Ginger Properties - History, Medicinal and Planting Benefits

Do you love gingerbread? Dream about adding that lovely ginger flavor to your pumpkin pie? Then growing ginger may be just the ticket for you. 'Ginger' is in fact the rhizome (The underground stem that provides the base for the rest of the plant to grow from) of the plant Zingiber officinale.

The History of Ginger

The first mentions of ginger being used date back more than 3000 years. These first references were found in central Asia. Whereas today we often refer to ginger as a 'hand,' these records refer to it as a 'horn.' Asia was also the first region to start actively cultivating it and spreading it around the world via the Indian trade routes.

It wasn't until Marco Polo's expeditions that ginger achieved popularity in Europe. It began to be made into gingerbread and the records are full of references to fairs and carnivals selling this food. it wasn't long before its popularity grew so much that the Queen herself began enjoying it. Many authors cite Queen Elizabeth I's use of gingerbread men as indicating that she invented the sweet! With royal approval gingerbread became a fixed part of Britain's cuisine.

Growing Ginger

Most people buy their ginger as rhizomes and grow the plant from there. When you buy ginger for growing make sure that it has as many 'fingers' (Protrusions) as possible, as each of these 'fingers' will grow into a full plant. You will want to start growing your ginger in late winter indoors, then transfer it outside in late spring when it is warm outside.

When you choose a pot, you will want one that is at least twice the size of the rhizome. Fill the pot with potting soil, being careful to leave a couple of centimeters at the top. The ginger will go on top of the soil. Don't worry if this seems strange, it is important for the early growth. Now you just have to water it regularly. Luckily ginger doesn't need direct sunlight, so you can grow it in a shady area.

After 3-4 months, it is time for harvesting. The newer roots will usually have the better flavor, so you will want to harvest them. It is easiest to simply trim off the bits that you need when you need them. Most gardeners don't use the older roots and throw them out at the end of the season!

Ginger Properties

Ever wondered why ginger is so delicious? Scientists have discovered a compound in the rhizome known as a 'gingerol.' Interestingly it changes when the ginger is cooked, which explains why cooked ginger smells and tastes different to the raw kind. This compound is chemically similar to 'capsaicin' which is found in chili peppers, so you definitely know why ginger has such a kick!

Zingiber officinale is great as an ornamental herb. It has small yellow flowers and goes great with most landscaping.

For a long time a lot of people have been using ginger as a medicinal herb. The medical uses of ginger are vast:

* Arthritis. Ginger has been linked with relief from the pain of this condition. 

* Heart Disease. People who ate a diet rich in ginger were discovered to have thinner blood and a lower body cholesterol than those who didn't. Therefore ginger would help those with chronic heart disease. However it is not all good news, because of this ginger interferes with the effect of drugs such a warfarin, so people ho have had heart surgery should consult their physician. 

* Sickness. Trials have shown positive results on both pregnant mothers-to-be and seasick people. Ginger not only reduces feelings of nausea, but also reduces the probability of actually being sick! 

* Diabetes. The trials have so far only been tested on rats, but the research looks promising and soon we may see ginger being recommended for diabetics. 

* Cold and Flu. As a tisane (In tea) ginger reduces the symptoms of colds and was especially beneficial in reducing the pain of a sore throat.

John Charleston is an herb expert. For more great information on herb gardens, visit http://www.herbgrowerhelp.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Charleston

7 Health Benefits of Yogurt

Do you like yogurt? Sometimes spelled yoghurt, this fermented milk product has been around for thousands of years. In fact, it is believed that it originated in Bulgaria. From the Gaelic people to the Mongolians, yogurt has been a staple food for many traditional cultures.

These cultures had no heart disease and lived on diets chiefly of fermented milk products and meats! The key was their milk was raw, not pasteurized. Pasteurization destroys many helpful enzymes in the yogurt and other cultured milk products.

