Many people wonder if it is okay to use weight loss medications, such as appetite suppressants, with the Medifast program. Here is an overview of which drugs can and cannot be used with Medifast.

First, let’s take a look at the medications available. There are only a handful of different ones that are FDA approved specifically for weight loss. The best known are Meridia, which suppresses appetite and helps increase the body’s ability to burn fat; Phentermine, which decreases appetite and stimulates metabolism; and Orlistat, which partially blocks your body’s ability to digest and absorb the fats you eat.

Both Meridia and Orlistat (also known as Xenical) are approved for long-term use. Phentermine is approved for short-term use only because it can be potentially addictive. With your doctor’s approval, both Meridia and Phentermine can generally be used safely with the Medifast program. Orlistat, on the other hand, should not be used with Medifast because the meals are already very low in fat and you need some fat in your diet for certain vitamins.

All of these are only available through your doctor if you meet certain criteria related to your BMI. However, if you have obesity and related health conditions, you may want to discuss your options with your doctor. Be sure to tell your doctor about Medifast as well so he or she can discuss the best way to use it along with any medications.

Also, I should mention that there is also an over-the-counter medication that is similar to Orlistat. This is Ali. You’ve probably already heard of him. Since you shouldn’t take Orlistat while you’re using Medifast, you shouldn’t take Alli either. Because it’s a fat blocker, it can mean you’ll get too little vitamin D and other important fat-soluble vitamins if you take it along with Medifast.

However, before you decide to ask your doctor about a prescription, you may want to try the Medifast program on its own for a few weeks. Because of the way the program works, most people who use it to lose weight find that they really aren’t that hungry after the first three to five days.

Because Medifast is high in protein and provides adequate fiber, it works to give you a feeling of fullness that should keep you from feeling hungry. Plus, once you’re in the fat-burning state known as ketosis, it also tends to suppress your appetite. So most dieters do just fine without the need for an additional appetite suppressant. However, if you still need to control your hunger and want some extra help, there are definitely weight loss medications you can take with Medifast. You’ll just have to talk to your doctor about them to see if there’s one that’s right for you.

Nutrition is often an overlooked element of marathon training. The right nutrition plan will make those long training runs look so much easier!

Food is your source of energy. All foods are made up of carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber. Carbohydrates are linked to energy production, complete proteins are linked to tissue repair and building, fat provides fuel for the body, and fiber is fiber.

Most foods will have trace amounts of all of these macronutrients, but each is usually rich in one. ALL are necessary in your diet.

carbs

Your body burns carbohydrates more efficiently than fat or protein. Consider increasing your carbohydrate intake to 60-70% of your daily food intake.

Runners benefit the most from the amount of carbohydrates stored in the body. Carbohydrates produce more energy per unit of oxygen consumed than fats. What this means is that you get more energy to run when your body burns carbohydrates than when your body burns fat or protein. Because oxygen is often the limiting factor in long duration events, your body will find it easier to use the energy source that requires the least amount of oxygen per kilocalorie of energy produced. (energy is measured in kilocalories)

Your body makes energy by converting carbohydrates into glucose. When you exercise at a moderate pace, carbohydrates provide 40 to 50 percent of your energy requirement. As you start to run harder, carbohydrates provide a higher percentage of your energy needs. It’s hard for your body to break down protein and fat into glucose to provide energy. Therefore, your body first burns carbohydrates. The harder you work, the harder it is for your body to spend energy breaking down protein and fat. That energy could be used to propel you forward in the race.

The best sources of carbohydrates for your marathon training

Carbohydrate needs are commonly based on the runner’s body size and activity level. Runners who engage in exercise of low intensity and moderate duration require 5 to 7 g of carbohydrates per kilogram of body weight. By contrast, those who engage in long-duration, high-intensity exercise require 7 to 12 g of carbohydrates per kilogram of body weight.

All carbohydrates are not created equal.

The best sources of carbohydrates in your diet

• Fruit,
• vegetable,
• Integral rice,
• enriched whole grain breads,
• whole grain cereals,
• oatmeal,
• Beans,
• vegetables
• sweet potatoes

(Note: cheetos, cookies, and tortilla chips are not listed.)

fat

The next macronutrient the body will use during exercise is fat.

