Health Benefits of Fish Oil

The health benefits of fish oil include its ability to aid in treatment of heart diseases, high cholesterol, depression, anxiety, AHDH, low immunity, cancer, diabetes, inflammation, arthritis, IBD, AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, eye disorders, macular degeneration and ulcers. It also helps in weight loss, pregnancy, fertility and skin care (particularly for conditions such as psoriasis and acne).

Most of the health benefits of fish oil can be attributed to the presence of omega 3 essential fatty acids like Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Other useful essential fatty acids include Alpha-linolenic acid or ALA and Gamma-linolenic acid or GLA.
While, fish oil is useful for the human body, there is lot of buzz and some hype too around fish oil. The fish oil manufacturers have shown fish oil as a remedy for almost everything. We have covered below the various benefits of fish oil, some of which are based on concrete scientific evidence and some based on mere animal studies. We suggest readers to make a informed decision and not be affected by both pro and anti propoganda about fish oil.
The different types of fish which can be a good source of fish oil are mackerel, rainbow trout, lake trout, halibut, herring, sea bass, sardines, swordfish, oysters, albacore tuna, blue fin tuna, yellow fin tuna, turbot, pilchards, anchovies and salmon. The most common ones among these for obtaining oil are albacore tuna, herring, mackerel, sardines, lake trout and salmon. The quality of fish oil greatly depends on the type of fish used for getting the oil.

Healthy Heart

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), clinical trials have proved that omega 3 is effective in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Fish oil is a good source of omega 3 and therefore, reduces the risk of heart diseases and heart arrhythmias. It also lowers the level of bad cholesterol (LDL), and increases the level of good cholesterol (HDL). Fish oil prevents accumulation of triglycerides and further reduces the levels of excess triglycerides. Preliminary research has also shown that fish oil can be used for preventing atherosclerosis in coronary patients. Thus fish oil is effective in treating heart strokes and regular usage of fish oil can help avoid numerous sudden cardiac deaths. As per American Heart Association, these preliminary findings should be confirmed by detailed research.

Health Benefits of Bananas

Lower Blood Pressure
Studies show that the high amounts of potassium in bananas (over 13% of the RDA) can lower one's blood pressure, which in turn lessens the possibility of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.

Bone Health
Along with lowering blood pressure, potassium prevents the weakening of the body's bones. A high sodium intake, which is typical of many American diets, can cause excessive amount of calcium to be lost through the urine, which threatens not only the strength and general health of the bones, but also negatively affects blood clotting, proper muscle contraction, and normal nervous system function. The potassium found in bananas neutralizes the high amounts of sodium in one's diet, thus allowing for healthy amounts of calcium to remain within the body.

High Nutrient Absorption
The potassium in bananas is not the only means to ensure healthy levels of calcium in the body. Bananas also contain high levels of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) that--along with insulin--promotes calcium absorption. FOS further nourishes healthy bacteria in the colon that manufacture vitamins and digestive enzymes that boost the body's overall ability to absorb nutrients.

 Healthy Digestive Tract Bananas can diminish the uncomfortable effects of diarrhea and constipation. The high amounts of potassium in bananas can restock electrolytes that are easily depleted when suffering from diarrhea -- potassium being an important electrolyte itself. Furthermore, bananas can relieve the body from constipation and help restore regular digestion with pectin, a soluble polysaccharide that helps normalize the digestive tract.

Rugged Gut
Bananas protect the healthy constitution of the stomach in two ways. Firstly, they trigger the production of mucus in the stomach, which provides a protective barrier against stomach acids. Secondly, bananas possess protease inhibitors, a substance that breaks down bacteria in the stomach that cause ulcers. (Moreover, protease inhibitor also obstruct the replication of certain cells and viruses, including HIV.)

Cancer Prevention
A large study by the Internal Journal of Cancer illustrates that the probability of developing kidney cancer is greatly lessened by frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables, though especially bananas. For instance, the probability of developing kidney cancer in female subjects decreased by 50% when eating bananas four to six times a week.

