Compulsory Food for Pregnant Women in the First Trimester

There are many nutrients that mothers need in pregnancy in the first trimester. Therefore, it is very important to meet the intake needed so that the mother and fetus can grow healthy and smoothly until they wait for the day of delivery to arrive. Find out the following list of nutrients that mothers need in the first trimester."

Of course, all mothers hope to have a good pregnancy so that the baby in the womb can grow healthy and perfect. So, in order for the pregnancy to go well, there are various ways to make it happen. Starting from exercising regularly, getting enough rest, routinely controlling your pregnancy and following all the doctor's advice.

Not only that, paying attention to the food intake of pregnant women is no less important to do. Then, about what foods are good for pregnant women to eat in the early trimester of pregnancy? Let's see the explanation here!

This Food Must Be Consumed

The following are foods for pregnant women in the first trimester that are good for consumption:

1. Rich in Folic Acid

Folic acid is one of the important nutrients in the formation of baby's brain cells. Prenatal supplements (the period before birth) with folic acid, are important for your little one's intelligence even in the womb.

Expert findings in the Journal of the American Medical Association say that mothers who consume folic acid four weeks before pregnancy and eight weeks after pregnancy can minimize the risk of autism in babies by as much as 40 percent.

In addition to the above, the benefits of folic acid can prevent miscarriage, prevent anemia, and reduce the risk of preeclampsia. Then, what foods are rich in folic acid and are good for consumption in the early trimester?

So, how can pregnant women get folic acid from green vegetables (spinach, broccoli, cabbage), fruits (avocado, papaya, oranges), nuts, beef liver, and eggs.

2. Protein is just as important

Protein is a food for the first trimester that cannot be missed. Make no mistake, you know, protein is not only a question of muscles, but also has many benefits for pregnant women.

Protein has an important role in helping the process of forming body tissues in mothers and babies during pregnancy. Not only that, protein can help mothers to increase their immune system, so pregnant women don't get sick easily.

So, what foods are rich in protein and are good for consumption in the first trimester? No need to be confused, there are many choices. Starting from lean meat, fish, eggs, and poultry.

3. Must Contain Iron

In addition to the two nutrients above, pregnant women's food also needs to have iron content in it. The reason is clear, iron-rich foods aim to prevent anemia. Don't underestimate anemia, because this condition doesn't only affect mothers.

Anemia can trigger various problems for the fetus, one of which is premature birth. How come? Anemia makes red blood cells or hemoglobin decrease. This condition can ultimately cause an increase in plasma volume and cause contractions in the uterus.

In addition, iron is also useful for carrying oxygen-rich blood to the baby in the womb. Watch out, iron deficiency can also have a negative impact on the child's IQ later. In short, apart from folic acid, iron also plays an important role in the growth and development of the fetal brain.

So, how can you get iron from beef and poultry, eggs, seafood (be careful of raw foods, and those that contain lots of mercury), tofu, whole grains, nuts, spinach, and eggs.

4. Food Rich in Fiber

Fiber is a nutrient or food for the first trimester that is no less important. Fiber can help mothers to control weight gain and prevent preeclampsia. According to experts at the American Diabetes Association, fiber can help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.

The specialty of fiber is not only to stimulate fetal development. This nutrient can also help prevent pregnant women from experiencing constipation, aka bowel problems.

Want to know fiber-rich foods that can be consumed in the first trimester? There are lots of them, starting from fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, to cooked vegetables.

5. Milk or Dairy Products

Milk or its processed products are rich in various nutrients needed by mothers in the first trimester of pregnancy. Call it protein, vitamin D, iodine folic acid, to calcium. In the first trimester pregnant women are encouraged to consume dairy products that are rich in calcium. Calcium is good for mother and fetus bone growth.

So, what milk should be consumed in the first trimester and beyond? Apart from having to meet the nutritional needs of pregnant women, make sure to choose milk that has gone through the pasteurization process. Unpasteurized milk, for example raw cow's milk, can contain harmful bacteria. Apart from milk, mothers can also get the above nutrients from cheese or yogurt.

6. Lemon or Coconut Water

Lemon and coconut water can be an option for pregnant women who often experience nausea in the first trimester of pregnancy. Interestingly, coconut water helps meet the body's fluid needs and prevents dehydration.

