Maca: Maca is a plant closely related to radishes that supplies the body with necessary vitamins and nutrients, and is used to prevent cardiovascular disease and anemia. The health benefits of maca include relief from problems related to menstruation and menopause, while also balancing hormones and boosting fertility in women. It helps in increasing energy levels, improving sexual health, and boosting bone health. Maca helps in building stamina, maintaining a healthy immune system, and improving healthy skin. It has antidepressant properties and under stressful conditions, it also promotes homeostasis (balance within the body). By adding maca to your diet, you can balance your vitamin and mineral intake, because maca is a great source of B12 vitamins, along with B1, B2, C, and E. The plant is also a rich source of protein, a beneficial attribute for vegetarians and vegans, and it contains the ever-important trace elements of iron, calcium, zinc, and magnesium. The high content of proteins and important nutrients may explain its’ connection to higher energy, clearer thinking, an increase in sexual libido, and many other interconnected benefits of this small South American plant. While maca is a widely used to to increase fertility, once pregnant, the use of maca should not be continued. Its effects on hormonal balances only functions when the overwhelming hormonal shifts of pregnancy are not occurring.
Macadamia Nuts: Some of the most important health benefits of macadamia nut oil include its ability to lower triglyceride levels, improve heart health, boost energy levels, improve your digestive process, help those suffering from Celiac disease, boost bone health, stimulate circulation, protect eye health, prevent chronic diseases, and optimize immune system and other protective systems. Macadamia nut oil is the most valuable component that can be extracted from these nuts. The fatty acid composition of macadamia nut oil makes it extremely valuable as a vegetable oil for frying or cooking; it is composed of nearly 60% oleic acid, as well as significant levels of palmitoleic acid and smaller amounts of linoleic acid. Aside from cooking it can also be used in cosmetics for the skin and hair.
Mache Lettuce: Also called lamb's lettuce or corn salad, mache is one of the most nutritious lettuce varieties there available, and it's wonderful nutty flavor makes it a wonderful choice in salads, juices or smoothies. High in vitamin C and antioxidants as it contains almost as much as lemons. Also high in B6 which is great for a healthy metabolism, cognitive development, immune system and skin. Along with spinach, mache is as the top of the list of iron containing salad greens. It’s also loaded with heart benefiting potassium and copper to help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels respectively.
Magenta Spreen Lambsquarter: Magenta spreen is a highly nutritious plant, rich in Vitamins C and E, essential fatty acids, iron, calcium, minerals and antioxidants which are good for dealing with free radicals. The underside of the leaves and top of the new leaves are covered in a fine pink dust. Resist the temptation to wash it off as it is full of calcium and protein. It contains even more protein than kale. Just put the tender shoots and leaves (removed from the tough stems) in your blender and you’ll get all the benefits the plant has to offer.
Mango: Mangoes contain an abundance of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that assure your optimum health. Mangoes are very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. They are also an excellent source of dietary fiber and vitamin B6, as well as a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Mangoes are rich in minerals like potassium, magnesium and copper, and they are one of the best sources of quercetin, beta carotene, and astragalin. These powerful antioxidants have the power to neutralize free radicals throughout the body. Ailments like heart disease, premature aging, cancer and degenerative diseases are due to these free radicals that damage the cells.
