Saffron means "yellow" in Arabic because when used in cooking, it confers a yellow tint to foods. Harvesting saffron requires intensive labor; an estimated 75,000 flowers are need to produce just 1 lb. of saffron, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. As a result, it may have the highest market value of all herbs in the world. Unfortunately, saffron's purity is often compromised. Marigolds and other herbs are often added illegally to lower production costs. Be sure to buy saffron from a reputable source. Saffron contains medicinal substances such as vitamin B 2; crocin, a yellow flavonoid; picrocrocin, a bitter glycoside, and safranal, a volatile, aromatic compound. A physician should always be consulted prior to using saffron for medicinal purposes.

Treats Depression

The NYU Langone Medical Center notes that saffron might offer benefits for those suffering from depression. According to the website, saffron has comparable efficacy to fluoxetine for depression, but reports that conclusive studies are still needed to make a firm conclusion. Saffron may be beneficial when long-term treatments are needed to alleviate depression because there are no known side effects associated with taking the herb medicinally.

Supports Eyesight

A study conducted by Professor Silvia Bisti at ARC Centre of Excellence in Vision Science and University of L’Aquila in Italy, found that saffron may slow or prevent age-related vision loss and treat macular degeneration. Saffron is an anti-oxidant, but it appears to have additional qualities that particularly affect vision. The researchers found that saffron may alter genes responsible for the fatty acid content vision cell membranes, which impacts the strength and resilience of eye tissue.

Improves Memory

Saffron contains compounds called crocetin and crocin that may improve memory and cognitive processing, These properties may be a useful for treating degenerative brain disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, according to a study published in the "Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics" in 2010. Memory and cognitive decline are common disorders in the elderly population, and saffron is a relatively mild treatment that may be effective.

Treats Cancer

Saffron may fight cancerous tumor growth according to website Drugs.com. The action of the herb is not known, however, saffron may prevent tumors from spreading while leaving the healthy cells unaffected. Saffron may also be effective used concurrently with some conventional cancer treatments, while leaving the medication's effects unadulterated.

What is vitamin E?

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that occurs naturally in foods such as nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin important for many processes in the body.

Vitamin E is used to treat or prevent vitamin E deficiency. People with certain diseases may need extra vitamin E.

Important information

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Warfarin: 12 Things You Didn't Know About This Blood Thinner

Before taking this medicine

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use vitamin E if you have other medical conditions, especially:

anemia (low red blood cells);

a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia;

liver disease;

kidney disease;

any allergies;

an eye disorder called retinitis pigmentosa;

a vitamin K deficiency;

high cholesterol or triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood);

a history of cancer;

a history of stroke or blood clot; or

if you need surgery, or have recently had surgery.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether vitamin E will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

It is not known whether vitamin E passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing.

How should I take vitamin E?

Use vitamin E products exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Vitamin E works best if you take it with food.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Artificially sweetened liquid medicine may contain phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin E increases with age. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. You may also consult the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nutrient Database (formerly "Recommended Daily Allowances") listings for more information.

If you need surgery or a medical procedure, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using vitamin E. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, tiredness, blurred vision, or tiredness.

What should I avoid while taking vitamin E?

Avoid taking other vitamins, mineral supplements, or nutritional products without your doctor's advice.

If you also take orlistat (alli, Xenical), do not take it within 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take vitamin E.

Turmeric is a perennial plant of the ginger family, native to southwest India. Turmeric is commonly consumed in powder form and used as a spice.

To make turmeric powder, the leaves of the plant are boiled for 30-45 minutes, dried in ovens and then ground into a deep orange-yellow powder. Turmeric powder is a common spice used in Indian and Pakistani cuisine. It is a major component of curry and can also be used for dyeing cloth.

There are three naturally occurring phytochemicals in turmeric: curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemothoxycurcumin, together referred to as curcuminoids.

This MNT Knowledge Center feature is part of a collection of articles on the health benefits of popular foods. It provides a nutritional breakdown of turmeric and an in-depth look at its possible health benefits, how to incorporate more turmeric into your diet and any potential health risks of consuming turmeric.

Contents of this article:

Nutritional breakdown of turmeric, possible health benefits
Further health benefits, how to incorporate more turmeric into your diet, possible risks
Nutritional breakdown of turmericTurmeric root and powder.

According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, one tablespoon of turmeric powder contains 29 calories, 0.9 grams of protein, 0.3 grams of fat and 6.3 grams of carbohydrates (including 2 grams of fiber and 0.3 grams of sugar).1

That same 1 tablespoon serving provides 26% of your daily manganese needs, 16% of iron, 5% of potassium and 3% of vitamin C.

Turmeric has traditionally been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory conditions, skin diseases, wounds, digestive ailments and liver conditions.

