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6 Well-known Herbs and Spices for Cancer Prevention

Also called the emperor of maladies, cancer affects nearly 1 million people in the country. It is also the second leading cause of death globally, heart disease being the leading cause. Most of the time, cancer affects those people whose family has a history of cancer. Genes carrying cancer-triggering cells are passed down from one generation to the next.

6 Well-known Herbs and Spices for Cancer Prevention

In other cases, prolonged exposure to radiation or toxic substances can chemically induce cancer. This exposure can be a result of occupational hazards, lifestyle choices such as smoking, or due to radiation therapy. In all of these cases, cancer prevention is very difficult unless all the risk factors are eliminated. But, more often than not, this is practically quite difficult. However, the field of alternative medicine recommends the use of certain herbs and spices for cancer prevention. Although there is no reliable scientific proof regarding the effectiveness of these herbs and spices, adding them to one’s diet may lower the risk of certain types of cancer. Here are some well-known herbs and spices that help prevent cancer.

  • Black pepper
    Black pepper contains a chemical known as piperine. This chemical is known to prevent the growth of cancerous cells, especially in the case of breast cancer. Extracts of black pepper are often used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. Black pepper has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agents that fight free radical damage. Black pepper is among those herbs and spices for cancer prevention that have been known to enhance the effectiveness of specific anti-cancer medicines. Sprinkling a little bit of freshly ground black pepper can add a dash of heat and flavor to food. One can add it directly to tea, soups, salads, and pasta, or as a seasoning in a wide range of food recipes. Freshly ground black pepper is more beneficial than packaged black pepper powder.
  • Cayenne pepper
    Cayenne pepper contains a chemical called capsaicin. Capsaicin is known to be a chemopreventive agent that inhibits cancerous cells. It has antioxidant properties that are especially useful in combating prostate cancer. Adding cayenne pepper to one’s diet may help in shrinking the cancerous cells and preventing a relapse. Cayenne pepper also helps in losing weight and bringing down the blood pressure. Adding cayenne pepper gives a smoky flavor to food and makes it spicy. One can add it to other spices while making dips and sauces, or sprinkle it on popcorn, pizzas, and salads. A dash of cayenne pepper can spice up smoothies as well.
  • Cumin
    Thymoquinone is the primary component that makes up black cumin. It has chemopreventive and antioxidant properties. It helps in combating the growth of cancerous cells. Cumin is one of the lesser known herbs and spices for cancer prevention. Black cumin seed oil can be added to one’s diet to lower the risk of leukemia, prostate cancer, and breast cancer. It also helps to curb tissue damage due to chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Black cumin oil can be used for cooking soups, curries, stews, dressings, and for grilling various meats especially pork tenderloins. One can easily make black cumin seed oil at home. Homemade cumin oil is recommended over packaged oil to get the best health benefits of cumin.
  • Holy basil
    Some herbs and spices for cancer prevention such as holy basil, lower the risk of chemically-induced cancer such as lung cancer, skin cancer, and colorectal cancer. Holy basil inhibits the growth of cancerous cells that result from the presence of toxic chemicals in the body. This herb has antiangiogenic and antioxidant properties that combat damage caused by free radicals and help in cancer prevention. One can use holy basil like a herb or in an extracted form such as in juices, supplements, and so on. It is recommended to consult a physician before consuming holy basil as an extract or in its packaged form. Adding fresh basil leaves in salads, dips, dressings, and in other food recipes will be more useful in cancer prevention than having it in its extracted form.
  • Garlic
    Garlic is one of the most popular herbs and spices for cancer prevention. It has anticarcinogenic and antioxidant properties that can significantly lower the risk of cancer. Garlic has organosulfur compounds that boost the immune system and helps the body combat cancerous cells. Regular consumption of garlic can reduce the risk of lung, breast, uterine, and colon cancer. With its sharp taste and smell, garlic can add heat and a spicy flavor to food. It is a very versatile spice that can be used to make garlic butter, garlic bread, and dips. One can add it to pasta, vegetable casseroles, stews, chicken preparations, stir fry vegetables, or one can also eat plain roasted garlic if they like its taste.
  • Rosemary
    Similar to holy basil, rosemary also helps in preventing chemically induced cancer. Rosemary has active compounds such as rosmarinic and carnosic that lower the risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. Adding rosemary to one’s diet can also help in chemotherapy treatments. Rosemary extracts have been known to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells. With its aromatic flavor, one can use rosemary in numerous food preparations. It can be used to make sauces, focaccia, or dips. One can add it to pizza toppings, roasted lamb, or pork. Rosemary sprigs can also be used to make flavored olive oil that works as a great salad dressing.

