9 Amazing Health Benefits of Thyme

Thyme health benefits includes protection from food poisoning, improving mood and well being, acting as natural anti-fungal, reducing inflammation and pain, supporting the health of the brain and improving respiratory function. Other benefits includes promoting wellbeing of digestive tract and function as a diuretic for balancing the body’s water and electrolyte levels.

What is Thyme?

Thyme is an amazingly versatile herb, used in numerous meals, especially those originating in the Mediterranean regions. Thyme possesses a strong, characteristic odor which bears a slight similarity with mint, and can be used either dried or fresh. Thyme is a nutritionally dense spice, which trumps many others and warrants inclusion in your diet based on its nutritional profile as well as for the presence of various Phytochemicals beneficial to health.

Thyme comes in numerous verities, but regardless of which you are able to get (based on your geographic location) they are all worth a shot by including thyme in your meals; their health benefits make it so much more important. Interested to know what these benefits are? Let’s explore them:

9 Amazing Health Benefits of Thyme

1. Keep You Safe From Food Poisoning

Food prepared with thyme have been observed to take longer to go bad, compared to those not made with thyme. More interestingly, is the fact that thyme can even take food that is about to go bad and actively kill the bacteria that begins to fester and can cause food poisoning. Food poisoning is associated with vomiting, diarrhea and even fever and can result in severe dehydration if not properly addressed. This is a major issue in African countries with lack of exposure to decent sanitation. This is even more important if you consume raw, uncooked food such as salad veggies, which may have salmonella contamination with you being aware. You can either rinse the raw foods in a thyme solution or include it as part of your mix.

2. Thyme Improves Mood And Well Being

Thyme consists of numerous compounds, with one named carvacrol being among them. This compound was found to have positive effects on improving mood if consumed consistently for just 7 days. It does this by increasing levels of both serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters involved with regulating motivation, drive and overall mood. Though precise amounts that need to be consumed are not fully known, eating a little in food every day is likely to be very safe and smart if you wish to preserve your mental health.

3. Thyme Consumption May Reduce Cancer Risk

It is well known that various essential oils have cancer combating properties, but in thyme carvacrol is once again the compound that does this. Carvacrol could help prevent the occurrence of cancers or tumor growth, since it inhibits both the proliferation and movement of cancer cells to other parts of the body. This spread of cancer is one of the worst outcomes for a cancer patient, since it becomes exponentially harder to treat when this occurs. Thyme may be useful in reducing risk, and can help positive outcomes if the cancer is already present. This effect seems to be especially pronounced when dealing with colon cancer.

4. Thyme Is A Natural Anti-fungal

Not only is thyme effective at killing bacteria, it is also a useful anti-fungal agent. Thyme is able to treat symptoms of the candida infections, whether they occur as yeast infections, skin rashes or thrush in your mouth. Try consuming Thyme as often as possible in the foods you eat, or if you prefer drinking a drop or two of the essential oil known as thymol. Keeping your fungal load under control is also beneficial to the health of your probiotic bacterial colonies, which fortifies your overall and immune system health. Thyme can be made into a topical solution and applies locally to affected areas of the skin as well to offer additional support for treating fungal conditions.

5. Reduces Inflammation And Pain

When we suffer an injury of some sort, it needs to be mediated by chemical compounds in order for our brains to perceive this pain. One of the main chemical mediators is an enzyme named cyclooxygenase that facilitates localized inflammation in an attempt to quarantine the area of origin. However, this results in immense pain and is a popular mechanism by which pain medication work.

Thyme is also able to suppress the level of this enzyme (abbreviated as COX) by as much as 80%, greatly reducing the pain and tenderness we feel.

Thyme can either be consumed, or made in a topical application and used on the area where you are feeling the pain. This concoction may also be useful for everyday aches and pains, such as muscular and joint pain.

