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Discover the Benefits of Dried Garlic for Your Health

Discover the Benefits of Dried Garlic for Your Health 0

Dried Garlic: A Natural Health Booster

Dried garlic has long been revered for its remarkable health benefits, offering a natural and potent way to support overall well-being. Its rich array of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and antimicrobial effects make it a valuable addition to any wellness routine. Whether incorporated into culinary dishes or taken as a supplement, dried garlic has been associated with bolstering immune function, promoting heart health, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of this versatile herb and uncover the science-backed advantages it holds for your health.

The Health Benefits of Dried Garlic

Garlic has been celebrated for centuries, not only as a flavoring agent in cooking but also for its remarkable medicinal properties. Dried garlic, in particular, offers a concentrated form of this powerful ingredient, providing a range of health benefits. Let's delve into some of the key advantages of incorporating dried garlic into your diet.

Antioxidant Properties

One of the most significant health benefits of dried garlic is its potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting the body from damage caused by free radicals, unstable molecules that can contribute to aging and the development of various diseases.

Heart Health

Studies have shown that dried garlic can have a positive impact on heart health. It has been linked to reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. The active compounds in garlic can help improve cholesterol levels, which in turn may lower the risk of heart disease.

Immune System Support

Garlic is renowned for its immune-boosting properties. Dried garlic contains compounds that can help strengthen the immune system, making the body more resilient to infections and illnesses. Regular consumption of dried garlic may help protect against the common cold and other respiratory infections.

Medicinal Properties

Garlic contains compounds with potent medicinal properties, including allicin, which has been shown to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects. These properties make dried garlic a valuable natural remedy for various health issues.

Nutritious and Low in Calories

Despite its powerful health benefits, dried garlic is also highly nutritious and low in calories. It is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese, among other nutrients, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

Alzheimer's and Dementia Prevention

The antioxidants present in garlic may also play a role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia. Research suggests that the compounds in garlic can help protect the brain from oxidative damage and reduce the risk of these conditions.

Longevity and Athletic Performance

Garlic has been associated with potential longevity benefits. Some studies have suggested that regular consumption of garlic may contribute to a longer and healthier life. Additionally, garlic supplements have been found to improve athletic performance, making it a popular choice among athletes.

Detoxification and Bone Health

Garlic may also aid in detoxifying heavy metals from the body, offering a natural way to support overall detoxification processes. Furthermore, the nutrients in garlic can contribute to improved bone health, making it beneficial for maintaining strong and healthy bones.

Easy to Include in Your Diet

One of the best things about dried garlic is how easy it is to include in your diet. Whether used in cooking, as a seasoning, or in supplement form, garlic adds flavor and nutritional value to a wide range of dishes.

The health benefits of dried garlic are numerous and well-supported by scientific research. From its antioxidant properties to its potential impact on heart health, immune support, and longevity, dried garlic is a versatile and valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle. Consider incorporating dried garlic into your diet to take advantage of its many health-promoting properties.

Conclusion

The benefits of incorporating dried garlic into your diet are numerous, ranging from its potential to boost immune function to its ability to lower cholesterol levels. With its versatility and long shelf life, dried garlic is a convenient and flavorful addition to a wide variety of dishes. Whether you're looking to enhance the taste of your favorite recipes or reap the potential health benefits, dried garlic is a valuable pantry staple.

If you're interested in exploring more dried products, such as dried carrots, and other high-quality, non-GMO, and preservative-free options, consider checking out the March 2023 Flash Sale at Mother Earth Products. Visit their website at. relevant_url To discover a range of nutritious and convenient dried products that can complement your healthy lifestyle.

8 Nutritious (& Delicious) Ways to Boost Your Immunity with Mother Earth Products

8 Nutritious (& Delicious) Ways to Boost Your Immunity with Mother Earth Products 0

The pandemic has shifted our focus from choosing meals solely for taste to considering their nutritional value. This is particularly important during flu season, where food choices should also boost immunity. To help you stay healthy this winter, we've compiled eight essential recipes using Mother Earth Products.
Your Ultimate Guide to Mindfulness and Stress Relief for Everyday Balance

Your Ultimate Guide to Mindfulness and Stress Relief for Everyday Balance 0

What if there was a way to navigate the chaos with ease and inner peace? Although work-life balance may seem elusive, mindfulness is a powerful tool to manage stress and help you focus on the present moment. This article will explore four mindfulness and stress relief techniques to help you easily navigate your busy life.

9 Must-Know Food Safety Rules to Keep Your Food Safe 0

Washing fruit
Photo by Ivan Samkov from Pexels

Whether you cook meals for your family on the regular or make your first steps in the kitchen, food safety is an issue you should never ignore. From the germs crawling on the raw meat you just bought to the bacteria that hibernate on the veggies that lie deep inside your freezer, pathogens are all around us, waiting to wreak havoc on our gut from the very first bite. So, to avoid any food-borne diseases that could arise (and in honor of World Food Service Safety Month(1)), we rounded out nine food safety rules that you should always keep in mind. It turns out that washing our hands is just the beginning!