Fat is not the enemy. The fat created from an excess of cheetos is. (Remember that excess of any macronutrient (carbs, protein, fat) is converted to fat.) For moderate exercise, approximately half of the total energy expenditure is derived from the metabolism of free fatty acids. If the event lasts for more than an hour, the body can mainly use fat for energy. The use of fat as fuel depends on the duration of the event and the condition of the runner. Trained athletes use fat for energy faster than untrained athletes. (This is one of the long-term adaptation mechanisms in marathon training.)

The best sources of fat in your diet

• walnuts
• Seeds
• nut butter
• greasy fish
• fish oil supplements
• flax seed oil
• Safflower oil
• canola oil
• sunflower oil
• corn oil
• Lawyers
• egg yolks

protein

After carbohydrates and fats, proteins provide the body with energy. You also need protein to repair muscle tissue that is damaged during exercise. While exercise can increase an athlete’s need for protein, most Americans tend to eat more than the recommended amounts of protein.

A protein intake of 10 to 12 percent of total calories is sufficient. Most authorities recommend that endurance athletes consume between 1.2 and 1.4 grams of protein per kg of body weight per day. Remember, extra protein is stored as fat.

It’s doubtful that you need extra protein, which is likely because you need to be more conscious of where you get your protein.

Women trying to lose weight by cutting calories often forgo healthy protein sources for bagels. Don’t get me started on my “bagels are empty calories” rant; For now, all I’ll say is that protein-rich foods include lean pork and beef, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, tofu, and low-fat dairy. Include lean sources of protein in your marathon training diet.

The best sources of protein in your diet

• lean pork and beef
• Poultry
• Fish
• eggs
• Low-fat dairy products
• Broccoli
• Beans
• Corn

fiber

Fiber helps the body stay healthy and can prevent heart disease. Getting enough can be easier than you think.

Soluble fiber, found in oats, barley, beans, apples, oranges, and other fruits and vegetables, can help prevent heart disease by lowering LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol levels. Set a goal to eat 20 to 35 grams of fiber every day. The best way to do this is to eat a wide variety of whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.

Fiber also keeps the bowels regular. This is key to avoid discomfort in your long workouts.

The best sources of fiber in your diet

Work more fiber into your eating plan by adding vegetables to casseroles and casseroles. Add oatmeal to meatloaf, breads, and cookies. Fruit in cereals, as a snack and in salads are other options.

If you are concerned about the amount of sugar in your blood, and you should be, you should know…

The Great Myths of Blood Sugar Control

1. Conventional wisdom says that if you don’t have symptoms, your blood sugar control issues aren’t that big of a deal—they’re wrong! If you don’t have symptoms now, here’s a small sampling: jumbled thoughts, memory lapses, weakness and irritability before meals, low energy levels, sugar cravings, kidney problems, and high blood pressure and cholesterol levels are just a few of them. the symptoms. you might not chalk it up to imbalanced blood sugars.

2. Most people think that a low-fat diet can control blood sugar. Wrong again!

Fat is not the cause of America’s insulin resistance epidemic. Sugar and excess carbs are, and most people don’t know anything about it. The average American consumes approximately 200 pounds of sugar each year, much of it hidden in the processed foods we eat. Eating too much sugar forms acid and wreaks havoc on blood sugar levels, leading to poor health.

3. Conventional wisdom says that medications are the only way to control blood glucose, that natural solutions won’t work for blood sugar. Wrong, completely wrong! Pharmaceutical companies have many medications to help you deal with blood glucose imbalances. The problem is… the side effects of some of these drugs can be WORSE than the disease they are supposed to treat!

For example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently mandated the use of a “black box” warning on the diabetes drug Avandia. This strong warning label emphasizes that the drug “may cause or worsen heart failure in certain patients.” Despite this disturbing admission, an agency advisory panel voted 22-1 to allow continued sales to US patients.

But here is some good news. You can balance blood sugars naturally, simply by using nutrients straight from Mother Nature.

Nutrients for healthy blood sugar

It may seem hard to imagine that some herbs can help you win the battle of sugar imbalance, but it’s TRUE! I want to introduce you to some natural compounds that represent a breakthrough in balancing blood glucose.

