Posts tagged: natural alternative

Health Benefits Of Strawberries

Health Benefits Of Strawberries
Graphic © herbshealthhappiness.com

1. Boosts Immunity: Strawberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C; both of these substances are excellent for fighting free radicals. [1] Vitamin C is well established by science to boost the immune system. [2]

2. Regulates Blood Pressure: A study has found that consumption of a moderate amount of strawberries results in favorable changes in HDL cholesterol and blood pressure. The results of the study indicated that regular consumption of strawberries may help prevent cardiovascular diseases. [3]

3. Reduces Stress: The high amount of vitamin C in strawberries helps in reducing stress. A study has also reported that the anthocyanins present in strawberries are responsible for lowering stress. [4]

4. Help Lose Weight: Strawberries promotes the production of two important hormones, adiponectin and leptin. These hormones have been shown to increase metabolism and help in burning fat. [5]

5. Prevent Memory Decline: Strawberries may help keep the brain sharp in old age and prevent memory decline. A study has found that the high amount of flavonoids in strawberries are responsible for preventing cognitive decline in older adults. [6]

6. Beautiful Skin: Strawberries contain a lot of vitamins and alpha-hydroxy acid which gets rid of dead skin cells and cleanses the skin. Strawberries also contain a lot of vitamins, which along with alpha-hydroxy acid have been shown to improve biochemical parameters of skin including skin texture, skin elasticity, and wrinkles. [7]

7. Maintain Healthy Teeth: Strawberries contain malic acid, which is a good natural whitener for enamel. A study has found that strawberry juice has a positive effect on the rewhitening process of coffee-stained teeth. [8]

8. Assists digestion: Strawberries contain natural fiber which is beneficial towards digestion.

8. Keeps Bones Healthy: Strawberries contain vitamin C and calcium that strengthen the bones and prevent bone damage.

Learn More:

How To Get Started Growing Strawberries: https://herbshealthhappiness.com/how-to-get-started-growing-strawberries/

Compound In Strawberries Found To Be A Key To Good Memory: https://herbshealthhappiness.com/compound-in-strawberries-found-to-be-a-key-to-good-memory/

How To Make Strawberry Mint Spa Water: https://herbshealthhappiness.com/how-to-make-strawberry-mint-spa-water/

References:

[1] Scalzo, J., et al., Plant genotype affects total antioxidant capacity and phenolic contents in fruit. Nutrition, 2005. 21(2): p. 207-13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15723750/

[2] Wintergerst, E.S., S. Maggini, and D.H. Hornig, Immune-enhancing role of vitamin C and zinc and effect on clinical conditions. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, 2006. 50(2): p. 85-94. https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/90495

[3] Erlund, I., et al., Favorable effects of berry consumption on platelet function, blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol. Am J Clin Nutr, 2008. 87(2): p. 323-31. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18258621/

[4] Heo, H.J. and C.Y. Lee, Strawberry and its anthocyanins reduce oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells. J Agric Food Chem, 2005. 53(6): p. 1984-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15769124/

[5] Friedman, J.M., The function of leptin in nutrition, weight, and physiology. Nutrition reviews, 2002. 60(suppl_10): p. S1-S14. https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/60/suppl_10/S1/1897532?login=true

[6] Devore, E.E., et al., Dietary intakes of berries and flavonoids in relation to cognitive decline. Ann Neurol, 2012. 72(1): p. 135-43. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22535616/

[7] Tran, D., et al., An antiaging skin care system containing alpha hydroxy acids and vitamins improves the biomechanical parameters of facial skin. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol, 2015. 8: p. 9-17. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25552908/

[8] Pramesti, A., T.A. Jasrin, and O.T. Hidayat, Teeth re-whitening effect of strawberry juice on coffee stained teeth. Padjadjaran Journal of Dentistry, 2013. 25(1). https://journal.unpad.ac.id/pjd/article/view/15427

16 oz Of Honey Requires 1152 Bees To Travel 112,000 Miles

16 oz Of Honey Requires 1152 Bees To Travel 112,000 Miles
Graphic © herbshealthhappiness.com

The astonishing labour given by bees to create a jar’s worth of honey is illustrated by the above. But honey is far more than sweetness. It is also considered to be the food with the world’s longest shelf life. Honey is truly an astonishing substance. Here are some of the potential health benefits of honey, as reported by the scientific studies referenced at the foot of the article:

Source Of Nutrients: Honey is a very good source of nutrients that can improve health. Honey is a rich source of vitamins including niacin, ascorbic acid, pantothenic acid, and minerals such as copper, iron, potassium, and zinc. Honey contains no fiber, protein, or fat.

Antioxidants: Honey has many antioxidants that include gluconic acid, ascorbic acid, and flavonoids. [1] Antioxidants reduce the cellular damage caused fro oxidative stress and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancers.

Decrease Heart Disease: Honey is rich in phenolic compounds, which act as antioxidants. These phenolic compounds have been linked with a lower risk of coronary heart disease as it improves coronary vasodilation, decreasing the ability of platelets to form clots, and preventing low-density lipids. [2]

Improve Cholesterol: Honey decreases the level of (bad) LDL cholesterol and increases the level of (good) HDL cholesterols in the body. [3] LDL cholesterol is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and plays a major role in atherosclerosis which ultimately results in high risk of heart attack and stroke.

