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Imagine everyone sitting down for a big family feast. The best china set gently upon silk cloth, crystals brimming with fresh apple-cinnamon-ginger juice. An array of baked, steamed and sautéed vegetables decorate the table. Suddenly Grandma reaches for the salt, startled she rears back and exclaims, “Why is the salt PINK?!” Oh Grandma, “Its Himalayan salt, and it's wonderful!” Origins The Himalayan mountain range stretches across Asia passing through China, Nepal, Myanmar, Pakistan, Bhutan, Afghanistan, and India. Most people associate the Himalayans with Mount Everest, the highest peak on this planet, but here is something new to think about - salt. Once upon a time (a couple of hundreds of millions of years ago) crystallized sea salt beds, now deep within the Himalayans, were covered by lava. Aside from being kept it in a pristine environment that has been surrounded by snow and ice year round, the lava is thought to have protected the salt from modern-day pollution leading to the belief that Himalayan Pink salt is the purest salt to be found on earth. It is now hand-mined from the mountains and brought to the culinary market. Why Pink? The many hues of pink, red and white are an indication of this salt's rich and varying mineral and energy-rich iron content. Benefits In the same manner that vitamins and minerals are perfectly packaged in fruits and vegetables, because this salt was formed naturally the minerals within the sodium work in synergy. (Synergy is the interaction of multiple elements in a system to produce an effect different from or greater than the sum of their individual effects.) Iodine - Natural salts are rich in iodine, so it doesn't need to be artificially added in. Less sodium consumed per serving - Himalayan salt is made of the same components as table salt but since the crystal structure is larger than refined salt, and by volume- this salt therefore has LESS sodium per 1/4 t. serving- because the sea salt crystals or flakes take up less room on a teaspoon than highly refined tiny table salt grains. Packs a hearty 80+ minerals and elements - Himalayan salts are mineral packed crystals which formed naturally within the earth made up of 85.62% sodium chloride and 14.38% other trace minerals including: sulphate, magnesium, calcium, potassium, bicarbonate, bromide, borate, strontium, and fluoride (in descending order of quantity). Because of these minerals Himalayan pink salt can: Create an electrolyte balance Increases hydration Regulate water content both inside and outside of cells Balance pH (alkaline/acidity) and help to reduce acid reflux Prevent muscle cramping Aid in proper metabolism functioning Strengthen bones Lower blood pressure Help the intestines absorb nutrients Prevent goiters Improve circulation Dissolve and eliminate sediment to remove toxins It is even said to support libido, reduce the signs of aging, and detoxify the body from heavy metals. Pink Salt vs. Sea Salt Even though pink salts come from the mountains, they are technically sea salts as well. All salt comes from a salted body of water—namely, an ocean or salt-water lake. However, Himalayan salt is said to be the purest form of sea salt. Why Table Salt is Inferior Commercial refined salt is not only stripped of all its minerals, besides sodium and chloride, but is also chemically cleaned, bleached and heated at unnecessary high