Let’s examine each of these super nutrients individually…

gymnema wild

For more than 2,000 years, the people of India have used the herb Gymnema sylvestre to help control blood sugar. In fact, the leaves of this climbing plant are highly prized by practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine, the ancient healing system developed in India and practiced by the renowned doctor Deepak Chopra. The herb is also called “gurmar” which literally means “sugar destroyer” in Hindi. This name describes the way that chewing the leaves interferes with your ability to taste the sweetness. Since this amazing herb decreases the sensation of sweetness in many foods, it can reduce your cravings for sugary snacks. Additionally, this versatile herb helps improve insulin receptor sensitivity and insulin signaling.

Chrome

Another weapon in nature’s sugar fighters arsenal is the mineral chromium. Chromium aids in digestion and helps move blood glucose from the bloodstream into the cells for energy. It also helps convert fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into energy. Additionally, chromium is essential for the healthy functioning of insulin. Without enough chromium in your body, insulin simply doesn’t work properly. Chromium exists in many foods, but research shows that 90% of American adults have a chromium-deficient diet. This could be a key reason why an increasing number of Americans suffer from problems related to imbalanced blood sugar. The main reason for chromium deficiency in the United States is that packaged foods do not contain any of these key ingredients for blood sugar control. And Americans eat much more packaged food than “real” natural food.

Banaba Leaf Extract

For many years, people living in the Philippines, South Asia, and India have prepared a banaba leaf tea to help regulate blood sugars. Medical scientists believe that the beneficial effects of banaba leaf on blood glucose are due to its high concentration of corosolic acid, a natural compound extracted from its leaves. Corosolic acid mimics insulin by moving sugar out of the bloodstream and into cells. And numerous scientific studies have proven the effectiveness of the banaba leaf.

Fenugreek

Modern science is shedding new light on another traditional folk remedy that offers excellent health benefits. Fenugreek is an herb native to the Mediterranean, Ukraine, India, and China. Practitioners of traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine have used the herb for over 2,000 years. Modern scientists now know that fenugreek helps balance cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood glucose. Fenugreek seed stimulates the release of insulin. This helps the sugars from food to reach the cells correctly.

bitter melon

Although it may be unknown to most people in the West, bitter melon has long been used in South America, the Caribbean, East Africa, and the Orient as a food and natural medicine. And scientific studies show its value in treating blood sugar problems. Studies have shown that bitter melon could play a key role in helping to balance insulin in your body and had positive effects on the serum glucose levels of those who take it, which of course means healthy blood sugar control. .

So if you’ve resigned yourself to a life filled with prescription drugs every day, injecting yourself with insulin, and praying you don’t succumb to kidney failure, vision loss, or limb loss, think again.

Imagine avoiding the dangers of pharmaceutical agents while you:

– Balance your blood glucose
– Manage insulin and help your body use it more effectively
– Keep your cholesterol healthy
– Increase your immunity
– Support healthy weight loss
– Eliminate sugar spikes
– Protect your kidneys
– Eliminates feelings of tiredness and slowness.
– Reduce sugar and food cravings.
– Plus, dozens more benefits!

All of these powerful nutrients are great for blood glucose control, but they don’t give you license to regularly eat sweets or go long periods of time without food. Both of these practices will throw your blood sugar out of balance and lead to multiple health problems, one of which is diabetes. There is a huge list of diseases and health problems that are based on blood sugar imbalances.

So look to balance your carbs with protein and take a supplement that has bitter melon, chromium, gymnema, and fenugreek. Your body will thank you by performing better in your day to day.

Any time is a good time to create better health for yourself. One of the many ways to do this is to take a Yoga class. Not only is it a physical form of exercise, but it also requires a lot of mental discipline. The effects of Yoga have the potential to carry over into everyday life. Breathing exercises can be done in the office, stretching can be done during coffee breaks, and the calming and relaxing, almost meditative-like effects that are focused during these exercises can change a person’s attitude and perspective on life. life itself. For anyone who has been a member of a gym, the routine can get very boring. But with yoga, there are endless options for beginners and professionals.