7. Pay attention to carbohydrate intake

Don't forget, pregnant women also need carbohydrates during pregnancy. Complex carbohydrates are nutrients that can help mothers maintain digestive health during pregnancy. Consuming carbohydrates during pregnancy is also good for meeting the energy needs of the developing fetus.

There are many types of food for pregnant women that contain carbohydrates. Starting from fruit such as bananas, vegetables such as broccoli and spinach, as well as nuts and oatmeal.

Benefits of Bamboo Shoots That Turn Out to Have an Extraordinary Impact on Health

Bamboo shoots, in Latin it is called Dendrocalamus asper, is one of the food ingredients that we often encounter in Indonesian cuisine. Apart from making vegetables, bamboo shoots are also often used as a spring roll filling. The bamboo shoots are firm on the outside and soft, slightly sweet and crunchy on the inside. For centuries Asian people have processed it into various preparations. According to research, bamboo shoots contain antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, and low fat content. Fresh bamboo shoots have significant amounts of vitamins A, B6, C and E as well as calcium, potassium, niacin, iron, folate, copper, zinc, selenium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and thiamine. Bamboo shoots also contain phytochemicals such as lignans and phenolic acids which have anti-cancer, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Bamboo shoots can be added to soups, dumplings, stir-fries, stews and salads. Bamboo shoots can be boiled and used in a variety of dishes, they can be served as a vegetable ingredient. We can also eat delicious pickles made from bamboo shoots. This plant turns out to be not only delicious but also rich in benefits as summarized from The Health Line and Digest; 1. Low sugar The amount of sugar found in bamboo shoots is around 2.5 grams per 100 grams. This amount is lower than the sugar content found in fruits and vegetables. Thus, bamboo shoots are good for diabetics. 2. Source of Protein One thousand grams of bamboo shoots has about 2 to 2.5 grams of protein. The protein found in bamboo shoots consists of seventeen essential amino acids and two semi-essential amino acids.

Growing and planting method of pepper

At the age of 3 years, the plants can be harvested and their growth reaches the end of the pole with a height of 3.5 cm.  Furthermore, the yield began to increase until the plant was 8 years old, then began to decline.  If the plants are cared for properly, the plants can still produce up to 15 years or more.  From the time the flowers come out until the fruit is ripe, it takes 7-9 months.  Pepper fruit that is still young is light green, then turns dark green and when it is ripe it becomes reddish yellow.  At this stage of flowering and fruiting, it is necessary to observe the possibility of attack by the flower-sucking ladybird (Diplogompus hewetii) and the fruit-sucking ladybird Dasynus piperis.  Both types of pests both cause direct losses in pepper production (wrinkled fruit, falling off, etc.).  Eradication of these two types of pests can be carried out by spraying insecticides that have been approved by the Pesticide Commission with a frequency of 2–5 times per year depending on the severity of the attack [6]

 Based on the purpose, there are two types of pepper harvesting, namely black pepper and white pepper.  Black pepper and white pepper actually grow from the same plant.  However, both of them have different processing methods that produce different colors, textures and tastes that have their own characteristics.  Black pepper is pepper that is dried with its skin (without peeling), while white pepper is pepper that is dried after going through the soaking and peeling process.  White pepper has a spicier taste than black pepper.  However, the taste of white pepper is not as rich as that of black pepper, which has a more complex taste.  Most black pepper is produced in Lampung Province, while white pepper was originally produced in Muntok, western part of Bangka.  Currently white pepper is concentrated in South Bangka, including in Toboali District, Koba District, and Air Gegas District

Merica is....

Pepper, also called pepper or sahang, which has the Latin name Piper nigrum is a plant that is rich in chemical contents, such as pepper oil, fat oil, also starch.[1] Pepper is slightly bitter, spicy, warm, and antipyretic.[1] This plant has been discovered and known since tens of centuries ago.[2] In general, people only know white pepper and black pepper which are often used as a spice in the kitchen.[2] This plant is one of the world's traded commodities and more than 80% of Indonesia's pepper output is exported to foreign countries.[3] In addition, pepper has the title The King of Spice (King of Spices), where the need for pepper in the world in 2000 reached 280,000 tons.[3] Pepper is one of the plants that reproduce by seeds, but many farmers prefer to do cuttings to develop it.[4] They cut the stems roughly 0.25–0.5 meters long.[4] The pepper plant at a glance is similar to Betel (Piper betle)

Use of Fire in Everyday Life

Fire can form when there are 3 important elements, namely heat, oxygen, and flammable materials.  In human daily life, fire is one of the most important things because it can support human daily activities.  For more details, here are 10 uses of fire in everyday life.