temperatures. In addition, it is treated with anti-caking agents which prevent salt from mixing with water in the salt container. These agents also prevent dissolving within our system leading to build up and then deposit in organs and tissue, causing severe health problems. Finally, the iodine that is added into salt is usually synthetic which is difficult for your body to process properly. Shockingly under U.S. law, up to 2% of table salt can be additives. The Many Uses of Pink Salt Cooking and curing - use pre-ground salt or grinders like any other salt. Salt Slabs - used as serving platters, the slabs will impart an enhanced salt taste and mineral content. Chilled: decorate with fruits, sushi, vegetables or cheese. Frozen: present cold desserts and even sorbets. Heated: use the slabs to sear vegetables, shrimp, fish fillets or thinly sliced beef or even to fry an egg. The dense salt blocks conduct heat beautifully with near perfect heat distribution. Best of all, Himalayan salt is naturally anti-microbial, so clean up requires just a quick scrub or rinse. Decoration - use the salts in containers, as décor crystals and sprinkled on food for presentation. Bathing - throw in the tub for a detoxifying Himalayan salt bath. The replenishing nutrients stimulate circulation and soothe sore muscles. Naturally rich in 80+ nourishing and skin-replenishing minerals, bathing with pink bath salt is a healing and therapeutic experience for mind and body. Potpourri Holders and Essential Oil Diffusers- many on-line sites sell beautiful home décor featuring the pink salt as crystal rocks. Air purification - crystal rock lamps for air purification are also found and sold on-line. Hopefully now you will not be as shocked as Grandma when you reach for the salt shaker and find pink crystals staring back at you! If you eat meat, brining should be in your bag of tools. Brining makes meat very juice and succulent! Here's is an extremely simple recipe for it. Basic low sodium brine for pork and poultry. (Brine will work for up to 8 lbs. of protein.) Ingredients: 1 gallon water 3 ounces sea salt 3 ounces sugar (optional) 1 Tbsp. citrus zest (lemon, lime or orange – optional) Instructions: Add the salt, sugar and other aromatics to a pot and bring the water to a simmer until the salt and sugar have dissolved. Remove the pot from the heat and chill before using the brine. Let your protein brine for 6 hours. Drain the protein, and let it rest and air dry in fridge for 2 hours. Roast, broil or grill as you would! Related: Sea salt and baking soda, best all natural remedy for curing radiation exposure and cancer Activated Charcoal: Medicine of the Egyptians, Greeks, and Native Americans Spirulina Explained: What You Need To Know About This Healing Superfood 600 Reasons Turmeric May Be The World's Most Important Herb Credits: FitLife.tv 15 You Might Also Like New Muscle Building Science Lets Smaller Guys Bulk Up Fast Tricks Car Insurance Agents Don't Want You to Know How to Stop Snoring and Improve Your Health How to Check and Manage Your Credit Score for Free ? Top 5 Haunted Places in S'pore: Tang Dynasty inSing.com 8 Sleeping Positions and Their Effects on Health Daily Health Post Celebrities Without Makeup CrazeCentral 10 Ways Men Flirt That Women Don't Notice Womanitely by TaboolaSponsored Content Categories: Health Read More: http://www.whydontyoutrythis.com/2014/05/10-amazing-benefits-of-pink-himalayan-salt.html