One of the most popular types is Bikram Yoga or Hot Yoga. It consists of two different breathing exercises, 26 different postures, and is usually done in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The heated room and certain postures help to get deeper stretches, reduce stress and tension. This form has been said to improve blood circulation, oxygen conversion and absorption, restoring every muscle, joint and organ to superior health. As relaxing and comforting as it sounds, it’s not the only type of yoga available. There are different types of yoga that focus on different techniques to restore energy to different parts of the body. For example, Ananda Yoga, which consists of softer postures, controlled breathing, and proper alignment of the body, which helps move energy to the brain. Also Hatha Yoga, which is the basis of all kinds of Yoga, often very popular in the United States; This form of yoga incorporates meditation focused on enlightenment and self-actualization through stress management and body control.

Yoga is not meant to be a competition, there are beginners, there are intermediate levels, and there are what many may view as professional levels of practice. By enjoying any of the many levels, types, and even classes at a yoga studio, you’ll learn what it’s like to control your body and control your mind. If you are at the professional level, it is always beneficial to take new courses to hone your techniques and hone your poses. Even a yoga instructor can learn new poses and new types of yoga. While there are fixed postures, in a study, any posture can be performed by an individual who may be different from another, making it an interesting and beneficial form of exercise.

namaste

Thinking of the Bowflex M3 Max Trainer? The M3 is the most affordable model in the Max Trainer series – it’s under $1000.

The other model is the M5, which is the premium version of this hybrid crosstrainer with a stepper. The M5 costs around $500 more than the M3. This leads a lot of people to wonder what the difference is between them, and if the M3 is really a good buy.

With that in mind, here’s a review of the pros and cons of the Bowflex Max M3 to help you decide:

#1 on the market, the most affordable high calorie burning fitness equipment

The M3 is under $1000, making it one of the most affordable Bowflex machines on the market (Treadclimbers start at $2300 and up). This in itself is a great advantage.

With this machine, you can burn up to 2.5 times more calories than a treadmill, elliptical or stair climber. That means you lose weight faster.

According to the manufacturer, Max is also designed so that you can get this calorie-burning effect even if you only train 14 minutes a day. So it’s great if you’re too busy to spend hours toiling away on a treadmill.

#2 Work the upper body and activate more muscles

According to the manufacturer, in the lab, the Max engaged more core and upper body muscles than even the elliptical trainer.

That not only accounts for the higher calorie burning effects, but also helps you tone your upper body, unlike on a treadmill or stair climber.

#3 Low impact means less joint pain

The Max trainer was built to be very low impact, combining the action of climbing stairs with the upper body arms of an elliptical.

So if you’re struggling with joint pain, shin splints, or even back problems, this could be the right machine to help you avoid that, while continuing with your workouts.

#4 The M3 Max Trainer Workout Keeps You Burning Calories For hours after your training

Bowflex built the M3 and M5 models to include the specialized 14 minute high intensity workout. This workout has been designed to challenge your body with short bursts of activity followed by longer periods of rest.

This type of exercise has been shown to rev up your metabolism for up to 24 hours after your workout. So you will burn more calories even at rest after your workouts on the M3.

#5 Save space in your home

The M3 Max trainer has a smaller footprint than most treadmills or even elliptical trainers. Measures 2.5 x 3.5 feet.

So if you don’t want, or have room for, a lot of bulky gear, the Max M3 is a great option.

Those are the pros, and the cons?

Well, the M3 is a “simpler” version of the M5 Max trainer. So you don’t get some of the fancy extras:

#1 No backlit console

The M3 doesn’t come with the backlit console that you get with the M5. This may or may not matter to you.

But if lighting is limited in your training area, you can opt for the M5 model to view your training stats (or just buy a small flashlight).

#2 Less resistance levels

The M3 has fewer resistance levels than the M5: 8 vs. 16. So if you’re in top physical condition, you might want the added challenge of the M5 trainer instead of the M3.

But for new exercisers, you’ll probably be fine with 8 resistance levels.

#3 Fewer built-in workouts

The M3 has a manual and Bowflex’s special 14-minute interval program, but that’s about it.

The M5 has several other built-in workouts like calorie target, fat burn, stairs, steady state, and fitness test. Again, this may or may not matter to you depending on your training style.

#4 Without manual heart rate sensors

The Bowfex M3 Max trainer comes with a wireless heart rate monitoring system, but there is no hand sensor option. The M5 has both the wireless and the hand sensor.

So what is the bottom line?

The Bowflex Max M3 is a simpler version of the premium M5 Max Trainer. Both offer the same calorie-burning, upper-body toning, high-intensity training, and compact design benefits.

