Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) - Health benefits of cloves

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Health benefits of cloves

Home > Spices for diabetes > Health benefits of cloves

Cloves and their essential aromatic oil have immense health benefits and therapeutic values. The binomial name of clove tree is Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merrill & Perry and its synonyms are Eugenia aromatica (L.) Baill and Eugenia caryophyllata. Syzygium aromaticum tree is a native of Maluku islands in Indonesia belonging to order Myrtales and family Myrtaceae. They are now primarily cultivated in Southeastern Asia (Indonesia, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) and East Africa (Zanzibar, Tanzania and Madagascar).

Cloves are actually dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum and are used in cuisines all over the world. These unopened flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum with many health benefits, have long calyx bearing four sepals and a small ball of unopened petals. They are harvested when they are about one cm. long  and are ripe red in color. Syzygium aromaticum trees are probagated by seeds having very short viability and are to be planted soon after the ripening of the fruit.

Indonesia is the leading grower of Syzygium aromaticum cloves and much of the produce is used domestically. Much of the Syzygium aromaticum clove production in Indonesia is used in "kreteks", very popular aroma cigarettes. Bulk of Indian use of cloves is in their cuisine and in their traditional systems of health care and medicines. As they are dried buds, they can be stored and used through out the year.

Image of dried cloves
(Syzygium aromaticum)

Active components and nutrients in Syzygium aromaticum cloves
The active components having health benefits are in its clove oil, which is nearly 15% of weight of the dried flower buds. Eugenol is an aromatic compound present in the oil giving cloves their very strong aroma and spicy taste. Eugenol constitutes nearly 80% of the oil. Eugenol acetate (10%) beta-caryophyllene (5%) and triterpene oleanolic acid are the other chemical components present in clove oil. The oil of Syzygium aromaticum is highly potent irritant and should be diluted with other vegetable oils before therapetic use.
The cloves of Syzygium aromaticum also have health benefits of containing minerals like potassium, manganese, iron and selenium. Presence of vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B 1 (thiamin), riboflavin and vitamin C add to its immense health benefits.

Health benefits of cloves in traditional medicine
In traditional medicine of India and China, Syzygium aromaticum cloves occupy an important place, providing health benefits by anagesic, antiinflammatory and dental anesthetic activities. Its other traditional benefits are ant and mosquito repelling properties. Traditional benefits of dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum are as follows:

• general analgesic,
• antiinflammatory agent,
• anti-microbial health benefits,
• mouth freshener,
• toothache and headache reliever,
• rubefacient for arthritis and rheumatism,
• reliever of flatulence,
• reliever of diarrhea, stomach and bowel ailments,
• carminative health benefits,
• antiemetic,
• aphrodisiac and
• natural anthelmintic.

Antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral health benefits of Syzygium aromaticum cloves.

• Bacteria: Eugenol, the main constituent of Syzygium aromaticum oil, exhibits broad spectrum antibacterial activities against Gram-positive, Gram-negative and acid-fast bacteria.
• Virus: Tellimagrandin II, an ellagitannin, found in Syzygium aromaticum flower buds is found to show anti-herpesvirus properties.
• Eugeniin, a new ellagitannin isolated from cloves, is found to have anti-herpesvirus properties.
• Fungus: Eugénia Pinto et al in their study "Antifungal activity of the clove essential oil from Syzygium aromaticum on Candida, Aspergillus and dermatophyte species" have found that clove essential oil, obtained from Syzygium aromaticum showed remarkable anti-fungal and inhibitory activity against all tested strains of Candida, Aspergillus, clinical dermatophytes, fluconazole-resistant strains and American Type Culture Collection strains.

Uses of cloves of Syzygium aromaticum in dentistry
Considering the benefits of Syzygium aromaticum, in many dental products cloves are being included. The use of cloves in relieving toothache is a well known home remedy. When a bud of clove is pressed on the site of pain, there is relief due to its numbing local-anesthetic effect. Further its antimicrobial and antinflammatory activity reduces the infection and related inflammation in the tooth. Chewing a clove gives the health benefits of bad breath control and reduction of microbial load in the mouth.

