According to a new study, eating fruits rich in omega-3 Fatty acids such as salmon, walnuts and flaxseed oil may significantly cut the risk of heart diseases.
Omega-3s are important fatty acids that the body needs for specific functions like blood clothing, digestion, muscle activity, cell division and growth. But the only way the body can get omega-3 is through the foods we eat, omega-3 Fatty acids found in fish, especially the fatty ones like salmon, and alpha-linolenic acid, which is known as the plant-based omega-3 Fatty acid can be found in walnuts, canola oil, and some seeds and nuts
A total of 19 studies were involved from 16 countries and including 45, 637 participants, of these, 7,973 people developed a first heart attack overtime, including 2781 deaths and 7157 no fatal heart attacks.
It was found that both plant based and seafood based omega-3s were associated with about a 10percent lower risk of fatal heart attacks, researchers said.
However, the researchers also identified no change in the risk of non-metal heart attacks with high blood levels of seafood and plant based omega-3s,which they say shows there is a highly specific mechanism by which the fatty acids lower heart attack death risk

A serving of fresh garden salad is definitely an excellent and healthy way to start a meal. How about replacing your usual and boring lettuce with a serving of some spicy arugula instead? Some people are a bit on the fence with this green leafy vegetable because of its distinctive strong peppery taste. But you might be surprised that the arugula health benefits and unique flavor easily complements and goes great with other food ingredients. Arugula, or also known as salad rocket or garden rocket, is easily distinguished by its long dark green oat shape leaves. It is in the same plant family with cabbage, kale, mustard greens and cauliflower.
Its sharp bitter taste and pungent smell not only makes an excellent garden salad base, but also adds an interesting zing of flavor in pizza, pasta, breads and is even used in a lot of Middle Eastern dishes.

To say that it is overflowing in health benefits is an understatement. It does not fall short in providing the body with healing qualities. It is low in fat, calories and cholesterol and is a good source of protein. While in small amounts, it boasts a broad list of essential nutrients that include Vitamins A, B, C and K, copper, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, manganese, magnesium and iron. But compared with the regular iceberg lettuce, its Vitamins A, C and K, calcium and iron content is multiplied many times over.

Bright Eyes
It may not have the vibrant orange color of carrots or vivid yellow hue of squash. But the dark green color of arugula contains a considerable load of carotenoid, lutein and xanthin. These antioxidants have been associated in promoting good eyesight and help to prevent the occurrence of macular degeneration. Also, the Vitamin C in the garden rocket helps in the prevention of cataracts. It also strengthens the eye’s defenses thanks to its rich content of a photochemical called glucosinolates. And did we mention that it contains 47% of the recommended daily value of the crucial eye Vitamin A? That is definitely a chockfull of eye health nutrients.

Promotes Healthy Bones
Arugula hosts a bevy of health giving bone nutrients. It contains high levels of Vitamin K, which is essential in bone formation and strengthening. The calcium and magnesium, on the other hand, help to boost bone density, while Vitamin C is needed to maintain healthy and strong bones by stimulating collagen formation.

Powerful Aphrodisiac
It may be surprising to know that the garden rocket is actually used to energize and boost sexual prowess. It has since been used for many centuries as a sexual enhancer by mixing it with lavender and chicory. It is said that it contains phytochemicals, antioxidants and minerals that flush out toxins from the body that cause the decline in libido.

Effective Weight Loss Vegetable
Low in calories, rich in nutrients, contains protein and virtually fat–free. These make arugula an excellent and healthy choice for weight conscious individuals. Plus, the fiber content promotes bowel movement regularity. This helps keep your tummy in tiptop condition and makes you feel fuller for longer periods of time and resistant to food cravings.

Boosts Metabolic Functions
To add to its weight loss effect, the B vitamins in arugula help in cell metabolism. It works to promote energy production, fat synthesis and other vital processes in cell and metabolic functions.

Immunity Elixir
Its intense green color only means that it contains high amounts of chlorophyll, or also known as liquid sunshine. This helps cleanse the blood, detoxify the cells, boost oxygen flow, fight infection and heal diseases in the body. And because it contains good levels of Vitamin C, it helps the body develop immunity in fighting infectious diseases.You can even use it on pizza to make it both a healthy and a delicious treat.