1. Cool Leftovers Before Storing Them

Chances are you've stored hot food in the fridge or freezer more times than you can count. While it's not the end of the world if you did, it's probably best to avoid doing that from now on for one main reason. Putting hot food in the fridge or freezer causes nearby food items to partially thaw and refreeze, which could be a health hazard. So, make sure your food is completely cool before you store it.

2. Thaw Foods Properly

Even though there are multiple ways to thaw food safely, defrosting isn’t actually a strong suit for many. But, it’s an easily acquired skill. So, to avoid microbes festering on your soon-to-be-consumed food, just practice the following rules:

In the refrigerator

If the refrigerator is your thawing method of choice, place the frozen food in a container so that the juices don't touch other foods as they defrost. Also, know that one pound of frozen food takes 4-5 hours to thaw. So, plan accordingly.

In cold water

If this is your thawing option, change the water every 30 minutes. Also note that it takes about half an hour for every pound of food to defrost. Opt for this method if you plan on cooking the food as soon as it's thawed.

In the microwave

Most microwaves come with a particular defrosting setting. So, make sure you thaw your food according to the brand's instructions. Also, remember that this option is only safe if you plan on cooking the food immediately after thawing.

3. Keep an Eye Out for the Expiration Dates

Always look out for the dates written on the products you buy or have in store at home. Specifically, keep an eye out for the expiration date. If there's one food safety rule that you should live by is never to consume anything that's past this date.

Also, scan the product for its "best used by" date. This indication shows just how long a product can retain its peak freshness. Knowing this date will help you manage your pantry staples more efficiently and get the most out of them, both nutritionally and in terms of flavor.

4. Reheat Foods Properly

Reheating leftovers may seem like a menial task. But, truth be told, one wrong move and the microbes left behind during storage can multiply and cause food poisoning. To avoid such a bad-case scenario, make sure to reheat your food until it reaches 165◦F throughout. So, stir your leftovers frequently to distribute the heat evenly (especially if you're using the microwave). Also, never reheat your leftovers more than once.

5. Wash Hands Frequently

This is by far the easiest and most effective way to prevent germs from spreading. Washing your hands thoroughly before you handle your food can eliminate the bacteria you may carry, so they don't come into direct contact with your food. Warm, soapy water can also work wonders as it helps eliminate germs even faster. Also, don't forget to wash your hands after handling raw foods like eggs, fish, meat, and poultry, as they usually carry many pathogens that could spread to (and contaminate) other foods or items.

6. Keep Kitchen Surfaces Clean

Another easy way to keep your food safe is always having a clean kitchen. Make a habit out of disinfecting your kitchen every time a surface (i.e., counter, cutting board, etc.) comes into contact with raw food. This way, you'll prevent any germ cross-contamination between foods.

You can even turn kitchen cleaning into a fun family activity by encouraging kids to be part of this routine. Specifically, you can encourage them to identify the most common cross-contamination points in the kitchen (think door knobs, kitchen cabinets, light switch, etc.) and challenge them to keep them clean throughout the day by wiping the surfaces before they leave the room.

7. Separate Raw & Cooked Food

A common food safety tip that you should always keep in mind is to keep raw and cooked foods separate. In fact, you should never use the same surfaces or tools to handle raw and cooked food so that you avoid cross-contamination. Imagine chopping a piece of raw poultry on a chopping board and using the same board to slice the meat once it's cooked. All the microbes from the raw poultry will be transferred to the cooked meat due to the direct surface contact, and chances are you'll have a batch of food that's swarming with harmful microorganisms. The same principle applies to storage. So, ensure that raw and cooked food will never share the same space in your fridge.

8. Protect Food from Insects and Rodents

Animals like insects and small rodents carry all sorts of pathogens and can easily contaminate your food if they come into direct contact with it. So, make sure your fruits, veggies, or grains (fresh or freeze dried) are stored in air-tight containers, quart jars, or with moisture-absorbent packets.

9. Get the Heat Right

An essential part of cooking is ensuring the food you roast, bake, or fry reaches a high enough internal temperature to eliminate all pathogens before consumption. The only caveat is that this temperature is different for every food, and it can be a handful to remember each one by heart. Luckily, you can check this list(2) for more details on each fare.

An easy way to know whether your food has reached the recommended internal temperature is to invest in a cooking thermometer. This gadget will help you measure the temperature accurately, depending on your cooking style or goal (rare, medium, well done).

What are your go-to food safety tips? Let us know in the comments down below!

References:

  1. https://www.holidaysmart.com/holidays/monthly/december/worldwide-food-service-safety-month
  2. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/general-food-safety-tips/safe-internal-cooking-temperatures.html
  3. https://www.paho.org/en/health-emergencies/who-golden-rules-safe-food-preparation
How to Stay Sane (& Happy) During Self-Isolation

How to Stay Sane (& Happy) During Self-Isolation 0

By now, it’s obvious that COVID-19 is here to stay. The pandemic (as declared by WHO) keeps spreading, forcing experts worldwide to take extreme measures to flatten the curve. So far, lying low seems to be the most efficient way to mitigate the spread. But, if you’re like everyone out there, you’re probably wondering how on Earth you’ll spend two (or more) weeks cooped up in your house without losing your cool?