Antioxidant and anti-diabetic health benefits of Syzygium aromaticum flower buds
Nangle MR, Gibson TM, Cotter MA and Cameron NE in their study "Effects of eugenol on nerve and vascular dysfunction in streptozotocin-diabetic rats." (Planta Med. 2006 May;72(6):494-500.) found that 'aspects of both vascular and neural complications in experimental diabetes are improved by eugenol, which could have potential therapeutic implications for diabetic neuropathy and vasculopathy'.



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Current Daily Health News & Tips topic:
Health benefits of cloves (Syzygium aromaticum or Eugenia aromatica).

Image by Brian Arthur (GNU Free Documentation License)
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:ClovesDried.jpg

References:
1. Eugénia Pinto, Luís Vale-Silva, Carlos Cavaleiro and Lígia Salgueiro. Antifungal activity of the clove essential oil from Syzygium aromaticum on Candida, Aspergillus and dermatophyte species. Journal of Medical Microbiology. J Med Microbiol November 2009 vol. 58 no. 11 1454-1462.  
2. Debjit bhowmik, K.P.Sampath Kumar*, Akhilesh Yadav, Shweta Srivastava, Shravan Paswan,
Amit sankar Dutta. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. Vol. 1 No. 1 2012. Recent Trends in Indian Traditional Herbs Syzygium Aromaticum (cloves) and its Health Benefits.

Back pain from heavy backpacks - Prevent back pain in children

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Back pain from heavy backpacks

Home > Knee pain remedies > Prevent back pain in children - Back pain from heavy backpacks.

Back pain is becoming a common health problem in children and carrying heavy backpacks increases the risk many fold. To prevent the risk of chronic back pain, children must be taught not to get backpacks heavy and also shown the correct way of carrying them. Any persistent back pain complained by children, even without lifting anything heavy, should be evaluated by medical professional, as it could be due to some serious health issue with muscles or vertebrae in the back or internal organs.

Health risks in carrying heavy backpacks

Initially the back pain due to strain of back muscles could be of short duration, which can be resolved with rest and reduced activity. Apart from straining the muscles of the back, neck and shoulder, carrying heavy backpacks prevents proper development of still-forming bones and muscles in children. Carrying heavy weight can put unnatural heavy stress on the young vertebral column and rib cage. Prevent distortion of the natural curve of the middle and lower back as otherwise it can lead to chronic pain and scoliosis.

Illustration of lumbar region
lower back pain

There are conflicting views by the medical community to prevent the possibility of development of back pain in children due to carrying heavy backpacks. Our common sense should prevail and we have to prevent the risk and pain involved in their carrying disproportionate amounts of heavy weight.

What experts say about heavy backpacks.

American Chiropractic Association (ACA), an association of health care professionals concerned to diagnosis treat and prevent of disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system, has offered certain tips and advice on the use of heavy backpacks by children at http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=65.

Skaggs DL el al, (of Children's Orthopaedic Center, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA), in a population-based study of a sample of 1540 school-goers aged 11-14 years, have arrived at certain findings. They found that back pain is associated with use of a heavy backpack and that it is more prevalent in younger children and in girls. Their carrying heavy weights seemed to be directly proportional to the likelihood of back pain.

Paloma Rodríguez-Oviedo et al in their short research report (2011) concluded that carrying heavy backpacks increases the risk of back pain and possibly the risk of back pathology. The prevalence of school children carrying heavy backpacks is extremely high. Educational activities should be implemented in this age group to prevent them from carrying heavy weights.

Tips to prevent back pain in children from heavy backpacks.