 Source of heat energy used for cooking

 In cooking, humans of course need heat energy so that the cooked food can be cooked and suitable for consumption.

 Energy source for endothermic processes

 Endothermic or endothermic is a reaction that absorbs heat from the environment into the system.  One example of an endothermic process is photosynthesis, where the process is very important for green plants consumed by humans to fulfill the body's nutrients.

 Source of energy for the separation/purification process

 The separation/purification process includes distillation and extraction.  This process is very important for human life.

 Energy source for heating

 In warming a cold room caused by season and weather, humans need heat energy produced by fire to warm them.

 Lighting source

 Fire is useful as a source of illumination for human life at night.  Torches, candles, and lanterns are some of the uses of fire that can help illuminate a dark time.

 Source of energy to break down materials

 Fire is useful in breaking down materials through chemical combustion, so it is very necessary in human life.

 As a work of art

 Fire can be made into a work of art by processing it in such a way.  One of the works of art from fire that is most often encountered in life is fireworks.

 As a protector from wild animals

 When in the forest, lighting a bonfire is one way to avoid attacks from wild animals.  This is because many wild beasts are afraid of the hot energy and bright flames produced by fire.

 Source of heat energy to process metals

 Processing metals to form various forms of material requires heat energy generated by fire.

Benefits of Waking Up Early for Health

For some people, getting up early is a routine that can be done automatically without trying. However, for others, getting up early can be a very difficult thing to do!

 Be happy if you are part of the “early rise team”. Because, there are quite a lot of benefits of getting up early that can be obtained. Not only physical health, but mental health is also positively affected.

 Want to know what are the benefits of getting up early? Check out some of the benefits of waking up early below based on various scientific studies!

 1. A Good Start Before Activities

 Waking up late and rushing through the day is certainly not a good thing. This situation can make you start the day feeling “tangle” and minimal preparation.

 By getting up early, you will have more time to prepare activity plans and things to bring. As a result, daily activities can be completed properly and smoothly.

 2. People who wake up early are considered happier

 Researchers from the University of Toronto, Canada, conducted a survey of 700 people aged 17-79 years. The survey collected data on sleep routines, emotional status, health and favorite times.

 From a survey conducted, people who wake up early have a feeling of happiness and a better level of health than people who often stay up late.

 One of the reasons behind this finding is that the biological clock of people who get up early is more in line with social expectations, for example working hours which generally always start in the morning.

 The study, published on the official website of the American Psychology Association, may be an additional motivation for you to try to wake up earlier.

Become an entrepreneur

Being an entrepreneur in this millennial era will certainly be a challenge in itself.  Quoted from medium.com, research from USA Today shows that millennials earn less than their parents when they were the same age.

 Why does this millennial era require a lot of hard work compared to previous generations?  As quoted from astralife.co.id, that generation Y or the millennial generation has a very different mindset and behavior.  Today's people are more inclined to develop their own business than working in an office.

 Similar to this example, reported by Koinworks.com, the millennial generation has the potential to become the richest entrepreneur in the future.  We can see that our needs are increasing day by day.  This triggers us not only to work but also to do business as one of fulfilling our needs for the future.

 Have you set your target as an entrepreneur?  Don't worry, you are at the beginning of a long road, of course.  Here are some ways to become an entrepreneur who generates a lot of profit in this millennial era.

BIDARA BENEFITS, EFFICIENT AND ANTIFULL OF MAGIC DISTURBANCE

There have been many articles written about this one plant in both print and electronic media, but it could be that not many people are interested in getting to know more about this extraordinary plant. Well, this article will make the reader very curious and interested in getting to know and take advantage of this plant. Bidara, or in Arabic known as sidr, is a plant originating from Arabia, a type of small evergreen, fruit-producing tree that grows in the tropics and West Asia and can grow in valleys to an altitude of 500 m above sea level.