Mangosteen: The people of Southeast Asia realized the medicinal value that this fruit had long time ago. Relying on it as a form of treatment to different medical conditions. Health benefits of mangosteen include reduced risk of cancer, inflammation, allergies and diabetes. It has antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial properties which help in protecting the body against various health ailments and also boosts immune system. Mangosteen is beneficial in maintaining healthy skin, weight management and providing relief from diarrhea and dysentery. Mangosteen is a healthy fruit which is rich in water, energy, protein, carbohydrate and fiber. Essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus,potassium, sodium, zinc, copper and manganese are found in this fruit. It contains vitamin C, B6, B12 and A which are required for maintaining good health. Other vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, folate, folic acid, carotene and cryptoxanthin are also found
Manuka Honey: Manuka Honey is one such branch of the honey family whose properties have recently been rediscovered. This indigenous plant of New Zealand only grows in certain uncultivated areas which makes it quite rare. This rarity is possibly why its medicinal and anti-aging properties have not been recognized before. This type of honey is considered a natural healthy way to help cure many symptoms when applied externally and taken internally. It is a natural way to help cure a dry throat, cold and flu symptoms, rubbed on rashes, wounds, can help clear and heal acne and eczema, and if you eat a small amount every day you are giving your immune system a boost. You might even be able to lighten stretch marks with it and some hospitals are using this amazing honey to formulate dressings for wounds, to help speed up recovery. In fact, the benefit of manuka honey is often touted for anti-aging, and when used on the face is said to help diminish fine lines, blemishes and help give you a clear, smooth complexion.
Matcha: Green tea contains a specific set of organic compounds known as catechins. Among antioxidants, catechins are the most potent and beneficial. One specific catechin called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) makes up 60% of the catechins in Matcha Green Tea which is highly recognized for its cancer fighting properties. Matcha tea while keeping you awake and giving you energy boost it keeps the mind relaxed because of L- Theanine. L-Theanine promotes the production of alpha waves in the brain which induces relaxation without the inherent drowsiness caused by other “downers.”Another side-effect of L-Theanine is the production of dopamine and serotonin. These two chemicals serve to enhance mood, improve memory, and promote better concentration. Drinking Matcha Green Tea has also been shown to increase metabolism and help the body burn fat about four times faster than average. The resulting high levels of chlorophyll in Matcha Green Tea not only give this tea it's beautiful vibrant green color. Matcha is also a powerful detoxifier capable of naturally removing heavy metals and chemical toxins from the body.The catechins in Matcha Green Tea have been shown to have antibiotic properties which promote overall health. Additionally, just one bowl of Matcha Green Tea provides substantial quantities of Potassium, Vitamins A & C, Iron, Protein, and Calcium.
Melon: Melons are low in calories, with just 64 calories in a 1-cup serving of honeydew balls and fewer calories in cantaloupe, casaba or watermelon balls. At the same time, melons are high in essential vitamins and minerals. They contain almost no fat or saturated fat, making them an excellent choice for snacks or a side dish. They are high in vitamin A and C, Potassium and Lycopene.
Milk: The health benefits of milk include increased bone strength, smoother skin, stronger immune system, prevention of illnesses such as hypertension, dental decay, dehydration, respiratory problems, obesity, osteoporosis and even some forms of cancer. The beneficial health nutrients obtained from milk are essential for the human body and help prevent a number of chronic ailments. The health benefits of milk can be achieved from drinking milk directly or by consuming dairy products such as cheese, butter, curd, clarified butter or ghee, dairy whitener, ice cream, cottage cheese or paneer, flavored milk, or milk sweets. The nutritional value of milk is so well known that people all around the world include it as a staple part of their diet. Adding milk to your daily diet can also help you to achieve a well-balanced diet. Milk is an ideal source of nutrients such as vitamin A, B12, D calcium, carbohydrates, phosphorous, selenium, magnesium, protein, zinc and riboflavin.