• Backpack must not be heavy and the overall weight of the backpacks must not exceed the 10% of the body weight of the children.
• Heavy backpacks make the children to bend forward to support the weight on their back instead of shoulders.
• Weight must be evenly distributed on both the shoulders by proper strapping.
• Multiple dividers help in keeping the books in place prevent abrupt shifts disturbing the balance.
• Placing heavy books closer to the back distributes the weight to shoulders.
• A padded back is more comfortable and prevents poking by notebook edges, pens, pencils and rulers.
• The straps must be adjustable, padded, wide and placed apart to prevent pinching or squeezing of the shoulder or neck region.
• Tight and narrow straps dig into shoulders and neck, pinch nerves and prevent proper blood circulation.
• Both the shoulder straps should be used to prevent disproportionate shift of heavy weight to one side.
• Carrying the bag by hand or using one shoulder strap can lead to posture problems and scoliosis.
• Children must be encouraged to wear waist belt, as it helps in even distribution of weight.
• The correct size of the bag is of importance to prevent stuffing and making it heavy.
• Low hanging backpack makes the user to lean forward shifting the weight to back.
• It should be strapped so that it does not hang more than 3-4 inches below the waistline.

Although roller packs are comfortable, they become a bother while lugging them on stairs and also can become a tripping hazard to other students. Introduction of e-textbooks and educational software may reduce the burden and prevent back pain in children by not requiring to carry heavy backpacks.


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Prevent back pain in children due to heavy backpacks.

References:
1. American Chiropractic Association (ACA) topic on how to prevent carrying heavy weight by schoolgoers. (http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=65).
2. Skaggs DL, Early SD, D'Ambra P, Tolo VT, Kay RM. Back pain and backpacks in school children. J Pediatr Orthop. 2006 May-Jun;26(3):358-63. PMID:16670549.
3. Paloma Rodríguez-Oviedo1, Alberto Ruano-Ravina2,3, Mónica Pérez-Ríos2, Francisco Blanco García4, Dorotea Gómez-Fernández1, Anselmo Fernández-Alonso1, Isabel Carreira-Núñez1, Pilar García-Pacios1, Javier Turiso5. Short research report. School children's backpacks, back pain and back pathologies. Arch Dis Child doi:10.1136/archdischild-2011-301253.

Celery Nutrients - Health Benefits of Celery Juice

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Health benefits of celery juice

 Home > Barley grass juice health benefits > Celery nutrients and juice health benefits

Celery and its juice have immense nutritional value and many health benefits. Celery belongs to the family Apiaceae (aka Umbelliferae) and species Apium graveolens. It is a biennial vegetable having a life cycle of two years, grows up to one meter in height and has pinnate to bipinnate leaves. In celery the leaves are carried on long green stalks joined at the bulbous root.

The green leaves, stalks and bulbous root are rich sources of vitamins, dietary minerals, dietary fiber, antioxidants and other nutrients giving many health benefits.

Nutrients in celery and its juice

     As per the USDA Nutrient Database, 100 grams of raw celery has 95 gms of water and the other nutrients making up the remaining 5%. Celery in dry flakes form gives 319 kcl energy and contains:

Protein	11.30 gms
Total lipid (fat)	2.10 gms
Carbohydrate	63.70 gms
Total dietary fiber	27.80 gms
Sugars	35.90 gms

Mineral nutrients

Calcium	587.00 mg
Iron	7.83 mg
Magnesium	196.00 mg
Phosphorus	402.00 mg
Potassium	4388.00 mg
Sodium	1435.00 mg
Zinc	2.77 mg

Vitamin nutrients

Vitamin C	86.50 mg
Thiamin	0.44 mg
Riboflavin	0.50 mg
Niacin	4.64 mg
Vitamin B 6	0.46 mg
Folate, DFE	107.00 mcg
Vitamin E	5.55 mg
Vitamin K	584.20 µg
Vitamin A	1962 IU

     Celery and its juice contain very high amounts of nutrients like vitamin K which benefit us in blood coagulation. Vitamin K also has a vital role in metabolic pathways in bone and other tissues. Celery is a good source of Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B5 and vitamin B6. Among minerals nutrients celery and its juice contain good amounts of potassium, Calcium, magnesium, manganese and sodium. The high content of nutrients like dietary fiber gives health benefits like lowering of glycemic index and blood sugar.

