December 11, 2007

How about taking a glass of sour milk and honey at the start of each day?

Bifidobacteria is a group of good, friendly bacteria which are essential for life and good health and particularly important to the health and proper function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. One way to increase the Bifidobacteria populations in the intestine is by consuming foods containing prebiotics -- nutrients that stimulate the growth of probiotic Acidophillus and Bifidus bacteria. Research conducted at Michigan State University has shown that honey, a natural sweetener comprising vitamins, minerals enzymes, antioxidants, contains a number of fermentable carbohydrates including a variety of oligosaccharides that can function as prebiotics enhance the growth, activity and viability of bifidobacteria in milk, and fermented dairy products such as yoghurts.

Honey is known as a compound made up of fructose sugar molecules linked together in long chains -- fructooligosaccharide (FOS), which can also be in other plants such as Jerusalem artichoke tubers, onions, leeks, barley, rye, oats. FOS are also available as a nutritional supplement and the food industry is jumping on the band wagon by adding FOS such as honey to yoghurts, and combining milk and honey to form healthy food. Benefits of FOS are numerous. They help carry moisture through the digestive system and therefore promoting healthy bowel movements. Growth of the beneficial bacteria encourages the production of short chain fatty acids, lowering pH, inhibiting unhealthy bacteria land detoxifying carcinogens in the diet. FOS helps to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels by reducing absorption of carbohydrates and fats into the blood stream, nourishes the cells in the gut which is important for digestive well-being and the prevention of constipation. Improving digestion is key to establishing good health. When in good health, we get rid of wastes and toxins through regular bowel movements and eliminate the build up of unhealthy micro-organisms and internal toxins, providing a strong and intact intestinal barrier to prevent the leaking of undigested food fragments into the blood stream.

As more research becomes available and we learn more about bacteria and how they affect our health, the more important both probiotic and prebiotic products will become and the more of these home remedies such as milk and honey you will see on the supermarket shelves.

Honey also has a major role to play as a carrier of foods containing relatively high levels of vitamins and minerals, and has been shown to help the body absorb minerals such as calcium. Elderly people have higher risk for fractures from osteoporosis or low bone mass. One of the ways to avoid this is to consume adequate calcium, and make sure that it is absorbed. And researchers at Purdue University has shown in its preliminary findings that honey added to milk could enhance calcium uptake.

Many facial cleansing and skin moisturising products have also included milk and honey as part of their ingredients to claim beauty benefits such skin hydration, smoothness, purification, anti-aging, and revitalization. A warm glass of milk with a teaspoon of honey is also known to be a good remedy for sleeplessness.(benefits-of-honey.com)



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Woes in Pregnancy and Honey Remedies

Did you just search for "pregnancy and honey" in hope that there would be some easy ways to get out of pains such as heartburns, colds and morning sickness during pregnancy? You might want to read on...

Heartburn During Pregnancy

Heartburn during pregnancy is one of the most common side effects of pregnancy. Hormones released during pregnancy allow the softening of the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach. When this happens, stomach acids back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation. This may also occur in the latter months of pregnancy as your baby pushes all of your organs upward. You may experience heartburn as a burning sensation in your throat or chest. Other women experience heartburn as a large lump like feeling in their throat or upper chest. Fortunately there are ways to minimize your heartburn woes during pregnancy and honey with milk recipe is one of them. Mixing some honey with your milk is very good for helping neutralize the excess of stomach acid. Drink a glass of milk every night before going to bed.

Colds During Pregnancy

Colds are quite common during pregnancy. Pregnant women tend to be more susceptible as their immune systems are lowered and their mucous membranes tend to swell during pregnancy. This can make it more difficult to get rid of coughs and colds, and can make breathing easy a challenge. If you do catch a cold you can increase your consumption of vitamin C rich foods including fruits and fruit juices. Many women find sipping teas including lemon and honey tea can help alleviate a sore and uncomfortable throat.

Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is a common experience with about 70 percent of all women experiencing nausea and /or vomiting during or especially their first trimester of pregnancy. In more severe cases, morning sickness can also lead to weight loss, malnutrition or other more serious health complications for the mother and developing child. Traditional remedies for expectant mothers trying to treat the nausea and vomiting of early pregnancy include soda and crackers which are only marginally helpful. Ginger is effective against ailments of the reproductive and digestive systems because it stimulates circulation and supports a good blood supply to these organs. Modest amounts of ginger tea with honey are a great remedy for nausea and vomiting. In the early weeks of pregnancy, the further stimulation of blood flow into the abdomen is not recommended, so go easy on ginger at this time.

Caution

While there are many natural remedies during pregnancy and honey remedies are known to be quite safe in helping to relieve some of the common side effects or complaints of pregnancy (honey is not allowed for new-born and young children under 1-yr old, though) , bear in mind that something is natural does not always mean it is safe, for instance there are many herbs that are best avoided during pregnancy. As with anything, during pregnancy always check in with your medical doctor when you are in doubt. (benefits-of-honey.com)


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Honey Remedy for Ailments

For thousands of years, honey has been recognized as one of the most natural home remedies to treat a wide range of ailments and complaints including yeast infection and arthritis pain. Its antiseptic properties inhibits the growth of certain bacteria and helps keep external wounds clean and free from infection. Honey has been used as a natural cure in first aid treatment for wounds, burns and cuts as it is able to absorb moisture from the air and promote healing. Its antibacterial properties prevent infection and functions as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing both swelling and pain, and even scarring. It is widely believed that UMF Manuka is the preferred honey for wound dressing and athlete foot due to its strong antibacterial property.

FOR HANGOVERS:

When you get a hangover from drinking too much alcohol, combat its effects by applying honey remedy. Honey is gentle on the stomach and contains a mix of natural sugars such fructose which is known to speed up the oxidation of alcohol by the liver, acting as a 'sobering' agent. Follow this recipe: 15ml of liquid honey with 80ml of orange juice and 70ml of natural yogurt. Blend them together until smooth.

FOR SORE THROATS:

One of the better known health benefits of honey is that it is able to help treat sore throats. Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, honey not only soothes throats but can also kill certain bacteria that causes the infection. Professional singers commonly use honey to soothe their throats before performances. The Chinese believe that excess "heatiness" in the body causes sore throat and taking honey drink can be helpful. Direction: Take a spoonful of honey to soothe the inflammation or gargle with a mixture of two tablespoons of honey, four tablespoons of lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Personally, whenever I have a sore throat, I especially like to take warm water mixed with Manuka UMF honey which is well-known for its anti-bacterial healing properties.

FOR SLEEPLESSNESS:

Unable to sleep? Use the famous Milk and Honey Remedy. Take a glass of hot milk with a teaspoon of honey to calm the soul and induce sleep. Or, add 1 or 2 teaspoons of honey to a cup of chamomile tea and sip. (benefits-of-honey.com)

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Honey: A Natural Remedy For Children's Coughs

Natural honey may offer parents "an effective and safe alternative" to help soothe coughs in young children, new research suggests.

A study from Penn State College of Medicine found that giving a child a small dose of buckwheat honey before bedtime provides relief from coughing during the night and difficulty sleeping.

The findings follow a recent recommendation from the Food and Drug Administration saying that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should not be given to children under the age of six.

Research leader Ian Paul said: "Our study adds to the growing literature questioning the use of [cough suppressant] DM (dextromethorphan) in children, but it also offers a legitimate and safe alternative for physicians and parents.

"Additional studies should certainly be considered, but we hope that medical professionals will consider the positive potential of honey as a treatment given the lack of proven efficacy, expense, and potential for adverse effects associated with the use of DM." (bounty.com)



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