What Makes Nettle Tea So Good for You?

By Sarah Birmingham  

For anyone who has ever explored in the forest, you learn immediately to avoid stinging nettles. The heart shaped nettle leaves contain a serious punch by using virtually undetectable hairs that can cause folks who come in contact with them to have painful, red and irritated skin. However Mother Nature did not create these plants just to hurt; remarkably, simply drying out the nettle leaves (use gloves when handling them!) and turning them in to a tea brings wonderful natural health benefits that have been acknowledged for hundreds of years.

Inside, it seems like there isn't any end as to what stinging nettle tea will do for one's body. To start with, nettle tea is loaded with vitamins: A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B5, calcium, iron, folate, potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, selenium, and zinc - who needs everyday supplements after having a hot drink of nettle tea? Also if you do not experience any health problems, having the tea on a regular basis can really help you stay in great shape.

As stinging nettle tea is a diuretic (meaning it flushes out your system), it aids in the relief of bladder infections and kidney stones. It can also ease diarrhea symptoms; but just be careful, as having a large amount also acts as a laxative!

It also contains anti-inflammatory qualities that will help in a respite from joint pain and arthritis (both from drinking the tea or applying it locally to the joints - the tea, definitely not the leaves!). These properties help open sinus cavities, too, allowing an end to hay fever along with other allergies.

If you're ill, drinking the tea can aid your coughing and asthma. A number of people have even replaced their coffee with nettle tea, declaring the energy and stamina they get right after a cup kicks anything they ever got from drinking caffeine.

Woman get additional benefits from consuming it; as I've already explained, nettle tea is known as a natural diuretic, which eliminates water retention and bloating throughout menstruating. Moreover, during menstruation and after giving birth, drinking it can decrease excessive bleeding. Using the tea in the form of a wash for the hair promotes growth helping to strengthen the root; it is important to let that boiling herbal tea cool down before you tip it on your head.

Externally, nettle tea is a really winner, too. The anti-inflammatory qualities that help joint inflammation also combat eczema and zits. Kind of ironic, considering the itchy swelling the leaves cause if they get in direct contact with the skin! Additionally, the diuretic effect of the tea assists in keeping the body flushed out, which always equals healthier, radiant skin.

And fear not - drinking it is not going to cause your insides to flare up in irritation like contact with the skin will. However, as with all natural herbs, make certain you introduce it to your diet gradually to avoid an allergic reaction. If you're too nervous to embark on a nettle retrieving journey by yourself (those stings are painful!), don't worry about missing out; a nearby health food store will surely stock nettle tea in both pill or dried leaf format - after all, they have been aware of the benefits forever!

In addition, you can find easy to use, helpful information about Nettle Tea at http://www.nettleteahq.com

Nettle Tea HQ is a site dedicated to helping everyone benefit from all that nettle tea has to offer. Drop by and say hi!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sarah_Birmingham/1100676

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Anti-inflammatory diet

by Ms H   Judit Hadnagy

What is inflammation?

 When something harmful or irritating affects a part of your body, your immune system responds and tries to remove it the signs of these actions the symptoms of inflammation. An acute inflammation shows that the body is trying to heal itself. Inflammation does not mean infection, even when an infection causes inflammation. An infection caused by bacteria, virus or fungus, while inflammation is the body's response to it. Your infections, wounds and any damage to tissue would never heal without inflammation 

Inflammation is part of your natural immunity.

Acute inflammation: starts rapidly and quickly becomes sever

Bronchitis

Sore throat

Tonsillitis

Meningitis 

Chronic inflammation: long term can last for several months and years

Asthma

Rheumatoid arthritis

Peptic ulcer

Anti-inflammatory diet

When the inflammation is out of control it can damage your body, example rheumatoid arthritis.  One way of controlling your inflammation by having  a specific diet that is  rich in anti-inflammatory foods.  Foods high in sugar and saturated fat can spur inflammation because they cause over activity in the immune system, which can lead to joint pain, fatigue and damage to the blood vessels. Other foods may curb your inflammation so add these to your plate.

Oily fish like mackerel, sardines, tuna and salmon contain omega 3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation. To get the benefit you need to eat fish several times a week.