Image of celery plant
https://commons.wikimedia.org
User:Popolon (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Health benefits of antioxidants in celery juice

     The major antioxidants in celery juice are vitamin A, vitamin C and coumarins. The juice also contains antioxidant flavonoids like apigenin and luteolin. During the biochemical metabolic processes in the human body free-radicals are formed which cause oxidative stress to body and can start chain reactions inside the cells causing damage or death of cells. Antioxidants inhibit oxidation of other molecules by neutralising the free-radicals and extend many health benefits. Oxidative stress contributes to development of many diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthritis, diabetes and neurodegeneration.

Hypertension lowering health benefits

The phthalides (sedanenolide and 3n-butylphthalide) present in celery, especially its seeds, are found to be effective in the treatment of high blood pressure. Phthalides show anti-hypertension effects by  relaxing the wall muscles of arteries, improving microcirculation and reducing the body fluids. Further celery also contains phytochemical nutrients known as coumarins. These phytochemicals show anti-hypertension activity.

Illustration of capillary microcirculation

Fluid and electrolyte balance health benefits
     The presence of good amounts of nutrients like calcium, potassium and sodium in celery juice helps in maintenance of  water-electrolyte balance. Electrolytes like calcium, potassium and sodium play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis within the body. These nutrients are important for  regulating muscle, heart and neurological functions, maintaining fluid balance, acid-base balance and oxygen transport.

Anti-cancer health benefits
     The coumarin compounds present in celery juice are reported to have anti-cancer activity. Other health benefits reported for coumarin compound nutrients include anti-HIV, antiseptic, pain relief, anti-arrhythmia, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilating, anti-osteoporosis and anti-lymphedema effects.

Allergies and anaphylactic shock due to celery juice?
     Like peanuts, celery and its juice also has some allergens which can trigger severe allergic reactions sometimes leading to anaphylactic shock. Its seeds have the highest amount of allergens followed by roots and then stalks. Unlike peanut allergy which is most prevalent in United States, allergy to celery is most prevalent in Central European countries. However health benefits of juice outweigh possible allergies.

     After a workout celery juice is a perfect health drink as it benefits the body by replacing lost eletrolytes, especially nutrients like sodium.


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Health tips - Exercise and summer - Exercising in the heat

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Exercise in summer heat Physical health definition > Health tips for exercising in the summer heat

Is it safe to exercising in the summer heat?

Yes. With cautious planning one can safely exercise in the summer heat. Uncontrolled increase in body's temperature is the greatest danger  we should avoid. It is worth noting that summer itself is stressful to most of us. Adding the stress of exercising during summer has synergistic stress effect on the heart and also on the body's cooling mechanism. A high body temperature affects the brain function and the drive to exercise. Hence a carefully planned exercise regimen is necessary to cope with the temperature stress as well as exercise stress.

Image: Cool exercise
in summer heat

Heat acclimation tips

You have to acclimate your body to exercise in summer so that your heart is not stressed much. Initially a short aerobic exercise bout of 10-15 minutes or less must be attempted. Gradually increase it to 30-60 minutes per session over a period of 10-15 days. By this gradual acclimation, at a given exercise intensity heart rate as well as body core temperature decreases whereas the sweating and cooling rate increases. The relative loss of electrolytes in the sweat also decreases with acclimation. Without acclimating even healthy persons may become stressed. Please note that the beneficial effect of acclimation will be lost and there will be rapid de-acclimation, if a person discontinues exercising in heat conditions for 3-4 weeks period. Then this person has to acclimate himself all over again.

Ideal time for exercising in the summer

If the ambient temperature is above 90°F and the humidity is above 60%, it is better to curtail exercise to protect yourself from injury.

• According to the heat stress index of The American Council on Exercise, under normal circumstances there is no harm in exposure at a temperature below 80°F (27°C).
• Fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure at 80–90°F (27–32°C).
• Heat cramps and exhaustion are possible at 90–105°F (32–41°C).
• Cramps and exhaustion is likely and  heatstroke is possible 105–130°F (41–54°C).
• At a temperature over 130°F (54°C) heatstroke is imminent.  