6. Supports The Health Of Your Brain

Our brains are subject to degradation and breakdown like any other part of the body as we age, even though there are many other factors at play. Among them is oxidation, which can cause adverse changes to the brain at speeds that should be reserved for those much older. Which is where thyme comes into play; loaded with anti-oxidants, thyme can help preserve brain health for many years. In a study conducted on rodents, those administered a thyme supplement had a much healthier brain, resembling those of much younger mice. Thyme also appears to have a protective effect of important fats such as omega-3, known to preserve mental wellbeing and our cognitive function well into old age.

7. Thyme Improves Respiratory Function

Well-functioning lungs are essential to our good health, as ultimately all cells in the body need oxygen supplied in abundant quantities. Thyme has been used traditionally as an aide to proper lung function, helping reduce symptoms of respiratory deficiency bronchitis. Bronchitis is a condition resulting in inflammation of tiny structures within the lungs known as bronchioles, which makes breathing deep and labored. Thyme exerts anti-inflammatory effects in the lungs, helps thin mucus secretions and also fights microbes which may be the cause of an underlying infection. Thyme possesses anti-bacterial effect as well, so it should be used by anyone suffering from respiratory disorders.

8. Helps Promote Wellbeing Of Your Digestive Tract

We often take our digestive tracts for granted, even though they really are one of our body’s primary defense systems. As such, it is not uncommon for things to go wrong, ranging from diarrhea, to bloating and even vomiting. Luckily, thyme is there to offer support to our digestive system in “thymes” of need. For one, the essential oil names thymol found in thyme helps promote digestion and peristaltic muscle movements so that food is not held in the stomach for prolonged periods of time. It also reduces bloating from malabsorption, and can relieve painful and uncomfortable stomach cramps. Either eat more of it in your daily meals, or try a drop or two of the essential oils when necessary to help with digestion.

9. Thyme Functions As A Diuretic

Under normal conditions, the body takes care of balancing the body’s water and electrolyte levels so that we do not retain too much fluid, or lose too much and become dehydrated. However, there are time that we need increased diuresis- or urination, such as when suffering from high blood pressure or congestive heart failure. Promoting regular diuresis is also essential to maintaining kidney function, as holding your bladder for long periods of time can increase your risk of developing kidney stones. Thyme is a mild natural diuretic that gently promotes the release of urine and can help balance your fluid and electrolyte levels when appropriate. Diuresis is also helpful for losing excess water weight, more so when competing in various fitness events.

7 Habits that are Bad for Your Thyroid

The thyroid gland plays a vital role in your body. It helps regulate your metabolism, body temperature, mood, and heart rate.

A person with hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid may feel fatigued, sluggish, cold, and may gain weight. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) may cause sweatiness, anxiety, sleeplessness, and sudden weight loss.

HABITS THAT ARE BAD FOR YOUR THYROID

The truth is, you don’t have complete control over your thyroid function. Your genetics partly determine thyroid function. Luckily, you can improve thyroid function with lifestyle changes. Ditching these habits is a good place to start, if you are having thyroid issues.

1. Skimping on Fats

You probably know that eating fats does not make you fat. What you may not know is that a low-fat diet has a negative effect on thyroid function. 

A low-fat diet can inhibit the absorption of vitamins and minerals. This is problematic, since your thyroid needs iodine, vitamin B12, magnesium and other nutrients to function optimally.

Increase fat intake by adding olive oil to salads, eating avocados every day, and snacking on nuts.

2. Low Iodine Intake

It is important to get adequate iodine during childhood, since it aids cognition and growth.  You also need to consume enough iodine as you grow older. Research shows that low iodine intake can cause hypothyroidism.

Good sources of iodine include sea salt, sea vegetables, seaweed, blueberries, and potatoes. It is advisable for pregnant women to take iodine supplements, since they need extra iodine for the baby.

3. Eating too Many Cruciferous Veggies (for some people)

High intake of cruciferous veggies can increase the risk of thyroid cancer in people with iodine deficiency, according to research. However, research also shows that cruciferous veggies do not affect thyroid function in healthy individuals.

Do not cut back on veggies unless you have dry skin, frequent headaches, menstrual problems, difficulty losing weight, and other symptoms of iodine deficiency. Talk to your doctor if you have these symptoms.

