Some fruits that may help you have a healthy heart

Regardless of the fruit we have in our hands, it is always recommendable to opt for the additive – free options. It is undoubtedly better to eat the fruit instead of drinking the juice.

It is well-know there are plenty of heart diseases linked to high – blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. These diseases usually pop up and progress in a silent way. As per Dr. Michael Blaha, good feeding habits are essential for a better quality of life. Luckily, there are fruits that boost our heart health.

What fruits can help us take care of the ticker?

Fruits are gifts of nature that contain minerals, vitamins and a lot of fiber. According to the experts, we should eat at least five pieces of fruit per day; that’s why they are an essential part of the food pyramid. Do you eat five pieces of fruit every day? There’s a great variety of fruits you can choose from, but only some promote heart health. Take a look at the list below.

1.     Cherries and red – colored fruits

Red fruits are rich in antioxidants, especially one called lycopene which is a powerful compound that protects the heart very well. Fruits such as the watermelon and the grapefruit are also good for the heart. They are rich in anthocyanins, which improve blood circulation and clean the veins from toxins. Anthocyanins can be found in red fruits like apples and cherries. In accord with the studies carried out by Dr. Bahram, apples are miracle fruits because they count on a great potential to reduce bad cholesterol. 

Apart from the apples, cherries and other red fruits, red berries and pomegranates are beneficial for the heart since they are compounded by ellagic acid, which helps regulate cholesterol, blood pressure and circulation. In addition to this, eating grapes and blackberries is a good way to prevent a cardiac arrest due to a chemical compound named resveratrol, another antioxidant that protects the heart and other organs from damage and cancer. Don’t forget about strawberries, bilberries and papayas when it comes to preventing heart diseases.

2.     Kiwis and the green –colored fruits

What fruits come to mind when you read green color? Kiwis, melons, green apples, and pears. All those fruits have a lot quantity of vitamin K and magnesium. They clean our blood from pathogens and help us defend against a lot of heart diseases. It is ideal to start the day with a green apple or a pear.

3.     Purple fruits

Dietitians consider black, purple and blue fruits as good allies at the moment of preventing and fighting heart problems. They are rich in antioxidants, reduce bad cholesterol, and have anti-cancer properties. If some of these fruits occur in your city, eat them only in their seasons. Plums, figs, black currants, blueberries, and raisins are some of the fruits you can choose from. Keep in mind that they are a little hard to find since they don’t grow everywhere.

Dr. Eric Rimm, associate professor at Harvard Medical School pointed out that starting the day with a blueberry provides lots of health benefits, and boots heart’s well-functioning.

Light – colored fruits

Dr. Willet, professor at Harvard School of Public Health once said in an interview that kicking off the day with a healthy diet that included fruits such as bananas, peaches, and white nectarines would close the door to heart diseases since these fruits have a high content of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemical compounds that keep the ticker in good health (http://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/halt-heart-disease-with-a-plant-based-oil-free-diet-). You might as well add one of those fruits to your dinner menu. Light – colored fruits are well-know because they provide potassium in good proportions. 

Know Diego, the Venezuelan kid with Childhood Alzheimer's

Diego Matias is a Zulian kid who was born in Maracaibo, Zulia State Venezuela, 7 years ago. Since he was born, he’s battled hard to survive many health problems that have afflicted him consistently. He lives with his mom and he was diagnosed with a syndrome, a rare syndrome called childhood Alzheimer’s, also known as Niemann-Pick disease type C. Her mother broke down when she knew Diego had the disease.

It is very hard to believe that kids can also be caught up by Alzheimer. Childhood Alzheimer’s  is the same as the ordinary syndrome that affects the aged but with a difference: Kids are the target.

Understanding what Niemann-Pick disease type C is

Briefly, the disease is comprised of other health problems linked to the nervous system and it’s categorized as a lysosomal disease. The syndrome doesn’t permit the child to have a normal life by depriving him of the skills normally developed while growing. The disease is degenerative and there’s still no cure for it. The kid loses the ability to speak, walk, control urination, think of actions, recognize danger situations and control certain behaviors. Also the body is not capable of processing the carbohydrates; instead, the body wastes are stored in the organs causing neurological and muscular damage.