November is National Diabetes Month 0

National Diabetes Month
Photo by PhotoMIX Ltd. from Pexels

National Diabetes Month is observed in November every year in the U.S. The 2019 theme by the National Diabetes Education Program is “Take Diabetes to Heart,” with the partnership with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; the idea is to focus on the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

This year’s theme raises the awareness of the possibility of developing heart disease for diabetes patients. 1   People with diabetes are twice likely to die from heart disease, stroke, or a heart attack than those without diabetes. Consistently high blood glucose levels over time damage your blood vessels and nerves controlling the heart functions.2

The Prevalence of Diabetes

Did you know that one out of 10 Americans have diabetes? That’s a whopping 30 million people. Another 84 million people have a high chance of developing type 2 diabetes.3 Diabetes causes more than 76,000 deaths every year and is the 7th leading cause of death in America.1

It is a chronic disease with severe consequences even when it is not fatal, as about 12 million people report to the ER every year due to complications that it causes, such as blindness, nerve damage, and kidney, and heart problems.2 The worst thing about diabetes is that more than half of people with diabetes are unaware and have not been diagnosed. This leaves them vulnerable to the gradual degradation of their health due to high levels of sugar in their blood. 3

History of the National Diabetes Month

Since diabetes tends to be overlooked, the National Diabetes Education Program named November as the National Diabetes Month. The event has been commemorated every year since 1975. The month is dedicated to promoting awareness of diabetes to the public.

The reason behind designating November as the National Diabetes Month is to increase your awareness on better ways of managing diabetes and lowering chances of being a stroke or a heart patient.

How to reduce your chances of having cardiovascular diseases if you have diabetes

  • Have regular tests on your A1C, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. Work with your doctor on how to manage them to the correct levels.
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Follow a healthy eating plan, and plan a regular exercise routine.
  • Look for activities that will help manage your stress levels. Examples include: walking, running, practicing yoga, gardening, or even listening to your favorite music.
  • Follow all the instructions given by your doctor concerning medications.
  • Stop smoking or avoid the use of other tobacco products. If you’re struggling with addiction, seek help in rehabilitation centers.

Importance of having a National Diabetes Month

Managing diabetes is not easy. Awareness is vital in managing diabetes and preventing many other secondary life-changing events that diabetes causes, such as heart attacks, amputations, stroke, kidney-related problems, and vision loss.

Every year the chosen theme seeks to create awareness that diabetes can is manageable. Type I diabetes has no cure, but you can maintain healthy blood sugar levels and have a healthy lifestyle. Type II diabetes patients can potentially restrain it through proper diet and exercise. Even though they may still need medication, they may need far less if they take adequate care of themselves.  

Taking part in November Diabetes Month brings you to the reality of being in a community with millions of other diabetics. Following on the previous year’s Diabetes Month, you will notice the encouragement from the various themes. Every theme is a reminder that proper nutrition is the primary way of managing diabetes, and it is a constant reminder that to avoid Type II diabetes, you need to maintain a healthy weight.

Preventing diabetes

The good news is that type II diabetes can is preventable by making lifestyle changes such as:

  • Healthy eating: health care workers should encourage people to eat healthy by making them understand the benefits of healthy eating and having a regular exercise routine.
  • Getting regular checkups: checking blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
  • Making small changes: being active by taking the stairs and skip the elevator.
  • Losing weight.

Spreading Awareness of the National Diabetes Month

The National Diabetes Education Program holds events and provides resources for those who want to educate others about diabetes on their website. The website has useful posts that can help to publicize the National Diabetes Month on social media. You can get other valuable tools, such as: free posters with cover images for Facebook and Twitter, predesigned posters, flyers, and announcements through the radio or television. The website also has webinars and videos with useful links to educative resources about diabetes. The resources are freely accessible and do not have copyright restrictions for health care professionals or people who seek to use it to educate their communities.

Community Outreach

The events run throughout the month to create a diabetics support network. The organizers will always make sure everyone who handles the patients is involved, because they are more aware of the challenges each patient face on a personal level.

Another main recommendation is that people with diabetes assemble a support group that will stand with them as they fight the disease. The support network is to make the work of health professionals easy when handling patients.

If you do not have diabetes, you are encouraged to be part of a support network that shares fact sheets on supporting patients and their family members. They also help diabetic students go through the challenges posed by diabetes in their student life and prepare a guide that makes you be a champion who reaches to a broader community on educating people about diabetes.

Final Thoughts

Although the National Diabetes Month is in November, it is essential to take care of your health all year long to reduce your risk and spread information on anything related to diabetes to others. With the right support and understanding from the community, managing diabetes is easier. Diabetes management is a daily challenge but worth the effort. 

Mother Earth Products provides you healthy foods that can help you manage diabetes such as broccoli, cauliflower, peas ,sweet potatoes - among others. Head over and buy now.  

References:

  1. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/communication-programs/ndep/partner-community-organization-information/national-diabetes-month
  2. https://yourdiabetesinfo.org/diabetes-month/
  3. https://healthfinder.gov/nho/novembertoolkit.aspx