Vitamin B6
One banana has an impressive 34% of the RDA of vitamin B6, which serves many important roles in the body's health. For example, the B6 in bananas acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that helps ward off cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, as well as obesity. B6 also contributes to the maintenance of the lymphoid glands that ensure the production of healthy white blood cells that protect the body from infection. Finally, the vitamin B6 in bananas plays a pivotal part in cell formation and proper nervous system function, making one banana a day a healthy and delicious choice.

Yoghurt

       Yoghurt, or yogurt, is probably the most famous probiotic food, and it certainly is one the best foods to eat after taking antibiotics. Milk is transformed into yogurt through a fermentation process that uses live probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. In addition, other lactobacilli as well as bifidobacteria are also sometimes added during or after the culturing process.

      Normally, the probiotic cultures used to make yogurt remain live and active in the final product. However, pasteurization and some other processes designed to prolong yogurt's shelf life may kill off the health promoting probiotic bacteria. In the US, the National Yogurt Association (NYA) has developed a Live & Active Cultures seal to help consumers identify yogurts that contain significant amounts of live and active probiotic bacteria. The seal is voluntary and available to all manufacturers of refrigerated and frozen yogurt whose products contain at least 100 million (10⁸) cultures per gram at the time of manufacture.

If you live in the US and are planning to eat yogurt to restore your intestinal flora after taking antibiotics, it is best to choose products with the Live & Active Cultures seal. Without the seal, there is no unbiased validation of the amount of live cultures present in the yogurt.

Almonds

In an in vitro study funded by the Almond Board of California, a group of scientists found that finely ground almonds significantly increased the levels of certain beneficial gut bacteria. The almond preparation was found to lose its prebiotic effect its fat content was removed, suggesting that the probiotic bacteria only use the lipids in almonds for growth.

 

But there's also another reason why almonds make it to this list of the best foods to eat after antibiotics: A 2010 study found that almonds can help fight off viral infections such as the common cold and flu. After taking antibiotics, you are more prone to new infections as a result of a weakened immune system.

The researchers responsible for this almond study found that naturally occurring chemicals found in almond skins improved the ability of the white blood cells to detect viruses and to boost the body's ability to prevent viruses from replicating. Even after the almonds had been digested in the gut, there was still an increase in the body's ability to fight viruses.

Raw Garlic: Healing Properties and Medicinal Uses

Garlic, especially in its raw form, has been praised for its healing power and medicinal uses since ancient times. It was used for medicinal purposes by the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Romans and Chinese. Today, numerous research studies document the extraordinary benefits of garlic on human health.
The healing properties of garlic are wide and varied, ranging from antioxidant, antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties to cancer-fighting and immune-boosting activity. Due to its healing properties, raw garlic has been used as a medicinal plant to prevent — and in some cases treat or even heal — various health complaints.
Although almost anyone can benefit from eating garlic, those who are looking for a natural way to reduce their risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, asthma attacks, bouts of cold or flu, abdnormal hair loss, or some skin conditions are likely to reap the most health benefits by regularly eating garlic. In this article, we look at the extraordinary healing properties of garlic and describe the most common medicinal uses of this natural "wonder drug".

Anti-Cancer Effects of Raw Garlic

Still not impressed with the healing properties and medicinal uses of garlic? Well, guess what, numerous laboratory tests have also found garlic and garlic extracts to exert strong anti-cancer effects. Also several epidemiologic studies support the idea that garlic — especially raw garlic — can help prevent certain types of cancer. According to a large-scale review of epidemiologic studies, the strongest evidence for anti-cancer effects of raw garlic pertains to stomach and colorectal cancers. This extensive review, which appeared in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2000, analyzed epidemiological studies published on stomach, colon, head and neck, lung, breast and prostate cancers since 1966.
Raw garlic appears to exert its anti-cancer effects through multiple mechanisms, including inhibition of free radical production, activation of enzymes that detoxify carcinogens, and regulation of cell-cycle arrest. In addition, garlic has been shown to induce apoptosis. Apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death, is the body's normal way of getting rid of unneeded or abnormal cells, but cancer cells employ mechanisms that allow them to evade apoptosis so they can grow uncontrollably at the expense of healthy cells and tissues.