So all the basics are covered for you to get a calorie burning workout.

The main differences are in the premium “extras” that many people like, like the extra resistance levels, backlit console, and workout programs. So it’s really up to you and what you prefer.

But if you’re looking to see faster results in less time during your workouts, the M3 might be the best machine for you!

Losing your muffin top, it’s not just about looking good!

Do you recognize that most of us right now have too much body fat on top of the bun? The initial problem that most of us find associated with added fats on top of muffins is that it’s just plain unsightly. Are you hiding your belly so it doesn’t show and nervous about showing your body?

What most of us don’t realize, however, is that excess fat on top of bagels is seriously not only unappealing, but potentially a seriously dangerous issue for your health. Scientific research clearly identifies that while it’s generally harmful to have unwanted excess weight throughout your system, it’s also particularly dangerous to have too much fat on top of your buns.

Normally you can basically find two types of fat that a person possesses in the abdomen region. The initial type that covers the abdominal muscles from being visible is now known as subcutaneous fat which is found specifically under the skin and in the belly muscles.

The second type of full-body fat that you’ll have in your stomach region is known as visceral fat, and it’s located much deeper in your belly region just below your own muscle and around your internal organs. The deep tummy weight takes on the role of providing various women with a “bun top”. This can be when your tummy sticks out, but also at the same time, it becomes hard every time you press it.

Subcutaneous fat and visceral fat in the abdomen area pose great health risks, even science has shown that maintaining too much visceral weight is quite possibly much more dangerous than subcutaneous body fat. Each of these fats significantly increases your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, sleep disorders, various types of cancer, and other more degenerative conditions. Excessive body fat in the abdomen has also been linked in research to elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, a good indicator of swelling throughout the body that can lead to heart problems.

Part of the precise reason why visceral body fat can be especially detrimental, as it obviously produces more inflammatory substances directly into your system on a regular basis.

You should care about the good quality of your life and that of your loved ones, reducing the weight of your bagel should be your top priority! Plus, the shock of eventually getting rid of that nasty, unnecessary bun sitting on your tummy. Start slimming down and shed enough belly fat, imagine being able to visibly uncover those sexy 6-pack abs you crave.

What exactly will remove the excess fat from the tops of the buns?

Can there really be a genuine solution beyond all the gimmicks and hype you discover on TV ads and in magazines for “Miracle Fad Diet” solutions?

The initial point to keep in mind is that there is absolutely NO quick answer. Truth be told, there are no magic pills or dietary supplements of any kind that can help you get rid of your muffin faster. Likewise, none of these rocker gizmos, ab rollers, or even ab belts can help you get rid of your bun top. You cannot minimize your tummy weight just by using those useless gadgets. It just won’t work with that approach.

Your only answer to truly eradicate your bun and maintain your new shape and weight forever is to simply combine healthy eating habits full of nutritious, unprocessed foods along with a carefully designed strategic exercise plan that will induce the necessary hormonal and metabolic reaction within your body. . Body. Also your food intake and your exercise program will be crucial to be in ideal shape.

I’ve even looked at an actual study that separated thousands of people into a diet-only test group and a combined diet and exercise program test group. While each test group in this research achieved a large improvement, the diet-only test group reduced significantly LESS belly fat compared to the combined diet and exercise program group.

Finally, the key factor to understand is always that any old training program will not automatically do the trick. The vast majority of people who try an exercise regimen find that they are NOT exercising well enough to really stimulate the reduction of stubborn muffin fat.

Most people today are going to go through their typical useless and uninteresting cardio program, throw in some old fashioned body part style weight lifting, and pump up along with a set of crunches and side bends, and they’ll think you just seem to be doing something beneficial to reduce their muffin top. Chances are you’ll be disappointed after weeks or even months of no effect and wonder “where did it all go wrong?”

Any living being in this world needs nutrition to live and this is also the case with parasites. A healthy intestinal tract is very important to prevent attacks by various microorganisms or pathogens. It is a well-known fact that parasites can be effectively prevented by taking high doses of probiotic substances such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidobacteria, and L. bulgaricus.