Promotes Wound Healing: A study has found honey to be more effective in healing burn wounds than other conventional treatments including polyurethane film, sterile line, and paraffin-gauze. [4] Honey’s value as a topical antibacterial has been knowing since ancient times; historically, honey was applied topically to treat wounds in ancient Egypt.

Cough Treatment: Honey can be used to treat symptomatic cough in children and adults. A study had found that honey may be a preferable treatment for nocturnal cough in children and sleep difficulty associated with upper respiratory tract infection. [5]

Learn More: – Top 10 Plants To Encourage Bees To Your Garden: https://off-grid.info/blog/top-10-plants-to-encourage-bees-to-your-garden/

References:

[1] Gheldof, N., X.H. Wang, and N.J. Engeseth, Identification and quantification of antioxidant components of honeys from various floral sources. J Agric Food Chem, 2002. 50(21): p. 5870-7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12358452/

[2] Khalil, M.I. and S.A. Sulaiman, The potential role of honey and its polyphenols in preventing heart diseases: a review. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med, 2010. 7(4): p. 315-21. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21731163/

[3] Al-Waili, N.S., Natural honey lowers plasma glucose, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and blood lipids in healthy, diabetic, and hyperlipidemic subjects: comparison with dextrose and sucrose. J Med Food, 2004. 7(1): p. 100-7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15117561/

[4] Jull, A.B., et al., Honey as a topical treatment for wounds. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2015(3): p. Cd005083. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25742878/

[5] Paul, I.M., et al., Effect of honey, dextromethorphan, and no treatment on nocturnal cough and sleep quality for coughing children and their parents. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, 2007. 161(12): p. 1140-6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18056558/

Sunscreen Ingredients Ranked In Order Of Toxicity

Sunscreen Ingredients Ranked In Order Of Toxicity
Graphic © herbshealthhappiness.com

Many people think of sunscreens as purely beneficial and while they undoubtedly offer protection from UV rays, the ingredients used in many sunscreens have been the subject of health concerns of their own. Here is a list of sunscreen ingredients together with findings from scientific research.

Oxybenzone: A organic compound that is often used in sunscreens. In humans, oxybenzone has been found to cause skin allergies and can disrupt hormone production. Environmentally, it has been shown to produce toxic reactions in coral reefs. [1]

Octinoxate: Octinoxate has been banned in Hawaii along with oxybenzone due to their toxic effects on coral reefs. Studies have also found it to be a hormone disruptor, have reproductive toxicity, and be toxic to cells. [2]

Homosalate: Homosalate is a potential endocrine disruptor and can impact hormone production including testosterone hormone. [3] The chemical homosalate can enhance the absorption of pesticides in the body.

Octisalate: Octisalate is a colorless liquid that has a moderate level of negative health effects including some skin allergies.
Octocrylene: Octocrylene increases the production of free radicals in the skin when exposed to the sun that can lead to skin cancer and premature aging. Photo contact allergy with octocrylene is common. [4]

Avobenzone: Avobenzone is unstable in sun and must be mixed with the stabilizers for usage. A study found the avobenzone levels to be higher than FDA approved standards. [5]

Titanium Dioxide: Titanium is generally considered as having minimal toxicity and little in the way of negative biological effects. It has been classified as biologically inert. However Titanium dioxide nanoparticles have different chemical properties and their biological effects are still not entirely known, leading to researchers regarding their toxicological profile as incomplete. The minute particle size does influence the behavior of the substance and so it cannot be completely inferred what it will do from the “regular” titanium dioxide. Despite this lack of clarity, these particles are used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, sunscreens and even food products. Titanium oxide nanoparticles may cause oxidative stress, metabolic changes, inflammation and potentially even carcinogenesis. [6]

Zinc oxide: Zinc oxide has the lowest toxicity risk and is generally regarded as safe. The only concern with zinc oxide is inhalation that can cause metal fume fever, a flu-like illness accompanied by headaches, aches, and chest fatigue.

LEARN MORE about sunscreen and your health:

Most Sunscreens Are Bad, But These 7 Brands Have Been Reported Worst For Kids: https://herbshealthhappiness.com/most-sunscreens-are-bad-but-these-7-brands-have-been-reported-worst-for-kids/

How To Make Your Own Sunscreen Using Natural Ingredients: https://herbshealthhappiness.com/how-to-make-sunscreen-using-natural-ingredients/

References:

[1] DiNardo, J.C. and C.A. Downs, Dermatological and environmental toxicological impact of the sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone/benzophenone‐3. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2018. 17(1): p. 15-19. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jocd.12449

[2] Raffa, R.B., et al., Sunscreen bans: Coral reefs and skin cancer. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 2019. 44(1): p. 134-139. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jcpt.12778

[3] Erol, M., et al., Evaluation of the endocrine-disrupting effects of homosalate (HMS) and 2-ethylhexyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate (OD-PABA) in rat pups during the prenatal, lactation, and early postnatal periods. Toxicology and Industrial Health, 2017. 33(10): p. 775-791. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0748233717718974

[4] Berardesca, E., et al., Review of the safety of octocrylene used as an ultraviolet filter in cosmetics. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2019. 33: p. 25-33. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jdv.15945

[5] Matta, M.K., et al., Effect of sunscreen application under maximal use conditions on plasma concentration of sunscreen active ingredients: a randomized clinical trial. Jama, 2019. 321(21): p. 2082-2091. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2733085

[6] Fedora Grande, Paola Tucci. Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles: a Risk for Human Health? (2016) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26996620/