Benefits for Insulin Resistant People

Research suggests that a healthy diet rich in garlic may be used successfully as a complementary treatment for insulin resistance, a physiological condition that remains a major medical challenge of the twenty-first century. Insulin resistance has been linked to a number of diseases and conditions including pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes, excess body weight (especially around the waistline), adult acne and heart disease. In insulin resistant people, the body's cells are no longer able to effectively respond to the actions of the hormone insulin.
According to a study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology in 2005, the health benefits of garlic for insulin resistant people may be linked to the presence of garlic oil and diallyl trisulfide in garlic. In addition to having wide-ranging healing properties documented in previous studies, these two compounds appear to improve the body's ability to effectively respond to the actions of insulin and thus fight insulin resistance.

Health Benefits of Eating Mushrooms – From Anti-Cancer Effects to Stress Relief

Strong Anti-Cancer Properties

Edible mushrooms can make a great addition to an anti-cancer diet as they contain significant amounts of selenium. one cup of shiitake mushrooms, for example, provides more than half of the recommended daily intake for selenium. Dietary selenium is believed to prevent cancer in two ways: First, this micro-mineral is an important constituent of glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme that helps protect your body's cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. Second, selenium may help prevent tumor growth by strengthening the immune system and by inhibiting the development of blood vessels to tumors.
Furthermore, edible mushrooms contain beta-glucans which, according to some human studies, can provide protection against some types of cancer – including breast, skin, stomach and lung cancer. Beta-glucans in mushrooms have been shown to be capable of passing immune cells to the cancerous area and destroying cancer cells. The anti-cancer effects of beta-glucans have also been documented in a number of animal studies.
If you are planning to add wild mushrooms to your anti-cancer diet, make sure the batch you plan to buy comes from a clean area. As mushrooms lack roots, they use their surface cells to absorb nutrition directly from the air. However, if the air is contaminated, also harmful substances may enter mushrooms.

Stress Relief from Mushrooms

One of the lesser known health benefits of eating mushrooms is the ability of mushrooms to provide significant amounts of B vitamins. White button mushrooms and crimini mushrooms, for instance, are supercharged with riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (B3) and pantothenic acid (B5). B vitamins work together and are involved in many bodily functions, including brain and nervous system function. Signs of B vitamin deficiency include unusual stress, anxiety, insecurity, irritability and difficulty concentrating.
The symptoms associated with a vitamin B deficiency can be improved by eating mushrooms and other foods that provide substantial amounts of stress-relieving B vitamins. Keep in mind, however, that for optimal relief from stress and anxiety, you should eat B vitamin containing foods daily as these water-soluble vitamins cannot be stored in the human body. In addition to eating mushrooms, you can step up your vitamin B intake by adding foods such as wheat germ, whole grains, brewer's yeast and legumes to your diet.

Weight Loss Benefits

In addition to playing an important role in brain and nervous system function, B vitamins are involved in energy metabolism and are essential for normal thyroid function. They help convert dietary fat, protein and carbohydrates into energy, which is why a diet rich in B vitamins is often recommended to people who are looking to get rid of excess body fat. In addition, vitamin B6 – which is abundant in shiitake mushrooms – promotes the absorption of zinc, another important weight loss nutrient.
And if that's still not enough to convince you of the weight loss benefits of mushrooms, consider this: mushrooms are extremely low in calories, contain practically no fat, and provide plenty of vitamin D. Yes, you heard right: mushrooms contain vitamin D. In fact, they are the only natural food source of vitamin D you will find in the produce aisle of your favorite supermarket.
A deficiency of vitamin D has been associated with increased fat accumulation and obesity, and some experts believe that a decrease in vitamin D levels in winter, associated with low levels of sunlight in winter, could in fact be the key trigger for the so-called winter response (increased fat accumulation) in humans.

The Immune-Boosting Shiitake

In Asia, the health benefits of shiitake mushrooms are legendary. In China and India, these nutritional superfoods have been used medicinally for centuries, particularly as a natural remedy for colds and flu. Today, researchers know that lentinans, naturally-occuring polysaccharides particularly concentrated in shiitake mushrooms, are largely responsible for the extraordinary health benefits of these mushrooms. The healing properties of lentinans have been linked to their impeccable ability to stimulate the immune-system, without overpowering it, and to fight viruses that enter the body.