There are several types of bidara that are widely known to the public, namely Upas Bidara, Sea Bidara, Chinese Bidara, Indian Putsa/Apel and Arab/Sidr Bidara. However, most people ask, which one has the properties as well as the leaves can be used to carry out the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad shollallahu alaihi wassalam?

In order to find out which sidr leaf is meant, let's first read the taxonomy of each plant below:

Based on the data above, it is clear which species belong to the bidara leaf, namely the Sea Bidara (Ziziphus mauritiana), Chinese Bidara (Ziziphus zizyphus) and Arabian Bidara (Ziziphus spina-christi). The bidara used to ward off magic/jinn disturbances in the rukyah procession and other purposes as sunnah of the Prophet is the Arab Bidara (Ziziphus spina-christi, because He (Prophet Muhammad SAW) used this bidara in the Mecca and Medina areas.

The efficacy of Bidara leaves has been scientifically proven to contain many benefits. One of the benefits of bidara leaves is for treating acne, cleaning the skin from dirt, and protecting the skin from damage. Even soaking in midwife leaves can protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays from the sun. According to Anthony C. Dweck (Consultants on Natural Products to the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Pharmaceutical industry), the chemical composition of bidara leaf oil (Zizyphus spina-christi) obtained using the distillation method has the main component: geranyl acetone (14.0%) , methyl hexadecanoate (10.0%), methyl octadecanoate (9.9%), farnesyl acetone C (9.9%), hexadecanol (9.7%) and ethyl octadecanoate (8.0%). In full, the content of bidara plants can be seen in the table below:

Bidara fruit from superior cultivars can be eaten fresh, or squeezed into refreshing drinks or made into sweets. In Southeast Asia, the unripe fruit is eaten with salt and the fruit can even be boiled to produce a syrup.

In Indonesia, the young leaves are processed as vegetables; the leaves can also be used as food and made into capsules to help in the process of rukyah (an antidote to jinn/magic disturbances). In Java, the bark can be used to cure digestive disorders, while in Malaysia, the pulp of the bark can be used to cure stomach aches.

In particular, what distinguishes this type of bidara leaf from other bidaras is that it can be used as an antidote to magic, jinn or the like. In particular, Allah subhanallahu wa ta'ala also mentions this plant in several letters in the Qur'an, namely Surat Saba': 16, Surat Al - Waqi'ah: 28, Surat An-Najm: 13-16. This is proof that this plant is very special for the Creator of the universe because it has characteristics that are not owned by other plants on this earth and are beneficial for life in this world and the hereafter.

Some of the benefits of bidara / sidr leaves include:

1. Bathing the corpse

These bidara leaves are used to bathe the corpse and remove uncleanness from the corpse. It is sunnah to wash with water mixed with bidara leaves.

The hadith that narrates this matter, namely from Umm 'Athiyyah Rodhiyallohu 'Anha said, “The Prophet Shollallohu Alaihi Wa sallam once met us while we were washing his daughter (Zainab), then he said: 'Bathe her three, five, (or seven ) times, or more than that. If you feel it is necessary, then use water and Bidara leaves. (Ummu 'Athiyyah said, 'Oddly?' She said, 'Yes.') and make at the end of her bath a Kafur plant or a little of it.”(HR. al Bukhori 3/99-104, Muslim 3/47-48, Abu Dawud 2/60-61, an Nasa-i 1/266-267, at Tirmidhi 2/130-131, Ibn Majah 1/445, Ibnul Jarud 258-259, Ahmad 5/84-85, 4076-4078, Shaykh al Albani – Laws and Procedures for Caring for Dead bodies pp. 130-131).

Furthermore, the Hadith of Ibn Abbas radhiyallahu 'anhuma about people who fall from their camels and die, the Prophet shollallahu 'alaihi wa'alaalihi wa sallam said:

"Wash him with water and bidara leaves and shroud him in two clothes." (Narrated by Bukhary-Muslim).

2. Menstruating women bathe

The leaves of this bidara are also sunnah for use in the junub bath for menstruating women who want to purify.

