Mango Seeds : You Don't Want To Miss These 6 Amazing Health Benefits

Okay let's admit it; we long for the summer season so we can drool over mangoes! Mango is known as the king of fruits and for good reason. Every part of this fruit, the pulp, the bark of the tree, the flower and seeds, they are all healthy. In this article, we shall discuss the benefits of the mango seeds . Chances are that most of you just throw away the seed thinking that it is of no use. Well, it's time to save that precious seed. The seeds are edible but they have a hard texture so they cannot be eaten as is. This is why they are transformed into oil, powder and butter and then used to get maximum health benefits.
 

So let's take a look at the health benefits of mango seeds. We bet you didn't know about these!

1. Helps you to get rid of dandruff

Mango seeds have benefits for your hair. These seeds strengthen your hair follicles and benefit your hair from the root to the ends. Besides this, it also helps you to get rid of dandruff. The powder or oil of these seeds can be used to prepare a hair pack and can be used regularly for getting maximum benefits. Mix mango seed powder with some water and prepare a paste. Now scrub your scalp gently with this powder and then wash it off.
 

2. Reduces diarrhea

For any person dealing with diarrhea, mango seed powder may work wonders. However, you need to be mindful of the portions. Do not consume more than one gram of mango seed powder with honey at a time. Take this remedy twice a day for relief.

3. Keeps heart diseases at bay

Heart diseases and hypertension are a common occurrence in today's world. But with natural remedies like mango seeds, these diseases can be controlled without the need for medication. Regular but moderate consumption of these seeds is known to lower heart disease risk.

4. Healthy skin

The butter obtained from mango seeds is far better at moisturizing your skin as compared to other chemical and greasy lotions available in the market. 

5. Beats obesity

For those who are tired of making an effort to cut down fat from their round belly, mango seed extract can be of great help. The extract of this seed is low in terms of sugar and can help you in reducing some inches off your body. It can also help in lowering bad cholesterol levels.

6. Diabetes

Are mangoes safe for diabetics? Millions of people have been on this query for a very long time now. Due to the sugar content of the pulp, it might not be the best food item for diabetics. But the low-on-sugar seed, according to some studies, can be helpful in lowering the blood sugar levels.

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12 Probiotic Foods That Can Help with Digestion

The idea that you have live microorganisms called “probiotics” living in your stomach and intestines might sound a little creepy at first, until you understand that these organisms have the potential to significantly improve your digestion of food and, in doing so, improve your overall health and happiness.
In case you’ve never read up on probiotics, which have become all the rage in food science the past few years, know that they can have many positive effects on the body. In addition to helping with digestion, they may be able to reduce the chances of developing heart disease, improve the look and feel of skin, and may even assist in the fight against depression. That’s all great, but what foods must you eat in order to reap the benefits of probiotics?

1. Pickles

Nothing makes a sandwich like a pickle, either right on top or off to the side. Sweet or salty, the pickle is ridiculously popular in many parts of the world. And for good reason: aside from being delicious, they’re easy to make, consisting of cucumbers that have been preserved using a mixture of water and sodium and then left to ferment.
This fermentation process results in the development of lactic acid bacteria, which brings pickles their sour flavor but also aids in the activity of probiotics in the gut. Pickles are also an excellent source of vitamin K, which can help in blood clotting. However, pickles are also high in salt and, in some cases, sugar, so be sure to consume them in some moderation.

2. Yogurt

If there’s one food that’s practically synonymous with probiotics and their benefits, it’s yogurt. This is primarily as a result of marketing efforts by yogurt companies and is not necessarily reflective of yogurt’s superiority in providing the best benefits that probiotics have to offer.
Nevertheless, there’s no denying that many types of yogurt do contain an ample supply of probiotics, the friendly microorganisms that can help break down your food and ease the digestive process. Yogurt contains probiotics because it’s made from fermented milk containing lactic acid. Just remember that not all forms of yogurt contain probiotics, so be sure to read the label carefully; also, try to avoid eating yogurt containing added sugar. Beyond that, yogurt, which also contains lots of calcium and protein, can help build and maintain healthy muscles and bones.