Avocados

Avocados – a Natural Appetite Suppressant

Do you shy away from avocados? Although it is true that avocados are high in calories and fat compared to other fruits, consuming these creamy green fruits in moderation can offer great benefits to people who want to lose weight by suppressing appetite.
Recent research suggests that oleic acid found in avocados (and a few other foods) could help naturally curb appetite and thus contribute to weight loss. A group of scientists from Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University in New York found that oleic acid was converted into OEA (oleoylethanolamide) in the small intestines of mice. OEA, which is a type of lipid hormone, activates a brain area that increases the feeling of satiety and fullness. Only unsaturated fats containing oleic acid are believed to control appetite in this way. The findings of this study were published in the October 2008 edition of the journal "Cell Metabolism".
In addition to avocados, oleic acid is found in significant amounts in olive oil and grapeseed oil.

Health Benefits of Green Tea (and Why Loose Leaves Are Superior)

A large and growing body of research shows that drinking green tea can offer extraordinary health benefits. Like black tea, green tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. However, unlike its black counterpart, green tea is not fermented during the manufacturing process, allowing its healing and health protecting compounds to stay largely intact. In this in-depth article, we dig into some of the most compelling health benefits of green tea. So grab a cup of green tea, sit back and enjoy:

1. Green tea boosts metabolism

Drinking green tea is a great way to rev up your metabolism as green tea is packed with metabolism-boosting flavonoids called catechins. When your metabolism is cranked into high gear, your body will burn more energy, which in turn can help you lose excess body weight.
In one clinical trial, 132 overweight/obese adults were given either a drink containing approximately 625 milligrams green tea catechins and 39 milligrams caffeine or a a control drink which contained the same amount of caffeine but no catechins. All participants followed a similar diet in terms of caloric intake and exercise regimen. At the end of the twelve week trial period, the participants were weighed: Both groups had lost weight, but those who had consumed the catechin-containing drink had lost substantially more weight than those who drank the control beverage.

2. Green tea – a natural acne treatment?

The weight loss promoting properties of green tea are among the most widely publicized health benefits of green tea, but the positive health effects associated with drinking green tea extend well beyond these benefits. Recent research suggests, for example, that drinking green tea on a regular basis may help treat acne. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), one of the major catechins in green tea, has been shown to influence the production and actions of hormones that have been linked to acne breakouts. Green tea is also thought to have detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties, which may further help keep acne at bay.

3. Strong antioxidant and anti-aging properties

Green tea, particularly green tea made from loose leaves, is an excellent source of antioxidants such as catechins. Antioxidants, as you may already know, are health-benefiting molecules that slow down aging and guard against disease. According to research conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on the antioxidant capacity of foods and drinks, green tea is superior to black tea in terms of antioxidant capacity. It appears that the enzymatic oxidation process (fermentation) used in the preparation of black tea leaves is responsible for the weaker antioxidant activity of black tea.

4. Anti-allergy benefits

Another green tea health benefit attributed to catechins, particularly epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), is the potential of green tea to provide relief from certain types of allergic reactions. In order to understand how EGCG in green tea fights allergies, it is important to understand how allergic reactions develop. Here's a summary:
Human mast cells produce histidine decarboxylase, an enzyme that helps histidine convert to histamine. Histamine is then attached to receptors in the immune system, a reaction that causes the typical symptoms associated with allergic reactions.
Traditional anti-histamines, which are used to treat allergic reactions such as hay fever, work by preventing histamine from attaching to the receptors in the immune system. In contrast, EGCG derived from green tea has been shown to prevent allergic reactions by a very different mechanism: it stops the reaction right at the beginning by inhibiting the initial histidine decarboxylation reaction. As anti-histamines tend to lose their effectiveness over time, green tea has been proposed as a potential alternative or complementary remedy for certain types of allergies.

5. Immune-boosting and stress-reducing properties

Green tea is rich in theanine, a beneficial amino acid found almost exclusively in Camellia sinensis plants. Research suggests that theanine in tea plants helps boost the immune system and prevent infections by enhancing the activities of a group of disease-fighting cells called gamma delta T cells. As an added health benefit, theanine in green tea can help you manage stress and stay relaxed. These relaxing effects, which are usually experienced within 40 minutes after drinking green tea, are caused by the ability of theanine to stimulate the generation of alpha brain waves. The generation of alpha brain waves has been directly linked to mental relaxation. Theanine in green tea is also involved in the formation of gamma amino butrylic acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter with potential stress-reducing activity.