Possible benefits of consuming turmeric
Curcumin is the active substance in turmeric believed to be the source of its many health benefits. Curcumin is also responsible for turmeric's distinctly earthy, slightly bitter and peppery flavor.

Digestion
Curcumin may help improve digestion by stimulating the gallbladder to produce bile. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed that turmeric reduced bloating and gas in people suffering from indigestion. The German Commission E, a group that determines which herbs can safely be prescribed in Germany, has approved the use of turmeric for digestive problems.2

Many people may take drinking water for granted, but keeping hydrated can have a huge impact on overall health. Despite how crucial it is that people drink enough water, a significant amount of people may be failing to drink recommended levels of fluids each day.
Woman drinking water.
The Institute of Medicine recommend that men achieve a daily fluid intake of around 3 liters and that women take in 2.2 liters.
Around of 70% of the body is comprised of water, and around of 71% of the planet's surface is covered by water. Perhaps it is the ubiquitous nature of water that means that drinking enough of it each day is not at the top of many people's lists of healthy priorities?

One part of the body that relies on adequate water intake is the kidneys. The kidneys are organs that might not get as much attention as the heart or lungs, but they are responsible for many functions that help keep the body as healthy as possible.

But what happens to the kidneys when we do not drink enough water? And what can be done to improve our levels of hydration? On World Kidney Day, we take a look at the role of drinking enough water for two of the most important organs in the body.

Why do we need to drink water?
Water is needed by all the cells and organs in the body in order for them to function properly. It is also used to lubricate the joints, protect the spinal cord and other sensitive tissues, regulate body temperature and assist the passage of food through the intestines.

Although some of the water required by the body is obtained through foods with a high water content - soups, tomatoes, oranges - the majority is gained through drinking water and other beverages.

During normal everyday functioning, water is lost by the body, and this needs to be replaced. It is noticeable that we lose water through activities such as sweating and urination, but water is even lost when breathing.

Drinking water, be it from the tap or a bottle, is the best source of fluid for the body. Beverages such as milk and juices are also decent sources of water, but beverages containing alcohol and caffeine, such as soft drinks, coffee and beer, are less than ideal due to having diuretic properties, meaning that they cause the body to release water.

How much water should you drink?
The recommended amount of water that should be drunk per day varies from person to person depending on factors such as how active they are and how much they sweat. There is no universally agreed upon threshold of water consumption that must be reached, but there is a general level of consensus as to what a healthy amount is.

According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM), an adequate intake for men is approximately 13 cups (3 liters) a day. For women, an adequate intake is around 9 cups (2.2 liters).

Many people may have heard the phrase, "Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day," which works out at around 1.9 liters and is close to the IOM's recommendation for women. Drinking "8 by 8" is an easy-to-remember amount that can put people on the right track in terms of water consumption.

Water also helps dissolve minerals and nutrients so that they are more accessible to the body, as well as helping transport waste products out of the body. It is these two functions that make water so vital to the kidneys.

What do the kidneys do?
The kidneys are two small fist-sized organs that are shaped like beans. They are located in the middle of the back, on either side of the spine and situated just below the rib cage.

Despite their importance, the kidneys can sometimes receive less attention than other organs in the body. "The role of the kidneys is often underrated when we think about our health," state Kidney Health Australia.

Cross-section of the kidneys.
The role of the kidneys in keeping the body healthy may be underrated in relation to the heart and the lungs.
"In fact, the kidneys play an important role in the daily workings of our body. They are so important to health that nature gave us two kidneys to cover the possibility that one might be lost to an injury. They are so important that with no kidney function, death occurs within a few days."

A crucial function of the kidneys is to remove waste products and excess fluid from the body via urine. The kidneys also regulate the levels of salt, potassium and acid in the body and produce hormones that influence the performance of other organs.

When we eat and drink, nutrients and minerals enter the bloodstream in order to be transported around the body and used for energy, growth, maintenance or repair. The blood also passes through the kidneys where it is filtered, and any waste products and excess nutrients and water are removed and sent to the bladder for expulsion.

Every day, the kidneys filter around 200 quarts of fluid. Of these, approximately 2 quarts are removed from the body in the form of urine, and 198 are recovered by the bloodstream.

If the kidneys do not function properly through kidney disease, waste products and excess fluid can build up inside the body. Untreated, chronic kidney disease can lead to kidney failure, whereby the organs stop working, and either dialysis or kidney transplantation is required.

Water is important for the workings of the kidneys, not only for helping to initially dissolve the nutrients, but for ensuring that waste products, bacteria and proteins do not build up in the kidneys and the bladder. These can lead to dangerous infections and painful kidney stones.

How does not drinking enough affect the kidneys?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common type of infection in the body and account for around 8.1 million visits to health care providers in the US every year. If infections spread to the upper urinary tract, including the kidneys, permanent damage can be caused. Sudden kidney infections (acute) can be life-threatening, particularly if septicemia occurs.

