Does the alkaline diet work?

The alkaline diet, also called the alkaline-ash diet or alkaline-acid diet, which is based on the unproven claim that eating foods with a higher pH (i.e. more alkaline such as fruit, unsweetened fruit juices, nonstarchy vegetables, almond milk, mineral soda water, soy foods and almonds) will help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer.

Proponents of the alkaline diet believe that diets high in certain foods, such as meat and grains, and low in others, such as potassium-rich vegetables and fruits, can cause imbalances in blood pH that lead to a variety of health problems, known as the acid-ash hypothesis.

But the alkaline diet has not been scientifically proven to have any effect on the body’s pH, but its focus on plant-based foods can be good for health in general as it reduces a person’s consumption of fatty and processed meats, red meat and refined grains while encourage people to eat more fruits and vegetables, unprocessed plant-based foods.

An alkaline diet tends to be low in calories and so the foods that people eat on this diet can help lose weight and maintain a healthy body weight. Doing so can help prevent weight-related health issues such as diabetes.

As it also reduces or eliminates red and processed meats, removing a major contributor to heart disease from the diet.

Myth: Lemon water can cure cancer

 

Some sources claim that lemon water could help prevent cancer.

Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C and rich in flavonoids that help boost health and fight disease. Thus it may prevent or combat some types of cancer. But there is currently no research that suggests lemon water will prevent or treat cancer.

Dr Golam Mohiuddin Faruque, a cancer specialist and project director at Bangladesh Cancer Society Hospital, said the idea that lemons could cure cancer was "unsubstantiated".

"No one can say hot lemon water or any other particular food can cure cancer and such claims have no scientific basis. There are different types of cancers and many of these have their own ways of treatment but drinking hot lemon water is definitely not among them," he said.

"Citrus fruits including lemon sometimes can have some positive impact in preventing certain types of cancers but that's not a treatment."

Professor Nicolas Boissel, a specialist in blood cancer at the Saint-Louis hospital in Paris, has similar views.

Benefits Of Winter Melon

Winter melon is actually a large vine vegetable.  Every part of the winter melon plant can be used for culinary or medicinal purposes. It is used widely in Asia, particularly in China.

Health benefits of winter melon include the following:

Boost Vision

A significant amount of research has linked vision problems to a deficiency in riboflavin, more commonly known as vitamin B2. Winter melon has very high levels of vitamin B2 while the antioxidants found in winter melon may help reduce oxidative stress in the retina and macular degeneration.

Protect the Heart

With high levels of potassium and vitamin C, winter melon is perhaps a tried and true protector of cardiovascular health. Potassium can function as a vasodilator, i.e. it helps lower blood pressure by releasing tension in the blood vessels and arteries, letting blood flow more freely. This can make it more difficult to develop atherosclerosis, which can compound heart issues and may increase the risk of coronary heart disease. Furthermore, vitamin C has been directly linked to possible reduced chances of a stroke. 

Boost Immunity

With more than 19% of the daily vitamin C requirements in a single serving, winter melon can be called a powerful immune system booster. Beside protecting the heart, vitamin C can stimulate the production of white blood cells, and can also act as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals and prevent the mutation of healthy cells. Winter melon also boasts a possibly decent amount of zinc, which is another critical component of immune system health. 

Stimulate Growth & Development

Vitamin C is also a component in the possible production of collagen, which is one of the basic building blocks of cells, tissues, muscles, bones and blood vessels.

Help in Digestion

Dietary fiber is an important part of any healthy diet, as it can optimize digestion and prevent many gastrointestinal issues, which include constipation, bloating, cramping, hemorrhoids and general stomach upset. Dietary fiber can also improve the nutrient uptake efficiency of the gut, along with reducing cholesterol levels in the cardiovascular system. 

Improve Cognitive Function

The significant level of iron found in winter melon can make it an ideal solution for increasing circulation to the extremities of the body. Iron is a key component in the production of red blood cells, so when you have more iron, you have a better circulation of fresh, healthy, and oxygenated blood. This means that winter melon can not only protect against the symptoms of anemia but it may also ensure proper blood flow to the brain, which can increase concentration, focus and memory.

Detoxify the Body

In traditional medicine, winter melon is often used as a diuretic, which can help to detoxify the body. Urination eliminates excess toxins, fats, salts and water from the body, so help the liver and kidney perform at optimal levels. 

Aid in Weight Loss

Because it is high in fiber and relatively low in calories, it can act as a weight-loss tool, to make you feel full and reducing between-meal snacking and overeating. The rich blend of minerals and nutrients can also promote muscle growth and a stronger metabolism, thereby compounding the possible weight loss effects.