Burdock Root Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits

Ever since the ancient of times, burdock root has been used for its medicinal properties. Burdock is also known as gobo, having its origins in Asia and particularly in Japan. Today, it has become popular all over the world, being used for a wide-range of purposes. It is often used in the kitchen and, probably, just as often, for the health benefits that it has to offer. If this subject has sparked your interest, do not hesitate to keep on reading the rest of the article. Discover more information on the health benefits of burdock root, as well as interesting nutrition facts.

Health Benefits and Nutrition Facts

Burdock root can help one maintain an excellent state of health, given the fact that it contains numerous beneficial substances. The root is rich in antioxidants, which can protect the body against a wide range of medical conditions. Moreover, due to this rich content in antioxidants, the burdock root can improve the overall cognitive functioning. Now, you do not have to ask yourself how to improve memory. With this natural remedy, you can enjoy such beneficial changes and keep neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, at a safe distance.

About its caloric content, it is important to mention that the burdock root has a low-calorie intake to offer. 100 g delivers only 72 calories, which makes it the ideal choice for those who want to lose weight. The high content in polysaccharides, inulin, in particular, can help those who suffer from constipation. The root, when consumed on a regular basis, can maintain both blood sugar and cholesterol at stable and healthy levels.

It is important to mention that the Burdock root is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly folic acid, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin C and vitamin E. Moreover, it represents a good source of potassium, with 100 g of burdock root providing 308 mg of this mineral. All of these beneficial substances can help you maintain a healthy heart and, at the same time, they can provide the necessary assistance in treating inflammatory conditions, such as the different types of arthritis. The burdock root delivers a wealth of beneficial substances to the suffering joints, thus improving the range of motion and eliminating discomforting symptoms, such as pain or stiffness. It is also rich in other minerals, such as magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium, and selenium, contributing to the general health of the body.

Medicinal Uses of the Burdock Root

The Burdock root can be used to eliminate toxins from the blood and other parts of the body, acting as an excellent blood purifier and also as a powerful diuretic. About topical applications, it can be used for the successful treatment of different skin conditions, such as dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. Even those who suffer from dry skin can benefit from the topical applications with Burdock root, given its soothing properties.

Given its rich content in vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial substances, it should come as no surprise that the Burdock root can be used to stimulate the health of important organs, such as the heart, liver or gallbladder. Returning once more to topical applications, it should be mentioned that the root can be used to improve respiratory conditions. About the health of the gastrointestinal tract, the Burdock root can be used in patients who suffer from digestive disorders (gas, dyspepsia, heartburn, etc.). Being rich in fiber, it can improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, representing an efficient remedy against constipation.

As it was already mentioned above, Burdock root can be an excellent remedy against high blood pressure. This is, of course, related to its rich content in potassium, which we all know to act as a vasodilator within the body. Thus, by keeping the blood pressure at a healthy, stable level, Burdock root prevents the appearance of more serious conditions, such as stroke or heart attack.

For diabetes patients, the consumption of Burdock root is more than recommended. This is because it contains a lot of fiber, which can regulate the levels of insulin and glucose within the body. Moreover, it is rich in inulin, which is well-known for its ability to improve the symptoms caused by diabetes.

According to the specialists in the field, the Burdock root is recommended for consumptions in patients who suffer from hormonal imbalances. Natural remedies can offer to bring back the necessary balance of the hormones within the body and Burdock root is quite efficient in this area. It can stimulate the health of the liver, thus helping this rather important organ to metabolize different hormones, such as estrogen.

Interestingly enough, Burdock root also has a positive influence on the immune system. As it is rich in vitamin E and vitamin C, it delivers a healthy dose of antioxidants to the body, thus providing the necessary protection against a wide range of conditions. Consumed on a regular basis, it can lower the risk of cancer and also prevent the appearance of other chronic, potentially life-threatening conditions.