Milk Thistle: This plant is so widely known and highly praised due to the powerful organic components found in its seeds. It is from these seeds that milk thistle extract is derived, which includes high concentrations of sylimarin, the most unique and active ingredient in the extract. The extract also contains various fatty acids, including linoleic acid. Some of the most important health benefits of thistle include its ability to detoxify the liver, speed organ repair, treat certain symptoms of cancer, treat fungal infections, cure hangovers, protect against side effects of pharmaceuticals, slow the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, reduce the risk of heart disease, and manage the symptoms of diabetes. significant impact that milk thistle extract can have on liver function and health, for which this plant has been used for centuries. The roots are occasionally eaten raw or boiled, and the shoots can be boiled down to something like asparagus. Even the leaves can be used as a replacement for spinach, but none of these culinary uses are nearly as popular as the use of the extract for various herbal and alternative health remedies. Let’s take a closer look at some of these important health benefits of milk thistle. Perhaps the most common usage of milk thistle extract is as a detoxifying agent, due to its strong impact on the liver. As you know, the liver is responsible for handling many of the toxins in the body and eliminating them safely. Milk thistle’s range of organic components is very effective at stimulating the function of the liver and cleaning out the lymphatic system to keep your body running right. Milk thistle extract can help to speed up the healing process in the liver, undoing much of the damage from excessive drinking or other damaging behaviors on the liver. Although research into milk thistle’s effects on cancer is still in its early stages, it appears that milk thistle extract can have an inhibitory effect on the growth of cancer cells and tumors on the skin and can also help prevent cancerous growth in the prostate, breast, and cervix. Given the rapidity and mortality rates of those particular types of cancer, milk thistle extract may be a major herbal advantage. There are certain fungal infections that milk thistle has been shown to neutralize, and that probably relates to milk thistle’s traditional use as a remedy for mushroom poisoning. Milk thistle extract contains high concentrations of beneficial fatty acids and omega-3s, which are essential for maintaining heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids are able to balance the cholesterol levels in your body, which can prevent atherosclerosis, thereby lowering your risk of experiencing a stroke or a heart attack.
Millet: Some of the best health benefits of millet include its ability to protect your heart health, protect yourself from diabetes, improve your digestive system, lower your risk of cancer, detoxify the body, boost respiratory health, optimize your immune system, increase your energy levels, and improve your muscle and nerve health. Millet is gluten-free, so Celiac sufferers can turn to millet as their source of grains, instead of wheat. In terms of basic food staples that are praised as the simplest and most valuable additions to diets around the world, millet provides the most energy, as well as the most fat and B-vitamins. Millet is counted on around the world to provide basic nutrition for many developing nations. Millet is so important because of its uniquely high content of nutrients, including impressive starch levels, very high B-vitamin content, as well as calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, magnesium, not to mention being a healthy source of essential fats in the body. Furthermore, there are significant levels of protein and dietary fiber in millet as well, which contribute to even more health benefits of this important grain. Millet is a rich source of magnesium, which is an important mineral for reducing blood pressure and the risk of heart attacks of strokes, particularly in the case of atherosclerosis. Millet is also a great source of potassium, which further keeps blood pressure low by acting as a vasodilator. Reducing your blood pressure and optimizing your circulatory system is one of the best ways to protect your cardiovascular health. Furthermore, the plant lignans found in millet can be converted to animal lignans by the microflora in our digestive system, and those animal lignans have been shown to protect against certain chronic diseases, like cancer and heart disease. Many of the antioxidants found in millet, in addition to their beneficial impact on neutralizing free radicals, which can cause cancer, they can also clean up other toxins from your body, such as those in your kidney and liver. Quercetin, curcumin, ellagic acid, and various other beneficial catechins can help to rid your system of any foreign agents and toxins by promoting proper excretion and neutralizing enzymatic activity in those organs. Research has come to light showing that millet can significantly improve the quality of life for people suffering from childhood asthma, and can also prevent it from developing in the first place.
