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Tag: benefits

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By admin 0 Comments Diet, Gut Health , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Unlock the Potential of Parsley Tea for a Healthy Lifestyle

Can drinking parsley tea help improve overall health?

Parsley Tea

Parsley is commonly used as a garnish and to increase flavor in dishes. Some use parsley leaves instead of salt in their food to reduce their sodium intake. It is widely available in grocery stores and can be grown at home. Parsley tea is an herbal tea. Surprisingly, parsley tea benefits health, but not all of this is supported by scientific evidence. There are different kinds of parsley:

  • Curly leaf (Petroselinum crispum)
  • Flat leaf (Petroselinum neapolitanum) or Italian parsley.
  • Parsley is high in vitamins A, B, C, E, and K.
  • Parsley also provides fiber, iron, copper, calcium, and potassium.

The kind used in tea is up to you, based on flavor preferences.

Benefits

Parsley is believed to have various benefits, some of which are derived from consuming parsley tea. For example, parsley is used to freshen breath; however, adding sugar reduces dental benefits. Many women also suggest that parsley helps to ease menstrual cramps, and others say that consuming parsley or tea helps them eliminate excess water weight. However, further research is needed to support its benefits that include: (Ganea M. et al., 2024)

  • Asthma
  • Cough
  • Digestive problems
  • Menstrual problems
  • Fluid retention and swelling (edema)
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Kidney stones
  • Cracked or chapped skin
  • Bruises
  • Insect bites
  • Liver disorders
  • Tumors

Preparation

The quickest way to enjoy parsley tea is to use a parsley tea bag. Brands are available online and in health food stores. Parsley tea bags are manufactured using dried leaves, which can be stored in a cool, dry place and last much longer than fresh parsley. The herb is inexpensive, and making parsley tea at home is also cheap and easy.

Choose Parsley

  • Flat or curly.
  • Remove the leaves from the stems.
  • Gather about 1/8-1/4 cups of leaves for each cup of tea.
  • Place the leaves at the bottom of your cup or in a tea infuser.
  • Note: you can also use a French press to make parsley tea.
  • To do so, place the loose leaves at the bottom of the French press.

Heat Water

  • Once boiling, fill the cup or press with hot water.

Allow the Leaves to Steep

  • For about four minutes.
  • Steep longer if you prefer a stronger cup.
  • If you are new to parsley tea, start with a weaker cup and gradually increase the strength as you get used to the taste.

Remove the Parsley Leaves

  • With a spoon, remove the infuser and discard the leaves.
  • If you use a press, place the plunger on top and slowly press down to separate the leaves from the tea.
  • Flavor your tea with lemon or a little sugar (optional).

Side Effects

The FDA generally recognizes parsley as safe (GRAS). However, consuming large amounts—more than you would typically consume in amounts commonly found in food—can be dangerous. Having a cup of tea daily is not considered a large amount, but if you make tea with parsley oil or ground parsley seeds, your intake could be much higher than normal. Individuals who consume too much parsley may experience anemia and liver or kidney problems. (Alyami F. A., & Rabah D. M. 2011) Individuals who have diabetes, fluid retention, high blood pressure, or kidney disease should talk to their doctor to see if consuming parsley is safe for them, as it may cause side effects that can worsen their condition. Patients who undergo surgery are advised to avoid parsley in the two weeks before their procedure.

Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic

Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic focuses on and treats injuries and chronic pain syndromes through personalized care plans that improve ability through flexibility, mobility, and agility programs to relieve pain. Our providers use an integrated approach to create customized care plans for each patient and restore health and function to the body through nutrition and wellness, functional medicine, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and various medicine protocols. If the individual needs other treatment, they will be referred to a clinic or physician best suited for them. Dr. Jimenez has teamed up with top surgeons, clinical specialists, medical researchers, nutritionists, and health coaches to provide the most effective clinical treatments.

Optimizing Your Wellness

References

Ganea, M., Vicaș, L. G., Gligor, O., Sarac, I., Onisan, E., Nagy, C., Moisa, C., & Ghitea, T. C. (2024). Exploring the Therapeutic Efficacy of Parsley (Petroselinum crispum Mill.) as a Functional Food: Implications in Immunological Tolerability, Reduction of Muscle Cramps, and Treatment of Dermatitis. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 29(3), 608. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29030608

Alyami, F. A., & Rabah, D. M. (2011). Effect of drinking parsley leaf tea on urinary composition and urinary stones’ risk factors. Saudi journal of kidney diseases and transplantation: an official publication of the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation, Saudi Arabia, 22(3), 511–514.