3. Kefir

Kefir isn’t exactly a household name — the product, which is made by adding kefir grains to the milk of a goat or cow in order to help with fermentation — but it is becoming progressively more popular and therefore more visible on grocery store shelves. Kefir grains, which are essentially a combination of lactic acid bacteria and yeast — and not the kind of grain you’d find in your breakfast cereal — tend to resemble cauliflower in appearance. In the end, kefir tends to taste a lot like yogurt but does have bits of kefir grain in it, making a chunky liquid that’s far tastier than it sounds.
Regardless, kefir has its benefits. Translated from Turkish, it means “feeling good” following consumption, and that clearly alludes to its ability to help with the digestive process. Kefir is an excellent source of friendly bacteria and yeast — in the opinion of many experts, better even than yogurt. And for individuals who have a hard time with lactose, it’s clearly the best choice.

4. Sauerkraut

Love it or hate it, sauerkraut — which we most often associate with “street meat” and the downtown hot dog stand — is an excellent source of probiotics. That’s because it’s made using shredded cabbage that’s been fermented using lactic acid bacteria, making it a product that has huge potential for assisting with the digestive process.
And that’s not all: sauerkraut is also high in vitamins B, K, and C, meaning it can help boost the immune system, and contains ample amounts of fiber, which can also help with digestion and keeping an individual feeling “regular.” So, the next time you visit a hot dog stand, don’t be shy with the sauerkraut.

5. Tempeh

The growing popularity of veganism and vegetarianism has resulted in a growing market for products that either look or taste like meat and contain protein. After all, many vegans and vegetarians face the problem of not getting enough protein by avoiding meat products.
Tempeh, which is made using fermented soybeans, is growing in popularity thanks to its similarity to meat and its protein. Originally made in Indonesia, tempeh can be adapted so that its texture resembles that of chicken, though its taste more closely resembles nuts and mushrooms. In any case, tempeh can certainly boost the activity of probiotics and contains helpful minerals like zinc and iron.

6. Kimchi

A couple decades ago kimchi was hardly known outside Korea, where it continues to serve as a very popular side dish. Made of fermented cabbage and tasting a bit like spicy sauerkraut, it’s as much of a mainstay in Korea as potatoes are in North America or Europe.
But there’s more to like about kimchi than its spicy flavor and coleslaw-like texture. Like many of the other items on this list, it contains lactic acid bacteria that can boost probiotic activity and help in the digestive process. It also contains some truly useful vitamins and minerals, from vitamin B12 to vitamin K and iron.

7. Miso

Just as kimchi, the fermented and spicy cabbage dish, is central to Korean dining, miso is exceptionally popular in Japanese cuisine. Made using fermented soybeans, salt, and koji (a popular fungus), miso resembles a paste and is most often used as a seasoning that can often be found in soup. Go to a Japanese restaurant and there’s a good chance you’ll start your meal with a piping-hot cup of miso soup.
As for its health benefits, miso is a veritable powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. In addition to boosting probiotic activity in the gut, miso provides a supply of protein, fiber, vitamin K, manganese, and copper. In addition to helping with digestion, it may also assist in lowering the chance of breast cancer and stroke, particularly in women.

8. Kombucha

With the popularity of fermented foods on the upswing, another emerging trend is the consumption of kombucha, a beverage that’s essentially just fermented black or green tea. And the flavor reflects the description, with kombucha tasting similar to your traditional tea but with a slightly sour taste. It’s often infused with fruit flavors and tends to have a bubbly, almost carbonated texture.
Kombucha is widely popular, having become a mainstay in Asia before making its way to other parts of the world in recent years. Because it’s fermented and contains both bacteria and yeast, some food experts believe it may boost probiotic activity in the same way that yogurt or kefir do. But studies of kombucha remain rare, so we can’t know for sure if it directly contributes to the improvement of digestive health.

9. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese isn’t a whole lot like other types of cheese — it’s low in calories and fat and generally costs a lot less to buy. And you’ll often find it in a different part of the grocery store, with cheese like gouda and gorgonzola near the deli and cottage cheese sticking close to yogurt and milk.
And that does tell you something about cottage cheese and its benefits. Unlike many forms of cheese, it contains the kind of bacteria that can boost the breakdown of foods in the gut, helping improve the digestive process. It also contains lots of vitamins and minerals, like vitamin B12, calcium, phosphorous, and selenium. As if that’s not enough, it’s also an excellent source of protein, which means it can help keep you full and avoid binging on less healthy foods.

10. Buttermilk

You might not immediately think of probiotics when you think of buttermilk, which has been used in cooking and baking for generations. But traditional buttermilk, as opposed to cultured buttermilk, actually contains probiotics that can help with the digestive process. This sets traditional buttermilk — which is the fluid left over following the production of butter — apart from cultured buttermilk, which does not contain any probiotics.
Traditional buttermilk still isn’t widely available in North America in Europe and, to this day, remains far more popular in places like Pakistan, India, and Nepal. Instead, Western grocery stores are far more likely to stock cultured buttermilk. That said, if you can find traditional buttermilk, it does have the potential to help with probiotic activity and also contains vitamin B12, calcium, phosphorous, and riboflavin.

11. Natto

Never heard of natto? You’re not alone. This fermented soybean product that contains a strain of bacteria called Bacillus subtilis is, like miso, very popular in Japan. Often mixed with rice and consumed at breakfast, it has a strong taste and texture, making it something of an acquired taste.
But there’s no denying the health benefits of natto. In addition to containing lots of protein and vitamin K, both of which can help boost bone and heart health, its fermentation means it has the potential to significantly improve probiotic activity and help improve digestion. So, give it a try!

12. Supplements

The most obvious way to boost the activity of probiotics is to take a supplement designed to increase their prevalence and effectiveness in the body. It’s not that much different than taking another type of supplement, such as an omega-3 fatty acid pill or calcium tablet, that places less pressure on the individual to relevant foods.
If you’re a busy person who finds it hard to schedule your meals ahead of time, this may be the most effective way to get your daily supply of probiotics. It may also be helpful for people who don’t particularly enjoy eating some of the probiotic-heavy foods on this list, such as yogurt or kefir.

The Clever Food Swaps That Will Make Painful Bloating a Thing of the Past

If you're familiar with bloating, you're probably a pro at avoiding the foods that make your stomach swell. But before you start cutting everything out of your diet and become a breatharian, there's still a way to enjoy the foods you love without overly complicating your life, and it's simple: make smarter swaps. 

With the help of dietitian Simone Austin, we've rounded up the best-for-your-belly swaps that will stop bloating in its tracks and still keep meal time exciting. Sure, some are no-brainers (hello, water trumps soft drink any day), but there are a few on the list you may not have considered but really should . . .

• Swap onions for spring onions (the green end in particular)
• Swap garlic for olive oil infused with garlic
• Swap cabbage for bok choy
• Swap pasta for zucchini noodles
• Swap cow-based cheeses for goat's cheese
• Swap dairy-based yogurt for coconut yogurt
• Swap cow's milk for nut milk
• Swap white bread for spelt bread
• Swap gluten-based grains for quinoa
• Swap apples for bananas
• Swap broccoli and cauliflower for cucumber and spinach
• Swap sparkling water for water 

But that's not all . . .

Looking for flavor? Use salt flakes, pepper, and lemon or lime juice instead of garlic and onion.

If fruit is a tricky space to navigate for your tummy, it's best to stay away from stone fruits and stick to berries, kiwi fruit, and citrus.

5 Food Groups You Didn't Know Had a Hefty Serving of Carbs

"Is butter a carb?" Despite what Regina George was told, butter is indeed a fat. Even more surprising is how many healthy foods actually contain carbohydrates. When we think carbs, bread and pasta are probably what come to mind first. And though they're definitely the poster children of this macronutrient family, carbs come in all shapes and sizes. There is a difference between complex (good) carbs and simple (bad) carbs, but carbs are still carbs at the end of the day, and they can contribute to your overall intake in any form.

Incorporating good carbs into your diet can boost your metabolism and help you lose weight if that's your goal, but these hidden carbs can also affect the progress of low-carb diets, like keto. Ahead are a list of foods that you may not have expected to have a significant amount of carbs. 