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6 simple benefits of meditation
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6 simple benefits of meditation

A habitual process, mediation helps to train the mind to be more focussed by redirecting thoughts. Many people use meditation techniques to increase self-awareness. Some people use mediation as a way to alleviate stress and increase concentration levels. Whatever be the purpose of mediation, the process comes with a lot of benefits. Here are some of the well-known benefits of mediation and how it affects the brain. Improves sleep cycle Nearly everyone suffers from insomnia once in a while. Some experience a persistent lack of sleep. The reasons for a disrupted sleep cycle can be severe stress, anxiety, and worrying. Often racing thoughts and severe emotional distress can also cause insomnia. Medication helps in dealing with insomnia. However, by focusing all thoughts, meditation can be beneficial in controlling racing and runaway thoughts. Moreover, it will release the tension and help the mind and body relax, leading to improved sleep quality. Those who meditate often have better REM sleep and tend to fall asleep in a shorter time. Reduced perception of pain Everyone’s brain perceives pain with different intensities. However, when one is extremely stressed out or anxious, one’s perception of pain may be higher than usual. Pain receptors are directly linked to the emotional state of mind. When one incorporates regular meditation in their everyday routines, it can be effective in controlling pain sensations. With mindfulness meditation, pain can be alleviated. Moreover, the quality of life also improves. Those who suffer from chronic pain may find meditation useful as it lowers the risk of depression. Those who meditate have been known to develop higher tolerance towards physical pain. Improved concentration levels Mindfulness meditation increases the ability to focus on the present. It is similar to weight-lifting, but for the brain. This can improve concentration levels required for the other tasks in everyday life. According to research, mindfulness is linked to one’s ability to process new information. It gives a boost to emotional regulation, memory, and learning ability. Moreover, this can help in reversing patterns of worrying and wandering minds. All of this can give more clarity, allowing greater decision-making capability. Meta-awareness and attention can be trained through mindfulness meditation and focused-attention meditation. Lower risk of age-associated memory loss With meditation, there is improvement in attention. In addition, there is improved clarity of thought. A form of meditation that involves repeating a chant or mantra has been known to improve neuropsychological performance. Along with chanting, the meditating process also involves repetitive motions of the fingers. This helps to focus thoughts. Moreover, different forms of meditation have been known to boost memory, attention, and mental agility, especially in older adults. Along with slowing down age-related memory loss, meditating can help to control stress that is often a major contributor to memory loss. Better management of depression and anxiety Dwelling on anxious thoughts is one of the major factors contributing to depression. With mindfulness meditation, the mind can be trained to focus on the present. Practicing mindfulness over a longer duration can alleviate anxiety. It also helps in easing symptoms of depression. In many cases, meditation is often a part of comprehensive mental health treatment plans. From correcting troubled sleeping patterns, appetite loss, and moodiness, mindfulness-based mediation can go a long way in making it easier to manage anxiety and depression. Better self-esteem Mindfulness and meditation encourage a person to slow down. These practices help to follow deeper self-reflection. Along the way, a person gains the ability to discover positive attributes about themselves. A person is able to examine their feelings, emotions, and thoughts without any judgment. This boosts self-awareness. It also helps in improving social anxiety symptoms. All of these help in gaining a better sense of self-esteem.
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Important things to know about prayer beads
Tibetan prayer beads

