energy, fit easier into
clothes, lower your risk for heart disease and diabetes,
and can give you confidence and a powerful feeling that you
accomplished such a difficult task!
But losing weight is hard and we need all the help we can
get. Along with dieting, exercise, and plastic surgery,
what else can you do? Herbal products might be your answer.
Herbal weight loss products are in great demand for people
who want to lose weight the natural way. They are safe and
can even add to your health beyond weight loss. Some
nutritionists and herbal doctors call herbs “condensed
nutrition,” because they add loads of natural nutrients in
very small amounts.
However, be careful since there are a lot of herbal weight
loss products available in the market. Some herbs can
interact with medications, so if you take a regular
medication, check with your doctor before taking anything.
Herbs to watch out for are ephedra and senna. It is now
well known that ephedra dangerously increases heart rate
and has traditionally been used by Eastern Doctors for
treatments of lung problems – not weight loss. Senna is a
laxative and highly addictive – as with any laxative, it
does not help you lose weight.
Herbs that aid in weight loss will act on your digestion
and metabolism. They can actually increase thermogenesis,
which is your body’s ability to burn fat. Here’s a list of
herbs that can help in your weight loss program:
Green Tea has been shown in studies to increase weight
loss. People who took green tea were found to lose two to
three times more weight than those who did not drink it.
It is also becoming clear that drinking green tea on a
regular basis helps people lose belly fat quicker than
those who don’t drink it. This is highly beneficial since
the fat that accumulates around the mid-section or
abdominal area can signify a much higher risk for heart
disease and stroke.
Green tea also helps suppress the appetite and is full of
antioxidants to help your body fight cancer naturally.
Four cups a day is usually the recommended amount, but if
you just don’t have time to drink that much, you can find a
green tea supplement at your local health food store.
Nettle is an herb that helps your body cleanse and
detoxify. This is very beneficial for weight loss since
excess weight is waste that the body needs to eliminate -
or cleanse. Nettles contain serotonins which has a calming
influence and creates feelings of satiation after eating.
Because of this, herbal products that help control food
cravings usually contain nettle.
Cayenne pepper has long been used by body builders and
other athletes to reduce body fat. It is well known to
stimulate digestion, which in turn increases metabolism and
fat burning. It has also been used to strengthen the heart.
Kelp is a type of seaweed that is a natural stimulant for
the thyroid. This is beneficial for weight loss since a
sluggish thyroid can promote fat storage and weight gain.
Kelp can attract and remove harmful chemicals from the body
that may contribute to a sluggish thyroid and a sluggish
metabolism.
Apple Cider Vinegar has been shown in studies to lower
glucose levels, lower bad cholesterol and lower blood
pressure. It has been used for thousands of years to aid
in weight loss by helping the body detoxify and helping you
feel satisfied after eating.
These herbs and supplements are easy additions to any
weight loss or fat loss program. Herbs can make your
weight loss goals more attainable while adding other
numerous health benefits. They can also help you to stave
off cravings and keep your mood up. Check out your local
health food store and see what they have to offer.
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Cindy is a Certified Nutritional Counselor and has been
helping clients stay healthy, fit and young for 15 years.
Learn more about weight loss at
http://www.springclean-cleanse.com/healthy-weight-loss-clean
se.html and fat loss at
http://www.springclean-cleanse.com/fat-loss-cleanse.html
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