The hadith of 'Aisyah that Asma` bintu Syakal asked the Prophet shollallahu 'alaihi wa'alaalihi wa sallam about menstruation bathing, then the Prophet shollallahu 'alaihi wa'alaalihi wa sallam replied:

“Hend

6 Benefits of Cinnamon Stew Water for Health

Cinnamon boiled water is a healthy drink that has many medicinal properties. The benefits of this drink range from weight loss to overcoming ovarian cysts.”

Having a distinctive aroma and taste, cinnamon is often used as a flavor enhancer in various dishes, such as cakes or drinks. In addition, this one spice is also often used as a treatment, thanks to its antioxidant and antibiotic properties.

One of the best ways to get all the benefits of cinnamon, is by boiling the spice and drinking its water regularly. According to health experts, cinnamon boiled water is a magical drink that has many health benefits.

Benefits of Cinnamon Stew Water

There are many health benefits of cinnamon in treating various underlying health problems. However, you don't need to have health problems first, then start consuming these health drinks.

The reason is, consuming cinnamon boiled water can also help maintain the immune system, lose weight, improve digestion, and much more.

Here are the various benefits of cinnamon cooking water:

1. Lose Weight

Cinnamon boiled water has long been touted as an effective drink for weight loss. That's because these spice drinks can help increase metabolism and increase fat burning.

In one study, cinnamon was found to increase thermogenesis (body heat production) by up to 20 percent, which helps burn more calories.

Apart from that, this spice that has a pleasant aroma can also reduce your appetite, thereby helping you control the consumption of unhealthy foods. Finally, cinnamon also aids in the digestion of fats and carbohydrates, thereby preventing these nutrients from being stored as fat in the body.

So, when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, consuming cinnamon boiled water can be an effective way to lose weight.

2. Good for Diabetics

Cinnamon cooking water is also good for consumption by people with diabetes. That's because these spices have been proven to help regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect against diabetes complications.

So, if you have diabetes, drinking cinnamon boiled water can be a way to regulate blood sugar levels apart from drugs. When it enters the body, cinnamon acts on muscle cells which help convert sugar into energy, which in turn stabilizes its levels in the body.

3. Helps Overcome Menstrual Cramps

For women who often experience cramps during menstruation, try drinking cinnamon boiled water regularly. Thanks to its antispasmodic (anti-convulsant or contraction) properties, this spice is efficacious for reducing pain that arises due to menstruation. Drinking one cup of warm cinnamon water every day can help reduce the effects of menstrual cramps.

4. Reduces Inflammation

People who suffer from joint pain or arthritis are also advised to drink cinnamon boiled water to relieve it. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, this healthy drink can help relieve excessive pain due to inflammation. Cinnamon water also helps improve blood circulation, so it can inhibit the development of conditions like arthritis.

5. Strengthens the Immune System

This magical drink is also rich in antioxidant polyphenols and proanthocyanidins which can boost the immune system. Its antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties help reduce the chances of developing various health hazards such as respiratory disorders, heart problems, and others.

6. Overcoming Ovarian Cysts

Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is a hormonal disorder that causes enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges. Well, several studies show that the efficacy of cinnamon cooking water can help reduce cysts in the ovaries. This healthy drink is also beneficial for women who have irregular or heavy menstrual cycles.

6 Benefits of Soursop Leaves for Body Health

Soursop fruit is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that can improve health and immunity. Vitamin C can strengthen the immune defense against pathogens and also promote the destruction of free radicals, which can help protect skin and cells from environmental oxidative damage. Not only the fruit, soursop leaves also have health benefits. Soursop leaves contain antioxidants including phytosterols, tannins and flavonoids which are good for protecting the body's working mechanism. Come on, see more benefits of other soursop leaves!

Treating Insomnia to Stabilize Blood Pressure

Soursop leaves have antipyretic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cardioprotective and anti-parasitic properties, so it is clear that they have many health benefits. What are the benefits of soursop leaves?

1. Treating Insomnia

Traditionally, soursop leaves have been used to treat insomnia. Soursop leaves contain smooth muscle relaxants, so they can act as a sedative. Drinking a glass of soursop leaf tea can also help relieve stress.

2. Helps Manage Diabetes

Soursop leaves have long been believed to help manage diabetes because they lower blood sugar levels. The mechanism behind the system works is to inhibit the enzymes that help break down complex carbohydrates into glucose or block their absorption.