Here are just a few of the health benefits you will receive from including yogurt in your daily diet:

• It's loaded with friendly bacteria called lactobacillus acidophilus that is tolerated and assimilated better by those with allergies.

• Vitamins B and C are increased when raw milk is fermented into yogurt and other products, like kefir and raw cheeses.

• It protects you from bone loss.

• Fermenting milk breaks down difficult to digest milk proteins, so those that are lactose intolerant can usually enjoy the healthy benefits of yogurt.

• Lactase is an enzyme in fermented milk that breaks down the lactose in the digestive system, so yogurt improves your digestion.

• Yogurt is very beneficial for young nursing mothers, children, the elderly and those that are ill.

• Yogurt helps you fight infectious diseases.

Yogurt is easy to make at home and can be used in many different recipes. Smoothies are delicious when yogurt is added to the recipe. Also you can use it to make yogurt cheese, or a drink with lime juice and honey, herbal breads and dough for tart shells. Soak fresh ground wheat in water and a little yogurt overnight to neutralize the phytic acid in the wheat that inhibits digestion. It gives a wonderful sour flavor to breads!

Want to know more about how to boost your immune system? Traditional diets and how to prepare them, healthy fats, herbal remedies and debunking health myths are some of the subjects covered in The Natural Living Site Newsletter athttp://thenaturallivingsite.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shanna_Ohmes

Do You Really Need Vitamin Supplements?

Some multi-vitamins claim they contain nutrients "from A to Zinc," but do we really need everything in between? Contrary to what the supplement aisle may lead you to believe, you only need 13 vitamins to live and function properly. Vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the B vitamins (vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, niacin, riboflavin and thiamine) account for these necessary substances. Each of the above fill specific roles and combine to provide your body with everything it needs to grow, remain healthy and renew.

Now that we know which vitamins we need, which supplement contains the magic combination? Actually, we're meant to obtain all of our vitamins in the food that we eat. Supplement means "add to" or "accompany" and you should only use vitamin and mineral supplements under the recommendation and supervision of a doctor. However, it is good to know which vitamins do what and where they are found:

Vitamin A, also known as retinol or retinoic acid, is needed for vision, maintaining healthy skin and acts as an antioxidant. A good source of vitamin A is found in liver. Not the type to eat an animal organ? Choose an American cheese omelet. Both dairy and egg yolk are good ways of getting your fill of vitamin A.

Vitamin C, also known ascorbic acid, is another antioxidant. It also helps form your body's connective tissue. Vitamin C is at its height of popularity around cold and flu season because of its immunity boosting properties. So, the next time you feel the urge to sneeze grab a glass of OJ. Citrus fruits are a prime Vitamin C contender. At dinner, combine some spinach, tomatoes and green peppers for a simple side salad packed with this infection fighting essential.

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium thereby promoting bone strength and preventing diseases that weaken your bones like osteoporosis. Eating fortified milk products and saltwater fish, like grouper, mahi mahi or flounder, will ensure that you're never lacking. Welcome news to all bronze beauties and beach bums, alike: Your body also makes Vitamin D after you have spent time in sunlight.

Vitamin E, also an antioxidant, supports blood flow and aids in the repair of body tissue. Opt for a bag of peanuts at your next baseball game and you'll be getting your daily dose of Vitamin E. It's also found in peas, beans and broccoli.

Thanks to vitamin K those dreaded paper cuts won't bleed for days. It helps in the clotting process and in forming bones. Don't feel too guilty the next time you have one too many pieces of pizza (or eat the entire pie) because the cheese and the tomato sauce both contain vitamin K.

Finally, the B vitamins:

Thiamin and riboflavin both help your body use carbohydrates and can be found in lean beef and whole-grain products. Niacin and B-6 help your body process protein and fats. Stock your kitchen with some tuna or salmon since both nutrients are found in fish. Pantothenic acid makes red blood cells while B-12 makes sure that the cells stay healthy. Folate, also considered Vitamin B-9, is an important part of production of new cells. Bioton helps your hair grow and remain strong. Both folate and biotin can be found in most greens, beans, peas and seeds.