Many of the home remedy experts prefer to take foods that have a strong smell, garlic being one of them. Garlic is considered to have natural antiparasitic properties, as well as antibacterial, fungal, and viral action. Parasites present in the intestines like sweet fruits and sugary foods. May include juices, canned/frozen fruits, high fructose items, cane sugar, syrups, etc. Refined flour items and sugary items should also be avoided as much as possible. Fermented foods, bakery items, sweet sprouts, high gluten foods, beans, starchy cereals, etc. should be avoided.

On the other hand, yogurt, eggs, shellfish, millet, amaranth, buckwheat can be taken since parasites do not like them. Goat milk, olives, pumpkin, sunflower and saffron are good because they create an unhealthy environment for parasites present in the intestines. Some of the dietitians and naturopaths suggest taking soaked almonds (best), almond butter and caraway to inhibit the growth of parasites. Turkey, chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, mint, coriander seeds and/or leaves, holy basil are good to have as they all have natural anthelmintic properties and therefore all can kill parasites and their eggs.

Soy milk, onions, cloves, fennel seeds, apple cider vinegar, ginger, and asafoetida are some of the most effective edibles that specifically target parasites and their eggs present in the intestines and they remove them. In addition, they not only help you deworm, but also improve digestion and assimilation. They speed up the metabolic rate in the body and thus restore the hormonal levels and keep the body healthy.

Some of the herbs can also be taken as daily health supplements. Herbs like Butea monosperma, Neem, Terminalia belirica, Emblica ribes, cinnamon, cardamom are considered good for the intestines as they improve digestion and also kill parasites and their eggs. They help restore digestion and relieve abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and other related gastrointestinal problems.

Some of the ancient physicians prefer to take buttermilk with coriander seeds, cumin seed powder and a little rock salt. This type of solution would be excellent for treating any type of parasite infestation in the intestines. This solution can be taken daily without worry. There are many detox diets that are easily available in the market under the name of “gut detox diets” which contain pills made up of a mixture of effective herbs and are to be taken regularly for a certain period. The latest research reveals that turmeric can also help kill parasites and their eggs. One can take raw turmeric or one can opt for its powder.

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This Australian fitness model is known for her big biceps and winning personality.

She has been actively involved in gymnastics since the age of 7 and retired from the sport at the ripe old age of 15.

Gina competed up to Olympic level in gymnastics, played for a top field hockey team until the age of 14, was a popular Australian swimsuit calendar model in 1994. Gina also competed in numerous IFBB-NPC bodybuilding shows in Australia.

Gina entered the fitness model scene with a chance encounter with a Miss Australia bodybuilding champion, prompting her to join a gym in 1992. This 5 ½ inch Aussie (she is a Perth native) started her 13-year-old’s stellar rise to the top of the fitness game in his homeland

She is a highly sought after fitness trainer in Perth and the US. Her physique comes from a strict diet of “chook” which in Australia means chicken and lots of grilled fish. Her training weight is usually 100lbs and below and off season she weighs about 120-130lbs

His advice to aspiring fitness models is to try to eat clean (boiled, grilled, steamed food) five days a week and cheat a little on the weekends. Cardio should be a big part of your routine to really get that ripped look.

Gina advises that “you shouldn’t take too many supplements, “as they could damage your liver.” Take glutamine and a fat burner before exercise and lots of whey protein: “nothing special as far as supplements.”

“If you really want to get that lean physique model look, limit your fat to 25 grams per day and cut out a lot of carbs, just doing those two things will improve your physique in no time.” One look at his abs and you know he knows what he’s talking about.

The wonderful plant called onion has no equal in its many benefits to man. With the scientific name Allium cepa, it has a number of amazing varieties for cooking. Known to all cooks to induce tears, this plant, originally cultivated in Egypt and the Middle East, is unknown in the wild. Botanists speculate that this healing herb has been cultivated for at least 7,000 years.

It comes in different varieties within the species that vary in color, size, and flavor. It ripens and is usually harvested at the end of the first year. Cultivated around the world, its characteristic flavor and smell are derived from the sulfur compound in the bulb.

Although recent studies have shown that adequate concentrations of bioactive compounds are found in the young stem, the medicinal compounds reside in the bulb of the plant. The dried bulbs can be ground into a powder for herbal medicine; however, eating it raw is also of great value.