6. Anti-cancer effects

Catechins, the same compounds that are responsible for most of the above-listed health benefits of green tea, have been shown to be extremely effective at protecting cells against DNA damage which could lead to cancer. But the anti-cancer activities of green tea are not limited to the DNA-protecting effects of catechins; in vitro studies suggest that green tea can also inhibit nitrification, a bodily reaction that has been associated with the development of certain types of cancer, including stomach cancer and esophagus cancer.
In addition, green tea appears to be capable of suppressing urokinase, an enzyme that has been shown to be particularly active in cancer patients and that may play a key role in the spread of cancer cells.
While the evidence that green tea can help prevent cancer is convincing, people who already have cancer should consult with their doctor before using green tea as compounds in green tea have been shown to reduce bioavailability of certain anti-cancer drugs such as sunitinib (marketed as Sutent) and bortezomib (marketed as Velcade).

7. Improved cardiovascular health

There is some evidence suggesting that people who drink green tea may benefit from superior cardiovascular health. One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that those study participants who were given green tea extract supplements had lower blood pressure after the three week trial period. Their systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure decreased on average by 5 mmHg and 4 mmHg, respectively. In addition, their total cholesterol levels decreased by 10 mg/dL.
Another study investigating the benefits of green tea compounds on cardiovascular health found that polyphenol compounds in green tea were able to block the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines of the test animals. These polyphenols were also found to stimulate the excretion of cholesterol from the body.

Health Benefits of Eating Red Onions

Quercetin in red onions provides wide ranging health benefits.

 

Red onions are packed with quercetin

Quercetin in red onions provides wide ranging health benefits.

Red and yellow onions are one of the best natural sources of quercetin, a bioflavonoid that is particularly well suited for scavenging free radicals. Aside from its antioxidant properties, quercetin has been found to possess cancer fighting, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has shown promising potential for preventing and controlling the formation of intestinal polyps, suppressing the rhinoviruses that are the underlying cause of common cold, treating psoriasis, and inhibiting the replication of viruses including the herpes simplex virus that can cause cold sores. It has also been shown to reduce the risk of stomach cancer: according to one study, half an onion a day could reduce the risk of stomach cancer by 50%.

Allicin in onions fights regenerative diseases and fungi

In addition to quercetin, red onions provide allicin, a potent health-promoting compound that is found in onions and other members of the Allium family when the plant is crushed or chopped. Allicin has been shown to promote cardiovascular health, prevent and treat cancer, and reduce high blood pressure. It has also been suggested that allicin could be helpful for people with dandruff due to its anti-fungal properties.

Chromium makes onions a great food to tackle insulin resistance

Onions are a rich source of chromium, a trace mineral that can help control glucose levels. This is great news for those who suffer from insulin resistance as chromium is an essential for insulin activity in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. A lack of chromium-rich foods, such as onions, in diet may lead to insulin resistance and impaired blood sugar control and may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, there is some evidence suggesting that severe chromium deficiency may make weight loss more difficult or even cause weight gain.

Additional health benefits associated with red onions' low GI rating

With a glycemic index (GI) rating of 10, onions are considered a low glycemic food. The glycemic index ranks carbohydrate containing foods based on how quickly they raise blood sugar levels. Foods are rated between 0 and 100, and the higher the rating, the quicker the food will release energy and cause blood glucose levels to rise. The glycemic index was initially created to help diabetics decide what foods are best for them, but now also many weight conscious people are using the concept of glycemic index to help them lose weight and improve their health. By choosing low GI foods — such as red onions — over high GI carbs, you can regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, which in turn causes the body to store less fat. Studies also suggest that stable insulin levels can contribute to slower aging, lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels.

How to Use Selenium for Health

Although your body only needs small doses of selenium for good health, if the fruits and vegetables you eat were grown in selenium depleted soil, you may not be getting enough of this trace mineral. You get selenium by eating meat and fish. However, if the animals ate grains low in selenium or fish lived in water that did not contain adequate amounts of selenium, again, you may not be getting enough of it in your diet.Some minor symptoms of selenium deficiency include muscle weakness, muscle inflammation, muscle pain and red blood cell fragility. If you have any of these symptoms and suspect you are not receiving enough selenium, you may want to see your doctor to test for selenium deficiency.