What else you should know about the Burdock Root

Burdock root can either be purchased fresh or dried, depending on your location. It is recommended to always cook the root before consuming it, mixing it with other fresh vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots or onions. Avoid roots that have lost their natural color or those that are excessively dry, as these do not have the same nutritional content to offer. If you are already taking diuretics, it is advisable to talk to your doctor before including Burdock root in your diet (as this has diuretic properties as well).

Final Word

Burdock root can represent an interesting addition to your diet, as it has so many health benefits to offer. As you have seen, it can also be used for topical applications, especially when it comes to skin conditions and arthritis. It can be consumed in a wide range of ways, being particularly delicious as part of Japanese dishes, so make sure to give it a try.

References

http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2823/2

http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/food-and-nutrition-articles/burdock-root-nutrition-facts-health-benefits-and-recipes 

Sniffing Rosemary Can Improve Memory By 75%

Rosemary is one of the oldest known medicinal herbs. It has innumerable uses in both the kitchen and in herbal medicine. Both the leaves and flowers of rosemary have been used medicinally for thousands of years to improve memory. Shakespeare was right in saying rosemary can improve your memory.

Rosemary Protects The Brain From Damage And Aging

Some memory loss is considered a normal part of aging. Rosemary protects the brain in a variety of ways to minimize damage and slow down the rate of brain cell aging. It increases blood flow to the brain, which in turn supplies the brain with more oxygen and nutrients.

Rosemary contains carnosic acid, which fights off free radical damage to the brain. It contains  natural acids that help in protecting the body`s cells and DNA from free radical damage. The compounds in rosemary herb are said to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is a chemical that induces the brain cells that are responsible for memory and reasoning to communicate with one another.

Smelling Rosemary to Enhance Your Memory

There was a study conducted on rosemary where groups of people were given rosemary essential oil. A total of 66 people participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to two rooms, one scented with rosemary and the other not scented. The results were remarkable: people had 60 to 75% chances of remembering things, compared with people who were not given rosemary essential oil!

How To Use Rosemary

There are many different ways to start boosting memory with rosemary. Place three to four drops of rosemary essential oil on a tissue and enjoy as the smell wafts through the air. (1) (2) (3)

Some Other Uses & Benefits Of Rosemary Essential Oil

-Arthritis treatment, anti-inflammatory
-Sooth the stomach and relieve pain from indigestion, menstrual cramps
-Rosemary infused oil removebad dandruff of hair loss
-Reducing anxiety, elevating mood
-Protects against DNA damage
-Improving circulation
-Detoxifying the liver
-Calming effects
-Pain relief
-Headache relief
-Skin tonic
-Hair tonic
-Digestion soother
-Immune booster
-Cancer prevention

Additional Sources:

–http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21877951

–http://www.herbs-info.com/blog/scientists-find-sniffing-rosemary-can-increase-memory-by-75/

–http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3736918/

Here’s What Will Happen To Your Body When You Add Turmeric To Your Morning Lemon Water

Starting your day with lukewarm lemon water is one of the best things you can do for your body. Lemons are loaded with vitamin C, B, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, enzymes, antioxidants, and fibers. Next to adding a host of healthy nutrients, it also kick-starts digestion, boosts the immune system, fights inflammation, and hydrates and energizes the body.

For more info, read: 15 Reasons You Should Be Drinking Lemon Water Every Morning

To make this healthy morning habit even better, I recently started to add turmeric too. In addition to getting the amazing benefits of lukewarm lemon water, turmeric will turn it into a nutrient-dense, cleansing energy bomb to fly through your day.