3. Helping Cancer Treatment

According to a scientific journal entitled Anticancer Properties of Graviola (Annona muricata): A Comprehensive Mechanistic Review published by the National Institutes of Health, it is stated that the antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects of soursop plant extracts can help treat cancer of the breast, colon, prostate, lung, blood, liver, cervix, ovaries, mouth, and skin. Bio-active ingredients called annonaceous acetogenins (AGEs) have several anticancer properties. AGEs can kill cancer cells by inhibiting the growth of cancer cell proteins.

4. Treatment of Rheumatism

Soursop leaves can treat rheumatic diseases which are generally experienced by the elderly. How to use it is easy. Mash the soursop leaves until they become smooth and apply them to the affected parts of the body due to arthritis and eczema. Do this regularly at least twice a day.

5. Treating Ulcers

Soursop leaves are an excellent remedy for ulcers, because the substances in soursop leaves are able to reduce inflammation and also act as painkillers. In addition, soursop leaves can help boost the immune system. Thus, the ulcer healing process which is usually slow can be shortened due to an active immune system.

6. Stabilizes Blood Pressure

Soursop is rich in potassium and iron. Both of these ingredients can reduce high blood pressure levels. Potassium promotes better blood circulation while iron helps regulate heart rate. That is why drinking soursop leaf boiled water is recommended for people with high blood pressure.

That's the benefits of soursop leaves for the health of the body. Even though it has many benefits, it should be noted that consuming the fruit and leaves in excess can cause symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease.

Soursop leaves when consumed can interact with high blood pressure medications or drugs for diabetes. Compounds in soursop leaves can amplify the effects of these drugs, causing dangerous drops in blood pressure or blood sugar levels.

Benefits Obtained from Red Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit or also known as pitaya, is a fruit that has a unique shape. Where the skin texture is said to resemble dragon scales. Well, dragon fruit itself has several variations, some have white flesh, some have red flesh. Both of them are healthy foods because they have a high nutritional content.

Red dragon fruit is considered to have a higher antioxidant content. This can be seen from the red color of dragon fruit, which naturally comes from an antioxidant compound called anthocyanin. As a result, consuming red dragon fruit can certainly provide many health benefits. What do you think? Let's find out the info here!

First Know the Nutrition Content

Before discussing what the benefits are, it's good to know the nutritional content of red dragon fruit. Reporting from Indonesian Food Composition Data, the nutritional content of 100 grams of raw red dragon fruit is:

     Water: 85.7 grams.

     Energy: 71 cal.

     Protein: 1.7 grams.

     Fat: 3.1 grams.

     Carbohydrates: 9.1 grams.

     Fiber: 3.2 grams.

     Ash: 0.4 gram.

     Calcium: 13 milligrams.

     Phosphorus: 14 milligrams.

     Iron: 0.4 milligrams.

     Sodium: 10 milligrams.

     Potassium: 128 milligrams.

     Zinc (Zinc): 0.4 milligrams.

     Vitamin B1: 0.5 milligrams.

     Vitamin B2: 0.3 milligrams.

     Niacin: 0.5 milligrams.

     Vitamin C: 1 milligram.

In addition to the nutritional content, the fruit is also reported to contain several other important compounds. For example, such as anthocyanin and carotenoid antioxidant compounds, as well as lycopene compounds.

These are the Benefits of Red Dragon Fruit

Here are some of the health benefits that are believed to be obtained when consuming this one fruit, namely:

     Strengthens the Immune System

The content of vitamin C and carotenoids in dragon fruit can neutralize free radicals and protect white blood cells from harm. So it can be concluded that these two ingredients can certainly prevent various kinds of infections, so they can improve and maintain the immune system.

     Maintain Intestinal Health

Reporting from Healthline, red dragon fruit contains prebiotics, so it has the potential to improve the balance of good bacteria in the intestine. Well, prebiotics themselves are a special type of fiber that can encourage the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. In particular, dragon fruit can also encourage the growth of two healthy bacteria in the body, namely lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria.

     Healthy Skin

Red dragon fruit contains nutrients that are good for skin health. One of them is the content of vitamin C which is proven to have many benefits for the skin. Examples include brightening skin tone, reducing hyperpigmentation, repairing skin, while increasing skin elasticity.

