Archive for February 22, 2018

Health Benefits of Okra

Okra, both a common pod vegetable and nightshade vegetable eaten is also called “gumbo” in the U.S. An edible ornamental flowering hibiscus, okra is an annual, erect herb with stems that contain stiff hairs. The whole plant has an aromatic smell resembling that of cloves and somewhat resembles the cotton plant, but okra has much larger and rougher leaves and a thicker stem.

It’s best to gather the pods while they are green, tender and at an immature stage. The okra plant is an annual, requiring warm, humid climates preferably where temperatures go above 85 degrees F, and is easily injured by frost as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). (1) The fruit is a long pod, generally ribbed and spineless in cultivated varieties; however, pods vary in length, color and smoothness depending on the variety and grow best in well-drained and manure-rich soil.

Nutritional contents of Okra:

Okra is packed with valuable nutrients. It’s a high-fiber food, for starters: Nearly half of its nutrition is a soluble fiber in the form of gums and pectins. Nearly 10 percent of the recommended levels of vitamin B6 and folic acid are also present in a half cup of cooked okra.

• 1.5 grams protein
• 5.8 grams carbohydrates
• 37 micrograms folic acid
• 13 milligrams vitamin C (22 percent DV)
• 46 milligrams magnesium (11.5 percent DV)
• 460 IU vitamin A (9.2 percent DV)
• 2 grams dietary fiber (8 percent DV)
• 257 milligrams potassium (7.3 percent DV)
• 50 milligrams calcium (5 percent DV)
• 0.4 milligrams iron (2.3 percent DV)

• The superior fiber found in okra helps to stabilize the blood sugar by curbing the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract.
• Okra’s mucilage binds cholesterol and bile acid carrying toxins dumped into it by the filtering liver.
• Okra helps lubricate the large intestines due to its bulk laxative qualities. The okra fiber absorbs water and ensures bulk in stools. This helps prevent and improve constipation. Unlike harsh wheat bran, which can irritate or injure the intestinal tract, okra’s mucilage soothes, and okra facilitates elimination more comfortably by its slippery characteristic. Okra binds excess cholesterol and toxins (in bile acids). These, if not evacuated, will cause numerous health problems. Okra also assures easy passage out of waste from the body. Okra is completely non-toxic, non-habit forming, has no adverse side effects, is full of nutrients, and is economically within reach of most individuals unlike over-the-counter drugs.
• Okra fiber is excellent for feeding the good bacteria (probiotics). This contributes to the health of the intestinal tract.
• Okra is a supreme vegetable for those feeling weak, exhausted, and suffering from depression.
• Okra is used for healing ulcers and to keep joints limber. It helps to neutralize acids, being very alkaline, and provides a temporary protective coating for the digestive tract.
• Okra treats lung inflammation, sore throat, and irritable bowel syndrome.
• Okra has been used successfully in experimental blood plasma replacements.
• Okra is good for summer heat treatment.
• Okra is good for constipation.
• Okra is good in normalizing the blood sugar and cholesterol level.
• Okra is good for asthma. Okra’s vitamin C is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which curtail the development of asthma symptoms.
• Okra is good for atherosclerosis.
• Okra is believed to protect some forms of cancer expansion, especially colorectal cancer.
• Eating okra helps to support the structure of capillaries.
• Some information shows that eating okra lowers the risk of cataracts.
• Okra is good for preventing diabetes.
• Okra protects you from pimples and maintains smooth and beautiful skin.

Alzheimer’s

Caregiving Tips for Alzheimer’s Patients:

When someone has Alzheimer’s disease, it affects everyone in the family. At some point, people with Alzheimer’s disease will need help for bathing, combing their hair, brushing their teeth, and getting dressed. Because these are personal activities, patient may not like help, however these suggestions may be useful for routine care.

Safety Tips: To keep the person with Alzheimer’s safe during bath time.

• Never leave a confused or frail person alone in the tub or shower.
• Always check the water temperature before he or she gets in the tub or shower.
• Use a hand-held showerhead.
• Use a rubber bath mat and safety bars in the tub.
• Use a sturdy shower chair to support a person who is unsteady and to prevent falls.
• Don’t use bath oil, it can make the tub slippery During a Bath or Shower.
• Allow the person with Alzheimer’s to do as much as possible. This protects his or her dignity and helps the person feel more in control.

Here are other tips:

• After Bathing: Prevent rashes or infections by patting the person’s skin with a towel. Make sure the person is completely dry. Be sure to dry between folds of skin.
• Washing: Wash the person’s hair in the sink with a hose attachment may be easier than doing it in the shower or bathtub.
• Dressing: People with Alzheimer’s disease often need more time to dress. It can be hard for them to choose their clothes. They might wear the wrong clothing for the season.
• Mouth Care: Show the person how to brush his or her teeth. Go step by step. Remember to let the person do as much as possible.
• Ask the person to rinse his or her mouth with water after each meal and use mouthwash once a day.

Try to allow the person to dress on their own for as long as possible. Here are some tips to assist them as needed:

• Lay out clothes in the order the person should put them on and give step-by-step dressing instructions.
• Buy loose-fitting, comfortable clothing three or four sets of the same clothes if the person wants to wear the same clothing every day.
• Use Velcro tape or large zipper pulls for clothing instead of shoelaces, buttons, or buckles. Try slip-on shoes that won’t slide off or shoes with Velcro straps.

Tonsillitis

What are Tonsils?

The tonsils (palatine tonsils) are a pair of soft tissue masses located at the rear of the throat (pharynx). Each tonsil is composed of tissue similar to lymph nodes, covered by pink mucosa (like on the adjacent mouth lining). Running through the mucosa of each tonsil are pits, called crypts.
he tonsils are part of the lymphatic system, which helps to fight infections. However, removal of the tonsils does not seem to increase susceptibility to infection. Tonsils vary widely in size and swell in response to infection.

What is Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the tonsils.

Causes of Tonsillitis?

The cause of tonsillitis is usually a viral infection. Bacterial infections such as strep throat can also cause tonsillitis.

Symptoms of tonsillitis?

The main symptoms of tonsillitis are inflammation and swelling of the tonsils. Other symptoms include:

• A sore throat, which may be severe
• Throat pain or Ear pain or both
• Red, swollen tonsils
• Trouble swallowing
• A white or yellow coating on the tonsils
• Swollen glands in the neck
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Fever
• Bad breath

References: www.nih.gov, www.webmd.com