Getting the right foods and balancing each meal ensures that you will be getting the correct amount of each of the above nutrients.

Brent McNutt enjoys talking about landau uniform and landau mens scrubs and networking with healthcare professionals online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brent_McNutt

Burning Calories: Burn Them Fast

Today the obesity rate has reached an alarming figure, officially 1000 people are declared obese, every single day! Well, considering our sedentary life styles it shouldn’t come as a surprise. We drive where ever we have to; we sit all day at our desk and do all our work at the click of a mouse, thanks to the internet!

Given such a lifestyle, it is inevitable that we all will become obese, but there are quick and effective ways in which you can lose weight. The best way is exercise.

No, I do not mean to say that you have to sweat it out daily in the gym for hours. Even 15 minutes of exercise can help you burn ad much as 100 calories.

The first thing tat you have to do is to make an effort to move. Remember, when you were young staying indoors would seem like a punishment, but now all you want to do is to sit at home watch TV and spend endless hours surfing.

When you have free time make sure to go out, indulge in some activity, play any game that you like playing. It will not only refresh you but, you will also end up losing a lot of calories. To burn the extra 100 calories, here are some of the things that you can try.

Cycling: cycling for even 10 minutes can help you burn 100 calories. If you have a cycle, then

make sure to go out on a cycling ride with your family. You will not only have a great day with

your family, but will actually be working towards attaining a great figure.

Walking: It is one of the simplest, cheapest and the most effective way of losing calories. Brisk

walking for 15 minutes will help you to attain your target of losing the 100 calories. You can

slowly increase the tie you spend on walking. If you do not get adequate time to go out on a

morning walk, then you can try incorporating walking in the daily activities.

What I mean to say here is that you can get adown a stop before your usual stop when at work and walk the rest of the distance. Resist the temptation of taking the lift and take the stairs.

Video workout: 15 minutes of video work out four to five times a week can help you to lose calories. Just choose the video work out that you like and get started!

Skipping: Skipping ropes are extremely effective in not only losing weight, but also toning your upper body. It helps to strengthen the heart and the lungs also.

Skipping ropes are light and cheap and can be used practically anywhere. It is important that you stretch your calves muscle before and after each skipping session. Although initially you may find it difficult t skip for 15 minutes at a stretch, but you will be amazed at how quickly your body will be able to respond to the 15 minutes skipping slot.

Author: Wings of Success

Burning Calories: Drink Ice Water

For anyone trying to lose weight, this question is bound to raise a lot of excitement. Surely losing weight cannot be such a simple issue, can it? Well, the answer is YES!

You can actually lose calories by drinking ice water. Your body loses calories in the process of warming this ice water to the body temperature. Now any enthusiast, must surely be thinking, if we can lose weight by drinking ice water, can we lose a large amount of calories if we drink lots of ice water? Well, to answer this question we have to look at some simple calculations.

First of all we need to distinguish between calories and Calories. Calories (i.e. with a big c) are used to denote the amount of energy that is contained in food. Where as calorie with a small c is used to denote the energy required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water 1 degree Celsius.

Another interesting fact is that it takes, 1 Calorie to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1 degree Celsius. So when you are drinking a 140-Calorie can of cola, you are in fact ingesting 140,000 calories in your body. This is the same when you burn say 100 Calories working out, this means that you have actually burned 100,000 calories.

The main purpose of telling you that the definition of calories is based on the rising of temperature is to tell you an interesting fact. We have just seen that when our body raises the temperature, it burns calories, so when you drink ice cold water your body loses calories in raising that ice cold water to body temperature.

Now let us get the math right.

Our body temperature is at 37 degree Celsius.

The temperature of ice cold water can be safely said to be 0 degree Celsius.

There are 473.18 grams in 16 fluid ounces of water.