Interestingly, the high antioxidant content in red dragon fruit also has anti-aging properties. This is because these antioxidants inhibit enzymes that break down skin components such as collagen and hyaluronic acid. Compounds in dragon fruit are also said to be able to control sebum production, so it can overcome acne.

     Helps Overcome Anemia

One of the most common types of anemia is iron deficiency anemia, which is caused by too low levels of iron in the body. Well, red dragon fruit is a good source of iron because one portion contains 8 percent of the recommended daily intake.

Interestingly, dragon fruit is also enriched with vitamin C, which can help the process of absorption of iron in the body. Therefore, consuming this fruit regularly is believed to be able to prevent and treat anemia, especially in pregnant women.

Well, that's an explanation of what are the benefits of consuming red dragon fruit. Starting from boosting the immune system, to being believed to be able to overcome the occurrence of anemia. Based on its content, dragon fruit can be a source of important nutritional intake for the body that needs to be fulfilled.

Reasons Why Diabetic Patients Are at Risk of Cataracts

People with diabetes mellitus are at risk of experiencing various complications if the disease is not controlled. One of the complications is eye problems that can cause cataracts.

Ophthalmologist Dr. Andrew M Knoch explained, the lens of the eye consists of cells or fibers which are also living tissue. Living tissue requires nutrients or food as well as oxygen which is mostly obtained from the blood.

"Blood will later have the main source of energy, so that the tissue can survive, namely from sugar or glucose," explained doctor Andrew in a live Health Radio broadcast, Monday (21/6/2021).

In people who have diabetes, the regulation of glucose released in the blood vessels is disrupted.

So that there is some buildup from the results of metabolism or the breakdown of glucose and causes the cells or fibers of the lens which were initially clear to become cloudy.

"Because there is a build-up of the results of metabolism that are not good, it becomes disrupted. So the function to keep it clear is lost. So the fibers in the lens that were clear gradually experience turbidity. Later it can cause symptoms," he said.

Having diabetes mellitus is only one of five causes of cataracts. The other four are due to age, impact on the eye, use of certain drugs, and eye disease.

Apart from the age factor, Dr Andrew said that four causes of cataracts can actually be prevented. Including diabetes mellitus.

"We can prevent certain causes. One of them is said to be diabetes prevention by regulating sugar levels in normal conditions," he concluded.

7 Benefits of Moringa Leaves for the Health of the Human Body, Abundant Nutrition

The benefits of Moringa leaves for health are already well known as herbal medicine. Moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera) have long been used as a traditional medicine which is good for preventing cancer and maintaining blood pressure.

This is influenced by its content which is good for health such as antioxidants and various other nutrients. The antioxidants contained in Moringa leaves include vitamin C, beta carotene, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid.

The benefits of Moringa leaves for health are indeed influenced by the nutrients contained in them. In addition to antioxidants, Moringa leaves also contain vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, vitamin B2, vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and magnesium.

Not only that, one bowl of Moringa leaves (about 21 grams) contains 2 grams of vegetable protein. You can get the benefits by making Moringa leaves into herbs, herbal teas, and supplements. There are also those who make it a cooking ingredient.

The following Liputan6.com summarizes from various sources, Thursday (8/7/2021) about the benefits of Moringa leaves for health.

Benefits of Moringa Leaves for Health

Lowering Blood Sugar Levels

Some research shows that moringa can help lower blood sugar levels. One study in 30 women showed that taking 1.5 teaspoons (7 grams) of moringa leaf powder daily for three months reduced fasting blood sugar levels by 13.5%, on average.

Another small study in six people with diabetes found that adding 50 grams of moringa leaves to a meal reduced the rise in blood sugar by 21%. Scientists believe this effect is due to plant compounds such as isothiocyanates. You should try the benefits of Moringa leaves for health at home.

Lose weight

The benefits of Moringa leaves for the next health is losing weight. Moringa can reduce fat formation and increase fat breakdown. Research has looked at the effects of supplements containing moringa in combination with other ingredients.