It is better to beat the summer by having the session in the early morning or late in the evening in summer.

Humidity and summer
Sweating cools your body by taking away the heat from your skin during evaporation. When the weather is humid and the air is already near saturated with moisture the sweat remains on the skin as it cannot evaporate. In such a situation the body temperature keeps increasing during exercise and stress may result.

Dress for exercising in the summer
Wear minimal, loose-fitting, lightweight and water absorbing clothing while exercising in summer. Tight-fitting thick clothing impermeable to water will hamper the evaporation of sweat and subsequent cooling of the skin and cause heat injury. Light-colored clothing reflects the sun rays away. Though head helps in cooling the body, it can also increase temperature in sun exposure. If the exercise is outdoor, wear loose-fitting hat to protect yourself from summer sun.

Stay hydrated while exercising in the summer heat

As a daily routine, thirty minutes before start of exercise make sure that you are sufficiently hydrated by taking copious amounts of water. Avoid drinks containing caffeine or alcohol  as they dehydrate you. During the session, for every 15-20 minutes take a break to drink water. At the end of the session drink fluids till the thirsty feeling ceases. If the session extends beyond 60 minutes consider drinking sport drink to replace lost electrolyte salts in the sweat.

Dangerous side effects of overdoing in summer

Hyperthermia denotes a bunch of body-temperature-related illness caused by high temperature of the body. If the body temperature goes beyond 100°F and if the humidity is also high, there is always the danger of hyperthermia. The balance between the heat made by the body and that it loses, goes haywire.

In such a situation a person may suffer heat syncope with symptoms like light-headedness, dizziness and fainting. Resting in a cool place, drinking water and putting legs up may relieve the symptoms.

Some people suffer cramps with raised body temperature in summer. These cramps are painful tightening of muscles of legs, arms or stomach. Resting in a cool place and drinking water may relieve the cramps.

Heat exhaustion shows symptoms like thirsty feeling, dizziness, weakness, nausea and lack of coordination. There may be profuse sweating and the skin may feel cold and sticky. The pulse rate may go up. Stop exercise immediately. Resting in a cool place and taking lots of fluids may correct the condition. If the condition persists take immediate medical help. If immediate action is not taken this may lead to heat stroke.

The symptoms of heat stroke are fainting, confused behavior, dry skin, rapid or slow pulse, staggering and leading to coma. In such a situation immediate hospitalization and medical aid is required. Please remember that it is a life-threatening situation.

To summarize, following the above health tips can keep one safe while exercising daily in the summer heat.

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References:
1.The American Council on Exercise; www.acefitness.org
2.National Institutes of Health — Heat Illness; www.health.nih.gov/topic/HeatIllness 

Daily health tips - How to stop chocolate cravings?

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How to stop chocolate cravings? For most of us chocolate is irresistible and it is almost impossible to stop chocolate cravings. Understanding its beneficial and adverse effects on health makes it easy to control or stop the cravings.

Some facts about chocolate

This sweet cocoa product is made from the seeds of the cacao plant, native to South America. The mature seeds are fermented and dried. After cleaning they are roasted and the shell is removed to get cocoa nibs (pieces of kernel). Pure and rough form is obtained by grinding the cocoa nibs into cocoa mass. This is also called chocolate liquor as it is liquefied and molded for various uses. This liquor is also processed to make cocoa solids and cocoa butter.
Baking chocolate: This is the raw and pure form without other ingredients or sugar, containing varying proportions of cocoa solids and cocoa butter. It is the starter for various other forms.
Sweet chocolate: This is the most consumed form and made from cocoa solids, cocoa butter, sugar or sweeteners, oils or fat and other flavoring agents. This is the form for which many people develop cravings.
Milk chocolate: This has cocoa solids, cocoa butter, sugar and milk in it.
White chocolate: This form contains, cocoa butter, milk, sugar. Cocoa solids are not added to it.
Sugar is the main ingredient making, otherwise bitter tasting, raw chocolate edible. This added sugar leads to many health problems. In fact dark chocolate, having minimal sugar and cocoa butter has many health benefits.