Anti-carcinogenic Properties
It contains a number of phytochemicals that inhibit the activity of cancer-causing cells. Thiocyanates, sulphoraphane and indoles have been shown to fight prostate, breast, cervical, ovarian and colon cancers.
Also, the phytochemical glutosinolates is known to reduce the risk of lung, colorectal, pancreatic, breast and prostate cancers. Further, arugula helps prevent DNA and liver damage from a carcinogenic substance called aflatoxins.

Brain-booster
If you want to keep your sharp mind, an abundant serving of arugula is what you need. It contains high amounts of folate that prevents and protects you from brain aging and cognitive decline.

Food for Expectant Mothers
Pregnant women can specifically benefit from the garden rocket’s folate content. This helps in preventing mental defects in newborn.
Optimizes Mineral Absorption
What is the use of essential vitamins and minerals when these are not properly absorbed in our bodies? Arugula helps in properly using the health benefits of the calcium, iron, copper, potassium and manganese. This is because it is naturally low in oxalates, which is responsible in inhibiting mineral absorption.
While it can be prepared steamed or lightly sautéed in olive oil, you can get the maximum arugula health benefits when you eat it raw. So the next time you think of devouring a bowl of fresh greens, spice it up with the wonderful flavor and nutritional benefits of fresh arugula.

Most of you may not see onions as their favorite food but those of you who do have a great advantage in terms of health benefits.
Even so you must admit that besides the fact that they make you cry when you cut them, onions give an amazing taste to your food.
The humble onion can be found everywhere and just like garlic, it is a member of the lily family.
It should be obvious that onions are like the superman of raw natural foods just by the fact that they contain such a potent tear bringing and nutrient filled juice.

Ancient health treatment

People have been using onions as treatment for various diseases from acient times.It is documented that they were eaten by Roman emperor Nero as a cure for cold and it also has been used as great preventive medicine during the plague and cholera epidemics.With feats like that you can’t argue against its nutritional and health benefits anymore.

• 100 g of onions contain 44 Calories and
• 1.4 g of fiber
• it also contains natural sugar and minerals like potassium and iron
• has plenty of vitamins : vit E, vit C, vit A and B6
• they contain good amounts of folic acid and biotin

Thanks to it’s low caloric content and varied micronutrient profile you can say this is the perfect healthy snack and is best eaten in it’s natural form.

Eating onions raw is healthier

There is a reason why onions don’t make you cry anymore after you have finished cooking them. When it is raw, an onion contains a variety of organic sulfur compounds in volatile oil that gets altered and destroyed when cooking with it. Even so, this doesn’t mean you should always eat them raw.You can also cook them in a more conservative way that is baked in their skins, just like with potatoes.

List of the amazing benefits of onions

Thanks to the presence of the phytonutrient allyl propyl sulfoxide (the main cause of the tearing eyes) onions, so the stronger the smell the more nutrients and health benefits:

• Lowering the cholesterol levels in both healthy individuals and elderly.
• Reducing blood pressure and risk of heart disease
• The high concentration of quercetin and chromium help with:
• balancing blood sugar levels and indirectly with heart problems again
• have anti-inflammatory effects

How to get the most health benefit out of onions:

Remember how i said before that the stronger the smell the better the health benefits become?
This is thanks to the presence the enzyme alliinase and the phytonutrient alliin wich are separated in the onion.This is where you can come and mix them together and create an even more potent formula.The trick is to cut, slice or chop the onions and therefore create ruptures in the cells allowing them to mix.After this it’s important to let them sit for about 10 minutes for the process to complete.

The tamarind is widely distributed within the tropical regions – from Africa, Northern Australia, South and Southeast Asia, China, Taiwan, Mexico and in certain areas of South America. From being a component in savory dishes to a dessert ingredient, its culinary uses are as vibrant as the colorful flags of the countries where it grows.