Mint: Mint is a great appetizer or palate cleanser, and it promotes digestion. It also soothes stomachs in cases of indigestion or inflammation. When you feel sick to your stomach, drinking a cup of mint tea can give you relief. Also, if you are someone who travels long distances via plane or boat, the menthol oil derived from mint can be very soothing for nausea and related motion sickness. The aroma of mint activates the salivary glands in our mouth as well as glands which secrete digestive enzymes, thereby facilitating digestion. These attributes are why mint is extensively used in the culinary arts. Much of the western world includes mint as a part of appetizers or as an element of palate cleansers, to be eaten before the main course so the food will digest comfortably. The strong and refreshing aroma of mint is a quick and effective remedy for nausea. Even just the smell of mint oil or freshly crushed mint leaves or the use of any product with mint flavor, and your stomach issues will be alleviated. Mint is a naturally soothing substance, so it can alleviate the inflammation and temperature rise that is often associated with headaches and migraines. The strong aroma of mint is very effective in clearing up congestion of the nose, throat, bronchi and lungs, which gives relief for respiratory disorders that often result from asthmaand the common cold. As mint cools and soothes the throat, nose and other respiratory channels, it relieves the irritation which causes chronic coughing. This is the main reason why so many balms are based on mint. Regular use of mint is very beneficial for asthma patients, as it is a good relaxant and relieves congestion. Studies have shown that mint oil can reduce the nipple cracks and nipple pain that so often accompany breastfeeding. Mint is a natural stimulant, and the smell alone can be enough to charge your batteries and get your brain functioning on a high level again. If you are feeling sluggish, anxious, depressed, or simply exhausted, mint and its derivative essential oils can help. It can be ingested, applied topically in a salve form, or inhaled as a vapor, and all of those techniques can give you a much-needed boost! A popular way to get good results in an easy manner is to put a few drops of mint essential oil or menthol oil on your pillow at night and let it work on your body and mind while you sleep. While mint oil is a good antiseptic and anti-pruritic material, mint juice is an excellent skin cleanser. It soothes skin, and helps to cure infections and itchiness, as well as being a good way to reduce pimples, and it can even relieve some of the symptoms of acne. Its anti-pruritic properties can be used for treating insect bites like those of mosquitoes, honeybees, hornets, wasps, and gnats. The cooling sensation will relieve you of the irritating sensation to scratch, and the anti-inflammatory nature of mint will bring down swelling! In that same vein, mint oil is often a basic component of bug repellent products like citronella candles, because the strong aroma is unappealing to most insects. Since it has germicidal qualities and quickly freshens breath, it adds to oral health by inhibiting harmful bacterial growth inside the mouth and by cleaning the tongue and teeth. New studies are finding that mint may even help prevent and treat cancer.
Molasses: Molasses is a dense, viscous byproduct obtained from the processing of sugarcane and sugar beet into table sugar. The health benefits of molasses include relief from menstruation-related problems, obesity, diabetes, stress, cancer, enlarged prostate, acne and other skin ailments, constipation, headaches and anemia. It also helps to improve bone health, electrolyte balance, hair care, sexual health, functioning of the nervous system, and wound healing. Molasses also helps to strengthen the immune system, maintain healthy levels of hemoglobin and aid in the formation of new cells in the body. Blackstrap molasses is the most beneficial kind as it contains a considerable amount of nutrients that are essential for the functioning of the body, unlike refined white sugar, which only contains simple carbohydrates and other components like aspartame, which is not very healthful for the body.
Mulberry: Mulberries are filled with nutrients that are important for our body, including iron, riboflavin,vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, phosphorous, and calcium, as well as a significant amount of dietary fiber and a wide range of organic compounds, including phytonutrients, zea-xanthin, resveratrol, anthocyanins, lutein, and various other polyphenolic compounds. The health benefits of mulberries include their ability to improve digestive health, lower cholesterol, aid in weight loss efforts, increase circulation, build bone tissue, boost the immune system, prevent certain cancers, slow down the aging process, lower blood pressure, protect eye health, and improver the overall metabolism of the body. The high levels of iron contains in mulberries, which is a very unusual mineral for fruits to contain, can significantly boost the body’s production of red blood cells. This means that the body will increase its distribution of oxygen to important tissues and organ systems, thereby helping to boost metabolism and optimize functionality of those systems. Between the high content of anthocyanins, vitamin C, vitamin A, and various other polyphenolic and phytonutrient compounds, mulberries are absolutely packed with antioxidant potential. Antioxidants are the main line of defense against free radicals, which form as a dangerous byproduct of cellular metabolism and can damage healthy cells, causing them to mutate into cancerous cells. The diverse range of antioxidants found in mulberries means that they can neutralize these free radicals quickly, before too much damage is done. One of the carotenoids found in mulberries is zea-xanthin, which has been connected directly to a reduction in oxidative stress on certain ocular cells, including the retina macula lutea. Furthermore, zea-xanthin functions as an antioxidant and prevents certain damage to the retina, including from free radicals that can cause macular degeneration and cataracts. A single serving of mulberries is almost the entire requirement of vitamin C for the day, but combine that with the minerals and vitamins that are in this fruit, and you have a true weapon against illness. Add a few mulberries to your morning and watch your immune system health soar!