4. Consuming Bromide-Containing Foods and Drinks

Bromide is a compound commonly found in some flours, bakery goods and soft drinks such as Sun Drop, Mountain Dew, citrus-flavored sodas, Fresca, and Squirt.

Research shows that bromide interferes with the metabolism of iodine and, as a result, lowers thyroid function.

5. Fasting

Fasting can help renew your cells and keep you young. However, it may worsen symptoms in people with hypothyroidism.

This study found that thyroid concentrations changed during the fasting month of Ramadhan. Researchers say that hypothyroidism patients should increase the dose of levothyroxine when fasting. Also, extreme calorie-restriction may negatively effect on your thyroid.

6. Smoking

Cigarettes contain toxins that affect thyroid function. According to this study, smokers with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis have a higher risk of hypothyroidism.

7. Drinking too Much Alcohol

Research shows that excessive drinking can lower thyroid function. But you may be surprised to find out that moderate alcohol consumption may actually lower the risk of thyroid cancer.

The Top 13 Food Sources of Vitamin K

Most people try to get enough calcium or vitamin C in their daily diet, but few people give any consideration to vitamin K. Perhaps that’s because most people haven’t even heard of this essential nutrient.

SO WHAT EXACTLY IS VITAMIN K?

Vitamin K is a vitamin, obviously. And what that means is that it is essential to life—it’s not optional. We need all vitamins for our survival. In the case of vitamin K, it is an antioxidant that helps to destroy harmful free radicals linked to aging or disease. This nutrient is also critical to building strong bones, so you’ll especially want to ensure you’re getting enough of the nutrient if you’re experiencing or at risk of experiencing osteoporosis.

Vitamin K is also involved in healthy blood clotting because it is required to make blood-clotting factors in your body. If you bleed excessively, you may be deficient in vitamin K. The nutrient is also involved in preventing heart disease—insufficient vitamin K may cause the blood vessels to become hard and narrowed with deposits. 

This integral vitamin also has anti-cancer properties. It seems to work by preventing the growth of tumors either on its own, but also when it is used in conjunction with radiation. Vitamin K has also been found to prevent cancer from spreading throughout the body. Of course, it should only be used as part of a cancer treatment when under the guidance of a professional.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF VITAMIN K DEFICIENCY

Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

Bleeding Excessively

Bone Fractures and Breaks

Cancer

Heart Disease

Osteoporosis

Tooth Decay

Wounds Don’t Heal Well

TOP FOOD SOURCES OF VITAMIN K

There are many excellent sources of vitamin K (vitamin K1), which include:

Kale (1 cup) 1062 micrograms

Spinach (1 cup) 888 micrograms

Mustard Greens (1 cup) 829 micrograms

Collard Greens (1 cup) 772 micrograms

Beet Greens (1 cup) 696 micrograms

Swiss Chard (1 cup) 572 micrograms

Turnip Greens (1 cup) 529 micrograms

Parsley (1/2 cup) 498 micrograms

Broccoli (1 cup) 220 micrograms

Brussels Sprouts (1 cup) 218 micrograms

Romaine Lettuce (2 cups) 96 micrograms

Asparagus (1 cup) 91 micrograms

Basil (1/2 cup) 88 micrograms

The primary sources of vitamin K2 include: fish, eggs, meat and fermented foods; however, if you boost your gut health, the beneficial bacteria found there can manufacture vitamin K2. Eating more fermented foods supplies the body with vitamin K2 while boosting beneficial bacteria that can manufacture the vitamin.

Eating more fermented foods like sauerkraut, miso, natto, yogurt, kimchi and others are the best way to boost beneficial bacteria and your gut health.

HOW MUCH DO YOU NEED?

The recommended dietary intake (RDI) is around 80 micrograms for both women and men. Nutrition experts typically recommend between 80 and 100 micrograms. Some people are more at risk of a deficiency because of other health conditions that predispose them to vitamin K deficiencies. They include those with bowel obstructions, colitis or chronic liver disease. Of course, if you are on anticoagulant therapy you should consult your doctor prior to supplementing with the vitamin.