It is used to add flavor in Worcestershire and HP sauces, chutneys in India, a sweet and sour Javanese dish called ikan asem, Pad Thai of Thailand and the savory Filipino soup dish called sinigang. It is also used for flavorful desserts, like the tambran balls of Latin Amaerica, various snacks in Mexico and jams and syrups in Guadeloupe. It is even used as a beverage ingredient in China, Egypt, Kenya and Turkey. It might surprise you that within its small and hard pod, its pulp hosts a number of nutritional benefits. It is a good source of iron, magnesium, folate, niacin, protein, phosphorus and potassium. It also contains rich amounts of Vitamin C, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, selenium, carotene and dietary favor. However, it should be taken in moderation because it is also high in calories and sugar.

Protects from Vitamin C Deficiency

Tamarind contains sufficient amounts of Vitamin C to as much as 6% of the daily needs or 44 mg in every 100 grams of its edible pulp. It helps prevent bleeding gums, which is a sign of lack of Vitamin C, helps to build immunity and keeps infections away. It also helps your body to combat a plethora of conditions, from the common colds to cardiovascular diseases.

Acts as a Mild Laxative

It can help provide instant relief for constipation and eliminate harmful toxins from the body. Thanks to its high dietary fiber content, it helps to regulate bowel movements and cleanses the digestive system with unwanted substances.

Zaps Harmful Free Radicals

Tamarind contains a unique and powerful antioxidant called tartaric acid. This is the same acid that gives it its sour flavor. At the same time, it helps protect your body from free radicals. Also, it contains a myriad of phytochemicals, which include limonene, geraniol, saffrol, cinnamic acid acid, methyl salicylate, pyrazine and alkylthiazoles. Phytochemicals work in so many different ways in protecting the body from harm with its antioxidant properties, prevention of cancer cells multiplication and anti-bacterial affects.

Blood Purifier and Prevents Anemia

Tamarind is an excellent blood purifier. Its rich iron and Vitamin B1 content helps to build healthy red blood cell generation. In addition, it is a rich source of iron, making it beneficial for treating anemia. Also, the Vitamin K and calcium in tamarind play a major role in the process of blood clotting in wounds and prevents excessive bleeding.

Controls Cholesterol Levels and Blood Pressure

The high potassium content of tamarind helps to reverse the negative effects of sodium in your blood and normalize blood pressure. It also helps to fight off and decrease cholesterol levels, specifically the bad LDL cholesterol while maintaining the good HDL cholesterol. This is all thanks to the thiamine and niacin content of tamarind. In effect, this helps promote healthy heart and prevent the risk of heart diseases.

Keeps Bones Strong

It is rich in B Vitamins that are essential in maintaining excellent bone health. Consuming tamarind also increases your magnesium intake. This, along with the high potassium content, can help result in better bone density. Also, the phosphorus and calcium that it contains promote for proper bone and skeletal structure, growth and repair.

Cures Bilious Disorders

It is also very efficient in curing bilious disorders. The fiber in tamarind binds with bile salts and decrease of its reabsorption into the colon. It indirectly has an effect in controlling the cholesterol levels in the body by excreting bad cholesterol from the body.

Prevents Diabetes and Promotes Weight Loss

Ironically, it is efficient in preventing diabetes and promoting weight loss despite its high sugar and calorie content. When taken in moderation, tamarind helps to lower high blood sugar levels in the blood, as it contains blood glucose lowering and carb fighting properties.
It also helps to deactivate and inhibit the activities of an enzyme called amylase, which is responsible for the absorption and storing of carbohydrates in the body as fats. In effect, it helps to lower blood sugar levels and has an effect in weight loss. Also, tamarind has absolutely no fat content and helps to prevent binge eating by balancing the serotonin levels, which is a neurotransmitter that affects mood control.

Other Health Benefits

In addition to these amazing health benefits, tamarind is also a great treatment for the following:
Sore throat
Conjunctivitis
Rheumatism, swollen joints and pain
Colic
Gingivitis
Asthma
Eye inflammation
Jaundice and ulcer

The tamarind definitely spells abundance in a sense that it only can give. Sweet and sour flavors, extensive culinary uses and the long health benefits list, all of these are packed within its hard shell pods.