Instructions

1.Eat foods generally higher in selenium content such as Brazil nuts, tuna, cod, turkey, mushrooms, brewers yeast or wheat germ. Selenium supplementation should not be a normal part of your daily habit. If testing by a health care professional shows you are low in selenium and have a health condition that may be helped by supplementation, your doctor may suggest you specifically take a selenium supplement.

2.Take selenium to prevent prostrate cancer when suggested by your health care professional. Studies have shown, with men who have a low selenium level but normal PSA levels, that supplementing may prevent prostrate cancer which seems to be a growing ailment in older men.

 

 

3.Add selenium to your diet if you have cancer and tests have shown a low levels. Studies have shown that most cancer patients have a low level of this mineral, but it is unknown why. Studies continue to show that added selenium supplements and bringing the level of this mineral to normal in a cancer patient will have a beneficial result. Up until now it seems it has made a marked difference in some cancers and no difference in others.

 

 

4.Check your selenium level if you have hypothyroidism. Ask your health care professional for a test for this mineral as selenium is necessary for the conversion of thyroxin, the thyroid hormone. Studies have shown a deficiency in selenium can cause mental slowdown, fatigue, miscarriage and goiter which are all symptoms of hypothyroidism.

5.Test for selenium deficiency if you have diabetes II. Studies have shown that selenium levels are absolutely related to the disease. Diabetics generally show a lower selenium level. However, studies are still being conducted to see if additional selenium will help this disease.

 

 

Top 10 Foods for Healthy Hair

When it comes to healthy hair, it’s not just what you put on your tresses that counts -- it’s what you put in your body, too.

1. Salmon

Besides being rich in protein and vitamin D (both are key to strong hair) the omega-3 fatty acids found in this tasty cold-water fish are the true superstar. Your body can't make those fatty acids, which your body needs to grow hair. About 3% of the hair shaft is make up of these fatty acids, Drayer says. Omega-3s are also found in cell membranes in the skin of your scalp, and in the natural oils that keep your scalp and hair hydrated.
Other options: If salmon doesn't thrill you, you can also get essential fatty acids from fish like herring, sardines, trout, and mackerel, as well as avocado, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts (see below for more wonderful things about walnuts.)

2. Walnuts

These are the only type of nut that have a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids. They're also rich in biotin and vitamin E, which helps protect your cells from DNA damage. Since your hair rarely gets much shielding from the sun, this is especially great, Drayer says. Too little biotin can lead to hair loss. Walnuts also have copper, a mineral that helps keep your natural hair color rich and lustrous, Fishman says.
Other options: Try using walnut oil in your salad dressing or stir-fry instead of canola or safflower, Fishman says

3. Oysters

Oysters are rich in zinc, a lack of which can lead to hair loss (even in your eyelashes), as well as a dry, flaky scalp. Three ounces has a whopping 493% of your daily value. You can get some zinc through fortified cereals and whole grain breads, but oysters can boast a good level of protein too. "Remember, hair is about 97% protein," Drayer says. Without enough protein, your body can't replace the hairs that you naturally shed every day and what you do make can be dry, brittle, or weak.

Other options: Get your fill of zinc with nuts, beef, and eggs.

4. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a great source of the antioxidant beta carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A. "Basically, every cell of the body cannot function without enough A," Fishman says. It also helps protect and produce the oils that sustain your scalp, and being low on vitamin A can even leave you with itchy, irksome dandruff.
Other options: Carrots, cantaloupe, mangoes, pumpkin, and apricots are all good sources of beta carotene.

5. Eggs

A great source of protein, eggs are loaded with four key minerals: zinc, selenium, sulfur, and iron. Iron is especially important, because it helps cells carry oxygen to the hair follicles, and too little iron (anemia) is a major cause of hair loss, particularly in women, Drayer says.
Other options: You can also boost your iron stores with animal sources, including chicken, fish, pork, and beef.