By admin 0 Comments Diet , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mustard: A Low-Calorie Alternative Packed with Health Benefits

Can mustard be a low-calorie alternative to higher-fat condiments for individuals trying to reduce calorie intake?

Mustard

Prepared mustard is a common condiment used around the country. It is a low-calorie, highly flavored condiment that can replace more calorie-dense options. The familiar condiment combines mustard seeds with vinegar, salt, lemon, and other ingredients. There are also different varieties made from brown or black mustard seeds.

Health Benefits

Mustard is considered healthy because it contains antioxidants that provide various health benefits, including anti-cancer, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. (Mazumder A., Dwivedi A., & du Plessis J. 2016) Although not associated with significant health benefits, mustard is a low-calorie alternative to many higher-fat condiments, like mayonnaise. Different types of mustard seeds are used for health purposes. For example, some herbalists use white mustard seeds to clear the throat when mixed with honey (Ewing, Sarah, 1999). Antioxidants include isothiocyanates and sinigrin.

  • Isothiocyanates, the oil that gives mustard its pungent taste, have anti-cancer properties for breast, lung, GI tract, and prostate cancers.
  • However, the mechanism remains unclear, and more research is needed to determine the efficacy of mustard’s health benefits for cancer.
  • Isothiocyanates may also help manage diabetes and reduce unhealthy cholesterol, providing cardiovascular protection and neurological benefits that may help autistic individuals. More research is needed. (Palliyaguru D. et al., 2018)
  • Sinigrin is another antioxidant. Research shows this antioxidant has anti-cancer, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. (Mazumder A., Dwivedi A., & du Plessis J. 2016)

Nutrition

A single serving is usually about a teaspoon. A serving of prepared yellow and spicy mustard provides only about three calories. (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2019) Its nutritional profile includes a rich supply of essential minerals, including calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc. It is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, tryptophan, phosphorus, iron, and protein. The seeds are also a very good source of selenium. Most calories come from carbohydrates, but because the calorie count is so low, these carbohydrates are not likely to significantly affect daily intake. Dijon mustard may provide more calories. A single serving of Dijon may contain up to 10 calories.

Preparation and Storage

Yellow mustard and Dijon are easy to find. Try course mustard varieties with distinct textures and seeds. Buy in small quantities, as mustard can lose flavor with time. Once opened, store in the refrigerator for up to one year. Mustard imparts a strong, spicy taste that pairs well with meat and seafood and can also be used to make salad dressings.

Side Effects

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recognizes mustard as safe (GRAS). Eating too much can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and gut inflammation. However, mustard and mustard seed allergies are not uncommon. Symptoms may be mild or severe and generally appear shortly after consuming the product. Individuals may experience a rash or a tingly, itchy feeling in the mouth. Difficulty breathing is also possible. Other foods derived from the mustard plant, including leaves, seeds, and flowers, sprouted seeds, oil, and foods that contain these, are likely to cause reactions in those with mustard allergies.

Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic

Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic focuses on and treats injuries and chronic pain syndromes through personalized care plans that improve ability through flexibility, mobility, and agility programs to relieve pain. Our providers use an integrated approach to create customized care plans for each patient and restore health and function to the body through nutrition and wellness, functional medicine, acupuncture, Electroacupuncture, and sports medicine protocols. If the individual needs other treatment, they will be referred to a clinic or physician best suited for them. Dr. Jimenez has teamed up with top surgeons, clinical specialists, medical researchers, nutritionists, and health coaches to provide the most effective clinical treatments.

Enhancing Health Together

References

Mazumder, A., Dwivedi, A., & du Plessis, J. (2016). Sinigrin and Its Therapeutic Benefits. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 21(4), 416. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21040416

Ewing, Sarah. (1999). Black Mustard (Brassica nigra). https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1421&context=ebl

Palliyaguru, D. L., Yuan, J. M., Kensler, T. W., & Fahey, J. W. (2018). Isothiocyanates: Translating the Power of Plants to People. Molecular nutrition & food research, 62(18), e1700965. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201700965

U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2019). Mustard, prepared, yellow. Retrieved from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/326698/nutrients

By admin 0 Comments Gut Health , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Chamomile Manzanilla Tea: A Natural Remedy for Health Issues

For individuals looking to improve their gut and overall health, can drinking chamomile manzanilla tea help?