WHAT IS THE BEST FORM OF THE VITAMIN?

Food is always the best form of any vitamin so I encourage you to eat more of the foods mentioned above, but if you need to supplement you’ll want to get vitamin K or vitamin K2, but not K3, which is also known as menadione), since it is synthetic and has been linked to some side-effects. The natural forms of vitamin K are superior.

You can also boost your body’s ability to manufacture vitamin K by improving the health of your gut since some probiotics in the gut are able to manufacture vitamin K.

Amazing Cardboard Sculptures by Chris Gilmour

From life sized cars and bikes to violins, globes and microscopes …. is there anything Chris Gilmourcannot create out of corrugated cardboard? Meet the most amazing cardboard artist ever.

 

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Why You Should Be Eating More Ancient Grains

A few years ago, the term “ancient grains” would likely not have been very familiar to you. But today, the phrase is showing up in the names of food products all throughout the grocery store. Wondering what all the fuss is about? Read on.

WHAT ARE ANCIENT GRAINS?

While there is no strict definition of what qualifies as an “ancient” grain, they are loosely defined by the Whole Grains Council as varieties that have been planted and harvested, without modification, for hundreds of years or more. Modern wheat, as an example, wouldn’t qualify, whereas heritage varieties such as amaranth, farro and einkorn would.

Interestingly, many of the grains that make the list are considered unique — trendy even — in the United States, but commonplace elsewhere. Kamut, for example, an ancient grain that reps a whopping 7 grams of protein per quarter cup and 65 percent more amino acids than wheat, has been cultivated by peasant farmers in Egypt for centuries.

WHAT MAKES THEM SO SPECIAL?

Unlike conventional refined grains, ancient grains have proven themselves to be true nutritional powerhouses, sporting a host of health benefits ranging from reduced risk for diabetes, cancer and heart disease, as well as improved digestion and boosted immunity.

Why? Ancient grains have much more robust nutritional profiles; a host of phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals are present, and more proteins and amino acids are intact. All good things!

HOW CAN I INTEGRATE THEM INTO MY DIET?

Most ancient grain varieties can be easily swapped with the traditional options you’re already used to — brown rice, porridge and the like. Most can be purchased in the bulk and packaged food aisles of health food stores.

To get the full range of benefits, mix and match these often. This is a great opportunity to try new things! Here are a few specific recommendations:

Amaranth

Classified as a pseudo-grain, amaranth has a peppery taste and a complete protein profile. It’s also packed with much-needed vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium, zinc, calcium and phosphorus, and is gluten-free. A small quarter cup serving has 6.5 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber! To eat, pop it like popcorn, or toss with veggies or salad.

Farro

Used frequently throughout Italy and the Mediterranean, farro is a popular grain staple in health-conscious eateries the world over thanks to its low calorie count. Nutty, chewy and utterly delicious, farro is a great addition to hearty soups and stews.

Quinoa

While often classified as a grain, quinoa is actually a seed that can be integrated beautifully in everything from salads to soups. It cooks quickly and comes in red, black and white varieties (Ever see “tri-color quinoa?” It’s a mix of these three). Keep in mind: quinoa should be rinsed thoroughly before use to rinse off its saponins, a bitter coating that keeps birds and insects away.

Millet

While you’re most likely to see millet in bird seed in the United States, it’s starting to show up in breads and other gluten free products. If you’re low on magnesium, a mineral that’s especially important for bone health, you’ll definitely want this one on your shelf. Grind millet to use in traditional flatbread recipes, steam it like rice, or cook it into a creamy couscous. Yum!

Kamut (or Khorasan)

Known for its buttery flavor and high levels of healthy (emphasis on healthy) fats, protein, selenium and zinc, kamut can be found in everything from cereal to baby food. But that’s not all! Kamut also offers a range of antioxidant benefits, helping to reduce gut inflammation and pain associated with IBS.

