Harmful effects of drinking water in Plastic Bottles

Impact of drinking water in plastic bottles

We store water in all sorts of plastic bottles, jugs or containers. It can be low grade or high grade, but plastic is plastic! This is a very harmful daily practice as plastic containers carry lot of chemicals and bacteria.

Let’s see the harmful effects of drinking water in plastic bottles:

1. Harmful substances: Apart from harmful chemicals in plastic, water when get stored in plastic bottles also produces harmful substances like fluoride, arsenic and aluminium which can be poison for human body. So, drinking water from plastic bottles would mean drinking slow poison that will slowly and steadily deteriorate your health.

2. Dioxin production: Plastic does melt in hot environment. And we, often store water in plastic bottles while driving and so many times leave it in the car where it is in the direct exposure of sun. Such heating releases a toxin called Dioxin which when consumed can accelerate breast cancer.

3. BPA generation: Biphenyl A is an estrogen-mimicking chemical which can lead to lot of health problems like diabetes, obesity, fertility problems, behavioural problems and early puberty in girls. It’s better not to store and drink water from a plastic bottle.

4. Liver cancer and reduced sperm count: Because of presence of a chemical called phthalates in plastic, drinking water from plastic bottles can also lead to liver cancer and reduction in sperm count.

5. Vitamin based bottled water: Nowadays, we get water mostly in plastic bottles and to increase its health content, manufacturers make it vitamin-enriched to attract buyers. But this is even more harmful as it carries health-harming additives like food dyes and high fructose corn syrup.

6. Impact on immune system: Our immune system is immensely affected when we drink water in plastic bottles. The chemicals from plastic bottles are ingested and tend to disturb our body’s immune system.

Spices to boost your Immunity

Is there a viral infection going around cause of which you are dreading to send your child to school? Most of your colleagues seem to be sneezing is making you fearful of going to office? Now, you can grow past those worries. Here comes a list of herbs that will strengthen your body’s defense forces so can you be your kicking self all the time. Eating these wonder foods everyday will keep the doctor away.

Our immune system does a great job of keeping us healthy and preventing infections. However, we need to support it with the right foods so it works better and in turn helps us in the process.

1. Garlic – this grandmother’s ally has immense infection fighting ability. Being a natural detoxicant, unlike with antibiotics there are no side effects. It protects our body against bacterial and viral infections. The three powerful compounds (allicin, ajoene and thiosulfinates) contained in it helps the body prevent and fight infections. In the mornings or as an after office snack you could toast up a slice of bread. Spread butter on it and sprinkle raw minced garlic over it. Relish a super garlic toast. Have you ever tried making some sauce by combining this herb with an egg yolk and some oil? Doesn’t it sound yum? If you can eat a clove of raw garlic in the morning, pick up that habit.
2. Ginger – spicing up your meals with ginger is a great way for boosting your immune system naturally. It helps to cleanse the lymphatic system and prevent the accumulation of toxins in our body organs. The quickest way to incorporate ginger in your diet it to add finely chopped ginger to boiled water, let it steep for 2-3 minutes. Strain out ginger and sip good health. Sprinkle dried ginger into any salad dressing or add finely chopped pieces to soups.
3. Turmeric – If there’s a healer sitting on your kitchen shelf it is this yellow herb. Curcumin, the active ingredient present in turmeric, is anti-viral and anti-fungal. Whenever you use turmeric, add black pepper also to the recipe. This will increase your body’s absorption of turmeric significantly. Eggs can be scrambled using butter and turmeric can be sprinkled over it. Don’t forget to add the pepper while you add salt. If you are a rice lover, adding turmeric to rice also adds good flavor. Curries and soups with a pinch of turmeric in them is the best way to include this root in daily diet.
4. Basil (Tulsi) – Worshiped in most Indian homes eating the leaves of this herb every morning is a sure shot way to keep diseases at bay. It contains a wide range of essential oils rich in phenolic compounds that gives it the immune boosting properties. It stimulates liver cells to increase the appetite. Also, gives relief from cirrhosis and other infections of the liver. Whether adding it to pasta or to soups or while making pesto sauce it complements every food. Dried basil can be easily added to any dish including the chicken recipes.
5. Oregano (dried ajwain) –  doesn’t that pizza or garlic bread always taste better when this Italian herb is sprinkled over them? At least, I love it that way! Rosmarinic acid, which is a strong antioxidant found in oregano supports immune system health. It also has compounds that inhibits inflammation. Studies have shown it to be beneficial for conditions including osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis. You can garnish your omelettes with oregano. Oregano also goes great with sautéed mushrooms and onions too.
6. Barley – loaded with beta-glucan which is a special fiber compound that has powerful antioxidant properties, you must consume this regularly. Barley water is known to be good for kidneys and also to treat arthritis and rheumatic diseases. It speeds wound healing and is thought to make antibiotics more effective. Boil barley until soft, strain the extract; add lemon or orange flavor and little bit of sugar if needed. You can refrigerate it and drink a glass daily.