How To Burn Calories And Stay Fit … Forever

Author: Wings Of Success

Energy Booster - Top 3 Energy Boosting Drinks Reviewed!

We need energy boosters on regular basis for maintaining high energy level in our body. There are large varieties of energy drinks available in the market as well as online that claim to enhance the energy level in the body and improves your lifestyle. It is always advisable to do a bit of research before purchasing these products. You should preferably take up nature-based beverages for rejuvenating your overall health.

Top 3 Energy Boosting Drinks Reviewed!

* Bawls : This product not only tastes good but it also claims to shed those excess pounds from your body with ease. Some of the main ingredients of this beverage are citric acid, caffeine, natural gaurana flavor, sodium benzoate and carbonated water. A sugar free version of Bawls is also available. You can easily take 2-3 servings daily for obtaining maximum results.

* 5-hour Energy Drink : It is a two-ounce energy drink that claims to provide instant energy. This product contains amino acids that can easily nourish your nervous system. This drink can easily keep you motivated through out the day. Unlike other energy beverages, this product contains no sugar and herbal stimulants.

* FRS : This product claim to extend your body's natural energy with flamboyance. It contains quercetin that mainly helps in flushing out toxins from your body. Quercetin is a powerful anti-oxidant, which is mainly found in foods like blueberries, apples and grapes. You can easily consume 2-3 servings daily. This product not only taste good but it also claims to prevent various deadly diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart attacks. You can easily procure this product from its official website. It is always advisable to order its trial version for understanding the product and its benefits.

To Know More About Energy Drinks & Get Free Samples Click Here ---> Energy Drink Free Trial. It is best to go for Energy Drinks with low sugar and caffeine. To try a free sample of Energy Drink that has been the choice of Athletes & Sportsmen. Click Here ---> Lance Armstrong's Energy Drink. FREE Trials are for a limited time only, so get yours today. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Willson

How to Improve Skin Complexion the Natural Way

Do you want to have a better skin complexion? If your answer is yes, then youa re in the right places. I will teach you how to improve skin complexion safely and effectively. Uneven skin tones and blemishes can be a big problem, especially if you are quite conscious with your looks.

You should know that you can use topical creams to help improve your skin complexion. But don't just go buy the first cream that you see in the store. Pick one that is the most effective and safe to use. You can identify them by checking out their ingredients.

For uneven skin tones and blemishes, you have to look for a skin lightening cream that is gentle to the skin. This will help fix the uneven skin tones. Avoid "skin bleaching" items that have harmful chemicals in its ingredients.

You should be looking for emollients and natural oils. A good example would be shea butter and avocado oil. If you want your scar tissues to heal, the shea butter works best.

Try looking for antioxidants in the skin cream as well. A famous one, called CoenzymeQ10, promotes cell growth and at the same time, heals the skin cells that are damaged.

There are times when you are finding out how to improve skin complexion when you have a dark skin. You can try looking for specific ingredients that can make your skin lighter.

A special ingredient found in skin lightening creams is called Extrapone Nutgrass Root. It is gentle for the skin as it also helps in inhibiting melanin. Melanin is the skin pigment that makes your complexion darker. A skin lightening cream can be used to fix certain dark spots or improve the complexion in general.

Along with the lightening cream, regular exercise and proper diet can help you see the results faster. When you eat junk food and other unhealthy foods, you slow down the lightening process of your skin.

Knowing how to improve skin complexion is very helpful for those who have uneven skin tones and blemishes. It only involves finding the right ingredients that can make your skin lighter and softer.

Ingrid Palmer has been using and researching natural skin care product for many years.  visit her website for information on the best anti aging products she has researched and recommends. http://www.healthy-body-and-skin.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ingrid_Palmer

Quit Smoking Tips and Why They Don't Work - Stop Relying on Will Power

If you're serious about quitting smoking, then you're probably familiar with the standard quit smoking tips. Maybe you've even tried some of them yourself.

What were your results?