Important things to know about prayer beads

If you have been practicing meditation or yoga for a long time, you probably have come across prayer beads. You can find these Buddhist beads, alternatively referred to as Tibetan prayer beads, in sculptures or paintings of Buddha where he is seen holding these beads. Although it is quite a common sight, few actually know about Tibetan prayer beads. This article elucidates on some important points related to prayer beads. Prayer beads have been used across the globe for thousands of years. They play a vital role in various cultures and countries for meditation purposes. Some records claim that beads were first noticed in Nepal and India. They have been used across different religions, such as Catholicism and Hinduism, among others. Advantages of prayer beads Prayer beads can help you with various aspects of meditation, a practice that provides numerous health benefits. Meditation can contribute to lowering blood pressure, improving sleep, and reducing stress levels. However, many people face difficulties while meditating, particularly at the start. This is when prayer beads prove to be useful, as they keep you focused while meditating. The constant movement of your fingers around the beads helps in grounding you. When you touch each bead, you say a chant so you can keep a count of the number of times you have repeated the chant. Composition of prayer beads Traditionally, they consist of 108 beads along with a guru bead, which has a tassel and is bigger than all the other beads. How significant is the number of beads Usually, traditional Tibetan prayer beads have 108 beads. This number is considered sacred in Buddhism and Hinduism. However, if you feel that 108 is a lot, you can purchase a necklace with 27 or 54 beads. Some necklaces have beads of different shapes after the 27 th bead. So, you can keep track of your repetitions efficiently. Such prayer beads also allow for shorter meditation periods. How can you use prayer beads for meditation? Breath control and repetition of the chant are two key starting points while using prayer beads during meditation. It is advisable to focus on your breathing while meditating. You can use prayer beads for managing your breath by: Holding the prayer beads in one hand Allowing the beads to drape around your fingers so that you may move them with ease Inhaling and exhaling one full breath Moving the fingers to the next bead; breath in and out once for each bead Concluding at the guru bead to finish 108 breaths Moving your fingers in the other direction until you again reach the guru bead if you wish to do another round. While following these steps, you may repeat a chant, which can be a sound, word, or phrase to be aware of during meditation.
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Health

Healing Prayers and Their Health Benefits

Spiritual practices like praying are deeply personal and uniquely meaningful for each individual. Experts often define praying as communication between the self and the sacred. Despite the complexities and caveats in studying this delicate topic, researchers have found that such practices can offer physical and emotional healing benefits, regardless of one’s faith. These findings underscore the potential universal health advantages of engaging in spiritual activities like prayer, highlighting their significance across different belief systems. Offer a greater sense of purpose According to an 11-year-long study by the National Institute of Health, a significant correlation exists between having a sense of purpose and longevity. This sense of purpose is seen as an effective way to reduce stress, fight anxiety and depression, and increase self-esteem. Prayer and meditation may help one feel connected to a greater power or truth, adding to one’s sense of purpose. 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Help people cope with difficulties During difficult or stressful times, prayers can help one feel hopeful and resilient or release their sense of control, relinquishing it to a higher power or truth. This can provide a powerful framework for coping with stress or grief, reducing the risk of anxiety or depression. Enhance gratitude Prayers often involve practicing gratitude and compassion. This may help people let go of any ill or negative feelings they may be harboring, helping them feel lighter and boosting overall health. Promote mindfulness Some forms of prayer and spiritual practices, such as meditation, promote awareness of the present. This could help people control their thoughts and emotions, ground them in the current moment, create a connection between the mind, spirit, and body, and offer peace or mindfulness. According to a recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology, engaging in a daily 10-minute centering prayer significantly reduced stress levels among college students. Help support physical health Some studies also suggest that prayers may help support physical health in the following ways: Reduce stress: Healing prayers often induce a relaxation response, which can aid in reducing stress and anxiety levels and calming the cardiovascular system. This can have physiological benefits, such as lowered heart rates, blood pressure, and oxygen consumption. Praying can help reduce stress levels, boost immunity, and manage pain. Raise immunity: High stress levels may also lead to chronic inflammation. According to research, there is a strong correlation between chronic inflammation and aging. This may result from the negative impact of stress on the thyroid and adrenal glands. Over time, this may lead to low immune function and raise the risk of conditions such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s: Spiritual practices such as praying and meditation may also act as a natural buffer against age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s and arthritis. While praying may not be enough to prevent the onset of these conditions, it may help delay them, reduce symptoms, or slow down their progress. Based on research and anecdotal evidence, prayers appear to have several healing qualities – both physical and emotional. To introduce this practice into one’s daily life, here are some tips that may help: Form a habit: Praying at the same time every day may help one establish some time apart for connecting with themselves and the powers they believe in. Set aside five to ten minutes daily to pray or meditate, and do it consistently. Keep it simple: Praying and meditation do not require significant investments. A calm, quiet space is enough. If interested, one may consider investing in plants, inspirational books, essential oils, etc., over time. Find a partner or community: Praying with others may help one feel more connected. This could be a spiritual teacher, healing prayer group, friend, family member, or partner. In these settings, one may devise creative ways to stay engaged and give back to society. Healing prayers and meditation practices can be a boon for one’s overall well-being, with benefits that transcend the physical realm. They may play an essential role in helping one stay grounded and healthy, promote good habits, cope with difficulties, reduce anxiety and stress, get in touch with their greater purpose, and stay connected with the community.
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Natural Remedies That Boost Sleep Quality
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Natural Remedies That Boost Sleep Quality