Sorghum

Sorghum, thanks to its versatility and drought resistance, is the fifth most popular cereal crop worldwide. It has a multitude of applications, from animal feed to biodegradable packaging. In addition, studies of sorghum suggest it may have a cholesterol-lowering effect on the body. Buy it in flour form to make delicious rustic breads or use sorghum syrup to flavor everything from baked beans to barbecue sauce.

Teff

Popular in Ethiopia, teff is gluten-free and higher in calcium than most of its counterparts. It’s also high in resistant starch, a type of carbohydrate that can be especially helpful when trying to lose weight. Cook it whole in porridge form, make into polenta or add to your favorite baked goods.

Foods You Can Eat to Repel Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes find you primarily by your scent. Although, the chemical compounds that create your personal scent are very complex, and researchers have barely scratched the surface of what makes one person smell better to mosquitoes than another.

What we do know is that mosquitoes are extremely sensitive and can smell a potential meal from over 50 meters (160 feet) away. We also know that the foods we eat can change how our bodies smell. Have you ever had a meal seasoned with pungent spices, then smelled them on your breath or skin afterwards?

Mosquitoes can also smell what you’ve been eating, and some foods are more likely than others to throw them off your scent. Try loading up on the following foods this summer and see if mosquitoes give you a miss.

1. GARLIC

Research suggests that the scent of garlic is able to ward off mosquitoes. In fact, garlic is recognized as so effective that it’s included in various commercial bug and mosquito repellents. Garlic’s distinctive smell is partially due to its unique chemical compound called allicin. When you eat garlic, you’ve likely noticed the smell of allicin as it comes through the pores of your skin. Rest assured that you don’t smell bad, you’re simply protecting yourself against mosquitoes.

Incidentally, onions have been shown to repel some insects, but not mosquitoes. This may be due to the fact onions do not contain allicin.

2. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

The strong smell of apple cider vinegar is known to repel mosquitoes and some other bugs. You can take advantage of its repelling action by simply wiping some on your skin. But, if you consume apple cider vinegar regularly, the scent may naturally come through your pores.

It’s recommended to consume at least one tablespoon (18 milliliters) of apple cider vinegar per day to have enough in your system to ward off mosquitoes. Apple cider vinegar has many other health benefits and you can add it to salad dressings, soups or other dishes. You can also drink a tablespoon of plain vinegar each day, but first check these guidelines on how to safely drink cider vinegar.

3. FOODS WITH VITAMIN B1

Anecdotal evidence suggests that vitamin B1, also called thiamine, can help deter mosquitoes. Many people have experienced a benefit of either using vitamin B1 supplements or eating foods high in vitamin B1. Unfortunately, research has not been able to support these claims.

Based on the many personal success stories, you may want to try including foods high in thiamine in your diet and see what happens. Some of the best sources of thiamine include sunflower seeds, black beans, navy beans, soy beans, lentils, brewer’s and nutritional yeasts, macadamia nuts and wheat germ.

4. GRAPEFRUIT

Nootkatone is the chemical compound that gives grapefruit its familiar fragrance. Nootkatone is also proven to be an effective repellent for mosquitoes, as well as ticks, bed bugs, head lice and various other insects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are working with biotechnology companies to develop a commercial bug repellent based on nootkatone. This would provide a safe and natural product to help combat disease-spreading insects like mosquitoes and ticks.

It’s not known if eating grapefruit regularly will provide enough nootkatone to repel insects from your skin. But, nootkatone and grapefruit are recognized as completely safe to eat, so it’s definitely worth a try.

5. HERBS AND SPICES

The essential oils from many different herbs and spices are recognized as effective mosquito repellents. These oils are typically applied to the skin. The effect of eating the source herbs and spices remains unknown as it has never been studied. Although, it’s very plausible that the pungent oils contained in the fresh herbs and spices could affect the smell of your skin. And considering that most herbs and spices also have many health benefits, you can’t go wrong adding more flavors to your food.

Some of the best herbs and spices proven to repel mosquitoes include clove, thyme, cinnamon, rosemary, lavender, catnip, peppermint, and lemongrass, which contains citronella.