Whole grains contain high level of fibre, which reduce the level of C- reactive proteins, an indicator of the inflammation of the blood.

Dark green vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli have high concentration of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals which protect the body from pro-inflammatory molecules, cytokines.

Nuts; almond and walnuts  are rich  in fibre, calcium, vitamin E , antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids helping the body to fight off and repair the damage caused by  the inflammation.

Flax seeds contain high level of fibre, minerals, antioxidant and omega 3 fatty acids all together help to fight against inflammation.

Yogurt  contains calcium and vitamin D – if you don’t have an intolerance to caseine –is good for you.

Beetroot  contains antioxidants, phytochemical, reduces inflammation, protects against  heart disease and cancer.

Spices like ginger and turmeric have anti-inflammatory properties

Garlic and onion contain anti-inflammatory chemicals.

Olive oil is good for inflammation

Peppers contain vitamins, antioxidant

Tomato is rich in lycopene, which may also help to reduce inflammation.

Avocado loaded with vitamins K and E, potassium, fibre antioxidant, may reduce inflammation.

Instant Self Test For Gluten Sensitivity

By Ms H

Simple and reliable home blood spot test

Suitable for adults and children over 5 years old

Result in 10 minutes

As accurate as a doctor’s or laboratory test

The coeliac disease test kit identifies whether IgA antibodies to tissue transglutaminase (tTG) – a key marker for coeliac disease – are present in a small blood sample taken.

Important:  If you have been on a firm gluten free diet, avoiding all traces of gluten from wheat, barley and rye, for longer than a few weeks, then you may get a negative result with tests for coeliac disease. This includes tests used by your doctor, biopsy and this test. Experts recommend that you should be on a normal gluten containing diet for at least 6 weeks before taking a test for coeliac disease.

Coeliac disease is an auto-immune disease caused by gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. If you have coeliac condition the presence of gluten in your food causes the body’s immune system to produce antibodies, which attack the lining of the small intestine. When the villi are damaged, the body cannot absorb the nutrients leading to a wide range of symptoms. Coeliac disease is impossible to diagnose from clinical symptoms alone and you may benefit from a test.

Statistics: Approximately 150,000 people have been diagnosed with coeliac disease in the UK, however estimates suggest that less than a quarter of people have been diagnosed.

Coeliac condition is different to gluten intolerance and wheat allergy. Wheat allergies often cause symptoms within minutes after exposure and can cause asthma, eczema and gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting There are clinically proven blood tests for both coeliac disease and wheat allergy. However there is difficult to diagnose gluten intolerance except by an exclusion diet supervised by your doctor or nutritionist.

Is Brown Rice Good for a Gluten-Free Diet?   

by Ivan Yang

Brown rice is rice which has not been hulled, leaving the outer layer of bran on the grain when it is sent to market. It is widely known as a staple food in many diets around the world. One of the most common benefits is the fact that it contains high quantities of several recommended daily nutrients. Some people actively seek out the rice, because they prefer the higher nutritional value and nutty texture.
A grain of rice typically consists of three layers — the bran, the germ, and the endosperm. Brown rice benefits exist because only the outer hull is removed from the grain, with the inner layers left intact. To produce white rice, both the bran layer and the germ layer are removed, leaving only the endosperm. For this reason, it is called a whole grain. It can be found in both long and short grain versions.
Another of the common brown rice benefits is that it is an excellent source of manganese, which helps the body produce energy and acts as an antioxidant. Magnesium is another nutrient found in it. This mineral might help relieve asthma, high blood pressure, migraines, and the chance of a heart attack or stroke. It has also been recommended by most medical professionals to help promote healthy bones.