Tips on how to stop chocolate cravings?

Nutrient mineral cravings: It is rich in magnesium and if an individual has nutritional deficiency of magnesium, he may develop cravings for its source.
Women during periods lose considerable amount iron from their body and they develop chocolate cravings as it has considerable amounts of iron in it.
In such cases taking supplements containing magnesium or iron will satiate the desire.

Sugar cravings: Actually it may be sweet cravings, possibly due to hormonal imbalances in serotonin and insulin.
In such cases consult a doctor for treatment of the disorder. Unhealthy dieting, sipped meals and energy starvation also trigger desire for sweets which our mind may associate with chocolate. Consult a dietitian for your food schedule.
Mood boosting: Chocolates contain some amounts caffeine phenylethylamine and anandamide.  These chemicals give the feeling of well being and euphoria.
As these have mood boosting effects, loneliness and boredom may trigger the cravings. Keep yourself in positive mood and make yourself  busy with interesting activities. Going in for mood boosting activities and entertainment will make you oblivious of this sweet.
Underlying psychological issues: Individuals lacking love, and self-confidence may try to find solace with their sweets. Analysis of these deeper emotions with a help of a counsellor may do lots of good.

Chocolatesimage credit: eszter - Flickr

Have a partner in quitting: If a close friend or a family member is also inclined to stop chocolate cravings it becomes much easier as both of you can plan your actions and guide one another.
Brisk walk: In some studies it was found that a brisk walk or exercise for 15 minutes can reduce the desire.
Resisting the temptations may not be easy but very much possible. Condition your mind and focus on all its possible negative impacts on your health. Then it gets easier to stop chocolate cravings.


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Tips to improve sleep hygiene

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Improve sleep hygiene Here are some tips to keep up your sleep hygiene. Do not go to bed unless you are sleepy. Read some magazine, hear to light music or read a book; do something relaxing and do not worry about getting sleep.
Doing something ritualistic like hearing to music, reading, warm bath or light snacks daily can help in getting sleep. Even after 15 minutes if you are not asleep, get out of the bed and do something relaxing. Better use living room for all other daytime activities and reserve bedroom only for going to sleep.

Do not watch TV, read, write, eat, play games or do telephonic conversations from the bed. Wake up early in the morning and adjust your going to bed accordingly to have a good eight hours sleep. Avoid naps in the afternoon and if at all you require to take one, do not sleep for more than an hour and have the nap in the early afternoon.

Do not take alcoholic beverages at least 4 to 5 hours before your bedtime. Do not take heavy meals in the evening and do not go to bed with an empty stomach.
Sleeping child
Do not exercise vigorously in the evening and give a gap of at least four hours before bedtime. Do not smoke before bedtime and also do not take anything stimulating like coffee or tea before bedtime.

How to sleep better - Tips on better sleep routine

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How to sleep better - Sleep routine Most healthy adults require up to eight hours of restful sleep each night for their healthy function. However, sleep requirements may vary from person to person.
Follow a bedtime routine and everyday better go to bed at the same time. Even on weekends, fight the temptation to stay late and follow your bedtime routine.

With enough sleep you will wake up naturally without any help. If you are not able to wake up in time, then go to bed earlier so that you get your required sleep.

Even on weekends, do not sleep longer, and maintain your wake-up time. If you have to make up for lost sleep, take a short nap and do not change your routine sleeping schedule. Nap can be a great recharge for your energy, and short nap (about 30 minutes) in the early afternoon will do.

Do not sleep longer than one hour in the afternoon as it will affect your natural sleep-wake rhythm. Even if you feel sleepy after your dinner, keep awake by engaging yourself in mild activities till your bedtime. Totally avoid mind stimulating games, Internet browsing, caffeine drinks just before your bedtime.