Rebuild your immune system by adding these natural superfoods daily in rotation. Adding these disease-fighting punch is the secret to a healthy family. And, healthy families are happy families. Aren’t they?

Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has thick fleshy stems with spiny leaves. The fleshy stem contains the aloe juice which is being used for various purposes since the beginning of the first century as an excellent home remedy. The juice and the gel are used in numerous medicinal, cosmetic and health treatments. Both the aloe juice and gel are powerhouses of antioxidants, antibiotics, work as stimulator of cell growth and have scar and pain inhibitor properties

How To Make Aloe Vera Juice:

1.    Cut and open a few stems of the plant from the middle section. Choose the outer stems as they are the most mature of all and have the highest concentration of antioxidants.

2.    The liquid which oozes out is the fresh aloe gel.

3.    Squeeze out the entire gel from the stem and store in a bowl.

4.    Put the gel in a blender and add 1 cup of water.

5.    Blend them to get pure Aloe Vera juice. Use the extracted juice within 3-4 days; otherwise the juice will lose the antioxidants.

Aloe Vera Juice Benefits:

Aloe juice can be applied on the skin and hair or consumed to get relief from irritable bowel syndrome, inflammation, osteoarthritis and stomach ulcers. It is also a general health tonic that you can consume every morning to reap all its benefits.

1. Digestive Cure:

Aloe Vera is very useful for curing bowel problems due to its high anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe vera also helps in the growth of good bacteria in the gut, this keeps all digestive disorders at bay.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment:

Having aloe juice for two weeks can help reduce inflammation in the body like  inflammation of ears and eyes and arthritis. Aloe juice contains anti-inflammatory compounds like plant sterols that help to reduce the pain and stiffness to a great extent.

3. For Muscle and Joint Pains:

Applying the gel externally can ease muscle and joint pains. But do not forget to use freshly prepared gel.

  

4. For Heart Reflux:

Drink Aloe Vera juice as it reduces symptoms of heart reflux and stabilizes the alkaline levels of the body. It has soothing effect on the stomach walls and reduces heart burn and discomfort. Due to its laxative properties it also treats constipation.

5. Reduces Cholesterol Level:

Aloe is great for  reducing triglycerides. Include fresh Aloe juice in your daily diet to maintain your cholesterol level and increase the level of good cholesterol .

6. Healthy Weight Loss:

Aloe vera juice is the easy and natural weight loss solution. It reduces weight by stabilizing the metabolic rate, reducing lipid levels and helping burn fat.

7.For Dental or Oral Hygiene:

Studies have shown that regular consumption of aloe juice improves oral health and hygiene. It reduces gingivitis and plaque formation. It provides a relief for cold sores and mouth ulcers.

8. Fights Diabetes:

Aloe Vera is good for diabetes patients because it helps to regulate the blood sugar levels when consumed regularly. However, consult your doctor before you start consuming the aloe juice.

9. Helps to Detox:

Mix 2 teaspoons of fresh Aloe Vera juice with 1 glass of water and drink it everyday early in the morning. This will help detoxify and cleanse your system. Aloe juice helps to treat ulcers and detoxify the digestive system.

10. Maintains Gum Health:

Applying fresh aloe gel directly to the gums reduces the pain and inflammation.

11. Reduces Eye Irritation:

Create your own natural eye wash with Aloe Vera gel. Mix 2 teaspoons of aloe gel in a cup of water. You can also add a teaspoon of boric acid. Use this eye wash to reduce the reddening and irritation in the eyes.

12. Relieves Sinus and Chest Congestion:

Suffering from constant sinus problems? Now ditch your medicines and try the natural option. Aloe Vera is rich in magnesium lactate that works as an antihistamine which helps in reducing the problem of sinus and chest inflammation due to various allergies.

13. Anti-Carcinogenic:

The regular intake of the aloe juice helps to fight cancer. It contains high level of anti-carcinogenic properties that hinder the growth of tumours .

14. Builds Immunity:

The high vitamin content in it boosts up your body’s immune system and self-defense mechanism.

15. Fights Common Cold and Cough:

Those who suffer regularly from cold, coughs, flu, stuffy nose, bronchitis and other respiratory disorders, Aloe Vera juice is the best natural solution.The Vitamin C content of aloe vera juice ensures protection from common colds that occur with environmental changes.