His mom’s narration

During the interview, his mon Mrs. Alney Márquez explained that Diego was put in the baby incubator after a normal labor.

“Diego seemed to be born healthy, because he was put in the incubator and apparently nothing wrong was happening to him. Minutes later, he was no longer where he had been put, and I was told by the doctors he had been moved to ICU as he was having respiratory problems” – Mrs. Alney said.

Following these events, the time went by and the kid was abnormally growing. He had speaking problems, his behavior was not of a regular boy, instead, he appeared to suffer from hyperactivity, and he fell down too many times a day. His mom Alney Marquez looked for a response to the problem, she wanted to clear up doubts regarding Diego’s health.

She then started to consult various local doctors and specialists who unfortunately couldn’t provide Mrs. Márquez with the right diagnostic. After some months, Mrs. Márquez made up her mind to go to Brazil as one of the local specialists had given a clue that the child was probably facing Niemann-Pick disease type C, an incurable syndrome that only attacks children leading them to go through the same ailments and aches of a 70 year-old Alzheimer patient.

“I began to research about what was happening with my son. I had been told Diego was likely suffering from Childhood Alzheimer’s, which called my attention and led me to start googling. After I had learned a little about the syndrome, I went to Brazil with Diego Matías to get the right diagnostic. And what I feared most happened; Diego had Niemann-Pick disease type C. I just fell apart” – Mrs Marquez expressed.

Today, Diego is unable to say ‘mom’, he can’t control urination sometimes, he often has a hard time getting to sleep at night, and he occasionally goes into uncontrollable mental crises.

What awaits Diego Matias

So far, Mrs. Marquez is looking for help to extend Diego’s life. She often dreams of her taking Diego to a soccer school, she dreams of Diego being free of that terrible syndrome. She has been pleading for medical assistance overseas, specifically in an American healthcare center based in Ohio from which she’s still been waiting for a response regarding a gene therapy.

Things you should know before visiting the States

There’s a constant about the USA, and it’s change. The country’s spirit is seen in its impressive outlook and nature, which range from all the corners of the American land to the astounding skyscrapers in New York and Chicago, and even beyond those limits, to the first landing human on the moon. But, there are certain things (some of which are fun) you should know before visiting the US because they can help you explore and survive in the country during your stay.

1.    1.  Everything is open 24/7

If you get the munchies at around 2 am and you are in the United States, that’s not a problem. The American commerce ensures that you probably find at least a piece of cookie during the 24 hours of the day. You may drop by Slurpee at 3am and you will find it open or drive to Double Quarter Pounder at 2 am for a Supersize it without a problem.

2.      2.Country’s national parks are jaw-dropping

There are many national parks and they cover a total of 84 million across the country, which means you will see national parks even distributed in the four cardinal points.

3.     3. In America, tips are given out generously

It’s not obligatory to give a tip out in a restaurant but a waiter’s salary is low and tips compensate that problem.

4.   4.   New York is not the capital of the United States

The Capital of the United States is Washington D.C. but New York stands out because it represents one of the hubs of American commerce (probably the most important economically influential city in the country)

5.    5.  If you go to an American department store, you will probably be asked something like…

Do you want to open a credit card account? In fact, they are not asking if you are willing to open it or not. That’s an American custom to offer purchasers a credit card to make them spend more money. Just turn the offer down and bear with the shop assistants because you will likely be asked the same question several times. Don’t feel uncomfortable for this; American citizens have to go through this too.

5 facts you should know about Costa Rica before you visit

There is no doubt Costa Rica is simply different from the rest of the countries in many aspects. It is probably not a well-known by the Europeans and Asians while other people make the mistake of relating Costa Rica with poverty judging by its location and whatnot. The truth is that Costa Rica is endowed by breathtaking sceneries, beaches and natural wonders. Visitors always end up in awe of the marvelous experience of visiting this country. Now, let’s read 5 facts you should know before you travel here and find out what makes Costa Rica unique.