It is rich in minerals such as: sulfur, iron, potassium, manganese and phosphorus, fluorite and calcium. It also contains vitamins A, B, C and E, flavonoids -which help prevent cancer- and glycoquine (an antidiabetic).

As a vegetable, it can be eaten raw, grated, boiled, or pickled, while it is a favorite condiment in cuisines from Asia to Europe, the Americas, and Africa.

Onion as a medicine is known throughout the world and the ailments it is said to treat are equally numerous.

Consequently, its health benefits are as follows:
The onion cleanses and strengthens the liver and kidneys. It also cleanses the blood. This herb is a natural antibiotic as it strengthens the immune system and keeps diseases at bay. Effectively controls bacteria that cause urinary tract infections, typhoid fever and dysentery; skin infections and blemishes, staphylococci and streptococci that cause inflammation of the genital organs and damage sperm. Can you believe all that?

Additionally, onion essential oils have been shown to be active against a variety of fungal infections such as candida. This yeast actually occurs naturally in the body – yes, this is true – and an overgrowth of this harmful fungus could lead to troublesome skin, urinary, and digestive infections.

The World Health Organization recognizes onion as a folk remedy for health problems such as bruises, colic, colds, and high blood pressure. In addition, it helps men with weak erections or low libido as well as in cases of impotence: onions are rich in enzymes that help in blood production. (Why don’t you take an onion bulb regularly to boost your sex life, huh?)

Onion is considered for therapeutic use in modern medicine, as it has been investigated as a possible medicine for the treatment of diabetes, cancer, and HIV. Blood cells are strengthened when onions are part of the diet, and microorganisms that weaken cells and cause bacterial and viral infections are destroyed. Can you beat that?

When combined with other herbs, it can lower blood sugar levels and thus prevent diabetes. Eating onion regularly is a natural way to lower blood sugar due to its hypoglycemic or anti-diabetic properties.

In fact, the ability of onions to regulate blood sugar in diabetes is supported by clinical evidence. An Indian study of early-stage diabetic patients showed that those who ate more raw onions required significantly fewer antidiabetic medications to control diabetes.

In addition, onions have been shown to reduce levels of harmful cholesterol in the blood. This is possible because it is rich in fibrinolytic substances that help break up blood clots and prevent coagulation (thickening of the blood).

The anti-inflammatory agents present in onions help to inhibit various inflammatory enzymes; therefore, it successfully treats skin allergies, as well as bronchitis caused by allergies, with ethanol onion extract.

It is no secret that fibroids, tumors such as breast cancer, and infertility among women can be treated with onion, which helps dissolve tumors.

If you lead a hyperactive lifestyle and face stressful situations at work, you may need to regularly include onions in your diet. In today’s world, it is quite obvious that we are exposed to electromagnetic waves such as radio waves and microwaves on a daily basis. Our bodies receive daily doses of this all too common aspect of our lives from electric shavers, television, cell phones, computers, etc. (This is said to be dangerous in high doses.) Not scary!

All it does is affect your brain and cause stress, tiredness, headaches, and insomnia that are only made worse by medications that will only provide temporary relief. Add a few cups of coffee and you’ll find it becomes a cycle you can’t break.
Well here comes the onion to the rescue. Just blend four onion bulbs with a liter of honey. Take three dessert spoons three times a day and it will help reduce the activity of stress-causing agents.

However, onion does have some side effects when used as an herbal remedy. Anyone taking blood-thinning medications or high blood pressure medications should consult a doctor before significantly increasing their intake of this herb.

That onion can treat this voluminous list of diseases and conditions to any extent is skeptical, but some sense can be made if they are grouped into categories corresponding to the modes of action in which onion can provide relief. What this means is that onion could cause a general positive reaction in the body through its action on certain areas of the body promoting recovery in some conditions.

In fact, the onion demonstrates several different modes of action, largely due to the organosulfur compounds it contains.

These actions include:
1. Antimicrobial: bacteria, viruses, fungi
2. Blood sugar regulation
3. Blood thinning
4. Antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory

In short, this vegetable is indispensable in the kitchen. It is used as a sweetener in foods as it contains natural sugars in its bulbs. The health benefits can also be tested by simply adding a few bulbs in large dishes. It is a time-tested plant that is still as important today as it was in ancient times.

A quick tip: when stung by a wasp, cut up an onion and rub it on the skin. you will be glad you did.