Sleep is a very important aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Going without sleep can make it difficult to concentrate, affect your mood, lead to headaches and other physical ailments, and harm the body’s overall health. If you are having trouble falling asleep at night or staying asleep, you can try sleep treatments prescribed by your healthcare professional. There are also tons of natural lifestyle changes and remedies that can help boost sleep. Tea or Milk One of the best treatments for sleep troubles is trying night-time drinks like a warm cup of milk, chamomile tea, and even tart cherry juice. Understanding the effects of night-time drinks on the body’s circadian rhythm needs more research, but they’re also quite beneficial to our health. Sleep experts believe that warm milk has chemicals that can affect the sleep-wake transition of the brain. Chamomile tea can also help as it contains flavonoids that interact with receptors involved in the brain’s sleep-wake transition. Some may find it odd that tea is being suggested for better sleep. But, chamomile tea does not contain any caffeine. Tart cherry juice can also work as a sleep treatment as it helps improve melatonin production in the brain and improves the sleep cycle. Regular Exercise Another sleep treatment that is best for those who have trouble falling asleep is exercise. Exercise is great for the body as a whole; it improves physical and mental health, positively affects the person’s mood, boosts energy, and helps maintain a healthy weight. Another thing that exercise can help with is improving the quality and the quantity of sleep. Research has shown that exercising for a minimum of two and a half hours per week can improve insomnia symptoms and reduce depression and anxiety. If you’re new to exercising, you can start with light or moderate exercises, depending on your health. Around 20 minutes of physical activity daily will be of great help. You also need to find the time when physical activity will help boost your sleep and not hinder it. A healthcare professional can suggest the activities you can take up based on the condition of your body. Melatonin Supplements This naturally released hormone makes us feel sleepy and is usually released a few hours before we start to feel drowsy. Its release is triggered by the reduced exposure to light as it gets dark outside. But now, as we live in the age of smart TVs, mobiles, and laptops, we are constantly exposed to light even after it is dark outside. These distractions prevent the natural cycle of melatonin release in the brain and make it difficult to fall asleep. You can purchase melatonin supplements to tackle this issue, but consult your doctor before taking any of them. Also, if you are using melatonin supplements as a treatment for sleep, it is best to stick to one brand because the concentrations are not regulated; different brands can have varying doses. Meditation Another one of the best treatments for sleep is meditation. Meditation requires you to sit in complete silence and focus on your breathing. This practice offers many benefits, including better sleep quality, reduced stress, improved concentration, and a boosted immune system. It is recommended to try around 15 minutes of meditation either in the morning or evening. You can join a meditation group if you’re not feeling motivated to meditate at home. Note that this is a very safe activity and can have numerous health benefits. Yoga Yoga also makes for a great sleep treatment that is easy to try and accessible to everyone. It helps alleviate stress, improve body mobility and strength, and even boost overall mental health. Most yoga exercises focus on slow and controlled movements along with controlled breath work and meditation. If you’re a beginner, start with simple movements and then move on to more complex ones. It is recommended to do yoga sessions for at least 20 minutes daily. You can do it any time of the day and even before bedtime, as the movements can help improve posture and help you relax. Do not force any of the movements as it can lead to injury. Some of the other best sleep treatments are massages and sleeping in a dark room. You can talk to your healthcare professional for help if your sleep troubles persist. When the abovementioned natural remedies don’t have an effect on your sleep quality, clinical treatments come into play. The doctor may instruct you to take prescriptions over a period to make sure that there is no depravity of rest. Every individual on Earth needs enough sleep to have no issues with their daily routines and professional lives. Make sure you get the right number of hours so that the next day can be faced with high levels of energy and confidence.
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Buy bean bag chairs to relax in style
Chairs

Buy bean bag chairs to relax in style

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Natural Remedies for Depression
Health

Natural Remedies for Depression

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