What turmeric-lemon water can do for you:

• Boost anti-inflammatory properties of lemon water. Curcumin, or turmeric’s active compound, is a potent anti-inflammatory compound which matches the effectiveness of many over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Improve brain power. Lemons are an excellent source of brain-boosting potassium and magnesium, while turmeric has been found to reduce the risk of cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
• Antioxidant activity. Both lemon and turmeric possess strong antioxidant activity to keep your skin in perfect condition and keep tumors at bay.
• Improve digestion. Eating or drinking turmeric on a daily basis stimulates the gallbladder, reduces bloating and gas, and prevents inflammation of the digestive tract, while lemon juice helps to loosen and flush out toxins from the digestive system.
• Heart-friendly. Curcumin reduces LDL (or bad) cholesterol, prevents blood clotting, and removes plaque build-ups in the arteries.
• Weight-loss aid. Lemons stoke the metabolic fire, which helps you to burn more calories from the food you eat.
• Cleansing properties. Lemons and turmeric stimulate your liver to produce more enzymes. It enables the liver to work more efficiently in eliminating toxins and waste materials.

Turmeric-lemon water recipe

• 1 glass lukewarm water (nut milk works too)
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
• Juice of ½ lemon (or 1 lime)
• Pinch of black pepper (to increases turmeric’s bioavailability)
• Honey or maple syrup to taste (optional)
• A pinch of cinnamon (optional: for extra anti-diabetic effect)

Add lemon juice, black pepper, turmeric, honey, and cinnamon to a glass of lukewarm water. Drink first thing in the morning on an empty stomach for the best energizing effect. Stir constantly while drinking to avoid all turmeric to sink to the bottom of the glass.

Sources:

http://www.naturalnewsblogs.com/15-reasons-drinking-lemon-water-every-morning/

http://www.naturalnewsblogs.com/happens-body-eat-1-teaspoon-turmeric-every-day/

We all know that without our favorite herbs and spices, dishes like guacamole, meatballs, and casseroles wouldn’t taste half as good. But did you know that science found that herbs and spices also provide a wide range of health benefits? From treating infections to preventing cancer, there’s so much you can get from ingredients found in your kitchen cupboard. In case you were wondering which spices provide what health benefits, here are 11 examples you can include for a long and healthy life.

1. Parsley

Parsley is one of the most widely used herbs today that is native to the Mediterranean region. The versatile herb is used by diabetics in Turkey to reduce blood sugar levels. To see if this practice has any basis in reality, researchers conducted a study on rats to see how parsley affected their blood sugar and liver functioning. The study in question was published in Phytotherapy Research and found that diabetic rats given parsley showed significant improvement in their blood glucose levels. The study also found improvements in liver health in rats fed parsley suggesting that the traditional use of this herb was legitimate.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is a golden spice with a long history of medical uses dating as far back as 4000 years ago. The plant has gained a lot of attention in the scientific community because the spice proved to fight a wide range of disease in clinical trials. Some of these health benefits include protection against cancer, cardiovascular disease, some types of arthritis, and diabetes. Turmeric was also found to especially benefit digestive health reducing the severity of symptoms in ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and many other inflammatory conditions. These benefits mostly come from curcumin, the yellow pigment found in turmeric.

3. Ginger

Ginger has a spicy aroma and a peppery taste. Studies on this herb found that plant compounds in ginger work as powerful anti-inflammatories making ginger a great natural alternative to painkillers. Other than that, adding ginger to your stir fries or drinking it as tea can help with stomach problems. Ginger was found to relieve treat nausea, heartburn, flatulence, diarrhea, and to boost poor appetite.

4. Sage

You’ve probably heard of sage tea being a great remedy for a sore throat. The bitter-tasting herb is a powerful antiseptic explaining this well-known benefit. But studies also show that Sage can help with many other conditions as well. A study published in Advances in Therapy found that sage helps with one of the most common symptoms of menopause – hot flashes. According to this study, sage eliminated hot flashes completely by the end of the 8-week trial.

5. Chili powder

Although chili powder is added in tiny amounts in most dishes, the spice is still able to have a strong effect on your health and metabolism. Chili powder is mostly recognized as a great weight-loss aid. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that chili lowers post-meal blood glucose levels and insulin release. Chili is also believed to function as a powerful appetite suppressant and metabolism enhancer making it a perfect choice for those struggling with excess weight.

6. Garlic

According to an article published in the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, garlic can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, fight infections, prevent cancer, and lower blood sugar. The bulbous plant known for its strong aroma was traditionally used to fight parasitic infections but today it is a popular candida remedy while some also say that eating it during the cold season prevents colds.

7. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is the wonderfully aromatic spice that is popularly used in dessert making. The spice is rich in volatile oils and antioxidant compounds some of which are believed to protect against diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and cancer. As with most herbs and spices, the health-protecting benefits of cinnamon come mostly from the spice’s antioxidants. What makes cinnamon unique among the spices, however, is that it was found to even fight against neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

8. Black pepper

There was a time when pepper was as expensive as gold. Luckily, those times are over and now everyone gets to enjoy the many health-promoting benefits of pepper. The main active ingredient in black pepper called piperine was found to help scavenge free radicals and thus protect against tumor progression. Other than that, pepper was found to enhance cognitive functioning, absorption of other nutrients, and improve digestion.

9. Celery

The root and leaves of celery can both be eaten, and both help treats various diseases. An article published in Progress in Drug Research claims that celery reduces symptoms of arthritis, stomach ulcers and that it reduces microbe activity. Munching on a celery stalk could give you the same benefits as the stalk also contains the many antioxidants and phytochemicals found in other parts of this plant.

10. Cloves

Cloves are often added to winter desserts and mulled wine. The aromatic spice is also an integral part of Moroccan cuisine. According to an entry in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of cloves is much higher than in most fruits, vegetables, and other spices making this spice one of the most potent natural remedies out there.

11. Cumin

If you suffer from frequent stomach problems, then adding cumin to your meals may help. However, be careful as the volatile oils in cumin seeds tend to exert a strong aroma which can completely take over your dishes. Cumin seeds were found to help with irritable bowel syndrome while cumin powder helps lower blood lipids.

Conclusion

The wide array of herbs and spices we have available today were also found to be beneficial for overall health. Most of them contain a range of plant compounds and antioxidants that scavenge free radicals or reduce inflammation. Some of them were even found to exert strong antimicrobial activity. Adding these spices to your meals or using them in treatment preparations can help you deal with a host of diseases.

This often overlooked weed is ideal for delicious soup or tea

Touted as the “Herb Queen of the Spring” by Mother Earth News, stinging nettle is a nutritious and energy-rich favorite of herbalists. Found in most Northern forest regions around the globe during spring, many people regard this wild edible weed as a useless plant.

This humble weed, however, has more value than most people think. For centuries, it has been used by many herbal medicine practitioners to treat a wide variety of conditions, including gout, arthritis, skin disorders, anemia, allergies and asthma, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, sciatica, worms, weight loss, and kidney stones.

Next to its cleansing and healing properties, stinging nettle is a nutrient powerhouse. This potent herbal remedy contains high amounts of protein, calcium, magnesium, iron, selenium, zinc, potassium, boron, vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, bioflavonoids, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and chlorophyll. (Related: Find more news about medicinal herbs at Herbs.news.)

Not impressed? You should be! For far too long the value of this precious weed has been overlooked. But nettle is on its way back. With more people seeking answers to their health issues in nature, they are becoming more aware of nettles’ many benefits and uses. If you are new to using nettles to improve your health, nettle tea and soup are a great way to introduce them into your family’s diet, especially during the spring season.

This incredibly versatile and edible plant can be used in many ways to improve your health. If you live in the Northern hemisphere, you might be lucky to find it fresh. If foraging is not possible, dried stinging nettle can be found in both root and leaf form. There is even a powdered version of the leaf available to add to freshly made smoothies and juices.

How to localize, harvest, and use stinging nettle

Nettles start to emerge in dense clusters during the beginning of spring. They can grow as tall as five feet and are usually found near a water source. The green or purple-tinted leaves are heart shaped with glassy hairs underneath. It’s these hairs that inject a stinging solution into the skin. This plant’s chemical is a combination of formic acid, histamine, and several other phytochemicals. Luckily, nettles lose their stinging ability when cooked.

