அவிழ்தம் சித்த மருத்துவமனை: September 2014

Monday 29 September 2014

Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Health Benefits of Cinnamon

The essential oils of cinnamon bark contain cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate and cinnamyl alcohol which are the primary source of health benefits. Cinnamaldehyde works as an anti-platelet agent which protects harmful blood platelet clotting which can otherwise cause inadequate blood flow. As such, cinnamon helps in alleviating the conditions of inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Cinnamon extracts are anti-microbial which means they are essential for combating the growth of harmful bacteria or fungi, particularly those responsible for Candida, or yeast infections.

Studies reveal that cinnamon has been beneficial on blood-sugar control as well. High-carbohydrate meals tend to increase blood sugar quickly since they are flushed out by the stomach rapidly. Cinnamon, when added as a seasoning on high-carbohydrate foods, slows down the rate at which food is emptied from the stomach, thereby reducing the rise in blood sugar.

By improving the ability of the cells to respond to insulin, cinnamon normalizes the blood sugar levels in people suffering from diabetes. Cinnamon contains compounds that stimulate insulin receptors and inhibits an enzyme which inactivates these insulin receptors, allowing the cells to utilize glucose more effectively.

Being a cognitive stimulant, the aroma and flavor of cinnamon helps in enhancing and improving working memory, visual-motor speed and virtual recognition memory. Chewing cinnamon-flavored gum or just smelling cinnamon boosts the activity of the brain.

Cinnamon is an excellent source of manganese, dietary fiber, iron and calcium. All nutrients combine to collect bile salts and remove them from the body, which are responsible for damaging colon cells and increasing the risk of developing colon cancer.

Inflammation has been identified as the major cause of heart disease, especially of the internal tissues and organs. Following an anti-inflammatory diet helps in reducing the risk of heart diseases and strokes. Cinnamon is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent that improves circulation and enhances oxygen supply to the cells, thereby providing protection against heart disease.

Cinnamon is very effective on both external and internal infections due to its antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties. As such, it is useful in destroying germs in the gall bladder and bacteria in staph infections, and fighting vaginal yeast infections, oral yeast infections, stomach ulcers and head lice.

Since cinnamon aids in removing blood impurities, it is highly recommended for treating pimples and acne.

Apart from the flavoring that cinnamon adds to your food, it acts as a good digestive tonic. It is best effective for curing indigestion, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, acidity, morning sickness and flatulence.

Being diuretic in nature, cinnamon assists in secretion and discharge of urine. It is also believed to arouse sexual desire since it is aphrodisiac and helps in the secretion of breast milk.

Cinnamon is known to possess anti-clotting properties which help in remedying uterine bleeding. It inhibits a substance called thromboxane A2, responsible for causing blood clots, which reduces blood clotting and promotes a regular blood flow. As a result, uterine bleeding is reduced or stopped by stimulating the blood flow away from the uterus.

Cinnamon contains two chemicals, known as camphornin and cinnamonin, which have been proved to combat the growth of liver cancer and melanoma cells.

Cinnamon Nutrition Facts

Amount: 1 cup
Total Weight: 125 g

Nutrients	Amount
Basic Components
Protein	5 g
Water	13.3 g
Ash	4.5 g
Phytosterols	32 mg

Calories
Total Calories	308
Calories From Carbohydrate	287
Calories From Fat	13
Calories From Protein	9.1

Carbohydrates
Total Carbohydrates	101 g
Dietary Fiber	66 g
Sugar	2.7 g

Fats & Fatty Acids
Total Fat	1.5 g
Saturated Fat	431 mg
Monounsaturated Fat	307 mg
Polyunsaturated Fat	85 mg
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	14 mg
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	55 mg

Vitamins
Vitamin A	368 IU
Vitamin C	4.7 mg
Vitamin E	2.9 mg
Vitamin K	39 mcg
Thiamin	27 mcg
Riboflavin	51 mcg
Niacin	1.7 mg
Vitamin B6	197 mcg
Folate	7.5 mcg
Pantothenic Acid	447 mcg
Choline	13.8 mg
Betaine	4.9 mg