23 Reasons Bitter Gourd Is Sweet Medicine For Your Health.

Bitter gourd or Momordica charantia (also known as bitter melon) belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, of the genus Momordica, home to squash, watermelon, cantaloupes, cucumber, etc. As is the trait within members in the Cucurbitaceae family, bitter gourds are vines with thin stems and tendrils that require trellis to support the climbing vine.

They come in many varieties ranging from dark greens to whites and common varieties are balsam pear, cundeamor, la-kwa, etc. The pods are characterized by smooth lengthwise ridges and uneven warty surface. Depending upon the cultivar type, immature pods are light to dark green and have oblong or oval shapes with a pointed tip at the blossom end. Internally, the flesh is white with rough edged seeds, and gradually turns yellow or orange as they mature, with the seeds turning red.

Bitter gourd contains a unique phyto-constituent that has been confirmed to have a hypoglycemic effect (lowering blood sugar) called Charantin. There is also another insulin-like compound known as Polypeptide P which has been tested as an insulin replacement in some diabetic patients.

Bitter gourd originated on the Indian subcontinent, and was introduced into China in the 14th century. It thrives in hot and humid climates, so are commonly found in Asian countries and South America.

23 HEALTH SECRETS OF BITTER GOURD:

1. Heart Care: Reduces bad cholesterol levels, by burning unnecessary fats which clog the arterial walls and thereby reduce the chances of heart attacks.
2. Weight Loss: Rich in iron, beta-carotene, and potassium. It can relieve constipation and improve circulation, thereby producing slimming effects on the body.
3. Type II Diabetes Cure: Reverses insulin resistance and activates the protein kinase, activating the absorption of sugar in body cells. Significantly improves glucose tolerance without increasing blood insulin levels.
4. Lowers blood glucose levels: Contains phyto-nutrient, polypeptide-P, a plant insulin, known to lower blood sugar levels. The hypoglycemic agent, Charantin, increases glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis in the cells of liver, muscle and adipose tissue.
5. Hypertension Reliever: Actively inhibits hypertension, high plasma cholesterol, or high plasma lipids, which affect patients with Type II diabetes, decreasing the risk of stroke or heart attack.
6. Anti-parasitic: Antihelminthic or anthelmintic compounds are used in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and can kill parasitic intestinal worms. It also stimulates peristalsis of food, relieving indigestion and constipation problems.
7. Liver tonic: Helps to maintain healthy liver and bladder. It is also useful in removing kidney stones and relieving gout pain.
8. Blood Cell Booster: The compounds a-eleostearic acid and the 15, 16-dihydroxy-a-eleostearic acid, are a good remedy for leukemia and blood irregularities such as anemia. It helps in producing healthy red blood cells and balances the amount of white blood cells in your body.
9. Blood Cleanser:  Its juice cleanses the liver and blood off toxins and is highly beneficial for treating blood disorders like blood boils and itching due to toxemia.
10. Folates Source: Has high amount of Folates that helps in treating defective neural tubes which usually occurs during early pregnancy.
11. Anti Ageing:  Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, fights and eliminates free radicals, reducing wrinkles and slowing down the ageing process. It also protects the skin from damage by sun’s UV rays.
12. For Respiratory disorders:  Fresh pods are an excellent remedy for curing respiratory problems like asthma, cold, cough, bronchitis and pharyngitis.
13. Nutrients/Vitamin SuperStore: Contains flavonoids such as ß-carotene, α-carotene, lutein, and zea-xanthin. Low in calories, rich in phytonutrients like dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants and a good source of niacin (vitamin B-3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5), pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) and minerals such as iron, zinc, potassium, manganese and magnesium.
14. Disease Buster: Not only effective in killing malaria bacteria, but it can also weaken some viruses such as Cholera, Chickenpox, Measles, Herpes and Jaundice.
15. Immunity Booster: This bitter juice can also help to strengthen your immune systemand increase your body’s resistance against a variety of infections.
16. Psoriasis Cure:  Regular consumption of this bitter juice has curative benefits in treatment of psoriasis, fungal infections like ring-worm and athletes feet, and skin infections like eczema.
17. Acne Cure: Helps prevent acne, thanks to its blood purifying properties. Keeps your skin glowing and free from blemishes and infections.
18. Eye Care:  High beta-carotene and other properties, help alleviate eye problems and in improving eyesight.
19. For Hangover:  Its anti-intoxication properties are beneficial in the treatment of hangover and eliminating liver problems, due to alcohol consumption.
20. Piles Cure:  Three teaspoons of the juice, extracted from its leaves, added to a glassful of buttermilk and consumed on an empty stomach every morning, has shown promising curative results in the treatment of piles.
21. Hair Care: Super hair tonic which imparts shine, wards off dandruff, treats split ends, combats dryness and itchiness of scalp, reduces hair loss, treats rough and tangled hair, prevents premature graying and removes excess oiliness in hair.
22. Regulates blood flow and clotting: Aids in the healing process preventing further infections.
23. Energy Source:  Regular consumption of this bitter juice has been proven to improve energy and stamina levels. Even sleeping patterns have been shown to be improved/stabilized.

Side Effects and Precautions:

• Diarrhea: Excessive consumption (more than two melons a day) may cause mild abdominal pain or diarrhea. Avoid taking on an empty stomach.
• Hypoglycemia: Diabetics taking hypoglycemic drugs will need to alter the dosage of their drugs if they consume bitter gourd on a regular basis.
• Pregnancy: Pregnant women should avoid taking too much bitter gourd or its juice as it may stimulate the uterus that may lead to preterm labor.
• Alkaloids and Toxicity: Bitter gourd may contain alkaloid substances like quinine and morodicine, resins and saponic glycosides, which may be intolerable by some people causing symptoms like excessive salivation, facial redness, dimness of vision, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and muscular weakness.