In one 8-week study in 41 obese people on the same diet and exercise regimen, those who took a 900 mg supplement containing moringa, turmeric and curry lost 4.8 kg. In a similar but larger study, researchers randomized 130 overweight people to receive the same supplements as the study above. Those given the supplements lost 5.4 kg over 16 weeks.

Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation is the body's natural response to infection or injury. This is an important protective mechanism but can become a major health problem if it persists for a long time. The health benefits of Moringa leaves can also reduce this inflammation.

Scientists believe that isothiocyanates are the main anti-inflammatory compounds in moringa leaves, pods and seeds. Moringa reduces inflammation by suppressing inflammatory enzymes and proteins in the body, and moringa leaf concentrate can significantly reduce inflammation in cells.

Counteract Free Radicals

Antioxidants are compounds that act against free radicals in the body. High levels of free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which is associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Several antioxidant plant compounds have been found in Moringa oleifera or Moringa leaves.

In addition to vitamin C and beta-carotene, Moringa leaves contain Quercetin which is a powerful antioxidant that can help lower blood pressure. There is also chlorogenic acid which can help lower blood sugar levels after eating.

One study in women found that taking 1.5 teaspoons (7 grams) of moringa leaf powder daily for three months significantly increased blood antioxidant levels. Moringa leaf extract can also be used as a food preservative. This increases the shelf life of the meat by reducing oxidation.

Lowering Blood Cholesterol Levels

Having high cholesterol has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. The health benefits of Moringa leaves in powder form are good for a healthy heart, especially in controlling blood lipids, preventing plaque formation in the arteries, and reducing cholesterol levels.

Fortunately, many plant foods can effectively reduce cholesterol. Both animal-based and human studies have shown that Moringa oleifera may have cholesterol-lowering effects.

Supports Brain Health

The benefits of Moringa leaves for brain health and cognitive function are influenced by their antioxidant and neuro-enhancer activities. It has also been tested as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease with early favorable results.

The high content of vitamins E and C fights against oxidation which leads to the degeneration of neurons, improving brain function. It can also normalize the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain, which play key roles in memory, mood, organ function, response to stimuli such as stress and pleasure.

8 Interesting Health Benefits of Watermelon Fruit To Know, What Are They?

Watermelon is a fruit that is popular for having a sweet and refreshing taste when consumed. Not only that, watermelon also has a lot of interesting health benefits to know.

No wonder watermelon is one of the fruits that is consumed by many people because of its delicacy and benefits.

Watermelon is also believed to prevent various diseases. In addition, this sweet and fresh fruit contains many nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, antioxidants, magnesium, potassium and many more. Here are some of the benefits of watermelon which are summarized from Healthline, including:

1. Lowers Cancer Risk

Watermelon also has the benefit of preventing the growth of cancer cells. Several compounds in mangoes, including lycopene and cucurbitacin E, have possible anticancer effects.

2. Improve Heart Health

Several nutrients in watermelon are believed to have benefits that can support heart health.

Studies show that lycopene can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. This is the reason watermelon can improve heart health.

  3. Relieves Inflammation

The next health benefit of watermelon is that it can relieve inflammation. The combination of antioxidants, lycopene and vitamin C in watermelon can help reduce inflammation and oxidative damage.

4. Good for Eye Health

The next benefit of watermelon is believed to be good for eye health. Watermelon lycopene compounds may have benefits for your eyes so you can avoid eye diseases, one of which is macular degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye problem that can cause blindness in older adults.

5. Relieves muscle pain

Watermelon also has the benefit of helping relieve muscle pain. This is because the amino acids found in watermelon can improve sports performance and reduce muscle soreness.

6. Maintain Skin Health

The taste of watermelon is very beneficial for the health of the body. Even watermelon has benefits that are able to maintain healthy skin.

The content of vitamins A and C in watermelon is important for the skin. In addition, watermelon is also able to make the skin more supple so as to avoid aging.

7. Improves Digestion

Improving the digestive system is the last benefit of watermelon. Watermelon contains a lot of water and a small amount of fiber, both of which are necessary for healthy digestion.

Fiber helps keep your intestines regular, while water moves waste through your digestive tract more efficiently.

8. Prevents Dehydration

The last benefit of watermelon is that it can prevent dehydration or lack of fluids. This is because watermelon contains a lot of water, even 92% of watermelon consists of liquid.