Minerals
Calcium	1.3 g
Iron	10 mg
Magnesium	75 mg
Phosphorus	80 mg
Potassium	538 mg
Sodium	12 mg
Zinc	2.3 mg
Copper	423 mcg
Manganese	22 mg
Selenium	3.9 mcg

Dr.S.Senthil Karunakaran, M.D(Siddha)

AVIZTHAM SIDDHA HOSPITAL,

No. 6, Mounasamy Mutt Street,

Ambattur, Chennai – 53,

Contact No - 9444403023

Monday 22 September 2014

Cloves have been popular in dentistry as a local anesthetic due to the presence of eugenol and beta caryophyllene which have analgesic properties. Apart from the anesthetic properties, cloves have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which are effectively used in drugs and dental fillings.

Studies reveal that daily consumption of cloves can increase the insulin activity by almost three times, thereby keeping the blood sugar levels under control. Including cloves in your daily diet can help in even delaying the onset of diabetes.

Cloves act as an aphrodisiac which enhances the sexual behavior in men, without any adverse effects. Besides, they are even used for treating premature ejaculation successfully.

With anti-inflammatory properties and cooling effects present in cloves, coughs and colds can easily be cured. Simply chewing or gargling cloves helps in easing sore throat. What’s more, they are used for treating respiratory disorders, like bronchitis, tuberculosis, asthma and sinusitis.

By increasing blood circulation, cloves promote proper flow of nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, which enhance the body metabolism. They have also been found to inhibit the clotting of blood, thereby helping maintain cardiovascular health.

Clove serves as an excellent stress reliever due to its aphrodisiac and stimulant properties. By removing mental exhaustion and inducing sleep, cloves aid in alleviating insomnia and treating depression and anxiety effectively.

Cloves promote enzymatic flow and boost proper digestive functioning. Besides, they work as an excellent remedy for curing vomiting, flatulence, dyspepsia, motion sickness and hiccups.

By adding cloves in your daily food, you can strengthen the immune system, increase resistance to diseases and purify the blood.

Common problems such as cuts, fungal infections, burns, wounds, athlete’s foot and bruises can be effectively treated with cloves or clove oil. Apply clove oil in diluted form near the affected portions, as direct application of neat clove oil can cause irritation.

The essential oil of cloves contains eugenol which has been proved to be an effective natural antifungal agent against ringworm and Candida albicans. Compared to the commercial antifungal drugs available over-the-counter, clove oil serves as a less toxic, safe and inexpensive treatment.

Sty is an inflammation on the eyelash, which is not only irritating, but also painful, since it causes difficulty in the proper functioning of the eye. Both clove and clove oil act as an effective remedy for treating stys.

Clove Nutrition Facts

Amount: 1 cup
Total Weight: 106 g

Nutrients	Amount
Basic Components
Protein	6.3 g
Water	7.3 g
Ash	6.3 g
Phytosterols	270 mg

Calories
Total Calories	341
Calories From Carbohydrate	152
Calories From Fat	177
Calories From Protein	11

Carbohydrates
Total Carbohydrates	65 g
Dietary Fiber	36 g
Sugar	2.5 g

Fats & Fatty Acids
Total Fat	21 g
Saturated Fat	5.7 g
Monounsaturated Fat	1.6 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	7.5 g
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	4.5 g
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	2.7 g

Vitamins
Vitamin A	560 IU
Vitamin C	85 mg
Vitamin E	9 mg
Vitamin K	150 mcg
Thiamin	121 mcg
Riboflavin	282 mcg
Niacin	1.5 mg
Vitamin B6	623 mcg
Folate	98 mcg
Choline	39.6 mg
Betaine	1.5 mg

Minerals
Calcium	682 mg
Iron	9.2 mg
Magnesium	279 mg
Phosphorus	111 mg
Potassium	1.2 g
Sodium	257 mg
Zinc	1.2 mg
Copper	366 mcg
Manganese	32 mg
Selenium	6.2 mcg