6. Spinach

The iron, beta carotene, folate, and vitamin C in spinach help keep hair follicles healthy and scalp oils circulating.
Other options: Try similarly nutrient-rich dark, leafy vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and Swiss chard.

7. Lentils

Tiny but mighty, these legumes are teeming with protein, iron, zinc, and biotin, says Fishman, making it a great staple for vegetarian, vegans, and meat eaters.
Other options: Toss other beans such as soybeans (the young ones are called edamame) and kidney beans into your soup or salad.

8. Greek yogurt

Cruise the dairy aisle for low-fat options such as Greek yogurt, which is high in hair-friendly protein, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid -- an ingredient you'll often see on hair care product labels), and vitamin D. Emerging research links vitamin D and hair follicle health, but exactly how that works isn't clear, Fishman says.
Other options: Cottage cheese, low-fat cheese, and skim milk also fit the bill.

9. Blueberries

Exotic super fruits may come and go but when it comes to vitamin C, "It's hard to top this nutrient superhero," Drayer says. C is critical for circulation to the scalp and supports the tiny blood vessels that feed the follicles. Too little C in your diet can lead to hair breakage.
Other options: Kiwis, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and strawberries.

10. Poultry

This everyday entree is extraordinary when it comes to protein, as well as hair-healthy zinc, iron, and B vitamins to keep strands strong and plentiful. Because hair is nearly all protein, "foods rich in protein are literally giving you the building blocks for hair," Drayer says.

Other options: Lean cuts of beef are another good source of lean protein.

The Surprising Health Benefits of Papaya Seeds

While most people throw them away, papaya seeds and not only edible, small amounts of them in your diet can be surprisingly good for you.
Keep in mind though that chewing half a teaspoon of the seeds is not like eating papaya fruit. They have a strong flavor, more like a cross between mustard and black peppercorns.
If you can handle that, ahead are some of the main health benefits of papaya seeds, followed by some interesting ways to add them to your diet.

Papaya Seeds, Worms and Other Parasitic Infections

Like green papaya, the seeds contain high levels of proteolytic enzymes like papain which can help rid your body of parasites. In the same way that papain breaks down protein waste, it may also break down parasites and their eggs.

Good levels of digestive enzymes in your diet are also believed to help normalize the environment in your intestinal tract, making it less hospitable to worms and other parasites. Green papaya capsules and high-strength powder are a simple alternative if you don’t have the fresh fruit and its seeds available.
The seeds from papaya also contain a unique anthelmintic alkaloid called carpaine that has been shown to be very effective at killing parasitic worms and amoebas. There is much more detail on the parasite problem and a specific treatment to get rid of them in How to Use Papaya Seeds for Parasites.

Papaya Seeds as a Treatment for Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is a disease, often caused by excessive alcohol consumption over many years, wherein the liver shrinks and becomes hardened. In this state it is ineffective at removing toxins from the body, leading to a variety of serious health problems.

Papaya seeds are often reported as an effective treatment for liver cirrhosis. One method is to grind up around five dried seeds in a pepper grinder, or crush up fresh ones in a mortar and pestle, and mix them with a tablespoon of fresh lime juice. Drink this down twice a day for a month. Many cirrhosis sufferers have had dramatic improvements with this powerful natural treatment.

Even for people without such obvious liver damage, a small amount of papaya seeds taken regularly is said to help with liver detoxification. And anything that can improve the vital functions of the liver will be likely to improve our health in general.

Papaya Seeds as a Treatment for Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is a disease, often caused by excessive alcohol consumption over many years, wherein the liver shrinks and becomes hardened. In this state it is ineffective at removing toxins from the body, leading to a variety of serious health problems.
Papaya seeds are often reported as an effective treatment for liver cirrhosis. One method is to grind up around five dried seeds in a pepper grinder, or crush up fresh ones in a mortar and pestle, and mix them with a tablespoon of fresh lime juice. Drink this down twice a day for a month. Many cirrhosis sufferers have had dramatic improvements with this powerful natural treatment.
Obviously consult your doctor first if you are being treated for cirrhosis of the liver, especially with regards to the papain enzyme that may interfere with medications.
Even for people without such obvious liver damage, a small amount of papaya seeds taken regularly is said to help with liver detoxification. And anything that can improve the vital functions of the liver will be likely to improve our health in general