Are Blueberries Healthy?
Unlike many berries which are so sour that they have to be cooked with sugar to make them edible, blueberries sre naturally sweet. They can be eaten raw and this preserves their vitamin C. Though they are a good source of the vitamin you will still need to eat almost 300g of them to meet the average adult’s daily requirement.
Traditionally the bluberries were dried and used to cure diarrhoea and food poisoning. Medical research now provides a scientific basis for such natural remedies, for they contain antibacterial compounds (anyhocyanins) which are particularly effective against some forms of E.coli.
Because blueberries inhibit bacteria such as E.coli (which can spread up the urinary tract to the bladder) they are a valuable aid against recurrent urinary tract infections such as cystitis. at the same time blueberries contain a substance which can prevent infectious bacteria from clinging to the mucous membranes of the bladder and urethra.
Medical studies undetaken in the USA have suggested that blueberries may improve sight and provide protection against worsening vision, glaucoma, cataracts and similar disorders.
However like many other berry fruits blueberries are potential causes of allergic reactions, the most common symptoms of which are swelling of the lips and eyelids and an itchy swollen rash.
Edible Plant – Marshmallow
The marshmallow plant is a tall perennial which grows in soft-branched clumps with velvety pink flowers. It is the plant that gives the sweet its name.
Today marshmallow is usually made from starch, gelatine and sugar. But it was once produced from the roots of Althaea officinalis. which contain not only their own starch, but also albumen, a crystallisable sugar, a fixed oil and a good deal of gelatinous matter. They were gathered by fishermen’s wives in the dykes and salt marshes of the east coast.
The Benefits Of Massage
We massage ourselves nearly every day. The natural reaction to reach out and touch a painful part of the body forms the basis of massage. As long ago as 3000 BC massage was used as a therapy in the Far East, making it one of the oldest treatments used by humans. In 5 BC in ancient Greece, Hippocrates recommended that to maintain health, a massage using oils should be taken daily after a perfumed bath. Greek physicians were well used to treating people who suffered from pain and stiffness in the joints. The relaxation and healing powers of massage have been well documented over the past 5000 years.
The Benefits Of Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is the use of water to heal and ease a variety of ailments and the water may be used in a variety of different ways. The healing properties of water have been recognised since ancient times, notably by the Greek, Roman and Turkish civilisations but also by people in Europe and China. Most people know the benefits of a hot bath in relaxing the body, relieving muscular aches and stiffness and helping to bring about restful sleep. Hot water or steam causes blood vessels to dilate, opens skin pores and stimulates perspiration, relaxing limbs and muscles. Cold water acts in the opposite way and is refreshing and invigorating. The cold causes blood vessels in the skin to constrict and blood is diverted to internal tissues and organs to maintain the core temperature of the body. Applications of cold water or ice reduce swelling and bruising and cause skin pores to close.
Prevent Acne By Eating The Right Way
The popular misconception is that it is the high sugar level and fat content in a diet of chips, burgers, chocolates and soft drinks that causes acne. Although junk food is still thought to be linked to the problem of acne, the fault may lie less with the main suspects – sugar and saturated fat – than with iodine containing chemicals. These are often added to the salt that is used on chips, crisps and other convenience foods. At the same time a bad complexion or dull looking skin will be the result of a diet diet that is based on fast foods, sweets, smacks and alcohol. A diet that lacks the essential minerals and vitamins that you need for a healthy life.