Drinking plenty of water is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of developing a UTI and is also advised for people that have developed an infection.

The presence of kidney stones can complicate UTIs as they can compromise how the kidneys work. Complicated UTIs tend to require longer periods of antibiotics to treat them, typically lasting between 7 and 14 days.

The leading cause of kidney stones is a lack of water, and they are commonly reported in people that have been found not drinking the recommended daily amount of water. As well as complicating UTIs, research has suggested that kidney stones also increase the risk of chronic kidney disease developing.

In November 2014, the American College of Physicians issued new guidelines for people who have previously developed kidney stones, stating that increasing fluid intake to enable 2 liters of urination a day could decrease the risk of stone recurrence by at least half with no side effects.

Dehydration - using and losing more water than the body takes in - can also lead to an imbalance in the body's electrolytes. Electrolytes, such as potassium, phosphate and sodium, help carry electrical signals between cells. The levels of electrolytes in the body are kept stable by properly functioning kidneys.

When the kidneys are unable to maintain a balance in the levels of electrolytes, these electrical signals become mixed up, which can lead to seizures, involving involuntary muscle movements and loss of consciousness.

In severe cases, dehydration can also lead to kidney failure, a potentially life-threatening outcome. Possible complications of chronic kidney failure include anemia, damage to the central nervous system, heart failure and a compromised immune system.

There are a considerable number of health problems that can occur simply through not drinking enough water, and yet researchers have found that a significant number of Americans may be failing to obtain the recommended levels of fluid intake every day.

Does the US not drink enough water?
A study carried out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2013 analyzed data from the National Cancer Institute's 2007 Food Attitudes and Behaviors Survey, in order to assess the characteristics of people who have a low intake of drinking water.

People were more likely to drink less than 4 cups of drinking water daily if they consumed 1 cup or less of fruits or vegetables a day. The study indicates that among this sample, a large number of people may well have not been drinking the suggested 8 cups of fluid a day.

Although the study only measured the intake of drinking water and fluid can be gained from other beverages, water is the ideal source of fluid due to it being readily available, calorie-free, caffeine-free and alcohol-free.

The fact that 7% of respondents reported drinking no water at all daily, and that respondents who drank low volumes of water were associated with low levels of fruit and vegetable consumption, would suggest there is a certain number of people who are risking their health by not getting enough fluid.

Even if the respondents reporting low levels of water intake were obtaining enough fluid, it is likely that they would be obtaining it from sources that could potentially compromise their health in other ways.

"The biologic requirement for water may be met with plain water or via foods and other beverages," write the study authors. "Results from previous epidemiologic studies indicate that water intake may be inversely related to volume of calorically sweetened beverages and other fluid intake."

8 Amazing Health Benefits Of Fresh Cabbage Juice

Cancer

Cabbage juice is very effective in preventing and treating multiple cancers. Sulforaphane is found in cabbage which is effective in preventing cells from carcinogens. Juice of cabbage has isocyanate. isocyanate is helpful in avoiding lung cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer. It also helps cancer patients in speedy recovery by increasing the healing process of body. It is a good health benefits of cabbage juice.

Immune system

Cabbage Juice boosts the immune system and also works to promote and regulate T cells, and helps in the treatment of allergies because of a chemical called histidine. Glucosinolates which is found in Cabbage Juice also stimulates the immune system.

Boost Brain Function

Cabbage is full of Vitamin K and anthocyanins. These contribute to mental function and concentration. Because these nutrients prevent nerve damage, it improves defense against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Red cabbage is the best for this.

Heart Disease

The selenium found in cabbage juice helps to protect your body from heart disease. In addition, high levels of the essential fatty acid Omega 3 help to prevent cardiovascular disease, strokes, and high blood pressure.

Arthritis

Cabbage juice is naturally high in selenium, which helps to combat the symptoms of arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties of cabbage juice are also beneficial in combating a range of other degenerative inflammatory disorders.

Anti-aging

Drinking cabbage juice is like drinking from the fountain of youth. This anti-aging juice helps prevent dryness and fine lines.

Anemia

The high levels of folic acid in cabbage juice help your body to build new blood cells. In this way, drinking raw cabbage juice is a healthy and natural way to treat anemia.

Inflammation

Cabbage juice is a known anti-inflammatory; great for helping your body combat arthritis and other degenerative inflammatory diseases. The amino acids found in cabbage juice are also great for reducing skin inflammation.

How to make Cabbage Juice?

Purchase fresh cabbage from the market. Try to choose small cabbages its taste is good than bigger cabbages. Wash it with water carefully. Cabbages are grown in farms, there may be some bacteria on it. So wash it carefully. Cut the cabbage in two or four parts, then chopped them. Then use a juicer to make cabbage juice.