Always make sure to collect nettles from a clean and toxin-free environment. Nettles taste at their best when they are harvested in early spring. The new leaves at the growing tip are the ones you should aim for. While you can still collect leaves from older plants, according to Off The Grid News, they will not be as tender and sweet.

As their name suggests, it is best to wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to harvest the leaves. Hold the growing tip and cut the stem just below. Store them in a plastic bag or container in the fridge. They will last for several days. To preserve their quality, you shouldn’t wash the leaves before storing them in the refrigerator.

While stinging nettle tea and soup are the most popular dishes, nettles can be used for so much more. Blanch stinging nettles for 5 minutes in water, keep the water for tea. Blanched nettles can be used as an alternative to spinach in many dishes. Stinging nettle pesto is another great option, or why not try to dry some in a food dehydrator or oven for the colder months. Dried leaves can be used as a garnish, or they make an excellent healing tea.

Make time for thyme: How to grow your own thyme

If you feel like your roast chicken is missing that special something, a pinch of thyme might just do the trick. Now, you could go to your local farmers’ market to purchase a small bundle of thyme… or you could grow it yourself in your very own backyard. Not only is this aromatic, flavorful herb a great addition to any dish, but it’s not that difficult to grow.

Growing your own thyme

According to RodalesOrganicLife.com, there are over 400 varieties of thyme, with those varieties falling under either ornamental thyme or culinary thyme. If you’re growing thyme for kitchen use then the most common and popular types are French or common thyme, lemon thyme, and caraway thyme. Whichever you pick, the best part about these hardy herbs are easy to grow but are slow. Thyme takes anywhere from 14 to 28 days to germinate.

When you purchase an ounce of thyme seeds, you purchase a packet of 170,000 seeds. Those tiny seeds prefer dry soil, lots of sun, and little water and attention. We recommend that you begin seeding indoors in shallow soil, making sure to space them inches apart so they have room to grow. Thyme in small gardens should be placed nine inches apart, while thyme in larger plant beds should be placed 12 to 18 inches apart. Once they’ve taken root you can move them outside for better exposure to the sun.

For best results, harvest your thyme herbs just before they begin to flower. This will allow you to better enjoy their full, potent flavor. To harvest thyme simply clip the stem, one and a half to two inches from the soil, and leave behind the woody growth. After you’ve harvested your thyme place the stems on newspaper sheets or screen and dry them someplace warm and airy. (RELATED: Find more news about growing and using herbs at Herbs.news.)

Thyme can be preserved in a number of ways. You can refrigerate it, freeze it, or preserve it in oil. 

Take note of these extra tips.

• Little to no covering is best for thyme.
• If growing them outdoors isn’t a viable option, then placing them indoors under standard fluorescent lamps will do.
• Mulch is good for controlling weeds.
• Thyme seeds can keep for up to three years, so you don’t need to plant them all at once. You can save the rest for a later date.
• If desired, you can opt to grow your thyme alongside companion plants. Rosemary is a good companion plant if your thyme is being grown inside a container. Tomatoes, eggplants, cabbages, and strawberries are ideal for garden-grown thyme.

Why Thyme?

Now after all this, you might be asking yourself, “Is growing thyme really worth it?”

If your kitchen is your personal domain, then thyme is an invaluable plant. You can use it to give your stews and meats an extra kick. It can be added to butter and even bread. Thyme also pairs quite well with other herbs like oregano and parsley. Really, it’s all up to you on what to do with your homegrown thyme. The best part is that you don’t need to rush to the grocery to buy more once your kitchen runs out of it. You can just step outside into your garden.

If you’re not much of a cook, thyme is still an excellent addition to your home. This simple herb offers a variety of health benefits thanks to its antimicrobial characteristics and antioxidants. Drinking a cup of thyme tea can relieve bad colds or bloating. Adding thyme to your diet allows you enjoy its multitude of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, and vitamin A.

Sources:

RodalesOrganicLife.com

TheKitchn.com

Burpee.com

OurHerbGarden.com

FieldofFlavor.com

NaturalNewsBlogs.com