#FACT 1. Costa Rica is a paradisiacal resort

If you have ever wondered where in the world this country is, Costa Rica is located between two oceans, the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. It’s a blessing as this fact has enabled its population to enjoy two large coastal areas plenty of beaches, natural reserves, islands and national parks. It is the spawning site for whales and dolphins and home of leatherback turtles. Aside from that, there are more than 100 volcanic formations (121 in total) and volcanic mountains across the country. But the most astonishing fact is that Costa Rica hosts 5% of the whole world biodiversity, and over 10% of the overall population of butterflies in the world lives in its territory alongside 20.000 spider species.

#FACT 2.Costa Rica doesn’t have a military

This fact may be one of most popular facts about this country. Costa Rica belongs to the exceptional group of 23 countries that decided to do away with their army, foreseeing the benefits of being demilitarized, another fact that makes it unique and worth visiting. Even though, Costa Rica does have a small military force that remains unknown for many of its citizens because it’s not official. This little troop once partook in Fuerzas Comando, which is a competition where soldiers of 17 countries show off their sniper skills. Costa Rica team, that time, was formed by 70 police officers who volunteered to take a course on the use of snipers and high-tech weapons in order to take part in that competition. Despite the fact Costa Rica has no army; it has its own police corps, the only organization which takes care of the internal security.

#FACT 3. Costa Rica is a multi-ethnic country

Strange to say, less than 1% of Costa Ricans are actually indigenous and 94% are part of European or mestizo ethnicity. Many people from all over have migrated to Costa Rica; this fact has driven down the population of the originally first inhabitants of this country. The reason why Costa Rica has undergone such process of immigration may be due to important historical events throughout history such as the importation of Africans in colony times and the arrival of Spaniards many centuries ago, considering they eventually mixed with the African slaves they themselves brought into the territory and with the native indigenous women. This fact is a rare-find in the Central American region.

#FACT 4. Rice and black beans are Costa Rican staples

Yes, as we read; we can rice and black beans are tico’s favorite foods, they usually prepare something called Gallo Pinto which is the typical breakfast of the country (so, as a tourist, you may prepare your stomach for such a hefty meal in the first hours of the day). Bread, chicken, meat, vegetables, salads and fruits are often at a Costa Rican family’s dinner-table. It means, a Costa Rican’s average diet is composed of mostly protein and carbs.

#FACT 5. Life expectancy in Costa Rica, one of the highest in the world

It is well-known that certain areas in Central America are plagued by gang violence which is one of the main concerns of most governments in the region. In the case of Costa Rica; life expectancy is one of the highest in the world with an average of 77 years. But in 2014, it skyrocketed to 79 years, and it apparently doesn’t seem to hit the wall so far but the figure continuously increases. This remarkable datum is extremely important being that Costa Rica shares this great privilege with developed countries whose life expectancy basically has been considered the highest according to the latest stats in the last 15 years.

Home Remedies for Asthma

Asthma is an obstruction of breathing. During an asthmatic attack, airway walls in lungs inflame and the respiratory tract contracts. Despite the danger this condition still represents, there are some home remedies which can provide some relief and benefits. Let’s see what they are.

The powerful Ginger

Ginger tea is a great alternative to relieve asthma in a natural way. Some of its components have a bronchodilator effect that will help breathing better, according to scientists of the University of Columbia. This effect is due to an action that inhibits an enzyme which makes airway muscles contract and at the same time it activates another enzyme that relaxes them.

Onions

Onions are famous for making you cry and for over-seasoning dishes, but they also contain a flavonoid called quercetin which helps relax the bronchial tubes and reduce airway constriction, according to a research carried out at the Queen’s University in Ireland and Wageningen University in the Netherlands. Other compound, the tiosulphinate, also has anti-asthma properties.

Boswellia extract

Extracts of boswellia resin, a tree which occurs in the Indian hills, have long been used in Ayurvedic Medicine as a treatment for asthma. Natural Standard states that there is good scientific evidence of its anti-inflammatory properties to clear the airways.

Garlic

Garlic had been used as a natural remedy long before people started to use it as a condiment. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it has been considered as one of the most effective home remedies for asthma. A research published by Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology proved that garlic extract reduces airway inflammation significantly.

Ephedra

This herb has been used in China for thousand years as a treatment for asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Ephedra contains ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, bronchodilator substances that expand airways to make breathing easier. Natural Standard states there is good evidence of its benefits.