Mung Beans: Mung beans are a high source of nutrients including manganese, potassium, magnesium, folate, copper, zinc and various B vitamins. They are also a very filling food, high in protein, resistant starch and dietary fiber. Because of their high nutrient density, mung beans are considered useful in defending against several chronic, age-related diseases, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity. They help boost immunity, protect against virus and infection, fight obesity, reduce symptoms of PMS, and prevent constipation and other symptoms associated with IBS.
Mushrooms: The health benefits of mushrooms include relief from high cholesterol levels, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and diabetes. It also helps in weight loss, and increases the strength of your immune system. There are approximately 140,000 species of mushroom-forming fungi in the world, but science is only familiar with about 10%, while only 100 species or so are being studied for their potential health benefits and medicinal applications. They truly can make you bigger and protect you against diseases and infections, as they are full of proteins, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antibiotics and antioxidants.
Mustard: Health benefits of mustard include relief from muscular pains, psoriasis, ringworm, contact dermatitis and respiratory disorders. Since earlier times, different parts of mustard plant have been proven beneficial in cancer, diabetes, and detoxification of the body. Mustard has poison repelling qualities, exerts therapeutic effects on the nerves and helps maintain cardiac health. It promotes healthy skin and hair, lowers cholesterol and is a wonderful botanical for women during menopause. Mustard plant brings an entire gamut of healthful constituents through its various edible parts. Seeds of mustard plant are rich source of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium. Along with this, it is a good source of dietary folate and vitamin A.
Mustard Greens: Mustard greens or leaves of mustard plants are excellent source of essential minerals including potassium, calcium and phosphorous. It is also a good source of magnesium and dietary fiber. Vitamin content offered by mustard greens includes profuse amounts of vitamin A and K with folate and vitamin C are also present in decent amounts.
Myrrh: The health benefits of Myrrh Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties as an antimicrobial, astringent, expectorant, antifungal, stimulant, carminative, stomachic, anticatarrhal, diaphoretic, vulnerary, antiseptic, immune booster, circulatory, tonic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. Myrrh essential oil do not allow microbes to grow or infect your system. It can be used to prevent any ailment resulting from microbial infection, such as fever, food poisoning, cough & cold, mumps, measles, pox and infections of wounds. It has no adverse side effects, unlike other antibiotics, such as weakening of liver, or digestive malfunction. It is an astringent, meaning that it strengthens the hold of gums on teeth, contracts the skin, muscles, intestines and other internal organs. It also strengthens the grip of scalp on hair roots, thereby preventing hair loss. One more serious aspect of this astringent property is that it stops hemorrhaging in wounds. When this astringency makes the blood vessels contract and check the flow of blood, it can stop you from losing too much blood when wounded. Myrrh essential oil is good against coughs and colds. It fights the viral infections that can cause coughs and colds, as well as relieves congestion and reduces the deposition of phlegm in the lungs and respiratory tracts. Myrrh essential oil acts as a fungicide as well. It can be used either internally and externally to fight fungal infection. It stimulates the pumping action of the heart, the secretion of digestive juices and bile into the stomach, and it keeps you alert and active by stimulating the brain and the nervous system. Great for relieving gas and stomach pains and promoting overall stomach health. This oil is highly valued in aromatherapy as a sedative, antidepressant and as a promoter of spiritual feelings. This oil takes care of uterine health and stimulates that organ, helps fading away of scars and spots, is good for treating skin ailments, pyorrhea, diarrhea and skin diseases such as eczema, ringworm, and itches. It is also an emenagogue which means that it normalizes menstruation and relieves the associated symptoms like mood swings and hormonal imbalances. It is also highly anti-septic and anti-inflammatory.