1Dairy 

• Milk
• Yogurt (including low-fat, fat-free, and whole milk)
• Cheese (including cottage cheese)

2Fruit 

• Apples
• Mangoes
• Pineapples
• Bananas
• Dried fruit

The fruits above contain the highest amounts of carbs.

3Nuts and Seeds 

• Cashews
• Chestnuts
• Pistachios
• Almonds
• Sunflower seeds 

4Grains 

• Quinoa
• Brown rice
• Oatmeal
• Couscous
• Rice cakes
• Cereal

5Legumes 

• Chickpeas
• Lentils
• Black beans
• Kidney beans
• Pinto beans
• Lima beans

6 Ways Sweet Potatoes Can Help Manage Diabetes

Not all sweet foods are bad for diabetics. You can enjoy sweet potatoes without worrying too much about your blood sugar. In fact, this root vegetable contains nutrients that can help manage your diabetes.

When you’re living with diabetes, it’s important to choose foods that keep blood sugar levels in check. This means avoiding sweet and high-carb foods, since they spike blood sugar levels. In moderation, however, sweet potatoes can be part of a healthy diet for diabetics.

A cup of baked sweet potatoes contains 180 calories, 41 grams of carbs, 4 grams of protein, 6.6 grams of dietary fiber, 16 grams of sugar, vitamin C (65 percent of recommended daily intake – RDI), vitamin A (769 percent of RDI), and iron (8 percent of RDI).

As you can see, sweet potatoes are high in carbs so you have to eat them in moderation. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends eating 45 to 60 grams of carbs per meal.

Here are several ways sweet potatoes can help you manage diabetes and improve overall health.

1. SWEET POTATOES MAY ACTUALLY LOWER YOUR BLOOD SUGAR.

According to research, sweet potatoes can help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity. These benefits are attributed to adiponectin, which regulates insulin and boosts metabolism.

The fiber content in sweet potatoes can also help regulate blood sugar. Fiber slows down the absorption of sugar and as a result, keeps the blood sugar levels lower.

2. SWEET POTATOES MAY PREVENT LOSS OF VISION.

It’s common for diabetics to struggle with the loss of vision. In some cases, high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to poor vision or blindness.

Eating sweet potatoes every day can help protect your eyes. As you saw earlier, a cup of sweet potatoes contains more than seven times the amount of vitamin A you need in a day. This is very important because vitamin A improves eye health.

3. SWEET POTATOES MAY STRENGTHEN YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM.

Diabetics can be more prone to infections, because high blood sugar levels weaken the immune system. Luckily, sweet potatoes contain vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system.

4. SWEET POTATOES MAY PREVENT WEIGHT GAIN.

Eating sweet potatoes instead of high-carb foods can help prevent weight gain. Sweet potatoes are low in calories and loaded with fiber, which means they will keep you fuller longer without excess calories.

It is very important for diabetics to manage their weight because gaining weight can worsen diabetes symptoms and increase the risk of heart disease.

Eat sweet potatoes with the skin on to get more fiber. I may also note that boiling is the best cooking method. According to the Open Nutrition Journal, boiling helps keep the glycemic index low and doesn’t add calories to sweet potatoes.

5. SWEET POTATOES MAY IMPROVE YOUR DIGESTION.

Sweet potatoes can help treat indigestion, thanks to their fiber content.

Studies show that fiber improves digestion by increasing fecal bulking and boosting good gut bacteria. The fiber in sweet potatoes can ease bloating, constipation and other digestive problems.

6. SWEET POTATOES MAY LOWER RISK OF HEART DISEASE.

Did you know that diabetics tend to develop heart disease at a younger age compared to non-diabetics?

The American Heart Association also says that at least 68 percent of deaths of people over 65 years are caused by some form of heart disease. Luckily, sweet potatoes contain potassium, which can help regulate your blood pressure, according to research.

As you may know, keeping blood pressure low reduces the risk of heart disease. Other good potassium sources for diabetics include plain yogurt, kidney beans, sun-dried tomatoes, and bananas.

The fiber content in sweet potatoes can also help lower risk of heart disease by reducing LDL cholesterol levels.