Chamomile Manzanilla Tea

Chamomile (Manzanilla is Spanish for chamomile) is a herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Chamomile tea is made from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant steeped in hot water and is used as a natural remedy for various health issues. The tea can calm upset stomach, relieve anxiety, improve sleep, and reduce muscle spasms or flatulence. (Srivastava J. K., Shankar E., & Gupta S. 2010) It is caffeine-free and often drunk before bed because it can calm the brain and help with sleep. It also contains natural plant compounds that promote antioxidant activity, which may help reduce the risk of certain diseases. The nutrients it contains, vitamins A and B, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, copper, and zinc, can help manage diabetes, menstrual pain, and sleep problems.

Types

There are two kinds of chamomile: German, also known as wild or Hungarian chamomile and Roman chamomile. Each type is believed to provide various benefits.

German Chamomile

  • This type is believed to provide help with a wide range of conditions, including travel sickness, flatulence, diarrhea, ADHD, stomach upset, restlessness, and insomnia.
  • It is sometimes also used in cosmetics and soaps.

Roman Chamomile

  • This type may relieve heartburn, loss of appetite, menstrual discomfort, and other conditions.
  • Roman chamomile is also used as a fragrance in perfumes and tobacco products.

The tea can be made with either type. However, many medical sources that report the health benefits of manzanilla tea focus on German chamomile. (Srivastava J. K., Shankar E., & Gupta S. 2010)

Preparation

Chamomile Manzanilla tea is sold in tea bags and loose-leaf varieties. It is prepared like most traditional teas.

  1. Place a tea bag or infuser containing about one tablespoon of loose tea leaves in a teacup. Or place loose tea leaves at the bottom of a cup.
  2. Heat water to 194-205 F.
  3. Bring water to a boil and let it sit for a minute to reduce the temperature slightly.
  4. Pour water over the tea bag, infuser, or tea leaves.
  5. Let the tea leaves steep for as long as desired, up to four or five minutes.
  6. Remove the tea bag or infuser or strain loose leaves from the cup before drinking.
  7. Optional: add a small amount of milk, honey, or sugar to sweeten the drink.

Benefits

  • Chamomile tea is believed to have calming properties, and individuals consume the beverage in times of stress to reduce anxiety or before bed to induce sleep. (Srivastava J. K., Shankar E., & Gupta S. 2010)
  • A study in the Journal of Advanced Nursing found that drinking chamomile tea helped postpartum women alleviate depression and sleep better. (Chang S. M. & Chen C. H. 2016)
  • Other reports say that chamomile helps to relieve gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea. However, the National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health explains that insufficient research has been conducted to ensure these health benefits are certain. (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2024)

Side Effects

Individuals allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies may experience an allergic reaction to chamomile manzanilla tea. They should also avoid drinking the tea if they are on warfarin or any blood thinners or if they are taking a sedative. Chamomile may increase the risk of side effects if taking cyclosporine or cytochrome P450 substrate meds. (Colombo D., Lunardon L., & Bellia G. 2014) If unsure if drinking chamomile manzanilla tea may interfere with medication, speak to a healthcare provider.

Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic

Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic providers use an integrated approach to create customized care plans for each patient and restore health and function to the body through nutrition and wellness, chiropractic adjustments, functional medicine, acupuncture, Electroacupuncture, and sports medicine protocols. If the individual needs other treatment, Dr. Jimenez has teamed up with top surgeons, clinical specialists, medical researchers, nutritionists, and health coaches to provide the most effective clinical treatments.

From Inflammation to Healing

References

Srivastava, J. K., Shankar, E., & Gupta, S. (2010). Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Molecular medicine reports, 3(6), 895–901. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2010.377

Chang, S. M., & Chen, C. H. (2016). Effects of an intervention with drinking chamomile tea on sleep quality and depression in sleep disturbed postnatal women: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of advanced nursing, 72(2), 306–315. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.12836

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2024). Chamomile. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chamomile

Colombo, D., Lunardon, L., & Bellia, G. (2014). Cyclosporine and herbal supplement interactions. Journal of toxicology, 2014, 145325. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/145325