The fact that you're reading this article tells me you were probably unsuccessful at permanently stopping your smoking addiction. But you know what?

It's not your fault!

You see, the conventional quit smoking tips you see everywhere are outdated and rely mostly on will power. Any stop smoking program that depends on will power for success is virtually doomed to failure.

Why?

Because nicotine is an incredibly addictive substance and trying to force yourself off it may work for a while, but inevitably the cravings become too strong and you will slide back. This can be a back and forth vicious cycle that never ends. Sound familiar?

There is a MUCH better way... a way that DOES NOT rely on will power at all. A method that actually gets rid of your nicotine cravings so you you have zero desire to light up.

Does this sound too good to be true?

Maybe not. There has been some amazing research done recently using NLP (neuro linguistic programming) that is showing VERY promising results. 5000 smokers were exposed to a short NLP session and the results were stunning: Over 97% did not smoke again in the 6 months since the experiment!

NLP totally eliminates the cravings so you don't have to rely on will power. You owe it to yourself to find out more...

The numbers don't lie. If you're sick and tired of quit smoking tips that don't work, then following an intelligent NLP program may be EXACTLY what you need. CLICK HERE if you like more information about a cutting-edge stop smoking program that has a 97% success rate. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicholas_Murphy

How to Achieve Peace of Mind in 15 Minutes Each Day

Did you notice how the most annoying things in life, that drain most of our positive energy, are usually small things? They annoy you like a mosquito in the room when you're trying to sleep. And if you don't have a good strategy to take care of these little things, they can steal your peace of mind, like %99 of the time. One such good strategy is Personal Peace Procedure, which is a daily application of Emotional Freedom Techniques on little things, which will help you become much more peaceful when applied consistently in 3-6 months.

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a method of self-help which eliminates negative feelings within minutes. It is very easy to learn, and it is very easy to self-apply. Also, unlike many other methods of self-help you basically apply the same recipe to every kind of problem you face. Therefore, I think of Emotional Freedom Techniques as "the Swiss army knife of self improvement". It is a very handy tool to help with a great deal of different problems.

However more often than not, people who learn EFT use it to solve only one problem in their lives, like fear of public speaking, and then forget about the technique and never use it again. However, when you use EFT consistently, you'll gain far more benefits other than solving one problem here and another problem there.

Your level of emotional positiveness effects every single thing you do in life. How you feel effects everything that you do. People want to be around other positive people, so other people will be attracted to you, both for personal relationships, and for business purposes. People tend to follow positive people who can feel and act positively against adverse circumstances, so you'll be gaining leadership and social status. Money-making opportunities flow to people who can solve business problems with positive action, so you'll be earning more money.

But most importantly, how good you feel effects how happy and joyful and peaceful life you live. In fact, all the outside achievements in life, like fame, fortune, social status, wealth, health and beauty, are only the means to feeling good. Don't we all aim for happiness?

Then the best way to start is, applying EFT to little things in life. The traffic jam making you late for work... Tap away (apply EFT for) your worries... The bad news on the TV about recession... Tap away your anxiety... Some annoying remark your friend has made... Tap that away too...

Every day, for 15 minutes, tap whatever comes to your mind. Little things that annoy you and cause you stress. Little things that take away %1 of your positive energy. Because %1 here and %1 there soon adds up to %70-80 of your positive energy, and then you barely have any energy left to wake up in the morning and get anything positive done with your life. Then you barely survive, instead of thriving in joy.

So, set that alarm clock 15 minutes earlier, and start applying EFT for anything you can think of. You'll thank me in 90-180 days later. You can learn more about EFT fromhttp://www.emofree.com.

Ozer Tayiz is a modern renaissance man, who has multiple interests and expertise, including disaster preparedness, ecological living, permaculture and ecovillage design, civil engineering, building natural buildings, and self-sufficiency. He made it his mission to promote self-reliant, natural, ecological lifestyles, and the knowledge that supports such lifestyles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ozer_Tayiz