The term "gluten" refers to a number of plant storage proteins. The gliadin gluten in wheat, hordein from barley and secalin from rye all trigger gluten sensitivity and an autoimmune disorder known as celiac disease. Brown rice contains a form of gluten known as oryzenin, which does not trigger these responses, according to the Celiac Sprue Association.
The Mayo Clinic lists brown rice as one of the rice & grain products that helps lower your cholesterol and reduces your risk factors for coronary heart disease. Brown rice has almost 1.8 g of fiber and 2.3 g of heart-healthy plant protein in a 1/2-cup serving. It's also loaded with a variety of minerals and vitamins, including folate and an array of B vitamins. These nutritional qualities make it a good choice for individuals on a gluten-free diet.
Soaking brown rice for several hours can reduce the cooking time greatly. It is also more prone to going rancid, since it is high in natural fats and oils. Leaving the bran on does have some negative impacts. The food takes longer to cook than white rice, since water must penetrate the bran, which is designed to protect the grain inside. As a result, it should be kept under refrigeration until used, and it should ideally be used within six months of purchase.
Ivan Yang is the freelance writer for e-commerce website in the food industry. 21food.com is just a place for you to look for any delicious foods! Our 21food.com provide E-commerce business directory for importing & exporting of global food products, especially Chinese food products.

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Gluten Free Living Tips   by Geabriel Garretit

Recent studies suggest that 1 in 250 people are living with celiac disease, a lifelong, dangerous intolerance to gluten-containing foods such as wheat, rye, kamut, spelt, barley and oats. An even larger percentage of the population suffers allergy, sensitivity, or food intolerance to glutens, without having full-blown celiac disease. For those following a strict vegan diet, imposing a gluten restriction considerably reduces already reduced menu options. But while a gluten-free vegan diet requires extra creativity and vigilance, it can be maintained--deliciously. After years of experimentation, I decided to share what I have learned.

If you've been diagnosed with or suspect celiac disease or a wheat allergy, the severity of your symptoms will determine how much you change your diet. For celiacs, ingestion of proteins (glutens) found in cereal grains damage the small intestines and can result in abdominal cramping, anemia, low bone density and body weight, lupus, fatigue, depression, and a host of other ills. The only known treatment for celiac disease is a lifelong avoidance of all glutens. On the other hand, people who suffer wheat or gluten sensitivity usually feel better on a gluten-free diet, but they may grow to tolerate some forms of "forbidden grains." For example, eating durum or semolina pasta gives me an excruciating migraine headache, yet I have no problem eating sprouted Ezekiel bread.


Glutens can affect our health in surprising ways. Particularly if you have unsuccessfully "tried everything" to treat a health issue, you might want to try a gluten-elimination diet. When you reintroduce glutens, observe your reactions. Acne, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, fibromyalgia, headaches, constipation, and asthma are some of the many problems occasionally relieved by avoiding gluten.

Unfortunately, wheat and its gluten-containing cousins appear in more foods than you might expect. Reading labels only helps if you can recognize the ingredients. Some hidden forms of gluten include:

modified food starch
textured vegetable protein
hydrolyzed plant protein
extenders and binders
hydrolyzed vegetable protein

malt

Most restaurant and canned soups contain flour, pasta or barley, and commercial enchilada sauces and "Spanish rice" mixes usually contain some form of wheat. At this point, all packaged veggie burgers and sausages contain wheat; however, a gluten-free veggie burger will supposedly be released by mid-2004. Always check the ingredient list, even on products like Rice Chex, which uses malt as a sweetener. Kashi cereal, which contains kashi, or buckwheat (a non-gluten grain), also contains wheat.

Due to the growing demand for gluten-free processed foods, a number of companies have begun to offer nut and rice crackers to replace more traditional snacks, and many health food stores carry at least one gluten-free cereal. Mochi, a Japanese rice treat, contains no gluten and can often be found in the refrigerated section of natural food stores. The cinnamon raisin version with a little "vegan butter" usually satisfies my craving for cinnamon buns. Arrowhead Mills also offers a wide variety of flours and gluten-free products, available in most health food stores and online. Following a whole foods, organic diet will not necessarily remove all the hidden glutens from your plate. If you prefer home baked goods, then Bette Hagmann's The Gluten-Free Gourmet belongs in your kitchen. She includes recipes for two flour mixtures that exchange cup for cup with all-purpose flour. Hagmann also offers recipes for biscuits, potpies, stews, and other tasty, normally wheat-laden treats.

About the Author

Geabriel has been helping those with gluten intolerence for several years, with great results.