Lemon juice

Drinking lemon juice mixed with water helps prevent the accumulation of mucous in bronchial tubes; it improves breathing and cleans the respiratory system by removing bacteria and germs that could make air passage difficult. You can also inhale hot lemon juice steam, recommends Linda B. White, The Herbal Drugstore’s authoress.

Honey

Beyond its sweet flavor, honey is a natural expectorant and anti-inflammatory which helps expel phlegm and it’s useful for bringing up the accumulated mucus from the airways and blocks the air passage that could unleash or aggravate an asthma attack. You can drink a cup of hot water mixed with two spoonful of honey every day.

Gingko Biloba

Gingko biloba leaves inhibit a substance found in the lungs which causes inflammation, therefore taking in this plant extract could be of great help for asthma improvement. Besides, it acts as bronchodilator and makes inflammation subside. It is recommended to drink ginkgo biloba leaves infusion twice a day.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice which contains anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which makes it a great option to cure asthma naturally. Its active ingredient, curcumin, has a protective action on the breathing system. You can mix a spoonful of turmeric with warm water and drink it on a daily basis.

Green tea

Green tea is a natural source of theophylline, a bronchodilating substance which is a compound present in many drugs used in the treatment of asthma as it relaxes the muscles that hold the bronchial tubes. It is used for preventing wheezing (whistling sound while breathing), shortness of breath or difficult breathing. 

Home Remedies for Tinnitus

Why think of a home remedy for tinnitus? It is neither necessary to go to the doctor to reduce that ringing in the ears nor take medication. You can address the problem by turning to some home remedies without a specialist’s assistance.

If you are suffering from those terrible buzzes in your ears also known as tinnitus, it is paramount and necessary that you be aware of the causes and symptoms concerning this condition to obtain better results through the application of home remedies to get rid of this problem.

As regards the symptoms, buzzes in the ears are heard in different ringing tones such as whistles or purrs and whatnot. On some occasions, they can be constant, and sometimes intermittent.

Some of the different causes linked to tinnitus are ear infections or earwax obstruction. Many people wear away so much time trying hard to rid of the ringing bells in their ears.

However, they commonly wait for a treatment that can eradicate the problem within days, even after they learned there was not a cure for tinnitus.

Unfortunately, all those people are unaware of home remedies that can be utilized to eliminate those buzzes. So, why not give home remedies a chance? After all, it is easier to turn to them and they won’t lead you to go through knock-over effects.

Therefore, the best natural options are:

1.  Drink 40 mg ginkgo biloba everyday to alleviate tinnitus. Gingko is beneficial to improve blood circulation and eliminate free radicals. You must give up taking in salt, sugar, alcohol and caffeine when taking ginkgo biloba since these substances can annul the curative properties of the plant. Gingko Biloba shouldn’t be used while taking anticoagulants. This is the one of the most common home remedies for tinnitus.

2.  The use of essential oils such as cypress, lemon, musk rose, and Romero oil for aromatherapy helps increase blood circulation.

3.  Add sesame seeds to your diet to help reduce tinnitus. You can also utilize halvah (sesame sweets) or tahini (an extension made up of sesame seeds) as an alternative.

4.  Sesame oil can also be useful for tinnitus. Hot sesame oil is utilized to massage the feet and scalp before going to bed. Put ten warm sesame oil droplets in both ears everyday can help you alleviate tinnitus. Yet, be careful not to drop very hot oil in the ear.

5.  Eating raw garlic helps reduce tinnitus. Garlic has antioxidants, as well as excellent antibiotic properties to suppress the free radicals and the inflammation linked to tinnitus.

6.  Garlic oil is also one of the best home remedies to cure tinnitus. Putting three drops of garlic oil in both ears every night before bedtime can considerably help reduce tinnitus.

7.  Stress is one of the problems that make tinnitus even less bearable. Boil chamomile, comfrey and cinnamon for a minute to make some herb tea to induce relaxation and in this way attenuate tinnitus.

8.  When the ringing bell in the ear becomes unbearable, you can block it with sounds similar to white noise, this is, indeed, very helpful. You can use surrounding noises as the one of a radio which is not tuned or use the noise produced by a ventilator. Other relaxing sounds like rainfall, sea waves, forest sounds, singing or chanting can also be useful to mask the buzzes in the ears.